A little more than two years after imposing its unilateral terms of service on users, Meta-owned WhatsApp has agreed to be more transparent about the privacy policy changes, announced the European Commission on Monday.

A little more than two years after imposing its unilateral terms of service on users, Meta-owned WhatsApp has agreed to be more transparent about the privacy policy changes, announced the European Commission on Monday. WhatsApp has agreed that it will explain how the new privacy laws and changes made to it affect the rights of EU users. "Consumers have a right to understand what they agree to and what that choice entails concretely, so that they can decide whether they want to continue using the platform," observed Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders. Earlier in 2021, WhatsApp in a hasty manner pushed a heavy, jargon-filled, non-cohesive update to its terms of service, violating the bloc's laws. Moreover, it forced users to accept the update or otherwise risk losing access to the platform. The company did not make it clear exactly what was changing in the new update which confused the general public. Read more: WhatsApp updates privacy policy, asks users to accept terms or app will be deleted Consequently, rival platforms such as Telegram, Signal made merry and witnessed an unprecedented surge in downloads and usage as users attempted to protect their privacy. In July 2021, a complaint was lodged at the European Commission and with the European network of consumer authorities by the Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs (BEUC) - an umbrella group for 46 independent consumer organisations from 32 countries. The bloc soon issued a series of warnings to the company to get its act right and fix the issues plaguing the platform. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: WhatsApp's Privacy policy explained × Meta, more colloquaily known as Facebook has found itself on the wrong end of the EU's wrath on multiple occasions in the recent past. On Monday, the messaging platform also confirmed that the personal data of users was not being shared with third parties including Meta's subsidiaries such as Facebook, Instagram for advertising purposes. Last year in December, regulators in the 27-nation bloc levied two fines totalling $414 million (390 million euros) for privacy breaches and banned the company from persuading users to accept tailored advertisements based on their online behaviour. Read more: Meta hit with US$413 million fine over EU privacy breach The European Union has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, which have put pressure on Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook and other big tech corporations. Meta has found itself on the wrong end of the EU's wrath on multiple occasions in the recent past. Last year in December, regulators in the 27-nation bloc levied two fines totalling $414 million (390 million euros) for privacy breaches and banned the company from persuading users to accept tailored advertisements based on their online behaviour. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WhatsApp falls in line, agrees to be transparent on policy changes, says EU

Japan may disappear if the current trend of falling birth rate continues, warned Masako Mori, an upper house lawmaker and former minister who advises Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the falling birthrate problem.

Japan may disappear if the current trend of falling birth rate continues, warned Masako Mori, an upper house lawmaker and former minister who advises Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the falling birthrate problem. "If we go on like this, the country will disappear. It's the people who have to live through the process of disappearance who will face enormous harm. It's a terrible disease that will afflict those children," said Mori. Mori did not sugarcoat his words and added that children will be born in a diabolical society. "It's not falling gradually, it's heading straight down. A nosedive means children being born now will be thrown into a society that becomes distorted, shrinks and loses its ability to function." Last week, statistics released by the Ministry of Health painted a rather dystopian picture. Twice as many people died as were born in the country with 799,728 birth reported compared to 1.58 million deaths. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Japan's PM Kishida vows to raise birth rate What does the data say? It was a continuation of a decade-long trend where the Japanese population declined but the first instance when total births had dipped below the 800,000 mark. In 2020, it reported 840,832 births and in 2021; it reported a 3.5 per cent fall to 811,604. The fall in birth rate does not augur well for the world's third-largest economy. Failure to replace the dead population means that there will be a shortage in the workforce. Consequently, older people will be forced to fill in and attempt to propel the economy on an upward trajectory - a highly difficult proposition from the outset. Japan is already the world's second-oldest country with a median age of 49. About, 28 per cent of its population is aged 65 years or older. With no young population on the bench, the economic story of Japan may come to a grinding halt. Japanese PM Kishida has stated the situation is grim and that it cannot be put in cold storage any more. "Japan is standing on the verge of whether we can continue to function as a society. Focusing attention on policies regarding children and child-rearing is an issue that cannot wait and cannot be postponed." Read more: Explained: How falling birthrate is a ticking time bomb for this giant economy The government has launched multiple policies to encourage childbirth and ensure sustainable birth practices. However, the path looks bleak at the moment and the results of the schemes will only come to light in the next few years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Japan may cease to exist, warns PM Fumio Kishida aide as birthrate plummets to record levels

