<p>A 13-year-old boy in China has claimed that he is the owner of a tech company and responsible for paying the salaries of six employees working under him, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video of the incident where the boy is making the claims to his teacher has gone viral on the social media platforms of the country. On Weibo (China's Twitter-like platform), the video has garnered 26 million views and 10 million on Douyin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the teacher at a&nbsp;secondary school in&nbsp;southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality assigned a homework exercise to students, asking them to write a summary about a classmate they see as accomplished and successful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To the teacher's surprise, most students in the class chose a classmate they said already was running a company.&nbsp;“I heard that one of you is a boss who owns a company. Who is that?," the teacher can be heard asking in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the students pointed&nbsp;out, the teacher turned towards a student named Chen and asks him,&nbsp;“It’s you, Boss Chen.&nbsp;What kind of business is your company engaged in?”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-acquires-golden-shares-in-tech-firms-alibaba-and-tencent-for-control-on-sector-552736"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China acquires ‘golden shares’ in tech firms Alibaba and Tencent for control on sector</strong></a></p>

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<p>The kid sheepishly replies,&nbsp;“Internet technology,” adding that his company employed five to six employees. He also replied in the affirmative when asked if he paid his workers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How outstanding you are!” replied the teacher.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the video went viral, Chinese netizens started commenting on the boy's supposed feat. One suggested that Chen could even apply for the Guinness World Record as the world's youngest boss.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/chinese-tech-giant-baidu-to-launch-chatgpt-like-ai-bot-in-march-557243"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Chinese tech giant Baidu to launch ChatGPT-like AI bot in March</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, one joked,&nbsp;“When his customer asks his employees, ‘Where is your boss?’, his employees must reply, ‘He will come after school is over at 5pm’."</p>

<p>“This boss looks kind. I am wondering if his company has any vacancies as I’d like to apply for a job there," quipped another.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>School investigating the claims</strong></h2>

<p>Although Chen is making headlines, some netizens said his claims were contradictory as the legal requirement in China mandated that the head of any business must be at least 18 years of age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The school administration commented on the situation and said they were&nbsp;currently probing the boy's claims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He is definitely not the legal head of a company, and it’s impossible for him to be that. We are still trying to get more details," one of the school spokespersons was quoted as saying by Red Star News.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A 13-year-old boy in China has claimed that he is the owner of a tech company and responsible for paying the salaries of six employees working under him, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP).

A 13-year-old boy in China has claimed that he is the owner of a tech company and responsible for paying the salaries of six employees working under him, according to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP). A video of the incident where the boy is making the claims to his teacher has gone viral on the social media platforms of the country. On Weibo (China's Twitter-like platform), the video has garnered 26 million views and 10 million on Douyin. In the video, the teacher at a secondary school in southwestern China’s Chongqing municipality assigned a homework exercise to students, asking them to write a summary about a classmate they see as accomplished and successful. To the teacher's surprise, most students in the class chose a classmate they said already was running a company. “I heard that one of you is a boss who owns a company. Who is that?," the teacher can be heard asking in the video. After the students pointed out, the teacher turned towards a student named Chen and asks him, “It’s you, Boss Chen. What kind of business is your company engaged in?” WATCH | China acquires ‘golden shares’ in tech firms Alibaba and Tencent for control on sector × The kid sheepishly replies, “Internet technology,” adding that his company employed five to six employees. He also replied in the affirmative when asked if he paid his workers. “How outstanding you are!” replied the teacher. As soon as the video went viral, Chinese netizens started commenting on the boy's supposed feat. One suggested that Chen could even apply for the Guinness World Record as the world's youngest boss. ALSO READ | Chinese tech giant Baidu to launch ChatGPT-like AI bot in March Meanwhile, one joked, “When his customer asks his employees, ‘Where is your boss?’, his employees must reply, ‘He will come after school is over at 5pm’." “This boss looks kind. I am wondering if his company has any vacancies as I’d like to apply for a job there," quipped another. School investigating the claims Although Chen is making headlines, some netizens said his claims were contradictory as the legal requirement in China mandated that the head of any business must be at least 18 years of age. The school administration commented on the situation and said they were currently probing the boy's claims. “He is definitely not the legal head of a company, and it’s impossible for him to be that. We are still trying to get more details," one of the school spokespersons was quoted as saying by Red Star News. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Wunderkind? 13-yr-old kid in China claims to be tech company boss, paying salaries to six employees

<p>Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are&nbsp;attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve&nbsp;total unification.</p>

<p>Recently, a&nbsp;Taiwanese woman named Yang Hsin-tzu was targetted incessantly by the Chinese IT cell after she&nbsp;purchased a book titled 'If China Attacks'&nbsp; which essentially is anti-CPC (Communist Party of China) in its leanings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yang bought the book from&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore in February but received a mysterious call last Saturday (May 13) which piqued her interest. Yang, who is a deputy executive secretary for a non-profit, "Here I Stand Project" took to Facebook to chronicle her experience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yang&nbsp;said she missed two "strange" calls with the country code +28. However, when the phone rang the third time, she picked up the call and heard a soft female voice on the receiver's end.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The voice was female, and from the beginning, she spoke in a very diffident tone,” Yang wrote, adding that the woman claimed to a representative of&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore who was conducting a survey following&nbsp;Yang’s purchase of the book.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When she quizzed the caller on what the survey was regarding, the Chinese propagandist said, “The book you bought contains very sensitive content...This book’s content is inappropriate, so I wish to hear your opinion.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-territorial-ambitions-claims-over-taiwan-571910"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having talked for a few minutes on the phone, Yang realised that the accent of the caller was faux-Taiwanese, meaning she was not a Taiwanese native.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“At that moment, I was both nervous and excited, not wanting to miss the chance to face-off directly with Chinese communists," added Yang who told the caller to revert once she has picked up the book.</p>

<p>This time Yang prepared to record the call but instead of the woman, she got a man on the follow-up call. The said man claimed to be from&nbsp;&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore’s marketing department.</p>

<p>Unlike the woman caller, the man had no pretence and right off the bat, started kicking Taiwan and schooling Yang that even though she was not born in China, she was a native.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“China has strong military prowess, there is no way Taiwan will come out victorious," said the caller, who repeatedly claimed that the US won't help Taiwan and that&nbsp;Kuomintang (KMT) is better.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He also declared, “the unification of Taiwan is inevitable, voting for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will result in unification by force, and voting for the KMT will result in peaceful unification and one country, two systems!”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-condemns-meeting-between-us-house-speaker-and-taiwan-president-vows-resolute-response-579595"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>China's&nbsp;psychological warfare</strong></h2>

<p>It is common knowledge that scammers from China have been targeting online shoppers in Taiwan. Their main aim is to not engage in financial fraud but to conduct psychological warfare and sow seeds of confusion about the Taiwanese Army and government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This time, they weren’t trying to scam me for my money, they were trying to conduct cognitive warfare with me, trying to find out Taiwan’s public opinion and Taiwanese’s thoughts about the book," added Yang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries has summoned&nbsp;Eslite Bookstore representatives to explain the loopholes in their cyber security system which allowed non-state actors to get hold of customer data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China drumming up the intensity of scam calls comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen recently visiting the US and meeting the top leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve total unification.

