Darshan Babu, an engineer, was&nbsp;a&nbsp;cricket bettor&nbsp;and had&nbsp;been putting significant money on Indian Premier League (IPL) games since 2021. He even frequently borrowed money to place a bet when he was short on funds. Tired of the&nbsp;constant harassment by her husband's creditors, Darshan’s 23 years old wife died by suicide.

Ranjitha was found hanging at her home in Karnataka's Chitradurga on March 18. According to the family, Darshan had racked up a debt of over Rs 10 million.

Employed as an assistant engineer in the Minor Irrigation Department at Hosadurga, Darshan became entangled in IPL betting from 2021 to 2023, causing significant financial strain for the couple.

According to reports, Darshan borrowed over Rs 10.5 million to continue placing bets after incurring substantial losses. Although he managed to repay Rs 10 million, authorities state that he still owes a remaining loan of ₹84 lakh.

Ranjitha and Darshan were married since 2020, according to her father Venkatesh, she became aware of Darshan's involvement in betting in 2021.

In his complaint, Venkatesh said that his daughter was extremely distressed due to the constant harassment by moneylenders and this led to her suicide. He has also named 13 men who had allegedly lent the money.

Venkatesh mentioned that his son-in-law was enticed into betting with the promise of fast cash.

"Darshan was not willing to get into betting, but the suspects forced him saying it was an easy way to get rich. They promised to finance his betting activities against some blank cheques as security," he said.

Police during their investigation found a suicide note, where Ranjitha detailed the harassment they faced from the moneylenders. Darshan and Ranjitha have a two-year-old son.

(With inputs from agencies)

Darshan Babu, an engineer, was a cricket bettor and had been putting significant money on Indian Premier League (IPL) games since 2021. He even frequently borrowed money to place a bet when he was short on funds.

Darshan Babu, an engineer, was a cricket bettor and had been putting significant money on Indian Premier League (IPL) games since 2021. He even frequently borrowed money to place a bet when he was short on funds. Tired of the constant harassment by her husband's creditors, Darshan’s 23 years old wife died by suicide. Ranjitha was found hanging at her home in Karnataka's Chitradurga on March 18. According to the family, Darshan had racked up a debt of over Rs 10 million. Employed as an assistant engineer in the Minor Irrigation Department at Hosadurga, Darshan became entangled in IPL betting from 2021 to 2023, causing significant financial strain for the couple. According to reports, Darshan borrowed over Rs 10.5 million to continue placing bets after incurring substantial losses. Although he managed to repay Rs 10 million, authorities state that he still owes a remaining loan of ₹84 lakh. Ranjitha and Darshan were married since 2020, according to her father Venkatesh, she became aware of Darshan's involvement in betting in 2021. In his complaint, Venkatesh said that his daughter was extremely distressed due to the constant harassment by moneylenders and this led to her suicide. He has also named 13 men who had allegedly lent the money. Venkatesh mentioned that his son-in-law was enticed into betting with the promise of fast cash. "Darshan was not willing to get into betting, but the suspects forced him saying it was an easy way to get rich. They promised to finance his betting activities against some blank cheques as security," he said. Police during their investigation found a suicide note, where Ranjitha detailed the harassment they faced from the moneylenders. Darshan and Ranjitha have a two-year-old son. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Karnataka man’s INR 10 million loss in IPL betting ends in wife’s tragic suicide

All six of the Congress MLAs who were disqualified by their party have been fielded for the Himachal Pradesh assembly bypolls by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) they recently joined.

On Saturday (March 23), in New Delhi, the disqualified Congress MPs joined the BJP along with three Independents who resigned from their seats.

The disqualified MLAs – Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar Bhutto – joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, its national general secretary Arun Singh and state unit president Rajeev Bindal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-us-encourages-fair-transparent-process-for-kejriwal-704268">Lok Sabha polls LIVE: BJP mounts pressure to demand Kejriwal's resignation</a>

The BJP has fielded Sudhir Sharma from Dharamshala, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul and Spiti, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret and Devinder Kumar Bhutto from Kutlehar.

The bypolls for these six seats will be held on June 1, on the same day four Lok Sabha constituencies of the hill states are going to vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

The six MLAs were disqualified on February 29 for defying the Congress party's whip on being&nbsp;present in the House and voting in favour of the state government on&nbsp;a cut motion and budget.&nbsp;

It may be noted here, last month, the Congress government faced a political crisis after the BJP won the Rajya Sabha election for the state’s lone seat due to the support of the nine MLAs.

Following the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, the ruling party's representation in the 62-member assembly diminished from 39 to 33, compared to its initial count of 68. The BJP holds 25 seats. Affiliated with the Congress, the Speaker retains voting authority solely in the event of a tied floor test.

(With inputs from agencies)

All six of the Congress MLAs who were disqualified by their party have been fielded for the Himachal Pradesh assembly bypolls by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) they recently joined.