Pakistan's media regulator on Sunday suspended the license of private news channel ARY News for airing clips of the speech of former prime minister Imran Khan. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) cited the airing of 'baseless allegations' and 'hateful, slanderous' statements against the state, which violates Article 19 of the constitution as the reason for the suspension.&nbsp;

"Foregoing in view, the competent authority i.e. the Pemra chairman in the exercise of powers vested in Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, hereby suspends broadcast satellite TV channel licence conferred to M/s ARY Communications Ltd. (ARY News) with immediate effect, till further orders," read the notice.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-accused-of-spreading-hatred-against-state-institutions-speeches-banned-569063">Imran Khan accused of spreading 'hatred' against state institutions, speeches banned</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-accused-of-spreading-hatred-against-state-institutions-speeches-banned-569063/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Notably, the regulator has banned television channels from carrying any snippets of Khan's speeches. The decision was passed late on Sunday and two hours later, ARY News was suspended.&nbsp;

“The PEMRA statement came after 8pm and almost all the channels ran clippings of Imran Khan’s speech in their 9pm bulletins. However, the regulatory authority suspended only our licence,” an ARY News official was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan had given a fiery speech in the eastern city of Lahore which was carried by the television channel. In the speech, Khan targetted General Qamar Javed Bajwa and alleged that the former army chief was behind his removal from power last year.&nbsp;

Incidentally, this is not the second time that ARY News and its license has been revoked by the regulator.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-court-rejects-pak-ex-pm-imran-khans-plea-to-suspend-arrest-warrant-in-toshakhana-case-569132">Read more:&nbsp;Islamabad court rejects Pak ex-PM Imran Khan's plea to suspend arrest warrant in Toshakhana case</a>

Imran Khan has been one of the most vocal opposition voices in the country at the moment. Ever since losing his PM chair to Shehbaz Sharif last year, he has opened a front against not only the government but also the military institutions.&nbsp;

Pakistan is one of the worst countries when it comes to press freedom. According to a report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) - a Paris-based media watchdog, Pakistan ranked 157 on the World Press Freedom Index list out of 180 countries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Pakistan's media regulator on Sunday suspended the license of private news channel ARY News for airing clips of the speech of former prime minister Imran Khan. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) cited the airing of 'baseless allegations' and 'hateful, slanderous' statements against the state, which violates Article 19 of the constitution as the reason for the suspension.

Pakistan's media regulator on Sunday suspended the license of private news channel ARY News for airing clips of the speech of former prime minister Imran Khan. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) cited the airing of 'baseless allegations' and 'hateful, slanderous' statements against the state, which violates Article 19 of the constitution as the reason for the suspension. "Foregoing in view, the competent authority i.e. the Pemra chairman in the exercise of powers vested in Section 30(3) of the PEMRA Ordinance 2002 as amended by Pemra (Amendment) Act 2007, hereby suspends broadcast satellite TV channel licence conferred to M/s ARY Communications Ltd. (ARY News) with immediate effect, till further orders," read the notice. Imran Khan accused of spreading 'hatred' against state institutions, speeches banned Notably, the regulator has banned television channels from carrying any snippets of Khan's speeches. The decision was passed late on Sunday and two hours later, ARY News was suspended. “The PEMRA statement came after 8pm and almost all the channels ran clippings of Imran Khan’s speech in their 9pm bulletins. However, the regulatory authority suspended only our licence,” an ARY News official was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan had given a fiery speech in the eastern city of Lahore which was carried by the television channel. In the speech, Khan targetted General Qamar Javed Bajwa and alleged that the former army chief was behind his removal from power last year. Incidentally, this is not the second time that ARY News and its license has been revoked by the regulator. Read more: Islamabad court rejects Pak ex-PM Imran Khan's plea to suspend arrest warrant in Toshakhana case Imran Khan has been one of the most vocal opposition voices in the country at the moment. Ever since losing his PM chair to Shehbaz Sharif last year, he has opened a front against not only the government but also the military institutions. Pakistan is one of the worst countries when it comes to press freedom. According to a report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) - a Paris-based media watchdog, Pakistan ranked 157 on the World Press Freedom Index list out of 180 countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