Over the last year and a half, China has upped the ante on Taiwan, especially after former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation. Now, Chinese propagandists masquerading as marketing professionals are attempting to brainwash Taiwanese nationals to achieve total unification. Recently, a Taiwanese woman named Yang Hsin-tzu was targetted incessantly by the Chinese IT cell after she purchased a book titled 'If China Attacks' which essentially is anti-CPC (Communist Party of China) in its leanings. Yang bought the book from Eslite Bookstore in February but received a mysterious call last Saturday (May 13) which piqued her interest. Yang, who is a deputy executive secretary for a non-profit, "Here I Stand Project" took to Facebook to chronicle her experience. Yang said she missed two "strange" calls with the country code +28. However, when the phone rang the third time, she picked up the call and heard a soft female voice on the receiver's end. “The voice was female, and from the beginning, she spoke in a very diffident tone,” Yang wrote, adding that the woman claimed to a representative of Eslite Bookstore who was conducting a survey following Yang’s purchase of the book. When she quizzed the caller on what the survey was regarding, the Chinese propagandist said, “The book you bought contains very sensitive content...This book’s content is inappropriate, so I wish to hear your opinion.” WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan × Having talked for a few minutes on the phone, Yang realised that the accent of the caller was faux-Taiwanese, meaning she was not a Taiwanese native. “At that moment, I was both nervous and excited, not wanting to miss the chance to face-off directly with Chinese communists," added Yang who told the caller to revert once she has picked up the book. This time Yang prepared to record the call but instead of the woman, she got a man on the follow-up call. The said man claimed to be from Eslite Bookstore’s marketing department. Unlike the woman caller, the man had no pretence and right off the bat, started kicking Taiwan and schooling Yang that even though she was not born in China, she was a native. “China has strong military prowess, there is no way Taiwan will come out victorious," said the caller, who repeatedly claimed that the US won't help Taiwan and that Kuomintang (KMT) is better. × He also declared, “the unification of Taiwan is inevitable, voting for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will result in unification by force, and voting for the KMT will result in peaceful unification and one country, two systems!” ALSO READ | China condemns meeting between US House speaker and Taiwan president, vows 'resolute' response China's psychological warfare It is common knowledge that scammers from China have been targeting online shoppers in Taiwan. Their main aim is to not engage in financial fraud but to conduct psychological warfare and sow seeds of confusion about the Taiwanese Army and government. “This time, they weren’t trying to scam me for my money, they were trying to conduct cognitive warfare with me, trying to find out Taiwan’s public opinion and Taiwanese’s thoughts about the book," added Yang. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries has summoned Eslite Bookstore representatives to explain the loopholes in their cyber security system which allowed non-state actors to get hold of customer data. China drumming up the intensity of scam calls comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen recently visiting the US and meeting the top leaders. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese propagandists are scam-calling those buying anti-Communist party books

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<p>Pakistan is undergoing major turmoil as former prime minister Imran Khan has opened up a front against the government and the Pakistani Army after he was arrested from the Islamabad High Court last week. Speaking on the developments, the United States on Monday refused to pick sides but said Pakistanis had the right to protest without violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US State Depart­ment spokesperson Ved­a­nt Patel during an afternoon news briefing stated that laws of the land should be respected while making any arrests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“First and foremost, our belief is that individuals should have the freedom to express themselves, but do so without participating in any violence, violence that would put government employees and government buildings in harm’s way,” the spokesperson said when asked about the violence that followed Khan's arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When pressed about comments on Khan's arrest, the spokesperson toed a safe line and said the White House did “not have a position on one political party or one candidate or other”.</p>

<p>“Our view is, a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan is crucial to US-Pakistan relations. And that for any arrests that such a candidate is (granted) basic human rights in accordance with their laws,” he added.</p>

<p>The spokesperson was also asked about Khan's statement wherein he said the journalists in the country were being pressured to not tell the other side of the story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am just not going to be prospective about the current situation. I don’t have an assessment to offer from here,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-news-live-lahore-high-court-reserves-verdict-on-imrans-plea-against-arrest-592835" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Imran Khan news LIVE | Hearing adjourned in Toshakhana corruption case</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Imran Khan's arrest</strong></h2>

<p>Notably, the cricketer-turned-politician was arrested last week by the Pakistani Rangers, in relation to the Qadir Trust case, which is one of dozens of cases pending against him since his ouster from office last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan was sent to the custody of the country's top anti-corruption body for eight days. However, he was released last Friday after supreme court judges ruled that his arrest was “illegal and invalid” and the high court granted him bail.&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>He has repeatedly accused the Pakistani Army of plotting his downfall, calling it a vendetta by&nbsp;General Asim Munir Ahmed against him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Without any doubt, the military is behind my arrest.&nbsp;Pakistan is now being run by the army chief. The crackdown on us is by the army chief," said Khan in an interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Khan, over 7,000 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) have been 'illegally detained' by the administration ever since he was arrested.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Pakistan is undergoing major turmoil as former prime minister Imran Khan has opened up a front against the government and the Pakistani Army after he was arrested from the Islamabad High Court last week.

Pakistan is undergoing major turmoil as former prime minister Imran Khan has opened up a front against the government and the Pakistani Army after he was arrested from the Islamabad High Court last week. Speaking on the developments, the United States on Monday refused to pick sides but said Pakistanis had the right to protest without violence. US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel during an afternoon news briefing stated that laws of the land should be respected while making any arrests. “First and foremost, our belief is that individuals should have the freedom to express themselves, but do so without participating in any violence, violence that would put government employees and government buildings in harm’s way,” the spokesperson said when asked about the violence that followed Khan's arrest. When pressed about comments on Khan's arrest, the spokesperson toed a safe line and said the White House did “not have a position on one political party or one candidate or other”. “Our view is, a strong, stable, and prosperous Pakistan is crucial to US-Pakistan relations. And that for any arrests that such a candidate is (granted) basic human rights in accordance with their laws,” he added. The spokesperson was also asked about Khan's statement wherein he said the journalists in the country were being pressured to not tell the other side of the story. “I am just not going to be prospective about the current situation. I don’t have an assessment to offer from here,” he said. ALSO READ | Imran Khan news LIVE | Hearing adjourned in Toshakhana corruption case Imran Khan's arrest Notably, the cricketer-turned-politician was arrested last week by the Pakistani Rangers, in relation to the Qadir Trust case, which is one of dozens of cases pending against him since his ouster from office last year. Khan was sent to the custody of the country's top anti-corruption body for eight days. However, he was released last Friday after supreme court judges ruled that his arrest was “illegal and invalid” and the high court granted him bail. WATCH | Imran Khan blames Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for arrest × He has repeatedly accused the Pakistani Army of plotting his downfall, calling it a vendetta by General Asim Munir Ahmed against him. “Without any doubt, the military is behind my arrest. Pakistan is now being run by the army chief. The crackdown on us is by the army chief," said Khan in an interview. According to Khan, over 7,000 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) have been 'illegally detained' by the administration ever since he was arrested. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

White House refuses to comment on Imran Khan's arrest, says Pakistanis have right to protest

5 instances of worst cult-related mass deaths

More than 200 have died so far. Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News church convinced his followers to starve themselves to death in order to 'meet' Jesus

More than 900 men, women and children died in Guyana after American preacher Jim Jones ordered followers to drink a cyanide-laced grape drink

Bodies of 39 men and women lying on bunks wearing identical black clothing and black and white shoe were found in Santa Fe. Marshall Applewhite, the leader of Heaven’s Gate cult was deemed the prime suspect. 

