&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jing-un displayed new&nbsp;submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)&nbsp;at a military parade in Pyongyang, state media reported Friday, in a show of strength as US President Donald Trump exits office.

The parade came after the five-yearly congress of the ruling Workers' Party, at which leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un decried the US as his country's "foremost principal enemy".

Clad in a leather coat and fur hat, leader Kim Jong Un smiled and waved as he oversaw the parade in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square, photos by state media showed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-calls-us-pyongyangs-biggest-enemy-355502">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calls US Pyongyang's 'biggest enemy'</a>

Kim&nbsp;oversaw the display, which included rockets with a "powerful striking capability for thoroughly annihilating enemies in a preemptive way outside the territory", KCNA said -- implying a range extending beyond the Korean peninsula.

The parade featured rows of marching soldiers, as well as a range of military hardware including tanks and rocket launchers.

At the end, a number of what analysts said appeared to be new variants of short-range ballistic missiles and SLBMs rolled into the square on trucks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-pledges-to-strengthen-defence-capabilities-at-rare-party-congress-354970">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledges to strengthen defence capabilities at rare party congress</a>

"The world's most powerful weapon, submarine-launch ballistic missile, entered the square one after another, powerfully demonstrating the might of the revolutionary armed forces," the official KCNA news agency said.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has test-fired several SLBMs from underwater, and analysts say it is seeking to develop an operational submarine to carry the missiles.

Photos released by state media showed the SLBM was labelled Pukguksong-5, potentially marking an upgrade over the Pukguksong-4 that was unveiled at a larger military parade in October.

Unlike that October parade, Thursday's event did not showcase&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which are believed to be able to deliver a nuclear warhead to anywhere in the United States.

The North is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

At the same time, it is under a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, having closed its borders last January to protect against the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China, adding to the pressure on its moribund economy.

The change of leadership in Washington presents a challenge for Pyongyang. Biden is associated with the Obama administration's "strategic patience" approach and characterised&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;as a "thug" during the presidential debates.

The US is expected to return to more orthodox diplomatic approaches under Biden, such as insisting on extensive progress at working-level talks before any leaders' summit can be considered.

Pyongyang has poured vast resources into its weapons programmes, which have made rapid progress under&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and which it says it needs to defend itself against a possible US invasion.

"The majestic elite units and invincible iron-clad ranks of the Republic which will proudly pass&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Il Sung Square represent our absolute power," North Korean defence minister&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Gwan said in a speech ahead of the Thursday evening parade, KCNA reported.

The display also included infantry troops, artillery, tanks, and a flypast with aircraft forming the number "8" to commemorate the congress, it said.

But the North is carefully calibrating its messaging and neither the KCNA description nor the images included any intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), suggesting that the parade was on a smaller scale than the North's previous such display in October.

At that time, it showed off a huge new ICBM on an 11-axle vehicle that analysts said was the largest road-mobile, liquid-fuelled missile in the world.

At the congress,&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;said the North had completed plans for a nuclear-powered submarine -- something that would change the strategic balance if it was built and went into service.

North Korean leader Kim Jing-un displayed new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) at a military parade in Pyongyang, state media reported Friday, in a show of strength as US President Donald Trump exits office.

North Korean leader Kim Jing-un displayed new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) at a military parade in Pyongyang, state media reported Friday, in a show of strength as US President Donald Trump exits office. The parade came after the five-yearly congress of the ruling Workers' Party, at which leader Kim Jong Un decried the US as his country's "foremost principal enemy". Clad in a leather coat and fur hat, leader Kim Jong Un smiled and waved as he oversaw the parade in Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square, photos by state media showed. Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calls US Pyongyang's 'biggest enemy' Kim oversaw the display, which included rockets with a "powerful striking capability for thoroughly annihilating enemies in a preemptive way outside the territory", KCNA said -- implying a range extending beyond the Korean peninsula. The parade featured rows of marching soldiers, as well as a range of military hardware including tanks and rocket launchers. At the end, a number of what analysts said appeared to be new variants of short-range ballistic missiles and SLBMs rolled into the square on trucks. Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledges to strengthen defence capabilities at rare party congress "The world's most powerful weapon, submarine-launch ballistic missile, entered the square one after another, powerfully demonstrating the might of the revolutionary armed forces," the official KCNA news agency said. North Korea has test-fired several SLBMs from underwater, and analysts say it is seeking to develop an operational submarine to carry the missiles. Photos released by state media showed the SLBM was labelled Pukguksong-5, potentially marking an upgrade over the Pukguksong-4 that was unveiled at a larger military parade in October. Unlike that October parade, Thursday's event did not showcase North Korea's largest intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which are believed to be able to deliver a nuclear warhead to anywhere in the United States. The North is under multiple sets of international sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. At the same time, it is under a self-imposed coronavirus blockade, having closed its borders last January to protect against the virus that first emerged in neighbouring China, adding to the pressure on its moribund economy. The change of leadership in Washington presents a challenge for Pyongyang. Biden is associated with the Obama administration's "strategic patience" approach and characterised Kim as a "thug" during the presidential debates. The US is expected to return to more orthodox diplomatic approaches under Biden, such as insisting on extensive progress at working-level talks before any leaders' summit can be considered. Pyongyang has poured vast resources into its weapons programmes, which have made rapid progress under Kim and which it says it needs to defend itself against a possible US invasion. "The majestic elite units and invincible iron-clad ranks of the Republic which will proudly pass Kim Il Sung Square represent our absolute power," North Korean defence minister Kim Jong Gwan said in a speech ahead of the Thursday evening parade, KCNA reported. The display also included infantry troops, artillery, tanks, and a flypast with aircraft forming the number "8" to commemorate the congress, it said. But the North is carefully calibrating its messaging and neither the KCNA description nor the images included any intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), suggesting that the parade was on a smaller scale than the North's previous such display in October. At that time, it showed off a huge new ICBM on an 11-axle vehicle that analysts said was the largest road-mobile, liquid-fuelled missile in the world. At the congress, Kim said the North had completed plans for a nuclear-powered submarine -- something that would change the strategic balance if it was built and went into service.