News channel suspended for airing Imran Khan's speech in Pakistan

A day after the Iraqi customs department issued orders to enforce the alcohol sale and import ban, Christian politicians have coalesced to overturn the legislation.

A day after the Iraqi customs department issued orders to enforce the alcohol sale and import ban, Christian politicians have coalesced to overturn the legislation. Members of the Babylon Movement - a group which has five seats in Iraq's parliament filed a lawsuit, arguing the legislation was undemocratic. The group added that the ban infringed upon the rights of minorities and their freedom. “This ban is unconstitutional, as the constitution acknowledges the rights of non-Muslim minorities and ethnic groups who live alongside Muslims in Iraq,” said Joseph Slaiwa, a Christian lawmaker. “To those Muslim lawmakers I say: Take care of your religion and leave ours for us, we know how to deal with it.” The consumption of alcohol in Shiite majority Iraq is frowned upon as Islam forbids it, However, alcohol has been available in the big cities of Iraq, mainly in the shops run by Christians. Read more: Iraq govt directs customs agency to start enforcing ban on import of alcohol The new legislation, which bans the sale, import or production of alcohol, was originally approved by parliament in 2016 but only became law last month, after its publication in the official gazette. The bill was put forth by Mahmoud al-Hassan, a lawmaker from the State of Law - the largest bloc in the Iraqi parliament. ALSO WATCH | An ancient restaurant unearthed by archaeologists in Iraq “The constitution preserves democracy and the rights of non-Muslim groups, but these rights must not violate the religion of Islam,” said al-Hassan, before adding, “Some of the lawmakers’ vote was religiously-motivated, but many others voted to avoid anything unconstitutional.” The law imposes a fine between 10 million and 25 million dinars ($7,700-$19,000) on the violators. Most Muslim countries have restrictive policies regarding liquor but only a few such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have imposed a complete ban on the sale. The involvement of Christian political groups has sparked a debate with the minorities demanding that the executive branch overturn the decision on procedural and other grounds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Christian politicians protest alcohol ban in Iraq, call the legislation 'undemocratic'

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged his countrymen to speed up science and technology development in the backdrop of sanctions and other trade concerns to ensure greater self-reliance.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged his countrymen to speed up science and technology development in the backdrop of sanctions and other trade concerns to ensure greater self-reliance. Xi made the statement at the closed-door meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC) on Sunday. “To open up new areas and new arenas in development and foster new growth drivers and new strengths in face of fierce international competition, China should ultimately rely on scientific and technological innovation,” he said, according to a readout issued by the state media. Read more: US, Japan, Netherlands may announce ban on chipmaking tools’ export to China: Report The annual meeting of the Chinese parliament that runs concurrently with Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) advisory board began on Sunday and is expected to last until the next week. The main consensus to come out of the meeting was to set up a robust manufacturing environment and a dependable food grain supply that is not affected by international markets. The draft budget figures issued by the Chinese state media showed that the government had increased the funding for stockpiling grain and other food items by more than 13 per cent. With the US imposing restrictions on Chinese access to semiconductors and AI technology and issuing restrictions on some Chinese companies, Xi is attempting to change the tide through his 'self-reliance' call. WATCH | US-China battle over semiconductors Last year in October, the US announced sweeping export controls on advanced, high-performance computing chips to China. Citing the reason for the move, the commerce department said it was aimed to prevent 'sensitive technologies with military applications from being acquired by China's intelligence and security services. In the immediate aftermath, Beijing lashed out and criticised Washington for its malicious block. “Out of the need to maintain its sci-tech hegemony, the US abuses export control measures to maliciously block and suppress Chinese companies,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. “It will not only damage the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, but also affect American companies’ interests,” she added. Read more: China responds angrily after US announces chip export restrictions The last couple of years have been damaging for the tech sector in China. Taking an authoritarian approach, Xi has come after the likes of Alibaba founder Jack Ma and other tech behemoths as they failed to toe his line. The volta-face by Xi is an attempt to arrest the slide and ensure that the tech sector remains on the ascendency, according to experts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Troubled by sanctions, Xi Jinping wants China to be self-reliant in tech, food production

