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<p>Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>21st century trade initiative</strong></h2>

<p>The trade talks, named&nbsp;US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small business.</p>

<p>Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-and-its-challenges-with-china-will-us-support-taiwan-like-ukraine-593382"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>China remains antagonised</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times'&nbsp;in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade'&nbsp;are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-tells-united-states-to-not-cross-the-red-line-on-taiwan-question-569441"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question</strong></a></p>

<p>"Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card'&nbsp;to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,'&nbsp;any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature'&nbsp;will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday.

Boosting ties between the two nations and simultaneously antagonising China, Taiwan and the United States signed the first deal under a new trade talks framework on Thursday. In a brief statement released by Taiwan's Office of Trade Negotiations, it was stated that the first agreement under the framework was in Washington. US Trade Representative's office confirmed Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi attended the event. The pact is expected to strengthen the economic bond between the US and Taiwan with the island nation receiving more US exports. It will also allow Taipei to resist economic coercion from China. 21st century trade initiative The trade talks, named US-Taiwan initiative on "21st Century Trade" were initiated in August last year. The talks began after Washington kept Taipei out of its larger pan-Asian trade initiative — the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Last month, the two sides reached an agreement on the first part of the trade initiative — covering customs and border procedures, regulatory practices, and small business. Taiwan hailed the agreement as "historically significant", adding that it aimed to finalise negotiations on all remaining issues by the end of the year. More complicated trade areas such as agriculture, digital trade, labour and environmental standards, state-owned enterprises, and non-market policies and practices continue to be discussed. WATCH | Taiwan and its challenges with China, will US support Taiwan like Ukraine? × China remains antagonised Beijing has been seething ever since the talks between Washington and Taipei began over the trade deal. Chinese mouthpiece 'Global Times' in an op-ed said the trade talks were a product of political collusion, aimed at targeting "mainland China". "The meetings on the 'US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade' are the product of their political collusion targeting the Chinese mainland, and any possible agreement of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the mainland," read the op-ed. ALSO READ | China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question "Against the backdrop of the US playing the 'Taiwan card' to contain China and the DPP's 'dependence on the US for secession,' any economic agreement signed by the US and DPP authorities of an 'official nature' will be strongly counteracted by the Chinese mainland," it added. The signing of the first deal comes a couple of days after Beijing declined Washington's invite to hold talks between the defence chiefs. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart as "unfortunate". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Much to China's chagrin, Taiwan and US sign first deal under new trade framework

<p>The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to&nbsp;President&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to nine which removes the power&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Ministry of Indigenous Peoples to demarcate new reserves, which now returns to the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, the&nbsp;Ministry of Environment is also set to lose its oversight over the registration of rural lands which was necessary to combat illegal deforestation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was only after Lula ascended to power earlier this year that he created the country's first-ever&nbsp;Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. However, the powers granted to the ministries were provisional and needed congressional approval to become permanent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazils-lula-spoke-to-putin-turned-down-invitation-to-visit-russia-597131"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia</strong></a></p>

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<p>One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker.&nbsp;However, the inability to work with the conservatives has come back to haunt him.</p>

<p>He could still veto parts of the measure but they will return to the Congress and it looks highly unlikely that he will have his way over there.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reality check for Lula</strong></h2>

<p>The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lula-welcomes-back-banned-leader-maduro-both-hit-out-at-us-sanctions-on-venezuela-598239"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Lula welcomes back banned leader Maduro, both hit out at US sanctions against Venezuela</strong></a></p>

<p>With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects on protected indigenous lands which could put the tribal population and their&nbsp;already-dwindling culture in peril.&nbsp;While Lula licks his wounds,&nbsp;Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You will have Indigenous blood on your hands,” Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá was quoted as saying in the parliament during the voting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Climate Observatory watchdog took a scathing view of developments and said it was the "most shameful day" the Brazilian parliament had witnessed "since the 2016 impeachment of Dilma Rousseff”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bolsonaro is gone but the extermination [of Indigenous communities and the environment] continues,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment.

The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to nine which removes the power of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples to demarcate new reserves, which now returns to the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment is also set to lose its oversight over the registration of rural lands which was necessary to combat illegal deforestation. Notably, it was only after Lula ascended to power earlier this year that he created the country's first-ever Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. However, the powers granted to the ministries were provisional and needed congressional approval to become permanent. WATCH | Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia × One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker. However, the inability to work with the conservatives has come back to haunt him. He could still veto parts of the measure but they will return to the Congress and it looks highly unlikely that he will have his way over there. Reality check for Lula The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula. Also read | Lula welcomes back banned leader Maduro, both hit out at US sanctions against Venezuela With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects on protected indigenous lands which could put the tribal population and their already-dwindling culture in peril. While Lula licks his wounds, Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future. “You will have Indigenous blood on your hands,” Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá was quoted as saying in the parliament during the voting. Meanwhile, the Climate Observatory watchdog took a scathing view of developments and said it was the "most shameful day" the Brazilian parliament had witnessed "since the 2016 impeachment of Dilma Rousseff”. "Bolsonaro is gone but the extermination [of Indigenous communities and the environment] continues,” it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brazil's Lula given reality check after Congress passes cuts to environment, Indigenous ministries

<p>The Catholic-majority country of Malta, enforcing its strict ban on abortions, on Thursday charged a woman for having terminated a pregnancy. The woman, reportedly, had a medical abortion at home which goes against the country's complete ban on the practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local media reports stated that she was granted a conditional discharge for three years after attending the court proceeding. No additional information was provided. However, women's rights activists have dubbed it a black day in the history of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What should have never happened [has] happened today: a Maltese woman was brought to court facing charges of having a medical abortion at home," the Women’s Rights Foundation of Malta said in a statement.</p>

<p>Although the woman was treated with respect during the hearing, the foundation said the fact that she was charged "should have never, ever happened in the first place”.</p>

<p>Notably, the Mediterranean nation, located off the coast of Sicily, is the only country in the 27-nation European Union bloc that does not allow women to receive an abortion, including in cases of rape or incest.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/abortion-rights-supporters-protest-in-two-us-states-582993"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Abortion rights supporters protest in two US states&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>The parliament is currently mulling legislation that may allow termination if the mother's life or health was at serious risk. However, no significant progress has been made since the proposal was first mooted in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently,&nbsp;Malta's criminal code states any providers who perform an abortion to save the mother's life -- or women who receive an abortion -- could face up to four years in prison.</p>