Kim Jong-un unveils new submarine-launched missiles as Trump exits

A racing pigeon that survived the long journey to Australia from the United States but was detained by authorities and set to be destroyed over concerns it was an American intruder received a lifeline Friday when experts revealed its leg tag was probably fake.

"Humane destruction of the bird is the best safeguard for Australian poultry and wildlife," Australia's agriculture department said in a statement.

Melbourne resident Kevin Celli-Bird found the pigeon in his garden on Boxing Day and discovered by way of the bird's tag on its leg that it was registered to an owner in Alabama state in the United States, Australian media reported.

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Authorities said an investigation has begun to find the authenticity of the US&nbsp;tag as it was unlikely the bird flew more than 13,000 kilometres (8,000 miles) to Australia and could have been a hitchhiker on a cargo vessel.

Authorities are also looking at options to manage the biosecurity risks and this may include moving the bird back to the United States, if authorities there agree.

The pigeon, which has been named "Joe", has gained popularity in social media platforms with many tweeting with the hashtag #joethepigeon demanding its safe return to the United States.

"My wife named him Joe. She was going to call him Donald but we thought that might not be politically correct, so she called him Joe instead," Celli-Bird told TV broadcaster Nine Network.

Australia has strict quarantine regulations on bringing live animals or birds into the country to prevent diseases from spreading on the arid continent.

"If Joe has come in a way that has not met our strict biosecurity measures then bad luck Joe. Either fly home or face the consequences," Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told reporters.

But as execution loomed for the feathered flyer on Friday, pigeon enthusiasts cast doubt on Joe's identity.

The American-style racing band around Joe's leg appeared to be a knock-off available online and often used by local owners.

And it transpired that Joe was not a US racing breed, as his tag seemed to suggest, but a local Turkish Tumbler.

"They're not bred for flying long distances, they're bred for tricks in the air. So they're like a show bird really," Lars Scott from Pigeon Rescue Melbourne said.

Scott's claim that the tag was a fake was backed up by the American Racing Pigeon Union, which posted on Facebook to try to save Joe.

McCormack's predecessor previously threatened to euthanise Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's pet dogs when they were illegally brought into the country.

A racing pigeon that survived the long journey to Australia from the United States but was detained by authorities and set to be destroyed over concerns it was an American intruder received a lifeline Friday when experts revealed its leg tag was probably fake.

A racing pigeon that survived the long journey to Australia from the United States but was detained by authorities and set to be destroyed over concerns it was an American intruder received a lifeline Friday when experts revealed its leg tag was probably fake. "Humane destruction of the bird is the best safeguard for Australian poultry and wildlife," Australia's agriculture department said in a statement. Melbourne resident Kevin Celli-Bird found the pigeon in his garden on Boxing Day and discovered by way of the bird's tag on its leg that it was registered to an owner in Alabama state in the United States, Australian media reported. Authorities said an investigation has begun to find the authenticity of the US tag as it was unlikely the bird flew more than 13,000 kilometres (8,000 miles) to Australia and could have been a hitchhiker on a cargo vessel. Authorities are also looking at options to manage the biosecurity risks and this may include moving the bird back to the United States, if authorities there agree. The pigeon, which has been named "Joe", has gained popularity in social media platforms with many tweeting with the hashtag #joethepigeon demanding its safe return to the United States. "My wife named him Joe. She was going to call him Donald but we thought that might not be politically correct, so she called him Joe instead," Celli-Bird told TV broadcaster Nine Network. Australia has strict quarantine regulations on bringing live animals or birds into the country to prevent diseases from spreading on the arid continent. "If Joe has come in a way that has not met our strict biosecurity measures then bad luck Joe. Either fly home or face the consequences," Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told reporters. But as execution loomed for the feathered flyer on Friday, pigeon enthusiasts cast doubt on Joe's identity. The American-style racing band around Joe's leg appeared to be a knock-off available online and often used by local owners. And it transpired that Joe was not a US racing breed, as his tag seemed to suggest, but a local Turkish Tumbler. "They're not bred for flying long distances, they're bred for tricks in the air. So they're like a show bird really," Lars Scott from Pigeon Rescue Melbourne said. Scott's claim that the tag was a fake was backed up by the American Racing Pigeon Union, which posted on Facebook to try to save Joe. McCormack's predecessor previously threatened to euthanise Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's pet dogs when they were illegally brought into the country.

Joe, a pigeon facing death row may receive reprieve over fake tag claim

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations.

The talks are taking place under the framework of the Indo-Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM), officials said.

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Gyawali arrived in India&nbsp;on Thursday on a three-day visit. He is the first senior political leader from Nepal to visit India after the ties between the two countries came under strain following a border row.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday gave a clear indication that the boundary issue is unlikely to be discussed at the JCM.

Responding to questions on the border row, he said at a media briefing: "Our position on the boundary issue is well known. Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms."

He said the JCM is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the unique ties between the two countries.

"We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda," he said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali with a focus on various key aspects of the bilateral relations. The talks are taking place under the framework of the Indo-Nepal joint commission meeting (JCM), officials said. Gyawali arrived in India on Thursday on a three-day visit. He is the first senior political leader from Nepal to visit India after the ties between the two countries came under strain following a border row. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday gave a clear indication that the boundary issue is unlikely to be discussed at the JCM. Responding to questions on the border row, he said at a media briefing: "Our position on the boundary issue is well known. Let me say that the JCM and boundary talks are separate mechanisms." He said the JCM is an important mechanism that provides the opportunity of reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral partnership and providing political guidance to further enhance the unique ties between the two countries. "We look forward to constructive discussions on the numerous sectors that encompass our bilateral agenda," he said.

