The first contamination of the cluster detected in a geriatric center near Rennes in France does not correspond to the British variant of the coronavirus, the Brittany Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced on Friday in a press release.&nbsp;

The French health ministry reported that two clusters of the UK variant affecting a total of 19 people had been detected in a care home in the western French region of Brittany, and in Bagneux, a southern suburb of Paris.

"Regarding the seven residents and the other professional who also presented a variant form of the virus, the results of the sequencing are expected by the beginning of next week", specifies the ARS.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-confirms-two-clusters-of-uk-coronavirus-variant-355556" hreflang="en">France confirms two clusters of UK coronavirus variant</a>

In the case of the Breton cluster, "the disease does not seem to be different from the others. There have been analyzes because there was a link with England. This is what we do systematically but the clinical dynamics of this epidemic in this cluster is no different from the others, "Matthieu Revest, infectious disease specialist at Rennes University Hospital said.

"A virus mutates. It is normal that it changes as it spreads. This one changes but less than that of the flu for example it is relatively stable genetically. A virus does not have no need to transfer to be super dangerous and this one is already super dangerous, "he added.&nbsp;

"We are clearly expecting to identify others," Health Minister Olivier Veran told the press conference.

Authorities found no evidence of any contact between one of the infected people in Bagneux and anybody who had travelled from Britain, which the ministry said indicated that the mutant virus is already circulating in&nbsp;France.

It said testing would now be intensified, and people carrying the new strain had been placed in strict isolation.

Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that France will keep&nbsp;in place restrictions on its border with Britain "until further notice".

France closed its border with Britain for 48 hours on December 20 after the emergence of a new UK strain of the disease thought to be far more contagious, but has since reopened it with major restrictions.

Only truck drivers and French or European Union citizens with an essential reason to travel are allowed through if they show a negative Covid-19 test result from the preceding three days.&nbsp;

These measures "will be extended until further notice", Castex said a press conference amid growing alarm in France given the explosion in cases observed in Britain.

Castex did not announce any new curbs in France on top of an existing nationwide curfew and shutdown orders, but said that "all activities and businesses that are closed will remain so until the end of the month".&nbsp;

This came as a huge disappointment for the owners of bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatre and sports clubs who were forced to close their doors at the end of October at the start of a second nationwide lockdown.

Hopes that ski stations might be able to reopen their lifts were also dashed, with Castex saying they would have to wait until at least February.&nbsp;

"The pressure on our health system remains high," the prime minister said while underlining that France is doing better than many of its neighbours in terms of the number of daily infections.

In Wednesday, it recorded 25,379 new virus infections in the previous 24 hours, up from 20,489 the day before.

A total of 66,565 people have died from the virus in France.

Castex also announced that 45,000 people in France had received a vaccine over the last five days after the government came under fire for a slow start to its inoculation campaign.

Fewer than 50,000 people have been given a vaccine since December 27, compared with hundreds of thousands in Germany within the same timespan and more than 1.3 million in the UK, which started slightly earlier.

More people are set to become eligible for the jab, including the over-75s and handicapped people in care homes, Castex announced

The first contamination of the cluster detected in a geriatric center near Rennes in France does not correspond to the British variant of the coronavirus, the Brittany Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced on Friday in a press release.

The first contamination of the cluster detected in a geriatric center near Rennes in France does not correspond to the British variant of the coronavirus, the Brittany Regional Health Agency (ARS) announced on Friday in a press release. The French health ministry reported that two clusters of the UK variant affecting a total of 19 people had been detected in a care home in the western French region of Brittany, and in Bagneux, a southern suburb of Paris. "Regarding the seven residents and the other professional who also presented a variant form of the virus, the results of the sequencing are expected by the beginning of next week", specifies the ARS. Also read: France confirms two clusters of UK coronavirus variant In the case of the Breton cluster, "the disease does not seem to be different from the others. There have been analyzes because there was a link with England. This is what we do systematically but the clinical dynamics of this epidemic in this cluster is no different from the others, "Matthieu Revest, infectious disease specialist at Rennes University Hospital said. "A virus mutates. It is normal that it changes as it spreads. This one changes but less than that of the flu for example it is relatively stable genetically. A virus does not have no need to transfer to be super dangerous and this one is already super dangerous, "he added. "We are clearly expecting to identify others," Health Minister Olivier Veran told the press conference. Authorities found no evidence of any contact between one of the infected people in Bagneux and anybody who had travelled from Britain, which the ministry said indicated that the mutant virus is already circulating in France. It said testing would now be intensified, and people carrying the new strain had been placed in strict isolation. Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that France will keep in place restrictions on its border with Britain "until further notice". France closed its border with Britain for 48 hours on December 20 after the emergence of a new UK strain of the disease thought to be far more contagious, but has since reopened it with major restrictions. Only truck drivers and French or European Union citizens with an essential reason to travel are allowed through if they show a negative Covid-19 test result from the preceding three days. These measures "will be extended until further notice", Castex said a press conference amid growing alarm in France given the explosion in cases observed in Britain. Castex did not announce any new curbs in France on top of an existing nationwide curfew and shutdown orders, but said that "all activities and businesses that are closed will remain so until the end of the month". This came as a huge disappointment for the owners of bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatre and sports clubs who were forced to close their doors at the end of October at the start of a second nationwide lockdown. Hopes that ski stations might be able to reopen their lifts were also dashed, with Castex saying they would have to wait until at least February. "The pressure on our health system remains high," the prime minister said while underlining that France is doing better than many of its neighbours in terms of the number of daily infections. In Wednesday, it recorded 25,379 new virus infections in the previous 24 hours, up from 20,489 the day before. A total of 66,565 people have died from the virus in France. Castex also announced that 45,000 people in France had received a vaccine over the last five days after the government came under fire for a slow start to its inoculation campaign. Fewer than 50,000 people have been given a vaccine since December 27, compared with hundreds of thousands in Germany within the same timespan and more than 1.3 million in the UK, which started slightly earlier. More people are set to become eligible for the jab, including the over-75s and handicapped people in care homes, Castex announced

