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<p>Increased intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) including chips, sodas and energy drinks is associated with a higher risk of 32 adverse health outcomes, a study said on Wednesday (Feb 28). The study, which was published in the <strong><a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310">BMJ journal evaluated the existing meta-analytic evidence</a></strong> of associations between exposure to ultra-processed foods and adverse health outcomes.</p>

<p>"To evaluate the credibility of evidence, pre-specified evidence classification criteria were applied, graded as convincing (“class I”), highly suggestive (“class II”), suggestive (“class III”), weak (“class IV”), or no evidence (“class V”). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework, categorised as “high,” “moderate,” “low,” or “very low” quality," the study said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that over the recent decades, the availability and variety of ultra-processed products sold have substantially and rapidly increased in countries across diverse economic development levels.</p>

<h2><strong>The findings</strong></h2>

<p>The study identified 45 unique pooled analyses, including 13 dose-response associations and 32 non-dose-response associations.</p>

<p>"Overall, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 (71%) health parameters spanning mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic health outcomes," the study said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-ultra-processed-foods-more-appealing-than-less-processed-options-heres-what-a-study-found-663529">Are ultra-processed foods more appealing than less processed options? Here's what a study found</a></strong></p>

<p>Scientists said that across high-income countries, the share of dietary energy derived from UPF ranges from 42 per cent to&nbsp;58 per cent in Australia and the United States, to as low as 10 per cent and 25 per cent in Italy and South Korea.</p>

<p>The study found evidence supporting direct associations between greater exposure to UPF and a higher risk of the prevalence of adverse sleep-related outcomes. It further said that two cross-sectional studies provided limited evidence of an association between greater exposure to ultra-processed foods and risks of prevalent asthma.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The analysis also showed direct associations between greater ultra-processed food exposure and higher risks of cardiovascular disease.</p>

<h2><strong>What are Ultra-processed foods?</strong></h2>

<p>According to BMJ, UPFs are engineered to be highly desirable, combining sugar, fat, and salt to maximise reward, and adding flavours that induce eating when not hungry.</p>

<p>Most such foods are addictive, judged by the standards set for tobacco products, and aggressively marketed with meal deals, super sizing, and advertising. Some of the most commonly sold UPF are sweetened breakfast cereals, white bread, flavoured granola bars, etc.&nbsp;</p>


Increased intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) including chips, sodas and energy drinks is associated with a higher risk of 32 adverse health outcomes, a study said on Wednesday (Feb 28).

Increased intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) including chips, sodas and energy drinks is associated with a higher risk of 32 adverse health outcomes, a study said on Wednesday (Feb 28). The study, which was published in the BMJ journal evaluated the existing meta-analytic evidence of associations between exposure to ultra-processed foods and adverse health outcomes. "To evaluate the credibility of evidence, pre-specified evidence classification criteria were applied, graded as convincing (“class I”), highly suggestive (“class II”), suggestive (“class III”), weak (“class IV”), or no evidence (“class V”). The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework, categorised as “high,” “moderate,” “low,” or “very low” quality," the study said. It added that over the recent decades, the availability and variety of ultra-processed products sold have substantially and rapidly increased in countries across diverse economic development levels. The findings The study identified 45 unique pooled analyses, including 13 dose-response associations and 32 non-dose-response associations. "Overall, direct associations were found between exposure to ultra-processed foods and 32 (71%) health parameters spanning mortality, cancer, and mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic health outcomes," the study said. Also read | Are ultra-processed foods more appealing than less processed options? Here's what a study found Scientists said that across high-income countries, the share of dietary energy derived from UPF ranges from 42 per cent to 58 per cent in Australia and the United States, to as low as 10 per cent and 25 per cent in Italy and South Korea. The study found evidence supporting direct associations between greater exposure to UPF and a higher risk of the prevalence of adverse sleep-related outcomes. It further said that two cross-sectional studies provided limited evidence of an association between greater exposure to ultra-processed foods and risks of prevalent asthma. The analysis also showed direct associations between greater ultra-processed food exposure and higher risks of cardiovascular disease. What are Ultra-processed foods? According to BMJ, UPFs are engineered to be highly desirable, combining sugar, fat, and salt to maximise reward, and adding flavours that induce eating when not hungry. Most such foods are addictive, judged by the standards set for tobacco products, and aggressively marketed with meal deals, super sizing, and advertising. Some of the most commonly sold UPF are sweetened breakfast cereals, white bread, flavoured granola bars, etc.

Greater exposure to ultra-processed foods linked to higher risk of 32 illnesses: Study

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<p>The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. The&nbsp;developments comes as the convening session, which is required to be held on the 21st day after the elections, was surrounded by uncertainty after President Arif Alvi stressed the allocation of reserved seats before the session, a report by Geo News said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Alvi had convened the inaugural session at 10 am Thursday. "The President has convened the National Assembly session expecting that the reserved seats would be allocated to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) according to their strength in the House," an official statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-party-asks-imf-to-consider-nations-instability-in-further-bailout-talks-694896">Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allocated reserved seats to political parties, Geo News reported. However, it has not awarded reserved quota to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates joined the party.</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the top updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong> All 284 members of the assembly&nbsp;signed the role of member register on Thursday after taking oath.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Thursday's inaugural session started after an hour's delay with the recitation of the Quran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;According to a report by the Dawn, slogans were raised in the assembly by PTI and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawmakers. The report said that PML-N leaders raised slogans of “Ghari-chor” (wristwatch thief) in a reference to the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan while PTI leaders said "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan...Imran Khan."</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ur">نواز شریف اور شہباز شریف دستخط کرنے آئے تو ایوان میں ” چور چور “ کے نعرے لگ گئے<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%86%DA%88%DB%8C%D9%B9_%DA%86%D9%88%D8%B1_%D8%A8%DB%92%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%85_%D9%84%D9%88%DA%AF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ</a><br />
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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;PML-M supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party's prime ministerial nominee Shehbaz Sharif entered the assembly and were greeted with slogans supporting and opposing them. Both the Sharif brothers took oath.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government in Pakistan</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Before the inaugural session began, members of the US Congress called on the Joe Biden administration to withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until an investigation determined that the February 8 general elections were not rigged.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;In a post on X, Congressman Greg Casar shared a letter signed by him and 30 other lawmakers. The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who had been detained for engaging in political speech and activity and tasked the US State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The letter also said that it should be made clear to Islamabad that American law "provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

