The speech, riddled with attacks on the news media, elites and immigrants, with a fiery orator whipping up thousands of flag-waving supporters, was reminiscent of a Donald Trump campaign stop from years past.

But the scene was in France, last weekend, where Éric Zemmour, a polarizing far-right polemicist who has scrambled French politics, launched his presidential campaign with a rally in front of thousands of ardent supporters.

“On est chez nous!” (“This is our home!”), they chanted in a cavernous convention center filled with spotlights, speakers and giant screens in Villepinte, a suburb northeast of Paris.

At one point during the rally, anti-racism activists were attacked in the sort of brawl rarely seen at French political events. Earlier in the day, fans booed a television news crew, forcing it to be temporarily evacuated, and several journalists reported being insulted and beaten.

The outcome of Zemmour’s campaign remains unclear four months before France’s presidential election, with President Emmanuel Macron still ahead in the polls, and fierce competition emerging from the right. But the rally offered a glimpse of where the election could head, and which Trumpian tones it could take.

Unlike Marine Le Pen, the candidate of the traditional far right, who has long sought success by softening her party’s far-right views, Zemmour has bet that a full-on promotion of his reactionary ideas can fuel his rise.

He has done so by mastering the codes of social and news media, and by appealing to a somewhat wealthier and more educated base than the traditional far right. Recent polls suggest this approach has worked; about 15% of French voters say they intend to vote for him in the first round of voting.

“He’s the one who breaks a dam,” said Vincent Martigny, a professor of political science at the University of Nice. Voters who once balked at supporting Le Pen have now embraced his more extremist ideas, Martigny said.

But this quest to stake out a position on the extreme right may also backfire, as shown at last Sunday’s rally, when dozens of his supporters attacked anti-racism activists. The violent brawl could stain his image and undermine his attempts to broaden his electoral base, according to political analysts.

Still, as with Trump, no scandal to date has done any lasting damage to Zemmour’s political ambitions as he taps into widespread fears that French identity is being whittled away by immigration. Those fears have been heightened by a number of terrorist attacks in recent years, some committed by the children of immigrants.

Last Sunday's crowd of about 12,000 people in the Villepinte convention center reflected some of the forces that have fueled the candidate’s meteoric rise — upper-middle-class voters and some segments of an educated, affluent youth.

Men close to retirement age in hunting jackets and loafers waved French flags and cheered alongside young people dressed in crisp polo shirts; many displayed Roman Catholic crosses around their necks.

“Zemmour is someone who can actually make our ideas triumph and save France,” said Marc Perreti, a 19-year-old student from Neuilly-sur-Seine, a wealthy suburb of Paris.

In contrast with the affluent voters seen at Zemmour’s rally, Le Pen’s support comes mainly from the working class. A recent study showed Zemmour scoring well among the upper middle class, at 16% compared with 6% for Le Pen.

There was widespread nodding at the rally when Zemmour talked of France’s “great downgrading, with the impoverishment of the French, the decline of our power and the collapse of our school.”

And there were loud cheers when he mentioned “the great replacement, with the Islamization of France, mass immigration and constant insecurity.”

The so-called great replacement, a contentious theory that claims the West’s population is being replaced by immigrants, has been cited by white supremacists in mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, and El Paso, Texas.

But Sophie Michel, a former history teacher and a mother of nine, said she believed the theory, pointing to the growing number of immigrant families living in her apartment building in western Paris.

“We’re the last white people there,” she said. “This is for real.”

The name of Zemmour’s new party, Reconquest, evokes the centuries-long period known as the Reconquista, when Christian forces drove Muslim rulers from the Iberian Peninsula.

Two of Michel’s children also attended the rally, along with hundreds of young people. Hortense Bergerault, 17, said she followed Zemmour on Instagram, where he has nearly 150,000 followers, ranking only behind Macron and Le Pen among the presidential candidates. “I have many friends who are really into it,” she said.

Martigny, the political scientist, said Zemmour was the product of “culture wars” that had gradually spread far-right ideas across society, especially through Fox News-style news networks, clearing “a space for a Trumpian player in the French political life.”

“They have understood that there is no lasting political victory without a prior cultural victory,” Martigny said of Zemmour’s team.

This cultural win was evident in Villepinte, where many supporters referred to Zemmour’s books and TV appearances as eye-opening experiences. Some wore baseball caps reading “Ben voyons!” — a rejoinder that Zemmour often uses to dismiss criticism and that roughly translates to “Oh, come on!” The crowd even chanted the phrase when Zemmour, speaking from his lectern, mocked those accusing him of being a fascist.

Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Zemmour’s campaign, said that although France and the United States were two different countries, they had “obviously” looked at Trump’s 2016 presidential run “because it was a success.”

Raphaël Llorca, a French communications expert and member of the Fondation Jean-Jaurès research institute, said Zemmour had successfully waged a “battle of the cool” designed to popularize his extreme ideas and “reduce the cost of adherence” to the far right.

His YouTube campaign-launching video, riddled with cultural references, has drawn nearly 3 million viewers — evidence of his command of pop culture codes, Llorca said.

“The cool is a way to defuse and neutralize otherwise extremely violent” ideas, he added.

In October, Zemmour said his success would depend on his ability to appeal to both the conservative, bourgeois electorate and that of the Yellow Vests, the mostly working-class movement that protested against economic injustice that Le Pen has long courted.

Whether he can achieve that balancing act is far from clear, as shown by the attendance at the rally. The main economic proposal he outlined last weekend — slashing business taxes — is unlikely to speak to working-class voters.

Zemmour’s theatrical entrance into the convention center, to the sound of dramatic music, did little to eclipse the fact that he has so far failed to garner support from any major political figure or party. This remains a major difference from Trump, who could count on the powerful Republican Party and solid financial backing.

Zemmour said he was the target of the media and the elites. He praised the crowd before him for standing up to these attacks. “The political phenomenon of these rallies, it’s not me, it’s you!” he shouted.

But some of his supporters might also prove to be his greatest liability.

Midway through his speech, dozens of sturdy militants threw punches at several activists from SOS Racisme, an anti-racism organization, who had stood on chairs at the rally and revealed T-shirts spelling out the phrase “NO TO RACISM.”

Prosecutors have opened investigations into the violence, including one against a man who lunged at and grabbed Zemmour as he walked toward the stage.

Diers, the spokesperson, said the anti-racism activists had acted provocatively and that he had called on supporters “not to use force unreasonably.”

Llorca, the communications expert, said that with such a polarizing campaign, Zemmour risked “being overwhelmed” by the extremism of his own supporters.

The French news media later reported that some of those who had attacked the anti-racism activists were neo-Nazi militants. As they chased down the activists toward the entrance hall, wearing black mufflers that hid their faces, they were stopped by a security staff member.