All six of the Congress MLAs who were disqualified by their party have been fielded for the Himachal Pradesh assembly bypolls by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) they recently joined. On Saturday (March 23), in New Delhi, the disqualified Congress MPs joined the BJP along with three Independents who resigned from their seats. The disqualified MLAs – Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Devinder Kumar Bhutto – joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur, former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, its national general secretary Arun Singh and state unit president Rajeev Bindal. Also read: Lok Sabha polls LIVE: BJP mounts pressure to demand Kejriwal's resignation The BJP has fielded Sudhir Sharma from Dharamshala, Ravi Thakur from Lahaul and Spiti, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal from Barsar, Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret and Devinder Kumar Bhutto from Kutlehar. The bypolls for these six seats will be held on June 1, on the same day four Lok Sabha constituencies of the hill states are going to vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The six MLAs were disqualified on February 29 for defying the Congress party's whip on being present in the House and voting in favour of the state government on a cut motion and budget. It may be noted here, last month, the Congress government faced a political crisis after the BJP won the Rajya Sabha election for the state’s lone seat due to the support of the nine MLAs. Following the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, the ruling party's representation in the 62-member assembly diminished from 39 to 33, compared to its initial count of 68. The BJP holds 25 seats. Affiliated with the Congress, the Speaker retains voting authority solely in the event of a tied floor test. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP nominates all six former Congress MLAs for Himachal Pradesh assembly by-polls

Russia has added what it calls the international LGBT movement to the&nbsp;list of extremist and terrorist organisations, the state media stated on Friday (March 22).

The move was in line with a ruling by Russia's Supreme Court last November that said LGBT activists should be designated as extremists. Advocates for the LGBT community had expressed concern that this decision might result in arrests and legal action against them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-charges-two-bar-workers-under-anti-lgbtq-law-in-first-such-case-702612" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-charges-two-bar-workers-under-anti-lgbtq-law-in-first-such-case-702612&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiOjpGi9oeFAxUBSGwGHb0QBYgQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw38TBwZHz6wzsvA5_37u6nH&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-charges-two-bar-workers-under-anti-lgbtq-law-in-first-such-case-702612" target="_blank">Russia&nbsp;charges two bar workers under anti-LGBTQ+ law</a>

The list is maintained by an agency called Rosfinmonitoring that has powers to freeze the bank accounts of the more than 14,000 people and entities designated as extremists and terrorists. They range from Al Qaeda to U.S. tech giant Meta and associates of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The new listing refers to the international LGBT social movement and its structural units, state news agency RIA said.

As part of a shift under President Vladimir Putin towards what he portrays as family values that contrast with decadent Western attitudes, Russia has tightened restrictions over the past decade on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Among other steps, it has passed laws outlawing the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations and banned legal or medical changes of gender.

Earlier on Thursday,&nbsp;Russia gave orders to place two bar workers in police custody after they were accused of playing important roles in an “extremist organisation” under the country's legislation which criminalises the LGBTQ+ community.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-invited-by-putin-zelensky-for-post-election-visits-702330">PM Modi invited by Putin, Zelensky for post-election visits</a>

This is the first time such a criminal case has been filed in Russia since the “international LGBT movement” was banned in November.&nbsp;

As per the court, the two bar workers will stay in police custody till May 18 and can face an imprisonment of upto 10 years, if convicted, as per the court.&nbsp;

Earlier, the two suspects were accused by the tribunal of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar”.

In March, the bar was raided by law enforcement and the videos showing the humiliating detentions of some visitors of the bar were shared online.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2022 expanded the 2013 law and criminalised any positive mention of LGBTQ+ people or relationships in the public.&nbsp;

The medical intervention and administrative procedures which helped people change gender were banned in Russia in July last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has added what it calls the international LGBT movement to the list of extremist and terrorist organisations, the state media stated on Friday (March 22).

Russia has added what it calls the international LGBT movement to the list of extremist and terrorist organisations, the state media stated on Friday (March 22). The move was in line with a ruling by Russia's Supreme Court last November that said LGBT activists should be designated as extremists. Advocates for the LGBT community had expressed concern that this decision might result in arrests and legal action against them. Also read: Russia charges two bar workers under anti-LGBTQ+ law The list is maintained by an agency called Rosfinmonitoring that has powers to freeze the bank accounts of the more than 14,000 people and entities designated as extremists and terrorists. They range from Al Qaeda to U.S. tech giant Meta and associates of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The new listing refers to the international LGBT social movement and its structural units, state news agency RIA said. As part of a shift under President Vladimir Putin towards what he portrays as family values that contrast with decadent Western attitudes, Russia has tightened restrictions over the past decade on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Among other steps, it has passed laws outlawing the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations and banned legal or medical changes of gender. Earlier on Thursday, Russia gave orders to place two bar workers in police custody after they were accused of playing important roles in an “extremist organisation” under the country's legislation which criminalises the LGBTQ+ community. Also Read: PM Modi invited by Putin, Zelensky for post-election visits This is the first time such a criminal case has been filed in Russia since the “international LGBT movement” was banned in November. As per the court, the two bar workers will stay in police custody till May 18 and can face an imprisonment of upto 10 years, if convicted, as per the court. Earlier, the two suspects were accused by the tribunal of “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar”. In March, the bar was raided by law enforcement and the videos showing the humiliating detentions of some visitors of the bar were shared online. Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2022 expanded the 2013 law and criminalised any positive mention of LGBTQ+ people or relationships in the public. The medical intervention and administrative procedures which helped people change gender were banned in Russia in July last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia includes 'LGBT movement' in extremist and terrorist organisations list

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21)&nbsp;said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

She also said that the Aam Aadmi Party has moved the Supreme Court against the action by the federal agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-govt-launches-24x7-control-room-toll-free-helpline-for-polls-702503">Excise Policy Case LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal arrested, police detain AAP workers</a>

"We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching the Supreme Court. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-enforcement-directorate-702749">ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from residence after questioning</a>

Earlier, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi had said, "Arvind Kejriwal will not seek an urgent hearing on plea for protection in SC tonight."

