Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock.

Reportedly, the ministry has urged conservation of "every unit of water" to protect crops while requesting relevant authorities to issue alerts in a timely manner.

“Relevant authorities should issue alerts for high temperatures in a timely manner and take targeted measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the hot weather on autumn grain output,” the ministry said in a notice.&nbsp;

“More efforts should be made to ensure there is adequate irrigation water, open up new water sources, stagger rotation of irrigation and produce artificial rainfall when necessary,” it further added.

Chongqing, the worst hit region

According to reports, China is&nbsp;witnessing its worst heatwave since 1961 when record-keeping began. The extreme heatwave conditions have continued for 70 days now with the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, China's biggest city, facing the harshest conditions.

As reported by WION,&nbsp;the mountains and forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat, are now burning amber-red and threaten the lives of city folks.

More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households.

The blazed area can be seen from the tall skyscrapers of the city. Over 5,000 emergency responders have already been pressed into service to douse the fires.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-biggest-city-chongqing-surrounded-by-wildfires-faces-unrelenting-heatwave-509465">China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave</a>

The heatwave has been relentless across China

Not only Chongqing, but numerous provinces across mainland China have also been dealing with a&nbsp;devastating heatwave that has crippled the economy and forced the authorities to adopt desperate measures.

Last week, the Yangtze river had dried up in parts, forcing the regions that are dependent on the longest river to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-yangtze-river-shrinks-factories-shut-as-drought-hits-hydropower-507838" target="_blank">China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Chengdu, the provincial capital of China's Sichuan province, has decided to dim outdoor advertisements, subway lighting and building signs to save energy amid a record heatwave.&nbsp;

German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory in the province and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future".

Similarly, according to Chinese authorities, the iconic sights in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-the-bund-will-not-be-lit-for-two-nights-to-save-power-as-drought-hits-power-supply-509175">Shanghai&nbsp;</a>will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply.

(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>

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Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock.

Unprecedented heatwave in China threatens to destroy the autumn harvest in the country, according to authorities. Severe drought conditions have forced the agricultural ministry to take emergency measures to protect the crops and livestock. Reportedly, the ministry has urged conservation of "every unit of water" to protect crops while requesting relevant authorities to issue alerts in a timely manner. “Relevant authorities should issue alerts for high temperatures in a timely manner and take targeted measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the hot weather on autumn grain output,” the ministry said in a notice. “More efforts should be made to ensure there is adequate irrigation water, open up new water sources, stagger rotation of irrigation and produce artificial rainfall when necessary,” it further added. Chongqing, the worst hit region According to reports, China is witnessing its worst heatwave since 1961 when record-keeping began. The extreme heatwave conditions have continued for 70 days now with the southwestern municipality of Chongqing, China's biggest city, facing the harshest conditions. As reported by WION, the mountains and forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat, are now burning amber-red and threaten the lives of city folks. More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households. The blazed area can be seen from the tall skyscrapers of the city. Over 5,000 emergency responders have already been pressed into service to douse the fires. Read more: China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave The heatwave has been relentless across China Not only Chongqing, but numerous provinces across mainland China have also been dealing with a devastating heatwave that has crippled the economy and forced the authorities to adopt desperate measures. Last week, the Yangtze river had dried up in parts, forcing the regions that are dependent on the longest river to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets. Read More: China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower Meanwhile, Chengdu, the provincial capital of China's Sichuan province, has decided to dim outdoor advertisements, subway lighting and building signs to save energy amid a record heatwave. German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory in the province and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future". Similarly, according to Chinese authorities, the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Severe' heatwave conditions in China threaten to destroy autumn harvest

There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness.

Citing the World Health Organization’s removal from its list of mental illnesses in 1990, the new directive by Hanoi stated:

“The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed that homosexuality is entirely not an illness, therefore homosexuality cannot be ‘cured’ nor needs to be ‘cured’ and cannot be converted in any way.”&nbsp;

“Do not coerce members of these groups into medical treatment. If any, only provide psychiatric help, which must be conducted by experts with knowledge of gender identities.” it further added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-marriage-to-the-death-penalty-lgbtq-rights-across-the-globe-509186#a-crime-in-africa-509179">IN PICS |&nbsp;From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe</a>

The directive was sent across the country to provincial and municipal health departments. According to local reports, the ministry released the statement to remove stigma after it was revealed that there were&nbsp;a growing number of medical institutes claiming to cure 'homosexuality'.&nbsp;

Simultaneously, the ministry advised&nbsp;medical professionals that they should treat the people from the rainbow community without any discrimination and with the utmost respect.&nbsp;

It was in 2014 that Vietnam&nbsp;decriminalised same-sex relationships. However, a certain stigma still prevailed. Experts believe that this gesture of educating the masses that same-sex relationship is not an illness might go a long way in improving the landscape for queer groups.&nbsp;

The next milestone for the LGBTQ+ activists is getting the authorities to repeal the same-sex marriage ban.&nbsp;

As reported by WION, the announcement by Vietnam comes days after another south east asian country in Singapore repealed the archaic colonial-era law to lift ban on gay sex.&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/singapore-lifts-ban-on-gay-sex-repeals-section-377a-but-upholds-marriage-ban-508900">Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry confirmed that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness.

