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<p>After much speculation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh finally met his Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu in a one-on-one meeting on Thursday and in a joint defence ministers' meeting on Friday. Though Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) brought the two countries on the same platform, it did not do a whole lot in easing their friction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An official release of Singh's speech started with terrorism and while no names were taken, it was clear that New Delhi was referring to Pakistan, China's ally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If a nation shelters terrorists, it not only poses a threat to others, but for itself too," said Singh, as quoted in the release. "Radicalisation of youth is a cause of concern not only from the point of view of security, but it is also a major obstacle in the path of socio-economic progress of society”.</p>

<p>He also took a shot at China by stating, “India envisions a robust framework of regional cooperation which mutually respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states by taking care of their legitimate interests.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh's address at SCO<br />
<br />
"Need to root out terrorism collectively &amp; fix accountability on its supporters"🇵🇰<br />
<br />
"Respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states"🇨🇳 <a href="https://t.co/wK9lvM2yGt">https://t.co/wK9lvM2yGt</a> <a href="https://t.co/ilQtCsKirz">pic.twitter.com/ilQtCsKirz</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1651923858063228929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>India takes a stern approach on border issue</strong></h2>

<p>As for the optics, the Indian defence minister during his one-on-one meetings with his various counterparts on Thursday, refused to shake hands with the Chinese leader.</p>

<p>The statement released by the Indian side after the meeting also noted that bilateral relations may not improve until 'peace and tranquillity' was achieved at the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Raksha Mantri [defence minister] categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders," read the release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-flags-terrorism-at-sco-meet-pakistan-attends-virtually-586956"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags ‘terrorism’ at SCO meet; Pakistan attends virtually</strong></a></p>

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<p>Additionally, Singh conveyed, "all issues at the LAC [Line of Actual Control] need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He reiterated that violation of existing agreements had&nbsp;eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh told Chinese defence minister that "violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations"; Emphasises on need for "tranquillity at the borders". Indian readout: <a href="https://t.co/DkW476y3FN">pic.twitter.com/DkW476y3FN</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1651590522442756097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>A different statement from China</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Chinese side in its official statement painted a rather rosy picture, saying the situation on the border was "generally stable" and that both sides maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make due contributions to the development of relations between both countries," Li was quoted as saying in a defence ministry social media post on Friday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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After much speculation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh finally met his Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu in a one-on-one meeting on Thursday and in a joint defence ministers' meeting on Friday.

After much speculation, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh finally met his Chinese counterpart General Li Shangfu in a one-on-one meeting on Thursday and in a joint defence ministers' meeting on Friday. Though Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) brought the two countries on the same platform, it did not do a whole lot in easing their friction. An official release of Singh's speech started with terrorism and while no names were taken, it was clear that New Delhi was referring to Pakistan, China's ally. “If a nation shelters terrorists, it not only poses a threat to others, but for itself too," said Singh, as quoted in the release. "Radicalisation of youth is a cause of concern not only from the point of view of security, but it is also a major obstacle in the path of socio-economic progress of society”. He also took a shot at China by stating, “India envisions a robust framework of regional cooperation which mutually respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states by taking care of their legitimate interests.” Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh's address at SCO "Need to root out terrorism collectively & fix accountability on its supporters"🇵🇰 "Respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states"🇨🇳 https://t.co/wK9lvM2yGt pic.twitter.com/ilQtCsKirz — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 28, 2023 × India takes a stern approach on border issue As for the optics, the Indian defence minister during his one-on-one meetings with his various counterparts on Thursday, refused to shake hands with the Chinese leader. The statement released by the Indian side after the meeting also noted that bilateral relations may not improve until 'peace and tranquillity' was achieved at the border. "The Raksha Mantri [defence minister] categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders," read the release. WATCH | Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flags ‘terrorism’ at SCO meet; Pakistan attends virtually × Additionally, Singh conveyed, "all issues at the LAC [Line of Actual Control] need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments". He reiterated that violation of existing agreements had eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border. Breaking: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh told Chinese defence minister that "violation of existing agreements has eroded the entire basis of bilateral relations"; Emphasises on need for "tranquillity at the borders". Indian readout: pic.twitter.com/DkW476y3FN — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 27, 2023 × A different statement from China Meanwhile, the Chinese side in its official statement painted a rather rosy picture, saying the situation on the border was "generally stable" and that both sides maintained communication through military and diplomatic channels. "It is hoped that the two sides will work together to continuously enhance mutual trust between the two militaries and make due contributions to the development of relations between both countries," Li was quoted as saying in a defence ministry social media post on Friday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India and China release statements after SCO meet, with no apparent breakthrough

<p>After two Cheetahs brought to India&nbsp;died within a month, raising questions over their care, the South African forest department has issued a clarifying statement. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) stated that such carnivore reintroductions in alien climates are extremely complex and come with inherent risks. The death of two cheetahs is within the expected mortality rates for a project of this nature, it said.</p>

<p>"The cheetah joined eight of the mammals relocated to India's Kuno National Park from Namibia in September 2022. The two cheetah deaths (one from Namibia and one from South Africa) observed to date are within expected mortality rates for a project of this nature," read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Large carnivore reintroductions are extremely complex and inherently risky operations. This is a critical phase of the project, with cheetahs being released into larger environments where there is increasingly less control over their day-to-day wellbeing," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The South African authorities stated they were awaiting an autopsy report of the death but there was no indication that the animals may have died due to any form of infectious disease or that there was any threat to their survival in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"All the South African cheetahs are in larger enclosures and are closely monitored twice daily. As they are wild cheetahs, their behaviour, movements, and body condition must be evaluated from a distance, limiting the ability of teams on the ground to gain precise knowledge of their health status."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-project-cheetah-and-how-is-it-significant-to-india-516881"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;What is Project Cheetah and how is it significant to India?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Death of Sasha and Uday</strong></h2>

<p>On February 18, 12 cheetahs arrived in India aboard a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane of the Indian Air Force from Johannesburg in South Africa. Soon, the healthy cheetahs were released in the Kuno National Park, located in the&nbsp;central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>However, on March 27, one of the eight Namibian cheetahs named Sasha, aged&nbsp;little more than four-and-a-half-years, died in the park. Though complete details were not released, media reports claimed that Sasha died due to cardiopulmonary failure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, the second Namibian cheetah, named Uday, a male, died.&nbsp;JS Chauhan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife, revealed that "during the inspection in the morning, Uday,&nbsp;brought from South Africa was found dull with head down following which veterinarians attending him alerted senior officials and the feline was taken out from the large enclosure for treatment. Unfortunately, around 4 pm, the cheetah passed away."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mp-cheetah-ld-death-585497"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Second of the eight felines brought to India under 'Project Cheetah' dies in Madhya Pradesh</strong></a></p>

<p>All 12 mammals were brought to the country under 'Project Cheetah'.&nbsp;The programme launched last September seeks to reintroduce the species, decades after it went extinct in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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After two Cheetahs brought to India died within a month, raising questions over their care, the South African forest department has issued a clarifying statement.

