Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial.

According to peer-reviewed research that was published in the journal Cell, the virus significantly decreased the amount of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that is prevalent in the stomachs of those who have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Phage therapy also referred to as bacteriophage therapy, is not a recent concept and was the subject of extensive research in the early 20th century. Antibiotics were developed, and efforts to employ viruses in clinical settings were mostly abandoned before any notable achievements, but researchers kept using phages in experimental settings.

Due to worries about germs that are resistant to antibiotics, interest in potential phage therapeutics has recently increased. Although none of the phage therapies is in common usage, some researchers have speculated that they might offer a solution to the issue. Researchers looked into the microbiomes of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to determine which bacteria would be beneficial to fight as part of the Weizmann study.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-over-4300-dinosaur-footprints-discovered-in-china-created-between-jurassic-and-cretaceous-eras-503913">&nbsp;WATCH | Over 4,300 dinosaur footprints discovered in China, created between Jurassic and Cretaceous eras</a>

The phages will now go through more clinical testing to determine whether they can fight bacteria and improve health in a practical environment. The Weizmann researchers want to turn them into medications that either treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or maybe even prevent them in those who are thought to have high Klebsiella pneumonia levels.

(with inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial.

Israeli researchers are aiming to create a "precision weapon" made of bacteria-fighting viruses to combat intestinal ailments. Phase 1 clinical studies of two separate virus "cocktails" have been conducted; preliminary findings suggest that they are safe, and substantial in vitro and animal testing suggests that they are antibacterial. According to peer-reviewed research that was published in the journal Cell, the virus significantly decreased the amount of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium that is prevalent in the stomachs of those who have Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Phage therapy also referred to as bacteriophage therapy, is not a recent concept and was the subject of extensive research in the early 20th century. Antibiotics were developed, and efforts to employ viruses in clinical settings were mostly abandoned before any notable achievements, but researchers kept using phages in experimental settings. Due to worries about germs that are resistant to antibiotics, interest in potential phage therapeutics has recently increased. Although none of the phage therapies is in common usage, some researchers have speculated that they might offer a solution to the issue. Researchers looked into the microbiomes of people with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis to determine which bacteria would be beneficial to fight as part of the Weizmann study. Also Read: WATCH | Over 4,300 dinosaur footprints discovered in China, created between Jurassic and Cretaceous eras The phages will now go through more clinical testing to determine whether they can fight bacteria and improve health in a practical environment. The Weizmann researchers want to turn them into medications that either treat Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis or maybe even prevent them in those who are thought to have high Klebsiella pneumonia levels. (with inputs from agencies)

Israeli scientists create ‘precision weapon’ consisting of viruses that eliminate bowel-harming bacteria

According to a scientific report published in the first week of July, the majority of dinosaur footprint fossils have been found in Northern China. According to South China Morning Post, Chinese researchers have found over 4,300 footprints in the northern Chinese province of Zhangjiakou in Hebei (SCMP).&nbsp;

According to the site, which cited academics, the 9,000 square meter-sized imprints were created between the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, or roughly 150 million years ago. The fossilised footprints, which include claw impressions as well, were found for the first time in April 2020. Later, they were positioned close to one another.

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According to China Daily, scientists can determine the dinosaurs' length, weight, and size from their footprints and extrapolate their walking speed. Intriguing cues concerning the existence of these extinct species can also be found in the footprints.&nbsp;

"The footprints not only reflect dinosaurs' living habits and behaviour but also explain the relationship between dinosaurs and their living environment at the time," dinosaur specialist Xing Lida of the China University of Geosciences told China Daily.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-mexicos-71-year-old-basketball-player-granny-jordan-is-now-viral-tiktok-celebrity-503886">WATCH | Mexico's 71-year-old basketball player 'Granny Jordan' is now viral TikTok celebrity</a>

There are four distinct dinosaur species represented by the prints, none of which have been given names. The experts speculate that one of the fossils may belong to a species that hasn't yet been identified. Both herbivores and carnivores can be seen in the collection of these footprints. According to SCMP, the carnivores were smaller, measuring only four to five metres, while the herbivores could grow to lengths of over 15 metres.&nbsp;

Scientists theorised that the area may have drawn dinosaurs due to its availability of water and trees during the time of the dinosaurs. With some vegetation, the area is presently a high, stony grassland.

