The Shehbaz Sharif-led government of Pakistan has initiated many efforts to combat terror and even engaged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in peace talks that failed miserably. The administration claimed that terrorists majorly target civilians, governmental institutions, and security personnel. According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, 434 terrorist attacks had taken place in the previous six months. This is happening in&nbsp;the backdrop of the peace negotiations, ANI reported.

As per the reports presented in the Upper House, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed the largest number of attacks (247), followed by Balochistan (171), Sindh (12), and Punjab Province with 11 attacks. According to The Nation, the effects of these terrorist attacks have been particularly felt in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and have led to a deadlock in the peace negotiations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-shehbaz-son-summoned-by-court-in-money-laundering-case-502229">Pak PM Shehbaz, son summoned by court in money laundering case</a>

The continuous attempt by the TTP to join Pakistan’s political establishment may encounter obstacles because, as per some experts, the proscribed organisations will hurt the civilians and reduce their access to the democratic system.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imposition-of-governors-rule-in-punjab-on-entry-restriction-says-pakistans-interior-minister-501244">Pakistan’s interior minister warns of governor’s rule in Punjab if his entry is restricted</a>

Currently, Islamabad has consented to hold new negotiations with the organisation under the direction of the Taliban’s temporary government. A high-level military meeting in Pakistan resolved to conduct peace negotiations with the TTP in accordance with having a comprehensive security plan.

As per the Pakistani media, a shooting incident recently resulted in the deaths of at least six terrorists in the Kech district. However, due to mistrust on both sides, the Ulema delegation was unable to persuade the TTP to stop its attack and attend the peace talks.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Shehbaz Sharif-led government of Pakistan has initiated many efforts to combat terror and even engaged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in peace talks that failed miserably.

The Shehbaz Sharif-led government of Pakistan has initiated many efforts to combat terror and even engaged the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in peace talks that failed miserably. The administration claimed that terrorists majorly target civilians, governmental institutions, and security personnel. According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry, 434 terrorist attacks had taken place in the previous six months. This is happening in the backdrop of the peace negotiations, ANI reported. As per the reports presented in the Upper House, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed the largest number of attacks (247), followed by Balochistan (171), Sindh (12), and Punjab Province with 11 attacks. According to The Nation, the effects of these terrorist attacks have been particularly felt in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and have led to a deadlock in the peace negotiations. Also read | Pak PM Shehbaz, son summoned by court in money laundering case The continuous attempt by the TTP to join Pakistan’s political establishment may encounter obstacles because, as per some experts, the proscribed organisations will hurt the civilians and reduce their access to the democratic system. Also read | Pakistan’s interior minister warns of governor’s rule in Punjab if his entry is restricted Currently, Islamabad has consented to hold new negotiations with the organisation under the direction of the Taliban’s temporary government. A high-level military meeting in Pakistan resolved to conduct peace negotiations with the TTP in accordance with having a comprehensive security plan. As per the Pakistani media, a shooting incident recently resulted in the deaths of at least six terrorists in the Kech district. However, due to mistrust on both sides, the Ulema delegation was unable to persuade the TTP to stop its attack and attend the peace talks. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan records surge in extremism with 434 terrorist attacks in the past six months

A Chinese ice cream maker has come under scrutiny after people notice that some of the ice cream products do not melt even when they are heated with a blow torch.

Chinese ice-cream that does not melt sparks food safety concerns

India will introduce a safety rating system for cars. The government said that it will assign a rating of one to five stars for cars, based on tests assessing adult and child occupant protection as well as safety assist technologies.

India plans safety rating system for cars

In pics: Ash covers towns after Philippines volcano eruption

According to a new research published by Everytown for Gun Safety, on an average at least one gun is stolen from a car every 15 minutes in America.

America's worsening gun culture, alarming trend across United States

The UK police is trying new technology in an attempt to keep women safe. They are using SmartWater, which is a forensic liquid that only shows up under ultraviolet light.&nbsp;

According to a report by BBC, this forensic liquid stays on the skin for up to six weeks and then links the perpetrator to the specific batch of water that was sprayed. It stays for much longer on clothing.&nbsp;

This was useful in arresting the first person in the UK for domestic abuse.

Over 200 women across the UK have been given forensic deterrent packages in their homes. These packages include a hand-held canister for spraying and a gel for door handles and gates. It also consists of an automatic trap that sprays the liquid if someone approaches the house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/attractive-people-have-stronger-immune-systems-reveals-study-454484">Also read |&nbsp;Attractive people have stronger immune systems, reveals study</a>

These packages are now being used by West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Staffordshire Police.

Detective Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police Lee Berry came up with this idea. While speaking to BBC, she said, "Domestic abuse is quite often difficult to prosecute and a lot of these crimes occur behind closed doors. It can be one word against another. If we forensically mark, then we can track someone back to a location. We'll know who the perpetrator is, and we'll know who the victim is, as well."

Most victims, who have been using this technology, have told the police that they feel safer.&nbsp;Also, 94 per cent of people said that they would recommend it to others.

Earlier, SmartWater was used to protect property and deter thieves by being applied to high-value items.&nbsp;

As per Rachael Oakley, the director of SmartWater's intelligence unit, there is no doubt when it comes to using forensic markings.&nbsp;

The man from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was arrested using this new tool. He was harassing his ex-partner and breaching his non-molestation order.&nbsp;

It happened when he tried to get into the house and she sprayed the coded liquid from a canister from the protection of her window. This forensically placed him at the scene of the crime and he was caught.&nbsp;

He was jailed for 24 weeks. Also, he has been given a two-year restraining order.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK police is trying new technology in an attempt to keep women safe. They are using SmartWater, which is a forensic liquid that only shows up under ultraviolet light.

The UK police is trying new technology in an attempt to keep women safe. They are using SmartWater, which is a forensic liquid that only shows up under ultraviolet light. According to a report by BBC, this forensic liquid stays on the skin for up to six weeks and then links the perpetrator to the specific batch of water that was sprayed. It stays for much longer on clothing. This was useful in arresting the first person in the UK for domestic abuse. Over 200 women across the UK have been given forensic deterrent packages in their homes. These packages include a hand-held canister for spraying and a gel for door handles and gates. It also consists of an automatic trap that sprays the liquid if someone approaches the house. Also read | Attractive people have stronger immune systems, reveals study These packages are now being used by West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire and Staffordshire Police. Detective Superintendent of West Yorkshire Police Lee Berry came up with this idea. While speaking to BBC, she said, "Domestic abuse is quite often difficult to prosecute and a lot of these crimes occur behind closed doors. It can be one word against another. If we forensically mark, then we can track someone back to a location. We'll know who the perpetrator is, and we'll know who the victim is, as well." Most victims, who have been using this technology, have told the police that they feel safer. Also, 94 per cent of people said that they would recommend it to others. Earlier, SmartWater was used to protect property and deter thieves by being applied to high-value items. As per Rachael Oakley, the director of SmartWater's intelligence unit, there is no doubt when it comes to using forensic markings. The man from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was arrested using this new tool. He was harassing his ex-partner and breaching his non-molestation order. It happened when he tried to get into the house and she sprayed the coded liquid from a canister from the protection of her window. This forensically placed him at the scene of the crime and he was caught. He was jailed for 24 weeks. Also, he has been given a two-year restraining order. (With inputs from agencies)

Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety

Germany said that the Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation' with private abuse happening in Telegram's public rooms.

Germany: Telegram app is becoming a 'medium for Radicalisation'

People across the world are waiting for 5G networks to go mainstream. After all, the technology promises faster speeds and better connectivity. But the US, which has been at the forefront of the 5G revolution, has raised some serious concerns about the next-generation mobile network. It's said that 5G could pose a threat to airline safety. How true is this claim? And why is it not a problem in other countries? We look at that in this video.