“Thank you for being there,” he told them. “You did the job!”

The speech, riddled with attacks on the news media, elites and immigrants, with a fiery orator whipping up thousands of flag-waving supporters, was reminiscent of a Donald Trump campaign stop from years past.

The speech, riddled with attacks on the news media, elites and immigrants, with a fiery orator whipping up thousands of flag-waving supporters, was reminiscent of a Donald Trump campaign stop from years past. But the scene was in France, last weekend, where Éric Zemmour, a polarizing far-right polemicist who has scrambled French politics, launched his presidential campaign with a rally in front of thousands of ardent supporters. “On est chez nous!” (“This is our home!”), they chanted in a cavernous convention center filled with spotlights, speakers and giant screens in Villepinte, a suburb northeast of Paris. At one point during the rally, anti-racism activists were attacked in the sort of brawl rarely seen at French political events. Earlier in the day, fans booed a television news crew, forcing it to be temporarily evacuated, and several journalists reported being insulted and beaten. The outcome of Zemmour’s campaign remains unclear four months before France’s presidential election, with President Emmanuel Macron still ahead in the polls, and fierce competition emerging from the right. But the rally offered a glimpse of where the election could head, and which Trumpian tones it could take. Unlike Marine Le Pen, the candidate of the traditional far right, who has long sought success by softening her party’s far-right views, Zemmour has bet that a full-on promotion of his reactionary ideas can fuel his rise. He has done so by mastering the codes of social and news media, and by appealing to a somewhat wealthier and more educated base than the traditional far right. Recent polls suggest this approach has worked; about 15% of French voters say they intend to vote for him in the first round of voting. “He’s the one who breaks a dam,” said Vincent Martigny, a professor of political science at the University of Nice. Voters who once balked at supporting Le Pen have now embraced his more extremist ideas, Martigny said. But this quest to stake out a position on the extreme right may also backfire, as shown at last Sunday’s rally, when dozens of his supporters attacked anti-racism activists. The violent brawl could stain his image and undermine his attempts to broaden his electoral base, according to political analysts. Still, as with Trump, no scandal to date has done any lasting damage to Zemmour’s political ambitions as he taps into widespread fears that French identity is being whittled away by immigration. Those fears have been heightened by a number of terrorist attacks in recent years, some committed by the children of immigrants. Last Sunday's crowd of about 12,000 people in the Villepinte convention center reflected some of the forces that have fueled the candidate’s meteoric rise — upper-middle-class voters and some segments of an educated, affluent youth. Men close to retirement age in hunting jackets and loafers waved French flags and cheered alongside young people dressed in crisp polo shirts; many displayed Roman Catholic crosses around their necks. “Zemmour is someone who can actually make our ideas triumph and save France,” said Marc Perreti, a 19-year-old student from Neuilly-sur-Seine, a wealthy suburb of Paris. In contrast with the affluent voters seen at Zemmour’s rally, Le Pen’s support comes mainly from the working class. A recent study showed Zemmour scoring well among the upper middle class, at 16% compared with 6% for Le Pen. There was widespread nodding at the rally when Zemmour talked of France’s “great downgrading, with the impoverishment of the French, the decline of our power and the collapse of our school.” And there were loud cheers when he mentioned “the great replacement, with the Islamization of France, mass immigration and constant insecurity.” The so-called great replacement, a contentious theory that claims the West’s population is being replaced by immigrants, has been cited by white supremacists in mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, and El Paso, Texas. But Sophie Michel, a former history teacher and a mother of nine, said she believed the theory, pointing to the growing number of immigrant families living in her apartment building in western Paris. “We’re the last white people there,” she said. “This is for real.” The name of Zemmour’s new party, Reconquest, evokes the centuries-long period known as the Reconquista, when Christian forces drove Muslim rulers from the Iberian Peninsula. Two of Michel’s children also attended the rally, along with hundreds of young people. Hortense Bergerault, 17, said she followed Zemmour on Instagram, where he has nearly 150,000 followers, ranking only behind Macron and Le Pen among the presidential candidates. “I have many friends who are really into it,” she said. Martigny, the political scientist, said Zemmour was the product of “culture wars” that had gradually spread far-right ideas across society, especially through Fox News-style news networks, clearing “a space for a Trumpian player in the French political life.” “They have understood that there is no lasting political victory without a prior cultural victory,” Martigny said of Zemmour’s team. This cultural win was evident in Villepinte, where many supporters referred to Zemmour’s books and TV appearances as eye-opening experiences. Some wore baseball caps reading “Ben voyons!” — a rejoinder that Zemmour often uses to dismiss criticism and that roughly translates to “Oh, come on!” The crowd even chanted the phrase when Zemmour, speaking from his lectern, mocked those accusing him of being a fascist. Antoine Diers, a spokesperson for Zemmour’s campaign, said that although France and the United States were two different countries, they had “obviously” looked at Trump’s 2016 presidential run “because it was a success.” Raphaël Llorca, a French communications expert and member of the Fondation Jean-Jaurès research institute, said Zemmour had successfully waged a “battle of the cool” designed to popularize his extreme ideas and “reduce the cost of adherence” to the far right. His YouTube campaign-launching video, riddled with cultural references, has drawn nearly 3 million viewers — evidence of his command of pop culture codes, Llorca said. “The cool is a way to defuse and neutralize otherwise extremely violent” ideas, he added. In October, Zemmour said his success would depend on his ability to appeal to both the conservative, bourgeois electorate and that of the Yellow Vests, the mostly working-class movement that protested against economic injustice that Le Pen has long courted. Whether he can achieve that balancing act is far from clear, as shown by the attendance at the rally. The main economic proposal he outlined last weekend — slashing business taxes — is unlikely to speak to working-class voters. Zemmour’s theatrical entrance into the convention center, to the sound of dramatic music, did little to eclipse the fact that he has so far failed to garner support from any major political figure or party. This remains a major difference from Trump, who could count on the powerful Republican Party and solid financial backing. Zemmour said he was the target of the media and the elites. He praised the crowd before him for standing up to these attacks. “The political phenomenon of these rallies, it’s not me, it’s you!” he shouted. But some of his supporters might also prove to be his greatest liability. Midway through his speech, dozens of sturdy militants threw punches at several activists from SOS Racisme, an anti-racism organization, who had stood on chairs at the rally and revealed T-shirts spelling out the phrase “NO TO RACISM.” Prosecutors have opened investigations into the violence, including one against a man who lunged at and grabbed Zemmour as he walked toward the stage. Diers, the spokesperson, said the anti-racism activists had acted provocatively and that he had called on supporters “not to use force unreasonably.” Llorca, the communications expert, said that with such a polarizing campaign, Zemmour risked “being overwhelmed” by the extremism of his own supporters. The French news media later reported that some of those who had attacked the anti-racism activists were neo-Nazi militants. As they chased down the activists toward the entrance hall, wearing black mufflers that hid their faces, they were stopped by a security staff member. “Thank you for being there,” he told them. “You did the job!”

