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The campus chaos in the US is escalating, dozens of demonstrators took over a building at Columbia University in New York. Moreover, New York Police Department personnels entered Hamilton hall and arrested several student protesters. Protesters chanted 'Free Palestine' slogans. Watch in for more details!

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South Korea’s defence minister on Wednesday said his country was actively discussing participation in a landmark defence technology pact between Australia, the UK and the US under the so-called AUKUS mechanism.

"During today’s meeting we also discussed the possibility of partnering with AUKUS pillar two," Shin Won-sik said, referring to a pact focused on developing hypersonic weapons, drones and other advanced technologies.

Shin was speaking after a meeting of Australian and South Korean defence and foreign ministers in Melbourne.

AUKUS was established in 2021 with two main goals in mind: ‘Pillar one’ aims to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines. South Korea is not expected to be part of that project.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-govt-denies-blame-for-jamboree-disaster-last-year-715368">Also read |&nbsp;South Korean govt denies responsibility for Jamboree disaster last year</a>

‘Pillar two’ focuses on developing advanced warfighting capabilities such as artificial intelligence, undersea drones and hypersonic missiles.&nbsp;

Australia, the UK and the US have said they are open to other partners taking part, with Japan, South Korea and New Zealand all said to be in consideration.

Shin welcomed his country being considered as a means to "enhance regional peace".

"Korea is obviously a country with deeply impressive technology," said Australian defence minister Richard Marles. "So as Aukus pillar two develops, I think there will be opportunities in the future."

Bordered by North Korea, Seoul has one of the largest and most technologically advanced militaries in the region.

"We do welcome that Aukus members are considering Korea as an Aukus pillar two partner," Shin said.

"Korea’s defence, science and technology capabilities will contribute to peace and stability, (and to) the development of Aukus pillar two."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-south-koreas-hospitals-on-red-alert-as-thousands-of-doctors-stage-walkout-over-proposed-reforms-692913">Also read |&nbsp;Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out</a> 
 
Aukus has been strongly opposed by China, which sees the pact as provoking division in Asia and risking nuclear proliferation.

In recent years, Beijing has tried to chip away at US influence across the Pacific.

Washington has responded by trying to bind allies tighter together through&nbsp;a latticework of bilateral and multilaterial pacts.

Also watch |&nbsp;After Japan, South Korea confirms AUKUS talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-japan-south-korea-confirms-aukus-talks-717031/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

South Korea’s defence minister on Wednesday said his country was actively discussing participation in a landmark defence technology pact between Australia, the UK and the US under the so-called AUKUS mechanism.

South Korea’s defence minister on Wednesday said his country was actively discussing participation in a landmark defence technology pact between Australia, the UK and the US under the so-called AUKUS mechanism. "During today’s meeting we also discussed the possibility of partnering with AUKUS pillar two," Shin Won-sik said, referring to a pact focused on developing hypersonic weapons, drones and other advanced technologies. Shin was speaking after a meeting of Australian and South Korean defence and foreign ministers in Melbourne. AUKUS was established in 2021 with two main goals in mind: ‘Pillar one’ aims to provide Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines. South Korea is not expected to be part of that project. Also read | South Korean govt denies responsibility for Jamboree disaster last year ‘Pillar two’ focuses on developing advanced warfighting capabilities such as artificial intelligence, undersea drones and hypersonic missiles. Australia, the UK and the US have said they are open to other partners taking part, with Japan, South Korea and New Zealand all said to be in consideration. Shin welcomed his country being considered as a means to "enhance regional peace". "Korea is obviously a country with deeply impressive technology," said Australian defence minister Richard Marles. "So as Aukus pillar two develops, I think there will be opportunities in the future." Bordered by North Korea, Seoul has one of the largest and most technologically advanced militaries in the region. "We do welcome that Aukus members are considering Korea as an Aukus pillar two partner," Shin said. "Korea’s defence, science and technology capabilities will contribute to peace and stability, (and to) the development of Aukus pillar two." Also read | Explained: Proposed reforms that have led South Korea’s doctors to walk out Aukus has been strongly opposed by China, which sees the pact as provoking division in Asia and risking nuclear proliferation. In recent years, Beijing has tried to chip away at US influence across the Pacific. Washington has responded by trying to bind allies tighter together through a latticework of bilateral and multilaterial pacts. Also watch | After Japan, South Korea confirms AUKUS talks (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea discussing participation in AUKUS tech pact: Defence minister

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.1, the variant that caused a surge in cases at the start of the year.&nbsp;

The letters in FLiRT variants are based on the technical names of their mutations, one which includes the letters F and L, and another one includes the letters R and T. Within this group of variants, one particular variant is of rising concern: KP.2.