EAM Jaishankar holds talks with Nepalese counterpart Gyawali

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni took an early lead in the presidential election race, according to preliminary results released on Friday morning by the electoral commission.

With 13.6 per cent&nbsp;of votes counted, Museveni had won 1,536,205 votes, or 65.0 per cent, while main opposition candidate Bobi Wine had 647,146 (27.4 per cent), the commission said.

Wine, a singer-turned-lawmaker who has galvanized young Ugandans with his call for change, said in a tweet early on Friday that he was confident of victory despite "widespread fraud and violence" during the poll. He gave no further details.

Museveni, who has led the East African country with a population of nearly 46 million for 34 years, had not made any statement by 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT).

On Wednesday, the government ordered an internet blackout until further notice, a day after banning all social media and messaging apps.

The election campaign was marred by deadly crackdowns by security forces on opposition candidates and their supporters.

Uganda's normally bustling capital Kampala was quiet on Friday, a public holiday after Thursday's poll, with shops mostly closed. Soldiers patrolled on foot in the rain in a suburb visited by Reuters.

Commission head Simon Byabakama assured the nation on live TV on Thursday evening after polls closed that results were arriving at the national tally centre despite the nationwide internet blackout.

"We are not using local internet to transmit our results, we are using our own system," he said, without giving details of that system. "Don't worry, results will come."

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni took an early lead in the presidential election race, according to preliminary results released on Friday morning by the electoral commission.

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni took an early lead in the presidential election race, according to preliminary results released on Friday morning by the electoral commission. With 13.6 per cent of votes counted, Museveni had won 1,536,205 votes, or 65.0 per cent, while main opposition candidate Bobi Wine had 647,146 (27.4 per cent), the commission said. Wine, a singer-turned-lawmaker who has galvanized young Ugandans with his call for change, said in a tweet early on Friday that he was confident of victory despite "widespread fraud and violence" during the poll. He gave no further details. Museveni, who has led the East African country with a population of nearly 46 million for 34 years, had not made any statement by 10:30 a.m. (0730 GMT). On Wednesday, the government ordered an internet blackout until further notice, a day after banning all social media and messaging apps. The election campaign was marred by deadly crackdowns by security forces on opposition candidates and their supporters. Uganda's normally bustling capital Kampala was quiet on Friday, a public holiday after Thursday's poll, with shops mostly closed. Soldiers patrolled on foot in the rain in a suburb visited by Reuters. Commission head Simon Byabakama assured the nation on live TV on Thursday evening after polls closed that results were arriving at the national tally centre despite the nationwide internet blackout. "We are not using local internet to transmit our results, we are using our own system," he said, without giving details of that system. "Don't worry, results will come."

Uganda's President Museveni has early lead in election, preliminary results show

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,05,27,683&nbsp;with 15,590 people testing positive for the infection in a day, while recoveries have surged to 1,01,62,738, according to Union health ministry data updated on Friday.

The country's death toll increased to 1,51,918 with 191 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,01,62,738 pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.53 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload remained below three lakh.

There are 2,13,027 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprise 2.02 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29,?90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 18,49,62,401 samples have been tested up to January 14 with 7,30,096 samples being tested on Thursday.

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The 191 new fatalities include 70 from Maharashtra, 19 from Kerala, 17 from West Bengal, 14 from Uttar Pradesh, 10 each from Chhattisgarh and Punjab, eight from Madhya Pradesh, six from Haryana, and four each from Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

A total of 1,51,918 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 50,291 from Maharashtra followed by 12,246 from Tamil Nadu, 12,155 from Karnataka, 10,722 from Delhi, 10,010 from West Bengal,?8,543 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,138 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,473 from Punjab.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website and added that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,05,27,683 with 15,590 people testing positive for the infection in a day, while recoveries have surged to 1,01,62,738, according to Union health ministry data updated on Friday.

India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,05,27,683 with 15,590 people testing positive for the infection in a day, while recoveries have surged to 1,01,62,738, according to Union health ministry data updated on Friday. The country's death toll increased to 1,51,918 with 191 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,01,62,738 pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.53 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.44 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below three lakh. There are 2,13,027 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprise 2.02 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed 20 lakh on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29,?90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 18,49,62,401 samples have been tested up to January 14 with 7,30,096 samples being tested on Thursday. COVID-19 Testing Update. For more details visit: https://t.co/dI1pqvXAsZ @MoHFW_INDIA @DeptHealthRes #ICMRFIGHTSCOVID19 #IndiaFightsCOVID19 #CoronaUpdatesInIndia #COVID19 #Unite2FightCorona pic.twitter.com/84MNs5Qp7l — ICMR (@ICMRDELHI) January 15, 2021 × The 191 new fatalities include 70 from Maharashtra, 19 from Kerala, 17 from West Bengal, 14 from Uttar Pradesh, 10 each from Chhattisgarh and Punjab, eight from Madhya Pradesh, six from Haryana, and four each from Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. A total of 1,51,918 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 50,291 from Maharashtra followed by 12,246 from Tamil Nadu, 12,155 from Karnataka, 10,722 from Delhi, 10,010 from West Bengal,?8,543 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,138 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,473 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website and added that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India records 15,590 fresh cases; total tally rises to 1,05,27,683

Scientists have discovered that the most distant quasar ever found is hiding a supermassive black hole, as per the latest study submitted to the American Astronomical Society.