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kejriwal's attorneys, argued that although multiple charge sheets had already been filed with the trial court, it was unnecessary to arrest the chief minister because there was an attempt to create a "non-level playing field" for the upcoming general elections.

Last week, the ED issued a summons to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summons&nbsp;to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21.&nbsp;

The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant.

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21) said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi on Thursday (Mar 21) said Arvind Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister and run the city government from prison if needed after his arrest by the ED in an excise policy-linked money laundering case. She also said that the Aam Aadmi Party has moved the Supreme Court against the action by the federal agency. Also read: Excise Policy Case LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal arrested, police detain AAP workers "We have always said that Arvind Kejriwal will run the government from jail. He will remain the CM of Delhi. We have filed a case in the Supreme Court. Our lawyers are reaching the Supreme Court. We will demand SC have an urgent hearing tonight," she said. Also read: ED arrests Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal from residence after questioning Earlier, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi had said, "Arvind Kejriwal will not seek an urgent hearing on plea for protection in SC tonight." Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Kejriwal's attorneys, argued that although multiple charge sheets had already been filed with the trial court, it was unnecessary to arrest the chief minister because there was an attempt to create a "non-level playing field" for the upcoming general elections. Last week, the ED issued a summons to Kejriwal, asking him to appear before it on Thursday. The law enforcement agency issued a total of nine summons to Kejriwal, which were on November 2, December 22, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 19, February 26, March 4 and March 21. The officials said the agency team went to the chief minister's residence to serve him summons in the case. The team also informed the staff at the chief minister's residence that it had a search warrant.

Delhi CM Kejriwal opts against urgent hearing on protection plea in Supreme Court

Around 70 Rohingya are presumed dead or missing after a boat they were on capsised off the coast of Indonesia’s Aceh province, while 75 were rescued, the UNHCR refugee agency said on Friday (March 22).

In a joint statement, the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration stated that&nbsp;if the death toll was confirmed, it would be the biggest loss of life so far this year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/rohingya-refugees-rescued-after-a-night-on-hull-of-capsised-boat-702697" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/rohingya-refugees-rescued-after-a-night-on-hull-of-capsised-boat-702697&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwi-qG7YeFAxXDhq8BHbVJCmMQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Zv9BNr7pO1YablwgvgE87&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rohingya-refugees-rescued-after-a-night-on-hull-of-capsised-boat-702697" target="_blank">Rohingya&nbsp;refugees rescued after a night on hull of capsised boat</a>

Six of the migrants were saved by fisherman on Wednesday, which prompted the alarm.

Indonesia's rescue team, on receiving the news left Banda Aceh city on&nbsp;Wednesday evening to carry out rescue operations but&nbsp;faced challenges locating the boat in the choppy waters off the coast.

The&nbsp;team finally found the boat and the survivors about midday on Thursday.

The boat was sailing east when it began to leak, and then powerful currents forced it&nbsp;into the west of Aceh, according to Amiruddin, a tribal fishing community leader in the Aceh Barat area. The six rescued claimed that people were still attempting to survive on the overturned boat.

Babar Baloch, a UNHCR Asia spokesperson, told Reuters on Friday there had been 151 people on the&nbsp; boat, some 75 of whom have been evacuated by local authorities, while the rest were “presumed dead or missing”.

Faisal Rahman, UNHCR’s protection associate in Aceh, said the surviving Rohingya were in a good condition and were staying at a Red Cross building in West Aceh.

Rohingyas have been fleeing the predominantly Buddhist country of Myanmar for many years, as they face mistreatment, denial of citizenship, and common perception as foreign interlopers from South Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-rohingya-refugees-set-sail-from-bangladesh-662337" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-rohingya-refugees-set-sail-from-bangladesh-662337&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuw6DfqIWFAxXE1TgGHZkbCJkQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1G_Ld15vcTsJD0xZ9aF6fy&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hundreds-of-rohingya-refugees-set-sail-from-bangladesh-662337" target="_blank">Hundreds of&nbsp;Rohingya refugees&nbsp;set sail from Bangladesh</a>

According to UNHCR data, more than 2,300 Rohingya entered Indonesia last year, which is more than in all of the preceding four years combined.

The 2023 toll of at least 569 Rohingya dead or missing while trying to flee Myanmar or Bangladesh was the highest since 2014, the UNHCR said in January.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 70 Rohingya are presumed dead or missing after a boat they were on capsised off the coast of Indonesia’s Aceh province, while 75 were rescued, the UNHCR refugee agency said on Friday (March 22).

