After the internet explorer browser was recently shut down by Microsoft, a South Korean engineer built a grave for it, photos of which quickly went viral. In honour of the browser's "death", a gravestone marked with its signature "e" logo was set up on the rooftop of a cafe in South Korea's southern city of Gyeongju by engineer Kiyoung Jung, 38.

South Korea, which has some of the world's fastest average internet speeds, remained bizarrely wedded to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which was retired by the company earlier this week after 27 years.

"He was a good tool to use to download other browsers," the gravestone's inscription reads.&nbsp;

Images of Jung's joke tombstone quickly spread online, with users of social media site Reddit upvoting it tens of thousands of times. Once dominant globally, Internet Explorer was widely reviled in recent years due to its slowness and glitches.&nbsp;

But in South Korea, it was mandatory for online banking and shopping until about 2014, as all such online activities required sites to use ActiveX -- a plugin created by Microsoft. &nbsp;It remained the default browser for many Seoul government sites until very recently, local reports said.

The websites of the Korea Water Resources Corporation and the Korea Expressway Corporation only functioned properly in IE until at least June 10, according to a report by the Maeil Economic Daily. As a software engineer and web developer, Jung says he constantly "suffered" at work because of compatibility issues involving the now-defunct browser.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/dutch-company-lightyear-to-launch-worlds-first-solar-car-by-the-end-of-2022-489188">Dutch company Lightyear to launch world’s first solar car by the end of 2022</a>

"In South Korea, when you are doing web development work, the expectation was always that it should look good in Internet Explorer, rather than Chrome," he said.

Websites that look good in other browsers, such as Safari or Chrome, can look very wrong in IE, which often forced him to spend many extra hours working to ensure compatibility. Jung said that he was "overjoyed" by IE's retirement.

But he also said he felt genuinely nostalgic and emotional about the browser's demise, as he remembers its heyday -- one of the reasons he was inspired to erect the gravestone.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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After the internet explorer browser was recently shut down by Microsoft, a South Korean engineer built a grave for it, photos of which quickly went viral. In honour of the browser's "death", a gravestone marked with its signature "e" logo was set up on the rooftop of a cafe in South Korea's southern city of Gyeongju by engineer Kiyoung Jung, 38.

After the internet explorer browser was recently shut down by Microsoft, a South Korean engineer built a grave for it, photos of which quickly went viral. In honour of the browser's "death", a gravestone marked with its signature "e" logo was set up on the rooftop of a cafe in South Korea's southern city of Gyeongju by engineer Kiyoung Jung, 38. South Korea, which has some of the world's fastest average internet speeds, remained bizarrely wedded to Microsoft's Internet Explorer, which was retired by the company earlier this week after 27 years. "He was a good tool to use to download other browsers," the gravestone's inscription reads. Images of Jung's joke tombstone quickly spread online, with users of social media site Reddit upvoting it tens of thousands of times. Once dominant globally, Internet Explorer was widely reviled in recent years due to its slowness and glitches. But in South Korea, it was mandatory for online banking and shopping until about 2014, as all such online activities required sites to use ActiveX -- a plugin created by Microsoft. It remained the default browser for many Seoul government sites until very recently, local reports said. The websites of the Korea Water Resources Corporation and the Korea Expressway Corporation only functioned properly in IE until at least June 10, according to a report by the Maeil Economic Daily. As a software engineer and web developer, Jung says he constantly "suffered" at work because of compatibility issues involving the now-defunct browser. Also Read: Dutch company Lightyear to launch world’s first solar car by the end of 2022 "In South Korea, when you are doing web development work, the expectation was always that it should look good in Internet Explorer, rather than Chrome," he said. Websites that look good in other browsers, such as Safari or Chrome, can look very wrong in IE, which often forced him to spend many extra hours working to ensure compatibility. Jung said that he was "overjoyed" by IE's retirement. But he also said he felt genuinely nostalgic and emotional about the browser's demise, as he remembers its heyday -- one of the reasons he was inspired to erect the gravestone. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korean man builds grave for internet explorer, says it was a good tool to ‘download other browsers’

As Covid&nbsp;cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back.&nbsp;

Facemasks have been compulsory in public in Thailand, including outdoors, since mid-2021 when the Delta variant was running rampant. But as the pandemic has subsided, the tourism-dependent kingdom has gradually relaxed covid restrictions in a bid to boost visitor numbers.

Thailand's relaxation on facemasks comes after similar moves by regional peers including Cambodia and Singapore.&nbsp;

Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman for the Thai Covid taskforce, said wearing masks outside would become voluntary, but was still recommended in crowded areas, entertainment venues and on public transport. He said the health ministry would announce further details of the mask relaxation, including when it would come into force.

On July 1, the government will also stop the "Thailand Pass" system, under which foreign tourists had to register and show proof of vaccination and health insurance before they could fly to the kingdom. Visitors will have to carry vaccine certificates or take Covid tests on arrival.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kinder-factory-behind-salmonella-contamination-in-europe-reopening-489078">Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening</a>

The move is seen as an attempt to bolster the sputtering economy, which has seen growth hammered by the pandemic and living costs rising. There were more than 1.6 million foreign tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2022, with foreign tourist receipts logged at 99.7 billion baht, according to government data.