As per the data gathered from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 has accounted for about 25 per cent of new sequenced cases during the two weeks ending April 27. However, other FLiRT variants, like KP.1.1, have not become as widespread in the US yet.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-and-pro-israel-protestors-clash-at-ucla-campus-police-asked-to-step-in-717021">Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel protestors clash at UCLA campus, police asked to step in</a>

But is this family of variants of concern?

<h2>Concerns around FLiRT variants</h2>

As per reports, researchers are still studying and gathering more information on FLiRT variants. Talking to Time, Dr Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, said that the KP.2 variant from the family of variants is on the rise in the US, but it will be too soon to tell whether it will cause a major surge in cases in coming months.

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For now, the amount of Covid-19 viruses in US wastewater remains “minimal,” according to the CDC. Hospitalisations and deaths have also continued to decline steadily since their recent peaks in January. At the global level, case counts rose from early to mid-April, but remain far lower than they were a few months ago.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern | WION

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KP.2 and its relatives are likely to cause an uptick in cases in the States, but won’t cause a big wave, says Topol. “It might be a ‘wavelet.’” That’s because people who were recently infected by the JN.1 variant seem to have some protection against re-infection, Topol believes. Also, the virus hasn’t mutated enough to become wildly different from the previous strains.

A recent study from researchers in Japan, which was posted online before being peer-reviewed, also found that KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1.

Do vaccines work on FLiRT variants?

Vaccines are still a good prevention and protection option against any COVID-19-related hospitalisation and death. However, two preliminary studies, from Japan and China, show the FLiRT variants may be better at dodging immune protection from vaccines than JN.1 was.

And this is not a good sign, as many people, who got the recent booster shots, got it last fall. This means their protection has begun to diminish, Topol says.

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It is still advisable to rely on vaccines. In an April 26 statement, the World Health Organization recommended basing future vaccine formulations on the JN.1 lineage, since it seems the virus will continue to evolve from that variant. The most recent booster was based on an older strain, XBB.1.5.

The virus is bound to evolve, but public health advice remains the same - vaccinate yourself, test before big gatherings, stay home when you’re ill and consider wearing masks in public places.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.

A new family of variants of COVID-19 are doing rounds in the US- the ‘FLiRT’ variants. These variants are also from the deadly lineage of the Omicron variant but are derivatives of the JN.1, the variant that caused a surge in cases at the start of the year. The letters in FLiRT variants are based on the technical names of their mutations, one which includes the letters F and L, and another one includes the letters R and T. Within this group of variants, one particular variant is of rising concern: KP.2. As per the data gathered from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), KP.2 has accounted for about 25 per cent of new sequenced cases during the two weeks ending April 27. However, other FLiRT variants, like KP.1.1, have not become as widespread in the US yet. Also Read | Pro-Palestine and Pro-Israel protestors clash at UCLA campus, police asked to step in But is this family of variants of concern? Concerns around FLiRT variants As per reports, researchers are still studying and gathering more information on FLiRT variants. Talking to Time, Dr Eric Topol, Executive Vice President at Scripps Research, said that the KP.2 variant from the family of variants is on the rise in the US, but it will be too soon to tell whether it will cause a major surge in cases in coming months. Also Read | Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders For now, the amount of Covid-19 viruses in US wastewater remains “minimal,” according to the CDC. Hospitalisations and deaths have also continued to decline steadily since their recent peaks in January. At the global level, case counts rose from early to mid-April, but remain far lower than they were a few months ago. Watch | Covid-19 makes global comeback; new Omicron sub-variant JN.1 causes global concern | WION × KP.2 and its relatives are likely to cause an uptick in cases in the States, but won’t cause a big wave, says Topol. “It might be a ‘wavelet.’” That’s because people who were recently infected by the JN.1 variant seem to have some protection against re-infection, Topol believes. Also, the virus hasn’t mutated enough to become wildly different from the previous strains. A recent study from researchers in Japan, which was posted online before being peer-reviewed, also found that KP.2 is less infectious than JN.1. Do vaccines work on FLiRT variants? Vaccines are still a good prevention and protection option against any COVID-19-related hospitalisation and death. However, two preliminary studies, from Japan and China, show the FLiRT variants may be better at dodging immune protection from vaccines than JN.1 was. And this is not a good sign, as many people, who got the recent booster shots, got it last fall. This means their protection has begun to diminish, Topol says. Also Read | 52-year-old climber dies in 1,000-foot fall from Alaska mountain It is still advisable to rely on vaccines. In an April 26 statement, the World Health Organization recommended basing future vaccine formulations on the JN.1 lineage, since it seems the virus will continue to evolve from that variant. The most recent booster was based on an older strain, XBB.1.5. The virus is bound to evolve, but public health advice remains the same - vaccinate yourself, test before big gatherings, stay home when you’re ill and consider wearing masks in public places. (With inputs from agencies)