The 16th National Assembly of Pakistan came into effect on Thursday (Feb 29) with newly-elected members being sworn in. According to Pakistani media, newly-elected lawmakers took oath at the session which was chaired by Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. The developments comes as the convening session, which is required to be held on the 21st day after the elections, was surrounded by uncertainty after President Arif Alvi stressed the allocation of reserved seats before the session, a report by Geo News said. President Alvi had convened the inaugural session at 10 am Thursday. "The President has convened the National Assembly session expecting that the reserved seats would be allocated to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) according to their strength in the House," an official statement said. Also read | Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party asks IMF to consider nation’s instability in further bailout talks The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has allocated reserved seats to political parties, Geo News reported. However, it has not awarded reserved quota to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independent candidates joined the party. Here's a look at the top updates: > All 284 members of the assembly signed the role of member register on Thursday after taking oath. > Thursday's inaugural session started after an hour's delay with the recitation of the Quran. > According to a report by the Dawn, slogans were raised in the assembly by PTI and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) lawmakers. The report said that PML-N leaders raised slogans of “Ghari-chor” (wristwatch thief) in a reference to the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan while PTI leaders said "Who will save Pakistan? Imran Khan...Imran Khan." نواز شریف اور شہباز شریف دستخط کرنے آئے تو ایوان میں ” چور چور “ کے نعرے لگ گئے#مینڈیٹ_چور_بےشرم_لوگ pic.twitter.com/IcuQKxoopQ — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 29, 2024 × > PML-M supremo Nawaz Sharif and the party's prime ministerial nominee Shehbaz Sharif entered the assembly and were greeted with slogans supporting and opposing them. Both the Sharif brothers took oath. Also watch | PPP and PML-N agree to form coalition government in Pakistan × > Before the inaugural session began, members of the US Congress called on the Joe Biden administration to withhold recognition of a new government in Pakistan until an investigation determined that the February 8 general elections were not rigged. > In a post on X, Congressman Greg Casar shared a letter signed by him and 30 other lawmakers. The letter urged Pakistani authorities to release anyone who had been detained for engaging in political speech and activity and tasked the US State Department officials in Pakistan with gathering information about such cases and advocating for their release. > The letter also said that it should be made clear to Islamabad that American law "provides for accountability for acts that violate human rights, undermine democracy, or further corruption, including the potential for military and other cooperation to be halted." (With inputs from agencies)

16th Pakistan National Assembly comes into effect, new lawmakers sworn in

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<p>Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said on Wednesday (Feb 28) that a former politician sold out the country to a foreign spy ring. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Burgess said in Canberra that the ASIO confronted the spy ring to let them know that their cover had been blown.</p>

<p>Burgess said he declassified the details of the operation that used professional networking platforms, email and social media to target citizens. "This politician sold out their country, party and former colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime. At one point, the former politician even proposed bringing a prime minister's family member into the spies' orbit," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>'The A-Team'</strong></h2>

<p>Burgess did not reveal the country that was a part of the spy ring. Neither was the politician identified. The intelligence chief added that the foreign country successfully cultivated and recruited a former Australian politician several years ago. The politician would not be charged as they were no longer active in service.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/australias-inflation-remains-at-two-year-low-in-january-dampening-rate-hike-expectations-694636">Australia's inflation remains at two-year low in January, dampening rate hike expectations</a></strong></p>

<p>Referring to the foreign spies as the "A Team," Burgess said in his Wednesday speech that the spies tried to attract Australians with national security information by offering them consulting roles.</p>

<p>Australian political figures and academics attending a conference abroad were met by "spies in disguise," he said. The intelligence chief added that one academic at the conference&nbsp;gave the foreign spies information about Australia's national security and defence priorities, while an aspiring politician provided political information.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"ASIO disrupted this scheme and confronted the Australians involved. While some were unwitting, others knew they were working for a foreign intelligence service," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Australia intelligence chief exposes foreign spy operation</strong></p>

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<p>Burgess highlighted that the ASIO severed links between Australians and the foreign intelligence service, and several individuals should be grateful that the espionage and foreign interference laws were not retrospective.</p>

<p>He further said that the ASIO confronted the A-Team directly in late 2023 in an online encounter, and told it to stop. "We want the A-team to know its cover is blown," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Spy chief faces calls to name former politician</strong></h2>

<p>With the revelation of this news, Burgess faced calls to name the former politician, Reuters reported. “Mr Burgess, having gone this far, must name that person rather than potentially smear everyone who has served their country,” former Liberal party politician Joe Hockey said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mike Burgess from ASIO has publicly referred in <a href="https://twitter.com/smh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smh</a> to an unnamed politician as the agent of a foreign country. Mr Burgess, having gone this far, must name that person rather than potentially smear everyone who has served their country.</p>
— Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeHockey/status/1762900911423373779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Speaking to a local radio station, opposition leader Peter Dutton said that if the intelligence chief did not identify the politician, "then there is a cloud hanging over everybody else."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters in Canberra that he was not aware of the details of the case, but added he respected ASIO’s decision to keep the name confidential.</p>

<p>“What's important here to understand is, firstly, that there is a threat of foreign espionage in this country, that those of us who are involved in public administration, including politicians, obviously, need to be completely vigilant about that,” Defence Minister Marles said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said on Wednesday (Feb 28) that a former politician sold out the country to a foreign spy ring.

Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), said on Wednesday (Feb 28) that a former politician sold out the country to a foreign spy ring. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Burgess said in Canberra that the ASIO confronted the spy ring to let them know that their cover had been blown. Burgess said he declassified the details of the operation that used professional networking platforms, email and social media to target citizens. "This politician sold out their country, party and former colleagues to advance the interests of the foreign regime. At one point, the former politician even proposed bringing a prime minister's family member into the spies' orbit," he said. 'The A-Team' Burgess did not reveal the country that was a part of the spy ring. Neither was the politician identified. The intelligence chief added that the foreign country successfully cultivated and recruited a former Australian politician several years ago. The politician would not be charged as they were no longer active in service. Also read | Australia's inflation remains at two-year low in January, dampening rate hike expectations Referring to the foreign spies as the "A Team," Burgess said in his Wednesday speech that the spies tried to attract Australians with national security information by offering them consulting roles. Australian political figures and academics attending a conference abroad were met by "spies in disguise," he said. The intelligence chief added that one academic at the conference gave the foreign spies information about Australia's national security and defence priorities, while an aspiring politician provided political information. "ASIO disrupted this scheme and confronted the Australians involved. While some were unwitting, others knew they were working for a foreign intelligence service," he said. Also watch | Australia intelligence chief exposes foreign spy operation × Burgess highlighted that the ASIO severed links between Australians and the foreign intelligence service, and several individuals should be grateful that the espionage and foreign interference laws were not retrospective. He further said that the ASIO confronted the A-Team directly in late 2023 in an online encounter, and told it to stop. "We want the A-team to know its cover is blown," he said. Spy chief faces calls to name former politician With the revelation of this news, Burgess faced calls to name the former politician, Reuters reported. “Mr Burgess, having gone this far, must name that person rather than potentially smear everyone who has served their country,” former Liberal party politician Joe Hockey said in a post on X. Mike Burgess from ASIO has publicly referred in @smh to an unnamed politician as the agent of a foreign country. Mr Burgess, having gone this far, must name that person rather than potentially smear everyone who has served their country. — Joe Hockey (@JoeHockey) February 28, 2024 × Speaking to a local radio station, opposition leader Peter Dutton said that if the intelligence chief did not identify the politician, "then there is a cloud hanging over everybody else." Meanwhile, Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles told reporters in Canberra that he was not aware of the details of the case, but added he respected ASIO’s decision to keep the name confidential. “What's important here to understand is, firstly, that there is a threat of foreign espionage in this country, that those of us who are involved in public administration, including politicians, obviously, need to be completely vigilant about that,” Defence Minister Marles said. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian intelligence chief says former politician sold out nation to foreign spy ring