Is 5G a threat to airline safety?

Iraqi women are taking their safety into their own hands. Going against all societal expectations, more and more women are taking on martial arts to be better prepared in face of adversity.

Iraqi women sign up for Kickboxing to take their safety into their own hands

Hong Kong authorities captured and euthanised seven wild&nbsp;boars late on Wednesday as they began a campaign to reduce their numbers in urban areas around the financial centre after one bit a policeman last week.

The&nbsp;boar&nbsp;roundup in a district where authorities said some residents were spotted feeding them marks a policy shift in controlling the most commonly seen wild animals in the city.

"Veterinarians used dart guns to capture seven wild pigs for humane dispatch through medicine injection," the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in a statement.

It said&nbsp;boars in the residential area less than 30 minutes' drive from the heart of the financial district were "accustomed to wandering along the road and looking for food from passers-by or even chasing vehicles."

Last week, a wild&nbsp;boar&nbsp;knocked down a police officer and bit his leg, causing a deep wound and prompting Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to warn the government would increase penalties for those who feed them.

That animal subsequently fell off the edge of a carpark, plunging about 10m (33 feet) to its death. About 30&nbsp;boar&nbsp;attacks have been reported in recent years, authorities said.

Hong Kong's policy had been to capture the animals, then sterilise and relocate them to remote, unpopulated areas. The city is home to about 3,000 wild&nbsp;boars, according to government data, and they are not a protected species.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/news-anchor-reacts-to-viral-you-confusion-video-was-the-joke-on-the-viewers-430279">Also read |&nbsp;News anchor reacts to viral 'You' confusion video; was the joke on the viewers?</a>

Boars have at times been seen on subway trains, or waiting for the traffic light to turn green at pedestrian crossings by the harbour. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year, when most Hong Kong people were working from home, a video of a&nbsp;boar&nbsp;family bathing in a fountain in between the financial district's skyscrapers went viral.

The shift in policy has sparked criticism from animal rights groups.

Roni Wong, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Wild&nbsp;Boar&nbsp;Concern Group, told reporters the&nbsp;boar&nbsp;problem was caused by the government, which had failed to allocate resources to deal with the animals peacefully.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-facebook-founder-zuckerberg-tries-to-feel-objects-in-virtual-reality-with-haptic-glove-vr-headset-430192">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset &nbsp;</a>

"Now the animals have to pay for the cost," Wong said.

Lam said this week she understood many in Hong Kong loved wild animals, but "ultimately, our society has to ensure the safety of residents."

"As a responsible government, we need to take action," she told reporters at her weekly news conference on Tuesday.

Hong Kong authorities captured and euthanised seven wild boars late on Wednesday as they began a campaign to reduce their numbers in urban areas around the financial centre after one bit a policeman last week.

Hong Kong authorities captured and euthanised seven wild boars late on Wednesday as they began a campaign to reduce their numbers in urban areas around the financial centre after one bit a policeman last week. The boar roundup in a district where authorities said some residents were spotted feeding them marks a policy shift in controlling the most commonly seen wild animals in the city. "Veterinarians used dart guns to capture seven wild pigs for humane dispatch through medicine injection," the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said in a statement. It said boars in the residential area less than 30 minutes' drive from the heart of the financial district were "accustomed to wandering along the road and looking for food from passers-by or even chasing vehicles." Last week, a wild boar knocked down a police officer and bit his leg, causing a deep wound and prompting Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to warn the government would increase penalties for those who feed them. That animal subsequently fell off the edge of a carpark, plunging about 10m (33 feet) to its death. About 30 boar attacks have been reported in recent years, authorities said. Hong Kong's policy had been to capture the animals, then sterilise and relocate them to remote, unpopulated areas. The city is home to about 3,000 wild boars, according to government data, and they are not a protected species. Also read | News anchor reacts to viral 'You' confusion video; was the joke on the viewers? Boars have at times been seen on subway trains, or waiting for the traffic light to turn green at pedestrian crossings by the harbour. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year, when most Hong Kong people were working from home, a video of a boar family bathing in a fountain in between the financial district's skyscrapers went viral. The shift in policy has sparked criticism from animal rights groups. Roni Wong, a spokesman for the Hong Kong Wild Boar Concern Group, told reporters the boar problem was caused by the government, which had failed to allocate resources to deal with the animals peacefully. Also read | Watch: Facebook founder Zuckerberg tries to feel objects in virtual reality with haptic glove, VR headset "Now the animals have to pay for the cost," Wong said. Lam said this week she understood many in Hong Kong loved wild animals, but "ultimately, our society has to ensure the safety of residents." "As a responsible government, we need to take action," she told reporters at her weekly news conference on Tuesday.

Hong Kong: Authorities begin hunting wild boars amid public safety fears

The head of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Steve Simon, in an interview with CNN, has said that he is in favour of pulling&nbsp;business even if that means losing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business in China if tennis player Peng Shuai's safety is not fully accounted for.&nbsp;

While speaking to CNN, he said, "We're definitely willing to pull our business and deal with all the complications that come with it. Because this is certainly, this is bigger than the business."&nbsp;

Shuai went missing after she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her.&nbsp;

In a social media post on November 2, the tennis player had claimed that China's former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had "forced" her into sex during a long-term on-off relationship. Her post on Weibo was deleted within 30 minutes.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-letter-from-chinese-tennis-player-peng-shuai-claiming-she-is-fine-and-resting-at-home-raises-concerns-430184">Also read |&nbsp;A letter from Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai claiming she is 'fine' and 'resting at home' raises concerns</a>

After Japanese star Naomi Osaka, American professional tennis player Serena Williams has raised concerns over the whereabouts of Shuai. This comes after a letter, purportedly from Shuai claimed that she is not missing or unsafe as she is just resting at home and everything is fine.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/whereispengshuai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#whereispengshuai</a> <a href="https://t.co/GZG3zLTSC6">pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6</a>
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1461408866697105413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Williams joined other sports stars by tweeting under the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai. In a tweet, she wrote, "I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time."

Not just Osaka and Williams, but Novak Djokovic and several other players have said that they were deeply worried.

The letter has raised more concerns as even the head of the WTA on Wednesday voiced doubt over the letter he received as an email.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-in-shock-naomi-osaka-concerned-over-missing-chinese-tennis-player-peng-shuais-whereabouts-430046">Also read |&nbsp;'I'm in shock': Naomi Osaka concerned over missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai's whereabouts</a>

A part of the letter read: "Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the WTA, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent"

"The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true. I’m not missing, nor I am unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you again for caring about me," it added.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The head of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Steve Simon, in an interview with CNN, has said that he is in favour of pulling business even if that means losing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business in China if tennis player Peng Shuai's safety is not fully accounted for.