Around 70 Rohingya are presumed dead or missing after a boat they were on capsised off the coast of Indonesia’s Aceh province, while 75 were rescued, the UNHCR refugee agency said on Friday (March 22). In a joint statement, the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration stated that if the death toll was confirmed, it would be the biggest loss of life so far this year. Also read: Rohingya refugees rescued after a night on hull of capsised boat Six of the migrants were saved by fisherman on Wednesday, which prompted the alarm. Indonesia's rescue team, on receiving the news left Banda Aceh city on Wednesday evening to carry out rescue operations but faced challenges locating the boat in the choppy waters off the coast. The team finally found the boat and the survivors about midday on Thursday. The boat was sailing east when it began to leak, and then powerful currents forced it into the west of Aceh, according to Amiruddin, a tribal fishing community leader in the Aceh Barat area. The six rescued claimed that people were still attempting to survive on the overturned boat. Babar Baloch, a UNHCR Asia spokesperson, told Reuters on Friday there had been 151 people on the boat, some 75 of whom have been evacuated by local authorities, while the rest were “presumed dead or missing”. Faisal Rahman, UNHCR’s protection associate in Aceh, said the surviving Rohingya were in a good condition and were staying at a Red Cross building in West Aceh. Rohingyas have been fleeing the predominantly Buddhist country of Myanmar for many years, as they face mistreatment, denial of citizenship, and common perception as foreign interlopers from South Asia. Also read: Hundreds of Rohingya refugees set sail from Bangladesh According to UNHCR data, more than 2,300 Rohingya entered Indonesia last year, which is more than in all of the preceding four years combined. The 2023 toll of at least 569 Rohingya dead or missing while trying to flee Myanmar or Bangladesh was the highest since 2014, the UNHCR said in January. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 70 Rohingya refugees dead or missing after boat capsised off Indonesia coast

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22).

According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face&nbsp;death penalty. Despite no executions being carried out for blasphemy so far, mere allegations can incite riots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrtcDh4oeFAxVL2DgGHfCVA0gQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1k0qMzGRlCs3lvA_4bILMW&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-seizes-dual-use-items-bound-for-pakistan-from-china-695835" target="_blank">India seizes dual-use items bound for&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from China</a>

Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais stated that Aasiya Bibi, a woman arrested in 2021, faced blasphemy charges following accusations from residents that she had burned pages of the Quran, leading to her arrest. 
Awais said the judge announced the verdict Wednesday (March 20) in the eastern city of Lahore. He said Bibi, who has the right to appeal, had denied the charge during her trial.

It may be mentioned here, a Christian woman with the same name was acquitted of blasphemy in 2019 after she spent eight years on death row in Pakistan. Later, she moved to Canada to escape death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release.

Wednesday’s case involved a different woman.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrtcDh4oeFAxVL2DgGHfCVA0gQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ZmcNwhLV6qZYnzM5gEOdp&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/south-asia/bangladesh/pakistans-new-government-with-old-problems-1708698686920" target="_blank">Pakistan's&nbsp;New Government With Old Problems</a>

Human rights organisations both within the country and abroad claim that accusations of blasphemy are frequently used as a form of personal vendetta against religious minorities&nbsp;and intimidation.

A different court in Gujranwala, Punjab province, found two teenagers guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad earlier in March. One of them was&nbsp;given death sentence wile the second was awarded&nbsp;life in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22). According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face death penalty.

A Pakistani court sentenced a woman to life imprisonment after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islamic holy book, a prosecutor said on Friday (March 22). According to Pakistan's blasphemy laws, individuals convicted of disrespecting religion or religious figures may face death penalty. Despite no executions being carried out for blasphemy so far, mere allegations can incite riots. Also read: India seizes dual-use items bound for Pakistan from China Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais stated that Aasiya Bibi, a woman arrested in 2021, faced blasphemy charges following accusations from residents that she had burned pages of the Quran, leading to her arrest. Awais said the judge announced the verdict Wednesday (March 20) in the eastern city of Lahore. He said Bibi, who has the right to appeal, had denied the charge during her trial. It may be mentioned here, a Christian woman with the same name was acquitted of blasphemy in 2019 after she spent eight years on death row in Pakistan. Later, she moved to Canada to escape death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release. Wednesday’s case involved a different woman. Also read: Pakistan's New Government With Old Problems Human rights organisations both within the country and abroad claim that accusations of blasphemy are frequently used as a form of personal vendetta against religious minorities and intimidation. A different court in Gujranwala, Punjab province, found two teenagers guilty of insulting Prophet Muhammad earlier in March. One of them was given death sentence wile the second was awarded life in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court sentences woman to life imprisonment for burning pages of Islam’s holy book

The world's first lung cancer vaccine is being developed by British scientists. The DNA strand that will be used to teach the immune system to look for and eliminate red flag proteins—proteins that show up on lung cancer cells and may contain mutations that could lead to cancer—will be the means by which it functions.

Scientists from the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and University College London (UCL) are working on developing the vaccine, according to Sky News. According to the outlet, the vaccine known as LungVax will resemble the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccination.

The group plans to produce three thousand doses of the vaccine, which recognises and eliminates the red flag proteins, also referred to as neoantigens.

Approximately 50,000 cases and 35,000 deaths of lung cancer occur in Britain each year, making it the most deadly common cancer.

Smoking is a factor in seven out of ten cases. Individuals between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past are considered high-risk.

‘Less than 10 per cent of lung cancer patients live with their illness for ten years or more. That needs to change’, according to Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani of UCL and the Francis Crick Institute, who will oversee the LungVax clinical trial.

"This research complements existing efforts through lung health checks to detect lung cancer earlier in people who are at greatest risk," she stated.

The researcher added that it has the potential to cover 90 per cent of lung cancers.

"LungVax will not replace stopping smoking as the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer," said Professor Mariam.

The American Cancer Society states that lung cancer develops when lung cells proliferate uncontrollably. These are two sponge-like organs in your chest that are separated into sections called lobes.