Branch Davidians religious group led by David Koresh engaged in a 51-day standoff with federal agents. More than 70 died after huge fire erupted in the ranch compound

700 people died in the Kanungu cult massacres. Joseph Kibweteere had convinced followers to confess their sins and sell their possessions in preparation for the end of the world

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<p>Dillon Reeves, a seventh grader who recently stopped a school bus from crashing in Michigan after the driver lost consciousness was able to perform the heroic task because he was the only passenger who was not distracted by an electronic device.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Dillon’s father, Steve, the parents had decided to not provide him with a cell phone - a decision that paid off in a big way during the crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What else are you going to do when you don’t have a phone? You’re going to look at people, you’re going to notice stuff. You’re going to look out the window. It’s a very powerful lesson, maybe a change-the-world kind of lesson," Steve was quoted as saying by CBS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Steve added that when the police called him regarding his son, he was anticipating the call to go in another direction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"'Are you the parent of Dillon Reeves?'" Steve Reeves recalled the police asking him. "And I said, 'Yes.' And I go 'What'd he do?' And he goes 'No, this is a good phone call. Your son is a hero. He stopped the bus.'"&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Dillon was busy accessing the situation and saving the day, other students were seemingly engrossed in their smartphones, blissfully unaware of the tragedy waiting to unfold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I had my AirPods in,” said one student, while another added: “I was looking on my phone.”</p>

<p>“I was on my phone playing a little game," added the third student.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twitters-new-ceo-linda-yaccarino-to-oversee-business-operations-592467"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Twitter's new CEO Linda Yaccarino to oversee business operations</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Incident caught on camera</strong></h2>

<p>The incident was caught on the bus security camera and quickly went viral across social media platforms. In the video, Dillon can be seen calmly approaching the driver who had passed out due to a medical emergency. He takes control of the steering wheel and pilots the bus away from traffic, eventually bringing the vehicle to a sweet stop as he did not break too abruptly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Someone call 911! Now!” Dillon yelled as the bus came to a halt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-seventh-grade-student-brings-moving-bus-under-control-after-driver-faints-587002" target="_blank"><strong>VIDEO: Seventh-grade student brings moving bus under control after driver faints, hailed</strong></a></p>

<p>After the incident, Superintendent Robert Livernois said it was the first time he had witnessed such an act of courage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In my 35-plus years of education, this was an extraordinary act of courage and maturity on his part. He ran to the front of the bus, grabbed the steering wheel and brought the bus to a stop in the middle of the road," said Livernois.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And he had the wherewithal to push the brake down slowly - likely in anticipation that the bus was full of passengers."</p>

<p>Quizzed about his parent's decision to withhold the cell phone from him for an even longer period, Dillion replied in the typical teenage way, “Whatever. My parents are old school."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Dillon Reeves, a seventh grader who recently stopped a school bus from crashing in Michigan after the driver lost consciousness was able to perform the heroic task because he was the only passenger who was not distracted by an electronic device.

Dillon Reeves, a seventh grader who recently stopped a school bus from crashing in Michigan after the driver lost consciousness was able to perform the heroic task because he was the only passenger who was not distracted by an electronic device. According to Dillon’s father, Steve, the parents had decided to not provide him with a cell phone - a decision that paid off in a big way during the crisis. “What else are you going to do when you don’t have a phone? You’re going to look at people, you’re going to notice stuff. You’re going to look out the window. It’s a very powerful lesson, maybe a change-the-world kind of lesson," Steve was quoted as saying by CBS. Steve added that when the police called him regarding his son, he was anticipating the call to go in another direction. "'Are you the parent of Dillon Reeves?'" Steve Reeves recalled the police asking him. "And I said, 'Yes.' And I go 'What'd he do?' And he goes 'No, this is a good phone call. Your son is a hero. He stopped the bus.'" While Dillon was busy accessing the situation and saving the day, other students were seemingly engrossed in their smartphones, blissfully unaware of the tragedy waiting to unfold. “I had my AirPods in,” said one student, while another added: “I was looking on my phone.” “I was on my phone playing a little game," added the third student. WATCH | Twitter's new CEO Linda Yaccarino to oversee business operations × Incident caught on camera The incident was caught on the bus security camera and quickly went viral across social media platforms. In the video, Dillon can be seen calmly approaching the driver who had passed out due to a medical emergency. He takes control of the steering wheel and pilots the bus away from traffic, eventually bringing the vehicle to a sweet stop as he did not break too abruptly. “Someone call 911! Now!” Dillon yelled as the bus came to a halt. VIDEO: Seventh-grade student brings moving bus under control after driver faints, hailed After the incident, Superintendent Robert Livernois said it was the first time he had witnessed such an act of courage. "In my 35-plus years of education, this was an extraordinary act of courage and maturity on his part. He ran to the front of the bus, grabbed the steering wheel and brought the bus to a stop in the middle of the road," said Livernois. "And he had the wherewithal to push the brake down slowly - likely in anticipation that the bus was full of passengers." Quizzed about his parent's decision to withhold the cell phone from him for an even longer period, Dillion replied in the typical teenage way, “Whatever. My parents are old school." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US boy could avert bus crash because his parents didn't give him a cell phone

<p>The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka.</p>

<p>The CLP meeting was attended by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and three central observers.<br />
Before the meeting, Venugopal and the central observers held a meeting with Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar - the two front-runners for the chief minister's post.</p>

<p>"The Congress Legislature Party unanimously resolves that the AICC President is hereby authorised to appoint the new Leader of the Congress Legislature Party," according to a one-line resolution passed at the CLP meeting. Siddaramaiah moved the resolution.<br />
With the ball now in Kharge's court, lobbying for the top post is set to shift to Delhi with both the contenders expected to arrive in the national capital on Monday to meet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the AICC chief.</p>

<p>After the CLP meeting, Randeep Surjewala, AICC in-charge for Karnataka, said: "The MLAs will meet the central observers after dinner tonight and their decision will be conveyed to the party president for taking a decision to appoint a new CLP leader."<br />
Venugopal said, "This process of taking the opinion of all MLAs will be completed tonight itself." Sources said the observers will be handing over their report upon consulting all MLAs to Kharge by Monday.</p>

<p>On the process adopted by Congress to elect the CLP leader, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said this was "inner-party democracy at its best".</p>

<p>"This is the Congress way of arriving at a consensus giving confidence to all that they have been heard," he said.</p>

<p>"The new Congress Govt in Karnataka that will take over soon will be a STAR-Sensitive, Transparent, Accountable &amp; Responsive," Ramesh said on Twitter.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-election-results-legislators-meet-to-decide-on-who-takes-top-post-in-the-state-592421"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Karnataka Election Results: Legislators meet to decide on who takes top post in the state</strong></a></p>

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<p>In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory with 135 seats, while the ruling BJP and the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19, respectively.</p>

<p>After the results were declared on Saturday, Congress president Kharge deputed former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and former AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria as observers for the election of the CLP leader in Karnataka.</p>

<p>The legislature party passed another resolution, moved by Shivakumar, promising to implement the five promises made to the people of Karnataka.</p>

<p>The resolution stated the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka "wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude towards the 6.5 crore Kannadigas for reposing their faith in us and giving a decisive mandate to the Congress Party in the Karnataka Assembly Elections."</p>

<p>"This is indeed a victory of every Kannadiga, a victory of 'swabhimana' of Karnataka and a victory of progress and harmony to rebuild 'Brand Karnataka'," it said.</p>

<p>"...Karnataka has once again shone a new light to democracy and protecting the Constitution, which are under attack from the forces of hate and divisiveness, both from inside and outside the State," the resolution stated.<br />
The Congress Legislature Party also expressed its appreciation and thanks to Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and state leaders for their efforts.</p>