There is a wind of change blowing across Asia. After Singapore, Vietnam has taken a progressive step towards recognising the rights of the LBTQ+ community. Reportedly, in a paradigm shift, Vietnam's health ministry confirmed that being gay, bisexual or transgender is not an illness. Citing the World Health Organization’s removal from its list of mental illnesses in 1990, the new directive by Hanoi stated: “The American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) have confirmed that homosexuality is entirely not an illness, therefore homosexuality cannot be ‘cured’ nor needs to be ‘cured’ and cannot be converted in any way.” “Do not coerce members of these groups into medical treatment. If any, only provide psychiatric help, which must be conducted by experts with knowledge of gender identities.” it further added. IN PICS | From marriage to death penalty: LGBTQIA rights across the globe The directive was sent across the country to provincial and municipal health departments. According to local reports, the ministry released the statement to remove stigma after it was revealed that there were a growing number of medical institutes claiming to cure 'homosexuality'. Simultaneously, the ministry advised medical professionals that they should treat the people from the rainbow community without any discrimination and with the utmost respect. It was in 2014 that Vietnam decriminalised same-sex relationships. However, a certain stigma still prevailed. Experts believe that this gesture of educating the masses that same-sex relationship is not an illness might go a long way in improving the landscape for queer groups. The next milestone for the LGBTQ+ activists is getting the authorities to repeal the same-sex marriage ban. As reported by WION, the announcement by Vietnam comes days after another south east asian country in Singapore repealed the archaic colonial-era law to lift ban on gay sex. Read More: Singapore lifts ban on gay sex, repeals Section 377A, but upholds marriage ban (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vietnam takes a progressive step: Declares being LGBTQ+ is not an illness

Following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a topic of active discussion across the planet. Now, the Indian Supreme Court, hearing an abortion case has observed that all women, irrespective of their marital status should have the same rights to end an unwanted pregnancy.

Following the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion has become a topic of active discussion across the planet. Now, the Indian Supreme Court, hearing an abortion case has observed that all women, irrespective of their marital status should have the same rights to end an unwanted pregnancy. Reportedly, the Supreme Court was hearing the case of a 25-year-old woman who had conceived during a live-in relationship. However, since the relationship had ended and she wanted to abort the pregnancy, she was denied as the Indian laws do not have a provision for women in such cases. The court noted that it will seek to interpret the law to include 'unmarried woman' and 'single woman' under the provision that allows abortion till up to 24 weeks. As reported by WION, according to the abortion laws in India, a woman may choose to end their pregnancy up to 20 weeks if their doctor recommends it, under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (MPT), a law passed by the Parliament in 1971. Moreover, special categories of women such as survivors of sexual abuse, minors, rape victims, incest, and disabled women can seek termination up to 24 weeks. And therein lies the blindspot for unmarried women. Rule 3B(c) of the MTP Rules, 2003 states that women who have a change of marital status during pregnancy, either by way of widowhood or divorce may undergo abortion up to 24 weeks. Read more: Roe v. Wade overturned: Comparative analysis of Indian and American abortion laws Justices Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, AS Bopanna and JB Pardiwala picked up on this specific gap in the legislation and made the observation: “Going by the legislative intent, a widow has lost support of her life partner and in divorce too, there is loss of support from life partner. This logic will equally apply to a woman who has been abandoned,” “Take a case where a married woman is neither divorced nor widowed but deserted. She is cast away and has no source of livelihood. Should the law be understood to mean that because she is technically not divorced, she cannot have the right to abort her pregnancy?” the bench further added. Read more: Is abortion legal in India? What does the law say? The court further added that the new interpretation of the law should also account for the situation when a birth control device fails. In such conditions, abortion is allowed till 20 weeks. However, the court wants the legislation to remain uniform and allow 24 weeks for all women. “Why should we not say that such a right be extended up to 24 weeks as all women are equally circumstanced to suffer the same mental agony of an unwanted pregnancy due to failure of birth control device,” The progressive stance taken by the Indian Supreme Court comes in stark contrast with the position taken by the US court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Supreme Court bats for same abortion limits for married & unmarried women

Amid a worsening economy aided by an inept political ruling class, Sri Lanka has announced a ban on the import of over 300 'non-essential' items to reduce losses and cut the financial burden of the country.

