Global credit rating agency Moody's has downgraded Pakistan's local and foreign currency credit ratings. The agency has dropped the rating two notches down to Caa3 from Caa1.

Global credit rating agency Moody's has downgraded Pakistan's local and foreign currency credit ratings. The agency has dropped the rating two notches down to Caa3 from Caa1. The increase in default risk due to mounting international loans and a crumbling economy were the contributing factors to the new rating which is the lowest in three decades. "The decision to downgrade the ratings is driven by Moody's assessment that Pakistan's increasingly fragile liquidity and external position significantly raises default risks to a level consistent with a Caa3 rating," the agency said. The rating is expected to hurt the position of the Pakistani government which is currently involved in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure a $1 billion bailout package. WATCH | WION Dispatch | Moody's: Global economy on the verge of a downturn × "Significant external financing becoming available in the very near term, such as through the disbursement of the next tranches under the current IMF programme and related financing, would reduce default risk potentially to a level consistent with a higher rating," read the report. The agency, however, warned that getting the package may not be enough for the country to resuscitate its fortunes. Weak governance and heightened social risks can impede Islamabad's capability to chart a turnaround in fortunes. To secure IMF funding, the Pakistani government has implemented new tax measures as suggested by the global body. however, securing the final tranche of payment looks like an unlikely proposition in the immediate future. Read more: Moody's winding up its consulting business in China, to lay off people across the country In the face of the ongoing financial crisis, where foreign reserves have fallen to historic low levels, the Pakistani government has come up with some measures to save energy and reduce its energy bill. Markets and restaurants are reportedly closing at 8:30 PM and 10 PM in a bid to save energy. The decision was announced in January with the government aiming to save $274 million through it. However, it has drawn flak from both market associations as well as the general masses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Moody's downgrades Pakistan's credit rating to the lowest in three decades

A new report has revealed that the world's richest people lost a cumulative $10 trillion in 2022, primarily due to energy, economic and geopolitical conditions. London-based Knight Frank's wealth report zeroed in on 218,000 people, also classed as 'ultra-high net worth individuals' (UHNWIs) to arrive at the figure.

A new report has revealed that the world's richest people lost a cumulative $10 trillion in 2022, primarily due to energy, economic and geopolitical conditions. London-based Knight Frank's wealth report zeroed in on 218,000 people, also classed as 'ultra-high net worth individuals' (UHNWIs) to arrive at the figure. The report, one of the biggest to access the decline in the fortunes of the filthy-rich stated that these individuals saw a dip of 10 per cent in their fortunes from the combined $101.5 trillion in 2021 to $91.4 trillion in 2022. “The fall in wealth is unsurprising given the dramatic pivot in monetary policy that culminated in the worst performance for the traditional blended portfolio since the 1930s,” said Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s head of research. Read more: Over 200 millionaires make fervent call to world leaders to tax ultra-rich The sharp dip can also be attributed to policymakers across the globe raising interest rates to combat elevated inflation in the backdrop of a slowdown in economies. The researchers added that the Ukraine crisis also contributed to the dip as the disruption in supply chain affected nearly every industry. “The Ukraine crisis fuelled the European energy crunch and supercharged already surging inflation. As a result, 2022 saw one of the sharpest upward movements in global interest rates in history, leading to economic conditions that Collins English dictionary neatly dubbed the ‘permacrisis’," added Bailey. Read more: Shell makes $40 billion profit in 2022, highest in its 115 years of existence The report found that only four UHNWIs had increased the size of their fortune last year, despite the overwhelming trend remaining negative. However, one interesting development stood out from the rest. The report found that ultra-luxury properties changed hands much more frequently. Homes above $25 million changed hands 43 times in London and New York - two of the most coveted cities by the uber-rich. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

World's richest individuals lost a collective $10 trillion in 2022: Report

A new research has revealed that our home galaxy, the Milky Way, might be forming stars at a much higher rate than previous estimates. The study conducted by the scientists at the University of Würzburg in Germany has surprised the scientific community.