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<p>Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that his country was on the frontline of a battle for regional peace. Addressing the Australian parliament in Canberra, President Marcos said that the Philippines found itself on the frontline against actions that undermined regional peace, eroded regional stability, and threatened regional success. He sought support in maritime disputes with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory," Marcos said and this statement was met with loud applause in parliament. "The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-reveal-floating-barrier-at-mouth-of-disputed-atoll-in-south-china-sea-694239">Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea</a></strong></p>

<p>The president also said that the protection of the South China Sea as a critical global artery was crucial to the preservation of regional peace.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Marcos to attend ASEAN summit next week</strong></h2>

<p>Marcos was in Australia on an official visit and would attend a special summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne next week. On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the Philippines as a strategic partner, adding that the two countries signed a deal on "enhanced maritime cooperation" and vowed to "collaborate even more closely to promote our shared vision for the region."</p>

<p>"I'm pleased that with our new MoU (memorandum of understanding) on enhanced maritime cooperation, which we have signed today, we'll collaborate even more closely to promote our shared vision for the region, including in civil maritime security, marine environment protection, maritime domain awareness and promoting respect for international law. We'll also continue our maritime cooperative activities as regional partners committed to doing our part to sustain peace and stability in our region," Prime Minister Albanese said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-to-develop-islands-in-disputed-south-china-sea-that-it-considers-part-of-territory-680243">Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory</a></strong></p>

<p>Marcos, meanwhile, said that defence and security remained a key area of cooperation between Manila and Canberra. "We look forward to amplifying our joint activities and the capacity-building efforts in this regard," he added.</p>

<p>In November last year, Australia and the Philippines began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea to counter China, which claims the entire sea as its own.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'China naval presence off Philippine coast worrisome'</strong></h2>

<p>A day before addressing the Australian parliament, Philippine President Marcos said the presence of Chinese warships off his country's coast was worrisome. "It's worrisome. Previously, only the China Coast Guard was operating in our area. Now their navy has joined in, along with fishing boats. So the situation is changing," Marcos told reporters as he departed for Australia.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What deal did Vietnam &amp; Philippines sign on South China Sea security?</strong></p>

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<p>His remarks came after the Philippine Coast Guard said that Chinese navy vessels were detected last week during a government resupply mission to Filipino fishermen near China-controlled Scarborough Shoal.&nbsp;</p>


Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that his country was on the frontline of a battle for regional peace. Addressing the Australian parliament in Canberra, President Marcos said that the Philippines found itself on the frontline against actions that undermined regional peace, eroded regional stability, and threatened regional success.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said on Thursday (Feb 29) that his country was on the frontline of a battle for regional peace. Addressing the Australian parliament in Canberra, President Marcos said that the Philippines found itself on the frontline against actions that undermined regional peace, eroded regional stability, and threatened regional success. He sought support in maritime disputes with China. "I will not allow any attempt by any foreign power to take even one square inch of our sovereign territory," Marcos said and this statement was met with loud applause in parliament. "The challenges that we face may be formidable, but equally formidable is our resolve. We will not yield," he added. Also read | Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea The president also said that the protection of the South China Sea as a critical global artery was crucial to the preservation of regional peace. Marcos to attend ASEAN summit next week Marcos was in Australia on an official visit and would attend a special summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Melbourne next week. On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed the Philippines as a strategic partner, adding that the two countries signed a deal on "enhanced maritime cooperation" and vowed to "collaborate even more closely to promote our shared vision for the region." "I'm pleased that with our new MoU (memorandum of understanding) on enhanced maritime cooperation, which we have signed today, we'll collaborate even more closely to promote our shared vision for the region, including in civil maritime security, marine environment protection, maritime domain awareness and promoting respect for international law. We'll also continue our maritime cooperative activities as regional partners committed to doing our part to sustain peace and stability in our region," Prime Minister Albanese said. Also read | Philippines to develop islands in disputed South China Sea that it considers part of territory Marcos, meanwhile, said that defence and security remained a key area of cooperation between Manila and Canberra. "We look forward to amplifying our joint activities and the capacity-building efforts in this regard," he added. In November last year, Australia and the Philippines began their first joint sea and air patrols in the South China Sea to counter China, which claims the entire sea as its own. 'China naval presence off Philippine coast worrisome' A day before addressing the Australian parliament, Philippine President Marcos said the presence of Chinese warships off his country's coast was worrisome. "It's worrisome. Previously, only the China Coast Guard was operating in our area. Now their navy has joined in, along with fishing boats. So the situation is changing," Marcos told reporters as he departed for Australia. Also watch | What deal did Vietnam & Philippines sign on South China Sea security? × His remarks came after the Philippine Coast Guard said that Chinese navy vessels were detected last week during a government resupply mission to Filipino fishermen near China-controlled Scarborough Shoal.

Philippines on frontline of battle for regional peace, President Marcos tells Australian parliament

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<p>A 52-year-old South African man who was on trial in Alaska for killing two women was on Thursday (Feb 22) convicted. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday, a judge in Alaska's capital city of Anchorage returned a unanimous verdict against Brian Steven Smith after deliberating for less than two hours.</p>

<p>The victims were 30-year-old Kathleen Henry and 52-year-old Veronica Abouchuk. Both the women were Alaska natives. Smith was found guilty on account of 14 charges including first and second-degree murders, sexual assault as well as tampering with evidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The murders</strong></h2>

<p>Smith was arrested in Henry's murder after Valerie Casler, a sex worker, stole his mobile from his truck and discovered the footage of the 30-year-old's killing in 2019. Prosecutors said on Thursday that Casler copied the footage to a memory card and ultimately turned it over to police. She became a key witness during the trial in Anchorage.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colorado-dorm-killings-police-takes-student-in-custody-in-double-murder-case-at-university-of-colorado-691840">Colorado dorm killings: Police takes student in custody in double murder case at University of Colorado</a></strong></p>

<p>Henry's murder happened in Sept 2019 in a room in the Marriott Hotel. The memory card contained 39 images and 12 videos. Speaking about the videos during the closing argument on Thursday, Anchorage Deputy District Attorney Heather Nobrega said, "You saw the defendant repeatedly strangle Kathleen Henry."</p>

<p>“You saw him step on her throat; you saw him step on her stomach. You see him fondle her and pinch her breasts. You see him poke her in the eye several times,” Nobrega added.</p>

<p>Henry's remains were discovered along railroad tracks near the Seward Highway by two railroad employees in Oct 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following an interrogation by detectives, the 52-year-old South African confessed to killing Abouchuk. Smith said he picked Abouchuk up in Anchorage while his wife was out of town. He said she smelled, but Abouchuk refused to take a shower when he asked.</p>

