<p>A month after a catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey, torrential rain has killed at least 14, submerging two provinces in the process. Five people are missing while countless have been rendered homeless, yet again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local media reports, 11 were killed in Sanliurfa, a town 50 km north of the Syrian border while two died in Adiyaman, including a one-year-old toddler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shocking video clips that have since gone viral on social media platforms show the helpless victims being dragged away by the current of the water. Cars and other vehicles could be seen floating as the streets turned to streams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors living in tents and other temporary accommodations, the rain has come as a double whammy.</p>

<p>Turkish soldiers and rescue teams have been deployed to carry out evacuation operations. Using heavy-duty machines and boats, the teams are attempting to save people stuck in the cascading water.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-husky-dog-rescued-after-spending-23-days-under-turkey-earthquake-rubble-567608" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Husky dog rescued after spending 23 days under Turkey earthquake rubble</strong></a></p>

<p>More than a dozen professional divers have also been pressed into the operation, according to the Turkish disaster management agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the water subsides, the authorities are sweating over the prospect of a fresh bout of misery. Water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, malaria and dengue are some of the common diseases that occur post-flood.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey and Syria were rocked by a powerful earthquake on February 6 which has already killed more than 52,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-syria-earthquake-clampdown-on-building-contractors-in-turkey-561785"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Clampdown on building contractors in Turkey</strong></a></p>

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<p>Over 200,000 buildings were flattened across the landscape as thousands died in the dead of the night. The rescue and rehabilitation process has been going non-stop but given the scale of the destruction, it could take months before a clear picture of the final death toll emerges.</p>

<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing an uphill battle ahead of a difficult re-election in May as public anger continues to simmer against him and his party. The general public is of the view that the government's response to the calamity has been slow and largely ineffective.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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A month after a catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey, torrential rain has killed at least 14, submerging two provinces in the process. Five people are missing while countless have been rendered homeless, yet again.

A month after a catastrophic 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked Turkey, torrential rain has killed at least 14, submerging two provinces in the process. Five people are missing while countless have been rendered homeless, yet again. According to local media reports, 11 were killed in Sanliurfa, a town 50 km north of the Syrian border while two died in Adiyaman, including a one-year-old toddler. Shocking video clips that have since gone viral on social media platforms show the helpless victims being dragged away by the current of the water. Cars and other vehicles could be seen floating as the streets turned to streams. With hundreds of thousands of earthquake survivors living in tents and other temporary accommodations, the rain has come as a double whammy. Turkish soldiers and rescue teams have been deployed to carry out evacuation operations. Using heavy-duty machines and boats, the teams are attempting to save people stuck in the cascading water. WATCH | Husky dog rescued after spending 23 days under Turkey earthquake rubble More than a dozen professional divers have also been pressed into the operation, according to the Turkish disaster management agency. After the water subsides, the authorities are sweating over the prospect of a fresh bout of misery. Water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, malaria and dengue are some of the common diseases that occur post-flood. Turkey and Syria were rocked by a powerful earthquake on February 6 which has already killed more than 52,000. WATCH | Turkey-Syria Earthquake: Clampdown on building contractors in Turkey × Over 200,000 buildings were flattened across the landscape as thousands died in the dead of the night. The rescue and rehabilitation process has been going non-stop but given the scale of the destruction, it could take months before a clear picture of the final death toll emerges. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is facing an uphill battle ahead of a difficult re-election in May as public anger continues to simmer against him and his party. The general public is of the view that the government's response to the calamity has been slow and largely ineffective. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Floods kill 14 in Turkey, render thousands homeless once again in quake-affected areas

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<p>Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years. Post the meeting, both nations agreed to resume 'shuttle diplomacy,' whilst announcing relaxation in trade controls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We agreed on the resumption of shuttle diplomacy by leaders of Japan and South Korea, no matter what the format of the trips," Kishida told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Japanese media has reported that Kishida may invite Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May and later return the favour by visiting the capital city of Seoul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Tokyo's trade ministry announced it will restore the status quo after restricting exports to South Korea, nearly four years ago. Under the restriction, S Korea could not get its hands on key materials needed for building semiconductors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The thaw in the relationship is a welcome change after over 100 years of hostility kept the two nations at bay. The Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula for over 35 years was the primary reason for the distance in communication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with an increasingly buoyant China and a rogue North Korea in the neighbourhood, both Asian economies were forced to band together and form a united front.</p>

<p>Hours before the meeting of the two leaders, North Korea&nbsp;fired a long-range ballistic missile to flex its muscles and suggest it didn't approve of the marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-launches-missile-ahead-of-south-korea-japan-summit-572493"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As seen from North Korea's long-range ballistic missile launch this morning before I left for Tokyo, North Korea's ever-increasing nuclear missile threat poses a great threat to peace and stability. Korea and&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;must closely cooperate in solidarity to wisely deal with these illegal threats," said&nbsp;Yoon.</p>

<p>US, the mutual ally of Tokyo and Seoul had long been batting for the alliance to come to fruition.&nbsp;If the two countries manage to remain cordial, it may prove to be a key element in US and Biden's quest for superiority in the Indo-Pacific against China.&nbsp;</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>