A new research has revealed that our home galaxy, the Milky Way, might be forming stars at a much higher rate than previous estimates. The study conducted by the scientists at the University of Würzburg in Germany has surprised the scientific community. The research published in the journal 'Astronomy & Astrophysics' found that stars are forming at a rate four to eight times the mass of the Sun per year — which is two to four times more than current estimates given by astrophysicists. The number becomes even bigger if we count the stars that are not as massive as Sun. Meaning, the Milky way is far more chaotic with 10 to 20 infant stars forming in our neighbourhood annually. Understanding star formation rate is akin to taking the pulse of the galaxy. Scientists have concluded that the more stars a galaxy churns out, the faster it enriches itself with oxygen, iron, and other important elements that stars create. "The star formation rate is very important to understand for galaxy evolution," said astrophysicist Thomas Siegert, associated with the study. WATCH | The Big Space: James Webb Telescope makes shocking discovery, shows extreme promise early on × How star rate formation is calculated? Astronomers find the rate of star formation by estimating the amount of gamma radiation produced following the decay of aluminum-26. This isotope is formed during the birth and death of a star and has a half-life of about 700,000. It has a cyclical effect as the birth and death of stars spews heavier elements into interstellar space. The interstellar dust caused by supernova explosions and the formation of new stars pumps our galaxy with the required elements to repeat the process all over again. Read more: NASA astronaut clicks 'unreal' photo of auroras from space The researchers, however, added the caveat that current models may not present an accurate picture as it is difficult to determine the source's distance. It is perhaps the reason the scientists could only give a range for the star formation rate and not the exact numbers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chaos in Milky Way? Stars forming at greater pace than previously thought, study shows

Finland has started construction of 200 kilometre fence along its border with Russia in an attempt to boost security. The Finnish government is wary of Moscow trying to mass mobilise the troops along the said border, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.

Finland has started construction of 200 kilometre fence along its border with Russia in an attempt to boost security. The Finnish government is wary of Moscow trying to mass mobilise the troops along the said border, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. The Finnish Border Guard stated that terrain work will start after receiving forest clearance and "will proceed in such a way that road construction and fence installation can be started in March”. The fence is expected to be three metre tall with barbed wire on top. Night vision cameras, floodlights as well as loudspeakers will be installed in key sections of the fence. Notably, the announcement comes on the same day as the Finnish parliament kicked off a debate aimed at accelerating the bid to join NATO. A vote on the bill is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and is expected to sail through without much opposition. Apart from the debate, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met Prime Minister Sanna Marin and President Sauli Niinisto and informed about the progress on the NATO membership bid of the Nordic country. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by Turkey "As you all know, all NATO Allies made a historic decision to invite both Finland and Sweden to become members of the Alliance. We are making progress. A couple of weeks ago, I met with President Erdoğan and we agreed to have a meeting with Finland, Sweden, and Turkey in Brussels next week," said Stoltenberg. "This is a top priority for NATO and for me personally and so we work hard and we have to remember that so far this is the quickest accession process in NATO’s modern history," he added. Finland has one of the longest borders (1,340 km) in Europe with Russia. Currenly, the border is protected using light wooden fences. After the war broke out, the country dropped its military non-alignment policy and applied to join the military alliance. Read more: Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Finland begins construction of fence on Russian border amid NATO membership bid

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports. The food shortage crisis in North Korea is worsening and Kim has dubbed hitting 'grain production' targets as the major priority. Though the reports did not detail what measures Kim's government would take, they suggested that changes were in the offing. The meeting by Kim comes a few weeks after South Korea’s Unification Ministry stated that the food situation in their neighbourhood 'seemed to have deteriorated'. Some unsubstantiated reports have claimed that an unknown number of North Koreans have died due to starvation but there is no concrete indication that famine has set in the country. Gravitas Plus: How does North Korea finance its missile tests? However, a report published by US-based monitoring project 38 North in January stated that the situation was grim in the country. “Food availability has likely fallen below the bare minimum with regard to human needs,” read the report. “Achieving adequate agricultural output in North Korea’s unfavourable soils has, ironically, generated a heavy reliance on imported goods and left the country exposed to global shocks, diplomatic conflicts, and adverse weather,” it added. Ostracised by most countries across the globe, North Korea is a pariah state where the authoritarian regime of Kim Jong Un uses almost all the revenue for its missile programmes instead of food production or public welfare. Read more: North Korea stole record crypto assets and currencies in 2022: UN report The international sanctions coupled with pandemic isolation and in-house mismanagement may have contributed heavily to the food shortage situation, according to experts. The gravity of the matter can be understood by the fact that it was the first time that a plenary session was convened, only to discuss agricultural matters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices

New Zealand beat England by just one run in a second-Test thriller on Tuesday to draw the series despite having been forced to follow-on in Wellington.