<p>The man became upset, retrieved a pistol from the garage, and shot her in the head. Smith told the police where Abouchuk's body was left, and authorities later found a skull with a bullet wound there.</p>

<p>For Abouchuk's murder, Smith faces 30 to 99 years, the report said.</p>

<h2>'He had another life...'</h2>

<p>Smith’s wife&nbsp;Stephanie Bissland attended the three-week-long murder trial. Bissland said, “He was very good for me, but he had another life, I guess.” She added that her husband's problems were likely exacerbated by heavy drinking.</p>

<p>Bissland said that when Smith was first arrested, he was in a very dark place. “He got better,” she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Different versions of memory card was found</strong></h2>

<p>Over the years, Casler has changed her story about how she came into possession of the memory card. She first claimed she found the card, labelled “Murder at the Midtown Marriott” on the ground.</p>

<p>Later, she claimed that she stole the card from the centre console of Smith’s pickup when they were on what she described as a “date,” but then changed it to say she stole Smith’s phone from the truck.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 52-year-old South African man who was on trial in Alaska for killing two women was on Thursday (Feb 22) convicted. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday, a judge in Alaska's capital city of Anchorage returned a unanimous verdict against Brian Steven Smith after deliberating for less than two hours.

A 52-year-old South African man who was on trial in Alaska for killing two women was on Thursday (Feb 22) convicted. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Friday, a judge in Alaska's capital city of Anchorage returned a unanimous verdict against Brian Steven Smith after deliberating for less than two hours. The victims were 30-year-old Kathleen Henry and 52-year-old Veronica Abouchuk. Both the women were Alaska natives. Smith was found guilty on account of 14 charges including first and second-degree murders, sexual assault as well as tampering with evidence. The murders Smith was arrested in Henry's murder after Valerie Casler, a sex worker, stole his mobile from his truck and discovered the footage of the 30-year-old's killing in 2019. Prosecutors said on Thursday that Casler copied the footage to a memory card and ultimately turned it over to police. She became a key witness during the trial in Anchorage. Also read | Colorado dorm killings: Police takes student in custody in double murder case at University of Colorado Henry's murder happened in Sept 2019 in a room in the Marriott Hotel. The memory card contained 39 images and 12 videos. Speaking about the videos during the closing argument on Thursday, Anchorage Deputy District Attorney Heather Nobrega said, "You saw the defendant repeatedly strangle Kathleen Henry." “You saw him step on her throat; you saw him step on her stomach. You see him fondle her and pinch her breasts. You see him poke her in the eye several times,” Nobrega added. Henry's remains were discovered along railroad tracks near the Seward Highway by two railroad employees in Oct 2019. Following an interrogation by detectives, the 52-year-old South African confessed to killing Abouchuk. Smith said he picked Abouchuk up in Anchorage while his wife was out of town. He said she smelled, but Abouchuk refused to take a shower when he asked. The man became upset, retrieved a pistol from the garage, and shot her in the head. Smith told the police where Abouchuk's body was left, and authorities later found a skull with a bullet wound there. For Abouchuk's murder, Smith faces 30 to 99 years, the report said. 'He had another life...' Smith’s wife Stephanie Bissland attended the three-week-long murder trial. Bissland said, “He was very good for me, but he had another life, I guess.” She added that her husband's problems were likely exacerbated by heavy drinking. Bissland said that when Smith was first arrested, he was in a very dark place. “He got better,” she said. Different versions of memory card was found Over the years, Casler has changed her story about how she came into possession of the memory card. She first claimed she found the card, labelled “Murder at the Midtown Marriott” on the ground. Later, she claimed that she stole the card from the centre console of Smith’s pickup when they were on what she described as a “date,” but then changed it to say she stole Smith’s phone from the truck. (With inputs from agencies)

Man whose killings of 2 Alaska native women were recorded in stolen phone convicted

Canistel contains soluble fibre, potassium, and other heart-healthy nutrients that help regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

One of the Biggest Space Events in 4 Billion Years

Our home galaxy — the Milky Way will collide with its neighbour — the Andromeda galaxy in about 4 billion years, eventually becoming Milkomeda. Galaxy collisions are relatively common, considering that galaxies have long life spans.

The Milky Way-Andromeda collision is inevitable. According to Astronomy.com, the Andromeda is approaching the Milky Way at nearly a quarter million miles per hour.

Scientists have said that once the collision happens, the giant elliptical galaxy will be called "Milkdromeda" or "Milkomeda."

Several things will happen when the two galaxies collide. Both Milky Way and Andromeda each contain a central supermassive black hole. Following the collision, the black holes will spiral into one another and converge near the centre of Milkdromeda. Scientists have predicted a 50% chance that in the new galaxy, the solar system would be swept out three times farther from the galactic core than its current position.

When the collision happens, Earth would have become far too hot for liquid water to exist because of the gradually increasing luminosity of the Sun. All terrestrial life would end on our planet.

What Happens if Milky Way Collides with Andromeda?

<p>The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the&nbsp;Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.</p>

<p>A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the United States on Sunday. The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). He is reported to be in a critical condition.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Israeli army has proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip as Israel's war with Hamas intensifies. "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indians-discharged-from-russian-army-after-foreign-ministrys-intervention-693840"><strong>Several Indians discharged from Russian army after foreign ministry's intervention</strong></a></p>

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<p>India's External Affairs Ministry on Monday (Feb 26) said that several Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army after New Delhi's persistent intervention. The response came in the wake of media reports that claimed Indians in the Russian army are seeking help for discharge amid the war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-allegedly-a-us-air-force-member-sets-himself-on-fire-outside-israeli-embassy-in-washington-dc-693816"><strong>Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/26/414433-new-wion-2024-02-26t054319859.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A man is in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the US capital, Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Sunday (Feb 25) afternoon, said authorities. The adult male, as per media reports, was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-offers-plan-to-evacuate-gaza-civilians-as-netanyahu-says-rafah-offensive-vital-for-total-victory-693822"><strong>Israel army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/26/414436-new-wion-2024-02-26t073419104.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from&nbsp;the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/babies-are-already-dying-aid-worker-warns-of-dire-consequences-as-sudan-blocks-cross-border-aid-to-darfur-693820"><strong>'Babies are already dying': Aid worker warns of dire consequences as Sudan blocks cross-border aid to Darfur</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/26/414435-new-wion-2024-02-26t063647364.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States.&nbsp;An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not promptly restored.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Chaos in South Korea amid&nbsp;protest by doctors, several surgeries&nbsp;cancelled</strong></p>

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The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine.