(with inputs from agencies)

According to a scientific report published in the first week of July, the majority of dinosaur footprint fossils have been found in Northern China. According to South China Morning Post, Chinese researchers have found over 4,300 footprints in the northern Chinese province of Zhangjiakou in Hebei (SCMP).

According to a scientific report published in the first week of July, the majority of dinosaur footprint fossils have been found in Northern China. According to South China Morning Post, Chinese researchers have found over 4,300 footprints in the northern Chinese province of Zhangjiakou in Hebei (SCMP). According to the site, which cited academics, the 9,000 square meter-sized imprints were created between the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras, or roughly 150 million years ago. The fossilised footprints, which include claw impressions as well, were found for the first time in April 2020. Later, they were positioned close to one another. China discovers largest number of dinosaur footprint fossils in Hebei https://t.co/nSDk0XhnuY #China pic.twitter.com/ii4xb8W8x0 — Mango|HBS News Center (@Mangohntv) July 9, 2022 × According to China Daily, scientists can determine the dinosaurs' length, weight, and size from their footprints and extrapolate their walking speed. Intriguing cues concerning the existence of these extinct species can also be found in the footprints. "The footprints not only reflect dinosaurs' living habits and behaviour but also explain the relationship between dinosaurs and their living environment at the time," dinosaur specialist Xing Lida of the China University of Geosciences told China Daily. Also Read: WATCH | Mexico's 71-year-old basketball player 'Granny Jordan' is now viral TikTok celebrity There are four distinct dinosaur species represented by the prints, none of which have been given names. The experts speculate that one of the fossils may belong to a species that hasn't yet been identified. Both herbivores and carnivores can be seen in the collection of these footprints. According to SCMP, the carnivores were smaller, measuring only four to five metres, while the herbivores could grow to lengths of over 15 metres. Scientists theorised that the area may have drawn dinosaurs due to its availability of water and trees during the time of the dinosaurs. With some vegetation, the area is presently a high, stony grassland. (with inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Over 4,300 dinosaur footprints discovered in China, created between Jurassic and Cretaceous eras

A social media star&nbsp;from India who passed away last week raised millions of rupees for the care of her young brother through a video appeal. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare hereditary disorder that causes muscle weakness and impairs mobility and respiration, was found in 16-year-old Afra Rafeeq. After experiencing disease-related problems, she passed away on Monday at a hospital in Kerala, a state in southern&nbsp;India.

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Family members and neighbours of Afra recall her as a gifted young woman who loved to sing and learn despite suffering from great pain. In 2021, a trending video helped her gain nationwide popularity. Her father claims that prior to the incident, Afra rarely left her home in Kerala's Kannur district. She only left the house to go to school or the hospital after receiving her SMA diagnosis at the age of four. Then, though, Muhammed, her younger brother, was also identified as having SMA.

SMA is a potentially fatal disease that affects one in 6,000 to 10,000 kids. As a child ages, the problem worsens because it affects the motor neurons, which are spinal cord cells. Key developmental milestones like holding up their neck, sitting, standing, and walking are difficult for kids with SMA to accomplish. According to her father, Afra fought tooth and nail to make sure Muhammad received the proper medical care.

This included having access to Zolgensma, a relatively new gene therapy medication that the US FDA authorised in 2019. The medication, which is among the most expensive in the world, contains a copy of the gene that is missing in SMA patients and is administered as a single dosage to children under the age of two. By the time Muhammad became one and a half years old, his family had little time left.

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But Afra's situation only became worse. Her parents claim that in the final days of her life, she would clench her teeth in agony and hardly be able to lift her hands. The family was seen in her most recent video visiting a hospital in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Thousands of people have posted condolence messages under the video once it was made public that she had passed away.

(with inputs from agencies)

A social media star from India who passed away last week raised millions of rupees for the care of her young brother through a video appeal. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare hereditary disorder that causes muscle weakness and impairs mobility and respiration, was found in 16-year-old Afra Rafeeq.