New Zealand set England a target of 258 runs to win, but the visitors were all out for 256 in dramatic scenes as the two-Test series finished 1-1.

Neil Wagner took the decisive wicket of James Anderson as New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell pulled off a diving catch to make history.

"Amazing achievement, hats off to everyone, everyone kept fighting." said Wagner, who finished with 4-62.&nbsp;

"That's the characteristics of this team, they played well, credit where it's due, but we found a way of contributing."&nbsp; 
Blundell was delighted to hang on to the tumbling catch.&nbsp;

"Saw it well and luckily it went in clean. Pretty happy," said the wicketkeeper.

It was only the fourth occasion a team has won a Test after being asked to follow-on and the first time for New Zealand. England managed it twice, against Australia in 1894 and 1981, while India beat Australia in 2001.

It was the first time England have lost a Test after forcing their opponents to follow on.

A topsy-turvy Test match swung back to New Zealand during the final two gripping days. England were on course for victory after declaring their first innings on 435-8, then bowling out New Zealand for 209.

Former skipper Kane Williamson dragged New Zealand back into the Test with a superb 132 in their second innings 483 on Monday, leaving England 258 to win.

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WHAT A GAME OF CRICKET 
 
New Zealand have won it by the barest of margins... 
 
This is test cricket at its finest ❤️ 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NZvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NZvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/cFgtFBIkR4">pic.twitter.com/cFgtFBIkR4</a>
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/btsportcricket/status/1630404979751018496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Having resumed at 48-1, England wobbled Tuesday morning by losing four wickets for just 27 runs before Joe Root steadied the ship by steering his team to 168-5 at lunch.

As England chipped away at their target, Root's partnership with Ben Stokes ended on 121 when England's captain was caught at square leg.

The pressure on England intensified dramatically after Root went for 95 with England still 57 runs short.

Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes kept England in the fight with a cavalier 35, surviving a dropped catch by Michael Bracewell before clubbing three fours to the boundary.

After Foakes was caught by Wagner in the deep off Southee, it left the last pair James Anderson and Jack Leach still needing seven runs for victory.

Anderson clubbed a four to get within two runs before Wagner and Blundell combined to land the knockout punch.

"We were prepared to walk off and shake hands if we were not good enough, but it is special to be a part of such a game of Test cricket. We gave our everything out in the middle. We trust each other and a lot of the boys stand up whenever things go bad for us," said New Zealand captain Tim Southee after the match.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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New Zealand beat England by just one run in a second-Test thriller on Tuesday to draw the series despite having been forced to follow-on in Wellington. New Zealand set England a target of 258 runs to win, but the visitors were all out for 256 in dramatic scenes as the two-Test series finished 1-1.