<p>The resolution stated: "It is no coincidence that the Congress campaign in its true earnestness began way back in September-October 2022 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when Rahul Gandhi walked nearly 600 kilometres for a period of 21 days through the length and breadth of Karnataka, which immensely energised the cadre to take on the malgovernance, corruption and maladministration of the ruling BJP government."</p>

<p>"The Congress Legislature Party resolves to work determinedly and unitedly to give a responsible, accountable, transparent government to our brothers and sisters of Karnataka. Serving the 6.5 crore Kannadigas will be our sole motto and guiding light," the resolution read.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-reasons-behind-congresss-triumph-bjps-failure-to-keep-power-592344"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Karnataka elections 2023: Reasons behind Congress's triumph, BJP's failure to keep power</strong></a></p>

<p>The CLP expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Kharge for the extensive and tireless campaign undertaken by him all throughout the elections as also for his "sagacious advice" on electoral strategy.</p>

<p>It also thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for being a pillar of strength to the party and for her guidance and campaign in the elections.</p>

<p>The CLP said it shall ensure social justice and economic equality remain at the core of its government's policies and will fulfil the five "guarantees".</p>

<p>These are 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), $24 (Rs 2,000) monthly assistance to woman heads of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of BPL households (Anna Bhagya), $37 (Rs 3,000) every month for unemployed graduate youths and $18 (Rs 1,500) for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti).</p>

<p>"We are duty bound to protect and preserve Kannada culture, language and our rich traditions. We will reclaim Karnataka as Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota once again and will make Karnataka truly the number one state in India in terms of peace, progress and prosperity," the resolution read.</p>

<p>The CLP appreciated the insurmountable hard work, resilience and dedication of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah as also the entire team for leading the campaign from the front.</p>

<p>Both the eight-time MLA Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah have made no secret of their ambition to become Chief Minister and had been involved in a game of political one-upmanship in the past.</p>

<p>The Congress had entered the campaign phase with the challenge of keeping at bay the factionalism, especially between the camps of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who had been openly rooting for their leaders, but the party put up a united front and ensured that no rift came out in open that could derail its prospects, under the mentorship of Kharge.</p>

<p>Banners have come up in front of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's residences here, erected by supporters, congratulating them for Congress' win and projecting them as the "next CM".</p>

<p>While the 60-year-old Shivakumar is considered to be a "troubleshooter" for the Congress, Siddaramaiah has a pan-Karnataka appeal.</p>

<p>If Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress after being expelled from JD(S), gets elected as the CLP leader, this would be his second stint as the Chief Minister from the party after having occupied the top post for five years between 2013-18. Shivakumar had served as Minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet.</p>

<p>Shivakumar has been openly expressing his chief ministerial aspirations at various events, especially the ones connected with Vokkaligas. He had asked the dominant community, to which he belongs, not to "lose out an opportunity" with him as the KPCC president, while pointing out that S M Krishna was the last Vokkaliga leader to lead the party in the polls and then went on to become the CM in 1999.</p>

<p>In fact in this election, the Congress has significantly improved its electoral performance in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region (south Karnataka) and that credit largely goes to Shivakumar.</p>

<p>Also, there have been instances in the party that whoever has successfully led as KPCC President in election, have been the natural choice to be the CM, like in the case of Krishna and Veerendra Patil.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah, who has seniority on his side, is known for able administrative skills, and has the experience of having run a successful tenure as the Chief Minister. He also enjoys the distinction of having presented 13 budgets for the state as Finance Minister.</p>

<p>Being a mass leader, he has considerable clout among the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) class. The mega 75th birthday bash of Siddaramaiah held last year in Davanagere was largely seen as an attempt by him and his loyalists to project him as the future CM.</p>

<p>Seventy-five-year-old Siddaramaiah, who has already announced that this was his last election, has been maintaining that the chief minister will be elected by the newly elected MLAs in consultation with the party's high command.</p>

<p>There are also other contenders for the post like former deputy chief minister and ex-KPCC president G Parameshwara and veteran leader and seven-time MP K H Muniyappa - both dalits and MB Patil - a Lingayat.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP), which met at a private hotel in Bengaluru on Sunday evening, passed a unanimous resolution authorising All India Congress Committee (AICC) President M Mallikarjun Kharge to pick its leader, who will be the next chief minister of Karnataka. The CLP meeting was attended by AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and three central observers. Before the meeting, Venugopal and the central observers held a meeting with Leader of Opposition in the outgoing Assembly Siddaramaiah and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D K Shivakumar - the two front-runners for the chief minister's post. "The Congress Legislature Party unanimously resolves that the AICC President is hereby authorised to appoint the new Leader of the Congress Legislature Party," according to a one-line resolution passed at the CLP meeting. Siddaramaiah moved the resolution. With the ball now in Kharge's court, lobbying for the top post is set to shift to Delhi with both the contenders expected to arrive in the national capital on Monday to meet Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and the AICC chief. After the CLP meeting, Randeep Surjewala, AICC in-charge for Karnataka, said: "The MLAs will meet the central observers after dinner tonight and their decision will be conveyed to the party president for taking a decision to appoint a new CLP leader." Venugopal said, "This process of taking the opinion of all MLAs will be completed tonight itself." Sources said the observers will be handing over their report upon consulting all MLAs to Kharge by Monday. On the process adopted by Congress to elect the CLP leader, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said this was "inner-party democracy at its best". "This is the Congress way of arriving at a consensus giving confidence to all that they have been heard," he said. "The new Congress Govt in Karnataka that will take over soon will be a STAR-Sensitive, Transparent, Accountable & Responsive," Ramesh said on Twitter. WATCH | Karnataka Election Results: Legislators meet to decide on who takes top post in the state × In the May 10 elections to the 224-member Assembly, the Congress scored an emphatic victory with 135 seats, while the ruling BJP and the former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda-led Janata Dal (Secular) secured 66 and 19, respectively. After the results were declared on Saturday, Congress president Kharge deputed former Maharashtra chief minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, AICC general secretary Jitendra Singh and former AICC general secretary Deepak Babaria as observers for the election of the CLP leader in Karnataka. The legislature party passed another resolution, moved by Shivakumar, promising to implement the five promises made to the people of Karnataka. The resolution stated the Congress Legislature Party in Karnataka "wholeheartedly expresses its gratitude towards the 6.5 crore Kannadigas for reposing their faith in us and giving a decisive mandate to the Congress Party in the Karnataka Assembly Elections." "This is indeed a victory of every Kannadiga, a victory of 'swabhimana' of Karnataka and a victory of progress and harmony to rebuild 'Brand Karnataka'," it said. "...Karnataka has once again shone a new light to democracy and protecting the Constitution, which are under attack from the forces of hate and divisiveness, both from inside and outside the State," the resolution stated. The Congress Legislature Party also expressed its appreciation and thanks to Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and state leaders for their efforts. The resolution stated: "It is no coincidence that the Congress campaign in its true earnestness began way back in September-October 2022 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, when Rahul Gandhi walked nearly 600 kilometres for a period of 21 days through the length and breadth of Karnataka, which immensely energised the cadre to take on the malgovernance, corruption and maladministration of the ruling BJP government." "The Congress Legislature Party resolves to work determinedly and unitedly to give a responsible, accountable, transparent government to our brothers and sisters of Karnataka. Serving the 6.5 crore Kannadigas will be our sole motto and guiding light," the resolution read. ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Reasons behind Congress's triumph, BJP's failure to keep power The CLP expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Kharge for the extensive and tireless campaign undertaken by him all throughout the elections as also for his "sagacious advice" on electoral strategy. It also thanked former Congress president Sonia Gandhi for being a pillar of strength to the party and for her guidance and campaign in the elections. The CLP said it shall ensure social justice and economic equality remain at the core of its government's policies and will fulfil the five "guarantees". These are 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti), $24 (Rs 2,000) monthly assistance to woman heads of every family (Gruha Lakshmi), 10 kg of rice free to every member of BPL households (Anna Bhagya), $37 (Rs 3,000) every month for unemployed graduate youths and $18 (Rs 1,500) for unemployed diploma holders (both in the age group of 18-25) for two years (Yuva Nidhi), and free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti). "We are duty bound to protect and preserve Kannada culture, language and our rich traditions. We will reclaim Karnataka as Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota once again and will make Karnataka truly the number one state in India in terms of peace, progress and prosperity," the resolution read. The CLP appreciated the insurmountable hard work, resilience and dedication of Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah as also the entire team for leading the campaign from the front. Both the eight-time MLA Shivakumar and former chief minister Siddaramaiah have made no secret of their ambition to become Chief Minister and had been involved in a game of political one-upmanship in the past. The Congress had entered the campaign phase with the challenge of keeping at bay the factionalism, especially between the camps of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who had been openly rooting for their leaders, but the party put up a united front and ensured that no rift came out in open that could derail its prospects, under the mentorship of Kharge. Banners have come up in front of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar's residences here, erected by supporters, congratulating them for Congress' win and projecting them as the "next CM". While the 60-year-old Shivakumar is considered to be a "troubleshooter" for the Congress, Siddaramaiah has a pan-Karnataka appeal. If Siddaramaiah, who joined Congress after being expelled from JD(S), gets elected as the CLP leader, this would be his second stint as the Chief Minister from the party after having occupied the top post for five years between 2013-18. Shivakumar had served as Minister in Siddaramaiah's cabinet. Shivakumar has been openly expressing his chief ministerial aspirations at various events, especially the ones connected with Vokkaligas. He had asked the dominant community, to which he belongs, not to "lose out an opportunity" with him as the KPCC president, while pointing out that S M Krishna was the last Vokkaliga leader to lead the party in the polls and then went on to become the CM in 1999. In fact in this election, the Congress has significantly improved its electoral performance in the Vokkaliga-dominated Old Mysuru region (south Karnataka) and that credit largely goes to Shivakumar. Also, there have been instances in the party that whoever has successfully led as KPCC President in election, have been the natural choice to be the CM, like in the case of Krishna and Veerendra Patil. Siddaramaiah, who has seniority on his side, is known for able administrative skills, and has the experience of having run a successful tenure as the Chief Minister. He also enjoys the distinction of having presented 13 budgets for the state as Finance Minister. Being a mass leader, he has considerable clout among the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) class. The mega 75th birthday bash of Siddaramaiah held last year in Davanagere was largely seen as an attempt by him and his loyalists to project him as the future CM. Seventy-five-year-old Siddaramaiah, who has already announced that this was his last election, has been maintaining that the chief minister will be elected by the newly elected MLAs in consultation with the party's high command. There are also other contenders for the post like former deputy chief minister and ex-KPCC president G Parameshwara and veteran leader and seven-time MP K H Muniyappa - both dalits and MB Patil - a Lingayat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Karnataka election: Dilemma for Congress as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar remain firm on CM post