A social media star from India who passed away last week raised millions of rupees for the care of her young brother through a video appeal. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare hereditary disorder that causes muscle weakness and impairs mobility and respiration, was found in 16-year-old Afra Rafeeq. After experiencing disease-related problems, she passed away on Monday at a hospital in Kerala, a state in southern India. × Family members and neighbours of Afra recall her as a gifted young woman who loved to sing and learn despite suffering from great pain. In 2021, a trending video helped her gain nationwide popularity. Her father claims that prior to the incident, Afra rarely left her home in Kerala's Kannur district. She only left the house to go to school or the hospital after receiving her SMA diagnosis at the age of four. Then, though, Muhammed, her younger brother, was also identified as having SMA. SMA is a potentially fatal disease that affects one in 6,000 to 10,000 kids. As a child ages, the problem worsens because it affects the motor neurons, which are spinal cord cells. Key developmental milestones like holding up their neck, sitting, standing, and walking are difficult for kids with SMA to accomplish. According to her father, Afra fought tooth and nail to make sure Muhammad received the proper medical care. This included having access to Zolgensma, a relatively new gene therapy medication that the US FDA authorised in 2019. The medication, which is among the most expensive in the world, contains a copy of the gene that is missing in SMA patients and is administered as a single dosage to children under the age of two. By the time Muhammad became one and a half years old, his family had little time left. × But Afra's situation only became worse. Her parents claim that in the final days of her life, she would clench her teeth in agony and hardly be able to lift her hands. The family was seen in her most recent video visiting a hospital in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. Thousands of people have posted condolence messages under the video once it was made public that she had passed away. (with inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Popular Kerala teen whose viral video raised millions for her brother's treatment dies

The Taiwanese defence ministry announced that cyberattacks had briefly brought down its website, as tensions with China rise, and that it was working closely with other authorities to bolster cyber security. In other news, Delhi has reported its fourth monkeypox case, following a positive test from a Nigerian woman. Meanwhile, Sajid Javid,&nbsp;former Conservative health minister, added his name to the list of supporters for Liz Truss for her leadership campaign. Finally, as per a decision by the presiding judge, Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Twitter countersuit will be made public by Friday afternoon (August 5).

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-defence-ministry-website-taken-down-by-cyber-attackers-amid-china-tensions-503411">Ahead of Chinese military drills, Taiwan hit with cyberattack</a>

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Several hours prior to Ms. Pelosi's arrival, the official website of Taiwan's presidential office was targeted about 5 p.m., according to a statement from the office. The website saw a 200-fold increase in traffic that prevented it from displaying any information for 20 minutes. After the issues were resolved, it started operating normally again, according to the statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-fourth-monkeypox-case-at-least-eight-confirmed-cases-in-india-503426">Delhi reports fourth monkeypox case; at least eight confirmed cases in India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/29/282821-mon1.jpg" />

The Nigerian woman who was detected with the virus has been admitted to&nbsp;a Delhi hospital after she was detected&nbsp;with fever and skin lesions. However, there is no information about her travel history so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-conservative-health-minister-sajid-javid-announces-his-support-for-liz-truss-503409">Former Conservative health minister Sajid Javid announces his support for Liz Truss</a>

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Javid said in an article published in The Times on Wednesday "After careful consideration, it is clear to me that Liz Truss is best placed to pass these tests."

Praising Truss' "sharp focus and willingness to challenge the status quo", Javid said that the new prime minister would need to swiftly reunite the party.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delaware-chancery-court-rules-musks-twitter-countersuit-to-be-made-public-by-friday-503407">Delaware Chancery Court rules Musk's Twitter countersuit to be made public by Friday</a>

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Accusing Musk of trying to release his 163-page countersuit on Wednesday without giving it a chance to redact, Twitter’s legal team on Monday asked for information about a host of entrepreneurs and tech investors connected to Musk in a wide-ranging subpoena.

Gravitas: Ukraine war: Warnings of a nuclear emergency

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The Taiwanese defence ministry announced that cyberattacks had briefly brought down its website, as tensions with China rise, and that it was working closely with other authorities to bolster cyber security.

The Taiwanese defence ministry announced that cyberattacks had briefly brought down its website, as tensions with China rise, and that it was working closely with other authorities to bolster cyber security. In other news, Delhi has reported its fourth monkeypox case, following a positive test from a Nigerian woman. Meanwhile, Sajid Javid, former Conservative health minister, added his name to the list of supporters for Liz Truss for her leadership campaign. Finally, as per a decision by the presiding judge, Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s Twitter countersuit will be made public by Friday afternoon (August 5). Click on the headlines to read more: Ahead of Chinese military drills, Taiwan hit with cyberattack Several hours prior to Ms. Pelosi's arrival, the official website of Taiwan's presidential office was targeted about 5 p.m., according to a statement from the office. The website saw a 200-fold increase in traffic that prevented it from displaying any information for 20 minutes. After the issues were resolved, it started operating normally again, according to the statement. Delhi reports fourth monkeypox case; at least eight confirmed cases in India The Nigerian woman who was detected with the virus has been admitted to a Delhi hospital after she was detected with fever and skin lesions. However, there is no information about her travel history so far. Former Conservative health minister Sajid Javid announces his support for Liz Truss Javid said in an article published in The Times on Wednesday "After careful consideration, it is clear to me that Liz Truss is best placed to pass these tests." Praising Truss' "sharp focus and willingness to challenge the status quo", Javid said that the new prime minister would need to swiftly reunite the party. Delaware Chancery Court rules Musk's Twitter countersuit to be made public by Friday Accusing Musk of trying to release his 163-page countersuit on Wednesday without giving it a chance to redact, Twitter’s legal team on Monday asked for information about a host of entrepreneurs and tech investors connected to Musk in a wide-ranging subpoena. Gravitas: Ukraine war: Warnings of a nuclear emergency