The discovery made by researchers at the University of Arizona may help in&nbsp;solving the mystery of the formation of enormous black holes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/caught-in-the-act-astronomers-capture-precise-moment-in-which-a-black-hole-sucks-a-star-334909">Caught in the act: Astronomers capture precise moment in which a black hole sucks a star</a>

Anti-galactic nuclei quasars are among the brightest objects in the universe powered by supermassive black holes that are actively feeding on materials nearby.

&nbsp;

The infant Universe following the Big Bang is relatively well known through extensive theoretical models and observation of cosmic microwave background -- the electromagnetic radiation of the nascent cosmos.

The most distant quasar, called&nbsp;J0313-1806, dates back to 670 million years after the Big Bang and has a mass of 1.6 billion of our suns.

Co-author&nbsp;Xiaohui Fan said, "This tells you that no matter what you do, the seed of this black hole must have formed by a different mechanism. In this case, one that involves vast quantities of primordial, cold hydrogen gas directly collapsing into a seed black hole."

It has two asymmetric ''dips'' that correspond to the absorption at two different wavelengths.&nbsp;

Presenting both a crisis and a unique opportunity for astronomers, it's a mystery how a black hole can exist this early on. It is at least 20 million years old and it's twice as massive the most distant quasar.

The newly discovered quasar provides a new benchmark by ruling out two current models of how supermassive black holes form in such short timescales.

Scientists have discovered evidence that there is a wind of superheated gas flowing from around the galaxy's supermassive black hole, with this gas travelling at one-fifth the speed of light.

Lead author Feige Wang&nbsp;said, "This is the earliest evidence of how a supermassive black hole is affecting its host galaxy around it."

"From observations of less distant galaxies, we know that this has to happen, but we have never seen it happening so early in the universe," he added.

Scientists have discovered that the most distant quasar ever found is hiding a supermassive black hole, as per the latest study submitted to the American Astronomical Society.

Scientists have discovered that the most distant quasar ever found is hiding a supermassive black hole, as per the latest study submitted to the American Astronomical Society. The discovery made by researchers at the University of Arizona may help in solving the mystery of the formation of enormous black holes. Also read: Caught in the act: Astronomers capture precise moment in which a black hole sucks a star Anti-galactic nuclei quasars are among the brightest objects in the universe powered by supermassive black holes that are actively feeding on materials nearby. The infant Universe following the Big Bang is relatively well known through extensive theoretical models and observation of cosmic microwave background -- the electromagnetic radiation of the nascent cosmos. The most distant quasar, called J0313-1806, dates back to 670 million years after the Big Bang and has a mass of 1.6 billion of our suns. Co-author Xiaohui Fan said, "This tells you that no matter what you do, the seed of this black hole must have formed by a different mechanism. In this case, one that involves vast quantities of primordial, cold hydrogen gas directly collapsing into a seed black hole." It has two asymmetric ''dips'' that correspond to the absorption at two different wavelengths. Presenting both a crisis and a unique opportunity for astronomers, it's a mystery how a black hole can exist this early on. It is at least 20 million years old and it's twice as massive the most distant quasar. The newly discovered quasar provides a new benchmark by ruling out two current models of how supermassive black holes form in such short timescales. Scientists have discovered evidence that there is a wind of superheated gas flowing from around the galaxy's supermassive black hole, with this gas travelling at one-fifth the speed of light. Lead author Feige Wang said, "This is the earliest evidence of how a supermassive black hole is affecting its host galaxy around it." "From observations of less distant galaxies, we know that this has to happen, but we have never seen it happening so early in the universe," he added.

Most distant quasar ever found is hiding 'biggest' and 'youngest' black hole

Ugandans vote on Thursday in a presidential election pitting long-time leader Yoweri Museveni against an opposition galvanised by a popular singer despite a campaign marked by brutal crackdowns.

Reggae artist Bobi Wine, 38, is channelling the anger of many young Ugandans who say former guerrilla leader Museveni, now 76, is an out-of-touch dictator failing to tackle rampant unemployment and surging public debt.

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Museveni calls Wine an upstart who is backed by foreign governments and homosexuals and says his administration guarantees political stability and economic progress including much-needed hydropower dams and roads.

Campaign violence has surpassed previous turbulent elections, with scores killed when security forces cracked down on gatherings of opposition supporters. Opposition candidates, supporters and campaign staff have been repeatedly arrested.

The government says it is stopping illegal gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis. The opposition says the bans on rallies in some parts of Uganda are a smokescreen for repression.

"If you try to disturb the peace, you will have yourself to blame. The security forces, following the law, are ready to deal with any troublemaker," Museveni warned this week, dressed in a military camouflage jacket as he spoke on live TV.

Though Wine has the momentum of energized and aggrieved supporters behind him, Museveni remains the frontrunner to win with the well-equipped army and police behind him, analysts say.

There are 17.7 million registered voters in Uganda and polls will be open from 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) until 5 p.m. on Thursday. The first results are expected to come in by Saturday evening.

"Every bit of the security apparatus will be on the streets. Theoretically, that brings calm, but I think we know that just brings flashpoints," said a senior European Union diplomat.

Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has urged supporters to stay at polling stations after voting to observe tallying and to take photographs of the results sheets and upload them to an application, U Vote.

However, Ugandans reported problems accessing the internet on the eve of the election and internet monitor NetBlocks said the country was experiencing a nationwide blackout.

The internet problems came a day after Uganda banned all social media platforms and messaging apps until further notice.

Museveni apologised for the inconvenience but said Uganda had no choice after Facebook took down some accounts which backed his ruling party.

Birmingham University democracy professor Nic Cheeseman said many who want to heed Wine's call for change were too afraid.