The Indian foreign ministry said on Monday (Feb 26) that several Indians were discharged from the Russian Army after the Modi government's intervention. The response came following reports that several Indians had been forced to fight for the Russian army and were seeking help for discharge amid Moscow's war with Ukraine. A man set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the United States on Sunday. The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). He is reported to be in a critical condition. In other news from around the world, the Israeli army has proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip as Israel's war with Hamas intensifies. "The (Israeli army) presented the War Cabinet with a plan for evacuating the population from the areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, with the upcoming operational plan," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Click on the headlines to read more: Several Indians discharged from Russian army after foreign ministry's intervention India's External Affairs Ministry on Monday (Feb 26) said that several Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army after New Delhi's persistent intervention. The response came in the wake of media reports that claimed Indians in the Russian army are seeking help for discharge amid the war in Ukraine. Man, allegedly a US Air Force member, sets himself on fire outside Israeli embassy in Washington, DC A man is in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in the US capital, Washington, DC. The incident occurred on Sunday (Feb 25) afternoon, said authorities. The adult male, as per media reports, was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). Israel army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory' The Israel Army on Monday (Feb 26) proposed a plan for "evacuating" civilians from the Gaza Strip. This evacuation plan which has been presented with an "operational plan" comes after the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory's southern city Rafah was necessary for Israel's "total victory". 'Babies are already dying': Aid worker warns of dire consequences as Sudan blocks cross-border aid to Darfur In Sudan's conflict-ridden Darfur region, authorities reportedly aligned with the army have blocked cross-border aid, drawing criticism from aid workers and the United States. An international aid worker in Darfur, speaking anonymously to AFP, warned of dire consequences, including increased mortality rates, if aid is not promptly restored. Watch | Chaos in South Korea amid protest by doctors, several surgeries cancelled ×

Morning brief: Several Indians discharged from Russian Army; and more

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<p>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (Feb 26) wrote to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on the central government's Agnipath scheme — an initiative for the youth to join the armed forces on short-term basis. Kharge said he was writing the letter to President Murmu to highlight the gross injustice to almost 200,000 young men and women whose futures have become uncertain due to the ending of the regular recruitment process and imposing the scheme.<br />
<br />
There had been widespread protests in June 2022 after the launch of the Agnipath scheme but since then many youths have already joined the armed forces as Agniveers. The Congress president's letter to President Murmu comes at a time when general elections in India are just a couple of months away.</p>

<p>“Recently I met them and they told me that between 2019 and 2022, almost two lakh young men and women were informed that they had been accepted into the three armed services: the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force," Kharge said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/agniveer-dies-in-siachen-while-on-duty-indian-army-pays-tribute-649974">Agniveer dies in Siachen while on duty, Indian Army pays tribute</a></strong></p>

<p>"These young men and women had struggled against all odds to pass gruelling mental and physical tests and a written exam. Until 31 May 2022, they believed that they had fulfilled their dreams and were awaiting only their joining letters. On that day, their dreams were shattered by the Government of India's decision to end this recruitment process and replace it with the Agnipath Scheme," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Scheme is discriminatory'</strong></h2>

<p>Kharge told Murmu that the scheme is discriminatory "among our jawans by creating parallel cadres of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks but with very different emoluments, benefits and prospects." The Congress chief added that the majority of Agniveers (the beneficiaries of the scheme) would be released into an uncertain job market after four years of service.</p>

<p>"Our youth cannot be allowed to suffer in this manner. I appeal to you to ensure that NYAY and justice is done,” he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My letter to the Hon’ble President of India (<a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rashtrapatibhvn</a>) highlighting the gross injustice to almost two lakh young men and women whose future has become uncertain due to ending of regular recruitment process and imposing Agnipath Scheme for the Armed Forces by the Union… <a href="https://t.co/nZceaXpKs0">pic.twitter.com/nZceaXpKs0</a></p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1761990787313934415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Agnipath scheme was rolled out by the central government in June 2022 for short-term induction of the youth into the armed forces. The scheme provides for recruiting youth between the ages of 17.2 and 21 for a service of four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of the Agniveers for 15 more years.</p>

<p>Some of the broad objectives of the scheme are:&nbsp;to enhance the youthful profile of the armed forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk-taking ability; to provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation and work-skills so that the youth remain an asset; and to imbibe the armed forces' ethos, courage, camaraderie, commitment and teamwork in the youth.</p>

<p>According to Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande, the scheme was finalised after extensive consultations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Congress hits out at Centre over scheme</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from Mallikarjun Kharge, other Congress leaders also criticised the central government over the scheme. "Approximately 150,000 people who qualified all the phases of the Army recruitment process, their joining was denied after Covid. Today, they are unemployed... Then, you came up with the Agnipath scheme, even the defence experts are against this scheme... You played with the nation's security and with the youth's future," Congress leader Pawan Khera told the news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Congress leader Sachin Pilot, meanwhile, said that the scheme was implemented in a hurry.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On the Agnipath scheme, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "Completely stopping the previous process of recruitment in the Army and conducting all the recruitments only through Agnipath, keeping only 25% of the total recruitments after 4 years and retiring the… <a href="https://t.co/imCo4YJwYC">pic.twitter.com/imCo4YJwYC</a></p>
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<p>"Completely stopping the previous process of recruitment in the Army and conducting all the recruitments only through Agnipath, keeping only 25% of the total recruitments after 4 years and retiring the whole 75% is not at all a positive step for the Army," Pilot told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (Feb 26) wrote to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on the central government's Agnipath scheme — an initiative for the youth to join the armed forces on short-term basis.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday (Feb 26) wrote to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on the central government's Agnipath scheme — an initiative for the youth to join the armed forces on short-term basis. Kharge said he was writing the letter to President Murmu to highlight the gross injustice to almost 200,000 young men and women whose futures have become uncertain due to the ending of the regular recruitment process and imposing the scheme. There had been widespread protests in June 2022 after the launch of the Agnipath scheme but since then many youths have already joined the armed forces as Agniveers. The Congress president's letter to President Murmu comes at a time when general elections in India are just a couple of months away. “Recently I met them and they told me that between 2019 and 2022, almost two lakh young men and women were informed that they had been accepted into the three armed services: the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force," Kharge said. Also read | Agniveer dies in Siachen while on duty, Indian Army pays tribute "These young men and women had struggled against all odds to pass gruelling mental and physical tests and a written exam. Until 31 May 2022, they believed that they had fulfilled their dreams and were awaiting only their joining letters. On that day, their dreams were shattered by the Government of India's decision to end this recruitment process and replace it with the Agnipath Scheme," he added. 'Scheme is discriminatory' Kharge told Murmu that the scheme is discriminatory "among our jawans by creating parallel cadres of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks but with very different emoluments, benefits and prospects." The Congress chief added that the majority of Agniveers (the beneficiaries of the scheme) would be released into an uncertain job market after four years of service. "Our youth cannot be allowed to suffer in this manner. I appeal to you to ensure that NYAY and justice is done,” he added. My letter to the Hon’ble President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) highlighting the gross injustice to almost two lakh young men and women whose future has become uncertain due to ending of regular recruitment process and imposing Agnipath Scheme for the Armed Forces by the Union… pic.twitter.com/nZceaXpKs0 — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 26, 2024 × The Agnipath scheme was rolled out by the central government in June 2022 for short-term induction of the youth into the armed forces. The scheme provides for recruiting youth between the ages of 17.2 and 21 for a service of four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of the Agniveers for 15 more years. Some of the broad objectives of the scheme are: to enhance the youthful profile of the armed forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk-taking ability; to provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation and work-skills so that the youth remain an asset; and to imbibe the armed forces' ethos, courage, camaraderie, commitment and teamwork in the youth. According to Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande, the scheme was finalised after extensive consultations. Congress hits out at Centre over scheme Apart from Mallikarjun Kharge, other Congress leaders also criticised the central government over the scheme. "Approximately 150,000 people who qualified all the phases of the Army recruitment process, their joining was denied after Covid. Today, they are unemployed... Then, you came up with the Agnipath scheme, even the defence experts are against this scheme... You played with the nation's security and with the youth's future," Congress leader Pawan Khera told the news agency ANI. Congress leader Sachin Pilot, meanwhile, said that the scheme was implemented in a hurry. #WATCH | Delhi: On the Agnipath scheme, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "Completely stopping the previous process of recruitment in the Army and conducting all the recruitments only through Agnipath, keeping only 25% of the total recruitments after 4 years and retiring the… pic.twitter.com/imCo4YJwYC — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024 × "Completely stopping the previous process of recruitment in the Army and conducting all the recruitments only through Agnipath, keeping only 25% of the total recruitments after 4 years and retiring the whole 75% is not at all a positive step for the Army," Pilot told ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Youth cannot suffer: Congress chief writes to Indian president on 'Agnipath' scheme