Universities opened across Afghanistan on Monday but a peculiar sight showed the dystopia of our times. Only the male students could be seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education.

Universities opened across Afghanistan on Monday but a peculiar sight showed the dystopia of our times. Only the male students could be seen walking down the halls as women students remained barred from entering the premises to pursue education. “According to a decision by the Supreme Council for Higher Education, studies of the male students at governmental higher education institutions in the colder provinces will officially start from [March 6] of the current year," read a statement by the Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education. Universities and schools in Afghanistan go on a winter break in nearly 24 provinces every year. Up until last year, women were allowed to continue with their education but the Taliban 2.0, soon reverted to its default settings. "It's heartbreaking to see boys going to the university while we have to stay at home. This is gender discrimination against girls because Islam allows us to pursue higher education. Nobody should stop us from learning, " 22-year-old Rahela, a university student was quoted as saying by AFP. In December last year, the Taliban authorities sent a letter to all public and private colleges announcing the indefinite ban on Afghan girls attending educational institutions. The reason cited for the ban was that women students had failed to appropriately observe gender-based religious restrictions. "You all are informed to implement the mentioned order of suspending the education of females until further notice," read the letter. WATCH | Afghanistan: Taliban fighters enforce university ban; Afghan women deprived of basic human rights × Not only colleges and universities are shut down for the female sex, but the Taliban has also dropped shutters on secondary schools for female students. Whenever the international community confronts the Taliban about its stance, the authorities remark that the ban is temporary. According to prominent human rights groups, the Taliban is the only country in the world where women and little girls are barred from entering educational as well as work institutions. Read more: Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantle their right to education, campus after campus However, the explicit mention of 'only males' in the reopening circular suggests that the Taliban is not looking to go back on its decision any time soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Universities reopen in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan but without female students

A 35-year-old undertrial prisoner, accused of murdering his wife fled from a prison in western India's Rajasthan. The prisoner had been lodged in the Baran district jail since February 25.

A 35-year-old undertrial prisoner, accused of murdering his wife fled from a prison in western India's Rajasthan. The prisoner had been lodged in the Baran district jail since February 25. The prisoner named Janved escaped by scaling a 20-foot-high electric fence using cables, according to jail officials. Kishan Chand Meena, the jailor of the Baran district jail informed that Janved used a cable of CCTV cameras as a rope to scale the fencing and chart his escape. The police said it is highly likely that the accused escaped using a hole in the fencing. Janved fled the jail premises on Wednesday afternoon and the incident did not come to light till later in the evening. "The complete count of prisoners was done late last night. Later, a prisoner named Janved escaped by scaling the wall. The authorities have been informed about the matter. A case is being registered and a search is on for him,” said the jail-in-charge. Read more: The inmate and the officer: Alabama's improbable prison escape This is not the first instance when prisoners have escaped a Rajasthani jail. In June last year, three undertrial prisoners, who were under judicial custody escaped from the Banswara district jail using blankets. "They jumped an inner boundary wall 12 feet tall...then the outer wall of 20 feet with the help of a rope they made with blankets. They made a hole in the wall of the cell," said the jailer. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, more than three-fourths of jail inmates in India are undertrial prisoners. In 2021, of the 554,034 prisoners, 427,165, or 77 per cent were undertrials. It was a 15 per cent increase from the numbers noted in 2020. District jails had the lion's share of the undertrial prison inmates population, accounting for 51.5 per cent of the total. Read more: Indian courts gave record 165 death sentences in 2022: Report (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Undertrial prisoner escapes a Rajasthan jail by scaling 20-ft wall using CCTV cables

The Russian authorities have opened up a probe after a top scientist who worked on the development of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines was strangled to death in his Moscow apartment on Friday.

