<p>Alphabet's&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;unit has recalled 444 self-driving vehicles after two minor collisions in quick succession in Arizona because a software error could result in them inaccurately predicting the movement of a towed vehicle.</p>

<p>All of the vehicles are in the company's possession and had software updates last month.</p>

<p>Waymo&nbsp;said in a filing Thursday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that in December one of its autonomous vehicles operating in Phoenix, Arizona made contact with a "pickup truck being towed backwards and at an angle relative to the towing vehicle."</p>

<p>The towing vehicle was "improperly traveling straight in the middle shared turn lane and the pickup truck being towed was partially occupying the travel lane immediately to the right of the middle shared turn lane."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-self-driving-car-vandalised-set-on-fire-by-crowd-in-san-francisco-689513">Self-driving car vandalised, set on fire by crowd in San Francisco</a></strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;AV was in the same travel lane as a portion of the towed pickup truck when the front left of the&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;AV made contact with the pickup truck, the company said.</p>

<p>Waymo&nbsp;said that several minutes later "a second&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;AV made contact with the same off-angle towed pickup truck, which had continued after the first contact and was still occupying multiple lanes."</p>

<p>The two events were both at low relative speeds. Neither collision resulted in injuries,&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;said. Waymo&nbsp;met with NHTSA on the issue on four separate occasions starting on Dec. 15 and most recently last week.</p>

<p>Waymo&nbsp;said it "carefully considered points raised by NHTSA in these discussions." Waymo’s Safety Board said due to the unique characteristics of the collisions that it" warranted submitting this report to NHTSA to fulfill relevant notification obligations."</p>

<p>The recall announcement comes days after a crowd vandalized and set fire to a&nbsp;Waymo&nbsp;self-driving car using a firework in San Francisco, marking the most destructive attack so far on driverless vehicles in the United States.</p>

<p>California lawmakers and labor unions rallied on Monday to call for laws to not allow autonomous trucks without human drivers, amid rising safety concerns after accidents.</p>

<p>Separately, NHTSA said electric automaker Lucid Group recalled 189 of its Air vehicles to fix a software issue that could have resulted in loss of drive power.</p>

<p>Waymo&nbsp;and Lucid did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.</p>


Alphabet's Waymo unit has recalled 444 self-driving vehicles after two minor collisions in quick succession in Arizona because a software error could result in them inaccurately predicting the movement of a towed vehicle.

Alphabet's Waymo unit has recalled 444 self-driving vehicles after two minor collisions in quick succession in Arizona because a software error could result in them inaccurately predicting the movement of a towed vehicle. All of the vehicles are in the company's possession and had software updates last month. Waymo said in a filing Thursday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that in December one of its autonomous vehicles operating in Phoenix, Arizona made contact with a "pickup truck being towed backwards and at an angle relative to the towing vehicle." The towing vehicle was "improperly traveling straight in the middle shared turn lane and the pickup truck being towed was partially occupying the travel lane immediately to the right of the middle shared turn lane." Also read | Self-driving car vandalised, set on fire by crowd in San Francisco The Waymo AV was in the same travel lane as a portion of the towed pickup truck when the front left of the Waymo AV made contact with the pickup truck, the company said. Waymo said that several minutes later "a second Waymo AV made contact with the same off-angle towed pickup truck, which had continued after the first contact and was still occupying multiple lanes." The two events were both at low relative speeds. Neither collision resulted in injuries, Waymo said. Waymo met with NHTSA on the issue on four separate occasions starting on Dec. 15 and most recently last week. Waymo said it "carefully considered points raised by NHTSA in these discussions." Waymo’s Safety Board said due to the unique characteristics of the collisions that it" warranted submitting this report to NHTSA to fulfill relevant notification obligations." The recall announcement comes days after a crowd vandalized and set fire to a Waymo self-driving car using a firework in San Francisco, marking the most destructive attack so far on driverless vehicles in the United States. California lawmakers and labor unions rallied on Monday to call for laws to not allow autonomous trucks without human drivers, amid rising safety concerns after accidents. Separately, NHTSA said electric automaker Lucid Group recalled 189 of its Air vehicles to fix a software issue that could have resulted in loss of drive power. Waymo and Lucid did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Waymo recalls 444 self-driving vehicles over software error