Amid a worsening economy aided by an inept political ruling class, Sri Lanka has announced a ban on the import of over 300 'non-essential' items to reduce losses and cut the financial burden of the country. Reportedly, acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe signed the rather desperate measure under the Import and Export Control Act of the country. “Under imports and exports control regulations dated August 22 an import ban on a wide range of consumer items from food to machinery has come into immediate effect,” read the notification Read more: Australia commits another $25 million in emergency aid to Sri Lanka, takes total to $75 million Items such as chocolate, condensed milk, coconuts, perfumes, deodorants, shampoos, trunks, suitcases, and make-up products amongst myriad other things have been banned. Meanwhile, the import of electrical goods, ships and aircraft has been put on halt as well. WATCH | Food crisis looms in Sri Lanka; rice crop stunted × Not only the imports, but the government has also banned exports of building stone, cutlery cases, toilets, marble, tubes, pipes, hoses and fitting. To ease the import and export ban, the authorities have allowed a leeway. Reportedly, items shipped on or before August 23 and arriving on or before September 14 through seaports or airports will be allowed for customs clearance. While imports are being banned, the price of basic commodities in the country is touching new heights. Reportedly, on Sunday, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), a state-owned fuel distributor increased the price of kerosene to 253 Sri Lankan rupees (SLR), or 0.7 US dollars. Read more: Sri Lanka's CPC hikes kerosene prices to 253 SLR to recover losses As reported extensively by WION, the island nation, housing 22 million people is going through its worst economic crisis since it gained independence in 1948. After the President, Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials deserted office, the entire country plunged into a state of crisis. Months of food, fuel, and medication shortages led to the island nation missing payments on its $51 billion foreign debt in April Since then, the country has been requesting assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Reportedly, negotiations are ongoing with the IMF to secure an Extended Fund Facility (EFF). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka bans import of chocolate, shampoo & 300 other items to cut losses

It is the day and era of online activism. Seeing TikTok is one of the biggest social media platforms going on, a group of TikTok influencers boasting of more than 51 million followers collectively has launched a protest against e-commerce behemoth Amazon.

It is the day and era of online activism. Seeing TikTok is one of the biggest social media platforms going on, a group of TikTok influencers boasting of more than 51 million followers collectively has launched a protest against e-commerce behemoth Amazon. Reportedly, Gen-Z for Change, an advocacy group brought over 70 TikTok influencers under its umbrella and got them to pledge that they will not work with Amazon until the company provides concessions to workers and drops its anti-trade union stance. The pledge has been titled "People Over Prime Pledge", referring to Amazon's Prime feature where deliveries are rapid, often putting the lives of delivery executives in danger. Read more: To compete with Amazon, Walmart strikes streaming deal with Paramount+ The group wants Amazon to increase the minimum hourly wage to $30 and also improve upon the medical facilities provided. "We are calling on Amazon to listen to their workers and make tangible changes to their workplace environment. Unless changes are made, we will prevent Amazon from monetizing one of the largest social media platforms in the world." said the group in a statement. The boycott by the influencers aims to hit the Amazon influencer program launched five years ago where creators on myriad social media platforms are offered ways to make money if they recommend products in posts and steer potential buyers toward the platform. Amazon, akin to other big American multinational companies is strictly averse to the idea of having unionised workers. Read more: US court orders Starbucks to rehire employees it fired for 'unionising' The company, meanwhile, claims that it has enough measures in place which doesn't require the unionisation of workers. "The health, safety and welfare of our employees is our top priority. We are committed to giving our employees the resources they need to be successful, creating time for regular breaks and a comfortable pace of work," the company was quoted as saying by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Online activism at its finest: TikTok influencers boycott Amazon

The migrant crossover across the English Channel is swelling up, breaking new records in the process. Reportedly, on Monday, a record number of 1,300 migrants crossed the Channel&nbsp;in 27 small boats, beating the previous record of 1,185&nbsp;set in November last year.&nbsp;

The total for the year, up until August has reached well over 22,557 migrants. Comparatively, only 28,526 migrants crossed the Channel last year, while the number stood below 9,000 in 2020.&nbsp;

Experts related to the matter believe that with four months remaining in the year and migrants coming at a pace never seen before, the total could rise to 60,000.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-gives-visas-to-only-50-ukrainian-refugees-france-calls-it-lack-of-humanity-459814">&nbsp;UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity'</a>

The numbers started swelling up after the UK government announced its 'Rwanda Policy' where those arriving in the UK through 'illegal' means would be sent to the African country to seek asylum.