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Tokyo on Thursday in what was the first official bilateral meeting between the leaders of the two countries in over 12 years. Post the meeting, both nations agreed to resume 'shuttle diplomacy,' whilst announcing relaxation in trade controls. "We agreed on the resumption of shuttle diplomacy by leaders of Japan and South Korea, no matter what the format of the trips," Kishida told reporters. Japanese media has reported that Kishida may invite Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May and later return the favour by visiting the capital city of Seoul. Meanwhile, Tokyo's trade ministry announced it will restore the status quo after restricting exports to South Korea, nearly four years ago. Under the restriction, S Korea could not get its hands on key materials needed for building semiconductors. The thaw in the relationship is a welcome change after over 100 years of hostility kept the two nations at bay. The Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula for over 35 years was the primary reason for the distance in communication. However, with an increasingly buoyant China and a rogue North Korea in the neighbourhood, both Asian economies were forced to band together and form a united front. Hours before the meeting of the two leaders, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile to flex its muscles and suggest it didn't approve of the marriage. WATCH | North Korea launches missile ahead of South Korea-Japan summit × "As seen from North Korea's long-range ballistic missile launch this morning before I left for Tokyo, North Korea's ever-increasing nuclear missile threat poses a great threat to peace and stability. Korea and Japan must closely cooperate in solidarity to wisely deal with these illegal threats," said Yoon. US, the mutual ally of Tokyo and Seoul had long been batting for the alliance to come to fruition. If the two countries manage to remain cordial, it may prove to be a key element in US and Biden's quest for superiority in the Indo-Pacific against China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Thaw in relations? Japan and S Korea agree to end hostilities, start shuttle diplomacy

<p>US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back. The compact spacesuits will replace the white-and-blue bulky, big, puffy moon suits previously worn&nbsp;by the likes of Neil Armstrong and other Apollo astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Axiom Space in Houston, Texas revealed the new prototype suit by branding it as the&nbsp;"Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit," or AxEMU. It added that the suit was made in collaboration with&nbsp;costume designer Ester Marquis from the Apple TV+ lunar series "For All Mankind".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Axiom_Space?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Axiom_Space</a> revealed a spacesuit prototype that our <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA_Astronauts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA_Astronauts</a> plan to wear near the Moon’s South Pole on <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASA</a>’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> III mission.<br />
<br />
The spacesuit will give lunar explorers extra mobility, protection, &amp; the latest technology. Discover more: <a href="https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd">https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd</a> <a href="https://t.co/bqxcrwR6Y6">pic.twitter.com/bqxcrwR6Y6</a></p>
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAArtemis/status/1636038551044227074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Engineers at the launch event demonstrated that the new lunar gear would allow astronauts to be more mobile. The large, clear bubble around the head will provide wide visibility to the astronauts, which may come in handy on the dark, shadowy craters of the Earth's satellite.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said the suit, unlike its predecessors, will accommodate at least 90 per cent of the US male and female population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is going to be such a much more flexible suit, and the range of motion is really going to improve the astronauts’ ability to do all the tasks that they’re going to do while they’re out exploring on the lunar surface,” said&nbsp;Peggy Whitson, a former NASA Astronaut who will be visiting International Space Station later this year onboard a private flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/artemis-i-explained-nasas-first-mission-to-land-humans-on-the-moon-after-50-years-510343"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years</strong></a></p>

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<p>However, the final look of the suit remains a closely guarded secret. A protective layer was applied on the suit by Axiom which said it was done so to guard the proprietary secrets.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Artemis-1 programme</strong></p>

<p>Notably, after months of delay,&nbsp;NASA's unmanned Moon mission Artemis-1 had a successful liftoff in November last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Artemis programme, named after the sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, is NASA's successor to the Apollo lunar missions from 50 years ago and will pave way for future manned missions to the Moon and beyond.</p>

<p>The only spaceflights to date to land humans on the moon's surface involved six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972, during which 12 men made moonwalks.</p>

<p>The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/artemis-1-launched-as-nasa-ushers-into-a-new-era-of-lunar-exploration-534646"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Artemis 1 launched successfully, NASA ushers in a new era of lunar exploration</strong></a></p>

<p>The SLS-Orion spacecraft has&nbsp;cost NASA at least $37 billion. Its development has taken more than 10 years after being plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, NASA, next month will be announcing the four astronauts it has chosen to fly the next phase of the Artemis mission.&nbsp;</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>


US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back.

US space giant NASA on Wednesday unveiled newly designed, next-generation spacesuits with black, orange and blue highlights that will be donned by astronauts onboard the Artemis mission - taking them to the Moon and back. The compact spacesuits will replace the white-and-blue bulky, big, puffy moon suits previously worn by the likes of Neil Armstrong and other Apollo astronauts. Axiom Space in Houston, Texas revealed the new prototype suit by branding it as the "Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit," or AxEMU. It added that the suit was made in collaboration with costume designer Ester Marquis from the Apple TV+ lunar series "For All Mankind". .@Axiom_Space revealed a spacesuit prototype that our @NASA_Astronauts plan to wear near the Moon’s South Pole on @NASA’s #Artemis III mission. The spacesuit will give lunar explorers extra mobility, protection, & the latest technology. Discover more: https://t.co/uxH21hkSjd pic.twitter.com/bqxcrwR6Y6 — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) March 15, 2023 × Engineers at the launch event demonstrated that the new lunar gear would allow astronauts to be more mobile. The large, clear bubble around the head will provide wide visibility to the astronauts, which may come in handy on the dark, shadowy craters of the Earth's satellite. NASA said the suit, unlike its predecessors, will accommodate at least 90 per cent of the US male and female population. “This is going to be such a much more flexible suit, and the range of motion is really going to improve the astronauts’ ability to do all the tasks that they’re going to do while they’re out exploring on the lunar surface,” said Peggy Whitson, a former NASA Astronaut who will be visiting International Space Station later this year onboard a private flight. WATCH | Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years × However, the final look of the suit remains a closely guarded secret. A protective layer was applied on the suit by Axiom which said it was done so to guard the proprietary secrets. Artemis-1 programme Notably, after months of delay, NASA's unmanned Moon mission Artemis-1 had a successful liftoff in November last year. The Artemis programme, named after the sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, is NASA's successor to the Apollo lunar missions from 50 years ago and will pave way for future manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The only spaceflights to date to land humans on the moon's surface involved six Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972, during which 12 men made moonwalks. The SLS is the largest new vertical launch system NASA has created since the Saturn V rockets used in the 1960s and 1970s. Read more: Artemis 1 launched successfully, NASA ushers in a new era of lunar exploration The SLS-Orion spacecraft has cost NASA at least $37 billion. Its development has taken more than 10 years after being plagued by years of delays and billion-dollar cost overruns. Notably, NASA, next month will be announcing the four astronauts it has chosen to fly the next phase of the Artemis mission. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New fashion trend dropped: NASA unveils fresh spacesuit for Artemis moon landing

