Less than a month after communal tensions rocked the city of Leicester, United Kingdom, over 180 Hindu organisations and temples have written an open letter to the UK Prime Minister Lizz Truss.

Less than a month after communal tensions rocked the city of Leicester, United Kingdom, over 180 Hindu organisations and temples have written an open letter to the UK Prime Minister Lizz Truss. Reportedly, the letter written by Insight UK, a platform for British Hindus and British Indians was signed by 180 Hindu organisations and sought urgent action from targetted hate crimes against the community. “We write to draw your attention to the recent disturbances in Leicester, Birmingham and other towns which have greatly distressed the Indian and Hindu communities in the UK. Hatred towards the Hindu community is at an all-time high, to the point where there has been open violence, intimidation, and abuse levelled at Hindus through physical assaults, harassment on social media, and most recently through soft targeting in schools and the workplace,” read the letter. The letter added that the Hindu community feels like it is 'under a seige' and that many in the community have already left their neighbourhood due to fear. "This Hindu community now lives in a state of fear. While some families have already left the neighbourhood, many more are preparing to relocate. It is worth noting that a small, but highly organised band of radical Islamists took full advantage of the community tensions that existed between this marginalised Hindu community and their Muslim neighbours which previously lived in peace.” OPEN LETTER by INSIGHT UK, signed by 180 Hindu organisations to the PM of UK @trussliz. Authorities must act against targeted hate crimes against the #Hindu community. Failing Liberty: Tolerating intolerance is breaking #Britain. #Hinduphobia #HindusUnderAttackInUK #Leicester 1/2 pic.twitter.com/zw0ZB04sBR — INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) October 14, 2022 × The letter said that the Hindu community has made the UK its home for over 250 years, despite accounting for less than two per cent of the total population. However, despite the low population, the community's socio-economic contribution was 'significantly higher'. Read more: Leicester violence: Hindu-Muslim leaders call for calm after cricket match flare-up To summarise the letter, the Hindu community in the UK demanded that an independent investigation be carried into the attacks to ascertain the cause of anti-Hindu hatred. It added that the government should help fund training for teachers so that they can identify and deal with anti-Hindu hatred in schools. “The above proposals and/or recommendations will go a long way in repairing the damage that has been done to so many by an extremist few." The genesis The violence first erupted in August after Pakistan defeated India in an Asia Cup cricket match. Several clips that went viral on social media showed violence breaking out after the cricket match. Afterwards, multiple reports of targeted attacks and incidents of vandalism against Hindu symbols were reported across the city. Read more: India condemns Leicester violence and vandalism of Hindu religious premises The Indian High Commission, at the time, deplored the incident and urged the UK authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'We're under seige', 180 Hindu groups write a letter to Truss, seek action for Leicester attacks

Former US President Barack Obama in a recent podcast interview took a potshot at the increasingly prevalent 'cancel culture' and called 'Democrats' a buzzkill for trying to be excessively politically correct.

Former US President Barack Obama in a recent podcast interview took a potshot at the increasingly prevalent 'cancel culture' and called 'Democrats' a buzzkill for trying to be excessively politically correct. "Democrats can be [buzzkills], right? “Sometimes people just want to not feel as if they are walking on eggshells, and they want some acknowledgement that life is messy and that all of us, at any given moment, can say things the wrong way, make mistakes,” said Obama. Read more: Barack Obama bags Emmy for best narration in 'Our Great National Parks' The former president cited himself as an example and stated whenever he toed a similar line, he ended up getting caught in “policy gobbledygook.” "I think we do get into trouble. Look, I used to get into trouble whenever, as you guys know well, whenever I got a little too professorial and, you know, started...when I was behind the podium as opposed to when I was in a crowd, there were times where I’d get, you know, sound like I was giving a bunch of policy gobbledygook." Obama added that contrary to what modern-day politicians believe, people did not think about issues in such a manner. "And that’s not how people think about these issues. They think about them in terms of the life I’m leading day to day. How does politics, how is it even relevant to the things that I care the most deeply about?" Watch: Barack Obama reunites with the boy who touched his head 13 years ago “I think where we get into trouble sometimes is where we try to suggest that some groups are more...because they historically have been victimised more...that somehow they have a status that’s different than other people and we’re going around scolding folks if they don’t use exactly the right phrase,” he added. Obama also added that often 'identity politics' becomes the 'principle lens' through which politicians view their various political challenges. Barack Obama is currently on an election canvassing trail for Democrats in the swing states ahead of the crucial midterm election. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Democrats can be buzzkills,' says former president Barack Obama taking a shot at cancel culture

Hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping said he would never 'renounce the potion to use force' in an attempt to reunify Taiwan with China, the island nation has responded.