According to a report, within 100 days of the announcement of the controversial plan, more than 10,000 migrants had entered the UK.&nbsp;

The UK government had brought the Rwanda Policy to act as a deterrent. However, before the government could send the first deportation flight, it was grounded due to legal challenges. The incident happened in June and since then, not a single deportation has taken place as the case lingers on in the UK courts.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-ukrainian-boy-travelled-1000-km-alone-to-slovakia-to-get-to-safety-459734"> A Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety</a>

Migrant activists are of the view that Rwanda's abysmal human rights record does not augur for a bright future for the refugees. Some UK officials in the government have also been against the policy&nbsp;tabled by Home Secretary Priti Patel in April&nbsp;this year.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants are men aged between 18 and 39, coming from some of the poorest or chaotic places in the world. The absence of a cohesive strategy regarding migrants and their rehabilitation is affecting the UK.

(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>

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The migrant crossover across the English Channel is swelling up, breaking new records in the process. Reportedly, on Monday, a record number of 1,300 migrants crossed the Channel in 27 small boats, beating the previous record of 1,185 set in November last year.

The migrant crossover across the English Channel is swelling up, breaking new records in the process. Reportedly, on Monday, a record number of 1,300 migrants crossed the Channel in 27 small boats, beating the previous record of 1,185 set in November last year. The total for the year, up until August has reached well over 22,557 migrants. Comparatively, only 28,526 migrants crossed the Channel last year, while the number stood below 9,000 in 2020. Experts related to the matter believe that with four months remaining in the year and migrants coming at a pace never seen before, the total could rise to 60,000. Read more: UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity' The numbers started swelling up after the UK government announced its 'Rwanda Policy' where those arriving in the UK through 'illegal' means would be sent to the African country to seek asylum. According to a report, within 100 days of the announcement of the controversial plan, more than 10,000 migrants had entered the UK. The UK government had brought the Rwanda Policy to act as a deterrent. However, before the government could send the first deportation flight, it was grounded due to legal challenges. The incident happened in June and since then, not a single deportation has taken place as the case lingers on in the UK courts. Read more: A Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety Migrant activists are of the view that Rwanda's abysmal human rights record does not augur for a bright future for the refugees. Some UK officials in the government have also been against the policy tabled by Home Secretary Priti Patel in April this year. Most of the migrants are men aged between 18 and 39, coming from some of the poorest or chaotic places in the world. The absence of a cohesive strategy regarding migrants and their rehabilitation is affecting the UK. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 1,300 migrants cross into the UK in a single day, setting an influx record

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-terminates-three-officers-for-accidentally-firing-brahmos-missile-into-pakistan-509508">Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan</a>

In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).&nbsp;The accident transpired on March 9, 2022, when the projectile was launched accidentally during a routine maintenance check.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289920-as.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359">Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis</a>

In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. Euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one&nbsp;per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/21/280861-nord.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-more-states-in-india-now-affected-by-the-tomato-flu-outbreak-509470">Two more states in India now affected by the tomato flu outbreakhttps://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359</a>

A new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever is spreading throughout India. The virus&nbsp;, discovered in children in the souther Indian state of Kerala in May has now spread to two other states.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289892-untitled-design-7.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-to-manufacture-iphone-14-in-india-plans-to-bring-it-on-par-with-china-509436">Apple to manufacture iPhone 14 in India; plans to bring it on par with China</a>

Apple is planning to begin the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 in India. The company has already started working with its local suppliers in India to speed up the production pace to cut down the manufacturing time of the new smartphone.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/22/289616-apple-2.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-security-problems-a-major-threat-users-personal-data-and-national-security-alleges-whistleblower-509466">Twitter security problems a major threat to users' personal data and national security, alleges whistleblower</a>

A whistleblower disclosure has revealed that Twitter has security problems which are apparently threatening its users' personal information. Apart from that, it poses risk to company shareholders, national security and also to democracy.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289886-twitter.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-banking-giants-fined-a-collective-1-billion-for-using-unapproved-apps-to-communicate-509369">US banking giants fined $1 billion for using unapproved apps including WhatsApp</a>

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)&nbsp;has imposed a collective fine of over $1 billion on JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co and Bank of America.&nbsp;Reportedly, the regulatory body, during its probe&nbsp;found that the employees were using unauthorised messaging tools such as WhatsApp and email to exchange vital information.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289806-copy-of-untitled.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-biggest-city-chongqing-surrounded-by-wildfires-faces-unrelenting-heatwave-509465">China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave</a>

Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red.&nbsp;More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289889-screenshot-2022-08-23-173833.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-media-tycoon-jimmy-lai-to-be-tried-without-jury-509475">Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be tried without jury</a>

Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon who owned now shut pro-democracy publication Apple Daily will face a no-jury court. This is the latest deviation from city's 177-year-old tradition of jury-trial. Lai is under arrest China's controversial national security law.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/11/173500-hong-kong-jimmy-lai.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mouths-will-be-shut-if-virat-kohli-gets-a-fifty-in-1st-game-against-pakistan-at-asia-cup-ravi-shastri-509425">Mouths will be shut if Virat Kohli gets a fifty in 1st game against Pakistan at Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri</a>

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has come down heavily on Virat Kohli's critics. Shastri&nbsp;believes the chatter around Kohli's form will end if the senior batter manages to score a half-century in his team's opener against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/23/289862-shastri-kohli-1.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-kim-kardashian-sylvester-stallone-accused-of-violating-rules-amid-drought-in-los-angeles-509420">Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone accused of violating rules amid drought in Los Angeles</a>

Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Hart feature in a list of Los Angeles residents accused of using excessive amounts of water amid the ongoing drought.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/05/205194-happy-30th-birthday-2021-08-05t123846370.jpg" />

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan In a statement released by the Indian Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The accident transpired on March 9, 2022, when the projectile was launched accidentally during a routine maintenance check. Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. Euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon. Two more states in India now affected by the tomato flu outbreakhttps://www.wionews.com/world/gazproms-halt-of-nord-stream-1-pipeline-plunges-europe-into-a-gas-crisis-509359 A new virus known as tomato flu or tomato fever is spreading throughout India. The virus , discovered in children in the souther Indian state of Kerala in May has now spread to two other states. Apple to manufacture iPhone 14 in India; plans to bring it on par with China Apple is planning to begin the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 in India. The company has already started working with its local suppliers in India to speed up the production pace to cut down the manufacturing time of the new smartphone. Twitter security problems a major threat to users' personal data and national security, alleges whistleblower A whistleblower disclosure has revealed that Twitter has security problems which are apparently threatening its users' personal information. Apart from that, it poses risk to company shareholders, national security and also to democracy. US banking giants fined $1 billion for using unapproved apps including WhatsApp The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has imposed a collective fine of over $1 billion on JP Morgan Chase & Co and Bank of America. Reportedly, the regulatory body, during its probe found that the employees were using unauthorised messaging tools such as WhatsApp and email to exchange vital information. China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red. More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households. Hong Kong's pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai to be tried without jury Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media tycoon who owned now shut pro-democracy publication Apple Daily will face a no-jury court. This is the latest deviation from city's 177-year-old tradition of jury-trial. Lai is under arrest China's controversial national security law. Mouths will be shut if Virat Kohli gets a fifty in 1st game against Pakistan at Asia Cup: Ravi Shastri Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has come down heavily on Virat Kohli's critics. Shastri believes the chatter around Kohli's form will end if the senior batter manages to score a half-century in his team's opener against Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2022. Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone accused of violating rules amid drought in Los Angeles Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone and Kevin Hart feature in a list of Los Angeles residents accused of using excessive amounts of water amid the ongoing drought. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top 10 world news: IAF terminates 3 officers, Europe plummets into a gas crisis & more

Earlier this year in March, neighbours India and Pakistan came close to locking horns after the former accidentally fired a BrahMos cruise missile. The said missile landed in Pakistan and caused instant drama in the nuclear-weapons armed neighbourhood.