After two Cheetahs brought to India died within a month, raising questions over their care, the South African forest department has issued a clarifying statement. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) stated that such carnivore reintroductions in alien climates are extremely complex and come with inherent risks. The death of two cheetahs is within the expected mortality rates for a project of this nature, it said. "The cheetah joined eight of the mammals relocated to India's Kuno National Park from Namibia in September 2022. The two cheetah deaths (one from Namibia and one from South Africa) observed to date are within expected mortality rates for a project of this nature," read the statement. "Large carnivore reintroductions are extremely complex and inherently risky operations. This is a critical phase of the project, with cheetahs being released into larger environments where there is increasingly less control over their day-to-day wellbeing," it added. The South African authorities stated they were awaiting an autopsy report of the death but there was no indication that the animals may have died due to any form of infectious disease or that there was any threat to their survival in India. "All the South African cheetahs are in larger enclosures and are closely monitored twice daily. As they are wild cheetahs, their behaviour, movements, and body condition must be evaluated from a distance, limiting the ability of teams on the ground to gain precise knowledge of their health status." WATCH | What is Project Cheetah and how is it significant to India? × Death of Sasha and Uday On February 18, 12 cheetahs arrived in India aboard a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane of the Indian Air Force from Johannesburg in South Africa. Soon, the healthy cheetahs were released in the Kuno National Park, located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. However, on March 27, one of the eight Namibian cheetahs named Sasha, aged little more than four-and-a-half-years, died in the park. Though complete details were not released, media reports claimed that Sasha died due to cardiopulmonary failure. Last week, the second Namibian cheetah, named Uday, a male, died. JS Chauhan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Wildlife, revealed that "during the inspection in the morning, Uday, brought from South Africa was found dull with head down following which veterinarians attending him alerted senior officials and the feline was taken out from the large enclosure for treatment. Unfortunately, around 4 pm, the cheetah passed away." ALSO READ | Second of the eight felines brought to India under 'Project Cheetah' dies in Madhya Pradesh All 12 mammals were brought to the country under 'Project Cheetah'. The programme launched last September seeks to reintroduce the species, decades after it went extinct in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Africa says death of two cheetahs in India within 'expected mortality rates'

<p>Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Going forward, certified advertisers may feature packaged cannabis products in ad creative,"&nbsp;the company stated in a press release. Previously, the companies could not show any product in their ads nor could they promote their sale. However, they could link the ads to their websites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They may also continue responsibly linking to their owned and operated web pages and e-commerce experiences for CBD, THC, and cannabis-related products and services. We have also made some changes for medical licensees and opened up additional recreational markets," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The microblogging platform added that it was looking forward to helping customers unlock the power of Twitter ads and connect with the cannabis conversation to drive the business forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Twitter allows cannabis companies to advertise, its rivals such as Meta and Google have prohibited&nbsp;such ads.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-merges-twitter-with-x-corp-581535"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Elon Musk merges Twitter with X Corp</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-merges-twitter-with-x-corp-581535/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/musk-unveils-plan-for-creators-to-make-money-on-twitter-says-platform-will-not-keep-any-money-582530#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Musk and his 420 connection</strong></h2>

<p>Recreational marijuana is already legal in several US states and Twitter owner Musk has been one of the most&nbsp;420-friendly (420 is the specific time in the afternoon of April 20 when pot smokers annually celebrate the drug) entrepreneurs in the business.&nbsp;Musk in various interviews has batted for the use of psychedelics to open human consciousness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2018, Musk said&nbsp;he was mulling a buyout of Tesla for $420 per share. However,&nbsp;during a court testimony later, Musk clarified that his price offer wasn't meant to be a marijuana reference.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“420 was not chosen because of a joke; it was chosen because there was a 20 percent premium over the stock price," said Musk, adding, "There is some, I think, karma around 420. I should question whether that is good or bad karma at this point."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-testifies-in-second-day-of-tesla-tweet-trial-says-buying-share-at-420-was-no-joke-555339"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Elon Musk testifies in second day of Tesla tweet trial; says buying share at $420 was no joke</strong></a></p>

<p>Ever since taking over Twitter after completing the $44 billion deal, Musk has been seeking new avenues to generate revenues for the company. He has already fired more than 80 per cent of the Twitter staff to make the books leaner.</p>

<p>Musk started the Twitter Blue subscription service last year under which any user can receive the blue checkmark after paying a certain fee and providing identification proof.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Musk&nbsp;informed that creators on Twitter will be able to charge certain money from users to access their content, ranging from 'longform text to hours-long video'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Creators have been given the freedom to offer monthly subscriptions in the $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 bracket. Musk, in a tweet thread, informed that for the next 12 months, the creators will be making most of the money as Twitter will not charge anything.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-c-powerful-hallucinogenic-concoction-said-to-open-door-to-spirit-world-566067"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;What is Ayahuasca? Powerful hallucinogenic concoction said to open doors to 'spirit' world</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements.