Morning news brief: Taiwan hit with cyberattack, Delhi reports 4th monkeypox case, and more

In pics | Hanging, drowning, holding on: Ravaging Kentucky floods lead to dramatic rescues

On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground. In contrast, the pound was unchanged ahead of a meeting of the Bank of England. The dollar index, which compares the value of the dollar to those of six other currencies, had somewhat increased overnight but was unchanged in early trade at 106.39. This week, it is up about 0.5%, reversing the pattern from the previous two weeks.

Mary Daly of the San Francisco Fed and Neel Kashkari of the Minneapolis Fed both expressed their desire to control excessive inflation overnight, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other officials the day before. Even after the dollar index reached a two-decade high in July, according to a Reuters survey of economists earlier this week, 70% said the dollar had yet to top in this cycle.

The market is pricing in a 58 per cent chance of a 50 basis point rate hike at the Fed's September meeting and a 42 per cent possibility of an additional significant 75 basis point increase, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Sim, however, said that the dollar's recent performance was mixed since riskier currencies have been supported by the increased risk sentiment, which has also aided U.S. market prices.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-relying-heavily-on-oil-palm-to-reduce-19-billion-vegetable-oil-imports-503080">&nbsp;India relying heavily on oil palm to reduce $19 billion vegetable oil imports</a>

The Australian dollar, which had gained 0.46 per cent the previous day, was at $0.695 on Thursday morning as it attempted to climb back over the significant $0.7 level it had fallen from earlier in the week as a result of what appeared to be dovish comments from the central bank. Prior to a BOE meeting later on in the day, when most investors anticipate the central bank to hike the rate by 50 basis points to 1.75 per cent, the highest level since late 2008, the pound was little moved at $1.2158. This is related to central bank news.

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground.

On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground. In contrast, the pound was unchanged ahead of a meeting of the Bank of England. The dollar index, which compares the value of the dollar to those of six other currencies, had somewhat increased overnight but was unchanged in early trade at 106.39. This week, it is up about 0.5%, reversing the pattern from the previous two weeks. Mary Daly of the San Francisco Fed and Neel Kashkari of the Minneapolis Fed both expressed their desire to control excessive inflation overnight, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other officials the day before. Even after the dollar index reached a two-decade high in July, according to a Reuters survey of economists earlier this week, 70% said the dollar had yet to top in this cycle. The market is pricing in a 58 per cent chance of a 50 basis point rate hike at the Fed's September meeting and a 42 per cent possibility of an additional significant 75 basis point increase, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Sim, however, said that the dollar's recent performance was mixed since riskier currencies have been supported by the increased risk sentiment, which has also aided U.S. market prices. Also Read: India relying heavily on oil palm to reduce $19 billion vegetable oil imports The Australian dollar, which had gained 0.46 per cent the previous day, was at $0.695 on Thursday morning as it attempted to climb back over the significant $0.7 level it had fallen from earlier in the week as a result of what appeared to be dovish comments from the central bank. Prior to a BOE meeting later on in the day, when most investors anticipate the central bank to hike the rate by 50 basis points to 1.75 per cent, the highest level since late 2008, the pound was little moved at $1.2158. This is related to central bank news. (with inputs from agencies)

Dollar surges reversing previous two-week trend as Fed officials anticipate further rate hikes

Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP. The heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where the forces of the two neighbours stand face to face, will be visited by Pelosi, who landed in Seoul late on Wednesday. The SPAR19 US Air Force jet Pelosi used for travelling is the most-tracked aircraft in the world right now.