This compares with around 40 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.&nbsp;

Daily Covid&nbsp;cases have hovered below 3,500 in recent weeks, with the number of deaths registering below 50 a day for a month. More than three-quarters of the population has been jabbed with two vaccine doses, with more than 40 per cent also getting a booster dose.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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As Covid cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back.

As Covid cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back. Facemasks have been compulsory in public in Thailand, including outdoors, since mid-2021 when the Delta variant was running rampant. But as the pandemic has subsided, the tourism-dependent kingdom has gradually relaxed covid restrictions in a bid to boost visitor numbers. Thailand's relaxation on facemasks comes after similar moves by regional peers including Cambodia and Singapore. Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman for the Thai Covid taskforce, said wearing masks outside would become voluntary, but was still recommended in crowded areas, entertainment venues and on public transport. He said the health ministry would announce further details of the mask relaxation, including when it would come into force. On July 1, the government will also stop the "Thailand Pass" system, under which foreign tourists had to register and show proof of vaccination and health insurance before they could fly to the kingdom. Visitors will have to carry vaccine certificates or take Covid tests on arrival. Also Read: Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening The move is seen as an attempt to bolster the sputtering economy, which has seen growth hammered by the pandemic and living costs rising. There were more than 1.6 million foreign tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2022, with foreign tourist receipts logged at 99.7 billion baht, according to government data. This compares with around 40 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Daily Covid cases have hovered below 3,500 in recent weeks, with the number of deaths registering below 50 a day for a month. More than three-quarters of the population has been jabbed with two vaccine doses, with more than 40 per cent also getting a booster dose. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Thailand forgoes foreign tourist registration, drops mask rule

A dutch company, Lightyear, is launching the world’s first production-ready solar car that will hit the roads later this year promising months of charge-less driving in summer. The Lightyear 0 will have curved solar panels in its roof, hood and trunk that top up the electric battery as it drives. The first delivery in Europe could be as early as November.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Lex Hoefsloot said at the reveal of the Lightyear 0 model, “Electric cars are a step in the right direction, but they are dependent on the grid, which is still dependent on mostly fossil fuel energy. Adding a new source, the sun, adds certainty that you will always have that charge and you will have to charge a lot less often.”

The interior of the vehicle is vegan and eco-friendly, featuring plant-based leather, fabrics made from recycled PET bottles and wooden deco elements from sustainably-restructured rattan palm.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-thailand-forgoes-foreign-tourist-registration-drops-mask-rule-489169">Covid 19: Thailand forgoes foreign tourist registration, drops mask rule</a>

When asked about the battery, Hoefsloot says, "The powertrain is the most efficient in the world," adding that the car's aerodynamic shape and four in-wheel motors enable a smaller battery to provide the same range.

That means "the whole car is lighter, and you get into this positive feedback cycle where everything can become lighter as well. That's how we've been able to get to 1,575 kilograms. If you look at other cars that offer a similar range, they're all about 40% heavier," he added.

The car has a maximum speed of just 100 mph, while its 0 to 100 mph time is 10 seconds. The company will launch 946 models, one of them costing around €250,000 ($262,000).

(with inputs from agencies)

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A dutch company, Lightyear, is launching the world’s first production-ready solar car that will hit the roads later this year promising months of charge-less driving in summer.

A dutch company, Lightyear, is launching the world’s first production-ready solar car that will hit the roads later this year promising months of charge-less driving in summer. The Lightyear 0 will have curved solar panels in its roof, hood and trunk that top up the electric battery as it drives. The first delivery in Europe could be as early as November. Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Lex Hoefsloot said at the reveal of the Lightyear 0 model, “Electric cars are a step in the right direction, but they are dependent on the grid, which is still dependent on mostly fossil fuel energy. Adding a new source, the sun, adds certainty that you will always have that charge and you will have to charge a lot less often.” The interior of the vehicle is vegan and eco-friendly, featuring plant-based leather, fabrics made from recycled PET bottles and wooden deco elements from sustainably-restructured rattan palm. Also Read: Covid 19: Thailand forgoes foreign tourist registration, drops mask rule When asked about the battery, Hoefsloot says, "The powertrain is the most efficient in the world," adding that the car's aerodynamic shape and four in-wheel motors enable a smaller battery to provide the same range. That means "the whole car is lighter, and you get into this positive feedback cycle where everything can become lighter as well. That's how we've been able to get to 1,575 kilograms. If you look at other cars that offer a similar range, they're all about 40% heavier," he added. The car has a maximum speed of just 100 mph, while its 0 to 100 mph time is 10 seconds. The company will launch 946 models, one of them costing around €250,000 ($262,000). (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dutch company Lightyear to launch world’s first solar car by the end of 2022

In a new study, scientists have identified an isolated subpopulation of polar bears in Southeast Greenland that make use of freshwater ice pouring into the ocean from the region's glaciers, suggesting this particular habitat is less susceptible than others to climate change. Their findings, described in the journal Science on Thursday, open up the tantalizing possibility that at least some pockets of the species might be able to survive further into this century when Arctic sea ice is expected to disappear completely during the summer months.