Hours after Chinese President Xi Jinping said he would never 'renounce the potion to use force' in an attempt to reunify Taiwan with China, the island nation has responded. Reportedly, Taiwan's presidential office released a statement and said it will never back down on its sovereignty. "Taiwan's position is firm: no backing down on national sovereignty, no compromise on democracy and freedom, and meeting on the battlefield is absolutely not an option for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait," read the statement, before adding, "This is the consensus of Taiwan's people." Additionally, Taiwan Premier Su Tseng-chang in an interview said that China should focus on itself as protest banners came up on an overpass in Beijing. "Xi Jinping should pay attention to the smoke and protest banners on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing, rather than always thinking about using force to deal with Taiwan," said Taiwan Premier. As reported by WION, Xi Jinping during the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress on Sunday morning said the Taiwan matter was for Chinese people only. “The resolution of the Taiwan issue is a matter for the Chinese people themselves, to be decided by the Chinese people," said Xi. The CCP leader added that China reserves the option of “taking all measures necessary” against separatist forces. “We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort. But, we will never promise to renounce the use of force. And we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary.” Read more: China's 20th Communist Party Congress LIVE updates | Xi decries 'Cold War mentality' Watch this report: × He also lauded his government's approach despite Taiwan's secessionist forces attempting to break away from China. "In the face of serious provocations by the Taiwan independence separatists and the interference of external force, we resolutely carried out major struggles against separatism and interference, demonstrating our firm determination and strong ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity and oppose Taiwan independence force." Read more: 'Will never renounce force', says Xi Jinping on Taiwan during the party congress Xi added that his government had worked to curb separatism and foreign interference in Taiwan. “We put forward an overall strategy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, promote cross-strait exchange and cooperation, resolutely oppose Taiwan independence, resolutely oppose interference by external powers, and firmly grasp the dominance and initiative in cross-strait relations." China considers Taiwan an indelible part of its territory. However, the island nation and its people have never accepted China. The recent visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi nearly triggered a war between the two nations. Thus Xi sought the party congress as an opportunity to set the tone for his future endeavours as he receives the nod for a third consecutive term in the office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No compromise on freedom,' Taiwan responds after Xi Jinping's remarks at CPC congress

Facebook, rechristened as Meta, is struggling with numbers, nearly a year after the rebranding, as per a report by Wall Street Journal. Horizon Worlds, a flagship product of Meta which attempted to provide a comprehensive Metaverse experience to the users, has faltered to take off.

Facebook, rechristened as Meta, is struggling with numbers, nearly a year after the rebranding, as per a report by Wall Street Journal. Horizon Worlds, a flagship product of Meta which attempted to provide a comprehensive Metaverse experience to the users, has faltered to take off. According to the publication, after the launch last year, Mark Zuckerberg-owned Meta had kept an ambitious target of having 500,000 monthly active users on board. However, the current number of users stands at a rather unflattering 200,000, thereby failing to meet internal performance expectations. Read more: Mark Zuckerberg 'loses' more than 118 million followers on Facebook - Here's why Consequently, the analysts at Meta have already reduced the projection to 280,000 by the end of the year. While the user numbers being low is an alarming situation, what's more distressing is that those logging in to Horizon Worlds, did not return to the platform after the first month. The report states that only nine per cent of the free virtual reality online video game has been explored by at least 50 people while the majority of the Metaverse has been left relatively unexplored. Notably, Horizon Worlds was Zuckerberg's USP for the platform. In the game, individuals can pick an avatar and pop into the virtual space to interact with one another. To double down on his venture, Zuckerberg earlier this week launched the $1,500 Quest Pro VR which contains an advanced mobile Snapdragon computer chip. The attempt is to further drum up excitement around the product Meta has developed. Read more: Meta's new Quest Pro headset, mixing real and virtual worlds, makes debut Since last year, Meta's shares have gone down more than 60 per cent, losing $700 billion in market value in the process. The problems have only been exacerbated in recent times for other platforms as well. As reported by WION, last week Meta issued a warning that the login information of around a million users was potentially compromised. Read more: Meta warns one million users about potential data leak through malicious apps According to the official statement, the leak happened due to “malicious apps”. The applications were listed on Google Play Store and the Apple Store as games and other types of apps to trick people into downloading them and accessed the phone through the Facebook welcome page. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Metaverse fails to take off, Horizon Worlds largely unexplored; shares tumble: Report

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Saturday called for reforms of the European Union to make it fit for the admission of new countries as well as more military autonomy for the 27-country bloc.

Speaking at the Congress of the Party of European Socialists in Berlin, Scholz advocated for gradually abolishing the principle of unanimity for decisions in foreign policy, but also in other areas such as tax policy.

“I know that we still have a lot of convincing to do there,” the chancellor said. “But I also say clearly: if a geopolitical Europe is our aspiration, then majority decisions are a gain and not a loss of sovereignty.”