"Previous surveys show that the majority of voters do not believe in change at the ballot box because Museveni is not prepared to leave," he said.

Aggrey Musasizi, 31, a motorbike taxi driver, told Reuters from his village in Uganda's west that he had left the capital Kampala for fear of violence, but he would still vote for Wine.

"It is high time we witnessed change in Uganda. We can't continue in the situation where some of us have seen only one president all our lives."

Ugandans vote on Thursday in a presidential election pitting long-time leader Yoweri Museveni against an opposition galvanised by a popular singer despite a campaign marked by brutal crackdowns.

Ugandans vote on Thursday in a presidential election pitting long-time leader Yoweri Museveni against an opposition galvanised by a popular singer despite a campaign marked by brutal crackdowns. Reggae artist Bobi Wine, 38, is channelling the anger of many young Ugandans who say former guerrilla leader Museveni, now 76, is an out-of-touch dictator failing to tackle rampant unemployment and surging public debt. Museveni calls Wine an upstart who is backed by foreign governments and homosexuals and says his administration guarantees political stability and economic progress including much-needed hydropower dams and roads. Campaign violence has surpassed previous turbulent elections, with scores killed when security forces cracked down on gatherings of opposition supporters. Opposition candidates, supporters and campaign staff have been repeatedly arrested. The government says it is stopping illegal gatherings during the COVID-19 crisis. The opposition says the bans on rallies in some parts of Uganda are a smokescreen for repression. "If you try to disturb the peace, you will have yourself to blame. The security forces, following the law, are ready to deal with any troublemaker," Museveni warned this week, dressed in a military camouflage jacket as he spoke on live TV. Though Wine has the momentum of energized and aggrieved supporters behind him, Museveni remains the frontrunner to win with the well-equipped army and police behind him, analysts say. There are 17.7 million registered voters in Uganda and polls will be open from 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) until 5 p.m. on Thursday. The first results are expected to come in by Saturday evening. "Every bit of the security apparatus will be on the streets. Theoretically, that brings calm, but I think we know that just brings flashpoints," said a senior European Union diplomat. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has urged supporters to stay at polling stations after voting to observe tallying and to take photographs of the results sheets and upload them to an application, U Vote. However, Ugandans reported problems accessing the internet on the eve of the election and internet monitor NetBlocks said the country was experiencing a nationwide blackout. The internet problems came a day after Uganda banned all social media platforms and messaging apps until further notice. Museveni apologised for the inconvenience but said Uganda had no choice after Facebook took down some accounts which backed his ruling party. Birmingham University democracy professor Nic Cheeseman said many who want to heed Wine's call for change were too afraid. "Previous surveys show that the majority of voters do not believe in change at the ballot box because Museveni is not prepared to leave," he said. Aggrey Musasizi, 31, a motorbike taxi driver, told Reuters from his village in Uganda's west that he had left the capital Kampala for fear of violence, but he would still vote for Wine. "It is high time we witnessed change in Uganda. We can't continue in the situation where some of us have seen only one president all our lives."

Ugandan election pits reggae singer against long-serving Museveni

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe&nbsp;as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat.

The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA)&nbsp;paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread.

The EFSA said it had found the&nbsp;mealworms&nbsp;or Tenebrio molitor larva were safe to be eaten "either as a whole dried insect or in the form of powder" after an application from French insect-rearing firm Micronutris.&nbsp;

"Its main components are protein, fat and fibre," the statement said but warned that more research needed to be done on possible allergic reactions to the insects.

The move by EU's food watchdog&nbsp;is the preliminary step needed before officials can decide whether to allow the beetle larvae to be sold to consumers across the 27-nation bloc.

It is bound to give some tough competition to the vaunted Mediterranean diet and the French ''bon gout''.

Despite their name, mealworms&nbsp;are beetle larvae rather than&nbsp;worms&nbsp;and are already used in Europe as a pet food ingredient.

The burgeoning insect farming industy in Europe welcomed the decision and said they hoped to see authorities give permission for yellow&nbsp;mealworms&nbsp;to be marketed to the public by the middle of this year.

"The release of this document indeed represents an important milestone towards the wider EU commercialisation of edible insects," Antoine Hubert, president of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, said in a statement. &nbsp;

The Italy-based EFSA has more insect investigations on its plate and is also set to examine if crickets and grasshoppers are fit for consumption.

People across much of the world - including parts of Africa, Australia and New Zealand - already enjoy tucking into insect bars, cricket burgers and other grub-based foods.

They are already available for human consumption in a small number of EU countries and are more widely produced for use in animal feed.&nbsp;

The industry says it expects the European market for insect-based food products to grow rapidly in the coming years and for production to reach some 260,000 tonnes by 2030.&nbsp;

Some sociologists, however, believe psychological barriers particularly strong in Europe mean it will be some time before the yellow&nbsp;worms&nbsp;start flying off supermarket shelves there.

"There are cognitive reasons derived from our social and cultural experiences - the so-called ‘yuck factor’ - that make the thought of eating insects repellent to many Europeans," said Giovanni Sogari, a social and consumer researcher at the University of Parma in Italy.

"With time and exposure, such attitudes can change."

EFSA said it had received 156 applications for "novel food" safety assessments since 2018, covering everything from algae-derived foods to an array of insect species.

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat. The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread.