Echoes of Trump at a rally for France’s far-right upstart

Italian capital seems to have been reeling under the longstanding issue of waste collection. In order to keep a check on it, the authorities have urged the residents of Rome to reduce the use of wrapping paper on gifts this Christmas. &nbsp;

The new leaders of the city are looking to make concerted efforts to fulfill the promise of cleaning up the streets by Christmas. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-cyber-attack-causes-cream-cheese-shortage-as-christmas-nears-435829" hreflang="en">United States: Cyber attack causes cream cheese shortage as Christmas nears</a>

Along with the appeal to ignore wrapping paper, the authorities are also giving bonus to the garbage collectors to check seasonal absenteeism. &nbsp;

Sabrina Alfonsi, who is the councillor for the environment, told Il Messaggero that the wrapping paper issue was “no joke”. &nbsp;

Alfonsi added, “As an administration we have taken all the possible actions to improve (waste) collection and to find new outlets for the rubbish that is produced in Rome. Christmas is a particularly complicated period, especially for parcels. The production of waste is growing, when instead it must decrease.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-in-39-years-inflation-surged-by-68-in-the-us-435978" hreflang="en">For the first time in 39 years, Inflation surged by 6.8% in the US</a>

As the comments generated criticism, she clarified that it is a way to do your bit for keeping the city clean. “There is no initiative on behalf of the council to reduce Christmas parcels. This is a problem that concerns packaging, which is a problem not only for Rome but the whole of Europe,” Alfonsi told the news agency Ansa. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Italian capital seems to have been reeling under the longstanding issue of waste collection. In order to keep a check on it, the authorities have urged the residents of Rome to reduce the use of wrapping paper on gifts this Christmas.

Italian capital seems to have been reeling under the longstanding issue of waste collection. In order to keep a check on it, the authorities have urged the residents of Rome to reduce the use of wrapping paper on gifts this Christmas. The new leaders of the city are looking to make concerted efforts to fulfill the promise of cleaning up the streets by Christmas. Also Read | United States: Cyber attack causes cream cheese shortage as Christmas nears Along with the appeal to ignore wrapping paper, the authorities are also giving bonus to the garbage collectors to check seasonal absenteeism. Sabrina Alfonsi, who is the councillor for the environment, told Il Messaggero that the wrapping paper issue was “no joke”. Alfonsi added, “As an administration we have taken all the possible actions to improve (waste) collection and to find new outlets for the rubbish that is produced in Rome. Christmas is a particularly complicated period, especially for parcels. The production of waste is growing, when instead it must decrease.” Also Read: For the first time in 39 years, Inflation surged by 6.8% in the US As the comments generated criticism, she clarified that it is a way to do your bit for keeping the city clean. “There is no initiative on behalf of the council to reduce Christmas parcels. This is a problem that concerns packaging, which is a problem not only for Rome but the whole of Europe,” Alfonsi told the news agency Ansa. (With inputs from agencies)

As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. &nbsp;

To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811" hreflang="en">Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide'</a>

The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. &nbsp;

Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions

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Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-allows-abortion-providers-to-challenge-texas-law-in-federal-court-435920">US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law</a>

The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." &nbsp;

Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea on Friday. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. Also Read: Tribunal says China's Jinping 'primarily' responsible for Uyghur 'genocide' The US was also joined by Canada and the United Kingdom in imposing sanctions related to rights abuses in Myanmar. In an action to mark Human Rights Day, Washington targetted entities of military in Myanmar and others. Watch: The US imposes human rights sanctions × Under President Joe Biden's administration, Washington also imposed the first fresh sanctions on North Korea. In a statement, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo, said, "Our actions today, particularly those in partnership with the United Kingdom and Canada, send a message that democracies around the world will act against those who abuse the power of the state to inflict suffering and repression." Also Read: US Supreme Court allows abortion providers to challenge Texas law The US move was also denounced by China's embassy in Washington as "serious interference in China's internal affairs" and a "severe violation of basic norms governing international relations." Liu Pengyu, spokesman, embassy said it would do "grave harm to China-US relations" and urged Washington to revoke the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;US imposing sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea&nbsp;on Human Rights Day to&nbsp;Biden talking to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow,&nbsp;we have it all.

You can also read about&nbsp;donors approving release of $280M&nbsp;as Afghanistan continues to battle poverty and&nbsp;UK health experts warning government against Omicron spread.&nbsp;

Please click on the headline to read the full story.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-human-rights-day-us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-china-north-korea-435962">On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea</a>

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2118e926-dc0a-4a3c-9300-cc619fe15a19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US%20%2811%29.jpg" />

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea.&nbsp;To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-tensions-biden-talks-to-germanys-scholz-as-kyiv-leader-looks-for-talks-with-moscow-435971">Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow</a>

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Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine.&nbsp;The president of Ukraine said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-afghanistan-continues-to-battle-poverty-donors-approve-release-of-280m-435954">As Afghanistan continues to battle poverty, donors approve release of $280M</a>

<img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c423f80e-d822-455f-b3c6-aec2450fb3e0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WZ1.JPG" />

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the nation has been struggling to battle extreme poverty. There have been reports of many Afghans selling possessions to buy food because the Taliban is unable to pay wages to civil servants. Also, the urban communities are facing food insecurity similar to rural areas.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-health-experts-warn-government-against-omicron-spread-in-absence-of-stingent-measures-435965">UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread</a>

<img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d6d7bd8e-a446-4efb-a11e-63161364178f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WZ2.JPG" />

The Omicron variant has been widely spreading in the UK and the top health officials have been warned against it by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US imposing sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea on Human Rights Day to Biden talking to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From US imposing sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea on Human Rights Day to Biden talking to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow, we have it all. You can also read about donors approving release of $280M as Afghanistan continues to battle poverty and UK health experts warning government against Omicron spread. Please click on the headline to read the full story. On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the United States imposed sanctions on several people related to Myanmar, China, Bangladesh and North Korea. To the investment blacklist, the country has made one addition, which is Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group. Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow Along with congratulating new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his appointment, US President Joe Biden spoke about various issues, including efforts needed to check military buildup by Russia near Ukraine. The president of Ukraine said that the opportunities of talks with Russia may come up as diplomatic efforts have been undertaken by the US to de-escalate tensions. As Afghanistan continues to battle poverty, donors approve release of $280M Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the nation has been struggling to battle extreme poverty. There have been reports of many Afghans selling possessions to buy food because the Taliban is unable to pay wages to civil servants. Also, the urban communities are facing food insecurity similar to rural areas. UK health experts warn government against Omicron spread The Omicron variant has been widely spreading in the UK and the top health officials have been warned against it by health experts. Sajid Javid, UK’s health secretary, has reportedly received a presentation from UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) warning him about a possible incoming wave of Covid infections.