Among the top causes of death globally is lung cancer.

(With inputs from agencies)

The world's first lung cancer vaccine is being developed by British scientists. The DNA strand that will be used to teach the immune system to look for and eliminate red flag proteins—proteins that show up on lung cancer cells and may contain mutations that could lead to cancer—will be the means by which it functions.

The world's first lung cancer vaccine is being developed by British scientists. The DNA strand that will be used to teach the immune system to look for and eliminate red flag proteins—proteins that show up on lung cancer cells and may contain mutations that could lead to cancer—will be the means by which it functions. Scientists from the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and University College London (UCL) are working on developing the vaccine, according to Sky News. According to the outlet, the vaccine known as LungVax will resemble the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccination. The group plans to produce three thousand doses of the vaccine, which recognises and eliminates the red flag proteins, also referred to as neoantigens. Approximately 50,000 cases and 35,000 deaths of lung cancer occur in Britain each year, making it the most deadly common cancer. Smoking is a factor in seven out of ten cases. Individuals between the ages of 55 and 74 who smoke or have smoked in the past are considered high-risk. ‘Less than 10 per cent of lung cancer patients live with their illness for ten years or more. That needs to change’, according to Professor Mariam Jamal-Hanjani of UCL and the Francis Crick Institute, who will oversee the LungVax clinical trial. "This research complements existing efforts through lung health checks to detect lung cancer earlier in people who are at greatest risk," she stated. The researcher added that it has the potential to cover 90 per cent of lung cancers. "LungVax will not replace stopping smoking as the best way to reduce your risk of lung cancer," said Professor Mariam. The American Cancer Society states that lung cancer develops when lung cells proliferate uncontrollably. These are two sponge-like organs in your chest that are separated into sections called lobes. Among the top causes of death globally is lung cancer. (With inputs from agencies)

British scientists developing World's initial lung cancer vaccine

A London authority said on Wednesday it had imposed "temporary measures" around a new mural by British street artist Banksy, after it was defaced within days of appearing.

Islington Council, in north London, said it had erected fencing, camera surveillance and ordered visits by community officers to manage on-lookers to help protect the artwork.

The stencilled mural of a person having spray painted tree foliage onto a white wall behind a leafless tree, appeared on a street near Finsbury Park this week.

The enigmatic artist appeared to confirm his role in the creation, posting before and after pictures of the transformed wall on Instagram on Monday.

But following a flurry of media reports and public attention, it had by early Wednesday been defaced. Images shared on social media showed two streaks of white paint strewn across the bright green artwork.

"It's sad to see the piece has been defaced," an Islington Council spokesperson said.

"We are discussing future solutions with the homeowner, to enable everyone to enjoy the artwork while protecting it, the tree, and the surrounding area.

"We're also in the process of installing a CCTV camera."

In December, police arrested two men on suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a Banksy artwork was removed from a south London street corner within hours of appearing there.

That installation, a traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones, emerged at an intersection in the Peckham neighbourhood.

Witnesses filmed it being removed by a man with bolt cutters, with the help of another man.

A London authority said on Wednesday it had imposed "temporary measures" around a new mural by British street artist Banksy, after it was defaced within days of appearing.

A London authority said on Wednesday it had imposed "temporary measures" around a new mural by British street artist Banksy, after it was defaced within days of appearing. Islington Council, in north London, said it had erected fencing, camera surveillance and ordered visits by community officers to manage on-lookers to help protect the artwork. The stencilled mural of a person having spray painted tree foliage onto a white wall behind a leafless tree, appeared on a street near Finsbury Park this week. The enigmatic artist appeared to confirm his role in the creation, posting before and after pictures of the transformed wall on Instagram on Monday. But following a flurry of media reports and public attention, it had by early Wednesday been defaced. Images shared on social media showed two streaks of white paint strewn across the bright green artwork. "It's sad to see the piece has been defaced," an Islington Council spokesperson said. "We are discussing future solutions with the homeowner, to enable everyone to enjoy the artwork while protecting it, the tree, and the surrounding area. "We're also in the process of installing a CCTV camera." In December, police arrested two men on suspicion of theft and criminal damage after a Banksy artwork was removed from a south London street corner within hours of appearing there. That installation, a traffic stop sign covered with three aircraft resembling military drones, emerged at an intersection in the Peckham neighbourhood. Witnesses filmed it being removed by a man with bolt cutters, with the help of another man.

Banksy mural to be protected after London paint attack

The Indian government has initiated operation Indravati to evacuate its citizens from the violence hit nation of Haiti.&nbsp;S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, said on social media that 12 Indian citizens had been evacuated from the Caribbean nation on Thursday (March 21).

"India begins Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic.&nbsp;12 Indians evacuated today," he said on X.

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India begins Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. 
 
12 Indians evacuated today. Fully committed to the security and well-being of our nationals abroad. 
 
Thank the Government of the Dominican Republic for their support. <a href="https://t.co/AC3VM63EmJ">pic.twitter.com/AC3VM63EmJ</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1770825804001190195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He also reassured his compatriots that in the event of an emergency or unfavorable circumstance, the government would look after its citizens residing abroad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiU6pCvvv2EAxWvyqACHaquBn8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-violence-us-announces-charter-flight-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-violence-us-announces-charter-flight-to-evacuate-americans-guatemala-honorary-consul-office-ransacked-701019&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiU6pCvvv2EAxWvyqACHaquBn8QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked</a>

"Totally dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of our citizens overseas, we express gratitude to the Dominican Republic's government for their assistance," the external affairs minister&nbsp;said.