Earlier this year in March, neighbours India and Pakistan came close to locking horns after the former accidentally fired a BrahMos cruise missile. The said missile landed in Pakistan and caused instant drama in the nuclear-weapons armed neighbourhood. Five months later, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has terminated the services of three Air Force officers connected to the case. In a statement released by the Air Force, the three officers were sacked after a court of inquiry found them guilty of deviating from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). "A BrahMos missile was accidentally fired on 09 March 2022. A Court of Inquiry (Col), set up to establish the facts of the case, including fixing responsibility for the incident, found that deviation from the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) by three officers led to the accidental firing of the missile," read the Air Force statement. The officers are terminated effective immediately: IAF The three officers to be relieved from their duties include a Group Captain, a Wing Commander and a Squadron Leader. In the statement, IAF said that termination letters had already been issued to the trio. "These three officers have primarily been held responsible for the incident. Their services have been terminated by the Central Govt with immediate effect. Termination orders have been served upon the officers on 23 Aug 22." added the statement. In Pics | Why BrahMos cruise missile on IAF planes is a gamechanger in Indo-Pacific The accident The accident transpired on March 9, 2022, when the projectile was launched accidentally during a routine maintenance check. At the time, New Delhi was forced to release a statement calling the incident "deeply regrettable" while expressing relief that no one was killed. "On 9 March 2022, in the course of routine maintenance, a technical malfunction led to the accidental firing of a missile. The Government of India has taken a serious view and ordered a high-level Court of Enquiry." stated the Indian government. According to Pakistan, the accidental missile flew more than 100 kilometres inside its airspace, at speed of Mach 3 and an altitude of 40,000 feet before landing near Mian Chunnu town. As the missile had no warhead, it did not detonate and major damage was averted. "The flight path of this object endangered many national and international passenger flights both in Indian and Pakistani airspace, as well as human life and property on the ground," a Pakistani official was quoted as saying at the time. It is pertinent to note that BrahMos is a two-stage missile which can travel close to Mach 3 speed in the cruise phase. The missile maintains supersonic speed all through the flight, leading to shorter flight time, and ensuring lower dispersion of targets. Succinctly put, it is a lethal missile, capable of inflicting some serious damage on the opponent. It is a miracle that no damage was done as it could have instigated a serious altercation between the countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian Air Force terminates three officers for accidentally firing BrahMos missile into Pakistan

Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red.

Record-breaking heatwave in China has resulted in wildfires near the country's biggest city Chongqing, housing more than 32 million people. Reportedly, the mountains and the forest surrounding the city, parched due to the extreme heat are now burning amber-red. More than four districts in the southwestern city have reported fires since last week, with 1,500 residents evacuated out of more than 540 households. The blazed area can be seen from the tall skyscrapers of the city. Thousands of emergency responders, along with the fire-fighting helicopters have been pressed into service to contain the wildfire but so far, the efforts have not yielded significant results. "The fires in Chongqing were the result of "spontaneous combustion" mainly caused by extremely high temperatures" a Chinese expert was quoted as saying by a state-run media outlet. According to reports, Chongqing is witnessing its worst heatwave since 1961 when record-keeping began. For several weeks, the temperatures have hovered above 40 C, with several districts seeing temperatures as high as 45 C. Such has been the scorching heat that as many as 66 rivers and 25 reservoirs running across the municipality have run dry. The authorities have already declared a red alert, the highest level of heat warning in the city. The heatwave has been relentless across China As reported by WION, it is not only Chongqing that is facing such a heatwave in the country. Numerous provinces across mainland China have been dealing with a devastating heatwave that has crippled the economy and forced the authorities to clock in desperate measures. Last week, the Yangtze river had dried up in parts, forcing the regions that are dependent on the longest river to deploy pumps and cloud-seeding rockets. Read More: China: Yangtze river shrinks; factories shut as drought hits hydropower Meanwhile, Chengdu, the provincial capital of China's Sichuan province, has decided to dim outdoor advertisements, subway lighting and building signs to save energy amid a record heatwave. German carmaker Volkswagen has shut its factory in the province and announced "a slight delay" in deliveries that it could recover "in the near future". Similarly, according to Chinese authorities, the iconic sights in Shanghai will not be lit for two nights to save power as drought hits the power supply. Read more: Chinese city dims lights to save power amid heatwave (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China's biggest city Chongqing surrounded by wildfires; faces unrelenting heatwave

September is usually the month of the launch of a new iPhone. Apple is set to bring its new flagship iPhone 14 and an array of other products into the market. However, the biggest news might not be the launch of the phone, but where it might be produced.&nbsp;

According to reports, Apple is planning to begin the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 in India. The company has already started working with its local suppliers in India to speed up the production pace to cut down the manufacturing time of the new smartphone.&nbsp;

Reportedly, iPhone 13 started manufacturing in India, six-seven months after it was launched last year in September. Apple is attempting to reduce the gap and bring it on par with China.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/apples-next-big-money-making-idea-more-ads-in-iphones-507586">Apple's next big money-making idea: More ads in iPhones</a>

Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, which is the primary manufacturer of the iPhone, has studied a route where components can be shipped from China and assembled at the company's plant, outside the southern Indian city of Chennai.&nbsp;

Accordingly, iPhone 14s is expected to be shipped from the Indian factory by&nbsp;the end of October or early November. However, Apple and Foxconn remain committed to their long-term goal of starting the manufacturing process simultaneously in India and China.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-workers-oppose-return-to-office-orders-launch-petition-against-it-509167">Apple workers oppose return-to-office orders, launch petition against it</a>

Why is Apple searching for new pastures?