The head of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Steve Simon, in an interview with CNN, has said that he is in favour of pulling business even if that means losing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business in China if tennis player Peng Shuai's safety is not fully accounted for. While speaking to CNN, he said, "We're definitely willing to pull our business and deal with all the complications that come with it. Because this is certainly, this is bigger than the business." Shuai went missing after she alleged that a powerful Chinese politician sexually assaulted her. In a social media post on November 2, the tennis player had claimed that China's former vice-premier Zhang Gaoli had "forced" her into sex during a long-term on-off relationship. Her post on Weibo was deleted within 30 minutes. Also read | A letter from Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai claiming she is 'fine' and 'resting at home' raises concerns After Japanese star Naomi Osaka, American professional tennis player Serena Williams has raised concerns over the whereabouts of Shuai. This comes after a letter, purportedly from Shuai claimed that she is not missing or unsafe as she is just resting at home and everything is fine. I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time. #whereispengshuai pic.twitter.com/GZG3zLTSC6 — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) November 18, 2021 × Williams joined other sports stars by tweeting under the hashtag #WhereIsPengShuai. In a tweet, she wrote, "I am devastated and shocked to hear about the news of my peer, Peng Shuai. I hope she is safe and found as soon as possible. This must be investigated and we must not stay silent. Sending love to her and her family during this incredibly difficult time." Not just Osaka and Williams, but Novak Djokovic and several other players have said that they were deeply worried. The letter has raised more concerns as even the head of the WTA on Wednesday voiced doubt over the letter he received as an email. Also read | 'I'm in shock': Naomi Osaka concerned over missing Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai's whereabouts A part of the letter read: "Regarding the recent news released on the official website of the WTA, the content has not been confirmed or verified by myself and it was released without my consent" "The news in that release, including the allegation of sexual assault, is not true. I’m not missing, nor I am unsafe. I’ve just been resting at home and everything is fine. Thank you again for caring about me," it added. ×

WTA chairman to pull out of China if Peng Shuai's safety not taken care of; Serena Williams expresses concern

President Joe Biden announced Thursday a revised framework to try to pass a $1.85 trillion social safety net bill and a $1 trillion infrastructure measure, just hours before he leaves for a six-day European trip to meet with world leaders.

“After months of tough and thoughtful negotiations, I think we have — I know we have — a historic economic framework,” the president said. “This framework includes historic investments in our nation, and in our people.”

Biden delivered his remarks from the White House after returning from Capitol Hill, where he pleaded with Democratic lawmakers to put aside their differences and vote for both measures as a way of advancing their common agenda.

He did not explicitly say that the Democrats on Capitol Hill had all agreed to back his new framework, and several key lawmakers in his party issued statements that pointedly did not say they were promising to vote for it.

Biden was pushing to convince liberal members that a final compromise was close enough to allow them to support a separate $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate, and House leaders were pressing Democrats to vote for the public works legislation later Thursday.

At the Capitol, Biden framed the success of his push as crucial, saying its fate would help determine that of his presidency and his party’s hold on Congress, and could restore the nation’s standing on the world stage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/methane-lowest-hanging-fruit-eu-warns-countries-on-climate-change-424798">Also read |&nbsp;'Methane lowest hanging fruit': EU warns countries on climate change</a>

But liberals were still not satisfied with a plan that was clearly still unfinished even as Biden hailed its components.

“What I would say is you have the outline of a very significant piece of legislation — I want us to make it better,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chair.

It remains unclear how quickly votes could take place, and there remains deep mistrust between progressives in the House and Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, two centrist holdouts who have forced deep cuts in the president’s proposals.

Biden expressed confidence Thursday that those differences had been ironed out after several months of intensive negotiations, as well as last-minute discussions that stretched into the night Wednesday.

“No one got everything they wanted, including me,” he said. “But that’s what compromise is. That’s consensus. And that’s what I ran on.”

In a statement, Sinema stopped substantially short of promising support, although she sounded an upbeat note on the talks.

“After months of productive, good-faith negotiations with President Biden and the White House, we have made significant progress on the proposed budget reconciliation package,” she said.

Manchin did not commit to supporting it either, saying only, “It’s in the hands of the House.”

But one person close to both senators said they had privately indicated that they support Biden’s framework, even as key details remained to be worked out.

The package is considerably more modest than the cradle-to-grave expansion of the safety net that the president initially envisioned. But the provisions for young children would offer a significant boost to middle-class families that have struggled for decades with economic uncertainty. They include universal preschool for more than 6 million 3- and 4-year-olds and subsidies for child care that would limit costs to no more than 7% of income for most families. Funding for both of those provisions would last for six years.

It includes about $555 billion for programs to move Americans to electric vehicles and entice utilities away from natural gas and coal, representing what would be the largest federal investment in combating climate change.

Democratic leaders were keen to hand the president a victory before he departed for Europe this week. The president planned to attend a climate summit on Sunday in Scotland, where he hoped to point to the deal as evidence of the United States’ commitment to tackling climate change.

“When the president gets off that plane, we want him to have a vote of confidence from this Congress,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats during the meeting, according to the person familiar with the session.

Democrats also hoped the agreement would be enough to persuade the House’s most liberal members that Congress was on the verge of passing a truly progressive package and that those liberals, in turn, would join more moderate and conservative Democrats to send the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill to Biden for his signature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-shuts-mosque-in-allonnes-set-to-close-seven-mosques-over-radicalism-424820">Also read |&nbsp;France shuts mosque in Allonnes; set to close seven mosques over 'radicalism'</a>

Liberal members of the House and Senate had plenty to lament. The center piece of Biden’s climate policy, a measure to reward utilities for switching to renewable energy and to punish those that will not was stripped out at Manchin’s insistence. One of the biggest social policies in the original package, a $500 billion federal paid family and medical leave benefit, is also gone.

An anticipated expansion of Medicare to cover vision, dental and hearing care was down to just hearing. A proposed tax on the wealth of billionaires was also out, in favor of a surtax on multimillionaires that would hit income but not their mountains of wealth.

The promise of two years of free community college would go unfulfilled, and the expanded child tax credit, passed in March to give most families a $300-per-child monthly income support, would be extended only into 2023, not made permanent.

Among the provisions that survived were federal programs for home health care and community care for older Americans and people with disabilities. The framework also contains $150 billion for rental assistance, homebuying help, public housing repairs and other affordable housing programs.

President Joe Biden announced Thursday a revised framework to try to pass a $1.85 trillion social safety net bill and a $1 trillion infrastructure measure, just hours before he leaves for a six-day European trip to meet with world leaders.

President Joe Biden announced Thursday a revised framework to try to pass a $1.85 trillion social safety net bill and a $1 trillion infrastructure measure, just hours before he leaves for a six-day European trip to meet with world leaders. “After months of tough and thoughtful negotiations, I think we have — I know we have — a historic economic framework,” the president said. “This framework includes historic investments in our nation, and in our people.” Biden delivered his remarks from the White House after returning from Capitol Hill, where he pleaded with Democratic lawmakers to put aside their differences and vote for both measures as a way of advancing their common agenda. He did not explicitly say that the Democrats on Capitol Hill had all agreed to back his new framework, and several key lawmakers in his party issued statements that pointedly did not say they were promising to vote for it. Biden was pushing to convince liberal members that a final compromise was close enough to allow them to support a separate $1 trillion infrastructure bill that has already passed the Senate, and House leaders were pressing Democrats to vote for the public works legislation later Thursday. At the Capitol, Biden framed the success of his push as crucial, saying its fate would help determine that of his presidency and his party’s hold on Congress, and could restore the nation’s standing on the world stage. Also read | 'Methane lowest hanging fruit': EU warns countries on climate change But liberals were still not satisfied with a plan that was clearly still unfinished even as Biden hailed its components. “What I would say is you have the outline of a very significant piece of legislation — I want us to make it better,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the Budget Committee chair. It remains unclear how quickly votes could take place, and there remains deep mistrust between progressives in the House and Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, two centrist holdouts who have forced deep cuts in the president’s proposals. Biden expressed confidence Thursday that those differences had been ironed out after several months of intensive negotiations, as well as last-minute discussions that stretched into the night Wednesday. “No one got everything they wanted, including me,” he said. “But that’s what compromise is. That’s consensus. And that’s what I ran on.” In a statement, Sinema stopped substantially short of promising support, although she sounded an upbeat note on the talks. “After months of productive, good-faith negotiations with President Biden and the White House, we have made significant progress on the proposed budget reconciliation package,” she said. Manchin did not commit to supporting it either, saying only, “It’s in the hands of the House.” But one person close to both senators said they had privately indicated that they support Biden’s framework, even as key details remained to be worked out. The package is considerably more modest than the cradle-to-grave expansion of the safety net that the president initially envisioned. But the provisions for young children would offer a significant boost to middle-class families that have struggled for decades with economic uncertainty. They include universal preschool for more than 6 million 3- and 4-year-olds and subsidies for child care that would limit costs to no more than 7% of income for most families. Funding for both of those provisions would last for six years. It includes about $555 billion for programs to move Americans to electric vehicles and entice utilities away from natural gas and coal, representing what would be the largest federal investment in combating climate change. Democratic leaders were keen to hand the president a victory before he departed for Europe this week. The president planned to attend a climate summit on Sunday in Scotland, where he hoped to point to the deal as evidence of the United States’ commitment to tackling climate change. “When the president gets off that plane, we want him to have a vote of confidence from this Congress,” Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democrats during the meeting, according to the person familiar with the session. Democrats also hoped the agreement would be enough to persuade the House’s most liberal members that Congress was on the verge of passing a truly progressive package and that those liberals, in turn, would join more moderate and conservative Democrats to send the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill to Biden for his signature. Also read | France shuts mosque in Allonnes; set to close seven mosques over 'radicalism' Liberal members of the House and Senate had plenty to lament. The center piece of Biden’s climate policy, a measure to reward utilities for switching to renewable energy and to punish those that will not was stripped out at Manchin’s insistence. One of the biggest social policies in the original package, a $500 billion federal paid family and medical leave benefit, is also gone. An anticipated expansion of Medicare to cover vision, dental and hearing care was down to just hearing. A proposed tax on the wealth of billionaires was also out, in favor of a surtax on multimillionaires that would hit income but not their mountains of wealth. The promise of two years of free community college would go unfulfilled, and the expanded child tax credit, passed in March to give most families a $300-per-child monthly income support, would be extended only into 2023, not made permanent. Among the provisions that survived were federal programs for home health care and community care for older Americans and people with disabilities. The framework also contains $150 billion for rental assistance, homebuying help, public housing repairs and other affordable housing programs.