Polar bears face an existential threat from the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice, which they rely on as platforms to hunt seals. "One of the big questions is where in the Arctic will polar bears be able to hang on, what we call 'persist,'" first author Kristin Laidre, a polar scientist at the University of Washington and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources says.

"I think that bears in a place like this can teach us a lot about where those places might be," she adds. 
Laidre and colleagues first spent two years interviewing Inuit subsistence hunters who provided input and ecological knowledge, including harvest samples for analysis. They then began their fieldwork, which lasted from 2015 to 2021, in a harsh region long understudied because of its unpredictable weather, heavy snowfall and jagged mountains.&nbsp;

Each year, the team would spend one month in springtime, staying in the nearest settlement Kuummiit, which is a two-hour helicopter ride from where the bears live. Fuel depots had to be staged along the route in advance down the coastline, creating a hopscotch-like commute to work.

The team tagged the bears with satellite tracking devices and collected genetic samples by either capturing bears or firing biopsy darts into their rumps. Thought to number a few hundred individuals, "they are the most genetically isolated population of polar bears anywhere on the planet," said co-author Beth Shapiro, a geneticist at the University of California, Santa Cruz and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, in a statement.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kinder-factory-behind-salmonella-contamination-in-europe-reopening-489078">Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening</a>

&nbsp;

We know that this population has been living separately from other polar bear populations for at least several hundred years. Unlike their cousins, the Southeast Greenland polar bears were found to be homebodies, seldom straying far to hunt. Their isolation arises from the geography: they live in a complex landscape of fjords on the very edge of their range on the southern tip of Greenland, well below the Arctic circle, with nowhere to go.&nbsp;

To the west, there are an enormous set of mountains and the Greenland Ice Sheet and to the east the open water of the Denmark Strait all the way to Iceland. They also have to contend with a rapid current that flows southward along the coast. "We see that when they get caught in this current they jump off the ice and they walk back home to their fjords," said Laidre. The team found that some of the tracked bears accidentally caught in this situation had to trek more than a hundred miles back home. 
&nbsp;

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In a new study, scientists have identified an isolated subpopulation of polar bears in Southeast Greenland that make use of freshwater ice pouring into the ocean from the region's glaciers, suggesting this particular habitat is less susceptible than others to climate change.

In a new study, scientists have identified an isolated subpopulation of polar bears in Southeast Greenland that make use of freshwater ice pouring into the ocean from the region's glaciers, suggesting this particular habitat is less susceptible than others to climate change. Their findings, described in the journal Science on Thursday, open up the tantalizing possibility that at least some pockets of the species might be able to survive further into this century when Arctic sea ice is expected to disappear completely during the summer months. Polar bears face an existential threat from the rapid decline of Arctic sea ice, which they rely on as platforms to hunt seals. "One of the big questions is where in the Arctic will polar bears be able to hang on, what we call 'persist,'" first author Kristin Laidre, a polar scientist at the University of Washington and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources says. "I think that bears in a place like this can teach us a lot about where those places might be," she adds. Laidre and colleagues first spent two years interviewing Inuit subsistence hunters who provided input and ecological knowledge, including harvest samples for analysis. They then began their fieldwork, which lasted from 2015 to 2021, in a harsh region long understudied because of its unpredictable weather, heavy snowfall and jagged mountains. Each year, the team would spend one month in springtime, staying in the nearest settlement Kuummiit, which is a two-hour helicopter ride from where the bears live. Fuel depots had to be staged along the route in advance down the coastline, creating a hopscotch-like commute to work. The team tagged the bears with satellite tracking devices and collected genetic samples by either capturing bears or firing biopsy darts into their rumps. Thought to number a few hundred individuals, "they are the most genetically isolated population of polar bears anywhere on the planet," said co-author Beth Shapiro, a geneticist at the University of California, Santa Cruz and investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, in a statement. Also Read: Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening We know that this population has been living separately from other polar bear populations for at least several hundred years. Unlike their cousins, the Southeast Greenland polar bears were found to be homebodies, seldom straying far to hunt. Their isolation arises from the geography: they live in a complex landscape of fjords on the very edge of their range on the southern tip of Greenland, well below the Arctic circle, with nowhere to go. To the west, there are an enormous set of mountains and the Greenland Ice Sheet and to the east the open water of the Denmark Strait all the way to Iceland. They also have to contend with a rapid current that flows southward along the coast. "We see that when they get caught in this current they jump off the ice and they walk back home to their fjords," said Laidre. The team found that some of the tracked bears accidentally caught in this situation had to trek more than a hundred miles back home. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Can polar bears survive without Arctic ice? Scientists think so. Here's why

Indian multinational company Reliance Industries is considering buying out Revlon Inc in the United States, days after the cosmetics giant filed for bankruptcy.

The report comes as Revlon filed for bankruptcy earlier this week after global supply chain disruptions drove up raw material costs and prompted vendors to demand upfront payments.