Currently, many EU decisions can only be made if all countries vote unanimously.

Scholz also supports more military autonomy of the EU. He called for coordinated procurement of weapons and equipment, the establishment of an EU rapid reaction force by 2025, and for an EU headquarters for European armed forces.

“In Europe, we need better interplay between our defense efforts," he said. "In the future, Europe will need a coordinated increase in capabilities...we must confidently and jointly advance European defence.” 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Saturday called for reforms of the European Union to make it fit for the admission of new countries as well as more military autonomy for the 27-country bloc.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Saturday called for reforms of the European Union to make it fit for the admission of new countries as well as more military autonomy for the 27-country bloc. Speaking at the Congress of the Party of European Socialists in Berlin, Scholz advocated for gradually abolishing the principle of unanimity for decisions in foreign policy, but also in other areas such as tax policy. “I know that we still have a lot of convincing to do there,” the chancellor said. “But I also say clearly: if a geopolitical Europe is our aspiration, then majority decisions are a gain and not a loss of sovereignty.” Currently, many EU decisions can only be made if all countries vote unanimously. Scholz also supports more military autonomy of the EU. He called for coordinated procurement of weapons and equipment, the establishment of an EU rapid reaction force by 2025, and for an EU headquarters for European armed forces. “In Europe, we need better interplay between our defense efforts," he said. "In the future, Europe will need a coordinated increase in capabilities...we must confidently and jointly advance European defence.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Olaf Scholz calls for reforms within the EU: Bats for new admissions and military autonomy

India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) national coordinators' meeting next week in Delhi. The meet will take place from October 17-18 and will be the first such national coordinator meet under the Indian presidency. New Delhi took over the presidency of the nine-member grouping earlier this year at the Samarkand SCO summit.&nbsp;

National coordinator, basically the role "Sherpas" play in G20 meetings decide on the issues that will be taken up in the grouping. India's national coordinator for SCO is Yojna Patel, an IFS of 2000 batch. The meet takes place in a hybrid mode, with the Pakistani delegation also attending it. During the course of the event, the focus will also be on agenda under the Indian presidency of the grouping.&nbsp;

India will be holding the SCO foreign, defence, national security advisers and summit-level meeting of the grouping next year. This month India also hosted anti-terror SCO drills in Haryana and the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) council meet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-sco-summit-2022-we-are-supporting-innovation-in-every-sector-516867">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Dispatch: SCO Summit 2022: 'We are supporting innovation in every sector'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-sco-summit-2022-we-are-supporting-innovation-in-every-sector-516867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The grouping, which came into being in 2001 has nine countries as its members viz. Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran and the four central Asian countries viz. Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. Iran became the latest member of the grouping this year and will attend the summit as a full-fledged member next year at the India SCO summit.&nbsp;

India, along with Pakistan became a member of the grouping in 2017. Geographically, economically and population wise, it is one of the largest groupings on the planet, extending from Vladivostok to Chabahar and from St Petersburg to Chennai.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) national coordinators' meeting next week in Delhi. The meet will take place from October 17-18 and will be the first such national coordinator meet under the Indian presidency.

India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) national coordinators' meeting next week in Delhi. The meet will take place from October 17-18 and will be the first such national coordinator meet under the Indian presidency. New Delhi took over the presidency of the nine-member grouping earlier this year at the Samarkand SCO summit. National coordinator, basically the role "Sherpas" play in G20 meetings decide on the issues that will be taken up in the grouping. India's national coordinator for SCO is Yojna Patel, an IFS of 2000 batch. The meet takes place in a hybrid mode, with the Pakistani delegation also attending it. During the course of the event, the focus will also be on agenda under the Indian presidency of the grouping. India will be holding the SCO foreign, defence, national security advisers and summit-level meeting of the grouping next year. This month India also hosted anti-terror SCO drills in Haryana and the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) council meet. WATCH | WION Dispatch: SCO Summit 2022: 'We are supporting innovation in every sector' × The grouping, which came into being in 2001 has nine countries as its members viz. Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran and the four central Asian countries viz. Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. Iran became the latest member of the grouping this year and will attend the summit as a full-fledged member next year at the India SCO summit. India, along with Pakistan became a member of the grouping in 2017. Geographically, economically and population wise, it is one of the largest groupings on the planet, extending from Vladivostok to Chabahar and from St Petersburg to Chennai. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India to host SCO national coordinators’ meet next week

After Pakistan summoned&nbsp;US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark, former PM Nawaz Sharif also jumped in the fray to defend his country.&nbsp;Sharif took to Twitter and stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat to any country. In other news, Turkey&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited&nbsp;the ground zero of the blast and informed that&nbsp;41 had died.