New Zealand beat England by just one run in a second-Test thriller on Tuesday to draw the series despite having been forced to follow-on in Wellington. New Zealand set England a target of 258 runs to win, but the visitors were all out for 256 in dramatic scenes as the two-Test series finished 1-1. Neil Wagner took the decisive wicket of James Anderson as New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell pulled off a diving catch to make history. "Amazing achievement, hats off to everyone, everyone kept fighting." said Wagner, who finished with 4-62. "That's the characteristics of this team, they played well, credit where it's due, but we found a way of contributing." Blundell was delighted to hang on to the tumbling catch. "Saw it well and luckily it went in clean. Pretty happy," said the wicketkeeper. It was only the fourth occasion a team has won a Test after being asked to follow-on and the first time for New Zealand. England managed it twice, against Australia in 1894 and 1981, while India beat Australia in 2001. It was the first time England have lost a Test after forcing their opponents to follow on. A topsy-turvy Test match swung back to New Zealand during the final two gripping days. England were on course for victory after declaring their first innings on 435-8, then bowling out New Zealand for 209. Former skipper Kane Williamson dragged New Zealand back into the Test with a superb 132 in their second innings 483 on Monday, leaving England 258 to win. WHAT A GAME OF CRICKET New Zealand have won it by the barest of margins... This is test cricket at its finest ❤️ #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/cFgtFBIkR4 — Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) February 28, 2023 × Having resumed at 48-1, England wobbled Tuesday morning by losing four wickets for just 27 runs before Joe Root steadied the ship by steering his team to 168-5 at lunch. As England chipped away at their target, Root's partnership with Ben Stokes ended on 121 when England's captain was caught at square leg. The pressure on England intensified dramatically after Root went for 95 with England still 57 runs short. Wicketkeeper Ben Foakes kept England in the fight with a cavalier 35, surviving a dropped catch by Michael Bracewell before clubbing three fours to the boundary. After Foakes was caught by Wagner in the deep off Southee, it left the last pair James Anderson and Jack Leach still needing seven runs for victory. Anderson clubbed a four to get within two runs before Wagner and Blundell combined to land the knockout punch. "We were prepared to walk off and shake hands if we were not good enough, but it is special to be a part of such a game of Test cricket. We gave our everything out in the middle. We trust each other and a lot of the boys stand up whenever things go bad for us," said New Zealand captain Tim Southee after the match. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'By the barest of margins': New Zealand beat England by one run at Basin Reserve

After long 959 days or three years, the city of Hong Kong has finally bid adieu to the controversial COVID-19 mask mandate that was brought in to prevent the spread of the virus.

After long 959 days or three years, the city of Hong Kong has finally bid adieu to the controversial COVID-19 mask mandate that was brought in to prevent the spread of the virus. The move will come into effect from March 1 and suggests that the administration is looking to restore some semblance of normalcy. "We think this is the best timing to make this decision. It is a clear message to show Hong Kong is resuming normalcy," Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee told Reuters. Hong Kong is one of the last cities globally to still have a mask mandate. While most countries across the globe opened up in a phased manner with the majority relaxing the mask mandate much earlier, Hong Kong continued to follow the line set by Beijing. WATCH | Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination? × The rule was first enforced on July 29, 2020, and directed individuals to wear masks in all public places. Failing to comply with the rules could see authorities slapping a fine of up to $1,275 (HK$ 10,000). After much criticism, the Hong Kong authorities in December last year decided to lift its contentious "amber code," which forced residents to use an app to enter any venue. In the same month, further easing of the city's social distancing rules was announced and the previously mandatory negative COVID-19 RAT ( rapid antigen test) result requirement was also scrapped. Read more: Hong Kong announces further easing of COVID-19 curbs The severe covid restrictions had a negative effect on Hong Kong's economy. Global isolation meant that the tourism industry was completely wrecked and the economy of Asia's financial hub shrank by 3.5 per cent in 2022. Additionally, Hong Kong's population shrunk dramatically during the Covid period. According to reports, the country saw an exodus of 187,000 people in the last three years as residents escaped to safer pastures. Read more: Hong Kong's population declines for a third consecutive year; Chinese influence to be blamed (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

This city is lifting world's longest COVID-19 mask mandate after 959 days

US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has trained her guns on China and said COVID-19 came from a Chinese lab. In a brief Twitter rant, she added that all US aid to the 'communist' country should be cut.

US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has trained her guns on China and said COVID-19 came from a Chinese lab. In a brief Twitter rant, she added that all US aid to the 'communist' country should be cut. "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 comes a day after a classified and updated document by the US Energy Department claimed that the COVID-19 virus emerged from a lab leak. COVID 19 likely came from a Chinese lab. Cut US aid. Not a cent to Communist China. — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) February 27, 2023 × The report was prepared way back in 2021 but it was recently updated following inputs received from the office of National Intelligence director Avril Haines. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, however, said there is “not a definitive answer" on the virus’ origins. “Some elements of the intelligence community have reached conclusions on one side, some on the other, a number of them have said they just don't have enough information to be sure,” he told CNN on Sunday. Read more: COVID-19 virus likely was a result of lab leak, US energy department’s report says This is not the first instance where Haley has taken a shot at China. Earlier, she talked about a strong America not needing to pay the bad guys, referring to China and Pakistan. "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," she had said. WATCH | GOP candidate Nikki Haley vows to cut foreign aid to anti-American countries × The GOP candidate said the Biden administration had splurged as much as $46 billion in foreign aid last year. "The Biden administration resumed military aid to Pakistan, though it's home to at least a dozen terrorist organisations and its government is deeply in hock to China. Team Biden restored half a billion dollars to a corrupt United Nations agency that's supposed to help the Palestinian people but in fact covers for deeply anti-Semitic propaganda against our ally Israel," she said. Read more: 'Will cut every cent sent to enemies': Nikki Haley pledges to stop all aid for Pak, China 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. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nikki Haley makes big claim on COVID-19, demands aid cut to 'communist' China