The Russian authorities have opened up a probe after a top scientist who worked on the development of Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines was strangled to death in his Moscow apartment on Friday. The virologist identified as 47-year-old Andrey Botikov was one of the 18 scientists who worked on the Sputnik V vaccine at the Gamaleya National Research Center which was released in 2020. He was found strangled by a belt at his Rogova Street home on March 2, according to local news reports. Earlier, it was suggested that he had survived the attack after an intruder broke into his home. However, the Investigative Committee of Russia (ICR) has now opened a probe into the matter and have zeroed in on a 29-year-old man who is alleged to have killed the scientist with the belt over a disagreement. WATCH: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India ICR's Moscow division in a statement released informed that a criminal investigation was ongoing and that the assailant was nabbed "in the shortest possible time". "During the interrogation, he admitted his guilt, he was charged. Previously, the defendant was prosecuted for committing a serious crime," read the statement. According to Russian media, the suspect's name is Alexei Z and he has previously spent 10 years behind the bars for providing sex services. Botikov was a celebrated scientist in the country and was awarded the Order of Merit for the Fatherland for his work on the vaccine. Prior to his work on the Sputnik V vaccine, Botikov had worked at the Russian State Collection of Viruses D.I. Ivanovsky Institute of Virology as a senior scientist. WATCH | Russia: Vladimir Putin defends Sputnik-V's credibility × His death comes in the backdrop of Russian General Vladimir Makarov allegedly committing suicide at his country home last month. Similarly, a Russian business tycoon named Pavel Antov was found dead after he fell out of a hotel window while staying in India. The multi-millionaire was on holiday in the eastern state of Odisha where he was celebrating his 66th birthday. Read more: Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Russian scientist who developed Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine 'strangled' to death in his apartment

Protesters took to the streets of Greece on Friday as they demanded justice for the 57 victims who died in the train collision accident. In other news,&nbsp;US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination as she targetted her party rival Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murderers-thousands-of-protesters-clash-with-police-across-greece-over-deadly-train-collision-568358">'Murderers!': Thousands of protesters clash with police across Greece over deadly train collision</a>

Clashes erupted across Greece as thousands of demonstrators demanded justice for 57 people killed in the country's worst train accident of all time.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/04/336589-untitled-design-2023-03-04t061938956.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-youre-tired-of-nikki-haley-targets-rival-donald-trump-as-race-for-prez-nomination-heats-up-568372">'If you're tired of...': Nikki Haley targets rival Donald Trump as race for prez nomination heats up</a>

US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination.&nbsp;Without naming Donald Trump directly, Haley took enough digs on the ex-president&nbsp;at the&nbsp;&nbsp;annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/20/326966-untitled-design-26.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-support-kyiv-as-long-as-it-takes-joe-biden-and-olaf-scholz-vow-to-fight-russia-568356">'Will support Kyiv as long as it takes': US President Joe Biden &amp; German Chancellor Scholz vow Ukraine support</a>

United States President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to&nbsp;support Ukraine as long as it takes and punish Russia over its invasion of Kyiv, during their talks held at the White House on Friday.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/04/336588-untitled-design-2023-03-04t051833841.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vanuatu-state-of-emergency-continues-as-category-4-cyclone-kevin-brings-strong-winds-heavy-rain-568367">Vanuatu: State of emergency continues as Cyclone Kevin brings destructive winds, heavy rain</a>

The Pacific nation of Vanuatu&nbsp;has been hit by Category 4 Cyclone Kevin which also brought strong winds and torrential rain. It is the second major cyclone to hit the country in a week.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/04/336594-wion-images-54.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestine-eu-diplomats-express-solidarity-to-residents-as-they-visit-riot-hit-huwara-568371">WATCH |&nbsp;Palestine: EU diplomats express solidarity to residents as they visit riot-hit Huwara</a>

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Protesters took to the streets of Greece on Friday as they demanded justice for the 57 victims who died in the train collision accident. In other news, US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination as she targetted her party rival Donald Trump.