Earlier, the United States started to fly out its citizens from Haiti by helicopter as reports of fresh fighting emerged in the gang-dominated capital of the Caribbean country.

There were also reports of fierce gunfire in some of the wealthiest enclaves of Port-au-Prince.&nbsp;

Speaking to the reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel on Wednesday (Mar 20) said that the government-chartered aircraft have started the process of ferrying the Americans from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic.

<h2>Hunger crisis in Haiti</h2>

According to a report by the UN food agency, nearly 4 million people in Haiti are facing food insecurity and hunger due to a wide range of factors, primarily&nbsp;gang violence.

A total of 360,000 people have been displaced in the country, and the number of people affected by hunger is likely to further increase to 1 million in the coming days.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/charter-flight-carrying-30-us-citizens-arrives-in-miami-from-gang-violence-hit-haiti-701434">With only one hospital operating, Haiti's healthcare system collapses amid raging gang violence</a>

Port-au-Prince has been turned into "a bubble" where gangs control the roads, the port and airport are closed and no one can get in or get out, said the UN agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has initiated operation Indravati to evacuate its citizens from the violence hit nation of Haiti. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, said on social media that 12 Indian citizens had been evacuated from the Caribbean nation on Thursday (March 21).

The Indian government has initiated operation Indravati to evacuate its citizens from the violence hit nation of Haiti. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs, said on social media that 12 Indian citizens had been evacuated from the Caribbean nation on Thursday (March 21). "India begins Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. 12 Indians evacuated today," he said on X. India begins Operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals from Haiti to the Dominican Republic. 12 Indians evacuated today. Fully committed to the security and well-being of our nationals abroad. Thank the Government of the Dominican Republic for their support. pic.twitter.com/AC3VM63EmJ — Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) March 21, 2024 × He also reassured his compatriots that in the event of an emergency or unfavorable circumstance, the government would look after its citizens residing abroad. Also read: Haiti violence: US announces charter flight to evacuate Americans; Guatemala honorary consul office ransacked "Totally dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of our citizens overseas, we express gratitude to the Dominican Republic's government for their assistance," the external affairs minister said. Earlier, the United States started to fly out its citizens from Haiti by helicopter as reports of fresh fighting emerged in the gang-dominated capital of the Caribbean country. There were also reports of fierce gunfire in some of the wealthiest enclaves of Port-au-Prince. Speaking to the reporters, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel on Wednesday (Mar 20) said that the government-chartered aircraft have started the process of ferrying the Americans from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic. Hunger crisis in Haiti According to a report by the UN food agency, nearly 4 million people in Haiti are facing food insecurity and hunger due to a wide range of factors, primarily gang violence. A total of 360,000 people have been displaced in the country, and the number of people affected by hunger is likely to further increase to 1 million in the coming days. Also Read: With only one hospital operating, Haiti's healthcare system collapses amid raging gang violence Port-au-Prince has been turned into "a bubble" where gangs control the roads, the port and airport are closed and no one can get in or get out, said the UN agency. (With inputs from agencies)

India begins operation Indravati to evacuate its nationals stranded in violence-hit Haiti

One of Tamil Nadu's space startups will launch its maiden rocket on March 22, making history. Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up with its headquarters in Chennai, will launch its first rocket, the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

It may be noted here, Agnibaan SOrTeD will be India’s first launch from a private launchpad. It is also going to be India’s first semi-cryogenic engine powered rocket launch and the world’s first single piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously.

The startup founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM and Satya Chakravarthy, Agnikul Cosmos became the first company in India to sign an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative to have access to the space agency’s expertise and its facilities to build Agnibaan in December 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-firm-agnikul-to-launch-indias-first-kerosene-oxygen-powered-rocket-agnibaan-in-march-556412">Private firm Agnikul to launch India's first kerosene-oxygen powered rocket 'Agnibaan' in March</a>

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Chakravarthy, co-founder and advisor, Agnikul Cosmos, and professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, told The Hindu, “This would be India’s first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in India, from India’s first privately developed launchpad, in Sriharikota.”

"This would be India's first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in the country, from India's first privately developed launchpad, in Sriharikota,” said Chakravarthy, co-founder and advisor of Agnikul Cosmos and professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras 
“Significantly, we would be flying our original world’s most integrated single piece 3D printed rocket,” he added.

"This is a sub-orbital launch, but it is not a sounding rocket," he said further.

It is equipped with a gimballed thrust vector control and a full suite of closed loop feedback guidance and control. Because of this, it is the first private launch in India that needs a flight termination mechanism and a safety distance from the launchpad that was determined by doing tens of thousands of worst-case simulations.

With the exception of stage separation, Chakravarthy clarified, "this mission attempts to validate the guidance, control, and navigation system, the launch release hold mechanism, the entire command sequence operated by the onboard computer, telemetry and tracking."

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agnibaan-rocket-by-indian-start-up-to-be-test-launched-from-alaska-usa-331475" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agnibaan-rocket-by-indian-start-up-to-be-test-launched-from-alaska-usa-331475&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjCpsC51IWFAxWXTWwGHdMQCyUQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MtcG0VFb2dDGjihewM2wA&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agnibaan-rocket-by-indian-start-up-to-be-test-launched-from-alaska-usa-331475" target="_blank">Agnibaan&nbsp;rocket by Indian start-up to be test launched from Alaska</a>

He made note of the fact that a post-flight analysis of every subsystem's performance will come after the mission. The preparations for the orbital trip are the nearest future plan.