<p>Since 2000, three women in the country have been convicted of conducting abortions, with the most recent being in 2006. However, none of them have served time in jail.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>American woman left bleeding&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Such are the stringent rules that last year, an American woman who was admitted to a hospital with severe&nbsp;bleeding in her 16th week of pregnancy while holidaying in Malta was denied an abortion. Despite there being "zero chance" that the baby would survive, the woman was left in pain as doctors refused to treat her.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pregnant-womans-life-in-danger-as-malta-hospital-prohibits-abortion-490892"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pregnant woman’s life in danger as Malta hospital prohibits abortion</strong></a></p>

<p>After a seven-day ordeal in the hospital, she was airlifted to a hospital in Mallorca, Spain by her travel insurance company where the abortion took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>in September 2022, the woman&nbsp;sued the Maltese government,&nbsp;alleging the country’s total ban on the procedure breached her human rights.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Catholic-majority country of Malta, enforcing its strict ban on abortions, on Thursday charged a woman for having terminated a pregnancy. The woman, reportedly, had a medical abortion at home which goes against the country's complete ban on the practice.

The Catholic-majority country of Malta, enforcing its strict ban on abortions, on Thursday charged a woman for having terminated a pregnancy. The woman, reportedly, had a medical abortion at home which goes against the country's complete ban on the practice. Local media reports stated that she was granted a conditional discharge for three years after attending the court proceeding. No additional information was provided. However, women's rights activists have dubbed it a black day in the history of the country. “What should have never happened [has] happened today: a Maltese woman was brought to court facing charges of having a medical abortion at home," the Women’s Rights Foundation of Malta said in a statement. Although the woman was treated with respect during the hearing, the foundation said the fact that she was charged "should have never, ever happened in the first place”. Notably, the Mediterranean nation, located off the coast of Sicily, is the only country in the 27-nation European Union bloc that does not allow women to receive an abortion, including in cases of rape or incest. WATCH | Abortion rights supporters protest in two US states × The parliament is currently mulling legislation that may allow termination if the mother's life or health was at serious risk. However, no significant progress has been made since the proposal was first mooted in November last year. Currently, Malta's criminal code states any providers who perform an abortion to save the mother's life -- or women who receive an abortion -- could face up to four years in prison. Since 2000, three women in the country have been convicted of conducting abortions, with the most recent being in 2006. However, none of them have served time in jail. American woman left bleeding Such are the stringent rules that last year, an American woman who was admitted to a hospital with severe bleeding in her 16th week of pregnancy while holidaying in Malta was denied an abortion. Despite there being "zero chance" that the baby would survive, the woman was left in pain as doctors refused to treat her. Also read | Pregnant woman’s life in danger as Malta hospital prohibits abortion After a seven-day ordeal in the hospital, she was airlifted to a hospital in Mallorca, Spain by her travel insurance company where the abortion took place. in September 2022, the woman sued the Maltese government, alleging the country’s total ban on the procedure breached her human rights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Malta: Woman accused of having abortion at home charged by court

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<p>India has emerged as one of the top buyers of Russian oil after Moscow invaded Ukraine. Historically allies, the two countries are settling a greater share of the trade in national currencies after Russia was cut off from the US dollar-dominated global payments systems. Though it seems like a win-win situation for everybody, there is a problem. Russia does not know how to reap the benefits of this trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow is currently accumulating $1 billion in rupee assets each month that remain stranded outside the country, primarily due to the lopsided trade relationship, a Bloomberg report has claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every quarter, the trade imbalance is likely to generate the equivalent of $2 billion to $3 billion that Russia can’t use. Over the course of 2022, the amount would have added to an estimated $147 billion in net foreign assets built up abroad, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sum stuck is huge and it can be gauged by the fact that Russia spent 5.51 trillion rubles or $68 billion on defence in 2022, according to a Reuters report.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-fuels-from-russian-oil-are-getting-backdoor-entry-into-europe-via-india-579845"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Russia back to the drawing board</strong></h2>

<p>To find an alternative, the two nations have gone back to the drawing board. One of the ways out is to establish various payment mechanisms, including investments in India’s capital markets by Russian entities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the solution is still not simple as Russia cannot use the entire tranche as India has restrictions over capital flows by foreign investors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other option is to use currencies of a third country such as China's yuan or UAE's dirham. Though an agreement on such a solution is highly unlikely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Russia’s trade with India is increasingly imbalanced. India’s exports to Russia haven’t caught up with booming imports, but there’s a limited appetite in Russia to save its current-account surplus in rupees," said Alexander Isakov, Russia economist at Bloomberg Economics.</p>

<p>"There are no alternative oil importers of India's calibre on the horizon for Russia, so exporters and banks will gradually accept settlement in rupees," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Will India increase oil imports?</strong></h2>

<p>Even if India wanted to increase its oil imports, Moscow decreasing the discount on oil prices has done no favour to bolster that sentiment. Steep discounts that New Delhi enjoyed through most of FY23 have plunged due to Chinese demand and a cut at the oil producers' end, a Mint report claimed recently.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-losing-steep-discounts-on-russian-crude-oil-due-to-china-report-586881"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India losing 'steep discounts' on Russian crude oil due to China: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>During FY23, by providing discounts amidst the Ukraine conflict, Russia became a significant provider of oil to Indian refiners for the first time. As a result, in the 11 months leading up to February of the previous fiscal year, India imported crude oil worth $27 billion from its strategic partner, placing the Russian Federation in second place for Indian oil imports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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India has emerged as one of the top buyers of Russian oil after Moscow invaded Ukraine. Historically allies, the two countries are settling a greater share of the trade in national currencies after Russia was cut off from the US dollar-dominated global payments systems.