Morning news brief: US imposes sanctions, Afghanistan battles poverty and more

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report. &nbsp;

The 'Queer — Diversity is in our nature' exhibition, which is being held till March 2023, at the Bern Museum in Switzerland's capital, is encouraging tolerance and openness. &nbsp;

This exhibition looks to show the diversity of gender and sexual orientation within humans and other animals, the report said on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-extremely-rare-deep-sea-sighting-of-giant-phantom-jellyfish-with-bizarre-ribbon-like-mouth-arms-436003" hreflang="en">Watch: Extremely rare deep-sea sighting of giant phantom jellyfish, with bizarre ribbon-like mouth arms</a>

The exhibition displays biological studies to confront contemporary debates on homosexuality to bridge nature with society. It also includes the finding that same-sex relationships have been witnessed in over 1,500 species. &nbsp;

Christian Kropf, biologist, University of Bern's Institute of Ecology and Evolution and scientific curator of the exhibition, said that same-sex relationships are an everyday occurrence in nature. They also generate social cohesion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/faster-than-usain-bolt-study-reveals-theropod-dinosaurs-could-run-really-fast-435905" hreflang="en">Faster than Usain Bolt? Study reveals Theropod dinosaurs could run really fast</a>

"Many people think that homosexuality and being queer are marginal and perverse phenomena. They say they are unnatural. But this is nonsense!" Kropf said. &nbsp;

European rams and male bottlenose dolphins are best examples of species, who are capable of forming lasting same-sex relationships, Kropf added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report.

A science exhibition seems to be breaking stereotypes in Switzerland. It seems to be spreading the word that gender diversity and homosexuality are not immoral or unnatural, as per a media report. The 'Queer — Diversity is in our nature' exhibition, which is being held till March 2023, at the Bern Museum in Switzerland's capital, is encouraging tolerance and openness. This exhibition looks to show the diversity of gender and sexual orientation within humans and other animals, the report said on Friday. Also Read: Watch: Extremely rare deep-sea sighting of giant phantom jellyfish, with bizarre ribbon-like mouth arms The exhibition displays biological studies to confront contemporary debates on homosexuality to bridge nature with society. It also includes the finding that same-sex relationships have been witnessed in over 1,500 species. Christian Kropf, biologist, University of Bern's Institute of Ecology and Evolution and scientific curator of the exhibition, said that same-sex relationships are an everyday occurrence in nature. They also generate social cohesion. Also Read: Faster than Usain Bolt? Study reveals Theropod dinosaurs could run really fast "Many people think that homosexuality and being queer are marginal and perverse phenomena. They say they are unnatural. But this is nonsense!" Kropf said. European rams and male bottlenose dolphins are best examples of species, who are capable of forming lasting same-sex relationships, Kropf added. (With inputs from agencies)

Science exhibition fights humans’ 'unnatural' homophobia in Switzerland

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowd as he arrives at the inauguration event of Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur. <a href="https://t.co/V2xBzJ6zZr">pic.twitter.com/V2xBzJ6zZr</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469574436151955456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The project, which will provide water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land, has come up at a cost of over Rs 9,800 crore. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012" hreflang="en">Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a>

More than Rs 4,600 crore was given for the project in the last four years. &nbsp;

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Doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh. I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nations stands with his family. The country also stands with the families who lost those brave soldiers: PM Narendra Modi in Balrampur <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduChopperCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduChopperCrash</a> <a href="https://t.co/j78chCjMf2">pic.twitter.com/j78chCjMf2</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469590519122595844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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At the inauguration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Balrampur: PM remembers <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CDSGeneralBipinRawat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CDSGeneralBipinRawat</a> &amp; others who lost their lives in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNaduChopperCrash?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNaduChopperCrash</a>. He says, "...I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in Dec 8 crash...India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill.." <a href="https://t.co/H0r21hv6c2">pic.twitter.com/H0r21hv6c2</a>
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To ensure optimum usage of water resources, the Saryu canal project also includes interlinking of five rivers, such as Saryu, Rapti, Ghaghara, Banganga and Rohini, of the region. &nbsp;

India's prime minister also remembered CDS General Bipin Rawat who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu this week.&nbsp;

"I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in the December&nbsp;8 crash. India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-on-saturday-435949" hreflang="en">India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday</a>

According to an official statement, the work on the project had begun in 1978. Due to lack of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring, the project got delayed and was not completed even after four decades. &nbsp;

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We launched projects of Rs 10,000cr on Dec 7 &amp;had inaugurated 9 medical colleges in Siddharthnagar &amp; 1 international airport in Kushinagar. Saryu Nahar National Project was approved in 1972, the year I was born. I grew up but it never got completed:CM Yogi Adityanath in Balrampur <a href="https://t.co/uzZGOIlyfH">pic.twitter.com/uzZGOIlyfH</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1469591743079223296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The project was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in 2016 to complete it in a time-bound manner. It was completed in only about four years due to the renewed focus, it said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh.

In order to give respite to over 29 lakh farmers from irrigation woes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled Saryu Canal National Project in India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowd as he arrives at the inauguration event of Saryu Nahar National Project in Balrampur. pic.twitter.com/V2xBzJ6zZr — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × The project, which will provide water for irrigation to over 14 lakh hectares of land, has come up at a cost of over Rs 9,800 crore. Also Read | Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi More than Rs 4,600 crore was given for the project in the last four years. Doctors are working hard to save the life of Group Captain Varun Singh. I pray to Maa Pateshwari to save his life. The nations stands with his family. The country also stands with the families who lost those brave soldiers: PM Narendra Modi in Balrampur #TamilNaduChopperCrash pic.twitter.com/j78chCjMf2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × At the inauguration ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present. #WATCH | Balrampur: PM remembers #CDSGeneralBipinRawat & others who lost their lives in #TamilNaduChopperCrash. He says, "...I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in Dec 8 crash...India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill.." pic.twitter.com/H0r21hv6c2 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × To ensure optimum usage of water resources, the Saryu canal project also includes interlinking of five rivers, such as Saryu, Rapti, Ghaghara, Banganga and Rohini, of the region. India's prime minister also remembered CDS General Bipin Rawat who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu this week. "I express condolences to all brave warriors who died in the December 8 crash. India is mourning but despite being in pain India won't stop or be at a standstill," he said. Also Read: India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday According to an official statement, the work on the project had begun in 1978. Due to lack of budgetary support, interdepartmental coordination and adequate monitoring, the project got delayed and was not completed even after four decades. We launched projects of Rs 10,000cr on Dec 7 &had inaugurated 9 medical colleges in Siddharthnagar & 1 international airport in Kushinagar. Saryu Nahar National Project was approved in 1972, the year I was born. I grew up but it never got completed:CM Yogi Adityanath in Balrampur pic.twitter.com/uzZGOIlyfH — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 11, 2021 × The project was brought under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in 2016 to complete it in a time-bound manner. It was completed in only about four years due to the renewed focus, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi unveils Saryu canal project; remembers General Bipin Rawat