Agnikul is the second rocket in India to be privately developed.&nbsp;The first rocket developed privately in India, Vikram-S, took flight from the ISRO launchpad in Sriharikota in 2022. Built by the Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, the 6-meter-tall vehicle reached a maximum height of 89.5 kilometers before launching and splashing down into the Bay of Bengal around five minutes later. Prarambh was the name of this mission.

(With inputs from agencies)

One of Tamil Nadu's space startups will launch its maiden rocket on March 22, making history. Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up with its headquarters in Chennai, will launch its first rocket, the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

One of Tamil Nadu's space startups will launch its maiden rocket on March 22, making history. Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up with its headquarters in Chennai, will launch its first rocket, the Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. It may be noted here, Agnibaan SOrTeD will be India’s first launch from a private launchpad. It is also going to be India’s first semi-cryogenic engine powered rocket launch and the world’s first single piece 3D printed engine designed and built indigenously. The startup founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM and Satya Chakravarthy, Agnikul Cosmos became the first company in India to sign an agreement with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the IN-SPACe initiative to have access to the space agency’s expertise and its facilities to build Agnibaan in December 2020. Also read: Private firm Agnikul to launch India's first kerosene-oxygen powered rocket 'Agnibaan' in March Commenting on the launch, Mr. Chakravarthy, co-founder and advisor, Agnikul Cosmos, and professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, told The Hindu, “This would be India’s first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in India, from India’s first privately developed launchpad, in Sriharikota.” "This would be India's first liquid oxygen-kerosene rocket flight in the country, from India's first privately developed launchpad, in Sriharikota,” said Chakravarthy, co-founder and advisor of Agnikul Cosmos and professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras “Significantly, we would be flying our original world’s most integrated single piece 3D printed rocket,” he added. "This is a sub-orbital launch, but it is not a sounding rocket," he said further. It is equipped with a gimballed thrust vector control and a full suite of closed loop feedback guidance and control. Because of this, it is the first private launch in India that needs a flight termination mechanism and a safety distance from the launchpad that was determined by doing tens of thousands of worst-case simulations. With the exception of stage separation, Chakravarthy clarified, "this mission attempts to validate the guidance, control, and navigation system, the launch release hold mechanism, the entire command sequence operated by the onboard computer, telemetry and tracking." Also read: Agnibaan rocket by Indian start-up to be test launched from Alaska He made note of the fact that a post-flight analysis of every subsystem's performance will come after the mission. The preparations for the orbital trip are the nearest future plan. Agnikul is the second rocket in India to be privately developed. The first rocket developed privately in India, Vikram-S, took flight from the ISRO launchpad in Sriharikota in 2022. Built by the Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, the 6-meter-tall vehicle reached a maximum height of 89.5 kilometers before launching and splashing down into the Bay of Bengal around five minutes later. Prarambh was the name of this mission. (With inputs from agencies)

India's second privately-built rocket scheduled for launch

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday (March 21) that only the expansion of land crossings into Gaza could help prevent famine in the densely populated Palestinian enclave.

"Recent efforts to deliver food by air and sea are welcome, but only the expansion of land crossings will enable large scale deliveries to prevent famine," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Five months of war have created critical food shortages among Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians that in some areas now exceed famine levels, according to the United Nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-strip-satellite-image-analysis-shows-massive-destruction-in-war-ravaged-region-702683" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-strip-satellite-image-analysis-shows-massive-destruction-in-war-ravaged-region-702683&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq7Iqf3oWFAxVWhGMGHWKsAnAQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0xDshTIDc3u-G8PczeOor2&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-strip-satellite-image-analysis-shows-massive-destruction-in-war-ravaged-region-702683" target="_blank">Gaza&nbsp;Strip: Satellite image analysis shows massive destruction</a>

"The future of an entire generation is in serious peril,” Tedros said.

U.N. aid agencies have said "overwhelming obstacles" to moving aid to the north of Gaza will only be overcome with a ceasefire and the opening of border crossings closed by Israel after Oct. 7.

Tedros said WHO's requests to deliver supplies to the enclave were often blocked or refused.

Israel's offensive on Thursday focused on the Al Shifa hospital, the only partially working medical facility in the north of the Strip, for a fourth day. Tedros said WHO was particularly concerned about the military operations inside and around the facility.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-famine-imminent-in-north-gaza-us-says-100-population-affected-701951" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-famine-imminent-in-north-gaza-us-says-100-population-affected-701951&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq7Iqf3oWFAxVWhGMGHWKsAnAQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3I1IqLbeeWqUMcTuShqVEy&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-famine-imminent-in-north-gaza-us-says-100-population-affected-701951" target="_blank">Famine imminent in North&nbsp;Gaza, US says 100% population affected</a>

Tedros also warned that a cholera outbreak in Haiti, which has been declining since the end of last year, could flare up again if current turmoil in the Caribbean island nation continues.