India has emerged as one of the top buyers of Russian oil after Moscow invaded Ukraine. Historically allies, the two countries are settling a greater share of the trade in national currencies after Russia was cut off from the US dollar-dominated global payments systems. Though it seems like a win-win situation for everybody, there is a problem. Russia does not know how to reap the benefits of this trade. Moscow is currently accumulating $1 billion in rupee assets each month that remain stranded outside the country, primarily due to the lopsided trade relationship, a Bloomberg report has claimed. Every quarter, the trade imbalance is likely to generate the equivalent of $2 billion to $3 billion that Russia can’t use. Over the course of 2022, the amount would have added to an estimated $147 billion in net foreign assets built up abroad, the report added. The sum stuck is huge and it can be gauged by the fact that Russia spent 5.51 trillion rubles or $68 billion on defence in 2022, according to a Reuters report. WATCH | How fuels from Russian oil are getting backdoor entry into Europe via India × India-Russia back to the drawing board To find an alternative, the two nations have gone back to the drawing board. One of the ways out is to establish various payment mechanisms, including investments in India’s capital markets by Russian entities. However, the solution is still not simple as Russia cannot use the entire tranche as India has restrictions over capital flows by foreign investors. The other option is to use currencies of a third country such as China's yuan or UAE's dirham. Though an agreement on such a solution is highly unlikely. "Russia’s trade with India is increasingly imbalanced. India’s exports to Russia haven’t caught up with booming imports, but there’s a limited appetite in Russia to save its current-account surplus in rupees," said Alexander Isakov, Russia economist at Bloomberg Economics. "There are no alternative oil importers of India's calibre on the horizon for Russia, so exporters and banks will gradually accept settlement in rupees," he added. Will India increase oil imports? Even if India wanted to increase its oil imports, Moscow decreasing the discount on oil prices has done no favour to bolster that sentiment. Steep discounts that New Delhi enjoyed through most of FY23 have plunged due to Chinese demand and a cut at the oil producers' end, a Mint report claimed recently. Also read | India losing 'steep discounts' on Russian crude oil due to China: Report During FY23, by providing discounts amidst the Ukraine conflict, Russia became a significant provider of oil to Indian refiners for the first time. As a result, in the 11 months leading up to February of the previous fiscal year, India imported crude oil worth $27 billion from its strategic partner, placing the Russian Federation in second place for Indian oil imports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia does not know what to do with $147bn in rupees it has amassed

<p>Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its&nbsp;Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female&nbsp;customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The FTC in its complaint stated the employee&nbsp;viewed videos made by at least 81 female customers and Ring employees using Ring products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Undetected by Ring, the employee continued spying for months," the FTC said, adding,&nbsp;"Ring's disregard for privacy and security exposed consumers to spying and harassment."</p>

<p>It was only after a colleague noticed the misconduct that the lid was blown over the scandal and the employee was terminated from the job.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amazon-to-pay-over-30-million-for-violating-privacy-598982"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Amazon to pay over $30 million for violating privacy</strong></a></p>

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<p>The US regulator stated Amazon had given unrestricted access to customers' sensitive video data to its Ring employees which allowed the situation to spiral out of control.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result of this dangerously overbroad access and lax attitude toward privacy and security, employees and third-party contractors were able to view, download, and transfer customers' sensitive video data."</p>

<p>It added that hackers were able to lay their hands on the sensitive media. Not only were they able to access video streams but also take control of cameras to exploit minors, threaten&nbsp;families and demand ransom if they didn't want private images, or videos leaked.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Amazon will pay an additional $25 million</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from the $5.8 million settlement, Amazon also agreed to pay $25 million after Alexa (virtual assistant technology) was found violating the privacy rights of children. FTC found that Alexa failed to delete&nbsp;recordings at the request of parents and kept them longer than necessary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The unlawfully retained voice recordings provided Amazon with a valuable database for training the Alexa algorithm to understand children, benefiting its bottom line at the expense of children's privacy," the FTC said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-you-shouldnt-put-alexa-in-your-bedroom-549051"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-acquires-roomba-vacuum-makers-for-17-billion-504121">W</a></strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-you-shouldnt-put-alexa-in-your-bedroom-549051"><strong>ATCH |&nbsp;Why you shouldn't put Alexa in your bedroom</strong></a></p>

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<p>Commenting on the settlement, Amazon said it disagreed with FTC's claims but was glad to close out the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While we disagree with the FTC's claims regarding both Alexa and Ring and deny violating the law, these settlements put these matters behind us."</p>

<p>Despite a cumulative fine of $30 million, the sum pales in comparison to Amazon's $3.2 billion first-quarter profit. However, FTC's stern stance and action on a multinational company are expected to send a message to the big tech companies who have been running away from accountability for a long time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Jeff Bezos-owned Amazon has agreed to a $5.8 million settlement with US Federal Trade Commission after a former employee of its Ring doorbell camera unit was caught spying for months on female customers in 2017, through cameras placed in bedrooms and bathrooms. The FTC in its complaint stated the employee viewed videos made by at least 81 female customers and Ring employees using Ring products. "Undetected by Ring, the employee continued spying for months," the FTC said, adding, "Ring's disregard for privacy and security exposed consumers to spying and harassment." It was only after a colleague noticed the misconduct that the lid was blown over the scandal and the employee was terminated from the job. WATCH | Amazon to pay over $30 million for violating privacy × The US regulator stated Amazon had given unrestricted access to customers' sensitive video data to its Ring employees which allowed the situation to spiral out of control. "As a result of this dangerously overbroad access and lax attitude toward privacy and security, employees and third-party contractors were able to view, download, and transfer customers' sensitive video data." It added that hackers were able to lay their hands on the sensitive media. Not only were they able to access video streams but also take control of cameras to exploit minors, threaten families and demand ransom if they didn't want private images, or videos leaked. Amazon will pay an additional $25 million Apart from the $5.8 million settlement, Amazon also agreed to pay $25 million after Alexa (virtual assistant technology) was found violating the privacy rights of children. FTC found that Alexa failed to delete recordings at the request of parents and kept them longer than necessary. "The unlawfully retained voice recordings provided Amazon with a valuable database for training the Alexa algorithm to understand children, benefiting its bottom line at the expense of children's privacy," the FTC said. WATCH | Why you shouldn't put Alexa in your bedroom × Commenting on the settlement, Amazon said it disagreed with FTC's claims but was glad to close out the matter. "While we disagree with the FTC's claims regarding both Alexa and Ring and deny violating the law, these settlements put these matters behind us." Despite a cumulative fine of $30 million, the sum pales in comparison to Amazon's $3.2 billion first-quarter profit. However, FTC's stern stance and action on a multinational company are expected to send a message to the big tech companies who have been running away from accountability for a long time. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon settles Ring camera spying scandal, to pay this amount as settlement