Biden announces $1.85 trillion framework for climate and safety net plan

Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson &amp; Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections.&nbsp;

The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies.&nbsp;

The European Medicines Agency was due to hold a press conference from Amsterdam on Tuesday, after reviewing four cases, one fatal, of rare blood clots reported among people, who got the J&amp;J shot.&nbsp;

But the number of reported clots were 'extremely small' compared with the 4.5 million J&amp;J shots administered worldwide, the EMA has said.&nbsp;

That comparison echoes the comments by top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, who described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'.&nbsp;

Fauci said on Sunday, he believed the US would resume use of the jab, possibly with some restrictions or warnings.&nbsp;

The J&amp;J vaccine concerns follow similar reports of blood clots in a very small number of people, who received the AstraZeneca shot.&nbsp;

The EMA described those clots as a 'very rare' side effect, stressing that the AstraZeneca jab's benefits outweigh the risks.&nbsp;

The leaders of Europe are keen to accelerate vaccinations and expand availability after facing intense criticism over a sluggish rollout and with the public desperate for a return to some degree of normality.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections.

Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections. The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies. The European Medicines Agency was due to hold a press conference from Amsterdam on Tuesday, after reviewing four cases, one fatal, of rare blood clots reported among people, who got the J&J shot. But the number of reported clots were 'extremely small' compared with the 4.5 million J&J shots administered worldwide, the EMA has said. That comparison echoes the comments by top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, who described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'. Fauci said on Sunday, he believed the US would resume use of the jab, possibly with some restrictions or warnings. The J&J vaccine concerns follow similar reports of blood clots in a very small number of people, who received the AstraZeneca shot. The EMA described those clots as a 'very rare' side effect, stressing that the AstraZeneca jab's benefits outweigh the risks. The leaders of Europe are keen to accelerate vaccinations and expand availability after facing intense criticism over a sluggish rollout and with the public desperate for a return to some degree of normality. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to rule on Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s safety  

Researchers in Belgium have used 3D printing to develop plastic devices that can convert snorkel masks into medical face guards, to help stretched hospitals as they battle the coronavirus outbreak.

Belgians turn snorkelling masks into coronavirus face guards for medical staff

Uber releases its safety report disclosing that more than 3,000 sexual assaults were reported last year on US rides.

Is your Uber Ride Safe?

A top US regulatory official on Tuesday said an investigation into a 2018 fatal crash involving a self-driving<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-launches-new-safety-features-in-uk-as-it-fights-for-new-licence-261988"> Uber</a> car revealed "an ineffective safety culture" at the rideshare company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-nhtsa-reviewing-claims-2000-tesla-vehicles-should-have-been-recalled-253935">National Transportation Safety Board </a>chairman Robert Sumwalt made the remark while discussing a collision early last year in Arizona that killed a woman.

"The inappropriate actions of both the automated driving system, as implemented, and the vehicle's human operator, were symptoms of a deeper problem: an ineffective safety culture," Sumwalt said in his opening statement at the hearing.

The NTSB in March of last year sent a team to Tempe, Arizona, to investigate the fatal collision of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/judge-dismisses-uber-lawsuit-opposing-new-york-city-vehicle-license-caps-259652">Uber vehicle</a> and a pedestrian.

The Uber vehicle was part of the company's self-driving fleet of vehicles.

"Although the vehicle's sensors first noted the pedestrian 5.6 seconds before impact, the system waffled between classifying her as a vehicle, a bicycle, or 'other,'" Sumwalt said.

Uber had disabled a factory-installed collision warning system and automatic emergency braking system while the Volvo sport utility vehicle was being used to test Uber autonomous driving capabilities, according to the NTSB.

The pedestrian was dressed in dark clothing and was pushing a bicycle that had no side reflectors when she crossed an unlighted section of roadway at night.

Uber temporarily suspended its autonomous ridesharing program, eventually putting its self-driving cars back on the road in Pittsburgh in "manual mode," with a driver at the wheel at all times.

A top US regulatory official on Tuesday said an investigation into a 2018 fatal crash involving a self-driving Uber car revealed "an ineffective safety culture" at the rideshare company.

A top US regulatory official on Tuesday said an investigation into a 2018 fatal crash involving a self-driving Uber car revealed "an ineffective safety culture" at the rideshare company. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt made the remark while discussing a collision early last year in Arizona that killed a woman. "The inappropriate actions of both the automated driving system, as implemented, and the vehicle's human operator, were symptoms of a deeper problem: an ineffective safety culture," Sumwalt said in his opening statement at the hearing. The NTSB in March of last year sent a team to Tempe, Arizona, to investigate the fatal collision of an Uber vehicle and a pedestrian. The Uber vehicle was part of the company's self-driving fleet of vehicles. "Although the vehicle's sensors first noted the pedestrian 5.6 seconds before impact, the system waffled between classifying her as a vehicle, a bicycle, or 'other,'" Sumwalt said. Uber had disabled a factory-installed collision warning system and automatic emergency braking system while the Volvo sport utility vehicle was being used to test Uber autonomous driving capabilities, according to the NTSB. The pedestrian was dressed in dark clothing and was pushing a bicycle that had no side reflectors when she crossed an unlighted section of roadway at night. Uber temporarily suspended its autonomous ridesharing program, eventually putting its self-driving cars back on the road in Pittsburgh in "manual mode," with a driver at the wheel at all times.

Uber safety culture lacking in autonomous car incident

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime.

"The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement.

This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.

Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources.