Elon Musk-owned Twitter has modified its regulations, allowing cannabis companies to advertise their products on the platform freely. The modifications come after Twitter became the first major platform earlier this year to allow cannabis advertisements. "Going forward, certified advertisers may feature packaged cannabis products in ad creative," the company stated in a press release. Previously, the companies could not show any product in their ads nor could they promote their sale. However, they could link the ads to their websites. "They may also continue responsibly linking to their owned and operated web pages and e-commerce experiences for CBD, THC, and cannabis-related products and services. We have also made some changes for medical licensees and opened up additional recreational markets," it added. The microblogging platform added that it was looking forward to helping customers unlock the power of Twitter ads and connect with the cannabis conversation to drive the business forward. While Twitter allows cannabis companies to advertise, its rivals such as Meta and Google have prohibited such ads. WATCH | Elon Musk merges Twitter with X Corp × Musk and his 420 connection Recreational marijuana is already legal in several US states and Twitter owner Musk has been one of the most 420-friendly (420 is the specific time in the afternoon of April 20 when pot smokers annually celebrate the drug) entrepreneurs in the business. Musk in various interviews has batted for the use of psychedelics to open human consciousness. In 2018, Musk said he was mulling a buyout of Tesla for $420 per share. However, during a court testimony later, Musk clarified that his price offer wasn't meant to be a marijuana reference. “420 was not chosen because of a joke; it was chosen because there was a 20 percent premium over the stock price," said Musk, adding, "There is some, I think, karma around 420. I should question whether that is good or bad karma at this point." ALSO READ | Elon Musk testifies in second day of Tesla tweet trial; says buying share at $420 was no joke Ever since taking over Twitter after completing the $44 billion deal, Musk has been seeking new avenues to generate revenues for the company. He has already fired more than 80 per cent of the Twitter staff to make the books leaner. Musk started the Twitter Blue subscription service last year under which any user can receive the blue checkmark after paying a certain fee and providing identification proof. Earlier this year, Musk informed that creators on Twitter will be able to charge certain money from users to access their content, ranging from 'longform text to hours-long video'. Creators have been given the freedom to offer monthly subscriptions in the $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 bracket. Musk, in a tweet thread, informed that for the next 12 months, the creators will be making most of the money as Twitter will not charge anything. ALSO READ | What is Ayahuasca? Powerful hallucinogenic concoction said to open doors to 'spirit' world (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Elon Musk's 420 strategy: Twitter relaxes cannabis advertising rules to attract more companies

<p>Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the US and NATO's quest for&nbsp;"decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the Washington Declaration?</strong></h2>

<p>The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul&nbsp;will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.</p>

<p>Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden issues warning to Kim</strong></h2>

<p>After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden&nbsp;said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.</p>

<p>"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner.&nbsp;Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries&nbsp;not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to&nbsp;play a constructive role.</p>

<p>"All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world.

Russia has called out the US and South Korea after the two nations signed the Washington Declaration on Thursday, agreeing to a new nuclear weapons arrangement. Moscow criticised the policy and said it would destabilise the region and the wider world. “This development is clearly destabilising in nature and will have serious negative consequences for regional security, impacting on global stability,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. It added that the US and NATO's quest for "decisive military superiority" would bring nothing but "escalating tension and provoke an arms race". What is the Washington Declaration? The declaration was signed during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's six-day state visit to the US. Under the provisions, Seoul will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached any fruition. However, there is no immediate plan to station nuclear weapons in South Korea. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement Biden issues warning to Kim After signing the declaration, in a joint presser, Biden said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × The comment as well as the declaration also riled up China, North Korea's steadfast partner. Beijing issued a statement warning the two countries not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling upon them to play a constructive role. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russia says US-South Korea nuclear deal could destabilise region

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<p>In what comes as a major technological breakthrough, the first babies ever created using a sperm-injecting robot have been reportedly born in the US. The cutting-edge procedure could lower the cost of In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by thousands of dollars, making it accessible to even the poorest.</p>

<p>According to MIT’s Technology Review, engineers in Barcelona, Spain developed and designed the sperm-injecting robot which was sent to New York City's New Hope Fertility Center for the test. After assembling the robot, one of the engineers who had no experience in fertility medicine used a Sony PlayStation 5 controller to penetrate a human egg using a mechanised needle - dropping off a single sperm cell in the process successfully.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cumulatively, the robot managed to fertilise more than a dozen eggs which developed into healthy embryos and have now been born as two baby girls, with the scientists claiming them as the first infants born after fertilisation by a 'robot'.</p>

<p>“I was calm. In that exact moment, I thought, ‘It’s just one more experiment,’” Eduard Alba, the student mechanical engineer who commanded the sperm-injecting device was quoted as saying in the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, one of the parents of the girl could not believe that such a scientific breakthrough happened in reality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It’s wild, isn’t it? Until now it had always been done manually.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-trending-disgraced-canadian-ivf-doctor-told-to-pay-millions-402186"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions</strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>Spanish startup making the breakthrough</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the technology and the robot have been developed by a startup company named 'Overture Life' which has already raised nearly $37 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures and Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The main aim of the technology is to reduce the costs associated with IVF.&nbsp;Currently, a single attempt at getting pregnant in the US using IVF can cost upwards of $20,000. The procedure requires trained&nbsp;embryologists who have to handle the eggs and sperm delicately under&nbsp;a microscope and use ultra-thin hollow needles to complete the fertilisation process.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/artificial-womb-which-can-grow-up-to-30000-babies-a-year-scientists-film-shocks-the-internet-543119"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;‘Artificial womb’ which can grow up to 30,000 babies a year? Scientist’s film shocks the internet</strong></a></p>

<p>However, with the sperm-injecting robot, the patients will not even need to visit a fertility clinic, in addition to spending a lot less.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“[IVF] has to be cheaper. And if any doctor could do it, it would be,” said&nbsp;Santiago Munné, the prize-winning geneticist who is chief innovation officer at the Spanish company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Think of a box where sperm and eggs go in, and an embryo comes out five days later,'' he added.</p>

<p>The critics, however, say the robot still does not solve the problem of ageing eggs which is one of the major reasons why fertility treatments fail.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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In what comes as a major technological breakthrough, the first babies ever created using a sperm-injecting robot have been reportedly born in the US. The cutting-edge procedure could lower the cost of In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by thousands of dollars, making it accessible to even the poorest.