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidnT1uUpeijlHX" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Researchers at the University of Massachusetts claimed to have discovered a way to create energy out of thin air. They have developed a tiny device that generates electricity from air humidity, which could give a major boost to the clean energy aspirations of the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers are of the view that since air has humidity all the time - the device, using its harvest prowess, could generate energy 24x7 or in other words, present itself as a source of limitless energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The science behind the discovery is fairly simple and innocuous. Air contains enormous amounts of electricity and clouds - which are masses of water droplets and each droplet contains a charge which can produce a lightning bolt. Up until now, we didn't know how to reliably capture that electricity from lightning. However, the study published in the journal&nbsp;<em>Advanced Materials</em>&nbsp;says we can use a broad range of inorganic, organic, and biological materials to capture it.</p>

<p>Essentially, the researchers have created a small-scale cloud that produces electricity. As long as the device includes holes smaller than&nbsp;100 nanometers, it can be used to generate electricity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/energy-giants-turn-to-humble-tech-startups-to-remove-emission-wion-climate-tracker-596753"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Energy giants turn to humble tech startups to remove emission | WION Climate Tracker</strong></a></p>

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<p>“This is very exciting. We are opening up a wide door for harvesting clean electricity from thin air,” said Xiaomeng Liu, a graduate student and one of the paper's lead authors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The idea is simple, but it’s never been discovered before, and it opens all kinds of possibilities. You could image harvesters made of one kind of material for rainforest environments and another for more arid regions,” added Jun Yao, a co-author of the new paper.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Other scientific breakthroughs</h2>

<p>In the quest to generate electricity out of thin air, researchers at Monash University in Melbourne also made some remarkable breakthroughs. The scientists discovered a hydrogen-consuming enzyme from a common soil bacterium that uses the atmosphere as an energy source to generate electrical current.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The enzyme discovered is called Huc (pronounced “Huck”) and is made by Mycobacterium smegmatis bacteria, allowing it to survive in harsh conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/limitless-energy-scientists-discover-enzyme-to-make-electricity-out-of-thin-air-581791" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Limitless energy? Scientists discover enzyme to make electricity out of thin air</strong></a></p>

<p>The scientists said the early applications of Huc include powering small air-powered devices which could act as an alternative to solar-powered devices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The next step involved is to scale up the production so that Huc can be produced in sufficient quantities to be used at a meaningful scale.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Researchers at the University of Massachusetts claimed to have discovered a way to create energy out of thin air. They have developed a tiny device that generates electricity from air humidity, which could give a major boost to the clean energy aspirations of the planet.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts claimed to have discovered a way to create energy out of thin air. They have developed a tiny device that generates electricity from air humidity, which could give a major boost to the clean energy aspirations of the planet. The researchers are of the view that since air has humidity all the time - the device, using its harvest prowess, could generate energy 24x7 or in other words, present itself as a source of limitless energy. The science behind the discovery is fairly simple and innocuous. Air contains enormous amounts of electricity and clouds - which are masses of water droplets and each droplet contains a charge which can produce a lightning bolt. Up until now, we didn't know how to reliably capture that electricity from lightning. However, the study published in the journal Advanced Materials says we can use a broad range of inorganic, organic, and biological materials to capture it. Essentially, the researchers have created a small-scale cloud that produces electricity. As long as the device includes holes smaller than 100 nanometers, it can be used to generate electricity. WATCH | Energy giants turn to humble tech startups to remove emission | WION Climate Tracker × “This is very exciting. We are opening up a wide door for harvesting clean electricity from thin air,” said Xiaomeng Liu, a graduate student and one of the paper's lead authors. "The idea is simple, but it’s never been discovered before, and it opens all kinds of possibilities. You could image harvesters made of one kind of material for rainforest environments and another for more arid regions,” added Jun Yao, a co-author of the new paper. Other scientific breakthroughs In the quest to generate electricity out of thin air, researchers at Monash University in Melbourne also made some remarkable breakthroughs. The scientists discovered a hydrogen-consuming enzyme from a common soil bacterium that uses the atmosphere as an energy source to generate electrical current. The enzyme discovered is called Huc (pronounced “Huck”) and is made by Mycobacterium smegmatis bacteria, allowing it to survive in harsh conditions. ALSO READ | Limitless energy? Scientists discover enzyme to make electricity out of thin air The scientists said the early applications of Huc include powering small air-powered devices which could act as an alternative to solar-powered devices. The next step involved is to scale up the production so that Huc can be produced in sufficient quantities to be used at a meaningful scale. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Limitless energy? Scientists discover way to generate electricity out of thin air

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidnT1uUpeijlHX" /><meta charset="utf-8" />French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.</p>

<p>In the frankest remark yet by a Western leader, Macron said it would be putting the stakeholders in an impossible situation if such a choice is not made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The timing issue – and this is where I want to be very transparent and honest with you. The question is if in a few months to come, you have a window for negotiation with the existing Russian political power, the question will be an arbitrage between a trial and a negotiation, I will be very frank with you," said Macron.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And you will have to negotiate with the leaders you have, de facto, even if the day after you will have to judge them in front of them of the international justice. So this is a question of articulation. Because otherwise, you can put yourselves just in an impossible situation where you say: ‘I want you to go to jail, but you are the only one I can negotiate with,’” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Offer Ukraine security guarantees: Macron&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Macron called on the&nbsp;West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees as the war lingers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We provide plenty of weapons to Ukraine, but we have not added it to any strategic security dialogue. If we want to carry weight with Russia, if we want to be credible to the Ukrainians, we must give Ukraine the means to prevent any further aggression and include it in sustainable security architecture," said Macron</p>

<p>"That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks...to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-meet-emmanuel-macron-urges-tangible-security-guarantees-for-kyiv-598961"><b>WATCH |&nbsp;NATO meet: Emmanuel Macron urges tangible security guarantees for Kyiv</b></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Macron's clarity&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Macron, in recent months, has emerged as one of the few Western leaders that has absolute clarity regarding contentious global issues. After visiting China in April, Macron advised Europe saying it must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc cannot be a follower of either the US or China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-eu-must-not-take-us-china-side-on-taiwan-issue-after-beijing-visit-580767"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Macron warns EU must not take US, China side on Taiwan issue after Beijing visit</strong></a></p>