In a court filing late Wednesday, the company initiated Chapter 11 proceedings to manage its debt, which it said stood between $1 billion and $10 billion.

Revlon, known for its signature nail polish and lipstick, reported long-term liabilities of $3.3 billion in the first quarter.

"Today's filing will allow Revlon to offer our consumers the iconic products we have delivered for decades while providing a clearer path for our future growth," CEO Debra Perelman said in a statement on Wednesday.

In the United States, Chapter 11, known as reorganization bankruptcy, allows firms to restructure themselves while being protected from creditors and continuing to operate.

The company said it expects to receive $575 million in financing from its lenders if its bankruptcy is approved in court.

Owned by billionaire investor Ronald Perelman and run by his daughter, Debra Perelman, Revlon reported a net loss of $67 million from January to March.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isolated-subpopulation-of-polar-bears-found-in-southeast-greenland-489104">Can polar bears survive without Arctic ice? Scientists think so. Here's why</a>

The company, which lists Elizabeth Arden, Almay, and Britney Spears Fragrances among its brands and has operations in more than 150 countries, has suffered from the global supply chain crisis and high inflation.

Revlon also has also faced increasingly tough competition, which has hurt revenue in recent years.

Reliance has pushed its way into the fashion and personal care space in recent months as it diversifies away from its mainstay oil business. It has already established a foothold in the telecom and retail sectors.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Indian multinational company Reliance Industries is considering buying out Revlon Inc in the United States, days after the cosmetics giant filed for bankruptcy. The report comes as Revlon filed for bankruptcy earlier this week after global supply chain disruptions drove up raw material costs and prompted vendors to demand upfront payments.

Indian multinational company Reliance Industries is considering buying out Revlon Inc in the United States, days after the cosmetics giant filed for bankruptcy. The report comes as Revlon filed for bankruptcy earlier this week after global supply chain disruptions drove up raw material costs and prompted vendors to demand upfront payments. In a court filing late Wednesday, the company initiated Chapter 11 proceedings to manage its debt, which it said stood between $1 billion and $10 billion. Revlon, known for its signature nail polish and lipstick, reported long-term liabilities of $3.3 billion in the first quarter. "Today's filing will allow Revlon to offer our consumers the iconic products we have delivered for decades while providing a clearer path for our future growth," CEO Debra Perelman said in a statement on Wednesday. In the United States, Chapter 11, known as reorganization bankruptcy, allows firms to restructure themselves while being protected from creditors and continuing to operate. The company said it expects to receive $575 million in financing from its lenders if its bankruptcy is approved in court. Owned by billionaire investor Ronald Perelman and run by his daughter, Debra Perelman, Revlon reported a net loss of $67 million from January to March. Also Read: Can polar bears survive without Arctic ice? Scientists think so. Here's why The company, which lists Elizabeth Arden, Almay, and Britney Spears Fragrances among its brands and has operations in more than 150 countries, has suffered from the global supply chain crisis and high inflation. Revlon also has also faced increasingly tough competition, which has hurt revenue in recent years. Reliance has pushed its way into the fashion and personal care space in recent months as it diversifies away from its mainstay oil business. It has already established a foothold in the telecom and retail sectors. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Reliance Industries plans to buy American bankrupt company Revlon

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Rupay cards will soon be accepted in France, possibly paving the way for these cashless transactions in the rest of European Union in future. India has started the process in France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International, and Lyra Network of France, said Indian Ambassador in France Jawed Ashraf.

Ashraf said, "When I was the ambassador of Singapore then we tried to launch Bhim QR and RuPay card in Singapore. We tried and successfully launched. Most of the merchandise accepts UPI payments and RuPay cards. I strongly believe that we can do this in Europe also. We are trying to start UPI and RuPay cards soon in France. We will have to discuss this with Central Bank, regulators and companies here in France.”

“In France, there is very less use of digital payment. But it needs to be integrated and seamless. It lacks efficiency as we have in India. We have started the process in France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NPCI, International and Lyra Network of France," he added.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isolated-subpopulation-of-polar-bears-found-in-southeast-greenland-489104">&nbsp;Isolated subpopulation of polar bears found in Southeast Greenland</a>

The Ambassador said that once he went to a doctor in France but didn't have the cash or cheque to pay. The doctor asked him to pay in cash or by cheque. He had to visit an ATM to withdraw the cash and pay the doctor.&nbsp;

“If UPI comes to France, then it will benefit the people of France. If we share the benefits of UPI with the people of France, then they will accept it. Regulators, banks, and companies will accept it. If we implement it in the Bank of France, then I think that we will also be able to push it for European Union," Ashraf explained.

However, the Ambassador said, "We will have to start with France first. Some banks like BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, etc are having presence in India and they know the success story of UPI."

(with inputs from agencies) 
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India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Rupay cards will soon be accepted in France, possibly paving the way for these cashless transactions in the rest of European Union in future.