New strain of coronavirus, not from UK, detected in France

Scientists have discovered a 'recoiling'&nbsp;black hole at the center of a bright cluster of a distant galaxy that has baffled them.

Galaxy cluster's&nbsp;Abell 2261’s brightest cluster galaxy,&nbsp;hosts a very massive black hole which is a&nbsp;result of a supermassive black hole merger.

Spanning a little more than one million light-years, the galaxy is about 10 times the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-detect-most-powerful-black-hole-explosion-ever-324893">Astronomers detect most powerful black hole explosion ever</a>

Previous Hubble observations have revealed that supermassive black holes, weighing millions or billions times more than the sun, reside at the centers of nearly all galaxies and may play a role in shaping those central regions.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Hubble Space Telescope and Subaru Space Telescope revealed a galactic core is larger than expected for a galaxy its size.

These features were first identified by Space Telescope Science Institute’s Dr. Marc Postman who&nbsp;said the galaxy stood out in the Hubble image.

"When I first saw the image of this galaxy, I knew right away it was unusual," Postman explained. "The core was very diffuse and very large. The challenge was then to make sense of all the data, given what we knew from previous Hubble observations, and come up with a plausible explanation for the intriguing nature of this particular galaxy."

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>

Stars interacting with this supermassive black hole binary can even end up being flung out of the center, taking some energy from the binary with it and causing the binary’s orbit to shrink.

The 'recoiling' black hole&nbsp;was ejected from the center of the galaxy by a powerful force and is now mysteriously floating through space.

It is over 2,000 light-years away and is the densest concentration in A2261-BCG galaxy.

Astronomer Tod Lauer of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson,&nbsp;a co-author of the Hubble study said&nbsp;"Expecting to find a black hole in every galaxy is sort of like expecting to find a pit inside a peach.''

&nbsp;"With this Hubble observation, we cut into the biggest peach and we can't find the pit. We don't know for sure that the black hole is not there, but Hubble shows that there's no concentration of stars in the core."

As per gas being emitted from the core of the black hole,&nbsp;there was a sufficient amount of material falling onto the black hole to produce jets, but lack of evidence of a bright X-ray core supports the idea that this is relic emission and not current emission.

Scientists have discovered a 'recoiling' black hole at the center of a bright cluster of a distant galaxy that has baffled them. Galaxy cluster's Abell 2261’s brightest cluster galaxy, hosts a very massive black hole which is a result of a supermassive black hole merger.

Scientists have discovered a 'recoiling' black hole at the center of a bright cluster of a distant galaxy that has baffled them. Galaxy cluster's Abell 2261’s brightest cluster galaxy, hosts a very massive black hole which is a result of a supermassive black hole merger. Spanning a little more than one million light-years, the galaxy is about 10 times the diameter of our Milky Way galaxy. Also read: Astronomers detect most powerful black hole explosion ever Previous Hubble observations have revealed that supermassive black holes, weighing millions or billions times more than the sun, reside at the centers of nearly all galaxies and may play a role in shaping those central regions. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Hubble Space Telescope and Subaru Space Telescope revealed a galactic core is larger than expected for a galaxy its size. These features were first identified by Space Telescope Science Institute’s Dr. Marc Postman who said the galaxy stood out in the Hubble image. "When I first saw the image of this galaxy, I knew right away it was unusual," Postman explained. "The core was very diffuse and very large. The challenge was then to make sense of all the data, given what we knew from previous Hubble observations, and come up with a plausible explanation for the intriguing nature of this particular galaxy." Also read: Caught in the act: Astronomers capture precise moment in which a black hole sucks a star Stars interacting with this supermassive black hole binary can even end up being flung out of the center, taking some energy from the binary with it and causing the binary’s orbit to shrink. The 'recoiling' black hole was ejected from the center of the galaxy by a powerful force and is now mysteriously floating through space. It is over 2,000 light-years away and is the densest concentration in A2261-BCG galaxy. Astronomer Tod Lauer of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory in Tucson, a co-author of the Hubble study said "Expecting to find a black hole in every galaxy is sort of like expecting to find a pit inside a peach.'' "With this Hubble observation, we cut into the biggest peach and we can't find the pit. We don't know for sure that the black hole is not there, but Hubble shows that there's no concentration of stars in the core." As per gas being emitted from the core of the black hole, there was a sufficient amount of material falling onto the black hole to produce jets, but lack of evidence of a bright X-ray core supports the idea that this is relic emission and not current emission.