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<p>A Polish daredevil defied gravity and logic when he successfully landed his plane on a helipad at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel in Dubai. Pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history by becoming the first person to achieve the feat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The helipad measured only 27 metres wide, 212 metres above the ground of the 56-story building. To land the helicopter, Czepiela specially modified his light aircraft to stop in just 21 metres. He had been planning the stunt since 2021 and had to stick 650 test landings for it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Landing at the height of 200 metres is completely different from landing on the ground...I had to fully trust my own skills. On the helipad, there was no room for mistakes," said Czepiela, reflecting on the stunt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The biggest challenge was the lack of any external points of reference, which is usually found at an airport where you have hundreds of meters of runway."</p>

<p>Energy drinks company Red Bull sponsored the heroic act and took to Instagram to share the video, which has garnered over 180,000&nbsp;likes and 3.2 million views so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That’s what we call a BULLSEYE 🤯🛬👏 Another legendary Burj Al Arab feat in the books, courtesy of @luke.czepiela and a whole lot of commitment, preparation and ingenuity," Red Bull captioned the post as saying.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-pentagon-releases-video-of-moment-russian-fighter-jet-hit-us-drone-over-black-sea-572630"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WATCH | Pentagon releases video of moment Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea</strong></a></p>

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<p>When not busy being a daredevil, Czepiela captains an Airbus A320. He is a pilot par excellence having won the 2018 world championship challenger class title in the Red Bull Air Space. He has also successfully chauffeured a plane on a wooden pier in Sopot, his home country of Poland.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Burj Al Arab helipad has witnessed history being made previously. In 2005,&nbsp;tennis greats Roger Federer and Andre Agassi played a match while former Formula One driver David Coulthard did a sweet donut on the platform in 2013.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>


A Polish daredevil defied gravity and logic when he successfully landed his plane on a helipad at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel in Dubai. Pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history by becoming the first person to achieve the feat.

A Polish daredevil defied gravity and logic when he successfully landed his plane on a helipad at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel in Dubai. Pilot Lukasz Czepiela made aviation history by becoming the first person to achieve the feat. The helipad measured only 27 metres wide, 212 metres above the ground of the 56-story building. To land the helicopter, Czepiela specially modified his light aircraft to stop in just 21 metres. He had been planning the stunt since 2021 and had to stick 650 test landings for it. "Landing at the height of 200 metres is completely different from landing on the ground...I had to fully trust my own skills. On the helipad, there was no room for mistakes," said Czepiela, reflecting on the stunt. “The biggest challenge was the lack of any external points of reference, which is usually found at an airport where you have hundreds of meters of runway." Energy drinks company Red Bull sponsored the heroic act and took to Instagram to share the video, which has garnered over 180,000 likes and 3.2 million views so far. "That’s what we call a BULLSEYE 🤯🛬👏 Another legendary Burj Al Arab feat in the books, courtesy of @luke.czepiela and a whole lot of commitment, preparation and ingenuity," Red Bull captioned the post as saying. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Bull (@redbull) × WATCH | WATCH | Pentagon releases video of moment Russian fighter jet hit US drone over Black Sea × When not busy being a daredevil, Czepiela captains an Airbus A320. He is a pilot par excellence having won the 2018 world championship challenger class title in the Red Bull Air Space. He has also successfully chauffeured a plane on a wooden pier in Sopot, his home country of Poland. The Burj Al Arab helipad has witnessed history being made previously. In 2005, tennis greats Roger Federer and Andre Agassi played a match while former Formula One driver David Coulthard did a sweet donut on the platform in 2013. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH | Daredevil pilot becomes the first to land plane on Dubai's Burj Al Arab helipad

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<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidRN4evQnISNBN" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Iranian schoolgirls may have been prone to hysteria and victim of copycat pranks, involving 'stink bombs', in the recent wave of poison-induced sicknesses, affecting thousands, according to the Iranian police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iranian police arrested 110 suspects on Wednesday and recovered thousands of 'stink bombs', strengthening the claim that it was not a state-sponsored activity. Saeed Montazer Al-Mahdi, the Iranian police spokesman added that the 'majority' of the poisonings were 'not real' and merely caused by psychological factors that triggered the paranoia of frenzies students.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since last year, Iranian schoolgirls, in numerous cases have been found sickened by noxious gases. Hundreds have been hospitalised while the images and videos continue to do the rounds of social media. However, no confirmed fatality has been recorded so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The detractors of the current regime argue that the poisonings could be an attempt to force the closure of girls' schools, especially in the backdrop of the Mahsa Amini protests that started in September last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The version of 'fear and psychosis' by the Iranian police has been backed by a recent report published in Psychology Today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mystery-of-the-poisoned-schoolgirls-in-iran-a-case-of-mass-psychogenic-illness-569037"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness?</strong></a></p>

<p>The report stated that the poisoning of Iranian students may actually have been psychogenic in nature. It added that news reports of girls falling sick after inhaling poisonous gases should be taken with a pinch of salt as there is no proof of any noxious chemical, there have been no fatalities, and almost all sufferers have recovered quickly.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iranian-girls-poisoned-police-pin-blame-on-stink-bombs-and-hysteria-572558" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Iranian girls 'poisoned': Police pin blame on stink bombs and hysteria</strong></a></p>

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<p>Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei<strong>&nbsp;</strong>has termed the poisoning of girl students as an "unforgivable" crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning. This is an unforgivable crime... the perpetrators of this crime should be severely punished," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media.</p>

<p>The first case occurred in November when 18 schoolgirls at a high school in the city of Qom were hospitalised due to poisoning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Iranian schoolgirls may have been prone to hysteria and victim of copycat pranks, involving 'stink bombs', in the recent wave of poison-induced sicknesses, affecting thousands, according to the Iranian police.