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Rupay cards will soon be accepted in France, possibly paving the way for these cashless transactions in the rest of European Union in future. India has started the process in France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) International, and Lyra Network of France, said Indian Ambassador in France Jawed Ashraf. Ashraf said, "When I was the ambassador of Singapore then we tried to launch Bhim QR and RuPay card in Singapore. We tried and successfully launched. Most of the merchandise accepts UPI payments and RuPay cards. I strongly believe that we can do this in Europe also. We are trying to start UPI and RuPay cards soon in France. We will have to discuss this with Central Bank, regulators and companies here in France.” “In France, there is very less use of digital payment. But it needs to be integrated and seamless. It lacks efficiency as we have in India. We have started the process in France by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NPCI, International and Lyra Network of France," he added. Also Read: Isolated subpopulation of polar bears found in Southeast Greenland The Ambassador said that once he went to a doctor in France but didn't have the cash or cheque to pay. The doctor asked him to pay in cash or by cheque. He had to visit an ATM to withdraw the cash and pay the doctor. “If UPI comes to France, then it will benefit the people of France. If we share the benefits of UPI with the people of France, then they will accept it. Regulators, banks, and companies will accept it. If we implement it in the Bank of France, then I think that we will also be able to push it for European Union," Ashraf explained. However, the Ambassador said, "We will have to start with France first. Some banks like BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, etc are having presence in India and they know the success story of UPI." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Go cashless: India's Rupay cards and UPI will soon be accepted in France

Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe. The factory in Belgium can reopen conditionally after a clean-up by owner Ferrero.

The food health safety agency "has decided to give Ferrero conditional authorisation for its production factory in Arlon," in the country's southeast, it said in a statement. The permission was given for three months, during which all the products will be analysed before they can be distributed and sold, it added.

Ferrero was forced to withdraw more than 3,000 tonnes of Kinder products worth tens of millions of euros after the Salmonella cases were traced to Kinder chocolates made in its Arlon factory. AFSCA ordered the factory closed in early April, just before the Easter period that usually sees Kinder products fly off supermarket shelves. 
Nearly 400 Salmonella cases ended up being detected across the EU and Britain, many of them in children.

There were no deaths. &nbsp;Salmonella contamination symptoms can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting that are particularly dangerous for children under 10.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mariupol-horrors-inflicted-on-civilian-population-will-leave-indelible-mark-says-un-rights-chief-488824">Mariupol: Horrors inflicted on civilian population will leave ‘indelible mark’, says UN rights chief</a>

Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant that also makes the Nutella chocolate spread in other sites, said it had started the process of reopening the Arlon plant and expected production to restart in a few weeks.

It stressed that it had carried out a "deep clean" of the factory, which has around 1,000 workers, and taken steps so that such contamination would never happen again. It said the contamination likely was from a filter in a dairy milk tank.

"We are truly sorry for what happened and want to apologise once more to all people who were affected," Ferrero CEO Lapo Civiletti said.

The company is under several probes by Belgian authorities, who are notably investigating whether it was slow to respond to a hygiene problem that might have come to its attention months earlier. Officials are seeing if Ferrero met obligations for tracing products in its food chain and if the Salmonella incident put human lives in danger.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe.

Belgium's AFSCA food health safety agency on Friday has given conditional reopening permission to the Kinder chocolate factory that was behind the Salmonella contamination in Europe. The factory in Belgium can reopen conditionally after a clean-up by owner Ferrero. The food health safety agency "has decided to give Ferrero conditional authorisation for its production factory in Arlon," in the country's southeast, it said in a statement. The permission was given for three months, during which all the products will be analysed before they can be distributed and sold, it added. Ferrero was forced to withdraw more than 3,000 tonnes of Kinder products worth tens of millions of euros after the Salmonella cases were traced to Kinder chocolates made in its Arlon factory. AFSCA ordered the factory closed in early April, just before the Easter period that usually sees Kinder products fly off supermarket shelves. Nearly 400 Salmonella cases ended up being detected across the EU and Britain, many of them in children. There were no deaths. Salmonella contamination symptoms can include severe diarrhoea and vomiting that are particularly dangerous for children under 10. Also Read: Mariupol: Horrors inflicted on civilian population will leave ‘indelible mark’, says UN rights chief Ferrero, an Italian confectionery giant that also makes the Nutella chocolate spread in other sites, said it had started the process of reopening the Arlon plant and expected production to restart in a few weeks. It stressed that it had carried out a "deep clean" of the factory, which has around 1,000 workers, and taken steps so that such contamination would never happen again. It said the contamination likely was from a filter in a dairy milk tank. "We are truly sorry for what happened and want to apologise once more to all people who were affected," Ferrero CEO Lapo Civiletti said. The company is under several probes by Belgian authorities, who are notably investigating whether it was slow to respond to a hygiene problem that might have come to its attention months earlier. Officials are seeing if Ferrero met obligations for tracing products in its food chain and if the Salmonella incident put human lives in danger. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening

Due to the United States Federal Reserve raising its key rate by three-quarters of a point this week in a bid to tame high inflation the average long-term U.S. mortgage rates had their biggest one-week jump in 35 years, climbing from 5.23% last week to 5.78% this week, the highest its been since November of 2008 during the housing crisis.&nbsp;

Wednesday’s rate hike by the Fed was its biggest in a single action since 1994. The US central bank raised the benchmark borrowing rate on Wednesday by 0.75 percentage points, bigger than the telegraphed half-point increase after economic data in recent days showed inflation strengthening and consumer confidence weakening.

Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported on Thursday that the brisk jump in rates, along with a sharp increase in home prices, has been pushing potential homebuyers out of the market.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unhappy-bill-mcdonalds-to-pay-more-than-usd-1-billion-to-avoid-tax-evasion-case-488748">Unhappy bill: McDonald's to pay more than USD 1 billion to avoid tax evasion case</a>

Mortgage applications are down more than 15% from last year and refinancings are down more than 70%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those figures are likely to worsen with more Fed rate increases a near certainty.

Higher borrowing rates appear to be slowing the housing market. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed for the third consecutive month in April as mortgage rates increased, driving up borrowing costs for buyers as home prices soared.

Homeownership has become invariably difficult nowadays, especially for first-time buyers. Besides high inflation, rising mortgage rates and increasing home prices, the supply of homes for sale continues to be limited.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
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Due to the United States Federal Reserve raising its key rate by three-quarters of a point this week in a bid to tame high inflation the average long-term U.S. mortgage rates had their biggest one-week jump in 35 years, climbing from 5.

Due to the United States Federal Reserve raising its key rate by three-quarters of a point this week in a bid to tame high inflation the average long-term U.S. mortgage rates had their biggest one-week jump in 35 years, climbing from 5.23% last week to 5.78% this week, the highest its been since November of 2008 during the housing crisis. Wednesday’s rate hike by the Fed was its biggest in a single action since 1994. The US central bank raised the benchmark borrowing rate on Wednesday by 0.75 percentage points, bigger than the telegraphed half-point increase after economic data in recent days showed inflation strengthening and consumer confidence weakening. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported on Thursday that the brisk jump in rates, along with a sharp increase in home prices, has been pushing potential homebuyers out of the market. Also Read: Unhappy bill: McDonald's to pay more than USD 1 billion to avoid tax evasion case Mortgage applications are down more than 15% from last year and refinancings are down more than 70%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Those figures are likely to worsen with more Fed rate increases a near certainty. Higher borrowing rates appear to be slowing the housing market. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed for the third consecutive month in April as mortgage rates increased, driving up borrowing costs for buyers as home prices soared. Homeownership has become invariably difficult nowadays, especially for first-time buyers. Besides high inflation, rising mortgage rates and increasing home prices, the supply of homes for sale continues to be limited. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Long-term US mortgage rates show biggest one-week jump in 35 years after Fed’s rate hike

The Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy claiming to be a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, who was posing as an intern from accessing the Hague-based International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The Dutch named him Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov. The man used a Brazilian cover identity but was unmasked as a member of Russia's GRU military intelligence and refused entry in April as a "threat to national security", the AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) said in a statement.

"The AIVD prevented a Russian intelligence officer from gaining access as an intern to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague," the AIVD statement said.

"The person in question works for the Russian Military Intelligence Service GRU, but he used a Brazilian cover identity to travel from Brazil to the Netherlands," AVID added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-bids-farewell-to-its-war-heroes-488400">In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes</a>

Covert access to the Hague-based ICC would be "highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services" as it is probing both Ukraine and the Russian war in Georgia in 2008. The illegal was supposed to commence an internship with the ICC, which would mean he would have access to the ICC's building and systems.

Had the Russian spy succeeded "he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC’s digital systems, he might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC," it added.

The Dutch agency said it "holds him to be a threat to national security" and alerted the immigration services before his arrival. "On these grounds, the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out," it said.

The ICC has also been informed of this case. There was no immediate response from the ICC, which opened a probe into potential war crimes in Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion on February 24.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy claiming to be a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, who was posing as an intern from accessing the Hague-based International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy claiming to be a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, who was posing as an intern from accessing the Hague-based International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine. The Dutch named him Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov. The man used a Brazilian cover identity but was unmasked as a member of Russia's GRU military intelligence and refused entry in April as a "threat to national security", the AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) said in a statement. "The AIVD prevented a Russian intelligence officer from gaining access as an intern to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague," the AIVD statement said. "The person in question works for the Russian Military Intelligence Service GRU, but he used a Brazilian cover identity to travel from Brazil to the Netherlands," AVID added. Also Read: In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes Covert access to the Hague-based ICC would be "highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services" as it is probing both Ukraine and the Russian war in Georgia in 2008. The illegal was supposed to commence an internship with the ICC, which would mean he would have access to the ICC's building and systems. Had the Russian spy succeeded "he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC’s digital systems, he might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC," it added. The Dutch agency said it "holds him to be a threat to national security" and alerted the immigration services before his arrival. "On these grounds, the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out," it said. The ICC has also been informed of this case. There was no immediate response from the ICC, which opened a probe into potential war crimes in Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion on February 24. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dutch intelligence stops Russian spy from entering ICC investigating war crimes in Ukraine

The United Nations rights chief said on Thursday that the extent of death and destruction in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol suggests serious international law violations, warning that the horrors would mark future generations.&nbsp;Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet painted a grim picture of one of the bloodiest chapters so far in Russia's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Between February and the end of April, Mariupol was likely the deadliest place in Ukraine," she said, in an update on the situation in the strategic port city, now held by Moscow.