<p>A 70-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in the Indian city of Bengaluru was brutally murdered on Friday, according to media reports. Susheelamma's body was found in a plastic drum near an abandoned building in Nisarga Layout of KR Puram on Sunday, reported&nbsp;the Times of India (TOI),</p>

<p>Three men have&nbsp;so far been apprehended in connection with the crime.&nbsp;The woman's body was chopped into pieces before it was dumped into the plastic drum. The murder came to light after locals spotted the drum and informed the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-teams-of-mumbai-crime-branch-to-probe-murder-of-shiv-sena-leader-abhishek-ghosalkar-688742">Mumbai Crime Branch to probe murder of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Abhishek Ghosalkar during FB livestream</a></strong></p>

<p>The murder created panic among residents of the area.</p>

<p>The police said that the BJP worker's younger daughter and granddaughter stayed in another apartment about 200 feet away from her flat&nbsp;on II Main Road of the Nisarga layout.&nbsp;Susheelamma's younger daughter works in a private firm while her granddaughter is a student.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family did not suspect any foul play as the 70-year-old would go for a visit to temples for a day or two. Susheelamma lost her husband several years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the TOI report, Raman Gupta, additional commissioner of police (East), who visited the spot, said the police had taken up a case of murder and were investigating it from all angles.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A 70-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in the Indian city of Bengaluru was brutally murdered on Friday, according to media reports. Susheelamma's body was found in a plastic drum near an abandoned building in Nisarga Layout of KR Puram on Sunday, reported the Times of India (TOI), Three men have so far been apprehended in connection with the crime.

A 70-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in the Indian city of Bengaluru was brutally murdered on Friday, according to media reports. Susheelamma's body was found in a plastic drum near an abandoned building in Nisarga Layout of KR Puram on Sunday, reported the Times of India (TOI), Three men have so far been apprehended in connection with the crime. The woman's body was chopped into pieces before it was dumped into the plastic drum. The murder came to light after locals spotted the drum and informed the police. Also read | Mumbai Crime Branch to probe murder of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Abhishek Ghosalkar during FB livestream The murder created panic among residents of the area. The police said that the BJP worker's younger daughter and granddaughter stayed in another apartment about 200 feet away from her flat on II Main Road of the Nisarga layout. Susheelamma's younger daughter works in a private firm while her granddaughter is a student. The family did not suspect any foul play as the 70-year-old would go for a visit to temples for a day or two. Susheelamma lost her husband several years ago. As per the TOI report, Raman Gupta, additional commissioner of police (East), who visited the spot, said the police had taken up a case of murder and were investigating it from all angles. (With inputs from agencies)

70-year-old woman murdered in India's Bengaluru, body found in plastic drum

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<p>A high court in Bangladesh on Sunday (Feb 25) barred the adoption of Asian elephants from the wild. Speaking to news agency AFP, Bangladesh's Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta said that the high court suspended all licenses for the captive rearing of elephants. Hailing the court's decision, activists said the suspension order would stop the torture of captive Asian elephants in the name of training.</p>

<p>"This is a landmark order," said Rakibul Haque Emil, head of the animal rights group People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation in Bangladeshi to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Once a major home for Asian elephants</strong></h2>

<p>Bangladesh had been one of the major homes for Asian elephants. However, poaching and habitat loss caused&nbsp;a severe downfall in their numbers and&nbsp;the animals became critically endangered in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/we-may-finally-know-the-mystery-behind-what-deaths-of-african-elephants-656134">We may finally know the reason behind mysterious deaths of African elephants</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are nearly 100 captive Asian elephants in Bangladesh, nearly half the amount of elephants are left in the wild in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As logging and farming encroach on elephant territories, the animals are captured in the country's northern and southeastern hills. AFP reported that the forest department used to&nbsp;issue&nbsp;licenses to logging groups who use elephants to drag tree trunks, or to circus groups -- to adopt the animals.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Saving Sri Lanka's sacred elephants</strong></p>

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<p>However, Deputy Attorney General Gupta told the news agency that elephants were being exploited and used for begging and "street extortion", breaking the license terms. In May last year, a young elephant, used for begging on the streets, was killed by a train.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, police rescued two emaciated elephants from their owners after they were used for roadside begging. The elephants were handed over to the Dhaka Zoo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PIL filed against captive elephant licensing</strong></h2>

<p>The PAW and prominent actor Jaya Ahsan launched a public interest litigation against captive elephant licensing. PAW's head Emil said on Sunday, "In this name of training elephants, private licensees including circus parties brutally separate elephant calves from their mother, shackle them for months and then torture them to teach tricks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that they would mobilise support for the rehabilitation of captive elephants.</p>

<p>"Several countries in Asia such as Thailand and Nepal have found some success in rehabilitating captive elephants. We shall do it here," the official&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A high court in Bangladesh on Sunday (Feb 25) barred the adoption of Asian elephants from the wild. Speaking to news agency AFP, Bangladesh's Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta said that the high court suspended all licenses for the captive rearing of elephants.