The Iranian schoolgirls may have been prone to hysteria and victim of copycat pranks, involving 'stink bombs', in the recent wave of poison-induced sicknesses, affecting thousands, according to the Iranian police. The Iranian police arrested 110 suspects on Wednesday and recovered thousands of 'stink bombs', strengthening the claim that it was not a state-sponsored activity. Saeed Montazer Al-Mahdi, the Iranian police spokesman added that the 'majority' of the poisonings were 'not real' and merely caused by psychological factors that triggered the paranoia of frenzies students. Since last year, Iranian schoolgirls, in numerous cases have been found sickened by noxious gases. Hundreds have been hospitalised while the images and videos continue to do the rounds of social media. However, no confirmed fatality has been recorded so far. The detractors of the current regime argue that the poisonings could be an attempt to force the closure of girls' schools, especially in the backdrop of the Mahsa Amini protests that started in September last year. The version of 'fear and psychosis' by the Iranian police has been backed by a recent report published in Psychology Today. Read more: Mystery of the 'poisoned' schoolgirls in Iran: A case of mass psychogenic illness? The report stated that the poisoning of Iranian students may actually have been psychogenic in nature. It added that news reports of girls falling sick after inhaling poisonous gases should be taken with a pinch of salt as there is no proof of any noxious chemical, there have been no fatalities, and almost all sufferers have recovered quickly. WATCH | Iranian girls 'poisoned': Police pin blame on stink bombs and hysteria × Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei has termed the poisoning of girl students as an "unforgivable" crime. "Authorities should seriously pursue the issue of students' poisoning. This is an unforgivable crime... the perpetrators of this crime should be severely punished," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was quoted as saying by state media. The first case occurred in November when 18 schoolgirls at a high school in the city of Qom were hospitalised due to poisoning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Psychosis, hysteria and pranks: Iranian police comes out with explanation for schoolgirl poisonings

U.S. President Joe Biden's aide Eric Garcetti has been appointed as the new U.S. Envoy to India, the news was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday. He has taken up the position which was vacant since January 2021. Garcetti, was originally nominated by U.S. President Joe Biden in July 2021.

US: Eric Garcetti confirmed as envoy to India, was appointed by Prez Biden in July 2021

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidLJZGlLwkzBff" /><meta charset="utf-8" />In what comes as astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The lion conservation project has been so successful that Gir has become overcrowded, leading to demands for newer pastures for the majestic big cats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 100 km away from Gir National Park has been proposed as the second home for the Asiatic lions. About 40 lions are being prepared to ferry to their new abode.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/stunning-zero-rhinos-poached-in-the-indian-state-of-assam-in-nearly-45-years-549207" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years</strong></a></p>

<p>Gir is the home to the world's only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside the African subcontinent to have a population of lions, prancing around in their natural habitat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India for the Gujarat government titled “Lion@2047: A vision for Amrutkal” batted for Barda as the potential resting place for the lions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Activities to prepare this sanctuary for future natural dispersal will be taken up. Herbivore population augmentation through breeding activities will be taken up. A large part of Barda is covered by thick Acacia Senegal – thickets of Gorad, which does not allow easy penetration of herbivores. This may be removed and replaced by sparse vegetation,” read the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wildlife conservation experts are of the view that announcing Barda as the official, new lion sanctuary will open door to more funding and better management of the area. If the lions thrive in Barda, akin to Gir, the government may finally agree to send the lions to other states.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-south-african-rhino-poaching-drops-conservation-efforts-are-paying-off-509865" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Gujarat government to move some of the lions to a sanctuary in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh. However, the authorities resisted the ruling as lions are one of the biggest crowd-pullers for state tourism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some states have accused Gujarat of being extra possessive of its prized jewel as the new sanctuary is in the same state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the 2020 census, there were 674 (206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 unidentified big cats) lions in Gujarat, which is a 29 per cent increase from the 2015 census numbers.&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 astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

In what comes as astonishing news for the wildlife conservation projects in India, the government has agreed to another sanctuary for the Asiatic lions, apart from the current Gir National Park in the western Indian state of Gujarat. The lion conservation project has been so successful that Gir has become overcrowded, leading to demands for newer pastures for the majestic big cats. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, about 100 km away from Gir National Park has been proposed as the second home for the Asiatic lions. About 40 lions are being prepared to ferry to their new abode. ALSO READ | STUNNING! Zero rhinos poached in the Indian state of Assam in nearly 45 years Gir is the home to the world's only Asiatic lion population and the only place outside the African subcontinent to have a population of lions, prancing around in their natural habitat. A report prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India for the Gujarat government titled “Lion@2047: A vision for Amrutkal” batted for Barda as the potential resting place for the lions. “Activities to prepare this sanctuary for future natural dispersal will be taken up. Herbivore population augmentation through breeding activities will be taken up. A large part of Barda is covered by thick Acacia Senegal – thickets of Gorad, which does not allow easy penetration of herbivores. This may be removed and replaced by sparse vegetation,” read the report. Wildlife conservation experts are of the view that announcing Barda as the official, new lion sanctuary will open door to more funding and better management of the area. If the lions thrive in Barda, akin to Gir, the government may finally agree to send the lions to other states. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: South African Rhino poaching drops; conservation efforts are paying off × Notably, in 2013, the Supreme Court of India ordered the Gujarat government to move some of the lions to a sanctuary in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh. However, the authorities resisted the ruling as lions are one of the biggest crowd-pullers for state tourism. Some states have accused Gujarat of being extra possessive of its prized jewel as the new sanctuary is in the same state. According to the 2020 census, there were 674 (206 lions, 309 lionesses, 130 cubs and 29 unidentified big cats) lions in Gujarat, which is a 29 per cent increase from the 2015 census numbers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