In what comes as a major technological breakthrough, the first babies ever created using a sperm-injecting robot have been reportedly born in the US. The cutting-edge procedure could lower the cost of In vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by thousands of dollars, making it accessible to even the poorest. According to MIT’s Technology Review, engineers in Barcelona, Spain developed and designed the sperm-injecting robot which was sent to New York City's New Hope Fertility Center for the test. After assembling the robot, one of the engineers who had no experience in fertility medicine used a Sony PlayStation 5 controller to penetrate a human egg using a mechanised needle - dropping off a single sperm cell in the process successfully. Cumulatively, the robot managed to fertilise more than a dozen eggs which developed into healthy embryos and have now been born as two baby girls, with the scientists claiming them as the first infants born after fertilisation by a 'robot'. “I was calm. In that exact moment, I thought, ‘It’s just one more experiment,’” Eduard Alba, the student mechanical engineer who commanded the sperm-injecting device was quoted as saying in the publication. Meanwhile, one of the parents of the girl could not believe that such a scientific breakthrough happened in reality. “It’s wild, isn’t it? Until now it had always been done manually.” WATCH | WION Trending | Disgraced Canadian IVF doctor told to pay millions × Spanish startup making the breakthrough Notably, the technology and the robot have been developed by a startup company named 'Overture Life' which has already raised nearly $37 million in funding from investors including Khosla Ventures and Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube. The main aim of the technology is to reduce the costs associated with IVF. Currently, a single attempt at getting pregnant in the US using IVF can cost upwards of $20,000. The procedure requires trained embryologists who have to handle the eggs and sperm delicately under a microscope and use ultra-thin hollow needles to complete the fertilisation process. ALSO READ | ‘Artificial womb’ which can grow up to 30,000 babies a year? Scientist’s film shocks the internet However, with the sperm-injecting robot, the patients will not even need to visit a fertility clinic, in addition to spending a lot less. “[IVF] has to be cheaper. And if any doctor could do it, it would be,” said Santiago Munné, the prize-winning geneticist who is chief innovation officer at the Spanish company. ''Think of a box where sperm and eggs go in, and an embryo comes out five days later,'' he added. The critics, however, say the robot still does not solve the problem of ageing eggs which is one of the major reasons why fertility treatments fail. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

First babies conceived with 'sperm robot' using PlayStation 5 controller born

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<p>A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour. Basanagouda Yatnal, an MLA from Bijapur City called Congress' former president Sonia Gandhi a&nbsp;<em>'vishkanya'</em>&nbsp;(poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan.</p>

<p>“The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Congress responds</strong></h2>

<p>Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was the first leader to respond to Yatnal's attack.</p>

<p>“A Karnataka BJP MLA has called Sonia Gandhi a '<em>vishkanya</em>'. People want to know what PM Modi and Amit Shah have to say on this issue,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-2023-pre-poll-surveys-herald-hung-verdict-will-jds-emerge-as-kingmaker-586602" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Pre-poll surveys herald hung verdict; Will JDS emerge as kingmaker?</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary of All India Congress Committee, Karnataka said BJP was showing its ugly side, fearing a rout in the election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Facing a complete rout in the assembly elections, BJP leadership is frustrated to the core and is hurling filth and muck, which is the product of their ugly character and dirty mindset of denigrating and insulting the Congress Leadership. They have lost all sense of propriety, political balance and even a remote iota of decency and decorum."</p>

<p>Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal took to Twitter and launched another attack on BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Every election, they hurl new abuses to insult Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, who has led her entire life with utmost dignity and grace. BJP continues to stoop to new lows, with their filthy language against our leaders. Modi ji, do you endorse these words?” he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Kharge apologises</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, it was the leader of opposition Kharge who crossed the line and insulted the PM. After clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">BJP की विचारधारा विभाजनकारी, वैमनस्यपूर्ण तथा ग़रीबों व दलितों के प्रति नफ़रत व पूर्वाग्रह से भरी है।<br />
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मैंने इसी नफ़रत व द्वेष की राजनीति की चर्चा की। मेरा बयान न व्यक्तिगत तौर से प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी के लिये था ना किसी और व्यक्ति विशेष के लिए..</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1651560019458940931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/karnataka-elections-2023-why-is-congress-accusing-amit-shah-of-insulting-kannadigas-586339" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Why is Congress accusing Amit Shah of insulting Kannadigas?</strong></a></p>

<p>The trading of uncouth statements from both parties comes days ahead of the assembly election. The state goes to poll on May 10 with the results set to come out three days later. With elections due in the Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later this year, both parties are aiming to wrestle for the initial advantage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour.

A day after Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a 'venomous snake', a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from the poll-bound southern Indian State of Karnataka has returned the favour. Basanagouda Yatnal, an MLA from Bijapur City called Congress' former president Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya' (poisonous woman) and an agent of China and Pakistan. “The entire world has accepted PM Modi. America welcomes PM with a red carpet and he’s attained the status of a global leader. The Congress compares him to a cobra and says he’s poisonous. Congress leaders are dancing on the orders of Sonia Gandhi and making such comments. She is a Vishkanya? She is an agent for China and Pakistan, who destroyed India,” said Yatnal while addressing a poll rally in Koppal. Congress responds Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was the first leader to respond to Yatnal's attack. “A Karnataka BJP MLA has called Sonia Gandhi a 'vishkanya'. People want to know what PM Modi and Amit Shah have to say on this issue,” he said. ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Pre-poll surveys herald hung verdict; Will JDS emerge as kingmaker? Meanwhile, Randeep Singh Surjewala, general secretary of All India Congress Committee, Karnataka said BJP was showing its ugly side, fearing a rout in the election. “Facing a complete rout in the assembly elections, BJP leadership is frustrated to the core and is hurling filth and muck, which is the product of their ugly character and dirty mindset of denigrating and insulting the Congress Leadership. They have lost all sense of propriety, political balance and even a remote iota of decency and decorum." Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal took to Twitter and launched another attack on BJP. “Every election, they hurl new abuses to insult Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, who has led her entire life with utmost dignity and grace. BJP continues to stoop to new lows, with their filthy language against our leaders. Modi ji, do you endorse these words?” he tweeted. Kharge apologises On Thursday, it was the leader of opposition Kharge who crossed the line and insulted the PM. After clamouring from the BJP, Kharge apologised and tweeted, “My statement was neither for PM Modi personally nor for any other person, but for the ideology he represents." BJP की विचारधारा विभाजनकारी, वैमनस्यपूर्ण तथा ग़रीबों व दलितों के प्रति नफ़रत व पूर्वाग्रह से भरी है। मैंने इसी नफ़रत व द्वेष की राजनीति की चर्चा की। मेरा बयान न व्यक्तिगत तौर से प्रधानमंत्री मोदी जी के लिये था ना किसी और व्यक्ति विशेष के लिए.. — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 27, 2023 × ALSO READ | Karnataka elections 2023: Why is Congress accusing Amit Shah of insulting Kannadigas? The trading of uncouth statements from both parties comes days ahead of the assembly election. The state goes to poll on May 10 with the results set to come out three days later. With elections due in the Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh later this year, both parties are aiming to wrestle for the initial advantage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: 'Poison politics' continues in Karnataka, BJP MLA calls Sonia Gandhi 'vishkanya'