&nbsp;

In today’s world, the rage has been rising unabatedly. This holds true for a man in Florida, who got enraged during an argument to such a level that he used a flamethrower to put his point across. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Usually, people like to resolve issues through discussion but it does not seem to be the case with 57-year-old Andre Abrams. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-human-rights-day-us-imposes-sanctions-on-myanmar-china-north-korea-435962">On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea</a>

Abrams has been accused of firing off a flamethrower to win the argument recently. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On November 30, the Gainesville resident allegedly aimed flamethrower at three teenagers after he got enraged over a dispute about the parking habits of his neighbours, a local report said. &nbsp;

According to the legal documents, Abrams now faces three counts of felony for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intention to kill. &nbsp;

A mother of one of the teenagers, who was involved in the incident, spoke out about the alleged assault. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-tensions-biden-talks-to-germanys-scholz-as-kyiv-leader-looks-for-talks-with-moscow-435971" hreflang="en">Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow</a>

Gainey said, “When he shot it, it lighted the whole road up. It’s like its daylight outside. He’ll do it in the middle of the night.” &nbsp;

During the incident, no injuries were reported. &nbsp;

Earlier in December, bond for Abrams was set at $15,000. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In today’s world, the rage has been rising unabatedly. This holds true for a man in Florida, who got enraged during an argument to such a level that he used a flamethrower to put his point across.

In today’s world, the rage has been rising unabatedly. This holds true for a man in Florida, who got enraged during an argument to such a level that he used a flamethrower to put his point across. Usually, people like to resolve issues through discussion but it does not seem to be the case with 57-year-old Andre Abrams. Also Read: On Human Rights Day, US imposes sanctions on Myanmar, China, North Korea Abrams has been accused of firing off a flamethrower to win the argument recently. On November 30, the Gainesville resident allegedly aimed flamethrower at three teenagers after he got enraged over a dispute about the parking habits of his neighbours, a local report said. According to the legal documents, Abrams now faces three counts of felony for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intention to kill. A mother of one of the teenagers, who was involved in the incident, spoke out about the alleged assault. Also Read: Biden talks to Germany's Scholz as Kyiv leader looks for talks with Moscow Gainey said, “When he shot it, it lighted the whole road up. It’s like its daylight outside. He’ll do it in the middle of the night.” During the incident, no injuries were reported. Earlier in December, bond for Abrams was set at $15,000. (With inputs from agencies)

US man looks to settle argument with a flamethrower, gets booked

The request for information seemed mundane enough — the kind of thing bank regulators put out occasionally in the course of their duties.

Its intent, though, was anything but.

On Thursday, two board members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced a notice seeking public comment on the subject of bank mergers. The notice wasn’t actually on the FDIC’s own website. Soon afterward, the FDIC issued a statement that it had not approved any such request.

The standoff was a small sign of a bigger rift brewing at the FDIC, which has a hand in overseeing all U.S. banks but focuses closely on the smallest ones. The chair of the FDIC, Jelena McWilliams, is a Republican and a Trump appointee — one of the few remaining in an alphabet soup of federal bank regulators that includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

The others on the FDIC board — including Martin J. Gruenberg, a longtime member of the FDIC board, and Rohit Chopra, the newly confirmed director of the consumer bureau — are Democrats. And by posting a notice Thursday without McWilliams' approval, they took a step to assert their power over the organization she leads.

Their ultimate goal, experts say, is to paint McWilliams' resistance to posting the notice as justification for gaining control of the board and potentially even removing her.

“This is the first shot across the bow, seeing what the chairman’s response might be,” said Todd Phillips, a director at the progressive think tank the Center for American Progress, who has argued that Democrats should take control of the FDIC’s board away from McWilliams. “If they do end up being victorious on this issue, I think we’ll see the progressive directors throwing their weight around to move the FDIC in a direction that it hasn’t been in the past few years.”

On Thursday and Friday, progressives took pains to emphasize that the FDIC’s move was not simply a power grab and that they really did care about bank mergers.

“The FDIC has a responsibility to make sure that banking markets are healthy and competitive,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, chair of the Senate Banking Committee. He endorsed the board’s move.

The FDIC is governed by a five-member board whose members serve six-year terms. Its political makeup is supposed to generally allow input from both parties. At any time, a fully seated board will consist of two Republicans, two Democrats and a chair appointed by the president for a five-year term. One of the five seats is currently empty; the others are held by McWilliams, Gruenberg, Chopra and another bank regulator, the acting comptroller of the currency, Michael Hsu, also a Democrat.

Under McWilliams, the FDIC has adhered to Republican ideological lines on topics such as climate change and a general tendency to let banks take on more risk while holding less capital in reserve. If she left, the FDIC would very likely embrace President Joe Biden’s agenda, which involves shifting the federal government’s stance on big issues like climate change and income inequality.

In December 2020, after Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election, McWilliams rushed through a change to an FDIC rule governing certain bank deposits. She circulated the final version of the proposal at midnight on the day before the board had to vote on it. Once Biden was able to make appointments to the FDIC board, the rule would not have had the votes to succeed.

And in late October, she abstained from a vote on adopting a report on the risks climate change poses to the U.S. financial system by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a body composed of the heads of various financial regulators that was created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. McWilliams said she did not think the oversight council’s staff had been given enough time to research and write the report. But her decision was widely viewed as an indication that she would continue to remain loyal to Republicans.

The FDIC board members’ internal disagreement spilled into public view Thursday afternoon after Gruenberg, Chopra and Hsu voted over email to produce a request for public comment on the subject of bank mergers — and then posted their notice on the website of the consumer bureau, which Chopra runs.

“Although there has been a significant amount of consolidation in the banking sector over the last thirty years, fueled in large part by mergers and acquisitions, there has not been a significant review of the implementation of the Bank Merger Act by the agencies in that time,” the board members wrote at the beginning of their request.