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<p>A year after launching the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the two countries will conduct the inaugural meeting of Strategic Trade Dialogue&nbsp;next month to implement the outcomes of the initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting, expected to take place on June 4-5, will attempt to streamline export controls, enhance high-tech commerce and facilitate tech transfer between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was in May last year during the Quad Summit that the initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden. The main aim of the initiative was to elevate and expand strategic technology partnership and defence-industrial cooperation between the governments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January this year, the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the two countries met and led the inaugural dialogue of the iCET in Washington, DC.</p>

<p>"The two sides discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, co-development and coproduction, and ways to deepen connectivity across our innovation ecosystems," read a statement released by the White House at the time.</p>

<p>Later in March,&nbsp;US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited India and met his counterpart Piyush Goyal as the duo announced relaunching the&nbsp;bilateral commercial dialogue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Minister Goyal and Secretary Raimondo noted the importance of coordinating with the standing mechanism established by the two governments under iCET, which aims to address regulatory barriers and other issues that impede smooth economic and commercial ties," read the&nbsp;joint statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden to host Modi</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of the meeting comes in the backdrop of the White House announcing that President Biden will be hosting PM Modi on June 22.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023. The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, " announced Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-president-biden-to-host-indias-pm-modi-on-june-22-white-house-591050" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | US President Biden to host India's PM Modi on June 22: White House</strong></a></p>

<p>The relations between the two nations have been on an upswing in recent times, despite the odd hiccup. Prior to his US visit, PM Modi will be meeting Biden during the May 19-21 G-7 summit in Japan, then during the QUAD summit on May 24 in Australia. They&nbsp;will cross paths in Paua New Guinea&nbsp;on May 22&nbsp;as part of critical engagement of the Far Pacific nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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A year after launching the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the two countries will conduct the inaugural meeting of Strategic Trade Dialogue next month to implement the outcomes of the initiative.

A year after launching the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), the two countries will conduct the inaugural meeting of Strategic Trade Dialogue next month to implement the outcomes of the initiative. The meeting, expected to take place on June 4-5, will attempt to streamline export controls, enhance high-tech commerce and facilitate tech transfer between the two countries. It was in May last year during the Quad Summit that the initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden. The main aim of the initiative was to elevate and expand strategic technology partnership and defence-industrial cooperation between the governments. In January this year, the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the two countries met and led the inaugural dialogue of the iCET in Washington, DC. "The two sides discussed opportunities for greater cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, co-development and coproduction, and ways to deepen connectivity across our innovation ecosystems," read a statement released by the White House at the time. Later in March, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited India and met his counterpart Piyush Goyal as the duo announced relaunching the bilateral commercial dialogue. "Minister Goyal and Secretary Raimondo noted the importance of coordinating with the standing mechanism established by the two governments under iCET, which aims to address regulatory barriers and other issues that impede smooth economic and commercial ties," read the joint statement. Biden to host Modi The announcement of the meeting comes in the backdrop of the White House announcing that President Biden will be hosting PM Modi on June 22. "President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India for an Official State Visit to the United States, which will include a state dinner, on June 22, 2023. The upcoming visit will affirm the deep and close partnership between the United States and India and the warm bonds of family and friendship that link Americans and Indians together, " announced Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement. ALSO READ | US President Biden to host India's PM Modi on June 22: White House The relations between the two nations have been on an upswing in recent times, despite the odd hiccup. Prior to his US visit, PM Modi will be meeting Biden during the May 19-21 G-7 summit in Japan, then during the QUAD summit on May 24 in Australia. They will cross paths in Paua New Guinea on May 22 as part of critical engagement of the Far Pacific nations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, US to hold inaugural Strategic Trade Dialogue next month with focus on iCET

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<p><strong><em>(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)</em></strong></p>

<p>Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds. Reportedly, children were targetted first and starved to death, followed by adults, according to fresh accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana, revealed that there was a methodical plan for mass suicide through starvation. Children were the first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster". Women and men were next to follow the plan, according to Katana, who was quoted in a <em>New York Times </em>report.</p>