"The intensity and extent of hostilities, destruction and death and injury strongly suggest that serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law have occurred," she said.&nbsp;Russia declared victory in May in its months-long operation to capture Mariupol, after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the city's steelworks to lay down their arms. The three months of battles sent hundreds of thousands of people running for their lives and caused untold suffering and death.

Bachelet said that her staff had verified 1,348 civilian deaths in the city, including 70 children. "These deaths were caused by air strikes, tank and artillery shelling and small arms and light weapons during street fighting," she added.

But she acknowledged that "the actual death toll of hostilities on civilians is likely thousands higher."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-bids-farewell-to-its-war-heroes-488400">In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes</a>

The rights office assessed that up to 90 per cent of residential buildings in Mariupol had been damaged or destroyed and an estimated 350,000 people were forced to leave the city. Moscow's offensive on Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including attacks on a maternity ward and a theatre, where hundreds of mainly women and children were sheltering.

Bachelet said the theatre attack "stands out among the very deadliest and most emblematic examples of the harm caused to civilians." While the shelling has now faded, Bachelet warned that residents left behind are "struggling daily with limited access to basic utilities and social services, such as medical care."

The UN rights chief warned that "the horrors inflicted on the civilian population will leave their indelible mark, including on generations to come. On the parents who had to bury their own children, on people who witnessed their friends commit suicide, on families ripped apart, on all those who had to leave a much-loved city with uncertain prospects of ever seeing it again."

(with inputs from agencies) 
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The United Nations rights chief said on Thursday that the extent of death and destruction in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol suggests serious international law violations, warning that the horrors would mark future generations.

The United Nations rights chief said on Thursday that the extent of death and destruction in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol suggests serious international law violations, warning that the horrors would mark future generations. Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet painted a grim picture of one of the bloodiest chapters so far in Russia's war in Ukraine. "Between February and the end of April, Mariupol was likely the deadliest place in Ukraine," she said, in an update on the situation in the strategic port city, now held by Moscow. "The intensity and extent of hostilities, destruction and death and injury strongly suggest that serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations of international human rights law have occurred," she said. Russia declared victory in May in its months-long operation to capture Mariupol, after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the city's steelworks to lay down their arms. The three months of battles sent hundreds of thousands of people running for their lives and caused untold suffering and death. Bachelet said that her staff had verified 1,348 civilian deaths in the city, including 70 children. "These deaths were caused by air strikes, tank and artillery shelling and small arms and light weapons during street fighting," she added. But she acknowledged that "the actual death toll of hostilities on civilians is likely thousands higher." Also Read: In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes The rights office assessed that up to 90 per cent of residential buildings in Mariupol had been damaged or destroyed and an estimated 350,000 people were forced to leave the city. Moscow's offensive on Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including attacks on a maternity ward and a theatre, where hundreds of mainly women and children were sheltering. Bachelet said the theatre attack "stands out among the very deadliest and most emblematic examples of the harm caused to civilians." While the shelling has now faded, Bachelet warned that residents left behind are "struggling daily with limited access to basic utilities and social services, such as medical care." The UN rights chief warned that "the horrors inflicted on the civilian population will leave their indelible mark, including on generations to come. On the parents who had to bury their own children, on people who witnessed their friends commit suicide, on families ripped apart, on all those who had to leave a much-loved city with uncertain prospects of ever seeing it again." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mariupol: Horrors inflicted on civilian population will leave ‘indelible mark’, says UN rights chief

Chilean swimmer Barbara Hernandez announced on Tuesday that she had received a Guinness world record after swimming between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in Cabo de Hornos, in southern Chile. Hernandez broke the Guinness record by swimming one nautical mile in 15 minutes and three seconds in February.&nbsp;

The World Open Water Swimming Association also awarded her for being the first person to ever swim three nautical miles (5,500 metres) between both Oceans.&nbsp;

Hernandez says, “There have been very nice emotions because becoming a swimmer had been my dream since I was a girl. My grandfather is in this story as well because he died just after I finished this swim. My family is my engine, they’re the most important people in my life. So sharing this swim with my family and mainly with people I want to make an open call to dream big, to know that literally from the end of the world we can do things that will impact other people’s lives, that will motivate us to give our best. To dream and to build those dreams above everything else.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/research-points-toward-exceptional-heating-in-arctic-area-488468">Research points toward exceptional heating in Arctic area</a>

The 36-year-old psychologist and swimmer, who is also known as ‘the ice mermaid’, said she wants all Chileans to feel as if her achievement was theirs.&nbsp;

“The main obstacles or adversities were first the water temperature. It’s very cold, it’s around seven or eight degrees Celsius (44.6 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s also a distance that at that location had never been swum by a woman or a man. That made us be extra careful with things such as hypothermia, which can be severe. We wanted to work under the best conditions in a very inhospitable environment,” she added.