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pm-nawaz-sharif-comes-to-pakistans-defence-after-bidens-remarks-525706">Former PM Nawaz Sharif comes to Pakistan's defence after Biden's remarks</a>

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has jumped in to defend his country after US President Joe Biden termed Pakistan a dangerous 'nuclear' nation.&nbsp;Sharif took to Twitter and stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat to any country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/16/287978-sharid.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-mine-blast-president-tayyip-erdogan-visits-site-death-toll-rises-to-41-525708">Turkey mine blast: President Tayyip Erdogan visits site; death toll rises to 41</a>

After visiting the coal mine site in Turkey's northern Bartin province on Saturday (October 15), the nation's President Tayyip Erdogan stated that the death toll has reached 41 from a methane blast. Erdogan informed that a probe has been into the cause of the incident.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303981-recep-tayyip-erdogan.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-host-sco-national-coordinators-meet-next-week-525710">India to host SCO national coordinators meet next week</a>

India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) national coordinators meeting next week in Delhi. The meet will take place from October 17-18 and will be the first such national coordinator meet under the Indian presidency.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/12/278473-46zs2tsd55ndxkwus3hjhim6oy.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-chancellor-jeremy-hunt-acknowledges-mistakes-in-mini-budget-hints-at-tough-decisions-on-tax-and-spending-525604">New UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt accepts mistakes in 'mini-budget', hints at tough decisions on tax, spending</a>

UK's new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed following Kwasi Kwarteng's dismissal Friday, has told Sky News that there "were mistakes" in Liz Truss and Kwarteng's mini-budget.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303885-2022-10-14t162404z1lynxmpei9d0vvrtroptp4britain-politics.JPG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-a-decade-after-the-split-rupert-murdoch-mulling-merging-fox-and-news-corp-again-525692">Nearly a decade after the split, Rupert Murdoch mulling merging Fox and News Corp again</a>

Business magnate Rupert Murdoch is mulling a proposal that may reunite his media empire viz.&nbsp;News Corp&nbsp;and Fox Corp., a little less than 10 years after they were split.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/43325-untitled%25252520design%25252520%25252875%252529-20180311061032.jpg" />&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-refuses-a-joint-investigation-team-with-germany-and-denmark-to-probe-nord-stream-explosions-525697">Sweden refuses joint investigation team with Germany, Denmark to probe Nord Stream explosions</a>

Days after refusing to share the findings of its probe into the explosions of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines with Russian authorities, Sweden has also rejected plans to set up a joint investigation team with allies, citing national security.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/06/301559-untitled-design-41.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqs-sadrist-movement-refuses-to-join-new-government-525698">Iraq's Sadrist movement refuses to join new government, says it won't meet people's aspirations</a>

Moqtada Sadr's movement on Saturday announced that it won't join a new government that is being formed by Sudani, the news agency AFP reported. &nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303974-moqtada-sadr.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wants-to-kill-us-and-we-want-to-live-says-former-ukraine-president-525666">'Putin wants to kill us and we want to live,' says former Ukraine President</a>

As the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing completion&nbsp;of its eighth month, former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to erase Ukraine and those trying to find a compromise, should instead focus on negotiation.&nbsp;<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/01/29/82210-untitled-design-5.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-star-mason-greenwood-arrested-after-breaching-bail-conditions-in-alleged-assault-case-525675">Manchester United star Mason Greenwood arrested after breaching bail conditions in alleged assault case</a>

Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. The England striker was arrested in January this year after being accused of rape and assault by his former girlfriend.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303933-greenwood-man-utd.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-rings-of-power-finale-who-exactly-is-sauron-dark-lords-origin-explained-525645">'Rings of Power' finale: 'Who, exactly, is Sauron? Dark Lord's origin explained</a>

In the finale of 'Rings of Power' season 1, the identity of Dark Lord Sauron, which was earlier teased throughout the season, was&nbsp;finally revealed.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/10/15/303907-sauron-rings-of-power.jpg" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<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>

After Pakistan summoned US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark, former PM Nawaz Sharif also jumped in the fray to defend his country. Sharif took to Twitter and stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat to any country.