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<p>Two commanders belonging to the unit of Jack Teixeira (the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking intelligence documents) have been temporarily suspended by the US Air Force, a spokesman informed on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Air Force spokesperson without naming the officers said the operation commander and detachment commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing had been benched, pending further investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, has suspended the commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron pending further investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of classified information,"&nbsp;the Air Force spokesperson said.</p>

<p>"This means that both the squadron's state Air National Guard operational commander and current federal orders administrative commander have been suspended pending completion of the Department of the Air Force Inspector General Investigation. Also, the Department of Air Force has temporarily removed these individuals' access to classified systems and information."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jack-teixeira-the-young-charismatic-air-national-guardsman-suspected-of-leaking-secret-us-documents-582242" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Who is Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman arrested in US documents leak case?</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>What did Jack Teixeira do?</strong></p>

<p>The suspension comes in the backdrop of one of the largest classified intelligence leaks in US history. 21-year-old Teixeira allegedly leaked the sensitive documents in a chatroom for gamers, Thug Shaker Central, on Discord, an instant messaging platform, primarily used by the gaming community. According to reports, Teixeira leaked highly sensitive information including details about troop movement in Russia’s war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teixeira said in the chat group that he was able to access the documents because he worked on a “military base". The accused was referring to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base where he was assigned the task to manage and troubleshoot computers and communications systems for the Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Pentagon Intel Leak: Ukrainian air defence in peril</strong></p>

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<p>One of the chatroom members where Teixeira leaked the files stated that he wanted others to be concerned about world affairs and thought sharing insider information would protect them from the troubled world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Teixeira had been leaking the classified documents for several months it was only earlier this year that the US authorities became aware of such a breach. After US media carried the reports, a manhunt was launched the nab the mole.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After much speculation, Teixeira was arrested earlier this month. He has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information and willful retention of classified documents. The authorities say he might be slapped with more charges as additional evidence is presented to a grand jury.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Two commanders belonging to the unit of Jack Teixeira (the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking intelligence documents) have been temporarily suspended by the US Air Force, a spokesman informed on Wednesday.

Two commanders belonging to the unit of Jack Teixeira (the Massachusetts Air National Guardsman accused of leaking intelligence documents) have been temporarily suspended by the US Air Force, a spokesman informed on Wednesday. The Air Force spokesperson without naming the officers said the operation commander and detachment commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing had been benched, pending further investigation. "The commander of the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, has suspended the commander of the 102nd Intelligence Support Squadron pending further investigation into the unauthorised disclosure of classified information," the Air Force spokesperson said. "This means that both the squadron's state Air National Guard operational commander and current federal orders administrative commander have been suspended pending completion of the Department of the Air Force Inspector General Investigation. Also, the Department of Air Force has temporarily removed these individuals' access to classified systems and information." ALSO READ | Who is Jack Teixeira, the 'young, charismatic' Air National guardsman arrested in US documents leak case? What did Jack Teixeira do? The suspension comes in the backdrop of one of the largest classified intelligence leaks in US history. 21-year-old Teixeira allegedly leaked the sensitive documents in a chatroom for gamers, Thug Shaker Central, on Discord, an instant messaging platform, primarily used by the gaming community. According to reports, Teixeira leaked highly sensitive information including details about troop movement in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Teixeira said in the chat group that he was able to access the documents because he worked on a “military base". The accused was referring to the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base where he was assigned the task to manage and troubleshoot computers and communications systems for the Air Force. ALSO WATCH | Pentagon Intel Leak: Ukrainian air defence in peril × One of the chatroom members where Teixeira leaked the files stated that he wanted others to be concerned about world affairs and thought sharing insider information would protect them from the troubled world. While Teixeira had been leaking the classified documents for several months it was only earlier this year that the US authorities became aware of such a breach. After US media carried the reports, a manhunt was launched the nab the mole. After much speculation, Teixeira was arrested earlier this month. He has been charged with unauthorised removal of classified national defence information and willful retention of classified documents. The authorities say he might be slapped with more charges as additional evidence is presented to a grand jury. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US Air Force suspends two commanders belonging to unit of Jack Teixeira, the classified docs leaker

<p>Currently on a six-day state visit to the US,&nbsp;South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left everyone stunned after he belted out his own rendition of&nbsp;Don McClean’s classic song, “American Pie" during a White House state dinner on Wednesday. The impromptu performance has now gone viral on social media and shows US President Joe Biden expressing his utmost amazement at Yoon's talent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was staged at the&nbsp;state dining room where the Broadway stars&nbsp;Norm Lewis, Lea Salonga and Jessia Vosk sang songs, including the hits from&nbsp;"Les Miserables" and "Funny Girl".</p>

<p>After the culmination of their performances, Biden pulled Yoon to the stage and said, "We know this is one of your favorite songs, 'American Pie.'" To which Yoon replied, "Yes, that's true," adding that he had loved the McLean song, released way back in 1971 when he was at school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Being the cheerful host, Biden egged on his counterpart to sing the song.&nbsp;"We want to hear you sing it."</p>