<p>Katana joined the Good News church run by Pastor Paul Mackenzie&nbsp;in 2015 and became the deputy pastor soon. He said he admired Mackenzie initially for his preaching but soon felt a shift after the latter seemingly made contact with the 'God'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He told me he had received a revelation from God. Everything bad started with this,” said Katana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Katana, who is co-operating with the authorities in the investigation, also revealed that children were treated brutally by being shut in huts for five days without food or water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Then they wrapped them in blankets and buried them, even the ones still breathing," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-crosses-200-illegal-organ-harvesting-racket-suspected-592138" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Kenya starvation cult death toll crosses 200; illegal organ harvesting racket suspected</strong></a></p>

<p>According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 201 with 22 additional bodies discovered last Saturday. Official autopsies of some of the bodies found&nbsp;signs of starvation, suffocation and beatings.</p>

<p>As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest.</p>

<h2><strong>The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult</strong></h2>

<p>Last month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-kenya-christian-cult-deaths-586147"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths</strong></a></p>

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<p>The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named&nbsp;Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for&nbsp;murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Skeletons continue to tumble out of the closet of the doomsday cult in Kenya that murdered hundreds. Reportedly, children were targetted first and starved to death, followed by adults, according to fresh accounts. A former deputy preacher of the cult, Titus Katana, revealed that there was a methodical plan for mass suicide through starvation. Children were the first to perish and were asked to “to fast in the sun so they would die faster". Women and men were next to follow the plan, according to Katana, who was quoted in a New York Times report. Katana joined the Good News church run by Pastor Paul Mackenzie in 2015 and became the deputy pastor soon. He said he admired Mackenzie initially for his preaching but soon felt a shift after the latter seemingly made contact with the 'God'. “He told me he had received a revelation from God. Everything bad started with this,” said Katana. Katana, who is co-operating with the authorities in the investigation, also revealed that children were treated brutally by being shut in huts for five days without food or water. "Then they wrapped them in blankets and buried them, even the ones still breathing," he added. After Katana left the cult, he said he went to the police to report that “kids are dying” in the forest. “They [Police] never took any action until it was too late,” he said. ALSO READ | Kenya starvation cult death toll crosses 200; illegal organ harvesting racket suspected According to the latest reports, the total death toll in the case has risen to 201 with 22 additional bodies discovered last Saturday. Official autopsies of some of the bodies found signs of starvation, suffocation and beatings. As per the Coast Regional Commissioner, over 600 people have been reported missing, including from villages around the forest. The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult Last month, the Kenyan authorities raided the premises of Paul Makenzie Nthenge, a pastor who ran the Good News International Church and advised followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". WATCH | Gravitas: The Kenya Christian cult deaths × The police said they began the operation after receiving a secret tip that 'ignorant' followers of Nthenge were 'starving themselves to death'. After reaching the church, they found 15 malnourished followers who were on the verge of death. Seven died before reaching the hospital as authorities extended their investigation by searching the nearby cemetery and forest. Since then, the case has gained international prominence with another pastor named Ezekiel Odero named as the second culprit, responsible for murder, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud, and money laundering. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Children were targetted to die first in Kenya doomsday cult killings: Report

<p>An American citizen has been sentenced to life in prison by a Chinese court on spying charges.&nbsp;78-year-old&nbsp;John Shing-Wan Leung was convicted of espionage and given a life sentence by the&nbsp;Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Suzhou on Monday.&nbsp;It also ordered the confiscation of&nbsp;personal property worth&nbsp;$71,797 (500,000 yuan).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leung, who also holds permanent Hong Kong residency, was arrested by the Chinese authorities on April 15, 2021 in&nbsp;Suzhou, Jiangsu province.&nbsp;Details of the charges against him have not been released publicly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, according to an article published in 2004 in the People's Daily, a person with the same name, born in Hong Kong on the same date was a US-based businessman who had close ties to officials with local governments in both countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The article stated that Leung founded a friendship association between the US city of Oklahoma and the Chinese city of Guangzhou in 1985 which actively promoted and started US-China trade and cultural exchanges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The pictures also showed Leung posing for photos and attending events with senior officials, according to a report by <em>South China Morning Post</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China amends espionage law</strong></h2>

<p>The court's verdict comes after amendments to the Counter-Espionage Law were implemented during the&nbsp;14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee meeting last month.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the revised law, the definition of espionage activities has been refined. It explicitly categorises "collaborating with&nbsp;spy organisations and their agents" and "conducting cyber-attacks against state organs, confidential-related units, or critical information infrastructure" as espionage activities.</p>

<p>Under the law, an espionage conviction that threatens national security could lead to a jail sentence ranging from 10 years to life.</p>

<h2><strong>US-China relations</strong></h2>

<p>The sentencing comes at a time when relations between the two countries are at a historic low. The US Embassy in Beijing said it was aware of the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Department of State has no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment," a spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spy balloon saga earlier this year led to a further deterioration of US-China ties. However, as the officials were resuming high-level engagements, the fresh sentencing threatens&nbsp;to set back the initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/highest-us-china-engagement-since-spy-balloon-incident-591484"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Highest US-China engagement since spy balloon incident</strong></a></p>

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<p>In recent years, Beijing has been going after foreign nationals who it accuses of being spies, In March, a Japanese employee (17th overall since 2004) was detained on spy charges. Previously,&nbsp;two Canadians – former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor – were detained for over three years by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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An American citizen has been sentenced to life in prison by a Chinese court on spying charges. 78-year-old John Shing-Wan Leung was convicted of espionage and given a life sentence by the Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Suzhou on Monday.

An American citizen has been sentenced to life in prison by a Chinese court on spying charges. 78-year-old John Shing-Wan Leung was convicted of espionage and given a life sentence by the Intermediate People’s Court in the eastern city of Suzhou on Monday. It also ordered the confiscation of personal property worth $71,797 (500,000 yuan). Leung, who also holds permanent Hong Kong residency, was arrested by the Chinese authorities on April 15, 2021 in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Details of the charges against him have not been released publicly. However, according to an article published in 2004 in the People's Daily, a person with the same name, born in Hong Kong on the same date was a US-based businessman who had close ties to officials with local governments in both countries. The article stated that Leung founded a friendship association between the US city of Oklahoma and the Chinese city of Guangzhou in 1985 which actively promoted and started US-China trade and cultural exchanges. The pictures also showed Leung posing for photos and attending events with senior officials, according to a report by South China Morning Post. China amends espionage law The court's verdict comes after amendments to the Counter-Espionage Law were implemented during the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee meeting last month. Under the revised law, the definition of espionage activities has been refined. It explicitly categorises "collaborating with spy organisations and their agents" and "conducting cyber-attacks against state organs, confidential-related units, or critical information infrastructure" as espionage activities. Under the law, an espionage conviction that threatens national security could lead to a jail sentence ranging from 10 years to life. US-China relations The sentencing comes at a time when relations between the two countries are at a historic low. The US Embassy in Beijing said it was aware of the situation. “The Department of State has no greater priority than the safety and security of US citizens overseas. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment," a spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNN. The spy balloon saga earlier this year led to a further deterioration of US-China ties. However, as the officials were resuming high-level engagements, the fresh sentencing threatens to set back the initiative. WATCH | Highest US-China engagement since spy balloon incident × In recent years, Beijing has been going after foreign nationals who it accuses of being spies, In March, a Japanese employee (17th overall since 2004) was detained on spy charges. Previously, two Canadians – former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor – were detained for over three years by the authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US elderly citizen jailed for life on spying charges by Chinese court