Scientists discover first-ever 'recoiling' black hole

Chinese netizens jeered&nbsp;erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the US Capitol, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019.

They&nbsp;tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with Wednesday's Washington riots.

Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times&nbsp;said in the tweet,&nbsp;"@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold."

"It remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill."

China's Communist Youth League also described the unrest as a "beautiful sight" on the Twitter-like Weibo platform.

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The Communist Youth League of China on its official Weibo account called the protests on Capitol Hill the most "beautiful site to behold," mocking Nancy Pelosi's description of demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019. <a href="https://t.co/0tSwwBcVo4">pic.twitter.com/0tSwwBcVo4</a>
— Lily Kuo (@lilkuo) <a href="https://twitter.com/lilkuo/status/1347030019277684736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The hashtag "Trump supporters storm US Capitol" pinballed across Weibo on Thursday, racking up 230 million views, as users compared the global support for Hong Kong's protesters with the outpouring of condemnation for the pro-Trump mob.

"At present, all European countries' leaders have shown double standards and condemned it (Washington rioting)," read one Weibo comment which gained over 5,000 likes.

"I don't know what kind of double-standard reports will be carried by Hong Kong or Taiwan media this time."&nbsp;

"What happened in the Hong Kong Legislative Council last year is being repeated in the US Capitol," wrote another user in a comment with over 4,500 likes.&nbsp;

While the tactics were similar, there are stark differences in the causes and motivations of the two legislature stormings.

Hong Kong protesters broke into their legislature to demand full democracy and halt an unpopular bill that was being pushed through by the city's unelected leadership.

The semi-autonomous Chinese city is not a democracy, the cause of years of popular protests.&nbsp;

China has since responded with a crackdown, imposing a harsh security law on the restless city, arresting scores of critics and smothering dissent.

In contrast, those storming the US Capitol were trying to overturn the results of what has been declared a free and fair presidential election.

US President-elect Joe Biden said the US rioters were undermining democracy by trying to overturn Trump's defeat in November's election.

Chinese netizens jeered erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the US Capitol, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019.

Chinese netizens jeered erupted in mirth at America's troubled democracy after supporters of President Donald Trump broke into the US Capitol, comparing the chaos to the Hong Kong anti-government protests of 2019. They tweeted side-by-side photo comparisons of Hong Kong protesters occupying the city's Legislative Council Complex in July 2019 with Wednesday's Washington riots. Chinese mouthpiece, Global Times said in the tweet, "@SpeakerPelosi once referred to the Hong Kong riots as 'a beautiful sight to behold." "It remains yet to be seen whether she will say the same about the recent developments in Capitol Hill." China's Communist Youth League also described the unrest as a "beautiful sight" on the Twitter-like Weibo platform. The Communist Youth League of China on its official Weibo account called the protests on Capitol Hill the most "beautiful site to behold," mocking Nancy Pelosi's description of demonstrations in Hong Kong in 2019. pic.twitter.com/0tSwwBcVo4 — Lily Kuo (@lilkuo) January 7, 2021 × The hashtag "Trump supporters storm US Capitol" pinballed across Weibo on Thursday, racking up 230 million views, as users compared the global support for Hong Kong's protesters with the outpouring of condemnation for the pro-Trump mob. "At present, all European countries' leaders have shown double standards and condemned it (Washington rioting)," read one Weibo comment which gained over 5,000 likes. "I don't know what kind of double-standard reports will be carried by Hong Kong or Taiwan media this time." "What happened in the Hong Kong Legislative Council last year is being repeated in the US Capitol," wrote another user in a comment with over 4,500 likes. While the tactics were similar, there are stark differences in the causes and motivations of the two legislature stormings. Hong Kong protesters broke into their legislature to demand full democracy and halt an unpopular bill that was being pushed through by the city's unelected leadership. The semi-autonomous Chinese city is not a democracy, the cause of years of popular protests. China has since responded with a crackdown, imposing a harsh security law on the restless city, arresting scores of critics and smothering dissent. In contrast, those storming the US Capitol were trying to overturn the results of what has been declared a free and fair presidential election. US President-elect Joe Biden said the US rioters were undermining democracy by trying to overturn Trump's defeat in November's election.

Chinese netizens compare US Capitol anarchy to Hong Kong protesters

A rare white Bengal tiger, named "Nieve"&nbsp;born at the&nbsp;Nicaragua&nbsp;zoo is being&nbsp;raised by humans after its mother rejected it.

Nieve is the first white tiger born in Central American country&nbsp;Nicaragua&nbsp;to a pair of yellow-and-black-coloured Bengals.

According to the zoo's&nbsp;director&nbsp;Eduardo Sacasa,&nbsp;Nieve came into the world a week ago, weighing just under a kilogramme at birth.

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In picture:&nbsp;Marina Arguello takes care of a newborn female white tiger named Snow at the National Zoo in Masaya, Nicaragua/AFP

Conservation group WWF describes white tigers as "a genetic anomaly", with none known to exist in the wild. There are several dozen in captivity.