Pakistan on Wednesday conveyed to UN nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) its decision to subscribe to the guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources. Although it is non-legally binding in nature, the Guidance supplements the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources is an important component of the global nuclear safety and security regime. "The Code of Conduct, along with its supplementary guidance documents, seeks to help countries ensure that radioactive sources are used in a manner consistent with the highest standards of safety and security throughout their life cycle," said Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a statement. This comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Indian government's decisions to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. Various Pakistani leaders including Prime Minister Imran Khan have threatened about a possible military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Pakistan subscribes to IAEA's guidance on the management of disused radioactive sources

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turkey-launch-joint-patrols-in-northeast-syria-248400">northeast Syria</a>.

The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday.

Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops.

Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-us-imposes-sanctions-on-irans-shipping-network-over-supplying-oil-to-syria-247630"> Kurdish YPG fighters </a>itself if necessary.

"Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara.

"We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process."

Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey.

The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey.

President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Tuesday that Washington is stalling the implementation of an agreement to create a "safe zone" in northeast Syria. The NATO allies carried out their first joint military land patrol in the region on Sunday. Turkey wants the operations to expand rapidly and push back Kurdish forces 20 miles (32 km) from the border, creating a zone which Ankara says should be controlled by Turkish troops. Cavusoglu said Turkey wanted to work with the United States, but was prepared to clear the area of Kurdish YPG fighters itself if necessary. "Yes, there are some joint patrols but other than that, the steps that have been taken or the steps that are said to be taken are cosmetic steps," he told reporters in Ankara. "We are seeing that the United States is entering a stalling process and that it is trying to get Turkey accustomed to this stalling process." Cavusoglu said Washington's approach so far had served the Syrian Kurdish YPG forces more than Turkey. The YPG, which has been the main US ally in the fight against Islamic State in Syria, is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, which says it is an extension of Kurdish militants in Turkey. President Tayyip Erdogan said last week Turkey also aims to send 1 million of the 3.6 million Syrian refugees it hosts to the planned safe zone in northern Syria.

US stalling on Syria 'safe zone': Turkey

FAA Picks Boeing over Passenger Safety

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/horrific-attack-israeli-student-murdered-in-australia-while-on-phone-with-sister-190997">an Israeli exchange student was murdered</a> in Melbourne.

The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder.

Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June.

Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey.

In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark".

"I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp.

In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week.

Several thousand people marched through major Australia cities on Sunday calling for safety for women after an Israeli exchange student was murdered in Melbourne. The marches, part of the Women's March rallies held around the world in support of women's rights, gathered some 3,000 people in Sydney, who in their chants demanded safe streets for women in Australian cities. Aiia Maasarwe, 21, was killed when walking home after a night out with friends in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, earlier this week. A 20-year-old man was charged with her murder. Maasarwe's death recharged outrage over violence against women after 22-year-old Eurydice Dixon was killed in Melbourne while walking home after performing at a comedy show in June. Thousands of people gathered at vigils for Maasarwe on Friday and continued to lay flowers at the site of her death. A special tram carrying only flowers late on Friday followed the route of Maasarwe's final journey. In Sydney on Sunday marchers held signs paying tribute to Maasarwe and other victims of violence. Television news showed women carrying signs: "For Aiia and for those who suffer silently" and "I wanna walk through the park in the dark". "I don't want my daughter to grow up in a world where she's unsafe or she can't pursue the opportunities she wants and I march for my son because I don't want him to grow up in a world where toxic masculinity is acceptable," said Samantha Nolan-Smith, one of several hundred protesters in the Australian capital Canberra, reported Australian Broadcasting Corp. In reaction to Maasarwe's death, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government would announce another "action plan" to stem violence against women ahead of an election expected by May, on top of A$350 million ($252 million) that has already been committed.

Australian rallies demand safe streets for women after Israeli student murder

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'.

Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers.

The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines.

"During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said.

According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).

The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted.

The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US.

An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards.

Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers.

Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft. 
&nbsp;

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year.

The US regulator FAA has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India, a senior official said Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July this year. The official said that the FAA on Tuesday formally confirmed that India's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains 'Category 1'. Category 1 means the carriers from the assessed state may initiate or continue service to the US in a normal manner and take part in reciprocal code-share arrangements with American carriers. The FAA carried out an audit to confirm India's adherence to the standards laid down by the ICAO and oversight of Indian airlines. "During consultations held with the FAA in early November, the DGCA presented the actions taken to address the findings of the July 2018 audit," the DGCA official said. According to him, the FAA has formally communicated that India is adhering to the safety standards of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). The regulator has also "confirmed that India's IASA rating remains Category 1," he noted. The American regulator conducts IASA programme to assess the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country that has carriers operating to the US. An IASA assessment determines if the foreign CAA provides oversight to its carriers that operate to the US as per the international standards. Under the International Convention on Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), each country is responsible for the safety oversight of its own air carriers. Other countries can only conduct specific surveillance activities, principally involving the inspection of required documents and the physical condition of aircraft.

US watchdog FAA retains highest aviation safety ranking for India

Urban mobility, smart city, city branding - the latest buzz words in urban planning. We often fail to include the role of crime prevention, urban safety, and ample public spaces through environmental design. To address the same The Global Grid, organized a twitter event (#TheGlobalGrid) to discuss “Safety through Environmental Design” to ideate and develop suitable solutions to design public spaces for women and from the perspective of women.

My personal take on some of the pertinent questions on a safe city- “it’s indicators, design measures for a safe city, formulation of a cohesive community, gender approach in planning process and&nbsp elements that threaten the existence of a safe city” are provided herein below:

A safe city and its indicators:

The idea of a “Safe City” should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too. Along with safety measures namely: “CCTV Installation, street lights, employing women in police force and police stations, deploying emergency response team, prevention of cyber-crime, identifying hotspots, awareness campaigns via social media, live and women safety apps”, other indicators namely: “clean air, free from toxic agents, clean water, basic health requirement” should be part of “safe city” program.

Understanding a city’s structure, history, and design- its strength and weaknesses, without harming its ecology and unique features should be considered to build a safe city. Safe City’s agenda must include: health security, personal security and infrastructure, digital and cybersecurity, better family planning initiative and sensitizing public, promote wealth and economic development, better roads, equal focus on roads for car as well as pedestrians, intelligent lighting, sufficient energy supplies, well-lit streets, better transport system and disabled friendly city, public toilets.

In toto, appropriate measures to be taken in the field of “health, digital, infrastructure, and personal” safety.

Design measures required for a safe city:

Design measures to fulfill the urgent requirement to build a safe city. A city has to function smart for its citizens. A&nbsp safe city should be compact and well connected- better traffic flow, spaces for pedestrians, adoption of measures to launch better quality public transport, disabled friendly, designated waiting areas, study data to protect and detect problem areas (identify hotspots). Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has proven to be a cost-effective measure to ensure safety.

To ensure optimal results, citizens with right assistance can participate and volunteer in urban planning and transform existing neighborhood. Create ample space for pedestrians, reduce the need for vehicles and public facilities with better urban design, maximize safety in health and personal security, engage stakeholders/civil societies, launch neighborhood watch program, understand the current demand of community- needs and requirements. Projects adopted should be feasible, cost-effective and avoid wasting money. Understanding our space and services needed for the community i.e, car parking, bike parking. The idea of “Urbanism” is not to destroy green spaces. Developers and planners should include green spaces and design friendly neighborhood for commercial as well as private property.&nbsp

Vienna in Austria (1999), conducted a study on the usage of public transport for men and women. The report suggested men completed the feedback form in no time. Whereas, women addressed a lot more practical issues.&nbsp Men use public transport only for official purposes (from office to home and vice versa). Women had broader demands, namely, “sidewalks, bus routes,&nbsp subway lines” to name a few. Women do not restrict their movement from home to office only. We are not a homogenous entity. The idea was to include men and women- “gender mainstreaming” to reshape the city. Design ensure safety measures and an optimal desired result can be achieved by including both the sexes for a metropolis to succeed.