<p>The presence of top Irish leaders at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III was expected to be a major milestone in the relations between Dublin and London. Leo Varadkar, the&nbsp;taoiseach, President Michael D Higgins and&nbsp;Sinn Féin’s deputy leader, Michelle O’Neill, were among those who attended the event. But it was&nbsp;Varadkar's partner&nbsp;Matt Barrett and his supposedly 'harmless jokes'&nbsp;that may have left the Irish government in an embarrassing spot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports,&nbsp;Barrett live-blogged his thoughts during the ceremony to his 350-odd followers on a private Instagram group with several crude references.</p>

<p>Barret first posted a photo taken from&nbsp;the Taoiseach’s car as it headed along the Mall.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Holy sh*t I think I’m accidentally crowned king of England,” he joked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once inside Westminster Abbey and seated, Barret was presented with a 50-page booklet that detailed the crowing of the king and queen in rather excruciating detail. At page no. 38, a couple of entries in the Order of Service caught Matthew’s eye.</p>

<p>“The queen’s sceptre and rod are brought from the altar by the Right Rev and Right Hon the Lord Chartres GCVO and the Right Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin CD MBE, Bishop of Dover. The queen touches them in turn,” read one of the paragraphs on the page.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barret, tickled by the phrasing of the paragraph, took a photo and highlighted "the queen touches them in turn" with a green line.</p>

<p>He added,&nbsp;“Sounds like the script to a good night out, tbh (to be honest)," using double-entendre to show his hilarity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/british-monarchy-relevant-or-relic-wion-wideangle-589835"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;British Monarchy: Relevant or Relic? | WION Wideangle</strong></a></p>

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<p>The taoiseach's&nbsp;beloved did not stop here and continued to amuse himself after stumbling upon&nbsp;Right Rev James Newcome, a gentleman who rejoices in the title Clerk of the Closet.</p>

<p>"Clerk of the Closet?" Matthew highlights it in orange and adds, “Had this job until my early 20s,” before pressing send.</p>

<p>The last joke of the ceremony, courtesy of Barret came when King Charles III was&nbsp;presented his crown. Referring to a famous sorting hat scene&nbsp;from the Harry Potter books and movie franchise, Barret said:&nbsp;“Was genuinely half expecting it to shout ‘GRYFFINDOR’”</p>

<p>While Barrett certainly made no friends in the British high circles with his steady drivel, Varadkar did no favours to himself after he was spotted and filmed - picking his nose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;taoiseach's office is yet to comment on the issue but political opponents have demanded that&nbsp;Varadkar issue an apology on behalf of his partner.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The presence of top Irish leaders at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III was expected to be a major milestone in the relations between Dublin and London.

The presence of top Irish leaders at the coronation ceremony of King Charles III was expected to be a major milestone in the relations between Dublin and London. Leo Varadkar, the taoiseach, President Michael D Higgins and Sinn Féin’s deputy leader, Michelle O’Neill, were among those who attended the event. But it was Varadkar's partner Matt Barrett and his supposedly 'harmless jokes' that may have left the Irish government in an embarrassing spot. According to reports, Barrett live-blogged his thoughts during the ceremony to his 350-odd followers on a private Instagram group with several crude references. Barret first posted a photo taken from the Taoiseach’s car as it headed along the Mall. “Holy sh*t I think I’m accidentally crowned king of England,” he joked. Once inside Westminster Abbey and seated, Barret was presented with a 50-page booklet that detailed the crowing of the king and queen in rather excruciating detail. At page no. 38, a couple of entries in the Order of Service caught Matthew’s eye. “The queen’s sceptre and rod are brought from the altar by the Right Rev and Right Hon the Lord Chartres GCVO and the Right Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin CD MBE, Bishop of Dover. The queen touches them in turn,” read one of the paragraphs on the page. Barret, tickled by the phrasing of the paragraph, took a photo and highlighted "the queen touches them in turn" with a green line. He added, “Sounds like the script to a good night out, tbh (to be honest)," using double-entendre to show his hilarity. WATCH | British Monarchy: Relevant or Relic? | WION Wideangle × The taoiseach's beloved did not stop here and continued to amuse himself after stumbling upon Right Rev James Newcome, a gentleman who rejoices in the title Clerk of the Closet. "Clerk of the Closet?" Matthew highlights it in orange and adds, “Had this job until my early 20s,” before pressing send. The last joke of the ceremony, courtesy of Barret came when King Charles III was presented his crown. Referring to a famous sorting hat scene from the Harry Potter books and movie franchise, Barret said: “Was genuinely half expecting it to shout ‘GRYFFINDOR’” While Barrett certainly made no friends in the British high circles with his steady drivel, Varadkar did no favours to himself after he was spotted and filmed - picking his nose. The taoiseach's office is yet to comment on the issue but political opponents have demanded that Varadkar issue an apology on behalf of his partner. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Irish govt embarrassed as PM Varadkar's partner makes crude jokes during Charles coronation

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<p>The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is planning to construct a "Bow-String" bridge to connect the 10.58-kilometre Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) with Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL).</p>

<p>To ease vehicular congestion, the BMC has started MCRP to significantly reduce travelling time in Mumbai. The high-speed road project is expected to originate from the Princess Street flyover near Marine Drive and&nbsp;will end at BWSL.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the decision to build a "Bow-String" bridge was taken after the local fishing community started a protest. Earlier, an arterial bridge was to be constructed on monopiles (pillars) to connect MCRP with BWSL. However, the fishing community argued that the gap between pillars was not adequate for boats which could be dangerous for boats during strong waves, as well as hamper their livelihood.</p>

<p>They demanded that the gap between pillars be around 200 metres while the BMC suggested 60 metres. As the protests snowballed, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened, earlier this year in January and recommended that the gap be increased to 120 metres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a relative period of back and forth, BMC gave up on the arterial bridge and decided to construct a ‘Bow String’ girder bridge.</p>

<p>“The primary reason why we chose this option is that this bridge doesn’t require additional piling works and the removal of one of the existing monopiles will not pose any threat to the structure. This bridge will be held by high-tension chords and these kind of designs are suitable for smaller bridges built without any strong foundation,” one of the officials was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bmc-takes-steps-to-curb-dust-in-indian-financial-capital-mumbai-585785"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;BMC takes steps to curb dust in Indian financial capital Mumbai</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What is a Bow-String bridge?</strong></h2>

<p>A Bow-String bridge is a type of bridge which is held together using high-tension chords instead of resting on pillars for support. The arch-shaped chords support the end of the bridge tightly with the surface. Due to the shape of the bridges, which resembles that of a 'bow', the name came into being.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the major reasons why such a bridge has been preferred by the BMC is because of safety. After BMC considered the requests of fishermen, the gap between pillars was increased but it proved to be unsafe for the overall structural integrity of the bridge.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mumbai-dabbawalas-to-attend-king-charles-coronation-588591"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Mumbai Dabbawalas to attend King Charles' coronation</strong></a></p>

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<p>Currently, BMC has set a November 2023 deadline for the project. However, with the change in design, the deadline may very well be pushed beyond May 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The work on the other stretches of the coastal road is on schedule. This bridge will come up in the northern fag-end, which is within the last one kilometre. If the remaining stretch is ready before bridge work completes, then the MCRP may be opened for vehicular movement,” added the&nbsp;official.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is planning to construct a "Bow-String" bridge to connect the 10.58-kilometre Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) with Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL).