White tigers are Bengal tigers whose parents carry a recessive gene, according to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota which helps and studies felines. They are not albinos or a separate species.

Some parks and zoos inbreed white tigers, as white cubs draw more visitors, though this is often at the cost of malformations and other genetic problems, states the sanctuary website.

The cub's mother, rescued after she was abandoned by a circus, had inherited the rare gene from her grandfather, who was white.&nbsp;

Nieve was taken away from her mother, who rejected her and is being bottle-fed by Sacasa's wife, Marina Arguello, who helps manage the zoo of some 700 animals and a rescue centre.

Arguello whispers sweet nothings into the tiny cub's ear while it suckles, and pats it lightly on the back afterwards.

"She has not lost her appetite; every three hours she gets the bottle. If not, she screams... also if the milk gets too cold," said Arguello.

A rare white Bengal tiger, named "Nieve" born at the Nicaragua zoo is being raised by humans after its mother rejected it. Nieve is the first white tiger born in Central American country Nicaragua to a pair of yellow-and-black-coloured Bengals.

A rare white Bengal tiger, named "Nieve" born at the Nicaragua zoo is being raised by humans after its mother rejected it. Nieve is the first white tiger born in Central American country Nicaragua to a pair of yellow-and-black-coloured Bengals. According to the zoo's director Eduardo Sacasa, Nieve came into the world a week ago, weighing just under a kilogramme at birth. In picture: Marina Arguello takes care of a newborn female white tiger named Snow at the National Zoo in Masaya, Nicaragua/AFP Conservation group WWF describes white tigers as "a genetic anomaly", with none known to exist in the wild. There are several dozen in captivity. White tigers are Bengal tigers whose parents carry a recessive gene, according to The Wildcat Sanctuary in Minnesota which helps and studies felines. They are not albinos or a separate species. Some parks and zoos inbreed white tigers, as white cubs draw more visitors, though this is often at the cost of malformations and other genetic problems, states the sanctuary website. The cub's mother, rescued after she was abandoned by a circus, had inherited the rare gene from her grandfather, who was white. Nieve was taken away from her mother, who rejected her and is being bottle-fed by Sacasa's wife, Marina Arguello, who helps manage the zoo of some 700 animals and a rescue centre. Arguello whispers sweet nothings into the tiny cub's ear while it suckles, and pats it lightly on the back afterwards. "She has not lost her appetite; every three hours she gets the bottle. If not, she screams... also if the milk gets too cold," said Arguello.

Rare white Bengal tiger abandoned by mother is now being raised by humans

January 07 in history: Discovery of the Galilean Moons, beginning of Clinton's impeachment trial and more

In pics-Tear gas, explosives and gunfire: Trump supporters storm Capitol, clash with police

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation."

Via a statement on his official Twitter account,&nbsp;Obama&nbsp;said the incident was incited by Republican President Donald Trump, adding that Republican leaders now "have a choice" towards "extinguishing the flames" or "keep stoking the raging fires."

"But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election."

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Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. <a href="https://t.co/jLCKo2D1Ya">pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya</a>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1346983894298595330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election.

"Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement.

George W. Bush, via a statement released on the George W. Bush Presidential Centre Twitter page, described the scenes as "sickening and heartbreaking," comparing it to a "banana republic". Bill Clinton, also via Twitter, said the incident was "an assault on our Capitol, Constitution, and our country."

Bill Clinton denounced the riot as "unprecedented assault" on the US Capitol and the nation itself.

"Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country," the Democratic former president said in a statement.

"The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost."

And the oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was "troubled" by Wednesday's scenes, which he called a "national tragedy."&nbsp;

"We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries," he said in a statement.

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation.

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonour and shame for our nation." Via a statement on his official Twitter account, Obama said the incident was incited by Republican President Donald Trump, adding that Republican leaders now "have a choice" towards "extinguishing the flames" or "keep stoking the raging fires." "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election." Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021 × Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election. "Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement. George W. Bush, via a statement released on the George W. Bush Presidential Centre Twitter page, described the scenes as "sickening and heartbreaking," comparing it to a "banana republic". Bill Clinton, also via Twitter, said the incident was "an assault on our Capitol, Constitution, and our country." Bill Clinton denounced the riot as "unprecedented assault" on the US Capitol and the nation itself. "Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country," the Democratic former president said in a statement. "The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost." And the oldest member of the exclusive club, 96-year-old Democrat Jimmy Carter, said he was "troubled" by Wednesday's scenes, which he called a "national tragedy." "We join our fellow citizens in praying for a peaceful resolution so our nation can heal and complete the transfer of power as we have for more than two centuries," he said in a statement.

Former US President Barack Obama says attack on US Congress 'great shame' but not surprising

White House advisor and President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka is facing criticism for calling pro-Trump rioters that stormed the US Capitol as ''patriots'' on social networking platform Twitter.

Taking to Twitter, Ivanka addressed the angry Trump supporters in a tweet saying&nbsp;''American Patriots-any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence is unacceptable. Please be respectful.''

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Ivanka did not ask Trump supporters&nbsp;to abandon their demonstration at the US Capitol building. When questioned upon the use of the term ''patriots'' she justified her choice of words.