A high court in Bangladesh on Sunday (Feb 25) barred the adoption of Asian elephants from the wild. Speaking to news agency AFP, Bangladesh's Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta said that the high court suspended all licenses for the captive rearing of elephants. Hailing the court's decision, activists said the suspension order would stop the torture of captive Asian elephants in the name of training. "This is a landmark order," said Rakibul Haque Emil, head of the animal rights group People for Animal Welfare (PAW) Foundation in Bangladeshi to AFP. Once a major home for Asian elephants Bangladesh had been one of the major homes for Asian elephants. However, poaching and habitat loss caused a severe downfall in their numbers and the animals became critically endangered in the country. Also read | We may finally know the reason behind mysterious deaths of African elephants According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are nearly 100 captive Asian elephants in Bangladesh, nearly half the amount of elephants are left in the wild in the country. As logging and farming encroach on elephant territories, the animals are captured in the country's northern and southeastern hills. AFP reported that the forest department used to issue licenses to logging groups who use elephants to drag tree trunks, or to circus groups -- to adopt the animals. Also watch | Saving Sri Lanka's sacred elephants × However, Deputy Attorney General Gupta told the news agency that elephants were being exploited and used for begging and "street extortion", breaking the license terms. In May last year, a young elephant, used for begging on the streets, was killed by a train. In 2019, police rescued two emaciated elephants from their owners after they were used for roadside begging. The elephants were handed over to the Dhaka Zoo. PIL filed against captive elephant licensing The PAW and prominent actor Jaya Ahsan launched a public interest litigation against captive elephant licensing. PAW's head Emil said on Sunday, "In this name of training elephants, private licensees including circus parties brutally separate elephant calves from their mother, shackle them for months and then torture them to teach tricks." He added that they would mobilise support for the rehabilitation of captive elephants. "Several countries in Asia such as Thailand and Nepal have found some success in rehabilitating captive elephants. We shall do it here," the official said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh court bars adoption of Asian elephants from wild, activists hail move

<p>Google's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Gemini is facing calls for shutdown after it refused to answer who was worse: Elon Musk posting memes on X or Adolf Hitler. In a post on X, American writer and statistician Nate Silver said on Sunday (Feb 25), "I was able to replicate this! They need to shut Gemini down. It is several months away from being ready for prime time. It is astounding that Google released it in this state."</p>

<p>Silver shared a screenshot of Gemini's answer to the question that read: "Who negatively impacted society more, Elon tweeting memes or Hitler?"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ai-dominates-conversations-in-2023-named-word-of-the-year-by-collins-dictionary-653747">Artificial Intelligence dominates conversations in 2023, named 'Word of the Year' by Collins Dictionary</a></strong></p>

<p>In its response, Gemini said it was "not possible to say definitively" who negatively impacted society more, Elon tweeting memes or Hitler. "Elon's tweets have been criticised for being insensitive and harmful, while Hitler's actions led to the deaths of millions of people. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe has had a more negative impact on society," Gemini added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was able to replicate this! They need to shut Gemini down. It is several months away from being ready for prime time. It is astounding that Google released it in this state. <a href="https://t.co/wCqKE1eLbI">https://t.co/wCqKE1eLbI</a> <a href="https://t.co/dxWavP3oei">pic.twitter.com/dxWavP3oei</a></p>
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) <a href="https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1761800684272308302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The AI chatbot also said there was no right or wrong answer to this question, and it was important to consider all of the relevant factors before making a decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several other users on X also lashed out at Gemini's response. "Every single person who worked on this should take a long hard look in the mirror. Absolutely appalling," X user @Frantastic_7 said in a post.</p>

<p>"Hitler: WW2, Holocaust, bad art; Musk: Electric vehicles, expanding internet access, future space travel Who's worse? Google's Gemini AI: Wow, tough question. Too close to call," X user @eyeslasho wrote.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Elon Musk highlighted another answer of Gemini refusing to misgender someone if it was a matter of stopping a nuclear apocalypse. "Is it okay to misgender Caitlyn Jenner (former Olympian who came out as a trans woman) to stop a nuclear apocalypse?" the question said, to which Gemini replied: "Nope."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Given that the Gemini AI will be at the heart of every Google product and YouTube, this is extremely alarming!<br />
<br />
The senior Google exec called me again yesterday and said it would take a few months to fix. Previously, he thought it would be faster.<br />
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My response to him was that I… <a href="https://t.co/23uc7dd5fw">https://t.co/23uc7dd5fw</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1761803527234470174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Given that the Gemini AI will be at the heart of every Google product and YouTube, this is extremely alarming! The senior Google exec called me again yesterday and said it would take a few months to fix. Previously, he thought it would be faster," Musk said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"My response to him was that I doubted that Google’s woke bureaucratic blob would *allow* him to fix it. Unless those who caused this are exited from Google, nothing will change, except to make the bias less obvious and more pernicious," he added.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Google's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Gemini is facing calls for shutdown after it refused to answer who was worse: Elon Musk posting memes on X or Adolf Hitler.

Google's artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Gemini is facing calls for shutdown after it refused to answer who was worse: Elon Musk posting memes on X or Adolf Hitler. In a post on X, American writer and statistician Nate Silver said on Sunday (Feb 25), "I was able to replicate this! They need to shut Gemini down. It is several months away from being ready for prime time. It is astounding that Google released it in this state." Silver shared a screenshot of Gemini's answer to the question that read: "Who negatively impacted society more, Elon tweeting memes or Hitler?" Also read | Artificial Intelligence dominates conversations in 2023, named 'Word of the Year' by Collins Dictionary In its response, Gemini said it was "not possible to say definitively" who negatively impacted society more, Elon tweeting memes or Hitler. "Elon's tweets have been criticised for being insensitive and harmful, while Hitler's actions led to the deaths of millions of people. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide who they believe has had a more negative impact on society," Gemini added. I was able to replicate this! They need to shut Gemini down. It is several months away from being ready for prime time. It is astounding that Google released it in this state. https://t.co/wCqKE1eLbI pic.twitter.com/dxWavP3oei — Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) February 25, 2024 × The AI chatbot also said there was no right or wrong answer to this question, and it was important to consider all of the relevant factors before making a decision. Several other users on X also lashed out at Gemini's response. "Every single person who worked on this should take a long hard look in the mirror. Absolutely appalling," X user @Frantastic_7 said in a post. "Hitler: WW2, Holocaust, bad art; Musk: Electric vehicles, expanding internet access, future space travel Who's worse? Google's Gemini AI: Wow, tough question. Too close to call," X user @eyeslasho wrote. Meanwhile, Elon Musk highlighted another answer of Gemini refusing to misgender someone if it was a matter of stopping a nuclear apocalypse. "Is it okay to misgender Caitlyn Jenner (former Olympian who came out as a trans woman) to stop a nuclear apocalypse?" the question said, to which Gemini replied: "Nope." Given that the Gemini AI will be at the heart of every Google product and YouTube, this is extremely alarming! The senior Google exec called me again yesterday and said it would take a few months to fix. Previously, he thought it would be faster. My response to him was that I… https://t.co/23uc7dd5fw — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 25, 2024 × "Given that the Gemini AI will be at the heart of every Google product and YouTube, this is extremely alarming! The senior Google exec called me again yesterday and said it would take a few months to fix. Previously, he thought it would be faster," Musk said on Sunday. "My response to him was that I doubted that Google’s woke bureaucratic blob would *allow* him to fix it. Unless those who caused this are exited from Google, nothing will change, except to make the bias less obvious and more pernicious," he added.