The trio argued that the FDIC had contributed to the overall instability of the banking system when, in 2008 and 2009, it encouraged regional banks to buy up smaller institutions that had failed as a result of the global financial crisis.

Then came the fireworks. The FDIC’s public affairs office, which McWilliams controls, released a statement:

“Earlier today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) posted on its website a document, purportedly approved by the FDIC, requesting comment on bank mergers,” the statement, which was not attributed to any person, said. “No such document has been approved by the FDIC.”

For several weeks, McWilliams and her staff had been privately trying to counteract Chopra and Gruenberg, according to two people briefed on the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly. After learning of the effort to create a bank mergers public information request, McWilliams proposed an alternative text for the document, the people said, which the other board members quickly rejected.

When the voting process for the proposal began in late November, McWilliams did not vote, claiming that the process had violated procedure and no vote would be valid, the people said.

On Thursday, senior FDIC officials said they would not complete the process needed to make the information request official. They said the move by the two Democrats did not follow proper procedure and was therefore invalid.

Gruenberg disagreed.

“It is clear under the statute that the majority of the FDIC board of directors has authority to place items on the agenda for Board meetings and, alternatively, to circulate and act on notational votes, to implement actions of the board,” he said in a statement emailed to journalists Thursday. “No individual member of the Board may override the authority of the majority.”

An OCC spokesperson declined to speak directly about the vote, saying only that Hsu wanted to “work collaboratively with other regulators” on bank merger issues.

The two people familiar with the matter said that Chopra and Gruenberg would most likely have to sue McWilliams if they want to advance the matter further.

Hours after the two statements came out, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, the highest-ranking Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee, called the move a “failed, publicity-seeking attempted coup.”

Another Republican on the committee, Mike Crapo of Idaho, said in a post on Twitter on Friday that the progressive board members’ actions were “illegitimate.”

Norbert Michel, a director at the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, said it was not clear that McWilliams' refusal to go along with the bank merger information request would even count as justification for firing her.

“The statute, in terms of getting her out, and getting her staff out, says you have to have no confidence that she will implement what she’s required to implement,” Michel said. The current situation did not count because it was not a directive from Biden, he said. Not even the Financial Stability Oversight Council climate report, Michel said, contained enough concrete policy prescriptions to make it count as something McWilliams was refusing to carry out.

The request for information seemed mundane enough — the kind of thing bank regulators put out occasionally in the course of their duties. Its intent, though, was anything but.

The request for information seemed mundane enough — the kind of thing bank regulators put out occasionally in the course of their duties. Its intent, though, was anything but. On Thursday, two board members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation announced a notice seeking public comment on the subject of bank mergers. The notice wasn’t actually on the FDIC’s own website. Soon afterward, the FDIC issued a statement that it had not approved any such request. The standoff was a small sign of a bigger rift brewing at the FDIC, which has a hand in overseeing all U.S. banks but focuses closely on the smallest ones. The chair of the FDIC, Jelena McWilliams, is a Republican and a Trump appointee — one of the few remaining in an alphabet soup of federal bank regulators that includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The others on the FDIC board — including Martin J. Gruenberg, a longtime member of the FDIC board, and Rohit Chopra, the newly confirmed director of the consumer bureau — are Democrats. And by posting a notice Thursday without McWilliams' approval, they took a step to assert their power over the organization she leads. Their ultimate goal, experts say, is to paint McWilliams' resistance to posting the notice as justification for gaining control of the board and potentially even removing her. “This is the first shot across the bow, seeing what the chairman’s response might be,” said Todd Phillips, a director at the progressive think tank the Center for American Progress, who has argued that Democrats should take control of the FDIC’s board away from McWilliams. “If they do end up being victorious on this issue, I think we’ll see the progressive directors throwing their weight around to move the FDIC in a direction that it hasn’t been in the past few years.” On Thursday and Friday, progressives took pains to emphasize that the FDIC’s move was not simply a power grab and that they really did care about bank mergers. “The FDIC has a responsibility to make sure that banking markets are healthy and competitive,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, chair of the Senate Banking Committee. He endorsed the board’s move. The FDIC is governed by a five-member board whose members serve six-year terms. Its political makeup is supposed to generally allow input from both parties. At any time, a fully seated board will consist of two Republicans, two Democrats and a chair appointed by the president for a five-year term. One of the five seats is currently empty; the others are held by McWilliams, Gruenberg, Chopra and another bank regulator, the acting comptroller of the currency, Michael Hsu, also a Democrat. Under McWilliams, the FDIC has adhered to Republican ideological lines on topics such as climate change and a general tendency to let banks take on more risk while holding less capital in reserve. If she left, the FDIC would very likely embrace President Joe Biden’s agenda, which involves shifting the federal government’s stance on big issues like climate change and income inequality. In December 2020, after Biden was declared the winner of the presidential election, McWilliams rushed through a change to an FDIC rule governing certain bank deposits. She circulated the final version of the proposal at midnight on the day before the board had to vote on it. Once Biden was able to make appointments to the FDIC board, the rule would not have had the votes to succeed. And in late October, she abstained from a vote on adopting a report on the risks climate change poses to the U.S. financial system by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a body composed of the heads of various financial regulators that was created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. McWilliams said she did not think the oversight council’s staff had been given enough time to research and write the report. But her decision was widely viewed as an indication that she would continue to remain loyal to Republicans. The FDIC board members’ internal disagreement spilled into public view Thursday afternoon after Gruenberg, Chopra and Hsu voted over email to produce a request for public comment on the subject of bank mergers — and then posted their notice on the website of the consumer bureau, which Chopra runs. “Although there has been a significant amount of consolidation in the banking sector over the last thirty years, fueled in large part by mergers and acquisitions, there has not been a significant review of the implementation of the Bank Merger Act by the agencies in that time,” the board members wrote at the beginning of their request. The trio argued that the FDIC had contributed to the overall instability of the banking system when, in 2008 and 2009, it encouraged regional banks to buy up smaller institutions that had failed as a result of the global financial crisis. Then came the fireworks. The FDIC’s public affairs office, which McWilliams controls, released a statement: “Earlier today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) posted on its website a document, purportedly approved by the FDIC, requesting comment on bank mergers,” the statement, which was not attributed to any person, said. “No such document has been approved by the FDIC.” For several weeks, McWilliams and her staff had been privately trying to counteract Chopra and Gruenberg, according to two people briefed on the matter who were not authorized to speak publicly. After learning of the effort to create a bank mergers public information request, McWilliams proposed an alternative text for the document, the people said, which the other board members quickly rejected. When the voting process for the proposal began in late November, McWilliams did not vote, claiming that the process had violated procedure and no vote would be valid, the people said. On Thursday, senior FDIC officials said they would not complete the process needed to make the information request official. They said the move by the two Democrats did not follow proper procedure and was therefore invalid. Gruenberg disagreed. “It is clear under the statute that the majority of the FDIC board of directors has authority to place items on the agenda for Board meetings and, alternatively, to circulate and act on notational votes, to implement actions of the board,” he said in a statement emailed to journalists Thursday. “No individual member of the Board may override the authority of the majority.” An OCC spokesperson declined to speak directly about the vote, saying only that Hsu wanted to “work collaboratively with other regulators” on bank merger issues. The two people familiar with the matter said that Chopra and Gruenberg would most likely have to sue McWilliams if they want to advance the matter further. Hours after the two statements came out, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, the highest-ranking Republican member of the Senate Banking Committee, called the move a “failed, publicity-seeking attempted coup.” Another Republican on the committee, Mike Crapo of Idaho, said in a post on Twitter on Friday that the progressive board members’ actions were “illegitimate.” Norbert Michel, a director at the libertarian think tank the Cato Institute, said it was not clear that McWilliams' refusal to go along with the bank merger information request would even count as justification for firing her. “The statute, in terms of getting her out, and getting her staff out, says you have to have no confidence that she will implement what she’s required to implement,” Michel said. The current situation did not count because it was not a directive from Biden, he said. Not even the Financial Stability Oversight Council climate report, Michel said, contained enough concrete policy prescriptions to make it count as something McWilliams was refusing to carry out.