Protesters took to the streets of Greece on Friday as they demanded justice for the 57 victims who died in the train collision accident. In other news, US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination as she targetted her party rival Donald Trump. Click on headlines to read more: 'Murderers!': Thousands of protesters clash with police across Greece over deadly train collision Clashes erupted across Greece as thousands of demonstrators demanded justice for 57 people killed in the country's worst train accident of all time. 'If you're tired of...': Nikki Haley targets rival Donald Trump as race for prez nomination heats up US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination. Without naming Donald Trump directly, Haley took enough digs on the ex-president at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). 'Will support Kyiv as long as it takes': US President Joe Biden & German Chancellor Scholz vow Ukraine support United States President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to support Ukraine as long as it takes and punish Russia over its invasion of Kyiv, during their talks held at the White House on Friday. Vanuatu: State of emergency continues as Cyclone Kevin brings destructive winds, heavy rain The Pacific nation of Vanuatu has been hit by Category 4 Cyclone Kevin which also brought strong winds and torrential rain. It is the second major cyclone to hit the country in a week. WATCH | Palestine: EU diplomats express solidarity to residents as they visit riot-hit Huwara ×

Morning news brief: Protests erupt in Greece after train collision, Nikki Haley targets Trump and more

A mysterious blob named X7 that has been drifting towards the centre of Milky Way's supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* could be the debris of two colliding stars, a recent study has found.

A mysterious blob named X7 that has been drifting towards the centre of Milky Way's supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* could be the debris of two colliding stars, a recent study has found. For decades, the mystery of the blob, which has a mass of around 50 Earths, has surprised astronomers. However, after analysing 20 years' worth of observations, a team of scientists at the University of California have unravelled the secret. The scientists posited that when two stars collided in the relatively recent past, they spewed a cloud of burning plasma that later metamorphosed into the giant blob as we observe it today. "No other object in this region has shown such an extreme evolution. It started off comet-shaped and people thought maybe it got that shape from stellar winds or jets of particles from the black hole," said Anna Ciurlo, one of the lead authors of the study. "X7 could be the dust and gas ejected from a merged star that's still out there somewhere," she added. Read more: Explained: A new theory says Black holes are causing universe to expand It is not uncommon for a black hole to engulf the remnants of other stars in its vicinity. The X7 blob is on a 170-year-long elliptical orbit around the black hole at the minute. However, its orbit may not last long as the powerful gravity of the black hole may rip it apart, before swallowing it whole, in the next few decades. Check out this animation by @AdamGDog showing X7's anticipated fate as it makes its closest approach to Sgr A* around the year 2036, giving insight into the extreme environment of the Galactic Center. Congrats to Anna Ciurlo of @GalacticCtrGrp, Randy, & the entire team! pic.twitter.com/zdyjIPoUGA — W. M. Keck Observatory (@keckobservatory) February 21, 2023 × "We anticipate the strong tidal forces exerted by the galactic black hole will ultimately tear X7 apart before it completes even one orbit," said Mark Morris, co-author of the study. Read more: Chaos in Milky Way? Stars forming at greater pace than previously thought, study shows The scientists will be closely monitoring the fate of the 'odd-looking' blob over the coming years. The object gives a fascinating insight into the dynamics of our home galaxy's centre. Stellar collisions and the subsequent effect of extreme gravity on it can help scientists understand the secrets of universe. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists solve the mystery of 'odd-looking' blob being sucked into our galaxy's black hole

Shane Warne death anniversary: Ball of the century to drug ban to orgies, the colourful life of Warnie

US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination. She has now focused attention on her party rival Donald Trump, under whose watch the GOP has suffered recent losses.&nbsp;

"If you're tired of losing, put your trust in a new generation," said Haley, without naming Trump at&nbsp;the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).&nbsp;

In an implicit acknowledgement that Trump had lost the 2020 elections, Haley added,&nbsp;“We’ve lost the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections. Our cause is right.&nbsp;But we have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans. That ends now.”