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No. Peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. <a href="https://t.co/GwngZTqzTH">https://t.co/GwngZTqzTH</a>
— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump/status/1346916905093894144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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We were always told that <a href="https://twitter.com/IvankaTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IvankaTrump</a> was going to be the “voice of reason” for her father. Instead, she’s just as complicit. 
 
You can delete the tweet, but you calling rioters “American Patriots” will live on! <a href="https://t.co/0G8SGvH4fE">pic.twitter.com/0G8SGvH4fE</a>
— AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/AprilDRyan/status/1346922912117383170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hundreds of President Donald&nbsp;Trump's supporters stormed the US&nbsp;Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat, occupying the symbol of American democracy and forcing Congress to suspend a session to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

Police evacuated lawmakers and struggled for more than three hours after the invasion to clear the Capitol of&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;supporters, who surged through the hallways and rummaged through offices in shocking scenes of chaos and disorder.

One woman died after being shot during the mayhem, Washington police said. The FBI said it had disarmed two suspected explosive devices.

The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the November&nbsp;3 election, with&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after&nbsp;Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process.

He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."

White House advisor and President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka is facing criticism for calling pro-Trump rioters that stormed the US Capitol as ''patriots'' on social networking platform Twitter.

White House advisor and President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka is facing criticism for calling pro-Trump rioters that stormed the US Capitol as ''patriots'' on social networking platform Twitter. Taking to Twitter, Ivanka addressed the angry Trump supporters in a tweet saying ''American Patriots-any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable. The violence is unacceptable. Please be respectful.'' Ivanka did not ask Trump supporters to abandon their demonstration at the US Capitol building. When questioned upon the use of the term ''patriots'' she justified her choice of words. No. Peaceful protest is patriotic. Violence is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. https://t.co/GwngZTqzTH — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 6, 2021 × We were always told that @IvankaTrump was going to be the “voice of reason” for her father. Instead, she’s just as complicit. You can delete the tweet, but you calling rioters “American Patriots” will live on! pic.twitter.com/0G8SGvH4fE — AprilDRyan (@AprilDRyan) January 6, 2021 × Hundreds of President Donald Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat, occupying the symbol of American democracy and forcing Congress to suspend a session to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Police evacuated lawmakers and struggled for more than three hours after the invasion to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters, who surged through the hallways and rummaged through offices in shocking scenes of chaos and disorder. One woman died after being shot during the mayhem, Washington police said. The FBI said it had disarmed two suspected explosive devices. The assault on the Capitol was the culmination of months of divisive and escalating rhetoric around the November 3 election, with Trump repeatedly making false claims that the vote was rigged and urging his supporters to help him overturn his loss. The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of supporters near the White House and told them to march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process. He told his supporters to pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."

Ivanka Trump faces criticism for calling pro-Trump mob 'patriots'

The United States&nbsp;Senate on Wednesday rejected the&nbsp;first objection for&nbsp;certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory&nbsp;after hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US&nbsp;Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat.

The lawmakers voted 93 to 6 against the effort to reject Arizona's electoral count, overcoming the first of what may be multiple hurdles to the November presidential election's certification.

The House of Representatives will also vote on Arizona, and the effort is expected to fail there too, before Congress continues its process to certify the electoral votes of all 50 states.&nbsp;

Bringing the Senate into session Vice President Mike Pence said, "As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy."

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins, freedom wins," Pence added. "And this is still the people's house."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-supporters-storm-us-capitol-building-during-joe-biden-certification-354950" hreflang="en">Donald Trump supporters storm US Capitol building during Biden certification</a>

Police evacuated lawmakers and struggled for more than three hours to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters, who surged through the halls and rummaged through offices in shocking scenes of chaos and mayhem.

One woman died after being shot during the mayhem, Washington police said. The FBI said it had disarmed two suspected explosive devices.

Police declared the Capitol building secure shortly after 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT), and lawmakers reconvened shortly after 8 p.m. (0100 GMT on Thursday) to resume the election certification.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/capitol-hill-violence-president-trump-step-up-and-end-this-says-biden-354948">Capitol Hill violence: President Trump 'step up' and end this, says Biden</a>

"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today - you did not win," Vice President Mike Pence said as the session resumed. "Let's get back to work," he said, drawing applause.

"We will certify the winner of the 2020 election," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell added, calling the assault by Trump supporters a "failed insurrection."

Lawmakers were debating a last-ditch effort by pro-Trump lawmakers to challenge the results, which was unlikely to succeed. But some who had planned to object said they would cut their effort short and perhaps only challenge the results in one state instead of multiple states.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT). National Guard troops, FBI agents and U.S. Secret Service were deployed to help overwhelmed Capitol police, and Guard troops and police pushed protesters away from the Capitol after the curfew took effect.

Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation."

"But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election."

Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election.

"Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement.

Trump supporters broke windows and police deployed tear gas inside the building. Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said members of the crowd used chemical irritants to attack police and several had been injured.

It was the most damaging attack on the iconic building since the British army burned it in 1814, according to the US&nbsp;Capitol Historical Society.

The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of supporters near the White House, repeating unfounded claims that the election was stolen from him due to widespread fraud and irregularities.