After Pakistan summoned US envoy over Biden's 'one of most dangerous nations' remark, former PM Nawaz Sharif also jumped in the fray to defend his country. Sharif took to Twitter and stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat to any country. In other news, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the ground zero of the blast and informed that 41 had died. Click on headlines to read more: Former PM Nawaz Sharif comes to Pakistan's defence after Biden's remarks Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has jumped in to defend his country after US President Joe Biden termed Pakistan a dangerous 'nuclear' nation. Sharif took to Twitter and stated that Pakistan's nuclear programme is not a threat to any country. Turkey mine blast: President Tayyip Erdogan visits site; death toll rises to 41 After visiting the coal mine site in Turkey's northern Bartin province on Saturday (October 15), the nation's President Tayyip Erdogan stated that the death toll has reached 41 from a methane blast. Erdogan informed that a probe has been into the cause of the incident. India to host SCO national coordinators meet next week India is all set to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) national coordinators meeting next week in Delhi. The meet will take place from October 17-18 and will be the first such national coordinator meet under the Indian presidency. New UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt accepts mistakes in 'mini-budget', hints at tough decisions on tax, spending UK's new chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who was appointed following Kwasi Kwarteng's dismissal Friday, has told Sky News that there "were mistakes" in Liz Truss and Kwarteng's mini-budget. Nearly a decade after the split, Rupert Murdoch mulling merging Fox and News Corp again Business magnate Rupert Murdoch is mulling a proposal that may reunite his media empire viz. News Corp and Fox Corp., a little less than 10 years after they were split. Sweden refuses joint investigation team with Germany, Denmark to probe Nord Stream explosions Days after refusing to share the findings of its probe into the explosions of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines with Russian authorities, Sweden has also rejected plans to set up a joint investigation team with allies, citing national security. Iraq's Sadrist movement refuses to join new government, says it won't meet people's aspirations Moqtada Sadr's movement on Saturday announced that it won't join a new government that is being formed by Sudani, the news agency AFP reported. 'Putin wants to kill us and we want to live,' says former Ukraine President As the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing completion of its eighth month, former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to erase Ukraine and those trying to find a compromise, should instead focus on negotiation. Manchester United star Mason Greenwood arrested after breaching bail conditions in alleged assault case Manchester United star Mason Greenwood has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. The England striker was arrested in January this year after being accused of rape and assault by his former girlfriend. 'Rings of Power' finale: 'Who, exactly, is Sauron? Dark Lord's origin explained In the finale of 'Rings of Power' season 1, the identity of Dark Lord Sauron, which was earlier teased throughout the season, was finally revealed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: Nawaz Sharif comes to Pakistan's defence, Erdogan visits mine blast site & more

During the election canvassing trail, most politicians appear to support a cause for the optics, only to later back out of it. However, an independent&nbsp;Manhattan candidate, running for&nbsp;New York's 12th District took a rather unconventional approach to show his support for a particular cause.

Reportedly,&nbsp;Mike Itkis, an independent candidate has a poll plank of 'sex positivity' where he is gunning to legalise sex work and protect sexual rights. While most politicians would have released a statement or done a couple of interviews, explaining their position, Mike didn't do any of it.

Instead, he starred and acted in a 13-minute long pornographic movie with an adult star to show his support towards the idea of 'sex positivity'.

"If I would just talk about it, it wouldn’t demonstrate my commitment to the issue. And the fact I actually did it was a huge learning experience, and it actually influenced items on my platform," Itkis told City &amp; State after the release of the video.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-mel-gibson-can-testify-against-harvey-weinstein-in-rape-sexual-assault-trial-says-judge-525568">Read more:&nbsp;Mel Gibson can testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape, sexual assault trial, says judge</a>

Calling himself an introvert who wanted to start a 'conversation' on the issue,&nbsp;Itkis said the video was his first time having coitus on camera.&nbsp;

“I’m very much an introvert.&nbsp;I’m kind of a nerd who doesn’t like to be the centre of attention if I can avoid it. But I thought the issues I’m trying to address are so important...I wanted to have my issues talked about in some way.”

Itkis, reportedly, paired up with porn star&nbsp;Nicole Sage and titled the video&nbsp;“Bucket List Bonanza" before publishing it on a popular adult video platform.&nbsp;

Itkis on his election website&nbsp;also laid down his 'sex positive approach'&nbsp;policy by stating, "Actively oppose the conservative idea that sex should only happen between a man and a woman who are married to each other."

Notably,&nbsp;Itkis&nbsp;through his rather 'offbeat' campaign is attempting to unseat longtime Democrat&nbsp;Rep. Jerrold Nadler. The extent of competition Mike is facing can be gauged by the fact that Nadler won the June primary against New York city heavyweight&nbsp;Carolyn Maloney in her own bastion.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-tokyo-opens-applications-for-same-sex-partnership-system-524403">Read more:&nbsp;Japan: Tokyo opens applications for same-sex partnership system</a>

Most poll pundits believe that&nbsp;Itkis will be blown away in the election race. However, his peculiar election campaign has certainly brought eyeballs and made him an overnight celebrity amongst several online chatrooms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

During the election canvassing trail, most politicians appear to support a cause for the optics, only to later back out of it. However, an independent Manhattan candidate, running for New York's 12th District took a rather unconventional approach to show his support for a particular cause.