In South Asia there are rampant instances of acid attack, chain snatching, knife attack/stabbing, women basically are encouraged to stay indoors at night. If cities are planned and well equipped with technology and environmental design, such risk can be significantly reduced.&nbsp

Ascertaining safe environment for a cohesive community:

We need to look beyond conventional measures to build safe cities. Mental, physical and social well-being can be assured in a healthy environment. A safe city is essential for the wellbeing of citizens. Community building exercises do help in the creation of a trusting network of relationships in the neighborhood. Often strong communities are well reciprocated, if these measures are encouraged- proactive participation, solutions to address local issues, harm minimisation strategy with the help of law enforcement, adopt preventive measures to handle risk factors like violence, injury, crime, early intervention and help risk-based groups, gender equity, recognising diversity and understanding of safety needs of men and women, proper design help reduce fear and crime. If these elements are inculcated, communities may develop strong ties and accountable.

A safe environment is definitely a good measure of community cohesion. Safe environment reduces fear and incidence of crime and improves the quality of life. For example, Melbourne, New York, and Tokyo are 24hours city, this has helped women participate in business and domestic affairs efficiently.

&nbspPractical Approaches:&nbsp

Theoretically, all the above-mentioned measures are good. However, for a pragmatic approach, the requirement of developing countries and developed countries has to be understood. In India, basic issues such as slum dwellers issues, street vendors, public toilets and sanitation issues, poverty, a risk of eviction should be resolved. The idea of cohesive community will fail to exist if grass root issues are not addressed. The big divide between rich and poor will not ensure “safe city”. Most of the time victims of rape, abuse, torture, and migrants often face hardship looking for a suitable house or neighborhood. The house owners do not wish to be associated with risk and taboo involved in any victim related case. Thus, to build a cohesive community, such issues should be addressed.

Engaging women and residents, collect relevant data (R&D) for town planning, mixed-used neighborhood to cut down crime,&nbsp homelessness- the idea is to make cities liveable, involve women, community leaders in city planning. Women, children, and senior citizens are at risk often vulnerable, if these risks are analyzed and basic security through environmental design, technology, and zoning laws are set in place, lot more can be achieved.

Dark alley, the absence of street lights, functional CCTV, better pathways for pedestrians,&nbsp public transport, the absence of a functional 24-hour city- these features posing as a threat to our movement should be curbed immediately.

Will gender approach to safe city planning help reduce crime?

Gender equity is urgently needed to achieve social justice goal. The idea is to be fair to both the sexes. It helps understand the strategy required to identify the needs and requirement of both the sexes.&nbsp

We women do not enjoy much of public spaces (depends from country to country). To ascertain our territory/space -private and public, gender-based approach must be encouraged. We should be able to move around freely at any time- perform our regular chores, go to work, live life fully and why not, it’s 2018?

Gender approach is a systematic way to safe city planning, as it is more inclusive and do not represent women as “second-class citizen”. Women can equally participate in sectors like business, finance, politics, private/public sector jobs. The inclusion of women is fundamental to a holistic city-wide urban safety and public spaces.&nbsp

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp

The idea of a 'Safe City' should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too

Urban mobility, smart city, city branding - the latest buzz words in urban planning. We often fail to include the role of crime prevention, urban safety, and ample public spaces through environmental design. To address the same The Global Grid, organized a twitter event (#TheGlobalGrid) to discuss “Safety through Environmental Design” to ideate and develop suitable solutions to design public spaces for women and from the perspective of women. My personal take on some of the pertinent questions on a safe city- “it’s indicators, design measures for a safe city, formulation of a cohesive community, gender approach in planning process and elements that threaten the existence of a safe city” are provided herein below: A safe city and its indicators: The idea of a “Safe City” should not be limited to modern infrastructural development rather align with sustainable goals too. Along with safety measures namely: “CCTV Installation, street lights, employing women in police force and police stations, deploying emergency response team, prevention of cyber-crime, identifying hotspots, awareness campaigns via social media, live and women safety apps”, other indicators namely: “clean air, free from toxic agents, clean water, basic health requirement” should be part of “safe city” program. Understanding a city’s structure, history, and design- its strength and weaknesses, without harming its ecology and unique features should be considered to build a safe city. Safe City’s agenda must include: health security, personal security and infrastructure, digital and cybersecurity, better family planning initiative and sensitizing public, promote wealth and economic development, better roads, equal focus on roads for car as well as pedestrians, intelligent lighting, sufficient energy supplies, well-lit streets, better transport system and disabled friendly city, public toilets. In toto, appropriate measures to be taken in the field of “health, digital, infrastructure, and personal” safety. Design measures required for a safe city: Design measures to fulfill the urgent requirement to build a safe city. A city has to function smart for its citizens. A safe city should be compact and well connected- better traffic flow, spaces for pedestrians, adoption of measures to launch better quality public transport, disabled friendly, designated waiting areas, study data to protect and detect problem areas (identify hotspots). Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has proven to be a cost-effective measure to ensure safety. To ensure optimal results, citizens with right assistance can participate and volunteer in urban planning and transform existing neighborhood. Create ample space for pedestrians, reduce the need for vehicles and public facilities with better urban design, maximize safety in health and personal security, engage stakeholders/civil societies, launch neighborhood watch program, understand the current demand of community- needs and requirements. Projects adopted should be feasible, cost-effective and avoid wasting money. Understanding our space and services needed for the community i.e, car parking, bike parking. The idea of “Urbanism” is not to destroy green spaces. Developers and planners should include green spaces and design friendly neighborhood for commercial as well as private property. Vienna in Austria (1999), conducted a study on the usage of public transport for men and women. The report suggested men completed the feedback form in no time. Whereas, women addressed a lot more practical issues. Men use public transport only for official purposes (from office to home and vice versa). Women had broader demands, namely, “sidewalks, bus routes, subway lines” to name a few. Women do not restrict their movement from home to office only. We are not a homogenous entity. The idea was to include men and women- “gender mainstreaming” to reshape the city. Design ensure safety measures and an optimal desired result can be achieved by including both the sexes for a metropolis to succeed. In South Asia there are rampant instances of acid attack, chain snatching, knife attack/stabbing, women basically are encouraged to stay indoors at night. If cities are planned and well equipped with technology and environmental design, such risk can be significantly reduced. Ascertaining safe environment for a cohesive community: We need to look beyond conventional measures to build safe cities. Mental, physical and social well-being can be assured in a healthy environment. A safe city is essential for the wellbeing of citizens. Community building exercises do help in the creation of a trusting network of relationships in the neighborhood. Often strong communities are well reciprocated, if these measures are encouraged- proactive participation, solutions to address local issues, harm minimisation strategy with the help of law enforcement, adopt preventive measures to handle risk factors like violence, injury, crime, early intervention and help risk-based groups, gender equity, recognising diversity and understanding of safety needs of men and women, proper design help reduce fear and crime. If these elements are inculcated, communities may develop strong ties and accountable. A safe environment is definitely a good measure of community cohesion. Safe environment reduces fear and incidence of crime and improves the quality of life. For example, Melbourne, New York, and Tokyo are 24hours city, this has helped women participate in business and domestic affairs efficiently. &nbspPractical Approaches: Theoretically, all the above-mentioned measures are good. However, for a pragmatic approach, the requirement of developing countries and developed countries has to be understood. In India, basic issues such as slum dwellers issues, street vendors, public toilets and sanitation issues, poverty, a risk of eviction should be resolved. The idea of cohesive community will fail to exist if grass root issues are not addressed. The big divide between rich and poor will not ensure “safe city”. Most of the time victims of rape, abuse, torture, and migrants often face hardship looking for a suitable house or neighborhood. The house owners do not wish to be associated with risk and taboo involved in any victim related case. Thus, to build a cohesive community, such issues should be addressed. Engaging women and residents, collect relevant data (R&D) for town planning, mixed-used neighborhood to cut down crime, homelessness- the idea is to make cities liveable, involve women, community leaders in city planning. Women, children, and senior citizens are at risk often vulnerable, if these risks are analyzed and basic security through environmental design, technology, and zoning laws are set in place, lot more can be achieved. Dark alley, the absence of street lights, functional CCTV, better pathways for pedestrians, public transport, the absence of a functional 24-hour city- these features posing as a threat to our movement should be curbed immediately. Will gender approach to safe city planning help reduce crime? Gender equity is urgently needed to achieve social justice goal. The idea is to be fair to both the sexes. It helps understand the strategy required to identify the needs and requirement of both the sexes. We women do not enjoy much of public spaces (depends from country to country). To ascertain our territory/space -private and public, gender-based approach must be encouraged. We should be able to move around freely at any time- perform our regular chores, go to work, live life fully and why not, it’s 2018? Gender approach is a systematic way to safe city planning, as it is more inclusive and do not represent women as “second-class citizen”. Women can equally participate in sectors like business, finance, politics, private/public sector jobs. The inclusion of women is fundamental to a holistic city-wide urban safety and public spaces. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: The idea of a safe city for women - reality or fictitious?