Trump told the supporters they should march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process and pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight."

Biden, a Democrat who defeated the Republican president in the November&nbsp;3 election and is due to take office on January&nbsp;20, said the activity of the protesters "borders on sedition."

The chaos at the Capitol came a day after Biden enjoyed a new triumph, with his Democratic Party projected to win two Senate runoff seats, handing them full control of Congress.&nbsp;

Historians said it was the first time that the Capitol had been taken over since 1814 when the British burned it during the War of 1812.

For more than two centuries, the joint session of Congress has been a quiet, ceremonial event that formally certifies the election winner -- but Trump urged members of his Republican Party to reject the outcome.

The United States Senate on Wednesday rejected the first objection for certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory after hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat.

The United States Senate on Wednesday rejected the first objection for certifying Joe Biden's presidential election victory after hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a bid to overturn his election defeat. The lawmakers voted 93 to 6 against the effort to reject Arizona's electoral count, overcoming the first of what may be multiple hurdles to the November presidential election's certification. The House of Representatives will also vote on Arizona, and the effort is expected to fail there too, before Congress continues its process to certify the electoral votes of all 50 states. Bringing the Senate into session Vice President Mike Pence said, "As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy." "To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins, freedom wins," Pence added. "And this is still the people's house." Also read: Donald Trump supporters storm US Capitol building during Biden certification Police evacuated lawmakers and struggled for more than three hours to clear the Capitol of Trump supporters, who surged through the halls and rummaged through offices in shocking scenes of chaos and mayhem. One woman died after being shot during the mayhem, Washington police said. The FBI said it had disarmed two suspected explosive devices. Police declared the Capitol building secure shortly after 5:30 p.m. (2230 GMT), and lawmakers reconvened shortly after 8 p.m. (0100 GMT on Thursday) to resume the election certification. Also read: Capitol Hill violence: President Trump 'step up' and end this, says Biden "To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today - you did not win," Vice President Mike Pence said as the session resumed. "Let's get back to work," he said, drawing applause. "We will certify the winner of the 2020 election," Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell added, calling the assault by Trump supporters a "failed insurrection." Lawmakers were debating a last-ditch effort by pro-Trump lawmakers to challenge the results, which was unlikely to succeed. But some who had planned to object said they would cut their effort short and perhaps only challenge the results in one state instead of multiple states. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (2300 GMT). National Guard troops, FBI agents and U.S. Secret Service were deployed to help overwhelmed Capitol police, and Guard troops and police pushed protesters away from the Capitol after the curfew took effect. Former President Barack Obama blamed Donald Trump and Republicans for the attack on the US Congress Wednesday, calling it "a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation." "But we'd be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise," Obama said, adding that it was "incited" by Trump, "who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election." Obama also singled out the Republican party and its media supporters, whom he said have "too often been unwilling to tell their followers the truth" about Democrat Joe Biden's strong victory in the November 3 election. "Now we're seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo," he said in a statement. Trump supporters broke windows and police deployed tear gas inside the building. Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said members of the crowd used chemical irritants to attack police and several had been injured. It was the most damaging attack on the iconic building since the British army burned it in 1814, according to the US Capitol Historical Society. The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, who before the election refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he lost, addressed thousands of supporters near the White House, repeating unfounded claims that the election was stolen from him due to widespread fraud and irregularities. Trump told the supporters they should march on the Capitol to express their anger at the voting process and pressure their elected officials to reject the results, urging them "to fight." Biden, a Democrat who defeated the Republican president in the November 3 election and is due to take office on January 20, said the activity of the protesters "borders on sedition." The chaos at the Capitol came a day after Biden enjoyed a new triumph, with his Democratic Party projected to win two Senate runoff seats, handing them full control of Congress. Historians said it was the first time that the Capitol had been taken over since 1814 when the British burned it during the War of 1812. For more than two centuries, the joint session of Congress has been a quiet, ceremonial event that formally certifies the election winner -- but Trump urged members of his Republican Party to reject the outcome.

US Senate rejects first objection to Biden certification after pro-Trump mob invades Capitol

North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim Jong-un on Wednesday vowed&nbsp;he would boost his country's defence capabilities at a rare congress session&nbsp;as the country faces international sanctions and pressure.

In his work report to the Workers' Party congress Kim pledged to place "the state defence capabilities on a much higher level, and put forth goals for realising it", the official Korean Central News Agency reported.

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The Eighth Party Congress, which began on Tuesday, comes as&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;faces increasing economic crises caused by a self-imposed border lockdown to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, a series of natural disasters, and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme.

It comes&nbsp;just weeks before Joe Biden's inauguration as US president&nbsp;after unprecedented personal meetings between Kim and outgoing President Donald Trump failed to lead to a breakthrough in denuclearisation talks or a loosening of sanctions.

In sessions on Wednesday, Kim discussed policies to make a "tangible turn in improving the people's living standard," a day after he admitted that previous economic goals had fallen short, state media reported.

To secure a "peaceful environment" for the people and country, Kim called for "placing state defence capabilities on a much higher level, and put forth goals for realizing it."

The party congress being held in Pyongyang is the first since 2016, which was, in turn, the first since 1980.