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is planning to construct a "Bow-String" bridge to connect the 10.58-kilometre Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP) with Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL). To ease vehicular congestion, the BMC has started MCRP to significantly reduce travelling time in Mumbai. The high-speed road project is expected to originate from the Princess Street flyover near Marine Drive and will end at BWSL. Notably, the decision to build a "Bow-String" bridge was taken after the local fishing community started a protest. Earlier, an arterial bridge was to be constructed on monopiles (pillars) to connect MCRP with BWSL. However, the fishing community argued that the gap between pillars was not adequate for boats which could be dangerous for boats during strong waves, as well as hamper their livelihood. They demanded that the gap between pillars be around 200 metres while the BMC suggested 60 metres. As the protests snowballed, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde intervened, earlier this year in January and recommended that the gap be increased to 120 metres. After a relative period of back and forth, BMC gave up on the arterial bridge and decided to construct a ‘Bow String’ girder bridge. “The primary reason why we chose this option is that this bridge doesn’t require additional piling works and the removal of one of the existing monopiles will not pose any threat to the structure. This bridge will be held by high-tension chords and these kind of designs are suitable for smaller bridges built without any strong foundation,” one of the officials was quoted as saying by the Indian Express. ALSO READ | BMC takes steps to curb dust in Indian financial capital Mumbai What is a Bow-String bridge? A Bow-String bridge is a type of bridge which is held together using high-tension chords instead of resting on pillars for support. The arch-shaped chords support the end of the bridge tightly with the surface. Due to the shape of the bridges, which resembles that of a 'bow', the name came into being. One of the major reasons why such a bridge has been preferred by the BMC is because of safety. After BMC considered the requests of fishermen, the gap between pillars was increased but it proved to be unsafe for the overall structural integrity of the bridge. WATCH | Mumbai Dabbawalas to attend King Charles' coronation × Currently, BMC has set a November 2023 deadline for the project. However, with the change in design, the deadline may very well be pushed beyond May 2024. “The work on the other stretches of the coastal road is on schedule. This bridge will come up in the northern fag-end, which is within the last one kilometre. If the remaining stretch is ready before bridge work completes, then the MCRP may be opened for vehicular movement,” added the official. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: BMC to build 'Bow-String' bridge to connect coastal road with Bandra Worli sea link

<p>California's Democratic state Senator Steven Bradford has given a stark reality check to the African Americans in the state who were hoping to receive massive&nbsp;reparation&nbsp;payments.&nbsp;Bradford, who served on the&nbsp;California Reparations Task Force that recommended the state pay up to&nbsp;$1.2 million in reparations to each eligible Black resident said people should keep their 'expectations' in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bradford said “anything’s possible if the money’s there,” but remained&nbsp;“realistic” that it could be difficult to garner enough support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I don’t want to set folks’ expectations and hopes up that they’re going to be getting, you know, seven-figure checks,” Bradford said in an interview. “That’s just not happening.”</p>

<p>He added that lawmakers had not even debated where the money for the reparation payment would come from.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-2-years-after-george-floyd-killing-black-america-still-cant-breathe-482450"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | What has happened after George Floyd's killing | Black America still 'can't breathe'</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, Bradford is not the only Democrat leader casting aspersions over the reparation payments. Reportedly, California Governor Gavin Newsom has also refused&nbsp;to lend his support to the initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dealing with that legacy is about much more than cash payments. Many of the recommendations put forward by the Task Force are critical action items we’ve already been hard at work addressing," Newsom&nbsp;told Fox News Digital.</p>

<p>"Breaking down barriers to vote, bolstering resources to address hate, enacting sweeping law enforcement and justice reforms to build trust and safety, strengthening economic mobility - all while investing billions to root out disparities and improve equity in housing, education, healthcare, and well beyond. This work must continue," he added.</p>

<p>The Democrat leader, however, applauded the work of the task force and said his administration will continue the process of healing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-governor-newsom-refuses-to-back-reparations-proposal-for-black-residents-591084"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;California Governor Newsom refuses to back reparations proposal for Black residents</strong></a></p>

<p>Disappointed by the comments of Democrat leaders,&nbsp;Los Angeles resident and reparations activist Marcus Champion remarked, “That is not the way you come to the table to pay a historic debt. That is not the way that you come to the table in any type of negotiation. Start as high as you possibly can, and then work from there.”</p>

<h2><strong>Proposals approved by the task force</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, a&nbsp;nine-member Reparation Task Force, formed nearly two years ago, met in Oakland and gave final approval to the list of proposals which will now head to the state lawmakers to be considered for legislation.</p>

<p>Among the list of approvals granted by the task force&nbsp;is a public apology, acknowledging the&nbsp;state’s responsibility for past wrongs and promising that it will not repeat them.</p>

<p>However, the biggest talking point has been the reparation money that the exchequer might owe to the Black residents if the proposal is turned into a law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to some reports, the proposal,&nbsp;if implemented, could cost as much as $800&nbsp;billion (2.5 times the annual budget of California) for decades of over-policing, disproportionate incarceration and housing discrimination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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California's Democratic state Senator Steven Bradford has given a stark reality check to the African Americans in the state who were hoping to receive massive reparation payments.

California's Democratic state Senator Steven Bradford has given a stark reality check to the African Americans in the state who were hoping to receive massive reparation payments. Bradford, who served on the California Reparations Task Force that recommended the state pay up to $1.2 million in reparations to each eligible Black resident said people should keep their 'expectations' in check. Bradford said “anything’s possible if the money’s there,” but remained “realistic” that it could be difficult to garner enough support. “I don’t want to set folks’ expectations and hopes up that they’re going to be getting, you know, seven-figure checks,” Bradford said in an interview. “That’s just not happening.” He added that lawmakers had not even debated where the money for the reparation payment would come from. WATCH | WION Fineprint | What has happened after George Floyd's killing | Black America still 'can't breathe' × Notably, Bradford is not the only Democrat leader casting aspersions over the reparation payments. Reportedly, California Governor Gavin Newsom has also refused to lend his support to the initiative. "Dealing with that legacy is about much more than cash payments. Many of the recommendations put forward by the Task Force are critical action items we’ve already been hard at work addressing," Newsom told Fox News Digital. "Breaking down barriers to vote, bolstering resources to address hate, enacting sweeping law enforcement and justice reforms to build trust and safety, strengthening economic mobility - all while investing billions to root out disparities and improve equity in housing, education, healthcare, and well beyond. This work must continue," he added. The Democrat leader, however, applauded the work of the task force and said his administration will continue the process of healing. ALSO READ | California Governor Newsom refuses to back reparations proposal for Black residents Disappointed by the comments of Democrat leaders, Los Angeles resident and reparations activist Marcus Champion remarked, “That is not the way you come to the table to pay a historic debt. That is not the way that you come to the table in any type of negotiation. Start as high as you possibly can, and then work from there.” Proposals approved by the task force Last week, a nine-member Reparation Task Force, formed nearly two years ago, met in Oakland and gave final approval to the list of proposals which will now head to the state lawmakers to be considered for legislation. Among the list of approvals granted by the task force is a public apology, acknowledging the state’s responsibility for past wrongs and promising that it will not repeat them. However, the biggest talking point has been the reparation money that the exchequer might owe to the Black residents if the proposal is turned into a law. According to some reports, the proposal, if implemented, could cost as much as $800 billion (2.5 times the annual budget of California) for decades of over-policing, disproportionate incarceration and housing discrimination. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Not happening': Democrat leader on Black residents receiving millions in reparations in California

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