A 19-year-old boy died in the southern Indian state of Telangana while dancing during a wedding. The boy collapsed on the ground in the middle of his routine, with doctors suggesting that he may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

A 19-year-old boy died in the southern Indian state of Telangana while dancing during a wedding. The boy collapsed on the ground in the middle of his routine, with doctors suggesting that he may have suffered a cardiac arrest. The incident took place in Pardi village of Nirmal district, about 200 kilometres from the capital city of Hyderabad. The entire episode was caught on video which has since gone viral on social media platforms. In the video, the boy, wearing black trousers, white shirt and a vest can be seen joyfully dancing to the song playing in the background. He looks perfectly fine while putting on a show as his friends cheer around. Read more: Celebratory gunshots gone wrong! Man dies of heart attack after shooting guest However, 40 seconds into the video, the boy hunches forward and a few seconds later collapses face-first into the ground. The friends around think that it is part of the dance routine and cheer him. But the boy lies there unconscious. A 19-year-old boy #suddenly collapsed while dancing. It was known that it was a #heartattack . This incident happened in #Nirmal District, #Telangana . Why are people collapsing due to #heartattack in all corners of the #country? Some of them are dying at a very #young age... pic.twitter.com/vy0Wy74ybN — Sunil Veer (@sunilveer08) February 26, 2023 × The boy was rushed to the Bhainsa Area hospital but it was too late as the doctors declared him dead. Netizens who watched the video were in shock as most commented that such incidents had become a regular occurrence in recent times. "Fourth such incident in a week!!! What is happening?" said one Twitter user while another added, "That’s what Covid does to you." WATCH | Gravitas: Legacy of the Wuhan virus: Heart attacks and long covid × Last week, in a similar incident, 40-year-old Mohammad Rabbani died during a wedding function when applying turmeric on the groom. Rabbani was laughing and cracking jokes before he suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the floor. The video of the incident was also caught on camera. On Friday, in another incident to have been reported in Telangana, a labourer nearly lost his life while attempting to catch a bus. He felt a sudden bout of pain in his chest area and instantly collapsed. Fortunately, an on-duty traffic cop present at the spot gave him CPR and saved his life. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

VIDEO | 19-year-old Indian dies of cardiac arrest while dancing

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine.

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine. The report comes in the backdrop of Europol - the EU's law enforcement agency, issuing a warning in July last year. The agency stated that ”the proliferation of firearms and explosives in Ukraine could lead to an increase in weapons and munitions trafficked into the EU via established smuggling routes or online platforms." Sweden may not be the only Nordic country in the region to have gained access to Ukrainian weapons. Last year in October, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that weapons sent to Ukraine may have found their way back to Finland. Incidentally, both countries are currently vying for a spot in NATO, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by an ‘irate’ Turkey Similarly, Ukraine-bound weapons have surfaced in the Sahel region of Africa and nations around the Chad basin. Why has Sweden become the destination for Ukrainian weapons? Lately, gun-related violence has increased manifold in Sweden. According to the Swedish national council for crime prevention, it is the only European country where fatal gun shooting incidents have increased since 2000. The jump from being the country with the lowest rates of gun violence to the highest within a couple of decades has surprised experts. Former prime minister Magdalena Andersson attributed the rise in gun violence to the influx of immigrants who were not properly assimilated into the mainstream. WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war × "Sweden has failed to integrate the vast numbers of immigrants it has taken in over the past two decades, leading to parallel societies and gang violence," said Andersson, before adding, "Society has been too weak, resources for the police and social services have been too weak." Last year's Quran burnings and subsequent riots resulted in some of the most ugly pictures to have come out of Sweden in recent years. Experts are of the view that the illicit trade of contraband arms and ammunition from Ukraine could further the divide in the country. Read more: LIVE Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow accuses US of preparing a 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine?