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<p>China has detained its citizen on spying charges after she worked for a United States-based company, The Guardian said in a report on Thursday (Feb 15). As per the report, 50-year-old Emily Chen disappeared after flying into Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China in Dec last year on a visit from Doha, where she lives. Chen's husband, Mark Lent said that his wife messaged her family saying she landed but did not come outside the airport.</p>

<p>Lent, an American citizen, said Chen's son received a letter from the national security bureau in Dalian (port city in China) which said that Chen was detained on Dec 30 on suspicion of illegally providing state secrets to overseas parties.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-writer-yang-hengjun-given-suspended-death-sentence-in-china-687028">Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun given suspended death sentence in China. Who is he?</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to the publication, Lent said that his wife was in Dalian helping a US logistics company open an office there. She would never spy on her own country, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The company in the picture</strong></h2>

<p>The company that Chen worked for was Safe Ports that was looking to open&nbsp;an office in Dalian, said the&nbsp;company's chief executive officer (CEO)&nbsp;Lucy Duncan.&nbsp;He&nbsp;described Chen's work for the company as “purely administrative.”</p>

<p>The 50-year-old woman worked on a freelance basis for the company from Jan to April 2023.</p>

<p>According to the report, Safe Ports later decided not to expand its operations in Dalian.&nbsp;One of the reasons was that Chen took a full-time job with a French energy company in Doha, Qatar.&nbsp;While, the deteriorating environment for foreigners to do business in China was another reason why the company decided against the expansion, said CEO Duncan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Meta shuts down thousands of fake China-based Facebook accounts</strong></p>

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<p>It is not yet known if the woman's detention is related to her freelance work for Safety Ports. But Dalian houses an important Chinese naval base. The report further said that Safety Ports previously worked with the US Department of Defense and this association might have drawn Beijing's attention.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Woman's son barred from leaving China</strong></h2>

<p>Chen's son, who is&nbsp;from her previous relationship and is a&nbsp;Chinese citizen, was barred from leaving China last week when he attempted to board a flight in Beijing.</p>

<p>Lent, meanwhile, is trying to raise money for Chen's legal fees and their family's living costs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China has detained its citizen on spying charges after she worked for a United States-based company, The Guardian said in a report on Thursday (Feb 15). As per the report, 50-year-old Emily Chen disappeared after flying into Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China in Dec last year on a visit from Doha, where she lives.

China has detained its citizen on spying charges after she worked for a United States-based company, The Guardian said in a report on Thursday (Feb 15). As per the report, 50-year-old Emily Chen disappeared after flying into Nanjing Lukou International Airport in China in Dec last year on a visit from Doha, where she lives. Chen's husband, Mark Lent said that his wife messaged her family saying she landed but did not come outside the airport. Lent, an American citizen, said Chen's son received a letter from the national security bureau in Dalian (port city in China) which said that Chen was detained on Dec 30 on suspicion of illegally providing state secrets to overseas parties. Also read | Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun given suspended death sentence in China. Who is he? Speaking to the publication, Lent said that his wife was in Dalian helping a US logistics company open an office there. She would never spy on her own country, he added. The company in the picture The company that Chen worked for was Safe Ports that was looking to open an office in Dalian, said the company's chief executive officer (CEO) Lucy Duncan. He described Chen's work for the company as “purely administrative.” The 50-year-old woman worked on a freelance basis for the company from Jan to April 2023. According to the report, Safe Ports later decided not to expand its operations in Dalian. One of the reasons was that Chen took a full-time job with a French energy company in Doha, Qatar. While, the deteriorating environment for foreigners to do business in China was another reason why the company decided against the expansion, said CEO Duncan. Also watch | Meta shuts down thousands of fake China-based Facebook accounts × It is not yet known if the woman's detention is related to her freelance work for Safety Ports. But Dalian houses an important Chinese naval base. The report further said that Safety Ports previously worked with the US Department of Defense and this association might have drawn Beijing's attention. Woman's son barred from leaving China Chen's son, who is from her previous relationship and is a Chinese citizen, was barred from leaving China last week when he attempted to board a flight in Beijing. Lent, meanwhile, is trying to raise money for Chen's legal fees and their family's living costs. (With inputs from agencies)

China detains citizen on spying charges after she worked for US firm: Report

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<p>Pricey homes on a clifftop in the US state of California got closer to the edge following a landslide. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday (Feb 15), the landslide in California brought tons of rock and soil crashing into the sea. Images showed three mega-mansions in the state's Dana Point perilously close to the Pacific Ocean following the rockfall.</p>