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U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her South Korean counterpart vowed to support efforts to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korea and achieve its denuclearization<a href="https://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6">https://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6</a> <a href="https://t.co/TclqSJ1hNs">pic.twitter.com/TclqSJ1hNs</a>
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She would be the highest-ranking US official to travel to the hamlet of Panmunjom, which serves as a site of inter-Korean peace since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with then-president Donald Trump there in 2019. When Pelosi visited with Kim Jin-pyo, speaker of the National Assembly in Seoul, they spoke about North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes. Kim Jin-pyo read from a joint statement that the two "expressed concern over the grave situation in which North Korea's level of threat is heightening."

This year, North Korea has launched a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests, including the first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at the full range since 2017. The two lawmakers pledged their support for the leaders of the two nations' attempts to persuade Pyongyang to denuclearize and advocated for "strong and extended deterrence against North Korea."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/pelosi-in-taiwan-how-spar19-became-the-most-tracked-flight-of-all-time-503176">Pelosi in Taiwan: How SPAR19 became the most tracked flight of all time</a>

Pelosi praised the "special" relationship between South Korea and the United States at a brief press conference in Seoul, but she made no mention of her travel to Taipei and refused to accept any questions. She had disregarded many Chinese warnings not to travel to Taiwan, which China regards as its territory. Any such travel, according to Beijing, would be seen as a serious provocation. Large-scale military exercises have since been conducted all across the island.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP.

Following her well-publicized travel to Taiwan, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in South Korea on Thursday, where she had visits to the North Korean border on her itinerary, according to AFP. The heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where the forces of the two neighbours stand face to face, will be visited by Pelosi, who landed in Seoul late on Wednesday. The SPAR19 US Air Force jet Pelosi used for travelling is the most-tracked aircraft in the world right now. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her South Korean counterpart vowed to support efforts to maintain a strong deterrence against North Korea and achieve its denuclearizationhttps://t.co/mIkhG4GHr6 pic.twitter.com/TclqSJ1hNs — Reuters (@Reuters) August 4, 2022 × She would be the highest-ranking US official to travel to the hamlet of Panmunjom, which serves as a site of inter-Korean peace since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with then-president Donald Trump there in 2019. When Pelosi visited with Kim Jin-pyo, speaker of the National Assembly in Seoul, they spoke about North Korea's nuclear weapons programmes. Kim Jin-pyo read from a joint statement that the two "expressed concern over the grave situation in which North Korea's level of threat is heightening." This year, North Korea has launched a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests, including the first launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile at the full range since 2017. The two lawmakers pledged their support for the leaders of the two nations' attempts to persuade Pyongyang to denuclearize and advocated for "strong and extended deterrence against North Korea." Also Read: Pelosi in Taiwan: How SPAR19 became the most tracked flight of all time Pelosi praised the "special" relationship between South Korea and the United States at a brief press conference in Seoul, but she made no mention of her travel to Taipei and refused to accept any questions. She had disregarded many Chinese warnings not to travel to Taiwan, which China regards as its territory. Any such travel, according to Beijing, would be seen as a serious provocation. Large-scale military exercises have since been conducted all across the island. (with inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Where is Nancy Pelosi? Where did she go straight from Taiwan?

Many southern Spanish hillsides, which are usually unsuited for other crops, are covered with olive trees. Olive oil has been a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years. The world's biggest exporter of olive oil, Spain, has been endangered by intense heat waves and a lack of rain. According to data, the cost of refined olive oil in Jaen, in southern Spain's Andalusia area, increased by 8.3% in June compared to the same month in 2016.

World's largest olive oil producer

According to data made public by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Spain is the world's largest producer and exporter of olive oil. Spain made a staggering $167 million from the export of olive oil in 2020. In that year, Spain was responsible for nearly 43% of all olive oil exports worldwide. A little more than 20% of total olive oil exports came from Italy, which was less than half of what Spain exported that year.

Intense heatwaves

The world's leading exporter of olive oil is at risk of having less production due to intense heatwaves and a lack of rain, according to Spain's agriculture minister. Nearly half of the world's production of olive oil comes from Spain. Vegetable oil prices were anticipated to stay high as a result of the setback and ongoing supply disruptions of Ukrainian sunflower oil, according to Planas.