<p>Even then, Macron cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, had not been able to resolve the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

French President Emmanuel Macron is willing to make the hard choice. In a wide-ranging speech at an EU leaders' conference, Macron said it may not be possible to send Putin to face war crime trials when he is the only one that can negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. In the frankest remark yet by a Western leader, Macron said it would be putting the stakeholders in an impossible situation if such a choice is not made. “The timing issue – and this is where I want to be very transparent and honest with you. The question is if in a few months to come, you have a window for negotiation with the existing Russian political power, the question will be an arbitrage between a trial and a negotiation, I will be very frank with you," said Macron. “And you will have to negotiate with the leaders you have, de facto, even if the day after you will have to judge them in front of them of the international justice. So this is a question of articulation. Because otherwise, you can put yourselves just in an impossible situation where you say: ‘I want you to go to jail, but you are the only one I can negotiate with,’” he added. Offer Ukraine security guarantees: Macron Earlier, Macron called on the West to offer Ukraine "tangible and credible" security guarantees as the war lingers. "We provide plenty of weapons to Ukraine, but we have not added it to any strategic security dialogue. If we want to carry weight with Russia, if we want to be credible to the Ukrainians, we must give Ukraine the means to prevent any further aggression and include it in sustainable security architecture," said Macron "That is why I'm in favour, and this will be the subject of collective talks in the following weeks...to offer tangible and credible security guarantees to Ukraine," he added. WATCH | NATO meet: Emmanuel Macron urges tangible security guarantees for Kyiv × Macron's clarity Macron, in recent months, has emerged as one of the few Western leaders that has absolute clarity regarding contentious global issues. After visiting China in April, Macron advised Europe saying it must strive for 'neutrality' on the Taiwan issue, adding that the bloc cannot be a follower of either the US or China. “The question Europeans need to answer...is it in our interest to accelerate [a crisis] on Taiwan? No. The worse thing would be to think that we Europeans must become followers on this topic and take our cue from the US agenda and a Chinese overreaction,” Macron told French business daily Les Echos and Politico on his plane journey back home. ALSO READ | Macron warns EU must not take US, China side on Taiwan issue after Beijing visit Even then, Macron cited the example of the Russia-Ukraine war where the EU, despite its relative cohesion, had not been able to resolve the situation. “Europeans cannot resolve the crisis in Ukraine; how can we credibly say on Taiwan, ‘watch out, if you do something wrong we will be there’? If you really want to increase tensions that’s the way to do it.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Faustian bargain? Negotiation with Putin more important than war crime trials, says Macron

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<p>Troubles continue to mount for&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. A group of PTI defectors led by Fawad Chaudhary met party vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Adiala Jail on Wednesday and tried to convince him to desert the party and Imran, Pakistani media reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chaudhary said he held a detailed meeting with Qureshi, adding that he had already met several of PTI's senior leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We had a detailed meeting with Asad Umar, and also contacted Asad Qaiser, Farrukh Habib, Shahzad Wasim, Ali Zaidi, Hammad Azhar, Pervez Khattak and other leaders.”</p>

<p>Rumours mills are abuzz with the speculation that Chaudhary is working&nbsp;on a ‘minus Imran’ formula and the meetings are a step in that direction only.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-blames-pakistan-army-chief-asim-munir-for-arrest-592289"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest</strong></a></p>

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<p>Chaudhary quit the party last month after condemning the violent protests that transpired on May 9 following the PTI chief's arrest in an alleged corruption case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"After my earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned the 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics. Therefore, I have resigned from my party position and am parting ways with Imran Khan," Chaudhry wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">آج اڈیالہ جیل میں تحریک انصاف کے سابق رہنماؤں سے <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> صاحب کی ملاقات پر میڈیا میں جو تاثر دیا جا رہا ہے میں اُسکی تردید کرتا ہوں۔<br />
مخدوم صاحب پارٹی کے وائس چیئرمین ہیں اور<a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PTIofficial</a> ایک نظریے کا نام ہے، ہم تحریک انصاف اور <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> کے نظریے کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں!<br />
شاہ… <a href="https://t.co/P7d0OzrxCO">pic.twitter.com/P7d0OzrxCO</a></p>
— Zain Hussain Qureshi (@ZainHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZainHQ/status/1663911549591777283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Imran has deployed countermeasures&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ploy, however, may not work immediately as Qureshi's son Zain Qureshi took to Twitter in the evening and posted a solidarity tweet saying the PTI vice chairman was firmly in Imran's corner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Makhdoom sahib is the vice chairman of the party and is the name of an ideology. We stand with the ideology of Tehreek-i-Insaf and Imran Khan. He [Shah Mehmood] has only done politics of principles and service, not position and greed," tweeted Qureshi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were rumours doing the rounds that Qureshi may leave the party as Pakistan's establishment continues to go after PTI biggies. However, after Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police last week, Imran deployed quick countermeasures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cricketer-turned-politician named Qureshi as his replacement in case he was arrested or disqualified by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The time will soon change, and in the coming days, I will give a big surprise. There is no fight between me and the military," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-chief-imran-khan-names-his-replacements-in-case-he-is-arrested-or-disqualified-597375" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified</strong></a></p>

<p>Imran also added Qureshi to a negotiating team he has constituted to hold talks with the government.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Pervez Khattak, Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar are the others to have been named to the committee.</p>

<h2><strong>How long will Qureshi resist the urge?</strong></h2>

<p>Although it is unlikely that Qureshi may ditch Imran right now, nothing can be promised about the future, especially considering Pakistan's ever-evolving political landscape. Imran is quietly losing ground with party members jumping the ship and the Army-government nexus tightening the noose around his neck.</p>

<p>Experts say it will be interesting to observe how long Qureshi can hold the urge to kick Imran out of the party and assert total control. Losing Imran means Qureshi and his ilk may receive protection from the establishment, which, otherwise looks like a one-way battle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Troubles continue to mount for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. A group of PTI defectors led by Fawad Chaudhary met party vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Adiala Jail on Wednesday and tried to convince him to desert the party and Imran, Pakistani media reported.