During the election canvassing trail, most politicians appear to support a cause for the optics, only to later back out of it. However, an independent Manhattan candidate, running for New York's 12th District took a rather unconventional approach to show his support for a particular cause. Reportedly, Mike Itkis, an independent candidate has a poll plank of 'sex positivity' where he is gunning to legalise sex work and protect sexual rights. While most politicians would have released a statement or done a couple of interviews, explaining their position, Mike didn't do any of it. Instead, he starred and acted in a 13-minute long pornographic movie with an adult star to show his support towards the idea of 'sex positivity'. "If I would just talk about it, it wouldn’t demonstrate my commitment to the issue. And the fact I actually did it was a huge learning experience, and it actually influenced items on my platform," Itkis told City & State after the release of the video. Read more: Mel Gibson can testify against Harvey Weinstein in rape, sexual assault trial, says judge Calling himself an introvert who wanted to start a 'conversation' on the issue, Itkis said the video was his first time having coitus on camera. “I’m very much an introvert. I’m kind of a nerd who doesn’t like to be the centre of attention if I can avoid it. But I thought the issues I’m trying to address are so important...I wanted to have my issues talked about in some way.” Itkis, reportedly, paired up with porn star Nicole Sage and titled the video “Bucket List Bonanza" before publishing it on a popular adult video platform. Itkis on his election website also laid down his 'sex positive approach' policy by stating, "Actively oppose the conservative idea that sex should only happen between a man and a woman who are married to each other." Notably, Itkis through his rather 'offbeat' campaign is attempting to unseat longtime Democrat Rep. Jerrold Nadler. The extent of competition Mike is facing can be gauged by the fact that Nadler won the June primary against New York city heavyweight Carolyn Maloney in her own bastion. Read more: Japan: Tokyo opens applications for same-sex partnership system Most poll pundits believe that Itkis will be blown away in the election race. However, his peculiar election campaign has certainly brought eyeballs and made him an overnight celebrity amongst several online chatrooms. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New York congressional candidate releases sex tape to show his 'sex positive' stance

As the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing completion of its eighth month, former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to erase Ukraine and those trying to find a compromise, should instead focus on negotiation.

As the Russia-Ukraine war is nearing completion of its eighth month, former Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko said that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to erase Ukraine and those trying to find a compromise, should instead focus on negotiation. "Those who try to find a compromise with Putin should understand the following. Putin wants to kill us and we want to live. Putin wants to erase Ukraine as a state, as a nation from the world map. And we want to have our state. We want to move it to European family," said Poroshenko in an interview with Fox. Read more: Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky holds 'productive' talks with Biden The Ukrainian leader, however, added that the time to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin was now and the recent unearthing of the mass grave site outside Izium could be a 'good starting point' for it. "The best negotiator, the best diplomat for this negotiation, is armed forces of Ukraine, supported by the whole world. Putin understands only strength and our unity," said Poroshenko. "Please don't trust Putin. I have five years of experience with him for negotiation. And please don't be afraid of Putin. Learn from Ukraine. Keep strong. Keep together. And we throw Putin and Russian troops away from Ukrainian soil." As reported by WION, the Ukrainian forces in September pushed the Russian troops away from the city and recovered a mass grave site that had more than 1,100 bodies. Officials stated that 99 per cent of the exhumed bodies found at the burial site had signs of violent death, meaning the Russian troops tortured and mutilated them when killing. Read more: The singular offense of the mass grave: Story of Izium and beyond The Russian troops attacked Izium in April and according to witnesses, over 100 were killed in the first assault as Russian bombs were hurled. However, through sheer perseverance, Ukrainian troops have managed to push the Russian forces and managed to regain significant ground, forcing Putin to call for partial mobilisation of troops. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Putin wants to kill us and we want to live,' says former Ukraine President

Business magnate Rupert Murdoch is mulling a proposal that may reunite his media empire viz.&nbsp;News Corp&nbsp;and Fox Corp., a little less than 10 years after they were split.&nbsp;

“At News Corp, we are constantly pursuing ways to enhance our performance and expand our businesses, and the upheaval in media presents both challenges and opportunities,”&nbsp; News Corp chief executive, Robert Thomson informed his employees in a memo.&nbsp;

Reportedly, to evaluate a possible merger, the two companies have established executive committees. The proposal is still in its infancy and both companies are yet to ascertain the completion of the deal.

"I would like to stress that the Special Committee has not made any determination at this time, and there can be no certainty that any transaction will result from its evaluation," added Thomson.&nbsp;

If the merger does happen, which will be a likely volte&nbsp;face on Murdoch's earlier vision,&nbsp;Fox News and TMZ assets will be interlinked with News Corp's coterie of publications which include&nbsp;the Wall Street Journal, New York Post based in the US and the Times and the Sun in the UK, alongside the Australian.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-media-mogul-rupert-murdoch-wife-jerry-hall-to-end-their-six-years-of-marriage-490832">Read more:&nbsp;Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, wife Jerry Hall to end their six years of marriage</a>

Notably, the split transpired in 2013 and Murdoch, at the time attributed the decision to simplifying operations which had become 'increasingly complex' due to the vast size of his media holdings.&nbsp;

However, since then,&nbsp;much&nbsp;water has flown under the bridge. The advertising sales revenue has fallen&nbsp;to record lows for media companies in the last few years.