THIS Indian state is opening up another sanctuary for Asiatic lions as numbers grow exponentially

<p>Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by&nbsp;Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president&nbsp;Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose.&nbsp;TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-banned-on-all-federal-government-devices-in-the-us-548235"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US</strong></a></p>

<p>"If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access,"&nbsp;TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a&nbsp;data security agreement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in December,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for&nbsp;security research purposes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tiktok-says-disappointed-over-the-ban-in-us-545332"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the&nbsp;House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”.</p>

<p>During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Citing TikTok as a 'high risk' security concern, the Joe Biden administration in the US has demanded that the Chinese owner of the app sell their stake or risk getting banned, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. The ByteDance-owned platform has been approached by Committee on Foreign Investment in the US or CFIUS and asked for divestment over national security concerns. The Democrats taking such a stern stance has surprised many. After former president Donald Trump went after TikTok rather aggressively in the last essay of his tenure, the Biden administration took a tepid approach, allowing the matter to play itself out. However, over the last few months, increased concerns from US officials as well as politicians have forced Biden to tighten the noose. TikTok has more than 100 million users in the US alone and if a sweeping ban is imposed, the Chinese company could be staring at a bleak future. ALSO READ | TikTok banned on all federal government devices in the US "If protecting national security is the objective, divestment doesn't solve the problem: a change in ownership would not impose any new restrictions on data flows or access," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter was quoted as saying by Reuters. The decision comes in the backdrop of the White House coming out in support of a bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok last week. There has been no breakthrough between TikTok and Biden administration despite two years of negotiation over a data security agreement. CFIUS, in 2020 unanimously recommended that ByteDance divest TikTok. Last year in December, the Chinese short-video app was banned from all federal government devices across the country. The only exception was for law enforcement and national security agencies who could use the app in special cases for security research purposes. WATCH | TikTok says 'disappointed over the ban' in US × The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also warned against data leaks through the app. Director Christopher Wray informed the House panel that potential Chinese government access to users’ data or software through the app is reason to be “extremely concerned”. During his reign, Trump attempted to ban TikTok but was stopped in the tracks by the US courts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Biden administration pressures TikTok's Chinese owners to sell stakes, threatens complete ban

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<p>The Central American country of Honduras will be severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan to forge an official relationship with China, informed President Xiomara Castro on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"I have instructed Chancellor Eduardo Reina to manage the opening of official relations with the People's Republic of China, as a sign of my determination to comply with the Government Plan and expand the borders freely in concert with the nations of the world," tweeted Castro.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">He instruido al Canciller Eduardo Reina, para que gestione la apertura de relaciones oficiales con la República Popular China, como muestra de mi determinación para cumplir el Plan de Gobierno y expandir las fronteras con libertad en el concierto de las naciones del mundo.</p>
— Xiomara Castro de Zelaya (@XiomaraCastroZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/XiomaraCastroZ/status/1635780945096704000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to reporters,&nbsp;Reina said the government needed to look at 'things very pragmatically and seek the best benefit for the Honduran people'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the announcement, Taiwan’s foreign ministry released a statement expressing 'serious concerns' and urged Honuras to not fall into China's trap.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Taiwan is a sincere and reliable ally. Our country has always assisted Honduras in its national development to the best of our capabilities," said the ministry in a statement. "China’s only goal in developing relations with Honduras is to shrink our country’s international space, it has no sincere intentions to cooperate for the good of the Honduran people."</p>

<p>If Honduras goes ahead with the decision, it will leave Taiwan with formal diplomatic ties to 13 countries only.&nbsp;Costa Rica (2007), Panama (2017), El Salvador (2018) and Nicaragua (2021) are the other countries that have severed ties with Taiwan in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-braces-for-blockade-by-china-xi-jinping-plans-to-speak-with-zelensky-wsj-report-571864" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | Taiwan braces for blockade by China | Xi Jinping plans to speak with Zelensky: WSJ Report</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-prepares-for-the-chinese-worst-case-scenario-by-altering-its-defence-spending-strategy-571924#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>The decision comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's sensitive visit to the United States and Central America. Experts suggest that the move by Honduras has been designed to pile pressure on the USA.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, opposition leaders slammed Castro for attempting to antagonise the USA which is Honduras' top trade partner with thousands of families dependent on remittance income.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite having no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the US has been one of the most formidable backer and arms suppliers to the island nation. However, ever since former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022, China has launched an aggressive international campaign to isolate Taiwan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-prepares-for-the-chinese-worst-case-scenario-by-altering-its-defence-spending-strategy-571924"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy</strong></a></p>

<p>China claims Taiwan is a renegade province that must be unified. Any nation having or attempting to forge diplomatic relations with Taiwan is given a cold-shoulder treatment by Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The Central American country of Honduras will be severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan to forge an official relationship with China, informed President Xiomara Castro on Wednesday.