<p>Offering a token resistance, Yoon said, "It's been a while but..." and took the microphone in his hands, preparing to sing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as Yoon hit the first note, the audience gathered in the hall erupted in rapturous applause and the 62-year-old continued&nbsp;the song. Apart from Biden, first lady Jill Biden also appeared mesmerised by Yoon's singing as she applauded heartily.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a minute of singing with only a piano accompanying his voice, Yoon stepped away as the crowd gave him a standing ovation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The next state dinner we’re going to have, you’re looking at the entertainment,” Biden told the crowd, referring to Yoon.</p>

<p>“I had no damn idea you could sing,” a surprised Biden told Yoon after the performance, adding, "Don’t expect me to sing it!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unexpected moment at the state dinner when the president of South Korea sings “American Pie.” <a href="https://t.co/Dus6BiBU9E">pic.twitter.com/Dus6BiBU9E</a></p>
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffmason1/status/1651418886447693824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Netizens loved Yoon's performance, with one saying, "This was awesome, and, of course our president had the grace to stand back and give South Korea’s president the floor to sing. What a beautiful moment!", while another added, "Well this is absolutely awesome."</p>

<h2><strong>From nuclear war to chartbuster songs&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, the two leaders signed the Washington Declaration under which&nbsp;South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</strong></a></p>

<p>The two leaders also asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Currently on a six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left everyone stunned after he belted out his own rendition of Don McClean’s classic song, “American Pie" during a White House state dinner on Wednesday.

Currently on a six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol left everyone stunned after he belted out his own rendition of Don McClean’s classic song, “American Pie" during a White House state dinner on Wednesday. The impromptu performance has now gone viral on social media and shows US President Joe Biden expressing his utmost amazement at Yoon's talent. The event was staged at the state dining room where the Broadway stars Norm Lewis, Lea Salonga and Jessia Vosk sang songs, including the hits from "Les Miserables" and "Funny Girl". After the culmination of their performances, Biden pulled Yoon to the stage and said, "We know this is one of your favorite songs, 'American Pie.'" To which Yoon replied, "Yes, that's true," adding that he had loved the McLean song, released way back in 1971 when he was at school. Being the cheerful host, Biden egged on his counterpart to sing the song. "We want to hear you sing it." Offering a token resistance, Yoon said, "It's been a while but..." and took the microphone in his hands, preparing to sing. As soon as Yoon hit the first note, the audience gathered in the hall erupted in rapturous applause and the 62-year-old continued the song. Apart from Biden, first lady Jill Biden also appeared mesmerised by Yoon's singing as she applauded heartily. After a minute of singing with only a piano accompanying his voice, Yoon stepped away as the crowd gave him a standing ovation. “The next state dinner we’re going to have, you’re looking at the entertainment,” Biden told the crowd, referring to Yoon. “I had no damn idea you could sing,” a surprised Biden told Yoon after the performance, adding, "Don’t expect me to sing it!" Unexpected moment at the state dinner when the president of South Korea sings “American Pie.” pic.twitter.com/Dus6BiBU9E — Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) April 27, 2023 × Netizens loved Yoon's performance, with one saying, "This was awesome, and, of course our president had the grace to stand back and give South Korea’s president the floor to sing. What a beautiful moment!", while another added, "Well this is absolutely awesome." From nuclear war to chartbuster songs Earlier in the day, the two leaders signed the Washington Declaration under which South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement The two leaders also asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | 'I had no damn idea you could...': Biden stunned as S Korean prez sings ‘American Pie’ at White House

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<p>The recent spate of wildfires and rain may have caused widespread loss of human life and property across the US state of California but it may also have presented a unique opportunity to make a fortune to the public. If reports are to be believed, California might witness 'Gold Rush 2.0' in the coming months as locals have found pieces of gold that were unearthed by natural events.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 175 years after the first gold rush, amateur miners are trekking towards the western slope of the Sierra Nevada - an area also referred to as the 'Gold Country'. According to historians, up until now, only 10 to 15 per cent of California's gold has been discovered and the miners are hoping that they might get their hands on the remaining 85 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the wildfires of last year loosened the soil, the torrential winter rainfall blasted millions of gallons of water through the mountain streams and rivers. The loose soil helped push the water downstream, carrying gold deposits as people started calling it 'flood gold'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Anytime you can stand next to a river, and you hear the boulders tumbling, you know the gold is moving, too,” Jim Eakin, owner of a local firewood business was quoted as saying by&nbsp;<em>The New York Times.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/lottery-huge-nugget-worth-250000-discovered-by-an-amateur-gold-digger-in-australia-576826" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | LOTTERY! 4.6 kg gold nugget, worth $250,000, discovered by amateur digger</strong></a></p>

<p>The treasure seekers of the valley routinely gather at the Gold Country Treasure Seekers Club and display their finds. According to one of the regulars at the club, they have seen more gold in the last two meetings than in the last two years combined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There was $50,000 of gold up at that table. We’ve had more gold in the last two meetings than I’ve seen in the last two years," said the regular.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albert Fausel, a third-generation owner of a Hardware store in Placerville (a 15-minute drive from the valley) is now selling metal detectors to amateur miners looking to make a fortune. Using a metal detector has been the go-to method of the majority of gold enthusiasts to find the precious metal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digger-unearths-archaeological-treasure-from-a-burial-cave-in-israel-518415" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Digger unearths archaeological treasure from a burial cave in Israel</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digger-unearths-archaeological-treasure-from-a-burial-cave-in-israel-518415/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/lottery-huge-nugget-worth-250000-discovered-by-an-amateur-gold-digger-in-australia-576826#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biggest Gold Rush season incoming?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Mark Dayton, a metal detector expert, it is the biggest event of his life and he fully expects the season to get crazier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As the water comes down really quickly, especially in steep canyons. It hits the banks and washes fresh dirt right off the banks and liberates new fresh deposits of gold right into the water," said Dayton.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This year's going to be unprecedented. Time to go get some gold. Best time to begin seeking gold deposits will be June and July, when the river levels begin to lower."</p>

<p>An ounce of gold is expected to fetch anyone around $2,000. However, not everyone is alright with the gold rush. Environmentalists are of the view that the original gold rush caused tremendous damage to nature as is suggested by 47,000 mines that remain abandoned across the state. Concerns are being raised that water quality may degrade as more miners make their way up the valley.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The recent spate of wildfires and rain may have caused widespread loss of human life and property across the US state of California but it may also have presented a unique opportunity to make a fortune to the public.