Thus, the merger might allow Murdoch's media empire to trim costs and compete much more ferociously with deep-pocket giants like Apple and Amazon.&nbsp;

Murdoch has controlling stakes in both companies and experts believe that the deal most likely will go through and be completed in the coming months.&nbsp;

As reported by WION, Murdoch owns more than 30 newspapers in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rupert-murdochs-son-condemns-fox-news-and-news-corp-for-coverage-of-climate-change-specifically-the-australian-bushfire-274360">Read more:&nbsp;Rupert Murdoch's son condemns Fox News and News Corp for coverage of climate change, Australian bushfire</a>

He took charge of his family business when he was 21 after his father's death. He then expanded his family business by buying Sunday Times, Western Australia and over the year he went ahead acquiring more suburban and provincial newspapers.

Murdoch is referred&nbsp;to as the inventor of modern tabloids. As the chief of both companies, he&nbsp;developed a pattern to attract viewers with increasing sports news and less focus on hard news, and scandal coverage with eye-catching headlines.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<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>

&nbsp;

Business magnate Rupert Murdoch is mulling a proposal that may reunite his media empire viz. News Corp and Fox Corp., a little less than 10 years after they were split.

Business magnate Rupert Murdoch is mulling a proposal that may reunite his media empire viz. News Corp and Fox Corp., a little less than 10 years after they were split. “At News Corp, we are constantly pursuing ways to enhance our performance and expand our businesses, and the upheaval in media presents both challenges and opportunities,” News Corp chief executive, Robert Thomson informed his employees in a memo. Reportedly, to evaluate a possible merger, the two companies have established executive committees. The proposal is still in its infancy and both companies are yet to ascertain the completion of the deal. "I would like to stress that the Special Committee has not made any determination at this time, and there can be no certainty that any transaction will result from its evaluation," added Thomson. If the merger does happen, which will be a likely volte face on Murdoch's earlier vision, Fox News and TMZ assets will be interlinked with News Corp's coterie of publications which include the Wall Street Journal, New York Post based in the US and the Times and the Sun in the UK, alongside the Australian. Read more: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, wife Jerry Hall to end their six years of marriage Notably, the split transpired in 2013 and Murdoch, at the time attributed the decision to simplifying operations which had become 'increasingly complex' due to the vast size of his media holdings. However, since then, much water has flown under the bridge. The advertising sales revenue has fallen to record lows for media companies in the last few years. Thus, the merger might allow Murdoch's media empire to trim costs and compete much more ferociously with deep-pocket giants like Apple and Amazon. Murdoch has controlling stakes in both companies and experts believe that the deal most likely will go through and be completed in the coming months. As reported by WION, Murdoch owns more than 30 newspapers in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom. Read more: Rupert Murdoch's son condemns Fox News and News Corp for coverage of climate change, Australian bushfire He took charge of his family business when he was 21 after his father's death. He then expanded his family business by buying Sunday Times, Western Australia and over the year he went ahead acquiring more suburban and provincial newspapers. Murdoch is referred to as the inventor of modern tabloids. As the chief of both companies, he developed a pattern to attract viewers with increasing sports news and less focus on hard news, and scandal coverage with eye-catching headlines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nearly a decade after the split, Rupert Murdoch mulling merging Fox and News Corp again

Days after refusing to share the findings of its probe into the explosions of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines with Russian authorities, Sweden has also rejected plans to set up a joint investigation team with allies, citing national security.

Days after refusing to share the findings of its probe into the explosions of Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines with Russian authorities, Sweden has also rejected plans to set up a joint investigation team with allies, citing national security. Reportedly, Eurojust, a judicial cooperation agency had approached the Nordic country to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) with Denmark and Germany to look into the explosions. WATCH | The mystery of Nord stream leaks: West & Moscow blame each other × However, Swedish prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, involved in the criminal investigation stated that the country was already cooperating with Denmark and Germany and thus it rejected the new proposal. Ljungqvist added that agreeing to the JIT may have led to the leak of confidential data. "This is because there is information in our investigation that is subject to confidentiality directly linked to national security," said Ljungqvist. As reported by WION, Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson earlier this week had refused to share the findings of the probe with Russia citing a similar 'confidentiality' reason. "In Sweden, our preliminary investigations are confidential, and that, of course, also applies in this case," she told reporters. Read more: Sweden refuses to share Nord Stream explosion investigation findings with Russia Last week, Russia had thrown its hat into the ring to be included in the investigations, particularly the one being conducted by Sweden. "There should really be an investigation. Naturally, with the participation of Russia," Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Vershinin was quoted as saying by state news agencies. Read more: Kremlin wants to be part of investigation into underwater explosions, Nord Stream leaks The two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines were followed by unexplained gas leaks. Suspicious incidents were reported in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have claimed that those were pre-meditated attacks to damage the pipeline. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions did not affect Moscow. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin stated during a live speech. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sweden refuses joint investigation team with Germany, Denmark to probe Nord Stream explosions