After a shooter killed 17 people at a Florida high school, many have expressed frustration at the political hand-wringing over gun control and calls for prayer.

As a parent, I understand the desire for practical responses to school shootings. I also absolutely believe the government should do more to prevent such incidents. But the gun control debate has proven so divisive and ineffective that I am weary of waiting for politicians to act.

I study the kind of aggressive childhood behavior that often predates school shootings. That research suggests what communities and families can start doing today to better protect children. Here are 10 actions we can all take while the federal government drags its heels.

What schools can do

Because educators observe students&rsquo; emotional and behavioral development daily, they are best positioned to detect troubled behaviors and intervene. In Los Angeles, for example, schools have successfully used outreach and training to identify potentially violent students before problems occur.

1. Teach social and emotional skills

Children learn social skills from everyday interactions with each other. Playtime teaches young people how to control their emotions, recognize others&rsquo; feelings and to negotiate. Neighborhood &ldquo;kick the can&rdquo; games, for example, require cooperation to have fun &ndash; all without adult supervision.

Today, frequent social media use and a decrease in free play time have reduced children&rsquo;s opportunities to learn these basic social skills.

But social and emotional skills can &ndash; and should &ndash; be taught in school as a way to prevent student violence. Students with more fluent social skills connect better with others and may be more able to recognize troubled peers who need help.

2. Hire more counselors and school resource officers

Due to budget cuts, many schools have few or no trained school psychologists, social workers or adjustment counselors on staff. These mental health professionals are society&rsquo;s first line of defense against troubled students &ndash; especially with the current increase in adolescent depression and anxiety.

In my opinion, school resource officers &ndash; trained police officers who work with children &ndash; are also helpful for students. While untrained officers may pose a threat to students, well-trained school resource officers can connect with kids who have few other relationships, acting as a support system. They are also on hand to respond quickly if crime or violence erupts.

Putting trained school resource officers and counselors in every school will cost money, but I believe it will save lives.

3. Use technology to identify troubled students

Technology may challenge kids&rsquo; social development, but it can also be harnessed for good. Anonymous reporting systems &ndash; perhaps text-message based &ndash; can make it easier for parents and students to alert law enforcement and school counselors to kids who seem disconnected or disturbed. That enables early intervention.

In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one such tip appeared to prevent extreme violence in May 2017. Police took a young man who&rsquo;d threatened to harm his peers into protective custody before he could act on his words.

What communities can do

Communities also help raise children. With many eyes and ears, they can detect often smaller problems before young people grow into violence.

4. Doctors should conduct standard mental health screenings

Extreme violence is almost always preceded by certain behavioral problems. These typically include a propensity toward aggression, a marked lack of social connectedness, indications of serious mental illness and a fascination with violence and guns.

Doctors could detect these problems early on with a standardized screening at health checkups. If concerns arise, referrals to counseling or other mental health professionals might follow.

5. Enlist social media companies in the effort to detect threats

Most young people today use social media to express their feelings and aspirations. In the case of school shooters, these posts are often violent. A single violent post is hardly a guarantee of homicidal acts, of course. But evidence strongly indicates that repeated expressions of this nature can be a sign of trouble.

I would like to see companies like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat create algorithms that identify repeated online threats and automatically alert local law enforcement.

What parents can do

Parents and guardians are often the first to detect their child&rsquo;s emotional struggles. Here are some tips for monitoring and promoting healthy emotional development at home.

6. Think critically about your child&rsquo;s social media use

From virtual war games to cruel trolls, the internet is full of violence. The relationship between violent content and aggression hasn&rsquo;t been consistent in research: Some studies see no relationship at all, while others find some correlation between violent video games and violent behavior.

This mixed evidence suggests that online content affects children differently, so parents must assess how well their child handles it. If your daughter likes &ldquo;Assassin&rsquo;s Creed&rdquo; but is gentle, socially successful and happy, the onscreen violence may not be strongly impacting her.&nbsp;

But if your child is drawn to violent games and tends to be aggressive or troubled, discuss the situation with your pediatrician or school counselor.

7. Consider what your child is missing out on

Is your child sleeping properly? Do your kids socialize with other young people? These two behaviors are linked to mental health in children, and excessive screen time can reduce or diminish the quality of both.

Make sure digital devices aren&rsquo;t disrupting your kids&rsquo; sleep, and schedule play dates if your kids don&rsquo;t make plans on their own.

8. Assess your child&rsquo;s relationships

Like adults, children need confidants to feel invested in and connected with their community. The trusted person can be parent, a family member or a friend &ndash; just make sure someone&rsquo;s playing that role.

For children who struggle to make friends and build relationships, there are programs that can help them learn how.

9. Fret productively about screen time

Research shows that excessive screen time can damage kids&rsquo; brains. That&rsquo;s alarming in part because parents can&rsquo;t realistically keep kids entirely off devices.

So rather than just fret over screen time, focus instead on how children can benefit from a variety of activities. Evidence shows that children who experience different pursuits over the course of their day &ndash; from sports and music to an after-school job &ndash; are happier and healthier for it.

10. Talk with your child

This is both the easiest and hardest way to make sure your kids are doing OK. Children, especially teenagers, don&rsquo;t always want to talk about how life is going. Ask anyway.

My research shows that simply asking children about their friends, their technology use and their day is an important way to show you care. Even if they don&rsquo;t respond, your interest demonstrates that you&rsquo;re there for them.

Try this one now. Ask your children what they&rsquo;re thinking about the shooting in Florida and how they like their friends and school. Then listen.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Schools, parents, and communities all have a role to play in preventing school shootings. Most importantly, we need to discuss with kids about their lives.