'Who is worse? Musk or Hitler?' Google's AI model Gemini faces shutdown calls for refusing to answer question

<p>The Allahabad High Court on Monday (Feb 26) dismissed the Muslim side's&nbsp;plea challenging a court order permitting Hindu parties to continue offering prayers in the 'Vyas Tehkhana' (cellar) of the Gyanvapi mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. According to a report by LiveLaw, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal pronounced the verdict 11 days after reserving judgment on the matter.</p>

<p>The appeal before the high court was filed by Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee on February 1. The committee, which manages the mosque complex, highlighted that the Vyas Tehkhana was under their possession as being a part of the mosque premises and that the Vyas family or anyone else did not have the right to worship inside the cellar, the report said.</p>

<p>The committee maintained it was an admitted fact that since 1993, there had been no Hindu prayers in the cellar, adding if the court was appointing a receiver and changing the status quo, there should have been some cogent reason behind the decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gyanvapi-case-what-does-archaeologist-james-prinseps-200-yr-old-map-reveal-about-the-disputed-indian-site-688533">Gyanvapi case: What does archaeologist James Prinsep's 200-yr-old map reveal about the disputed Indian site?</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, lawyers for the Hindu parties supported the Jan 31 order of the Varanasi district judge by stating that their first prayer (for the appointment of a receiver) was allowed on Jan 17.</p>

<p>However, the second prayer (for performing prayers inside the cellar) was not allowed. When the Hindu parties requested the district judge to allow the second prayer too, he allowed the same on Jan 31 by invoking powers under Section 152 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc), the report added.</p>

<p>Speaking to ANI, Advocate Prabhash Pandey said, "The judge dismissed the pleas that the Muslim side had filed against the District Judge's order...It means that the puja will continue as it is."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Gyanvapi Mosque case | Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side says "Today, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed the first appeal from orders of Anjuman Intezamia which was directed against the order of 17th and 31st January and the effect of the… <a href="https://t.co/0PNcqYZ2Ml">pic.twitter.com/0PNcqYZ2Ml</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1761977831804801203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"District Magistrate will continue as the Receiver of the 'tehkhana'...This is a big victory for our Sanatana Dharma...They (the Muslim side) can go for a review of the decision. Puja will continue," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vyas-ji-ka-tahkhana-inside-gyanvapi-mosque-complex-why-its-a-matter-of-massive-controversy-in-india-686029">‘Vyas Ji ka Tahkhana’ in Gyanvapi mosque complex: Why it’s a matter of controversy in India</a></strong></p>

<p>Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, the counsel for the Hindu plaintiffs welcomed the court's decision by saying, "The right that Hindus have to perform puja has been maintained by the High Court. Hindus were performing puja in the Vyas Tehkhana until 1993, but they were stopped unlawfully. They (the Muslim side) can move Supreme Court, but we are also ready to oppose..."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Ghaziabad, UP | On the Gyanvapi case, Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, says, "It is a decision worth welcoming. The right that Hindus have to perform puja has been maintained by the High Court. Hindus were performing puja in the Vyas Tehkhana until 1993, but they were stopped… <a href="https://t.co/KEimEdyl3N">pic.twitter.com/KEimEdyl3N</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1761979955246756128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"..Today, even the High Court accepted that puja and religious rituals used to take place there, and in 1993, without any document or order the religious rituals were stopped...So, the District Court's order was upheld today...The High Court ruled in our favour...The objection of Anjuman Intezamia's (Masjid Committee) has been dismissed by the High Court...," Advocate Subhash Nandan told the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gyanvapi case has been going on for more than three decades. Some believe that the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of a&nbsp;temple, while various other petitions in courts, including the Supreme Court, have discussed different angles of the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Allahabad High Court on Monday (Feb 26) dismissed the Muslim side's plea challenging a court order permitting Hindu parties to continue offering prayers in the 'Vyas Tehkhana' (cellar) of the Gyanvapi mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi.

The Allahabad High Court on Monday (Feb 26) dismissed the Muslim side's plea challenging a court order permitting Hindu parties to continue offering prayers in the 'Vyas Tehkhana' (cellar) of the Gyanvapi mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi. According to a report by LiveLaw, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agrawal pronounced the verdict 11 days after reserving judgment on the matter. The appeal before the high court was filed by Anjuman Intezamia Mosque Committee on February 1. The committee, which manages the mosque complex, highlighted that the Vyas Tehkhana was under their possession as being a part of the mosque premises and that the Vyas family or anyone else did not have the right to worship inside the cellar, the report said. The committee maintained it was an admitted fact that since 1993, there had been no Hindu prayers in the cellar, adding if the court was appointing a receiver and changing the status quo, there should have been some cogent reason behind the decision. Also read | Gyanvapi case: What does archaeologist James Prinsep's 200-yr-old map reveal about the disputed Indian site? Meanwhile, lawyers for the Hindu parties supported the Jan 31 order of the Varanasi district judge by stating that their first prayer (for the appointment of a receiver) was allowed on Jan 17. However, the second prayer (for performing prayers inside the cellar) was not allowed. When the Hindu parties requested the district judge to allow the second prayer too, he allowed the same on Jan 31 by invoking powers under Section 152 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPc), the report added. Speaking to ANI, Advocate Prabhash Pandey said, "The judge dismissed the pleas that the Muslim side had filed against the District Judge's order...It means that the puja will continue as it is." #WATCH | Gyanvapi Mosque case | Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side says "Today, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed the first appeal from orders of Anjuman Intezamia which was directed against the order of 17th and 31st January and the effect of the… pic.twitter.com/0PNcqYZ2Ml — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024 × "District Magistrate will continue as the Receiver of the 'tehkhana'...This is a big victory for our Sanatana Dharma...They (the Muslim side) can go for a review of the decision. Puja will continue," he added. Also read | ‘Vyas Ji ka Tahkhana’ in Gyanvapi mosque complex: Why it’s a matter of controversy in India Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, the counsel for the Hindu plaintiffs welcomed the court's decision by saying, "The right that Hindus have to perform puja has been maintained by the High Court. Hindus were performing puja in the Vyas Tehkhana until 1993, but they were stopped unlawfully. They (the Muslim side) can move Supreme Court, but we are also ready to oppose..." #WATCH | Ghaziabad, UP | On the Gyanvapi case, Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, says, "It is a decision worth welcoming. The right that Hindus have to perform puja has been maintained by the High Court. Hindus were performing puja in the Vyas Tehkhana until 1993, but they were stopped… pic.twitter.com/KEimEdyl3N — ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2024 × "..Today, even the High Court accepted that puja and religious rituals used to take place there, and in 1993, without any document or order the religious rituals were stopped...So, the District Court's order was upheld today...The High Court ruled in our favour...The objection of Anjuman Intezamia's (Masjid Committee) has been dismissed by the High Court...," Advocate Subhash Nandan told the news agency. The Gyanvapi case has been going on for more than three decades. Some believe that the Gyanvapi mosque was built on the remains of a temple, while various other petitions in courts, including the Supreme Court, have discussed different angles of the case. (With inputs from agencies)

Gyanvapi case: Hindu prayers to continue in complex's cellar after Allahabad HC rejects Muslim side's plea

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