<p>However, the properties are still livable. The report said that the engineers assured owners that their homes were in no danger of sliding into the sea. The landslide occurred after California experienced powerful storms and heavy rain. The weather conditions led to localised flooding and travel disruption.</p>

<h2><strong>'Looks a lot scarier than it really is'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to local media, Lewis Bruggeman, who owns one of the homes said his property&nbsp;(worth $16 million) was "not threatened and it will not be" labelled uninhabitable. Bruggeman said that the administration agreed that there was no major structural issue with the house.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-captures-landslide-in-turkey-in-which-nine-miners-went-missing-690119">Gold miners trapped in Turkey amid cyanide after landslide buries them in soil</a></strong></p>

<p>Photographs showed lighter sand and soil that was exposed with the tumbling of the darker cliff face, with chunks of greenery in the new crater. Authorities said that while the pictures were dramatic, there was no immediate danger.</p>

<p>Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico said, "Engineers who already surveyed the home said there was no damage and there is no imminent threat to the structure, which is really good news."</p>

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<p>"So quite frankly, it looks a lot scarier than it really is," Federico added.</p>

<p>Forecasters have predicted more heavy rain is expected across Southern California. Last week's rain sparked over 500 landslides of varying sizes in Los Angeles alone.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pricey homes on a clifftop in the US state of California got closer to the edge following a landslide. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday (Feb 15), the landslide in California brought tons of rock and soil crashing into the sea.

Pricey homes on a clifftop in the US state of California got closer to the edge following a landslide. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Thursday (Feb 15), the landslide in California brought tons of rock and soil crashing into the sea. Images showed three mega-mansions in the state's Dana Point perilously close to the Pacific Ocean following the rockfall. However, the properties are still livable. The report said that the engineers assured owners that their homes were in no danger of sliding into the sea. The landslide occurred after California experienced powerful storms and heavy rain. The weather conditions led to localised flooding and travel disruption. 'Looks a lot scarier than it really is' Speaking to local media, Lewis Bruggeman, who owns one of the homes said his property (worth $16 million) was "not threatened and it will not be" labelled uninhabitable. Bruggeman said that the administration agreed that there was no major structural issue with the house. Also read | Gold miners trapped in Turkey amid cyanide after landslide buries them in soil Photographs showed lighter sand and soil that was exposed with the tumbling of the darker cliff face, with chunks of greenery in the new crater. Authorities said that while the pictures were dramatic, there was no immediate danger. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Dana Point Mayor Jamey Federico said, "Engineers who already surveyed the home said there was no damage and there is no imminent threat to the structure, which is really good news." "So quite frankly, it looks a lot scarier than it really is," Federico added. Forecasters have predicted more heavy rain is expected across Southern California. Last week's rain sparked over 500 landslides of varying sizes in Los Angeles alone. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Pricey homes on California clifftop get closer to edge following landslide

<p>Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He also suggested former Democratic President Barack Obama was still in office.</p>

<p>"When I purposely interposed names, they said I didn't know Pelosi from Nikki," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday. He said calling Obama the current president was sarcasm, not a gaffe.</p>

<p>"I'm a great speaker," Trump said.</p>

<p>The issue of age and mental competence have been thrust to the forefront of the 2024 election campaign after a report last week suggested US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, 81, was suffering from memory lapses.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Biden allies have pointed to verbal flubs by former President Trump, including the Haley and Pelosi mix-up and the Obama remark. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination, is eying a general election rematch with Biden in November.</p>

<p>Haley, 52, has called for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75 years old, including Biden and Trump, the two oldest men elected to the U.S. presidency.</p>

<p>Some 78% of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday - including 71% of Democrats - think Biden is too old to work in government. Trump suffers less from voter skepticism over his age; 53% of respondents consider him to be too old for government work.</p>

<p>Biden recently mixed up the names of world leaders, including France's former president Francois Mitterrand with its current president, Emmanuel Macron.</p>

<p>Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former US&nbsp;attorney in Maryland during Trump's administration, said in his report on Biden's handling of classified documents last week that Biden was a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" who was not able to recall to investigators when his son, Beau Biden, died.</p>