New family of Covid-19 variants nicknamed ‘FLiRT’ are on the rise in US | All you need to know

In South Asia above normal rainfall is most likely during Southwest monsoon season between June and September. This year the forecast has been made by South Asia Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) and backed by World Meteorological Organization and Regional climate Center Pune. Watch in for more details!

South Asia to receive ‘above normal’ monsoon rainfall this year: Weather experts

China's Zhang Yongzhen, credited with publishing the first sequence of the COVID-19 virus, was allowed back in his lab after he&nbsp;staged a sit-in protest after being evicted.

He wrote on social media that the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center&nbsp;had “tentatively agreed” to allow him and his team to return and continue their research for the time being.

“Now, team members can enter and leave the laboratory freely,” Zhang wrote in a post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

Earlier, Zhang Yongzhen had written in a social media post that he and his team had been suddenly notified they were being evicted from their lab, the latest in a series of setbacks, demotions and ousters since the virologist published the sequence in January 2020 without state approval.

Denied entry by guards, Dr. Zhang staged a protest outside his locked lab. Images circulating online show him braving the rain, seated on flattened cardboard. News of his stand ignited Chinese social media.&nbsp;

“I won’t leave, I won’t quit, I am pursuing science and the truth!” he wrote in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that was later deleted.

Watch: Scientist who published Covid sequence evicted from lab

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The Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center released an online statement claiming Dr. Zhang's lab closure was due to "safety reasons" and renovations. They added they provided an alternative workspace.&nbsp;

However, Dr Zhang countered, stating his team only received the alternative offer after their eviction and that the space didn't meet the necessary safety standards, leaving his research in limbo.

Zhang’s suffering started when he and his team decoded the virus on Jan&nbsp;5, 2020, and wrote an internal notice warning Chinese authorities of its potential to spread — but did not make the sequence public.&nbsp;

The next day, Zhang’s lab was ordered momentarily shut by China’s top health official, and Zhang came under pressure from Chinese authorities.

News of Dr&nbsp;Zhang's protest coincided with reports of a respiratory illness in Wuhan, central China. Several dozen people were already receiving treatment, and possible cases, linked to recent travel from Wuhan, had emerged in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Foreign scientists soon learned that Zhang and other Chinese scientists had deciphered the virus and called on China to release the sequence. Zhang published it on Jan. 11, 2020, despite a lack of government permission.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwip79Hx9euFAxVObmwGHThAAvQQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1T65wnpa6m0Z9bWx_MyZhE&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/another-covid-like-scare-from-china-experts-tell-wion-what-exactly-it-is-662463" target="_blank">Another&nbsp;Covid-like scare from&nbsp;China?&nbsp;</a>

The virus eventually spread to every corner of the world, triggering a pandemic that disrupted lives and commerce, prompted widespread lockdowns and killed millions of people.

Zhang was later awarded prizes in recognition of his work. But Zhang was removed from a post at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and barred from collaborating with some of his former partners.

(With inputs from agencies)

China's Zhang Yongzhen, credited with publishing the first sequence of the COVID-19 virus, was allowed back in his lab after he staged a sit-in protest after being evicted.