Troubles continue to mount for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan. A group of PTI defectors led by Fawad Chaudhary met party vice chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi in Adiala Jail on Wednesday and tried to convince him to desert the party and Imran, Pakistani media reported. Chaudhary said he held a detailed meeting with Qureshi, adding that he had already met several of PTI's senior leadership. “We had a detailed meeting with Asad Umar, and also contacted Asad Qaiser, Farrukh Habib, Shahzad Wasim, Ali Zaidi, Hammad Azhar, Pervez Khattak and other leaders.” Rumours mills are abuzz with the speculation that Chaudhary is working on a ‘minus Imran’ formula and the meetings are a step in that direction only. WATCH | Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest Chaudhary quit the party last month after condemning the violent protests that transpired on May 9 following the PTI chief's arrest in an alleged corruption case. "After my earlier statement where I unequivocally condemned the 9th May incidents, I have decided to take a break from politics. Therefore, I have resigned from my party position and am parting ways with Imran Khan," Chaudhry wrote in a tweet. آج اڈیالہ جیل میں تحریک انصاف کے سابق رہنماؤں سے @SMQureshiPTI صاحب کی ملاقات پر میڈیا میں جو تاثر دیا جا رہا ہے میں اُسکی تردید کرتا ہوں۔ مخدوم صاحب پارٹی کے وائس چیئرمین ہیں اور@PTIofficial ایک نظریے کا نام ہے، ہم تحریک انصاف اور @ImranKhanPTI کے نظریے کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں! شاہ… pic.twitter.com/P7d0OzrxCO — Zain Hussain Qureshi (@ZainHQ) May 31, 2023 × Imran has deployed countermeasures The ploy, however, may not work immediately as Qureshi's son Zain Qureshi took to Twitter in the evening and posted a solidarity tweet saying the PTI vice chairman was firmly in Imran's corner. “Makhdoom sahib is the vice chairman of the party and is the name of an ideology. We stand with the ideology of Tehreek-i-Insaf and Imran Khan. He [Shah Mehmood] has only done politics of principles and service, not position and greed," tweeted Qureshi. There were rumours doing the rounds that Qureshi may leave the party as Pakistan's establishment continues to go after PTI biggies. However, after Qureshi was rearrested by Punjab Police last week, Imran deployed quick countermeasures. The cricketer-turned-politician named Qureshi as his replacement in case he was arrested or disqualified by the authorities. "I know that there is a plan to arrest me, disqualify me, or even kill me. If I am arrested or disqualified, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Pervez Khattak will handle the [party] affairs," Khan was quoted as saying by Pakistani media. "The time will soon change, and in the coming days, I will give a big surprise. There is no fight between me and the military," he added. ALSO READ | PTI chief Imran Khan names his 'replacements' in case he is arrested or disqualified Imran also added Qureshi to a negotiating team he has constituted to hold talks with the government. Pervez Khattak, Asad Qaiser, Haleem Adil Sheikh, Aun Abbasi, Murad Saeed, and Hammad Azhar are the others to have been named to the committee. How long will Qureshi resist the urge? Although it is unlikely that Qureshi may ditch Imran right now, nothing can be promised about the future, especially considering Pakistan's ever-evolving political landscape. Imran is quietly losing ground with party members jumping the ship and the Army-government nexus tightening the noose around his neck. Experts say it will be interesting to observe how long Qureshi can hold the urge to kick Imran out of the party and assert total control. Losing Imran means Qureshi and his ilk may receive protection from the establishment, which, otherwise looks like a one-way battle. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Operation 'minus Imran': PTI defectors led by Fawad meet Qureshi to persuade him to desert party

<p>Hungary has in recent weeks freed 777 foreigners, mostly Serbian, Ukrainian and Romanian nationals, convicted of human-trafficking, the directorate of prisons said on Wednesday in a reply to Reuters questions.</p>

<p>Citing overcrowded prisons, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government issued a decree in April allowing the release of foreign nationals convicted of people smuggling, on condition that they leave Hungary within 72 hours once freed.</p>

<p>The move drew a protest from neighbouring Austria, a top destination for smuggled migrants heading for the heart of the European Union via Hungary from the Balkans. Vienna said it regards the release of human traffickers as a security threat.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-lawmakers-pass-new-law-allowing-locals-to-report-anonymously-on-same-sex-couples-582433">Hungary: Lawmakers pass new law allowing locals to report anonymously on same-sex couples</a></strong></p>

<p>The Hungarian prison directorate (BvOP) said there were 2,636 people convicted of human trafficking in Hungarian prisons, of whom 808 were foreign citizens eligible for the release.</p>

<p>"Incarcerating foreign nationals costs Hungarian prisons billions of forints each year," the BvOP press office said in its emailed reply.</p>

<p>It said that if those released do not leave Hungary's territory within 72 hours and are caught by police, they would have to remain in prison for the full term of their sentence.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Why is Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán calling for Trump’s return as US President?</strong></p>

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<p>For many migrants, the Hungarian route remains an appealing one despite stepped-up border police patrols and a steel fence built by Hungary after the EU's 2015 migration crisis on its southern border with Serbia.</p>

<p>Once in Hungary, migrants can move across generally open borders within Europe's Schengen zone to wealthier western EU countries like Austria or Germany.</p>

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Hungary has in recent weeks freed 777 foreigners, mostly Serbian, Ukrainian and Romanian nationals, convicted of human-trafficking, the directorate of prisons said on Wednesday in a reply to Reuters questions.