Mealworms have become the first insect approved in Europe as a human food after the region's food agency said that they are safe to eat. The decision by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) paves the way for the yellow grubs to be used whole and dried in curries and other recipes and as a flour to make biscuits, pasta and bread. The EFSA said it had found the mealworms or Tenebrio molitor larva were safe to be eaten "either as a whole dried insect or in the form of powder" after an application from French insect-rearing firm Micronutris. "Its main components are protein, fat and fibre," the statement said but warned that more research needed to be done on possible allergic reactions to the insects. The move by EU's food watchdog is the preliminary step needed before officials can decide whether to allow the beetle larvae to be sold to consumers across the 27-nation bloc. It is bound to give some tough competition to the vaunted Mediterranean diet and the French ''bon gout''. Despite their name, mealworms are beetle larvae rather than worms and are already used in Europe as a pet food ingredient. The burgeoning insect farming industy in Europe welcomed the decision and said they hoped to see authorities give permission for yellow mealworms to be marketed to the public by the middle of this year. "The release of this document indeed represents an important milestone towards the wider EU commercialisation of edible insects," Antoine Hubert, president of the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, said in a statement. The Italy-based EFSA has more insect investigations on its plate and is also set to examine if crickets and grasshoppers are fit for consumption. People across much of the world - including parts of Africa, Australia and New Zealand - already enjoy tucking into insect bars, cricket burgers and other grub-based foods. They are already available for human consumption in a small number of EU countries and are more widely produced for use in animal feed. The industry says it expects the European market for insect-based food products to grow rapidly in the coming years and for production to reach some 260,000 tonnes by 2030. Some sociologists, however, believe psychological barriers particularly strong in Europe mean it will be some time before the yellow worms start flying off supermarket shelves there. "There are cognitive reasons derived from our social and cultural experiences - the so-called ‘yuck factor’ - that make the thought of eating insects repellent to many Europeans," said Giovanni Sogari, a social and consumer researcher at the University of Parma in Italy. "With time and exposure, such attitudes can change." EFSA said it had received 156 applications for "novel food" safety assessments since 2018, covering everything from algae-derived foods to an array of insect species.

Mealworms for dinner? European Union approves first insect food

Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia which dates back to&nbsp;at least 45,500 years.

The&nbsp;life-sized picture of a wild pig among other findings&nbsp;provides the earliest evidence of human settlement of the region.

Co-author Maxime Aubert of Australia's Griffith University said&nbsp;it was found on the island of Sulawesi in 2017 by doctoral student Basran Burhan, as part of surveys the team was carrying out with Indonesian authorities.

The Leang Tedongnge cave is located in a remote valley enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs, about an hour's walk from the nearest road.&nbsp;

It is only accessible during the dry season because of flooding during the wet season -- and members of the isolated Bugis community told the team it had never before been seen by Westerners.

Measuring 136 by 54 centimeters (53 by 21 inches) the Sulawesi warty pig was painted using dark red ochre pigment and has a short crest of upright hair, as well as a pair of horn-like facial warts characteristic of adult males of the species.

There are two hand prints above the pig's hindquarters, and it appears to be facing two other pigs that are only partially preserved, as part of a narrative scene.

"The pig appears to be observing a fight or social interaction between two other warty pigs," said co-author Adam Brumm.

Humans have hunted Sulawesi warty pigs for tens of thousands of years, and they are a key feature of the region's prehistoric artwork, particularly during the Ice Age.

Early human migration

Aubert, a dating specialist, identified a calcite deposit that had formed on top of the painting, then used Uranium-series isotope dating to confidently say the deposit was 45,500 years old.

This makes the painting at least that age, "but it could be much older because the dating that we're using only dates the calcite on top of it," he explained.

"The people who made it were fully modern, they were just like us, they had all of the capacity and the tools to do any painting that they liked," he added.

The previously oldest dated rock art painting was found by the same team in Sulawesi. It depicted a group of part-human, part-animal figures hunting mammals, and was found to be at least 43,900 years old.

Cave paintings such as these also help fill in gaps about our understanding of early human migrations.

It's known that people reached Australia 65,000 years ago, but they would probably have had to cross the islands of Indonesia, known as "Wallacea."

This site now represents the oldest evidence of humans in Wallacea, but it's hoped further research will help show people were in the region much earlier, which would resolve the Australia settlement puzzle.

The team believes the artwork was made by Homo sapiens, as opposed to now extinct human species like Denisovans, but cannot say this for certain.

To make handprints, the artists would have had to place their hands on a surface then spit pigment over it, and the team are hoping to try to extract DNA samples from residual saliva.

Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia which dates back to at least 45,500 years. The life-sized picture of a wild pig among other findings provides the earliest evidence of human settlement of the region.

Archaeologists have discovered the world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia which dates back to at least 45,500 years. The life-sized picture of a wild pig among other findings provides the earliest evidence of human settlement of the region. Co-author Maxime Aubert of Australia's Griffith University said it was found on the island of Sulawesi in 2017 by doctoral student Basran Burhan, as part of surveys the team was carrying out with Indonesian authorities. The Leang Tedongnge cave is located in a remote valley enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs, about an hour's walk from the nearest road. It is only accessible during the dry season because of flooding during the wet season -- and members of the isolated Bugis community told the team it had never before been seen by Westerners. Measuring 136 by 54 centimeters (53 by 21 inches) the Sulawesi warty pig was painted using dark red ochre pigment and has a short crest of upright hair, as well as a pair of horn-like facial warts characteristic of adult males of the species. There are two hand prints above the pig's hindquarters, and it appears to be facing two other pigs that are only partially preserved, as part of a narrative scene. "The pig appears to be observing a fight or social interaction between two other warty pigs," said co-author Adam Brumm. Humans have hunted Sulawesi warty pigs for tens of thousands of years, and they are a key feature of the region's prehistoric artwork, particularly during the Ice Age. Early human migration Aubert, a dating specialist, identified a calcite deposit that had formed on top of the painting, then used Uranium-series isotope dating to confidently say the deposit was 45,500 years old. This makes the painting at least that age, "but it could be much older because the dating that we're using only dates the calcite on top of it," he explained. "The people who made it were fully modern, they were just like us, they had all of the capacity and the tools to do any painting that they liked," he added. The previously oldest dated rock art painting was found by the same team in Sulawesi. It depicted a group of part-human, part-animal figures hunting mammals, and was found to be at least 43,900 years old. Cave paintings such as these also help fill in gaps about our understanding of early human migrations. It's known that people reached Australia 65,000 years ago, but they would probably have had to cross the islands of Indonesia, known as "Wallacea." This site now represents the oldest evidence of humans in Wallacea, but it's hoped further research will help show people were in the region much earlier, which would resolve the Australia settlement puzzle. The team believes the artwork was made by Homo sapiens, as opposed to now extinct human species like Denisovans, but cannot say this for certain. To make handprints, the artists would have had to place their hands on a surface then spit pigment over it, and the team are hoping to try to extract DNA samples from residual saliva.