China's Zhang Yongzhen, credited with publishing the first sequence of the COVID-19 virus, was allowed back in his lab after he staged a sit-in protest after being evicted. He wrote on social media that the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center had “tentatively agreed” to allow him and his team to return and continue their research for the time being. “Now, team members can enter and leave the laboratory freely,” Zhang wrote in a post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform. Earlier, Zhang Yongzhen had written in a social media post that he and his team had been suddenly notified they were being evicted from their lab, the latest in a series of setbacks, demotions and ousters since the virologist published the sequence in January 2020 without state approval. Denied entry by guards, Dr. Zhang staged a protest outside his locked lab. Images circulating online show him braving the rain, seated on flattened cardboard. News of his stand ignited Chinese social media. “I won’t leave, I won’t quit, I am pursuing science and the truth!” he wrote in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that was later deleted. Watch: Scientist who published Covid sequence evicted from lab × The Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center released an online statement claiming Dr. Zhang's lab closure was due to "safety reasons" and renovations. They added they provided an alternative workspace. However, Dr Zhang countered, stating his team only received the alternative offer after their eviction and that the space didn't meet the necessary safety standards, leaving his research in limbo. Zhang’s suffering started when he and his team decoded the virus on Jan 5, 2020, and wrote an internal notice warning Chinese authorities of its potential to spread — but did not make the sequence public. The next day, Zhang’s lab was ordered momentarily shut by China’s top health official, and Zhang came under pressure from Chinese authorities. News of Dr Zhang's protest coincided with reports of a respiratory illness in Wuhan, central China. Several dozen people were already receiving treatment, and possible cases, linked to recent travel from Wuhan, had emerged in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. Foreign scientists soon learned that Zhang and other Chinese scientists had deciphered the virus and called on China to release the sequence. Zhang published it on Jan. 11, 2020, despite a lack of government permission. Also read: Another Covid-like scare from China? The virus eventually spread to every corner of the world, triggering a pandemic that disrupted lives and commerce, prompted widespread lockdowns and killed millions of people. Zhang was later awarded prizes in recognition of his work. But Zhang was removed from a post at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and barred from collaborating with some of his former partners. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese scientist behind first COVID sequence allowed back in lab after protest

Antony Blinken to meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to push for Gaza truce

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - India's GST revenue at record high - China, a threat to our crews: Philippines - Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa - Bomb 'hoax' emails sent to Delhi schools from 'Russian domain' - Blinken: Will not return till hostages are back

India's GST revenue at record high | Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa

Florida implemented one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in the United States on Wednesday (May 1). The ban, prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, has put the state into the spotlight as President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party seek to leverage it for electoral gain come November. Watch in for more details!

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UK sent the first batch of asylum seekers to Rwanda, media reported on Tuesday, a week after adopting a controversial law allowing irregular migrants to be deported to the East African country.

UK sends first Asylum seeker to Rwanda under voluntary scheme

The US Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug, a historic shift in US drug policy. Watch in for more details!

US drug control agency moves to reclassify marijuana

The Londoners are all set to elect a new Mayor and Members for the assembly. But before they do, businessman Tarun Ghulati has surfaced as a contender against the incumbent Sadiq Khan for the election.

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South Korea is actively discussing participation in a landmark defence technology pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. This comes weeks after the alliance said that it would hold formal talks on Japan's entry at a meeting of Australian and South Korean defence and foreign ministers in Melbourne.

After Japan, South Korea confirms AUKUS talks

China has commenced the first testing of its state-of-the-art electromagnetic catapults for launching jet fighters mounted on its type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier often touted as Beijing's answer to US Navy's Gerald R Ford. China's first supercarrier has set out of Shanghai for its first sea trials.

China's first Super Carrier heads to sea

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October.

An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.

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The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible."

Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court.

"There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said.

But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over.

"I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent&nbsp;ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group.

Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EnvTW7xUlz5tSpCxBWH_L&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" target="_blank">Israeli&nbsp;forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal</a>

"The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various&nbsp; reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal."

"And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said.

Rafah differences

Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city.

"We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said.

Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3udA0Zf4d_kiTMQ-wGZD4D&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people</a>

In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags.&nbsp;

Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do".&nbsp;

As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.

Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release.

More routes for aid

On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand.

A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman.

Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel.

"It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said.

UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach.

A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor".

Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting.

"We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP.

'Unbearable escalation'

The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians.

Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term".