Hungary has in recent weeks freed 777 foreigners, mostly Serbian, Ukrainian and Romanian nationals, convicted of human-trafficking, the directorate of prisons said on Wednesday in a reply to Reuters questions. Citing overcrowded prisons, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government issued a decree in April allowing the release of foreign nationals convicted of people smuggling, on condition that they leave Hungary within 72 hours once freed. The move drew a protest from neighbouring Austria, a top destination for smuggled migrants heading for the heart of the European Union via Hungary from the Balkans. Vienna said it regards the release of human traffickers as a security threat. ALSO READ | Hungary: Lawmakers pass new law allowing locals to report anonymously on same-sex couples The Hungarian prison directorate (BvOP) said there were 2,636 people convicted of human trafficking in Hungarian prisons, of whom 808 were foreign citizens eligible for the release. "Incarcerating foreign nationals costs Hungarian prisons billions of forints each year," the BvOP press office said in its emailed reply. It said that if those released do not leave Hungary's territory within 72 hours and are caught by police, they would have to remain in prison for the full term of their sentence. WATCH | Why is Hungary’s PM Viktor Orbán calling for Trump’s return as US President? × For many migrants, the Hungarian route remains an appealing one despite stepped-up border police patrols and a steel fence built by Hungary after the EU's 2015 migration crisis on its southern border with Serbia. Once in Hungary, migrants can move across generally open borders within Europe's Schengen zone to wealthier western EU countries like Austria or Germany. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hungary frees 777 foreigners convicted of human-trafficking

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation&nbsp;of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate".&nbsp;Washington had&nbsp;reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," said Austin, who is currently in Tokyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," he added.</p>

<p>Austin was referring to the recent "provocative" manoeuvre in front of a US aircraft by China and called it a "very concerning" development. Both Austin and Li are expected to address the Shangri-La dialogue on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Beijing blames Washington&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Though Beijing didn't officially snub the meet invite,&nbsp;Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should&nbsp; “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The aircraft incident&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, last week, a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence".&nbsp;In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane is seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence.</p>

<p>A senior US defence official stated that there has been an “alarming increase in the number of risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea” by Chinese aircraft and ships – actions that “have the potential to create an unsafe incident or miscalculation”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinese-fighter-plane-performs-unnecessarily-aggressive-manoeuvre-near-us-jet-598545"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US 'provocation' led to South China Sea fighter jet incident, says Beijing</strong></a></p>

<h2><b>Relations at an all-time low</b></h2>

<p>Despite the cancellation, experts are of the view that the meeting would have been a futile attempt to bridge any tension between the two countries.&nbsp;Last year, Austin met Li's predecessor Wei Fenge at Shangri-La Dialogue privately but the meeting did little to mend the deteriorating ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the spy balloon incident earlier this year and the subsequent cancellation of&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, the relations have remained frosty. Declining the US invite is being seen as an attempt by Beijing to even the scales.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate". Washington had reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has termed the cancellation of a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart by Beijing as "unfortunate". Washington had reportedly invited China's Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu to hold talks with Austin on the sidelines of a defence summit in Singapore this week. "You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," said Austin, who is currently in Tokyo. "We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control," he added. Austin was referring to the recent "provocative" manoeuvre in front of a US aircraft by China and called it a "very concerning" development. Both Austin and Li are expected to address the Shangri-La dialogue on Saturday. WATCH | Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties Beijing blames Washington Though Beijing didn't officially snub the meet invite, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries". The aircraft incident Notably, last week, a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence". In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane is seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence. A senior US defence official stated that there has been an “alarming increase in the number of risky aerial intercepts and confrontations at sea” by Chinese aircraft and ships – actions that “have the potential to create an unsafe incident or miscalculation”. ALSO READ | US 'provocation' led to South China Sea fighter jet incident, says Beijing Relations at an all-time low Despite the cancellation, experts are of the view that the meeting would have been a futile attempt to bridge any tension between the two countries. Last year, Austin met Li's predecessor Wei Fenge at Shangri-La Dialogue privately but the meeting did little to mend the deteriorating ties. Since the spy balloon incident earlier this year and the subsequent cancellation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing, the relations have remained frosty. Declining the US invite is being seen as an attempt by Beijing to even the scales. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US defence secretary terms cancellation of talks with Chinese counterpart as ‘unfortunate’

<p>Amid the ongoing wrestlers' protest, representatives of khaps or clan-based farmer groups from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab,&nbsp;Rajasthan and Delhi will meet in Muzaffarnagar to discuss the protests.&nbsp;Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Naresh Tikait who was at the forefront of last year's "anti-farm laws" will also be leading the mahapanchayat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to hold the mega-meet comes days after wrestlers halted the&nbsp;plan to immerse their medals in River Ganga as an act of defiance. It was Tikait who had urged the protesting wrestlers to not go ahead with the decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A mahapanchayat’ will be held in Soram village on Thursday to discuss the ongoing protest by wrestlers. Representatives of different khaps from UP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi will participate in it,” said Tikait.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wrestlers-halt-medals-consigning-in-river-ganga-in-haridwar-set-to-continue-protest-598423"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Wrestlers halt consigning of medals to River Ganga in Haridwar; set to launch hunger strike</strong></a></p>

<p>According to various reports, 35 khaps are expected to participate in the meeting on Thursday. Though the protests have been confined to the capital city so far, the involvement of khaps means that the demonstrations could spread across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The wrestlers took an emotional decision on Tuesday to immerse their medals and it was our duty to stop them. The khaps will meet on Thursday to discuss the future of protest. The struggle will still be led by the wrestlers and all khaps and farmer unions will support them to the hilt,” Chaudhary Surender Solanki, president of Palam 360 khap in Delhi was quoted as saying by HT.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-wrestlers-to-toss-their-medals-in-river-ganga-598404"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Wrestlers to toss their medals in river Ganga</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Why are the wrestlers protesting?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief&nbsp;Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing athletes, a charge that the body chief refutes. They are demanding that Bhushan step down from his position and that law enforcement agencies probe the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After initially calling off a protest earlier this year, the wrestlers were forced to do another sit-in at the Jantar Mantar as no progress was made in the case. It was only after the Supreme Court intervened that the Delhi police lodged an FIR against Bhushan and directed authorities to conduct a probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has said&nbsp;the wrestlers were tarnishing the image of the country and they should have approached the body instead of taking it to the streets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
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Amid the ongoing wrestlers' protest, representatives of khaps or clan-based farmer groups from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi will meet in Muzaffarnagar to discuss the protests.