Archaeologists discover world's oldest known cave painting in Indonesia

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study.

Preliminary findings by scientists at Public Health England (PHE) showed that reinfections in people who have COVID-19 antibodies from a past infection are rare,&nbsp;with only 44 cases found among 6,614 previously infected people in the study.

But experts cautioned that the findings mean people who contracted the disease in the first wave of the pandemic in the early months of 2020 may now be vulnerable to catching it again.

They also warned that people with so-called "natural&nbsp;immunity",&nbsp;acquired through having had the infection - may still be able to carry the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in their nose and throat, and could unwittingly pass it on.

“We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected from reinfection, but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts," said Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE and co-leader of the study, whose findings were published on Thursday.

“This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections. But there is still a risk you could acquire an infection and transmit (it) to others."

A statement on the study said its findings did not address antibody or other immune responses to vaccines now being rolled out against COVID-19, or on how effective vaccines would be. Vaccine responses will be considered later this year, it said.

The research, known as the SIREN study, involves tens of thousands of healthcare workers in Britain who have been tested regularly since June for new COVID-19 infections as well as for the presence of antibodies.

Between June 18 and November&nbsp;24 scientists detected 44 potential reinfections,&nbsp;two "probable" and 42 "possible" - out of 6,614 participants who had tested positive for antibodies. This represents an 83 per cent&nbsp;rate of protection from reinfection, they said.

The researchers plan to continue following and assessing the participants to see if this natural&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;might last longer than five months in some. But they warned that early evidence from the next stage of the study already suggests some people with&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;can still carry high levels of virus and could transmit it to others.

"It is, therefore, crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules and stays at home, even if they have previously had COVID-19," they said in the statement about their results.

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study.

People who have been infected with novel coronavirus are as protected against reinfection as those who have received COVID-19 vaccines, according to the latest study. Preliminary findings by scientists at Public Health England (PHE) showed that reinfections in people who have COVID-19 antibodies from a past infection are rare, with only 44 cases found among 6,614 previously infected people in the study. But experts cautioned that the findings mean people who contracted the disease in the first wave of the pandemic in the early months of 2020 may now be vulnerable to catching it again. They also warned that people with so-called "natural immunity", acquired through having had the infection - may still be able to carry the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in their nose and throat, and could unwittingly pass it on. “We now know that most of those who have had the virus, and developed antibodies, are protected from reinfection, but this is not total and we do not yet know how long protection lasts," said Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser at PHE and co-leader of the study, whose findings were published on Thursday. “This means even if you believe you already had the disease and are protected, you can be reassured it is highly unlikely you will develop severe infections. But there is still a risk you could acquire an infection and transmit (it) to others." A statement on the study said its findings did not address antibody or other immune responses to vaccines now being rolled out against COVID-19, or on how effective vaccines would be. Vaccine responses will be considered later this year, it said. The research, known as the SIREN study, involves tens of thousands of healthcare workers in Britain who have been tested regularly since June for new COVID-19 infections as well as for the presence of antibodies. Between June 18 and November 24 scientists detected 44 potential reinfections, two "probable" and 42 "possible" - out of 6,614 participants who had tested positive for antibodies. This represents an 83 per cent rate of protection from reinfection, they said. The researchers plan to continue following and assessing the participants to see if this natural immunity might last longer than five months in some. But they warned that early evidence from the next stage of the study already suggests some people with immunity can still carry high levels of virus and could transmit it to others. "It is, therefore, crucial that everyone continues to follow the rules and stays at home, even if they have previously had COVID-19," they said in the statement about their results.

Coronavirus infection provides as much immunity as vaccines: Study

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday the UK&nbsp;should avoid falling into an "unthinking Sinophobia" amid tensions with China over human rights abuses and access to Britain's 5G market.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-condemn-chinese-abuse-against-uighur-minority-356359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We've got to be very vigilant about what's happening with our critical national infrastructure and about the protection of our data and our cyberspace," Johnson said.

"But I don't want this country or this government to lurch into a position of sort of unthinking Sinophobia."

It comes after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced Britain will introduce new rules for companies to try to prevent goods linked to China's Xinjiang region entering the supply chain, toughening London's response to allegations of forced labour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uighur-situation-us-uk-and-germany-corner-china-at-unsc-323216">Uighur situation: US, UK and Germany corner China at UNSC</a>

Britain has angered China by denouncing the implementation of controversial security law in its former colony of Hong Kong, which has been used against pro-democracy activists.

It has offered Hong Kongers a route to citizenship, by relaxing entry requirements for those with British National (Overseas) passports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-says-deeply-concerned-after-hong-kongs-jimmy-lai-charged-349104">UK says 'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai charged</a>

It has also blocked the involvement of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Britain's 5G network, bowing to US pressure, which assesses the firm as a security risk.