The 51-year-old former South Carolina governor also doubled down on her call that every politician above 75 is mandated to take a mental&nbsp;competency test. Though the attack was on US President Joe Biden who is 80, the requirement would also apply to 76-year-old Trump.&nbsp;

Haley launched her presidential campaign for the White House earlier this year. She is one of the first leaders from the Republican Party to have announced to take on Donald Trump in the race to secure the party nomination.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-nikki-haley-the-indian-american-top-gun-with-strong-political-views-teased-to-challenge-biden-in-2024-557874">Read more:&nbsp;Who is Nikki Haley? The Indian-American top gun with strong political views who may challenge Biden in 2024</a>

She has already set the agenda to woo the conservative leaders by pledging to stop foreign aid to countries that 'hate' America.&nbsp;

"I will cut every cent in foreign aid for countries that hate us. A strong America doesn't pay off the bad guys. A proud America doesn't waste our people's hard-earned money. And the only leaders who deserve our trust are those who stand up to our enemies and stand beside our friends," Haley said.

The GOP candidate said the Biden administration had splurged as much as $46 billion in foreign aid last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gop-candidate-nikki-haley-vows-to-cut-foreign-aid-to-anti-american-countries-566543" target="_blank">WATCH | GOP candidate Nikki Haley vows to cut foreign aid to anti-American countries</a>

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She has also been incessantly popularising the theory that COVID-19 came from a Chinese lab.&nbsp;

"COVID-19 likely came from a Chinese lab. Cut US aid. Not a cent to Communist China," the Indian-American politician tweeted.&nbsp;

Haley's tweet came in the backdrop of the release of&nbsp;classified documents by the US Energy Department claiming that the COVID-19 virus emerged from a lab leak.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination. She has now focused attention on her party rival Donald Trump, under whose watch the GOP has suffered recent losses.

US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley is leaving no stone unturned to secure a presidential nomination. She has now focused attention on her party rival Donald Trump, under whose watch the GOP has suffered recent losses. "If you're tired of losing, put your trust in a new generation," said Haley, without naming Trump at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). In an implicit acknowledgement that Trump had lost the 2020 elections, Haley added, “We’ve lost the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections. Our cause is right. But we have failed to win the confidence of a majority of Americans. That ends now.” The 51-year-old former South Carolina governor also doubled down on her call that every politician above 75 is mandated to take a mental competency test. Though the attack was on US President Joe Biden who is 80, the requirement would also apply to 76-year-old Trump. Haley launched her presidential campaign for the White House earlier this year. She is one of the first leaders from the Republican Party to have announced to take on Donald Trump in the race to secure the party nomination. Read more: Who is Nikki Haley? The Indian-American top gun with strong political views who may challenge Biden in 2024 She has already set the agenda to woo the conservative leaders by pledging to stop foreign aid to countries that 'hate' America. "I will cut every cent in foreign aid for countries that hate us. A strong America doesn't pay off the bad guys. A proud America doesn't waste our people's hard-earned money. And the only leaders who deserve our trust are those who stand up to our enemies and stand beside our friends," Haley said. The GOP candidate said the Biden administration had splurged as much as $46 billion in foreign aid last year. WATCH | GOP candidate Nikki Haley vows to cut foreign aid to anti-American countries She has also been incessantly popularising the theory that COVID-19 came from a Chinese lab. "COVID-19 likely came from a Chinese lab. Cut US aid. Not a cent to Communist China," the Indian-American politician tweeted. Haley's tweet came in the backdrop of the release of classified documents by the US Energy Department claiming that the COVID-19 virus emerged from a lab leak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'If you're tired of...': Nikki Haley targets rival Donald Trump as race for US prez nomination heats up

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