<p>Biden responded angrily to the report, saying his memory is "fine".</p>

<p>During Wednesday's rally, Trump also insisted that he "loves" the US&nbsp;military. Haley has attacked him in recent days for past comments Trump has made disparaging veterans, including one last week when he mocked her husband, who is deployed oversees with the Army National Guard.</p>

<p>Trump is close to clinching the Republican nomination after wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada.</p>

<p>Haley, who has no clear path to the nomination, is refusing to quit the race, making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina in its Feb. 24 primary. She trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump there.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his recent mixing up of names was intentional. During a speech last month, Trump confused Nikki Haley, his last remaining rival for the Republican presidential nomination, with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He also suggested former Democratic President Barack Obama was still in office. "When I purposely interposed names, they said I didn't know Pelosi from Nikki," Trump said at a rally in South Carolina on Wednesday. He said calling Obama the current president was sarcasm, not a gaffe. "I'm a great speaker," Trump said. The issue of age and mental competence have been thrust to the forefront of the 2024 election campaign after a report last week suggested US President Joe Biden, 81, was suffering from memory lapses. Meanwhile, Biden allies have pointed to verbal flubs by former President Trump, including the Haley and Pelosi mix-up and the Obama remark. Trump, the Republican frontrunner for his party's presidential nomination, is eying a general election rematch with Biden in November. Haley, 52, has called for mental competency tests for presidential candidates over 75 years old, including Biden and Trump, the two oldest men elected to the U.S. presidency. Some 78% of respondents in a Reuters/Ipsos poll published Tuesday - including 71% of Democrats - think Biden is too old to work in government. Trump suffers less from voter skepticism over his age; 53% of respondents consider him to be too old for government work. Biden recently mixed up the names of world leaders, including France's former president Francois Mitterrand with its current president, Emmanuel Macron. Special Counsel Robert Hur, a Republican former US attorney in Maryland during Trump's administration, said in his report on Biden's handling of classified documents last week that Biden was a "well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" who was not able to recall to investigators when his son, Beau Biden, died. Biden responded angrily to the report, saying his memory is "fine". During Wednesday's rally, Trump also insisted that he "loves" the US military. Haley has attacked him in recent days for past comments Trump has made disparaging veterans, including one last week when he mocked her husband, who is deployed oversees with the Army National Guard. Trump is close to clinching the Republican nomination after wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada. Haley, who has no clear path to the nomination, is refusing to quit the race, making a potential last stand in her home state of South Carolina in its Feb. 24 primary. She trails badly in opinion polls behind Trump there.

Donald Trump says when he mixes up names, it is on purpose

<p>A dozen victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;sued the FBI on Wednesday, accusing the agency of failing to adequately investigate allegations against the accused sex offender.</p>

<p>The twelve complainants, all anonymized in court documents as "Jane Does", claim that the United States' leading national law enforcement agency "failed to adequately investigate the abuse" and ignored&nbsp;Epstein's sexual interest in underage girls.</p>

<p>"For over two decades, the Federal Bureau of Investigation permitted Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;to sex traffic and sexually abuse scores of children and young women by failing to do the job the American people expected of it," according to the lawsuit filed in a New York federal court.</p>

<p>"As a result of the continued failures of the FBI, Jane Does 1-12 bring this lawsuit to get to the bottom -- once and for all -- of the FBI's role in&nbsp;Epstein's criminal sex trafficking ring."</p>

<p>They are seeking an unspecified amount of compensation and damages.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-billionaire-had-sex-tapes-of-prince-andrew-bill-clinton-and-trump-claims-witness-678144">Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness</a></strong></p>

<p>The lawsuit follows the unsealing last month of court documents containing the identities of people linked to&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;and his lover Ghislaine Maxwell.</p>

<p>Notably included in the unsealed documents, which contained almost 1,000 pages of depositions and statements, were former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, who have not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case.</p>

<p>The disclosure was part of a defamation proceeding between Maxwell, sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison, and a plaintiff against the duo, Virginia Giuffre.</p>

<p>Maxwell and&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;were a couple in the early 1990s before becoming professional collaborators and accomplices in sex crimes for almost three decades.</p>

<p>Epstein, a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad, was accused of raping young girls, but his suicide by hanging in a New York prison in August 2019 halted his prosecution.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Where did he source his $580 mn fortune?</strong></p>

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<p>The suit goes on to claim that between 1996 and 2006, the FBI continued to receive reports, complaints and tips concerning the illegal sex trafficking of women and underage minors, sex abuse and human rights violations committed by&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;and his associates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In March of 2005, the FBI was alerted by the Palm Beach Police Department of child prostitution. In fact, there was a 14-year-old girl who was solicited to&nbsp;Epstein's mansion for sex," it reads.</p>

<p>The agency, the suit claims, didn't open an investigation until a year later.</p>

<p>"The gross negligence committed by the FBI resulted in the continued sexual abuse of Jane Does 1-12 at the hands of Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein."</p>


A dozen victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein sued the FBI on Wednesday, accusing the agency of failing to adequately investigate allegations against the accused sex offender.