Two woke anti-oil activists on Friday created a ruckus at the National Gallery in London by throwing tomato soup at Vincent Van Gogh’s painting ‘Sunflowers'. The said perpetrators have been linked to a group named 'Just Stop Oil'.

Two woke anti-oil activists on Friday created a ruckus at the National Gallery in London by throwing tomato soup at Vincent Van Gogh’s painting ‘Sunflowers'. The said perpetrators have been linked to a group named 'Just Stop Oil'. They threw soup on the $84.2 million painting to protest fossil fuel extraction. The two activists have been identified as Phoebe Plummer, 21, from London and Anna Holland, 20, from Newcastle. After splashing the soup, the duo glued themselves to the wall, much to the abject surprise of the crowd gathered in room 43 of the gallery. “What is worth more, art or life?” Plummer could be heard shouting after the incident while Holland added, “Is it worth more than food? More than justice? Are you more concerned about the protection of a painting or the protection of our planet and people?" Informing about the incident, National Gallery in a statement said, "At just after 11 am this morning two people entered Room 43 of the National Gallery. The pair appeared to glue themselves to the wall adjacent to Van Gogh's Sunflowers (1888). They also threw a red substance - what appears to be tomato soup - over the painting." "The room was cleared of visitors and police were called. Officers are now on the scene. There is some minor damage to the frame but the painting is unharmed," it read further. The Metropolitan Police said the offenders have been arrested for criminal damage and aggravated trespass. The netizens weren't amused by the duo's vandalisation attempt. One netizen quote tweeted the video shared by Just Stop Oil and said, "Literally makes no sense. Targeting internationally important works of art won't increase support for your cause, or create change. It'll just turn people who have always supported the protests and the need for change against you, whilst giving bait to right wing hacks." Literally makes no sense. Targeting internationally important works of art won't increase support for your cause, or create change. It'll just turn people who have always supported the protests and the need for change against you, whilst giving bait to right wing hacks. — Great British Break Off (@gr8britbreakoff) October 14, 2022 × Meanwhile, another added, "The left-wing eco-terrorist organisation Just Stop Oil maintains its Twitter account. @Twitter, where are you now? The limit of your tolerance should be the use of violence." The left-wing eco-terrorist organisation Just Stop Oil maintains its Twitter account. @Twitter, where are you now? The limit of your tolerance should be the use of violence.#cancelJustStop_Oil https://t.co/KK0ZKS9tMt — JOSE GEFAELL (@ChGefaell) October 15, 2022 × "Here's some free advice for you folks, "any publicity is good publicity" hasn't been true for over 30 years now, doing stuns like these just makes people hate your cause, so, if you wanna do something important, don't go around destroying irreplaceable treasures of humanity," said another netizen, not amused by the activists' actions. Here's some free advice for you folks, "any publicity is good publicity" hasn't been true for over 30 years now, doing stuns like these just makes people hate your cause, so, if you wanna do something important, don't go around destroying irreplaceable treasures of humanity. https://t.co/Yy3KtzPSw5 — 🔞Magra 🔞 (@Magra215) October 15, 2022 × Notably, this is not the first incidence of 'Just Stop Oil' activists taking a rather dire approach to make their voices heard. As reported by WION, in July, two activists of the organisation used a similar modus operandi and glued themselves to Van Gogh's "Peach Trees in Blossom" painting at the London gallery while protesting against former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s climate policies. Read more: British climate activists glue hand to Van Gogh painting to protest UK govt’s climate policies According to Just Stop Oil, the 1899 painting of the bucolic landscape was targeted because the region it depicts in Provence may soon experience severe drought. "We don't want to be doing this," Louis McKechnie, one of the pair claiming to have attached himself to the Van Gogh work, told onlookers at the London gallery, according to footage shared by "Just Stop Oil", according to AFP. The group, infamous for its actions has been advocating for a fossil-fuel future in the UK. They have demanded that the UK government immediately stop licensing new fossil fuel exploration, development and production projects. However, their actions haven't gone down well with the public. Read more: Australia: Two climate activists glue themselves to Picasso's painting (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Woke' climate activists throw tomato soup at $84 million Van Gogh painting

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Abhinav Singh

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.