After a shooter killed 17 people at a Florida high school, many have expressed frustration at the political hand-wringing over gun control and calls for prayer. As a parent, I understand the desire for practical responses to school shootings. I also absolutely believe the government should do more to prevent such incidents. But the gun control debate has proven so divisive and ineffective that I am weary of waiting for politicians to act. I study the kind of aggressive childhood behavior that often predates school shootings. That research suggests what communities and families can start doing today to better protect children. Here are 10 actions we can all take while the federal government drags its heels. What schools can do Because educators observe students’ emotional and behavioral development daily, they are best positioned to detect troubled behaviors and intervene. In Los Angeles, for example, schools have successfully used outreach and training to identify potentially violent students before problems occur. 1. Teach social and emotional skills Children learn social skills from everyday interactions with each other. Playtime teaches young people how to control their emotions, recognize others’ feelings and to negotiate. Neighborhood “kick the can” games, for example, require cooperation to have fun – all without adult supervision. Today, frequent social media use and a decrease in free play time have reduced children’s opportunities to learn these basic social skills. But social and emotional skills can – and should – be taught in school as a way to prevent student violence. Students with more fluent social skills connect better with others and may be more able to recognize troubled peers who need help. 2. Hire more counselors and school resource officers Due to budget cuts, many schools have few or no trained school psychologists, social workers or adjustment counselors on staff. These mental health professionals are society’s first line of defense against troubled students – especially with the current increase in adolescent depression and anxiety. In my opinion, school resource officers – trained police officers who work with children – are also helpful for students. While untrained officers may pose a threat to students, well-trained school resource officers can connect with kids who have few other relationships, acting as a support system. They are also on hand to respond quickly if crime or violence erupts. Putting trained school resource officers and counselors in every school will cost money, but I believe it will save lives. 3. Use technology to identify troubled students Technology may challenge kids’ social development, but it can also be harnessed for good. Anonymous reporting systems – perhaps text-message based – can make it easier for parents and students to alert law enforcement and school counselors to kids who seem disconnected or disturbed. That enables early intervention. In Steamboat Springs, Colorado, one such tip appeared to prevent extreme violence in May 2017. Police took a young man who’d threatened to harm his peers into protective custody before he could act on his words. What communities can do Communities also help raise children. With many eyes and ears, they can detect often smaller problems before young people grow into violence. 4. Doctors should conduct standard mental health screenings Extreme violence is almost always preceded by certain behavioral problems. These typically include a propensity toward aggression, a marked lack of social connectedness, indications of serious mental illness and a fascination with violence and guns. Doctors could detect these problems early on with a standardized screening at health checkups. If concerns arise, referrals to counseling or other mental health professionals might follow. 5. Enlist social media companies in the effort to detect threats Most young people today use social media to express their feelings and aspirations. In the case of school shooters, these posts are often violent. A single violent post is hardly a guarantee of homicidal acts, of course. But evidence strongly indicates that repeated expressions of this nature can be a sign of trouble. I would like to see companies like Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat create algorithms that identify repeated online threats and automatically alert local law enforcement. What parents can do Parents and guardians are often the first to detect their child’s emotional struggles. Here are some tips for monitoring and promoting healthy emotional development at home. 6. Think critically about your child’s social media use From virtual war games to cruel trolls, the internet is full of violence. The relationship between violent content and aggression hasn’t been consistent in research: Some studies see no relationship at all, while others find some correlation between violent video games and violent behavior. This mixed evidence suggests that online content affects children differently, so parents must assess how well their child handles it. If your daughter likes “Assassin’s Creed” but is gentle, socially successful and happy, the onscreen violence may not be strongly impacting her. But if your child is drawn to violent games and tends to be aggressive or troubled, discuss the situation with your pediatrician or school counselor. 7. Consider what your child is missing out on Is your child sleeping properly? Do your kids socialize with other young people? These two behaviors are linked to mental health in children, and excessive screen time can reduce or diminish the quality of both. Make sure digital devices aren’t disrupting your kids’ sleep, and schedule play dates if your kids don’t make plans on their own. 8. Assess your child’s relationships Like adults, children need confidants to feel invested in and connected with their community. The trusted person can be parent, a family member or a friend – just make sure someone’s playing that role. For children who struggle to make friends and build relationships, there are programs that can help them learn how. 9. Fret productively about screen time Research shows that excessive screen time can damage kids’ brains. That’s alarming in part because parents can’t realistically keep kids entirely off devices. So rather than just fret over screen time, focus instead on how children can benefit from a variety of activities. Evidence shows that children who experience different pursuits over the course of their day – from sports and music to an after-school job – are happier and healthier for it. 10. Talk with your child This is both the easiest and hardest way to make sure your kids are doing OK. Children, especially teenagers, don’t always want to talk about how life is going. Ask anyway. My research shows that simply asking children about their friends, their technology use and their day is an important way to show you care. Even if they don’t respond, your interest demonstrates that you’re there for them. Try this one now. Ask your children what they’re thinking about the shooting in Florida and how they like their friends and school. Then listen. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Florida shooting teaches us 10 ways to safeguard our children

The Delhi government has issued schools a 117-point checklist for ensuring student safety in their premises and warned that there would be &quot;zero tolerance&quot; for any violation.

The checklist, including everything from toilets to cybersecurity, has been prepared in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/class-xi-student-murdered-pradyuman-wanted-exams-postponed-cbi-23720">the brutal killing of a schoolboy in a Gurgaon school </a>and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/new-delhi-five-year-old-raped-by-peon-inside-school-premises-accused-arrested-4843">the rape of a minor girl by a school attendant in Delhi</a>, officials said.

&quot;The checklist has been designed to encapsulate the minimum standards of school safety to emphasize zero tolerance against any violation in this regard.

Practicability of implementation and monitoring has been kept duly in mind,&quot; a senior official of Directorate of Education (DoE) said.

Among the points listed are school safety committees, monthly safety walks to identify loopholes in security in the premises, securing boundary walls with grills, CCTV surveillance, maintaining records of every entry into the school and restricting visitors.

&quot;All toilets should be well lit and have easy release lock from inside and no lock from outside. There should be no deployment of male staff in toilets for primary classes and all toilet visits of students up to Class 2 should be surpervised by a lady caretaker,&quot; the guidelines state.

The guidelines have been issued to all schools in the national capital.

The government has also directed that prior written consent be sought from parents for allowing children to stay back post school hours and co-curricular activities held beyond school timings be supervised by at least two teachers.

Visits to laboratories, sports room, auditorium, library, computer room, gymnasium and assembly hall and the like should be under direct supervision of relevant teachers.

Schools have also been asked to ensure cyber security in accordance with existing cyber and IT laws. This includes installation of firewall, filtering and monitoring mechanisms in all computers in the school premises, regular review of filtering and blocking policies and procedure and ensuring that children use computers under the supervision of teachers.

The checklist, including everything from toilets to cybersecurity, has been prepared in the wake of the brutal killing of a schoolboy in a Gurgaon school and the rape of a minor girl by a school attendant in Delhi, officials said

The Delhi government has issued schools a 117-point checklist for ensuring student safety in their premises and warned that there would be "zero tolerance" for any violation. The checklist, including everything from toilets to cybersecurity, has been prepared in the wake of the brutal killing of a schoolboy in a Gurgaon school and the rape of a minor girl by a school attendant in Delhi, officials said. "The checklist has been designed to encapsulate the minimum standards of school safety to emphasize zero tolerance against any violation in this regard. Practicability of implementation and monitoring has been kept duly in mind," a senior official of Directorate of Education (DoE) said. Among the points listed are school safety committees, monthly safety walks to identify loopholes in security in the premises, securing boundary walls with grills, CCTV surveillance, maintaining records of every entry into the school and restricting visitors. "All toilets should be well lit and have easy release lock from inside and no lock from outside. There should be no deployment of male staff in toilets for primary classes and all toilet visits of students up to Class 2 should be surpervised by a lady caretaker," the guidelines state. The guidelines have been issued to all schools in the national capital. The government has also directed that prior written consent be sought from parents for allowing children to stay back post school hours and co-curricular activities held beyond school timings be supervised by at least two teachers. Visits to laboratories, sports room, auditorium, library, computer room, gymnasium and assembly hall and the like should be under direct supervision of relevant teachers. Schools have also been asked to ensure cyber security in accordance with existing cyber and IT laws. This includes installation of firewall, filtering and monitoring mechanisms in all computers in the school premises, regular review of filtering and blocking policies and procedure and ensuring that children use computers under the supervision of teachers.

Delhi government issues 117-point checklist to schools on student safety

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