The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible." Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court. "There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said. But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over. "I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal "The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal." "And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said. Rafah differences Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city. "We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said. Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv. Also read: Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags. Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do". As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release. More routes for aid On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand. A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman. Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel. "It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said. UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach. A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor". Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access. In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting. "We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP. 'Unbearable escalation' The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians. Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term". The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders

US Campus Protests: Police raid occupied Columbia University building, NYP confirm 'campus cleared'

A 52-year-old man died and another person got seriously injured after falling 1,000 feet off a steep mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska. This happened on April 25 while they were climbing Mount Johnson, known as "the Escalator." Robbi Mecus died from his injuries, while the other climber, a 30-year-old woman from California, was severely injured. She was rescued and taken to a hospital in Anchorage, as reported by the Independent. Another climbing group saw the fall and called for help around 10:45 pm.

"The reporting party then descended to the accident victims and confirmed one climber had died in the fall. The responders dug a snow cave and attended to the surviving climber's injuries throughout the night," the statement read.&nbsp;

Subsequently, a helicopter for rescue and two rangers specialised in mountaineering arrived at the location and successfully saved the injured woman.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reopens-access-to-mount-everest-for-foreigners-707583">Also read |&nbsp;China allows foreign mountaineers to ascend Mount Everest after a gap of 4 years</a>

"Together, the ranger and injured patient were short-hauled out to a flat glacier staging area, and then loaded into the helicopter for the flight to Talkeetna," according to the statement. "The patient was transferred to a LifeMed air ambulance at the Talkeetna State Airport for further care," it added.&nbsp;

The helicopter and rangers later returned to the mountain to retrieve the body of the dead&nbsp;climber. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Also watch |&nbsp;Khumbu Icefall delays Everest climbing season

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/khambu-icefall-delays-everest-climbing-season-715602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Tragic climbing incidents in Denali National Park</h2>

Denali National Park and Preserve is located approximately 386km north of Anchorage. In 2022, Australian climber Matthias Riimi, aged 35, was reported dead&nbsp;four days after going missing on Denali. During the same year, a Japanese climber passed away after falling through an ice bridge into a crevasse on Mount Hunter. Additionally, in June 2022, Fernando Birman, aged 48, a climber from New Jersey, lost his life at an elevation of 19,700ft while attempting to summit the mountain.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 52-year-old man died and another person got seriously injured after falling 1,000 feet off a steep mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska. This happened on April 25 while they were climbing Mount Johnson, known as "the Escalator.

A 52-year-old man died and another person got seriously injured after falling 1,000 feet off a steep mountain in Denali National Park, Alaska. This happened on April 25 while they were climbing Mount Johnson, known as "the Escalator." Robbi Mecus died from his injuries, while the other climber, a 30-year-old woman from California, was severely injured. She was rescued and taken to a hospital in Anchorage, as reported by the Independent. Another climbing group saw the fall and called for help around 10:45 pm. "The reporting party then descended to the accident victims and confirmed one climber had died in the fall. The responders dug a snow cave and attended to the surviving climber's injuries throughout the night," the statement read. Subsequently, a helicopter for rescue and two rangers specialised in mountaineering arrived at the location and successfully saved the injured woman. Also read | China allows foreign mountaineers to ascend Mount Everest after a gap of 4 years "Together, the ranger and injured patient were short-hauled out to a flat glacier staging area, and then loaded into the helicopter for the flight to Talkeetna," according to the statement. "The patient was transferred to a LifeMed air ambulance at the Talkeetna State Airport for further care," it added. The helicopter and rangers later returned to the mountain to retrieve the body of the dead climber. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. Also watch | Khumbu Icefall delays Everest climbing season Tragic climbing incidents in Denali National Park Denali National Park and Preserve is located approximately 386km north of Anchorage. In 2022, Australian climber Matthias Riimi, aged 35, was reported dead four days after going missing on Denali. During the same year, a Japanese climber passed away after falling through an ice bridge into a crevasse on Mount Hunter. Additionally, in June 2022, Fernando Birman, aged 48, a climber from New Jersey, lost his life at an elevation of 19,700ft while attempting to summit the mountain. (With inputs from agencies)

52-year-old climber dies in 1,000-foot fall from Alaska mountain

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The UAE has asked people to work and study from home on Thursday (May 2)&nbsp;and Friday (May 3) because there might be heavy rain and thunderstorms. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said this on Wednesday (May 1) for all schools, universities, and businesses, both public and private. They also said that each emirate will give instructions about the weather.

The crisis authority mentioned that remote work arrangements would be in place for all employees, except for those who need to be at their workplace physically.