How bank regulators are trying to oust a Trump holdover

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. &nbsp;

If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing. &nbsp;

As per the research, the litter caused by face masks has increased by around 9,000%. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012" hreflang="en">Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a>

The cause is simply the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the mask mandates rolled out by numerous governments worldwide. The researchers seem to have found an “exponential increase” in the new kind of pollution.&nbsp;

The study has been carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth. It was published in ‘Nature Sustainability’ journal on Thursday. &nbsp;

A comprehensive study of personal protective equipment (PPE) was conducted by the group. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The findings have been based on data, which has been collected in 11 countries, such as Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, with the help of a litter collection application Litterati. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-waste-crisis-looms-rome-asked-to-ignore-wrapping-gifts-this-christmas-435987" hreflang="en">As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas</a>

Dr Keiron Roberts, lead researcher, University of Portsmouth said, “Overall, the study shows the impact that legislating the use of items, such as masks can have on their occurrence as litter. We found that littered masks had an exponential increase from March 2020, resulting in an 84-fold increase by October 2020.” &nbsp;

The nearly 9,000% hike in PPE litter indicates the enforcement of face mask-wearing “must be accompanied with education campaigns to limit their release into the environment,” Roberts added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing.

First plastic and now, face mask. What’s common is that both have become a cause of concern due to excessive litter. If a research data collected from 11 countries is to be believed, face mask pollution is the next big thing. As per the research, the litter caused by face masks has increased by around 9,000%. Also Read | Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi The cause is simply the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the mask mandates rolled out by numerous governments worldwide. The researchers seem to have found an “exponential increase” in the new kind of pollution. The study has been carried out by a team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth. It was published in ‘Nature Sustainability’ journal on Thursday. A comprehensive study of personal protective equipment (PPE) was conducted by the group. The findings have been based on data, which has been collected in 11 countries, such as Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Australia, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, with the help of a litter collection application Litterati. Also Read: As waste crisis looms, Rome asked to ignore wrapping gifts this Christmas Dr Keiron Roberts, lead researcher, University of Portsmouth said, “Overall, the study shows the impact that legislating the use of items, such as masks can have on their occurrence as litter. We found that littered masks had an exponential increase from March 2020, resulting in an 84-fold increase by October 2020.” The nearly 9,000% hike in PPE litter indicates the enforcement of face mask-wearing “must be accompanied with education campaigns to limit their release into the environment,” Roberts added. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 effect: Litter caused by face masks witnesses 9,000% rise, says study

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-afghanistan-on-saturday-435949" hreflang="en">India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday</a>

This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. &nbsp;

The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. &nbsp;

On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-alarmed-over-declining-mask-usage-in-country-asks-people-to-follow-covid-rules-435878" hreflang="en">Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules</a>

Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. &nbsp;

India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12.

In a bid to check the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, for December 11 and 12. The measure looks to prevent large gatherings, such as rallies, processions, morchas, etc and in turn, mass outbreak. The people, who will violate the order, will be punished under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Also Read: India to send humanitarian aid to Afghanistan on Saturday This comes as a 35-year-old man has tested positive for Omicron variant in national capital, New Delhi. It is the second case of the new variant in the city. The man had travel history to South Africa and Zimbabwe. The patient has been admitted to the LNJP Hospital and just has weakness, the officials said. On Friday, India’s state Maharashtra reported seven new cases of Omicron. It included a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler. Out of the seven cases, three have been reported in Mumbai while four have come from Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Also Read: Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules Around 7,992 people have been tested positive for the coronavirus in 24 hours. India's Covid tally has climbed to 3,46,682,736. The number of active cases has also reduced to 93,277. It is the lowest in 559 days, as per Union health ministry data. With the addition of 393 fatalities, the death toll rose to 4,75,128. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron variant in India: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi

The world is full of misinformation. This holds true for a Gen Z-fuelled conspiracy theory that “Birds Aren’t Real.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the US, a movement has started on the concept that the birds do not exist. And instead of them, US government has launched drone replicas to spy on Americans, a report by The New York Times said. &nbsp;

On social media, the accounts of ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ have garnered numerous followers. Several YouTube videos of it have also gone viral. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/camels-day-out-animal-moves-around-town-in-us-state-after-escaping-christmas-nativity-scene-435677" hreflang="en">Camel’s day out? Animal moves around town in US state after escaping Christmas Nativity scene</a>

In several cities, massive billboards have come up declaring the same. Not just this, some followers even protested outside Twitter’s headquarters in San Francisco to demand the change of company’s bird logo. &nbsp;

Numerous young people have joined the movement by wearing ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ T-shirts in many rallies. &nbsp;

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FINALLY A TRENDING TAG I BELIEVE IN! 
BIRDS AREN'T REAL! THEY'RE ALL REPLACED WITH CAMERAS BY THE GOVERMENT! THE PROOF IS RIGHT HERE! <a href="https://t.co/qVPKo7orYA">pic.twitter.com/qVPKo7orYA</a>
— Moonstar (@Moonstar_TM) <a href="https://twitter.com/Moonstar_TM/status/1469017081190486016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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But the truth is harsh. The creators of the movement know that the birds are real and the theory is made up. &nbsp;