A new online tool, funded by Meta, colloquially known as Facebook and developed by The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is helping people remove their sexually explicit images and videos that have spread across the wide realms of the internet.

A new online tool, funded by Meta, colloquially known as Facebook and developed by The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is helping people remove their sexually explicit images and videos that have spread across the wide realms of the internet. The tool, named 'Take It Down' is an attempt to grant more authority to the original owners of the media. The only caveat is that the images will only be removed from the participating platforms. Currently, Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Yubo, OnlyFans and Pornhub are some of the platforms that have joined the initiative. “Take It Down is made specifically for people who have an image that they have reason to believe is already out on the web somewhere, or that it could be,” Gavin Portnoy, an NCMEC spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Portnoy added that teens share such images with the person they are dating or someone who has extorted them. Once the image is out, they fear going to law enforcement agencies, fearing for their privacy. WATCH | Meta fined more than $400 million over European Union data breaches The website tool enables them to maintain a certain level of anonymity and simultaneously helps in removing the contentious image from spreading further. “We created this system because many children are facing these desperate situations. Our hope is that children become aware of this service, and they feel a sense of relief that tools exist to help take the images down. NCMEC is here to help," said Michelle DeLaune, president and CEO of NCMEC. Read more: Meta bans targeted ads at teenagers based on gender To achieve the objective, an individual needs to visit the website and create a digital footprint, also called 'hash value' by uploading the said photograph or video that has been leaked. This fingerprint is then fed into the database and participating companies remove the media from their services - no questions asked. However, if someone has altered the original image by cropping or adding any emoji or turning it into a meme - the hash value changes. The participating platforms have been one of the most criticised online services for failing to protect minors from sexual exploitation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

This Meta-funded tool helps people remove their explicit images, videos from online platforms

A recent report released by the US Bureau of Counterterrorism has stated that the Indian government made significant efforts to detect, disrupt, and degrade the operations of terrorist organisations.

A recent report released by the US Bureau of Counterterrorism has stated that the Indian government made significant efforts to detect, disrupt, and degrade the operations of terrorist organisations. It added the terrorists had evolved in their approach simultaneously. The report titled 'Country Reports on Terrorism 2021: India' states that terrorism affected the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the northeastern states, and parts of central India. It added that several terror outfits viz. Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, and Lashkar-e-Tayyiba amongst others were active in the country. The terror outfits made a conscious decision to shift from their conventional tactics, the report found. They were now attacking civilians much more frequently using IEDs and in one instance attacked an air force base using drones. "Terrorist tactics showed a shift toward attacks on civilians and greater reliance on IEDs," read the report. "During the year, there were 153 terrorist attacks in J&K, causing 274 deaths that included 45 security personnel, 36 civilians, and 193 terrorists." Read more: TRF terrorists responsible for Kashmiri Pandit’s killing neutralised in Pulwama encounter The report made it a point to acknowledge that India collaborated with the US to share vital information related to terrorism. “India responds promptly to US requests for information related to terrorism investigations and makes efforts to mitigate threats in response to US information." The US Department of State, under which the report was published, however, added that law enforcement agencies were facing budgetary constraints which proved a hindrance in their efficiency. "Indian law enforcement, including border security forces, face budgetary, staffing, and equipment constraints. Capacity to patrol and secure extensive maritime and land borders is improving but not adequate, given India’s extensive coastline." Read more: Kashmir: Police intensify operations against narco terror in valley, seize drugs, cash Though there were no terrorism-related legislation changes in 2021, the government did manage to expand the number of state-level multi-agency centres. The expansion helped in sharing of intelligence among state and federal agencies. The report stated that New Delhi implemented UNSCR 2396 by using watch lists, implementing biographic and biometric screening at ports of entry, and prioritizing information sharing amongst several other measures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Terrorists shifted towards attacks on civilians, finds a US state department report

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