The recent spate of wildfires and rain may have caused widespread loss of human life and property across the US state of California but it may also have presented a unique opportunity to make a fortune to the public. If reports are to be believed, California might witness 'Gold Rush 2.0' in the coming months as locals have found pieces of gold that were unearthed by natural events. Nearly 175 years after the first gold rush, amateur miners are trekking towards the western slope of the Sierra Nevada - an area also referred to as the 'Gold Country'. According to historians, up until now, only 10 to 15 per cent of California's gold has been discovered and the miners are hoping that they might get their hands on the remaining 85 per cent. After the wildfires of last year loosened the soil, the torrential winter rainfall blasted millions of gallons of water through the mountain streams and rivers. The loose soil helped push the water downstream, carrying gold deposits as people started calling it 'flood gold'. “Anytime you can stand next to a river, and you hear the boulders tumbling, you know the gold is moving, too,” Jim Eakin, owner of a local firewood business was quoted as saying by The New York Times. ALSO READ | LOTTERY! 4.6 kg gold nugget, worth $250,000, discovered by amateur digger The treasure seekers of the valley routinely gather at the Gold Country Treasure Seekers Club and display their finds. According to one of the regulars at the club, they have seen more gold in the last two meetings than in the last two years combined. “There was $50,000 of gold up at that table. We’ve had more gold in the last two meetings than I’ve seen in the last two years," said the regular. Albert Fausel, a third-generation owner of a Hardware store in Placerville (a 15-minute drive from the valley) is now selling metal detectors to amateur miners looking to make a fortune. Using a metal detector has been the go-to method of the majority of gold enthusiasts to find the precious metal. WATCH | Digger unearths archaeological treasure from a burial cave in Israel × Biggest Gold Rush season incoming? According to Mark Dayton, a metal detector expert, it is the biggest event of his life and he fully expects the season to get crazier. "As the water comes down really quickly, especially in steep canyons. It hits the banks and washes fresh dirt right off the banks and liberates new fresh deposits of gold right into the water," said Dayton. "This year's going to be unprecedented. Time to go get some gold. Best time to begin seeking gold deposits will be June and July, when the river levels begin to lower." An ounce of gold is expected to fetch anyone around $2,000. However, not everyone is alright with the gold rush. Environmentalists are of the view that the original gold rush caused tremendous damage to nature as is suggested by 47,000 mines that remain abandoned across the state. Concerns are being raised that water quality may degrade as more miners make their way up the valley. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amateur treasure hunters flock to California for Gold Rush 2.0 after heavy rain, wildfires

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<p>The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ezekiel Odero, the pastor at New Life Prayer Centre and Church in the small southeastern town of Mavueni was arrested as law enforcement agencies evacuated more than 100 people who had been holed up inside his church.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Odero's arrest is connected to allegations of deaths that have occurred at his premises and reported at various morgues across the town. He is currently being processed and is expected to face criminal charges.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers," tweeted Kindiki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges… <a href="https://t.co/78EHEoH08l">pic.twitter.com/78EHEoH08l</a></p>
— Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) <a href="https://twitter.com/KindikiKithure/status/1651540181244162048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Odero is a wealthy televangelist who drew huge crowds and used pseudoscience and trickery to deceive people into believing him. According to reports, in his 40,000 seater church in Malindi, Odero claimed that 'holy' scraps of cloth sold at his mega rallies could heal sickness.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Mavueni is only 66 km away from the Shakahola forest where 98 bodies have been exhumed so far after police acted on a tip-off to rescue the brainwashed followers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the authorities have not linked the two cases. The crackdown of one of Kenya's most high-profile pastors comes after President William Ruto vowed to crack down on extremist religious leaders who violated the law.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kenya-cult-death-toll-climbs-to-98-as-more-bodies-found-in-shallow-graves-586627" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Kenya cult death toll climbs to 98 as more bodies found in shallow graves</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this 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>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><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kenya-religious-starvation-cult-and-the-grisly-discovery-of-mass-graves-586045"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 98&nbsp;to mass graves</strong></a></p>

<p>Since then, over 98 bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers.

The Kenyan authorities on Thursday arrested another church leader, accused of mass killing of followers, days after the leader of a cult in the same region was detained for the mass graves of his followers. Ezekiel Odero, the pastor at New Life Prayer Centre and Church in the small southeastern town of Mavueni was arrested as law enforcement agencies evacuated more than 100 people who had been holed up inside his church. According to Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki, Odero's arrest is connected to allegations of deaths that have occurred at his premises and reported at various morgues across the town. He is currently being processed and is expected to face criminal charges. "It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges related to mass killing of his followers," tweeted Kindiki. "The said Church has been shut down. The over 100 people who were holed up at the premises have been evacuated and will be required to record statements," he added. It is notified for information of the general public that today Thursday, 27th April 2023, Mr Ezekiel Ombok Odero the Head of New Life Prayer Centre/Church at Mavueni within Malindi Sub-County of Kilifi County has been arrested and is being processed to face criminal charges… pic.twitter.com/78EHEoH08l — Kithure Kindiki (@KindikiKithure) April 27, 2023 × Odero is a wealthy televangelist who drew huge crowds and used pseudoscience and trickery to deceive people into believing him. According to reports, in his 40,000 seater church in Malindi, Odero claimed that 'holy' scraps of cloth sold at his mega rallies could heal sickness. Notably, Mavueni is only 66 km away from the Shakahola forest where 98 bodies have been exhumed so far after police acted on a tip-off to rescue the brainwashed followers. So far, the authorities have not linked the two cases. The crackdown of one of Kenya's most high-profile pastors comes after President William Ruto vowed to crack down on extremist religious leaders who violated the law. WATCH | Kenya cult death toll climbs to 98 as more bodies found in shallow graves × The shocking Kenya religious starvation cult Earlier this 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". 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. ALSO READ | Explained: All about the macabre Kenya starvation death cult, whose founder led 98 to mass graves Since then, over 98 bodies have been exhumed from the Shakahola forest and the grisly discoveries are not expected to end soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Another Kenyan pastor arrested for mass killing of followers