Greatest drought in 70 years

The greatest drought to hit northern Italy in 70 years is threatening supplies of olive oil. According to market sources, the production of olive oil in Italy may have decreased by 20–30 per cent from the previous year. The drought is also anticipated to result in lower apricot, peach, and pear crop yields. According to a recent assessment by the organisation, the quality may also suffer because growers will have to harvest the fruit before it is fully developed. Some farmers could be tempted to begin irrigating their fields, but doing so would further drain already-strained reservoirs.

Other crops also affected

At a time when global food prices are almost at record highs as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which sent the price of wheat and other crops spiralling, the scorching weather throughout most of Europe also poses a threat to disrupt grain output. Due to the high temperatures and little rainfall, Planas predicts that Spain's total grain production, which includes corn, wheat, and barley, might fall by 13 per cent this year to 17.5 million tonnes.

Shift to sunflower oil

According to research published last month in the journal Nature Geoscience, the Iberian Peninsula is already at its driest point in 1,200 years, and winter rains are predicted to become even less frequent. As a result, Spain and Portugal's agricultural sectors are among the most vulnerable in Europe. Despite the fact that farmers have extended the planting area for sunflower crops by 25% in an effort to increase sunflower oil production after the Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted imports, Fernandez cautioned the weather could also have an impact on these crops.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Many southern Spanish hillsides, which are usually unsuited for other crops, are covered with olive trees. Olive oil has been a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years.

Many southern Spanish hillsides, which are usually unsuited for other crops, are covered with olive trees. Olive oil has been a crucial component of the Mediterranean diet for thousands of years. The world's biggest exporter of olive oil, Spain, has been endangered by intense heat waves and a lack of rain. According to data, the cost of refined olive oil in Jaen, in southern Spain's Andalusia area, increased by 8.3% in June compared to the same month in 2016. World's largest olive oil producer According to data made public by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Spain is the world's largest producer and exporter of olive oil. Spain made a staggering $167 million from the export of olive oil in 2020. In that year, Spain was responsible for nearly 43% of all olive oil exports worldwide. A little more than 20% of total olive oil exports came from Italy, which was less than half of what Spain exported that year. Intense heatwaves The world's leading exporter of olive oil is at risk of having less production due to intense heatwaves and a lack of rain, according to Spain's agriculture minister. Nearly half of the world's production of olive oil comes from Spain. Vegetable oil prices were anticipated to stay high as a result of the setback and ongoing supply disruptions of Ukrainian sunflower oil, according to Planas. Greatest drought in 70 years The greatest drought to hit northern Italy in 70 years is threatening supplies of olive oil. According to market sources, the production of olive oil in Italy may have decreased by 20–30 per cent from the previous year. The drought is also anticipated to result in lower apricot, peach, and pear crop yields. According to a recent assessment by the organisation, the quality may also suffer because growers will have to harvest the fruit before it is fully developed. Some farmers could be tempted to begin irrigating their fields, but doing so would further drain already-strained reservoirs. Other crops also affected At a time when global food prices are almost at record highs as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which sent the price of wheat and other crops spiralling, the scorching weather throughout most of Europe also poses a threat to disrupt grain output. Due to the high temperatures and little rainfall, Planas predicts that Spain's total grain production, which includes corn, wheat, and barley, might fall by 13 per cent this year to 17.5 million tonnes. Shift to sunflower oil According to research published last month in the journal Nature Geoscience, the Iberian Peninsula is already at its driest point in 1,200 years, and winter rains are predicted to become even less frequent. As a result, Spain and Portugal's agricultural sectors are among the most vulnerable in Europe. Despite the fact that farmers have extended the planting area for sunflower crops by 25% in an effort to increase sunflower oil production after the Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted imports, Fernandez cautioned the weather could also have an impact on these crops. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: How deadly heatwaves are affecting Spain's 'green gold' harvest

In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday. Several other oligarchs thought to be connected to Putin, four Russian administrators of the occupied regions in Ukraine, and about two dozen high-tech institutions and businesses, including significant state-backed electronics firms, were also subject to US business prohibitions.

The Witanhurst estate, the second-largest estate in London after Buckingham Palace, is owned by billionaire Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev, a close friend of Vladimir Putin. The founder and former vice chairman of PhosAgro, a significant provider to the world's fertiliser markets, is Guryev. Financial penalties were imposed on him and his son, prohibiting them from doing business with US entities (including banks with U.S. branches) and freezing their assets under US jurisdiction.

Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kentucky-floods-8-killed-people-stranded-on-rooftops-and-trees-501712">In pics| Kentucky floods: 8 killed, people stranded on rooftops and trees</a>

Sanctions were also imposed on Viktor Filippovich Rashnikov, one of the biggest taxpayers in Russia, and two of his MMK companies, which is one of the biggest steel producers in the world. The State Department sanctioned oligarchs "running massive revenue-generating companies," including Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko, in joint action. The penalties included visa restrictions. A list of over 900 Russian officials as well as 31 unnamed non-Russian officials who have supported Russia's occupation of Crimea and nearly 900 other individuals were also added, according to the State Department.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday.

In the most recent wave of penalties related to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States blacklisted the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the businessman who owns the second-largest estate in London on Tuesday. Several other oligarchs thought to be connected to Putin, four Russian administrators of the occupied regions in Ukraine, and about two dozen high-tech institutions and businesses, including significant state-backed electronics firms, were also subject to US business prohibitions. The Witanhurst estate, the second-largest estate in London after Buckingham Palace, is owned by billionaire Andrey Grigoryevich Guryev, a close friend of Vladimir Putin. The founder and former vice chairman of PhosAgro, a significant provider to the world's fertiliser markets, is Guryev. Financial penalties were imposed on him and his son, prohibiting them from doing business with US entities (including banks with U.S. branches) and freezing their assets under US jurisdiction. Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters. Also Read: In pics| Kentucky floods: 8 killed, people stranded on rooftops and trees Sanctions were also imposed on Viktor Filippovich Rashnikov, one of the biggest taxpayers in Russia, and two of his MMK companies, which is one of the biggest steel producers in the world. The State Department sanctioned oligarchs "running massive revenue-generating companies," including Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko, in joint action. The penalties included visa restrictions. A list of over 900 Russian officials as well as 31 unnamed non-Russian officials who have supported Russia's occupation of Crimea and nearly 900 other individuals were also added, according to the State Department. (with inputs from agencies)

US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war

In pics: Bizarre enormous sinkholes appear in the middle of nowhere

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation. As tensions in the area rose before Pelosi’s visit, Chinese jets invaded Taiwan’s air defence zones. In other news, the race to become the UK’s next Prime Minister had to be postponed, which put a snag in the campaign. The decision was made as a result of information from the GCHQ space agency that cyber hackers were attempting to influence the results of the vote, as per a report by the Telegraph. Finally, the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the billionaire who owns the second-largest estate in London were blacklisted by the US as a part of the recent sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion.

Click on headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-nancy-pelosi-in-taiwan-china-summons-us-ambassador-503061">LIVE updates: We will always stand with Taiwan, says Nancy Pelosi</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/03/284048-pelosi11.jpg" />

China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it says it will unify by force if necessary. China's view on Taiwan was reflected as vice premier Xie declared:&nbsp;"Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-party-voting-for-next-uk-pm-delayed-after-gchq-hacking-alert-report-503064">Conservative Party voting for next UK PM delayed after GCHQ hacking alert: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/07/26/282005-sunak.jpg" />

While the agency did not specify the source of the threat, they said that the process was vulnerable to cyber-attacks and advised against going forward with the process. That resulted in the Conservative Party making it clear that new members will no longer be able to change their votes later in the Prime Minister race, the report further stated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russian-oligarchs-and-putins-girlfriend-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war-503057">US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/03/284045-2oavnxmxbfocpktnbzdnyze3rq.jpg" />

Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran steps up its nuclear programme after US sanctions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-steps-up-its-nuclear-programme-after-us-sanctions-503073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Watch |&nbsp;China brands Pelosi's Taiwan visit 'extremely dangerous'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-brands-pelosis-taiwan-visit-extremely-dangerous-503067/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation.

Nancy Pelosi, the US House Speaker, arrived in Taiwan amid an escalating crisis between the US and China. The Communist nation started conducting military drills close to the island nation. As tensions in the area rose before Pelosi’s visit, Chinese jets invaded Taiwan’s air defence zones. In other news, the race to become the UK’s next Prime Minister had to be postponed, which put a snag in the campaign. The decision was made as a result of information from the GCHQ space agency that cyber hackers were attempting to influence the results of the vote, as per a report by the Telegraph. Finally, the alleged lover of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the billionaire who owns the second-largest estate in London were blacklisted by the US as a part of the recent sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion. Click on headlines to read more: LIVE updates: We will always stand with Taiwan, says Nancy Pelosi China considers Taiwan as a breakaway province which it says it will unify by force if necessary. China's view on Taiwan was reflected as vice premier Xie declared: "Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland". Conservative Party voting for next UK PM delayed after GCHQ hacking alert: Report While the agency did not specify the source of the threat, they said that the process was vulnerable to cyber-attacks and advised against going forward with the process. That resulted in the Conservative Party making it clear that new members will no longer be able to change their votes later in the Prime Minister race, the report further stated. US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic gymnast who is frequently referred to as Putin's girlfriend, and Natalya Popova, the wife of Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the sizable sovereign wealth fund run by the Russian government, were both sanctioned by the Treasury. According to the Treasury, Popova works for Innopraktika, a technological company that is owned by one of Putin's daughters. Watch | Iran steps up its nuclear programme after US sanctions Watch | China brands Pelosi's Taiwan visit 'extremely dangerous'