The slowdown in the economy in China coupled with the breakdown in the supply chain and frequent electricity breakdowns, exacerbated by the heatwave has made the manufacturing climate difficult.&nbsp;

However, it is China's 'Zero-Covid tolerance' policy that has hurt businesses the most. As <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-looks-to-boost-production-outside-china-india-vietnam-emerging-viable-alternatives-report-481111">reported </a>by WION, the complete lockdowns in Shanghai and Kunshan might have been the final straw that made Apple&nbsp;rethink its plans for manufacturing&nbsp;in mainland China.&nbsp;

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call of 'Make in India', the country has become a shining spot for manufacturers. Apple is already manufacturing&nbsp;iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone 11 locally. The manufacturing of iPhone 14, near about the same time as China is expected to be the next big milestone in the country's burgeoning manufacturing prowess.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-watch-dubbed-a-high-severity-security-risk-by-the-indian-government-500745">Apple Watch dubbed a 'high severity' security risk by the Indian government</a>

(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>

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September is usually the month of the launch of a new iPhone. Apple is set to bring its new flagship iPhone 14 and an array of other products into the market. However, the biggest news might not be the launch of the phone, but where it might be produced.

September is usually the month of the launch of a new iPhone. Apple is set to bring its new flagship iPhone 14 and an array of other products into the market. However, the biggest news might not be the launch of the phone, but where it might be produced. According to reports, Apple is planning to begin the manufacturing of the iPhone 14 in India. The company has already started working with its local suppliers in India to speed up the production pace to cut down the manufacturing time of the new smartphone. Reportedly, iPhone 13 started manufacturing in India, six-seven months after it was launched last year in September. Apple is attempting to reduce the gap and bring it on par with China. Read more: Apple's next big money-making idea: More ads in iPhones Taiwanese tech giant Foxconn, which is the primary manufacturer of the iPhone, has studied a route where components can be shipped from China and assembled at the company's plant, outside the southern Indian city of Chennai. Accordingly, iPhone 14s is expected to be shipped from the Indian factory by the end of October or early November. However, Apple and Foxconn remain committed to their long-term goal of starting the manufacturing process simultaneously in India and China. Read more: Apple workers oppose return-to-office orders, launch petition against it Why is Apple searching for new pastures? The slowdown in the economy in China coupled with the breakdown in the supply chain and frequent electricity breakdowns, exacerbated by the heatwave has made the manufacturing climate difficult. However, it is China's 'Zero-Covid tolerance' policy that has hurt businesses the most. As reported by WION, the complete lockdowns in Shanghai and Kunshan might have been the final straw that made Apple rethink its plans for manufacturing in mainland China. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clarion call of 'Make in India', the country has become a shining spot for manufacturers. Apple is already manufacturing iPhone 13, iPhone 12, and iPhone 11 locally. The manufacturing of iPhone 14, near about the same time as China is expected to be the next big milestone in the country's burgeoning manufacturing prowess. Read more: Apple Watch dubbed a 'high severity' security risk by the Indian government (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Apple to manufacture iPhone 14 in India; plans to bring it on par with China

The entire continent of Europe is up in arms once again. Russia and its state-owned energy giant Gazprom has announced that the all-important Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline will remain shut down for three days for 'routine maintenance', starting August 31.

The entire continent of Europe is up in arms once again. Russia and its state-owned energy giant Gazprom has announced that the all-important Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline will remain shut down for three days for 'routine maintenance', starting August 31. "On August 31, 2022, the only gas compressor unit that is currently in operation, Trent 60 will be shut down for a three-day servicing and preventive maintenance period," said Gazprom in an official statement. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed as countries looked to build reserves, fearing the temporary halt may very well extend beyond three days. WATCH | Gazprom to shut Nord stream 1 for 3 days, pipeline to close for maintenance work × On Monday, the euro, the major currency of Europe sunk to its lowest level since 2002. According to reports, the currency slid as much as one per cent to as low as $0.9934 in the afternoon. Moreover, the Dutch TTF hub, a European benchmark for natural gas trading saw a hike of 19 per cent to reach $292.9 per megawatt hour. Investment bank Citi has warned that the energy bills, exacerbated by the frequent shutdowns and low supply will drive UK inflation to over 18 per cent early next year. An average UK household is expected to shell out as much as $5,000, come the winters. Meanwhile, UK natural gas prices have risen nearly 96 per cent in the year to July, while electricity prices are up 54 per cent. Read more: UK gas major Centrica's profits soar amid sky-high energy prices The pipeline which runs from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea is the lifeline of the European countries. Despite being against Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, the European countries have remained toothless against Moscow which has used its position of dominance to circumvent the sanctions. Furthermore, as reported extensively by WION, this is not the first time that Russia has attempted to leverage its position to bring the European countries on their knees. In July too, Russia closed Nord Stream 1 citing maintenance and that the 12-metre turbine used to operate the pipeline was stuck in Canada for repairs. Read More: The turbine conundrum: Russia and Germany play blame game on the delivery of Nord Stream 1 turbine At one time, Gazprom which was to supposedly receive the turbine, even threatened to close the supply for good. However, after 10 days, the supply resumed but it never managed to hit the pre-maintenance levels. Gazprom has stated that the pipeline will resume in line with current volumes of 33 million cubic meters a day, which is only about 20 per cent of the total capacity of the pipeline. The war has been going on for months and yet the European continent has only been able to reduce their combined gas dependency on Russia by a tiny five per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gazprom's halt of Nord Stream 1 pipeline plunges Europe into a gas crisis