Violence has flared as armed gangs who have been increasing their power in recent years took advantage of the absence earlier this month of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

More than 360,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday (March 21) that only the expansion of land crossings into Gaza could help prevent famine in the densely populated Palestinian enclave.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday (March 21) that only the expansion of land crossings into Gaza could help prevent famine in the densely populated Palestinian enclave. "Recent efforts to deliver food by air and sea are welcome, but only the expansion of land crossings will enable large scale deliveries to prevent famine," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Five months of war have created critical food shortages among Gaza's 2.3 million Palestinians that in some areas now exceed famine levels, according to the United Nations. Also read: Gaza Strip: Satellite image analysis shows massive destruction "The future of an entire generation is in serious peril,” Tedros said. U.N. aid agencies have said "overwhelming obstacles" to moving aid to the north of Gaza will only be overcome with a ceasefire and the opening of border crossings closed by Israel after Oct. 7. Tedros said WHO's requests to deliver supplies to the enclave were often blocked or refused. Israel's offensive on Thursday focused on the Al Shifa hospital, the only partially working medical facility in the north of the Strip, for a fourth day. Tedros said WHO was particularly concerned about the military operations inside and around the facility. Also read: Famine imminent in North Gaza, US says 100% population affected Tedros also warned that a cholera outbreak in Haiti, which has been declining since the end of last year, could flare up again if current turmoil in the Caribbean island nation continues. Violence has flared as armed gangs who have been increasing their power in recent years took advantage of the absence earlier this month of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. More than 360,000 people are internally displaced in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates.

WHO says only more land crossings into Gaza can prevent famine

Ancestry is typically determined by DNA testing, and&nbsp;it has shown a troubling trend in the US: a much higher prevalence of incest than most people realise.

Numerous cases of infants born to close biological relatives have been discovered by widespread DNA testing, offering an unprecedented account of incest in society.&nbsp;

A research published in a psychiatry text book in 1975 put the rate of children born of incest at one in a million. But according to recent studies, the number has reached one in 7,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-why-some-people-have-more-neanderthal-dna-than-others-648706" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-why-some-people-have-more-neanderthal-dna-than-others-648706&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJ2YPasYWFAxXp2DgGHcdEB4MQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw36YrhlTmlW2MPlMiXpCkMy&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-reveals-why-some-people-have-more-neanderthal-dna-than-others-648706" target="_blank">Why do some people have more Neanderthal&nbsp;DNA&nbsp;than others</a>

In a shocking case reported by CNN, Victoria Hill, a 39-year-old discovered through a DNA test that her ex-boyfriend from high school was in fact, her biological brother. This revelation came to light at a high school reunion where both decided to explore their ancestry through genetic testing.

The man also chose to take the test since he was shocked to see that their familial makeup was comparable. Then Hill got a text message confirming her worst fear- she was, in fact, his sister. She didn't have her biological father, either.

This caused trauma to me. "Now that I'm seeing images of people, I'm thinking that anyone could be my sibling," she told CNN.

Hill later got to know that she had many more siblings that just the brother she grew up with - 22.

"I have slept with my half-sibling. I went to elementary school with another," said Hill.

CNN highlighted her case to uncover something called an accidental incest, which proliferated due to lack of regulations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-develop-advanced-dna-test-that-can-detect-18-early-stage-cancers-678435">Scientists develop advanced DNA test that can detect 18 early stage cancers</a>

These situations arose as a result of sperm donations made by some individuals to aid in female fertility.

The incident of Dr. Donald Cline, who fathered at least ninety children in Indiana, was the one that really brought fertility fraud to the attention of the public.

It is worth mentioning that babies born as a result of incest are at an increased risk of having birth defects and genetic disorders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ancestry is typically determined by DNA testing, and it has shown a troubling trend in the US: a much higher prevalence of incest than most people realise. Numerous cases of infants born to close biological relatives have been discovered by widespread DNA testing, offering an unprecedented account of incest in society.

Ancestry is typically determined by DNA testing, and it has shown a troubling trend in the US: a much higher prevalence of incest than most people realise. Numerous cases of infants born to close biological relatives have been discovered by widespread DNA testing, offering an unprecedented account of incest in society. A research published in a psychiatry text book in 1975 put the rate of children born of incest at one in a million. But according to recent studies, the number has reached one in 7,000. Also read: Why do some people have more Neanderthal DNA than others In a shocking case reported by CNN, Victoria Hill, a 39-year-old discovered through a DNA test that her ex-boyfriend from high school was in fact, her biological brother. This revelation came to light at a high school reunion where both decided to explore their ancestry through genetic testing. The man also chose to take the test since he was shocked to see that their familial makeup was comparable. Then Hill got a text message confirming her worst fear- she was, in fact, his sister. She didn't have her biological father, either. This caused trauma to me. "Now that I'm seeing images of people, I'm thinking that anyone could be my sibling," she told CNN. Hill later got to know that she had many more siblings that just the brother she grew up with - 22. "I have slept with my half-sibling. I went to elementary school with another," said Hill. CNN highlighted her case to uncover something called an accidental incest, which proliferated due to lack of regulations. Also read: Scientists develop advanced DNA test that can detect 18 early stage cancers These situations arose as a result of sperm donations made by some individuals to aid in female fertility. The incident of Dr. Donald Cline, who fathered at least ninety children in Indiana, was the one that really brought fertility fraud to the attention of the public. It is worth mentioning that babies born as a result of incest are at an increased risk of having birth defects and genetic disorders. (With inputs from agencies)

DNA analysis unveils alarming rates of incest in the United States

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