Amid the ongoing wrestlers' protest, representatives of khaps or clan-based farmer groups from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi will meet in Muzaffarnagar to discuss the protests. Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Naresh Tikait who was at the forefront of last year's "anti-farm laws" will also be leading the mahapanchayat. The decision to hold the mega-meet comes days after wrestlers halted the plan to immerse their medals in River Ganga as an act of defiance. It was Tikait who had urged the protesting wrestlers to not go ahead with the decision. “A mahapanchayat’ will be held in Soram village on Thursday to discuss the ongoing protest by wrestlers. Representatives of different khaps from UP, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi will participate in it,” said Tikait. ALSO READ | Wrestlers halt consigning of medals to River Ganga in Haridwar; set to launch hunger strike According to various reports, 35 khaps are expected to participate in the meeting on Thursday. Though the protests have been confined to the capital city so far, the involvement of khaps means that the demonstrations could spread across the country. “The wrestlers took an emotional decision on Tuesday to immerse their medals and it was our duty to stop them. The khaps will meet on Thursday to discuss the future of protest. The struggle will still be led by the wrestlers and all khaps and farmer unions will support them to the hilt,” Chaudhary Surender Solanki, president of Palam 360 khap in Delhi was quoted as saying by HT. WATCH | Indian Wrestlers to toss their medals in river Ganga × Why are the wrestlers protesting? The wrestlers have accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexually harassing athletes, a charge that the body chief refutes. They are demanding that Bhushan step down from his position and that law enforcement agencies probe the allegations. After initially calling off a protest earlier this year, the wrestlers were forced to do another sit-in at the Jantar Mantar as no progress was made in the case. It was only after the Supreme Court intervened that the Delhi police lodged an FIR against Bhushan and directed authorities to conduct a probe. Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has said the wrestlers were tarnishing the image of the country and they should have approached the body instead of taking it to the streets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Khaps to hold mahapanchayat to discuss future of wrestlers' protest

<p>India's Home Minister Amit Shah is currently on a four-day visit to the crisis-hit northeastern state of Manipur. During his meeting with the stakeholders in the region, Shah appealed for 15 days of peace to bring normalcy and achieve solutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muan Tombing, general secretary of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), said the government was likely to announce a judicial inquiry commission to probe the violence in the state. The commission is expected to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Home Minister said peace be given a chance for the next 15 days for a solution to be achieved. He said the Centre will appoint a judicial commission and separate teams will visit Imphal and Churachandpur during the period. We assured the Minister that we will not attack any group but if attacked, we will defend ourselves,”&nbsp;Tombing was quoted as saying by The Hindu newspaper.</p>

<p>Two communities - Kukis and Meiteis - have been engaged in attack on each other since the violence first broke out on May 3. Keeping the gravity of the situation in mind, Shah held closed-door meetings with leaders of civil society organisations and tribal representatives in&nbsp;Churachandpur - one of the worst-hit districts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manipur-violence-indian-home-minister-amit-shah-in-manipur-to-restore-normalcy-598401"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Manipur Violence: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in Manipur to restore normalcy</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Shah gives assurances&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from an independent probe, media reports said Shah had given several other assurances, including rehabilitation for loss of life and property and property transfer via direct benefit, relief material to the state and CBI investigation in select cases with no involvement of state officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Shah took to Twitter and said he had held fruitful meetings with civil society members and reviewed the security situation with the law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Reviewed the security situation in Manipur in a meeting with senior officials of the Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army in Imphal. Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority, instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace," said Shah in one of the tweets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Reviewed the security situation in Manipur in a meeting with senior officials of the Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army in Imphal. Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority, instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace. <a href="https://t.co/RtSvGFeman">pic.twitter.com/RtSvGFeman</a></p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1663544854704685137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people - a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. At least 60 people have been killed while around 35,000 have been displaced due to rioting and ethnic clashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, 11 athletes from the state including Olympic gold medalist Mitrabai Chanu&nbsp;wrote a letter to Shah, urging&nbsp;him to take immediate action to restore "peace and normalcy" in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-crisis-top-olympians-write-to-union-home-minister-threaten-to-return-awards-if-peace-not-restored-598375"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Manipur crisis: Top Olympians write to Union Home Minister, threaten to return awards if peace not restored</strong></a></p>

<p>The other signatories to the letter include Padma Award winner weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian woman football team captain Bem Bem Devi and Boxer L Sarita Devi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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India's Home Minister Amit Shah is currently on a four-day visit to the crisis-hit northeastern state of Manipur. During his meeting with the stakeholders in the region, Shah appealed for 15 days of peace to bring normalcy and achieve solutions.

India's Home Minister Amit Shah is currently on a four-day visit to the crisis-hit northeastern state of Manipur. During his meeting with the stakeholders in the region, Shah appealed for 15 days of peace to bring normalcy and achieve solutions. Muan Tombing, general secretary of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), said the government was likely to announce a judicial inquiry commission to probe the violence in the state. The commission is expected to be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. “The Home Minister said peace be given a chance for the next 15 days for a solution to be achieved. He said the Centre will appoint a judicial commission and separate teams will visit Imphal and Churachandpur during the period. We assured the Minister that we will not attack any group but if attacked, we will defend ourselves,” Tombing was quoted as saying by The Hindu newspaper. Two communities - Kukis and Meiteis - have been engaged in attack on each other since the violence first broke out on May 3. Keeping the gravity of the situation in mind, Shah held closed-door meetings with leaders of civil society organisations and tribal representatives in Churachandpur - one of the worst-hit districts. WATCH | Manipur Violence: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah in Manipur to restore normalcy × Shah gives assurances Apart from an independent probe, media reports said Shah had given several other assurances, including rehabilitation for loss of life and property and property transfer via direct benefit, relief material to the state and CBI investigation in select cases with no involvement of state officers. On Tuesday, Shah took to Twitter and said he had held fruitful meetings with civil society members and reviewed the security situation with the law enforcement agencies. "Reviewed the security situation in Manipur in a meeting with senior officials of the Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army in Imphal. Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority, instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace," said Shah in one of the tweets. Reviewed the security situation in Manipur in a meeting with senior officials of the Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army in Imphal. Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority, instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace. pic.twitter.com/RtSvGFeman — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2023 × The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people - a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. At least 60 people have been killed while around 35,000 have been displaced due to rioting and ethnic clashes. Earlier this week, 11 athletes from the state including Olympic gold medalist Mitrabai Chanu wrote a letter to Shah, urging him to take immediate action to restore "peace and normalcy" in the state. ALSO READ | Manipur crisis: Top Olympians write to Union Home Minister, threaten to return awards if peace not restored The other signatories to the letter include Padma Award winner weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian woman football team captain Bem Bem Devi and Boxer L Sarita Devi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Home Minister Amit Shah appeals for '15 days of peace' in Manipur to find solution

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