The creators say it is actually a parody social movement with a purpose. &nbsp;

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Birds aren't real (sound up) <a href="https://t.co/go4XkzJ4Wk">pic.twitter.com/go4XkzJ4Wk</a>
— ♫ Adriano&amp;Paulina ♫ (@keet0007) <a href="https://twitter.com/keet0007/status/1469099474417065984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a world filled by conspiracy theories, young people have gathered to poke fun at misinformation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/off-california-coast-in-us-paddleboarders-witness-massive-sunfish-435664" hreflang="en">Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish</a>

“It’s a way to combat troubles in the world that you don’t really have other ways of combating. My favourite way to describe the organisation is fighting lunacy with lunacy,” said 22-year-old Claire Chronis, a Birds Aren’t Real organiser in Pittsburgh. &nbsp;

In 2017, ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ was created by 23-year-old Peter McIndoe, a college dropout in Memphis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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this is proof that Birds aren’t real. <a href="https://t.co/cs3YVNF93I">pic.twitter.com/cs3YVNF93I</a>
— The Catluminati (@TheCatluminati) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheCatluminati/status/1469013383240302598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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“Dealing in the world of misinformation for the past few years, we’ve been really conscious of the line we walk. The idea is meant to be so preposterous, but we make sure nothing we’re saying is too realistic. That’s a consideration with coming out of character,” McIndoe told The New York Times. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The world is full of misinformation. This holds true for a Gen Z-fuelled conspiracy theory that “Birds Aren’t Real.” In the US, a movement has started on the concept that the birds do not exist.

The world is full of misinformation. This holds true for a Gen Z-fuelled conspiracy theory that “Birds Aren’t Real.” In the US, a movement has started on the concept that the birds do not exist. And instead of them, US government has launched drone replicas to spy on Americans, a report by The New York Times said. On social media, the accounts of ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ have garnered numerous followers. Several YouTube videos of it have also gone viral. Also Read: Camel’s day out? Animal moves around town in US state after escaping Christmas Nativity scene In several cities, massive billboards have come up declaring the same. Not just this, some followers even protested outside Twitter’s headquarters in San Francisco to demand the change of company’s bird logo. Numerous young people have joined the movement by wearing ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ T-shirts in many rallies. FINALLY A TRENDING TAG I BELIEVE IN! BIRDS AREN'T REAL! THEY'RE ALL REPLACED WITH CAMERAS BY THE GOVERMENT! THE PROOF IS RIGHT HERE! pic.twitter.com/qVPKo7orYA — Moonstar (@Moonstar_TM) December 9, 2021 × But the truth is harsh. The creators of the movement know that the birds are real and the theory is made up. The creators say it is actually a parody social movement with a purpose. Birds aren't real (sound up) pic.twitter.com/go4XkzJ4Wk — ♫ Adriano&Paulina ♫ (@keet0007) December 10, 2021 × In a world filled by conspiracy theories, young people have gathered to poke fun at misinformation. Also Read: Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish “It’s a way to combat troubles in the world that you don’t really have other ways of combating. My favourite way to describe the organisation is fighting lunacy with lunacy,” said 22-year-old Claire Chronis, a Birds Aren’t Real organiser in Pittsburgh. In 2017, ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ was created by 23-year-old Peter McIndoe, a college dropout in Memphis. this is proof that Birds aren’t real. pic.twitter.com/cs3YVNF93I — The Catluminati (@TheCatluminati) December 9, 2021 × “Dealing in the world of misinformation for the past few years, we’ve been really conscious of the line we walk. The idea is meant to be so preposterous, but we make sure nothing we’re saying is too realistic. That’s a consideration with coming out of character,” McIndoe told The New York Times. (With inputs from agencies)

'Fighting lunacy with lunacy': Sneak a peek into a Gen Z-fuelled conspiracy theory ‘Birds Aren’t Real’ in US

In recent years, wildfires have become a cause of concern for several people around the world. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In suspicion of starting the wildfire that scorched over 200,000 acres in US state of California, a father and son duo have been held by authorities on Wednesday. &nbsp;

The accused, 66-year-old David Scott Smith and 32-year-old Travis Shane Smith, have been&nbsp;arrested for reckless arson in connection with the Caldor Fire. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/camels-day-out-animal-moves-around-town-in-us-state-after-escaping-christmas-nativity-scene-435677" hreflang="en">Camel’s day out? Animal moves around town in US state after escaping Christmas Nativity scene</a>

The wildfire had threatened numerous residents of El Dorado and Amador counties and also the tourist hotspot, Lake Tahoe. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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In a statement on Facebook, the El Dorado County District Attorney, said that the arrest was made after a warrant was issued before criminal charges were filed. &nbsp;

The statement, said, “The two men are accused of violating section 452 of the California Penal Code, commonly referred to as 'reckless arson,' which caused inhabited properties to burn and resulted in great bodily injury to multiple victims." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/off-california-coast-in-us-paddleboarders-witness-massive-sunfish-435664" hreflang="en">Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish</a>

The attorney of Smiths, Mark Reichel, claims the duo were close to the place where the fire began. Travis had also called 911 numerous times as the calls were getting dropped. They had also warned other campers in the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the Associated Press, they will have a scheduled court appearance on Friday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In recent years, wildfires have become a cause of concern for several people around the world. In suspicion of starting the wildfire that scorched over 200,000 acres in US state of California, a father and son duo have been held by authorities on Wednesday.

In recent years, wildfires have become a cause of concern for several people around the world. In suspicion of starting the wildfire that scorched over 200,000 acres in US state of California, a father and son duo have been held by authorities on Wednesday. The accused, 66-year-old David Scott Smith and 32-year-old Travis Shane Smith, have been arrested for reckless arson in connection with the Caldor Fire. Also Read: Camel’s day out? Animal moves around town in US state after escaping Christmas Nativity scene The wildfire had threatened numerous residents of El Dorado and Amador counties and also the tourist hotspot, Lake Tahoe. × In a statement on Facebook, the El Dorado County District Attorney, said that the arrest was made after a warrant was issued before criminal charges were filed. The statement, said, “The two men are accused of violating section 452 of the California Penal Code, commonly referred to as 'reckless arson,' which caused inhabited properties to burn and resulted in great bodily injury to multiple victims." Also Read: Off California coast in US, paddleboarders witness massive sunfish The attorney of Smiths, Mark Reichel, claims the duo were close to the place where the fire began. Travis had also called 911 numerous times as the calls were getting dropped. They had also warned other campers in the area. As per the Associated Press, they will have a scheduled court appearance on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

Father, son duo held over suspicion of starting major wildfire in US state

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