The authority said they would close all&nbsp;roads leading to flood-affected areas to minimise the impact of the severe weather.

Previously, distance learning was announced for all private schools in Dubai and Sharjah on the given two days due to the anticipated extreme weather conditions.

Officials also stated that all government schools in the UAE would implement remote learning for students on both days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-allocates-544-million-for-flood-hit-homes-we-learned-great-lessons-says-pm-sheikh-mohammed-714686">Also read |&nbsp;UAE allocates $544 million for flood-hit homes; 'We learned great lessons,' says PM Sheikh Mohammed</a>

<h2>Heavy rains in store</h2>

The UAE is expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in some areas this week.

“With unstable weather predicted, all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities must offer distance learning on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority posted on X.

According to Sharjah's government media office, government employees in the emirate will also work remotely on Thursday, except for those in roles that necessitate being physically present.

The directive is only applicable to Thursday as Sharjah follows a four-day week, with Fridays being a day off for schools and government agencies.

As a safety measure, public parks will be closed on both Thursday and Friday.

The National Centre of Meteorology forecasted stormy weather in various parts of the country from Wednesday night until Thursday evening.

“[There will be] moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas with lightning and thunder at times, with the possibility of some hail, starting in the west on Wednesday night and extending over most regions of the country on Thursday,” the NCM said, according to state news agency Wam.

The NCM also mentioned that winds are expected to reach speeds of 65kph on Thursday.

Meetings have been conducted by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to get ready for the anticipated weather.

Also watch |&nbsp;UAE considering investments of about $50 BN in India: Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-considering-investments-of-about-50-bn-in-india-report-654590/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The authority said, on X, that it was “studying and evaluating the weather conditions and their implications for areas that may be affected”.

The anticipated heavy rainfall comes as the UAE is still recovering from stormy weather on April 16, which caused widespread disruption across the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UAE has asked people to work and study from home on Thursday (May 2) and Friday (May 3) because there might be heavy rain and thunderstorms. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said this on Wednesday (May 1) for all schools, universities, and businesses, both public and private.

The UAE has asked people to work and study from home on Thursday (May 2) and Friday (May 3) because there might be heavy rain and thunderstorms. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) said this on Wednesday (May 1) for all schools, universities, and businesses, both public and private. They also said that each emirate will give instructions about the weather. The crisis authority mentioned that remote work arrangements would be in place for all employees, except for those who need to be at their workplace physically. The authority said they would close all roads leading to flood-affected areas to minimise the impact of the severe weather. Previously, distance learning was announced for all private schools in Dubai and Sharjah on the given two days due to the anticipated extreme weather conditions. Officials also stated that all government schools in the UAE would implement remote learning for students on both days. Also read | UAE allocates $544 million for flood-hit homes; 'We learned great lessons,' says PM Sheikh Mohammed Heavy rains in store The UAE is expected to experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning in some areas this week. “With unstable weather predicted, all Dubai private schools, nurseries, and universities must offer distance learning on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority posted on X. According to Sharjah's government media office, government employees in the emirate will also work remotely on Thursday, except for those in roles that necessitate being physically present. The directive is only applicable to Thursday as Sharjah follows a four-day week, with Fridays being a day off for schools and government agencies. As a safety measure, public parks will be closed on both Thursday and Friday. The National Centre of Meteorology forecasted stormy weather in various parts of the country from Wednesday night until Thursday evening. “[There will be] moderate to heavy rain in scattered areas with lightning and thunder at times, with the possibility of some hail, starting in the west on Wednesday night and extending over most regions of the country on Thursday,” the NCM said, according to state news agency Wam. The NCM also mentioned that winds are expected to reach speeds of 65kph on Thursday. Meetings have been conducted by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority to get ready for the anticipated weather. Also watch | UAE considering investments of about $50 BN in India: Report The authority said, on X, that it was “studying and evaluating the weather conditions and their implications for areas that may be affected”. The anticipated heavy rainfall comes as the UAE is still recovering from stormy weather on April 16, which caused widespread disruption across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE shifts to remote work, learning for coming Thursday and Friday. Here's why

The American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is in the state of Israel with some plans to discuss a truce deal and also for the increased flow of humanitarian Aid into the Gaza Strip. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu vows to invade Rafah amid truce talks, UN warns against Rafah assault

UK: Asylum seeker deported under voluntary scheme, gets $3,747 to leave Britain

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