Morning news brief: ‘Will always stand with Taiwan,’ says Pelosi, voting for UK's next PM postponed, and more

Antonio Guterres received the credentials from senior diplomat Ruchira Kamboj, who on Tuesday assumed responsibility as India's new permanent representative to the UN. She described it as a privilege to be the first Indian woman to hold this post in a tweet. For the girls out there, she tweeted, "To the girls out there, we all can make it!"&nbsp;

Kamboj, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1987 batch, had been representing India in Bhutan. She takes up T S Tirumurti's position as India's UN ambassador. She is also the nation's first female envoy working at the global organization's New York headquarters.

Congratulation messages flowed in as she assumed responsibility as India's UN representative. The late Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti congratulated Ruchira Kamboj and said, "@IndiaUNNewYork, best wishes for your success." Kamboj was both the top female candidate in all of India for the 1987 Civil Services batch and the top candidate for the foreign service batch.&nbsp;

She started her career in diplomacy in Paris, where she served as the Indian Embassy's representative to France from 1989 until 1991. But Kamboj eventually went back to Delhi, where she worked from 1991 to 1996 as an undersecretary in the ministry of external affairs' Europe West Division. She worked for the Indian High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 1996 to 1999 as First Secretary (Economic and Commercial) and Head of Chancery.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-russian-oligarchs-and-putins-girlfriend-for-involvement-in-ukraine-war-503057">US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war</a>

From July 2017 until March 2019, Kamboj served as the high commissioner of India to South Africa while also holding dual accreditation with the Kingdom of Lesotho. On May 17, 2019, she took over as the Indian envoy to Bhutan.&nbsp;

Other female ambassadors to the Council include Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, Barbara Woodward of the United Kingdom, and Mona Juul of Norway, who serves as the country's permanent representative to the UN in New York.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Antonio Guterres received the credentials from senior diplomat Ruchira Kamboj, who on Tuesday assumed responsibility as India's new permanent representative to the UN.

Antonio Guterres received the credentials from senior diplomat Ruchira Kamboj, who on Tuesday assumed responsibility as India's new permanent representative to the UN. She described it as a privilege to be the first Indian woman to hold this post in a tweet. For the girls out there, she tweeted, "To the girls out there, we all can make it!" Kamboj, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1987 batch, had been representing India in Bhutan. She takes up T S Tirumurti's position as India's UN ambassador. She is also the nation's first female envoy working at the global organization's New York headquarters. Congratulation messages flowed in as she assumed responsibility as India's UN representative. The late Ambassador T. S. Tirumurti congratulated Ruchira Kamboj and said, "@IndiaUNNewYork, best wishes for your success." Kamboj was both the top female candidate in all of India for the 1987 Civil Services batch and the top candidate for the foreign service batch. She started her career in diplomacy in Paris, where she served as the Indian Embassy's representative to France from 1989 until 1991. But Kamboj eventually went back to Delhi, where she worked from 1991 to 1996 as an undersecretary in the ministry of external affairs' Europe West Division. She worked for the Indian High Commission in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 1996 to 1999 as First Secretary (Economic and Commercial) and Head of Chancery. Also Read: US sanctions Russian oligarchs and Putin's 'girlfriend' for involvement in Ukraine war From July 2017 until March 2019, Kamboj served as the high commissioner of India to South Africa while also holding dual accreditation with the Kingdom of Lesotho. On May 17, 2019, she took over as the Indian envoy to Bhutan. Other female ambassadors to the Council include Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, Barbara Woodward of the United Kingdom, and Mona Juul of Norway, who serves as the country's permanent representative to the UN in New York. (with inputs from agencies)

India's first woman UN envoy takes charge, tweets, "to the girls out there, we all can make it!"

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