The Central American country of Honduras will be severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan to forge an official relationship with China, informed President Xiomara Castro on Wednesday. "I have instructed Chancellor Eduardo Reina to manage the opening of official relations with the People's Republic of China, as a sign of my determination to comply with the Government Plan and expand the borders freely in concert with the nations of the world," tweeted Castro. He instruido al Canciller Eduardo Reina, para que gestione la apertura de relaciones oficiales con la República Popular China, como muestra de mi determinación para cumplir el Plan de Gobierno y expandir las fronteras con libertad en el concierto de las naciones del mundo. — Xiomara Castro de Zelaya (@XiomaraCastroZ) March 14, 2023 × Speaking to reporters, Reina said the government needed to look at 'things very pragmatically and seek the best benefit for the Honduran people'. After the announcement, Taiwan’s foreign ministry released a statement expressing 'serious concerns' and urged Honuras to not fall into China's trap. “Taiwan is a sincere and reliable ally. Our country has always assisted Honduras in its national development to the best of our capabilities," said the ministry in a statement. "China’s only goal in developing relations with Honduras is to shrink our country’s international space, it has no sincere intentions to cooperate for the good of the Honduran people." If Honduras goes ahead with the decision, it will leave Taiwan with formal diplomatic ties to 13 countries only. Costa Rica (2007), Panama (2017), El Salvador (2018) and Nicaragua (2021) are the other countries that have severed ties with Taiwan in recent times. WATCH | Taiwan braces for blockade by China | Xi Jinping plans to speak with Zelensky: WSJ Report × The decision comes in the backdrop of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's sensitive visit to the United States and Central America. Experts suggest that the move by Honduras has been designed to pile pressure on the USA. Meanwhile, opposition leaders slammed Castro for attempting to antagonise the USA which is Honduras' top trade partner with thousands of families dependent on remittance income. Despite having no diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the US has been one of the most formidable backer and arms suppliers to the island nation. However, ever since former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in August 2022, China has launched an aggressive international campaign to isolate Taiwan. Read more: Taiwan prepares for 'worst case scenario' with China by altering defence spending strategy China claims Taiwan is a renegade province that must be unified. Any nation having or attempting to forge diplomatic relations with Taiwan is given a cold-shoulder treatment by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Honduras to sever ties with Taiwan, seeks diplomatic relations with China

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<p>USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old. The kids who have previously been vaccinated with three doses of the original vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster, the agency informed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FDA said the emergency use authorisation (EUA) was granted after receiving the clinical trial data of 60 children in the said group. The kids who had already been administered the three doses were given the new booster dose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A month after receiving the injection, the immune system of children demonstrated effective protection against both the original Covid strain and omicron BA.5 and BA.5&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today’s authorisation provides parents and caregivers of children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine an opportunity to update their children’s protection by receiving a booster dose with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-revealed-how-pfizer-blackmails-countries-for-shots-422476"><strong>Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots</strong></a></p>

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<p>Notably, Pfizer's primary series of Covid vaccines for children consists of three doses while rival pharma giant Moderna's primary series has only two doses.</p>

<p>According to government-released data, the uptake of the initial vaccine doses in children has been abysmally slow. Only 2.7 per cent of children under the age of two and five per cent of children aged two to four, eligible for the primary vaccination series, have completed the course.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-panel-recommends-pfizer-gsk-vaccines-against-rsv-for-older-adults-what-is-rsv-symptoms-prevention-567650" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: FDA panel recommends Pfizer, GSK vaccines against RSV for older adults, what is RSV, symptoms &amp; prevention?</strong></a></p>

<p>Pfizer has been one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the world, ever since the world was hit by the pandemic. According to reports, its earnings stood at a record $100 billion last year, of which $57 billion was from the vaccine business and antiviral pill Paxlovid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pfizer's sale of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral pills managed to generate more revenue in 2022 than it had in total sales in 2019.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old.

USA's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Tuesday authorised Pfizer and its partner BioNTech SE's omicron single-dose booster shot for children under five years old. The kids who have previously been vaccinated with three doses of the original vaccine will be eligible to receive the booster, the agency informed. FDA said the emergency use authorisation (EUA) was granted after receiving the clinical trial data of 60 children in the said group. The kids who had already been administered the three doses were given the new booster dose. A month after receiving the injection, the immune system of children demonstrated effective protection against both the original Covid strain and omicron BA.5 and BA.5 “Today’s authorisation provides parents and caregivers of children 6 months through 4 years of age who received the three-dose primary series with the monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine an opportunity to update their children’s protection by receiving a booster dose with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent,” said Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots × Notably, Pfizer's primary series of Covid vaccines for children consists of three doses while rival pharma giant Moderna's primary series has only two doses. According to government-released data, the uptake of the initial vaccine doses in children has been abysmally slow. Only 2.7 per cent of children under the age of two and five per cent of children aged two to four, eligible for the primary vaccination series, have completed the course. Read more: FDA panel recommends Pfizer, GSK vaccines against RSV for older adults, what is RSV, symptoms & prevention? Pfizer has been one of the biggest COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers in the world, ever since the world was hit by the pandemic. According to reports, its earnings stood at a record $100 billion last year, of which $57 billion was from the vaccine business and antiviral pill Paxlovid. Pfizer's sale of COVID-19 vaccines and antiviral pills managed to generate more revenue in 2022 than it had in total sales in 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: FDA approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for children under five

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<p>For years the strategically important archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs) situated at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to India's southeast remained a dormant landmass. That changed when China started making radical movements near the border areas. Fast forward to 2023 and New Delhi is in the advanced stage of building a naval base to counter its perennial foe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Comprising 572 Islands stretching over an area of 450 nautical miles with a total of 24 ports, ANIs assume great significance in New Delhi's Indian Ocean Region (IOR) strategy. Additionally, it helps India counter China's 'String of Pearls' strategy&nbsp;due to its closeness to the 'Strait of Malacca' chokehold.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Manning the Strait of Malacca chokehold</strong></h2>