Dogs are an instant source of serotonin and oxytocin for many. The way they jump across the room and rush to their owners, wagging their cute little tails is something that seals an eternal bond between humans and their most faithful pet. Now, a study has revealed that during this reuniting moment, dogs tend to get more teary-eyed than usual.

Reportedly, the study published by Japanese scientists in the journal Current Biology states that dogs tear up with joy and happiness whenever they are reunited with their owners after a prolonged period of absence.&nbsp;

"We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions. We also made the discovery of oxytocin as a possible mechanism underlying it," said one of the authors related to the study.&nbsp;

The team of scientists used a test called the Schirmer Tear Test to gauge its hypothesis on 20 dogs. In the test, a paper strip is placed inside the eyelid of the furry pets for&nbsp;a minute before and after they were reunited with their owners.&nbsp;

To make the results more comprehensive and true, the scientists used a normal meeting of the dog and its owner as the baseline. Afterwards, both readings were compared, allowing the scientists to make an informed inference.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-genius-dogs-could-remember-names-of-100-of-their-toys-418574">These 'genius dogs' could remember names of 100 of their toys</a>

The study clearly showed that the dogs produced more tears within the first five minutes of the reunification. Reportedly, the baseline readings were&nbsp;around the 22mm mark,&nbsp;which increased by 10 per cent after the meeting.&nbsp;

According to the researchers, they even compared the data when the dogs were reunited with someone they were familiar with. However, the tears only increased when reunited with the owner.&nbsp;

Takefumi Kikusui, co-author of the study and a professor at the Laboratory of Human-Animal Interaction first got the idea of conducting such research when he saw his poodle swell up with tears while tending to her.

"That gave me the idea that oxytocin could increase the tears,” remarked Kikusui.&nbsp;

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dogs-may-be-seeing-through-smells-says-a-study-500591">&nbsp;Dogs may be 'seeing' through smells, says a study</a>

(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>

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Dogs are an instant source of serotonin and oxytocin for many. The way they jump across the room and rush to their owners, wagging their cute little tails is something that seals an eternal bond between humans and their most faithful pet.

Dogs are an instant source of serotonin and oxytocin for many. The way they jump across the room and rush to their owners, wagging their cute little tails is something that seals an eternal bond between humans and their most faithful pet. Now, a study has revealed that during this reuniting moment, dogs tend to get more teary-eyed than usual. Reportedly, the study published by Japanese scientists in the journal Current Biology states that dogs tear up with joy and happiness whenever they are reunited with their owners after a prolonged period of absence. "We found that dogs shed tears associated with positive emotions. We also made the discovery of oxytocin as a possible mechanism underlying it," said one of the authors related to the study. The team of scientists used a test called the Schirmer Tear Test to gauge its hypothesis on 20 dogs. In the test, a paper strip is placed inside the eyelid of the furry pets for a minute before and after they were reunited with their owners. To make the results more comprehensive and true, the scientists used a normal meeting of the dog and its owner as the baseline. Afterwards, both readings were compared, allowing the scientists to make an informed inference. Read more: These 'genius dogs' could remember names of 100 of their toys The study clearly showed that the dogs produced more tears within the first five minutes of the reunification. Reportedly, the baseline readings were around the 22mm mark, which increased by 10 per cent after the meeting. According to the researchers, they even compared the data when the dogs were reunited with someone they were familiar with. However, the tears only increased when reunited with the owner. Takefumi Kikusui, co-author of the study and a professor at the Laboratory of Human-Animal Interaction first got the idea of conducting such research when he saw his poodle swell up with tears while tending to her. "That gave me the idea that oxytocin could increase the tears,” remarked Kikusui. Read more: Dogs may be 'seeing' through smells, says a study (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Dogs get more teary-eyed after being reunited with their owners: Study

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