Since announcing a self-declared moratorium on nuclear testing and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches from 2018, Kim has called for continued production of nuclear weapons for his arsenal, launched a series of smaller missiles, and unveiled what would be&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea's largest ICBM yet at a parade in October.

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has not officially confirmed any coronavirus infections, although it has reported thousands of "suspected cases" to the World Health Organization and imposed strident measures to prevent an outbreak.

Outgoing US President Donald Trump had an extraordinary diplomatic bromance with Kim, but talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled since the two men's second summit in Hanoi broke down in February 2019 over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday vowed he would boost his country's defence capabilities at a rare congress session as the country faces international sanctions and pressure.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Wednesday vowed he would boost his country's defence capabilities at a rare congress session as the country faces international sanctions and pressure. In his work report to the Workers' Party congress Kim pledged to place "the state defence capabilities on a much higher level, and put forth goals for realising it", the official Korean Central News Agency reported. The Eighth Party Congress, which began on Tuesday, comes as North Korea faces increasing economic crises caused by a self-imposed border lockdown to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, a series of natural disasters, and international sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme. It comes just weeks before Joe Biden's inauguration as US president after unprecedented personal meetings between Kim and outgoing President Donald Trump failed to lead to a breakthrough in denuclearisation talks or a loosening of sanctions. In sessions on Wednesday, Kim discussed policies to make a "tangible turn in improving the people's living standard," a day after he admitted that previous economic goals had fallen short, state media reported. To secure a "peaceful environment" for the people and country, Kim called for "placing state defence capabilities on a much higher level, and put forth goals for realizing it." The party congress being held in Pyongyang is the first since 2016, which was, in turn, the first since 1980. Since announcing a self-declared moratorium on nuclear testing and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches from 2018, Kim has called for continued production of nuclear weapons for his arsenal, launched a series of smaller missiles, and unveiled what would be North Korea's largest ICBM yet at a parade in October. North Korea has not officially confirmed any coronavirus infections, although it has reported thousands of "suspected cases" to the World Health Organization and imposed strident measures to prevent an outbreak. Outgoing US President Donald Trump had an extraordinary diplomatic bromance with Kim, but talks between Washington and Pyongyang have been stalled since the two men's second summit in Hanoi broke down in February 2019 over sanctions relief and what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in return.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledges to strengthen defence capabilities at rare party congress

Pakistan's Hazara community, on Thursday, continued to mount pressure on the government through mega sit-in protest in Karachi, demanding action against the killing of 11 coal miners in Machh in Balochistan province.

The protests spilled out into the neighbourhoods of the port city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir 15 and Teen Talwar, disrupting rail, road traffic and even forcing some airlines to reschedule their flights, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-hazara-say-no-end-to-quetta-sit-in-without-justice-for-slain-miners-354812" hreflang="en">Pakistan's Hazara say no end to Quetta sit-in without justice for slain miners</a>

"The protests have been joined by people from all walks of life and beyond their sectarian or political association. They all are united in these testing times for the Hazara community. We demand the government and Prime Minister Imran Khan play their due role before it`s too late," Dawn quoted a spokesperson for the Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) as saying.

"They are peaceful and only seeking their constitutional right," the spokesperson said, adding that the protestors including women and children were there only to express solidarity with the families of the victims.

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Have been trying to reach Quetta with CM Sindh &amp; Former PM Gillani. We’ve had to off load as the planes engine would not start. Trying to make other arrangements. PM must accept demands of the victims of terrorism protesting along with their dead for 5 days now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HazaraKoJeenayDo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HazaraKoJeenayDo</a>
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1347078163441053697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, unidentified gunmen stormed a coal mine near the Machh town near Quetta, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan's Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them.

The dreaded ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack as Hazaras have long faced persecution for their faith. Following the deadly attack, protests erupted in the region with the kin of the victims refusing to bury their dead until the government meets their demands.

"Until then, law and order cannot be established. This is not the first attack on the Hazara tribe. Leaders of the banned parties openly issue fatwas for killings. Why action is not taken against them according to the Constitution and law of the country?," said Allama Sadiq Jafari, the MWM`s Secretary-General in Karachi.

The protests, though largely peaceful, are not dying down in a country already embroiled in a deep political crisis with united opposition demanding the Imran Khan government`s ouster. Men and women, young and old, came out, spread rugs and staged sit-in protests at several places across the city, including Abbas Town (Abul Hasan Ispahani Road), Kamran Chowrangi at Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Powerhouse Chowrangi in North Karachi, Numaish (MA Jinnah Road), Shahrah-e-Faisal and Malir 15.

The protesters are demanding the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate the continuing attacks against Hazaras

Pakistan's Hazara community, on Thursday, continued to mount pressure on the government through mega sit-in protest in Karachi, demanding action against the killing of 11 coal miners in Machh in Balochistan province.