<p>The northernmost point of the island chain is merely 22 nautical miles from Myanmar, while the southernmost point is only 90 nautical miles away from Indonesia. Nearly 70,000 out of the 1,20,000 ships sailing through the Indian Ocean pass through the 'Strait of Malacca' and the neighbouring Six Degrees channel located to the south of the ANIs.</p>

<p>This strait is the heartbeat of China's operation as 80 per cent of its oil supplies pass through the strait. Militarising the region appears a no-brainer - not because India wants a conflict but to assert an aura of superiority.</p>

<p>In case of an escalating conflict, New Delhi can simply alienate the region. Consequently, China's hydrocarbon supply from the Middle East may come to a screeching halt. Long story short, controlling ANIs&nbsp;essentially means controlling China’s economy.</p>

<p>The Politburo in Beijing has previously attempted to use Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Maldives and the Strait of Hormuz to pin India into a corner. However, New Delhi has managed to thwart some of the pressure using clever manoeuvring.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To neutralise China's grip over the Gwadar port in Pakistan, New Delhi sealed the Chahbahar port in Iran which acts as a counterbalance&nbsp;presence in the region. The port simultaneously allows India to monitor the Strait of Hormuz- the busiest sea route for transporting oil in the world.</p>

<p>After Sri Lanka submitted Hambantota port to China, India managed to win some of the favour by helping the island nation through its worst economic crisis. As for the Maldives, the two countries have signed the Greater Male Connectivity project which has brought them much closer than ever.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-malacca-dilemma-how-india-controls-indian-ocean-chokepoints-344178" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: China's Malacca dilemma: How India controls Indian Ocean chokepoints</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Developing the islands militarily</strong></h2>

<p>The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the first and only tri-service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces which suggests its significance.&nbsp;The Narendra Modi government of India has also assessed its ace-in-the-hole in the form of ANIs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, seven Air Force and Navy bases are operating in the region. In 2019, a year after PM Modi first visited the island, an exclusive Rs 5,650 military infrastructure development plan was passed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The naval air stations INS Kohassa in Shibpur and INS Baaz in Campbell Bay are having their runways extended. Once the runways are operational, the Indian Navy will be able to operate its&nbsp;P-8I maritime surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon full execution, the investment will help India in the stationing of infantry soldiers, missile batteries, additional warships as well as drones in the Andamans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-china-send-a-spy-balloon-to-the-andamans-564055"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did China send a 'spy balloon' to the Andamans?</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>New Delhi needs to be wary</strong></h2>

<p>Even if India militarises Andaman island, it will have to remain circumspect due to the Chinese eye in its neighbourhood. The Great Coco Island and Little Coco Island - geographically a part of the Andaman group of islands is right in the middle of an important waterway passage through which China ventures into the Malacca Strait.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Owing to a few blunders by India's former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the ownership of islands went to Burma, modern-day Myanmar and currently, it is China that holds control over it. According to reports, China has used the base to spy on DRDO's missile programmes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beijing understands it is operating from a position of weakness in the region. However, it also knows that it has a wild card in the Coco islands.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Developing the Greater Nicobar islands&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from utilising the archipelago for geopolitical gains, the government is developing it under the 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands' project. The project conceived by India's premier think tank NITI Aayog seeks to build an International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a township and a 450-MVA gs and power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Developing the island militarily is an idea that has been mooted previously on numerous occasions. However, most establishments remained lethargic and refrained from taking&nbsp;a proactive approach. If used wisely, the ANIs&nbsp;hold the ability to bind the Indo-Pacific and assimilate the Quad to counter China in the South China sea as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></strong></p>

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For years the strategically important archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs) situated at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to India's southeast remained a dormant landmass.