And on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned what he said was the "barbarism" of China's treatment of its Uighur minority in northwest Xinjiang province.

Britain has now introduced import controls on firms who may have directly or inadvertently sourced goods from the province using forced Uighur labour.

That prompted an angry response from Beijing, which warned Britain to stop meddling in its internal affairs.

But Johnson told lawmakers that despite having to be vigilant, particularly about threats to critical national infrastructure and data from cyberspace, bilateral ties could be maintained.&nbsp;

Last year, Johnson banned Chinese tech giant Huawei from having a role in building Britain's next-generation mobile phone networks over security concerns triggered by US&nbsp;sanctions.

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday the UK should avoid falling into an "unthinking Sinophobia" amid tensions with China over human rights abuses and access to Britain's 5G market.

Britain's prime minister Boris Johnson said Wednesday the UK should avoid falling into an "unthinking Sinophobia" amid tensions with China over human rights abuses and access to Britain's 5G market. "We've got to be very vigilant about what's happening with our critical national infrastructure and about the protection of our data and our cyberspace," Johnson said. "But I don't want this country or this government to lurch into a position of sort of unthinking Sinophobia." It comes after Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab announced Britain will introduce new rules for companies to try to prevent goods linked to China's Xinjiang region entering the supply chain, toughening London's response to allegations of forced labour. Also read: Uighur situation: US, UK and Germany corner China at UNSC Britain has angered China by denouncing the implementation of controversial security law in its former colony of Hong Kong, which has been used against pro-democracy activists. It has offered Hong Kongers a route to citizenship, by relaxing entry requirements for those with British National (Overseas) passports. Also read: UK says 'deeply concerned' after Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai charged It has also blocked the involvement of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Britain's 5G network, bowing to US pressure, which assesses the firm as a security risk. And on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab condemned what he said was the "barbarism" of China's treatment of its Uighur minority in northwest Xinjiang province. Britain has now introduced import controls on firms who may have directly or inadvertently sourced goods from the province using forced Uighur labour. That prompted an angry response from Beijing, which warned Britain to stop meddling in its internal affairs. But Johnson told lawmakers that despite having to be vigilant, particularly about threats to critical national infrastructure and data from cyberspace, bilateral ties could be maintained. Last year, Johnson banned Chinese tech giant Huawei from having a role in building Britain's next-generation mobile phone networks over security concerns triggered by US sanctions.

UK PM Boris Johnson warns against 'unthinking Sinophobia' amid tensions with China

Swedish environmental activist&nbsp;Greta&nbsp;Thunberg will&nbsp;feature on a postal stamp in her native country that will be issued on Thursday and is part of a series focusing on the environment.&nbsp;

Thunberg will join a hall of fame of Swedish personalities, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to&nbsp;Greta&nbsp;Garbo, who have been depicted on the country's postage stamps.

The stamps go on sale from PostNord on Thursday and show Thunberg in her familiar yellow raincoat standing on a rocky coast looking out at a flock of birds.

Sweden's postal service PostNord said in a statement the stamps&nbsp;“should reflect our time, where the environmental issue has been relevant and present for many years, not least through Greta Thunberg’s strong voice.”

"We hope that, as a big company, we can shine a light on the very important climate question, with the help of a little stamp," said Kristina Olofsdotter, head of PostNord's stamp division.

Several million of the stamps will be issued, Olofsdotter said, adding: "There will be a lot of&nbsp;Gretas flying around."

Thunberg rose to global fame in 2018 after she began skipping school to protest, alone with a homemade sign, outside the Swedish parliament in Stockholm, demanding that her government take action on climate change.

Within months, more than 2 million students in 135 countries had set up their own picket lines, joining Thunberg's "School strike for the climate" campaign.

In 2019, Thunberg took a year out from school to cross the globe by car, train and boat - but not plane - to demand action on climate change, a trip that involved a brush with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and a speech at the United Nations climate summit.

Thunberg's movement, Fridays for Future, approved of the image on the stamp but played no part in its design, Olofsdotter said.

Other stamps in the collection have an environmental theme, including depictions of Swedish mountains, lakes and forests.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg will feature on a postal stamp in her native country that will be issued on Thursday and is part of a series focusing on the environment.

Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg will feature on a postal stamp in her native country that will be issued on Thursday and is part of a series focusing on the environment. Thunberg will join a hall of fame of Swedish personalities, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Greta Garbo, who have been depicted on the country's postage stamps. The stamps go on sale from PostNord on Thursday and show Thunberg in her familiar yellow raincoat standing on a rocky coast looking out at a flock of birds. Sweden's postal service PostNord said in a statement the stamps “should reflect our time, where the environmental issue has been relevant and present for many years, not least through Greta Thunberg’s strong voice.” "We hope that, as a big company, we can shine a light on the very important climate question, with the help of a little stamp," said Kristina Olofsdotter, head of PostNord's stamp division. Several million of the stamps will be issued, Olofsdotter said, adding: "There will be a lot of Gretas flying around." Thunberg rose to global fame in 2018 after she began skipping school to protest, alone with a homemade sign, outside the Swedish parliament in Stockholm, demanding that her government take action on climate change. Within months, more than 2 million students in 135 countries had set up their own picket lines, joining Thunberg's "School strike for the climate" campaign. In 2019, Thunberg took a year out from school to cross the globe by car, train and boat - but not plane - to demand action on climate change, a trip that involved a brush with US President Donald Trump and a speech at the United Nations climate summit. Thunberg's movement, Fridays for Future, approved of the image on the stamp but played no part in its design, Olofsdotter said. Other stamps in the collection have an environmental theme, including depictions of Swedish mountains, lakes and forests.

Signed, sealed and delivered: Climate activist Greta Thunberg features on Swedish postage stamp

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