Pakistan's Hazara community, on Thursday, continued to mount pressure on the government through mega sit-in protest in Karachi, demanding action against the killing of 11 coal miners in Machh in Balochistan province. The protests spilled out into the neighbourhoods of the port city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir 15 and Teen Talwar, disrupting rail, road traffic and even forcing some airlines to reschedule their flights, Dawn reported. Also read: Pakistan's Hazara say no end to Quetta sit-in without justice for slain miners "The protests have been joined by people from all walks of life and beyond their sectarian or political association. They all are united in these testing times for the Hazara community. We demand the government and Prime Minister Imran Khan play their due role before it`s too late," Dawn quoted a spokesperson for the Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) as saying. "They are peaceful and only seeking their constitutional right," the spokesperson said, adding that the protestors including women and children were there only to express solidarity with the families of the victims. Have been trying to reach Quetta with CM Sindh & Former PM Gillani. We’ve had to off load as the planes engine would not start. Trying to make other arrangements. PM must accept demands of the victims of terrorism protesting along with their dead for 5 days now. #HazaraKoJeenayDo — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) January 7, 2021 × On Sunday, unidentified gunmen stormed a coal mine near the Machh town near Quetta, pulling out ethnic Hazaras, members of Pakistan's Shia minority community, from their homes and opening fire on them. The dreaded ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack as Hazaras have long faced persecution for their faith. Following the deadly attack, protests erupted in the region with the kin of the victims refusing to bury their dead until the government meets their demands. "Until then, law and order cannot be established. This is not the first attack on the Hazara tribe. Leaders of the banned parties openly issue fatwas for killings. Why action is not taken against them according to the Constitution and law of the country?," said Allama Sadiq Jafari, the MWM`s Secretary-General in Karachi. The protests, though largely peaceful, are not dying down in a country already embroiled in a deep political crisis with united opposition demanding the Imran Khan government`s ouster. Men and women, young and old, came out, spread rugs and staged sit-in protests at several places across the city, including Abbas Town (Abul Hasan Ispahani Road), Kamran Chowrangi at Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Powerhouse Chowrangi in North Karachi, Numaish (MA Jinnah Road), Shahrah-e-Faisal and Malir 15. The protesters are demanding the formation of an independent judicial commission to investigate the continuing attacks against Hazaras

Karachi: Hazaras intensify protest against Machh killing

Authorities in the capital of&nbsp;China's Hebei province strengthened travel restriction on Thursday to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country reported the biggest rise in daily COVID-19 cases in more than five months.

Hebei, which entered a "wartime mode" on Tuesday, accounted for 51 of the 52 local cases reported by the National Health Commission on Thursday. This compared with 20 cases reported in the province, which surrounds Beijing, a day earlier.

Authorities in Shijiazhuang, Hebei's capital, have launched mass testing drives and banned gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Chinese state television reported that the city has now banned passengers from entering its main railway station. The city previously required travellers to present a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before boarding a train or an aeroplane in the province.

Total new COVID-19 cases for all of mainland&nbsp;China&nbsp;stood at 63, compared with 32 reported a day earlier, marking the biggest rise in daily cases since 127 cases were reported on July 30.

The number of asymptomatic patients, who have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease but have yet to develop any symptoms, also rose to 79 from 64 a day earlier.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland&nbsp;China&nbsp;since the outbreak first started in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 now stands at 87,278 cases, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634.

In the city of Dalian in Liaoning province, which has reported local infections in recent days, residents in medium or high-risk areas have been barred from leaving the city. Residents in other areas were told to refrain from unnecessary trips out of Dalian.

Authorities in Guangdong province late on Wednesday reported a patient infected with a more transmissible variant of the coronavirus discovered in South Africa.

Some scientists worry that COVID-19 vaccines currently being rolled out may not be able to protect against this variant because of certain mutations that have been observed

Authorities in the capital of China's Hebei province strengthened travel restriction on Thursday to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country reported the biggest rise in daily COVID-19 cases in more than five months.

Authorities in the capital of China's Hebei province strengthened travel restriction on Thursday to curb the spread of the coronavirus as the country reported the biggest rise in daily COVID-19 cases in more than five months. Hebei, which entered a "wartime mode" on Tuesday, accounted for 51 of the 52 local cases reported by the National Health Commission on Thursday. This compared with 20 cases reported in the province, which surrounds Beijing, a day earlier. Authorities in Shijiazhuang, Hebei's capital, have launched mass testing drives and banned gatherings to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Chinese state television reported that the city has now banned passengers from entering its main railway station. The city previously required travellers to present a negative nucleic acid COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before boarding a train or an aeroplane in the province. Total new COVID-19 cases for all of mainland China stood at 63, compared with 32 reported a day earlier, marking the biggest rise in daily cases since 127 cases were reported on July 30. The number of asymptomatic patients, who have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the disease but have yet to develop any symptoms, also rose to 79 from 64 a day earlier. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in mainland China since the outbreak first started in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 now stands at 87,278 cases, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. In the city of Dalian in Liaoning province, which has reported local infections in recent days, residents in medium or high-risk areas have been barred from leaving the city. Residents in other areas were told to refrain from unnecessary trips out of Dalian. Authorities in Guangdong province late on Wednesday reported a patient infected with a more transmissible variant of the coronavirus discovered in South Africa. Some scientists worry that COVID-19 vaccines currently being rolled out may not be able to protect against this variant because of certain mutations that have been observed

China reports most COVID cases in five months as Hebei infections rise

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