For years the strategically important archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs) situated at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to India's southeast remained a dormant landmass. That changed when China started making radical movements near the border areas. Fast forward to 2023 and New Delhi is in the advanced stage of building a naval base to counter its perennial foe. Comprising 572 Islands stretching over an area of 450 nautical miles with a total of 24 ports, ANIs assume great significance in New Delhi's Indian Ocean Region (IOR) strategy. Additionally, it helps India counter China's 'String of Pearls' strategy due to its closeness to the 'Strait of Malacca' chokehold. Manning the Strait of Malacca chokehold The northernmost point of the island chain is merely 22 nautical miles from Myanmar, while the southernmost point is only 90 nautical miles away from Indonesia. Nearly 70,000 out of the 1,20,000 ships sailing through the Indian Ocean pass through the 'Strait of Malacca' and the neighbouring Six Degrees channel located to the south of the ANIs. This strait is the heartbeat of China's operation as 80 per cent of its oil supplies pass through the strait. Militarising the region appears a no-brainer - not because India wants a conflict but to assert an aura of superiority. In case of an escalating conflict, New Delhi can simply alienate the region. Consequently, China's hydrocarbon supply from the Middle East may come to a screeching halt. Long story short, controlling ANIs essentially means controlling China’s economy. The Politburo in Beijing has previously attempted to use Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Maldives and the Strait of Hormuz to pin India into a corner. However, New Delhi has managed to thwart some of the pressure using clever manoeuvring. To neutralise China's grip over the Gwadar port in Pakistan, New Delhi sealed the Chahbahar port in Iran which acts as a counterbalance presence in the region. The port simultaneously allows India to monitor the Strait of Hormuz- the busiest sea route for transporting oil in the world. After Sri Lanka submitted Hambantota port to China, India managed to win some of the favour by helping the island nation through its worst economic crisis. As for the Maldives, the two countries have signed the Greater Male Connectivity project which has brought them much closer than ever. Read more: China's Malacca dilemma: How India controls Indian Ocean chokepoints Developing the islands militarily The Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) is the first and only tri-service theatre command of the Indian Armed Forces which suggests its significance. The Narendra Modi government of India has also assessed its ace-in-the-hole in the form of ANIs. Currently, seven Air Force and Navy bases are operating in the region. In 2019, a year after PM Modi first visited the island, an exclusive Rs 5,650 military infrastructure development plan was passed. The naval air stations INS Kohassa in Shibpur and INS Baaz in Campbell Bay are having their runways extended. Once the runways are operational, the Indian Navy will be able to operate its P-8I maritime surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Upon full execution, the investment will help India in the stationing of infantry soldiers, missile batteries, additional warships as well as drones in the Andamans. WATCH | Gravitas: Did China send a 'spy balloon' to the Andamans? × New Delhi needs to be wary Even if India militarises Andaman island, it will have to remain circumspect due to the Chinese eye in its neighbourhood. The Great Coco Island and Little Coco Island - geographically a part of the Andaman group of islands is right in the middle of an important waterway passage through which China ventures into the Malacca Strait. Owing to a few blunders by India's former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the ownership of islands went to Burma, modern-day Myanmar and currently, it is China that holds control over it. According to reports, China has used the base to spy on DRDO's missile programmes. Beijing understands it is operating from a position of weakness in the region. However, it also knows that it has a wild card in the Coco islands. Developing the Greater Nicobar islands Apart from utilising the archipelago for geopolitical gains, the government is developing it under the 'Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Islands in Andaman and Nicobar Islands' project. The project conceived by India's premier think tank NITI Aayog seeks to build an International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT), a greenfield international airport, a township and a 450-MVA gs and power plant. Developing the island militarily is an idea that has been mooted previously on numerous occasions. However, most establishments remained lethargic and refrained from taking a proactive approach. If used wisely, the ANIs hold the ability to bind the Indo-Pacific and assimilate the Quad to counter China in the South China sea as well. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED: How India developing a naval base at Andamans chokes China in the region

<p>For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, Higashitani's expulsion is set to be formalised next week. The parliament's discipline committee, acting at the behest of Higashitani's Senate colleagues, brought in the motion and had it passed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Known popularly as&nbsp;GaaSyy&nbsp;on YouTube, experts said Higashitani appeared more interested in celebrity gossip videos than working for the people who elected and sent him to parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The committee has reached this conclusion after discussing the matter in consideration of the significance of the democratic electoral process,” Muneo Suzuki, head of the chamber’s disciplinary committee told the reporters.&nbsp;“GaaSyy doesn’t understand the foundations of democracy, which is based on laws and rules.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-modi-to-travel-japan-papua-new-guinea-and-australia-in-may-month-572076"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi to travel Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May month</strong></a></p>

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<p>Higashitani, nicknamed 'No-show MP', was elected to the upper house of&nbsp; parliament in July last year and belonged to a fringe party named Seijika Joshi 48, or "Politician Girls 48". Unlike most political parties, Seijika Joshi 48 is a single-issue party; meaning it only calls for reforms to Japan's public broadcaster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Higashitani is one of the two lawmakers from the party to have been elected to the parliament. The other has attended the parliamentary sessions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Higashitani, 51, was staying in Dubai all this while and feared that he may be arrested if he set foot in Japan. Higashitani is reportedly facing questioning over an alleged defamation case.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-travel-to-japan-papua-new-guinea-and-australia-in-may-571991"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;India: PM Modi to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May</strong></a></p>

<p>Expelling a sitting lawmaker is seen as the most severe punishment that a lawmaker can receive. The precedent has been set only two times since 1950 but this is the first instance when an MP has been expelled due to continued absence.</p>

<p>While lawmakers are immune from arrest during parliamentary sessions, once&nbsp;Higashitani formally loses his position, he may not have the same right.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months.

For the first time ever in 70 years, a Japanese lawmaker has been expelled from the country's parliament after he never attended any of its sessions. Yoshikazu Higashitani, a celebrity gossip YouTuber turned MP, has found himself in an unlikely position after he remained missing from the House of Councillors for over seven months. According to local media reports, Higashitani's expulsion is set to be formalised next week. The parliament's discipline committee, acting at the behest of Higashitani's Senate colleagues, brought in the motion and had it passed. Known popularly as GaaSyy on YouTube, experts said Higashitani appeared more interested in celebrity gossip videos than working for the people who elected and sent him to parliament. “The committee has reached this conclusion after discussing the matter in consideration of the significance of the democratic electoral process,” Muneo Suzuki, head of the chamber’s disciplinary committee told the reporters. “GaaSyy doesn’t understand the foundations of democracy, which is based on laws and rules.” WATCH | Indian PM Modi to travel Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May month × Higashitani, nicknamed 'No-show MP', was elected to the upper house of parliament in July last year and belonged to a fringe party named Seijika Joshi 48, or "Politician Girls 48". Unlike most political parties, Seijika Joshi 48 is a single-issue party; meaning it only calls for reforms to Japan's public broadcaster. Higashitani is one of the two lawmakers from the party to have been elected to the parliament. The other has attended the parliamentary sessions. Higashitani, 51, was staying in Dubai all this while and feared that he may be arrested if he set foot in Japan. Higashitani is reportedly facing questioning over an alleged defamation case. Read more: India: PM Modi to travel to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia in May Expelling a sitting lawmaker is seen as the most severe punishment that a lawmaker can receive. The precedent has been set only two times since 1950 but this is the first instance when an MP has been expelled due to continued absence. While lawmakers are immune from arrest during parliamentary sessions, once Higashitani formally loses his position, he may not have the same right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

THIS Japanese 'No-show' YouTuber- turned-MP has been expelled from parliament. Know why

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