During her feat, Hernandez was monitored closely by the Chilean Navy. She wasn't allowed to receive assistance, stop to rest or even wear a neoprene suit.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Chilean swimmer Barbara Hernandez announced on Tuesday that she had received a Guinness world record after swimming between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in Cabo de Hornos, in southern Chile.

Chilean swimmer Barbara Hernandez announced on Tuesday that she had received a Guinness world record after swimming between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in Cabo de Hornos, in southern Chile. Hernandez broke the Guinness record by swimming one nautical mile in 15 minutes and three seconds in February. The World Open Water Swimming Association also awarded her for being the first person to ever swim three nautical miles (5,500 metres) between both Oceans. Hernandez says, “There have been very nice emotions because becoming a swimmer had been my dream since I was a girl. My grandfather is in this story as well because he died just after I finished this swim. My family is my engine, they’re the most important people in my life. So sharing this swim with my family and mainly with people I want to make an open call to dream big, to know that literally from the end of the world we can do things that will impact other people’s lives, that will motivate us to give our best. To dream and to build those dreams above everything else.” Also Read: Research points toward exceptional heating in Arctic area The 36-year-old psychologist and swimmer, who is also known as ‘the ice mermaid’, said she wants all Chileans to feel as if her achievement was theirs. “The main obstacles or adversities were first the water temperature. It’s very cold, it’s around seven or eight degrees Celsius (44.6 to 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s also a distance that at that location had never been swum by a woman or a man. That made us be extra careful with things such as hypothermia, which can be severe. We wanted to work under the best conditions in a very inhospitable environment,” she added. During her feat, Hernandez was monitored closely by the Chilean Navy. She wasn't allowed to receive assistance, stop to rest or even wear a neoprene suit. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chilean swimmer breaks Guinness world record; becomes first person to ever swim three nautical miles

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Johnson last week survived a confidence ballot that saw 41% of his lawmakers vote against his leadership after months of scandals and gaffes that have raised questions over his authority to govern and knocked his standing with the public.

Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on ministers' interests, last month said Johnson must explain why he thought he had not broken the ministerial code after being fined over attending a party during the COVID-19 national lockdown.&nbsp;

"With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post," Geidt said in a statement posted on the government's website.

Geidt, whose role was to advise Johnson on matters relating to the ministerial code of conduct, did not give a reason for his resignation. The government said it was surprised by Geidt's decision.

"Whilst we are disappointed, we thank Lord Geidt for his public service. We will appoint a new adviser in due course," a government spokesperson said.

Geidt, the Queen's Private Secretary for 10 years until 2017, was appointed by Johnson in April 2021. The previous holder of the role resigned in 2020 in protest at Johnson's support for a minister who was found to have broken the code.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-sheep-fire-flames-engulf-dense-vegetation-in-southern-california-488426">&nbsp;In pics: Sheep fire flames engulf dense vegetation in southern California</a>

"The Prime Minister has now driven both of his own hand-picked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they can't defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern?" opposition Labour Party Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said.

Geidt last year called for his role to have greater authority and independence, but when the government updated the ministerial code last month it said that, while he could now initiate an investigation, he was still required to consult the prime minister.

He had also previously criticised the fact that an exchange of messages had not been disclosed to him when investigating who funded a costly refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor Lord Geidt resigned on Wednesday without an explanation. He was known to be unhappy with the prime minister's handling of Partygate and had suggested he may have broken the ministerial code. Johnson last week survived a confidence ballot that saw 41% of his lawmakers vote against his leadership after months of scandals and gaffes that have raised questions over his authority to govern and knocked his standing with the public. Christopher Geidt, the independent adviser on ministers' interests, last month said Johnson must explain why he thought he had not broken the ministerial code after being fined over attending a party during the COVID-19 national lockdown. "With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post," Geidt said in a statement posted on the government's website. Geidt, whose role was to advise Johnson on matters relating to the ministerial code of conduct, did not give a reason for his resignation. The government said it was surprised by Geidt's decision. "Whilst we are disappointed, we thank Lord Geidt for his public service. We will appoint a new adviser in due course," a government spokesperson said. Geidt, the Queen's Private Secretary for 10 years until 2017, was appointed by Johnson in April 2021. The previous holder of the role resigned in 2020 in protest at Johnson's support for a minister who was found to have broken the code. Also Read: In pics: Sheep fire flames engulf dense vegetation in southern California "The Prime Minister has now driven both of his own hand-picked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they can't defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern?" opposition Labour Party Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said. Geidt last year called for his role to have greater authority and independence, but when the government updated the ministerial code last month it said that, while he could now initiate an investigation, he was still required to consult the prime minister. He had also previously criticised the fact that an exchange of messages had not been disclosed to him when investigating who funded a costly refurbishment of Johnson's Downing Street flat. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Boris Johnson’s second ethics advisor resigns in less than two years

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