<p>Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response. Beijing warned&nbsp;not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling for the parties to play a constructive role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.</p>

<p>Targetting the US for attempting to drive up&nbsp;friction between parties, Ning added,&nbsp;"What the US is doing ... provokes confrontation between camps, undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries."</p>

<p>She suggested that USA's moves "aggravate tensions on the peninsula, undermine regional peace and stability, and run counter to the goal of denuclearisation on the peninsula."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-spells-out-kim-jong-uns-end-with-south-korean-leader-586451"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>What did the US say?</strong></p>

<p>On his six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President <span>Yoon Suk-yeol </span> met Biden on Wednesday at the White House. During a joint presser after the meeting, Biden said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.</p>

<p>"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Yoon said&nbsp;peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons.</p>

<p>"Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Washington declaration on nuclear weapons</strong></h2>

<p>The statement came on the same day as the two sides signed the Washington Declaration under which&nbsp;South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response.

Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response. Beijing warned not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling for the parties to play a constructive role. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. Targetting the US for attempting to drive up friction between parties, Ning added, "What the US is doing ... provokes confrontation between camps, undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries." She suggested that USA's moves "aggravate tensions on the peninsula, undermine regional peace and stability, and run counter to the goal of denuclearisation on the peninsula." ALSO READ | Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader What did the US say? On his six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met Biden on Wednesday at the White House. During a joint presser after the meeting, Biden said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said. Meanwhile, Yoon said peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons. "Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," he added. Washington declaration on nuclear weapons The statement came on the same day as the two sides signed the Washington Declaration under which South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China warns US, South Korea against 'provoking confrontation' with North Korea

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<p>Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Britain's main business lobby group, is mulling a name change after facing serious allegations of rape, sexual harassment and bullying. Rain Newton-Smith, the new CBI boss said the rebranding was necessary and part of promised “root and branch” reform of the organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Personally, over time, I’m sure we’re going to see a new name for the CBI, but that’s just the wrapper that goes on the outside. What matters is what we do, what we deliver and our purpose,” Newton-Smith was quoted as saying by the&nbsp;<em>Financial Times</em>.</p>

<p>The new CBI boss took the reins on Thursday and has been given a month by the board to work up a proposal for the group's future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-popularity-rising-within-the-conservative-party-578991"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak's popularity rising within the conservative party</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The CBI that emerges from this is not going to be the CBI of the past, that is clear. It needs to be a new, a different organisation."</p>

<p>The future of the CBI which claims to cumulatively employ seven million people, overseeing 190,000 businesses hangs in the balance after a series of workplace misconduct, harassment and sexual assault problems, including two allegations of rape.</p>

<p>Prior to the crisis, the lobbying group enjoyed a key role in discussing as well as shaping the economic policies with the government. However, if Newton-Smith fails to get going from the start, the business might go kaput, according to industry experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-business-lobby-group-axes-chief-over-misconduct-581324" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | British business lobby group axes chief over 'misconduct'</strong></a></p>

<p>More than 50 leading firms such as John Lewis, BMW, Tesco, and Sainsbury have either cut or suspended ties with the company already, raising serious questions over its financial future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When quizzed if she was the right person to lead the company into a new era, having served as the CBI's chief economist between 2014 and 2023 - the period when most serious allegations took place, Newton-Smith said she always addressed the 'wrongdoings'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’ve always addressed wrongdoing when I’ve seen it, and if any of my staff have ever come to me with issues, I have listened to them and made sure they were supported, and that’s the culture I want to build,” she said.</p>

<p>"I wouldn't be coming back into this job if I thought there were things that I had done or hadn't done or hadn't acted thoroughly on it. So that's what's really important to me."</p>

<p>While Newton-Smith attempts to steer the ship through choppy waters, British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said there is 'no point' engaging with CBI when its own members had deserted them.&nbsp;</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>


Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Britain's main business lobby group, is mulling a name change after facing serious allegations of rape, sexual harassment and bullying.

Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Britain's main business lobby group, is mulling a name change after facing serious allegations of rape, sexual harassment and bullying. Rain Newton-Smith, the new CBI boss said the rebranding was necessary and part of promised “root and branch” reform of the organisation. “Personally, over time, I’m sure we’re going to see a new name for the CBI, but that’s just the wrapper that goes on the outside. What matters is what we do, what we deliver and our purpose,” Newton-Smith was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. The new CBI boss took the reins on Thursday and has been given a month by the board to work up a proposal for the group's future. WATCH | UK PM Rishi Sunak's popularity rising within the conservative party × “The CBI that emerges from this is not going to be the CBI of the past, that is clear. It needs to be a new, a different organisation." The future of the CBI which claims to cumulatively employ seven million people, overseeing 190,000 businesses hangs in the balance after a series of workplace misconduct, harassment and sexual assault problems, including two allegations of rape. Prior to the crisis, the lobbying group enjoyed a key role in discussing as well as shaping the economic policies with the government. However, if Newton-Smith fails to get going from the start, the business might go kaput, according to industry experts. ALSO READ | British business lobby group axes chief over 'misconduct' More than 50 leading firms such as John Lewis, BMW, Tesco, and Sainsbury have either cut or suspended ties with the company already, raising serious questions over its financial future. When quizzed if she was the right person to lead the company into a new era, having served as the CBI's chief economist between 2014 and 2023 - the period when most serious allegations took place, Newton-Smith said she always addressed the 'wrongdoings'. “I’ve always addressed wrongdoing when I’ve seen it, and if any of my staff have ever come to me with issues, I have listened to them and made sure they were supported, and that’s the culture I want to build,” she said. "I wouldn't be coming back into this job if I thought there were things that I had done or hadn't done or hadn't acted thoroughly on it. So that's what's really important to me." While Newton-Smith attempts to steer the ship through choppy waters, British Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has said there is 'no point' engaging with CBI when its own members had deserted them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

CBI, British lobby group hit by rape allegations, to be renamed

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