A dozen victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein sued the FBI on Wednesday, accusing the agency of failing to adequately investigate allegations against the accused sex offender. The twelve complainants, all anonymized in court documents as "Jane Does", claim that the United States' leading national law enforcement agency "failed to adequately investigate the abuse" and ignored Epstein's sexual interest in underage girls. "For over two decades, the Federal Bureau of Investigation permitted Jeffrey Epstein to sex traffic and sexually abuse scores of children and young women by failing to do the job the American people expected of it," according to the lawsuit filed in a New York federal court. "As a result of the continued failures of the FBI, Jane Does 1-12 bring this lawsuit to get to the bottom -- once and for all -- of the FBI's role in Epstein's criminal sex trafficking ring." They are seeking an unspecified amount of compensation and damages. Also read | Epstein files: Billionaire had ‘sex tapes’ of Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton and Trump, claimed witness The lawsuit follows the unsealing last month of court documents containing the identities of people linked to Epstein and his lover Ghislaine Maxwell. Notably included in the unsealed documents, which contained almost 1,000 pages of depositions and statements, were former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump, who have not been accused of any wrongdoing in the case. The disclosure was part of a defamation proceeding between Maxwell, sentenced in 2022 to 20 years in prison, and a plaintiff against the duo, Virginia Giuffre. Maxwell and Epstein were a couple in the early 1990s before becoming professional collaborators and accomplices in sex crimes for almost three decades. Epstein, a financier with a powerful network in the United States and abroad, was accused of raping young girls, but his suicide by hanging in a New York prison in August 2019 halted his prosecution. Also watch | Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Where did he source his $580 mn fortune? × The suit goes on to claim that between 1996 and 2006, the FBI continued to receive reports, complaints and tips concerning the illegal sex trafficking of women and underage minors, sex abuse and human rights violations committed by Epstein and his associates. "In March of 2005, the FBI was alerted by the Palm Beach Police Department of child prostitution. In fact, there was a 14-year-old girl who was solicited to Epstein's mansion for sex," it reads. The agency, the suit claims, didn't open an investigation until a year later. "The gross negligence committed by the FBI resulted in the continued sexual abuse of Jane Does 1-12 at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein."

Sex abuse victims sue FBI for Jeffrey Epstein probe failings

<p id="firstHeading">The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government. In an interview with Samaa TV, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Bajwa and Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), guided all political parties over the no-confidence vote against Khan in April 2022.</p>

<p>"The PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) was moving the no-confidence motion against the PTI. Gen Bajwa and Faiz Hameed were in touch with us at the time of the no-confidence motion," Rehman said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-election-ppps-asif-ali-zardari-expected-to-become-president-690330">Pakistan elections: PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>"Gen Bajwa, Faiz Hameed asked all parties to do this (bringing the no-confidence motion)," he added. The JUI-F chief also said that he was not in favour of the move, adding, "Just for my friends, I sacrificed my opinion.”</p>

<p>Rehman claimed that then-ISI chief Hameed came to him, asking to go ahead with the motion. Rehman said he refused the proposal but changed his stance after various other political parties approached him for joint action.</p>

<p>"If I had refused it again, they would say I am saving Imran,” he told Samaa TV.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time in its history, Pakistan saw the ouster of a prime minister (in this case Imran Khan) through a no-confidence vote. Khan had claimed a US-led conspiracy was behind his ouster as PM. He never provided any evidence to back this claim, and Islamabad and Washington denied the charges.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A confession that has vindicated Imran Khan's stance.<br />
<br />
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no confidence motion. "It was General Bajwa who told everyone… <a href="https://t.co/2K9OYdqbqH">pic.twitter.com/2K9OYdqbqH</a></p>
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIOfficialUSA/status/1758159833402925195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The JUI-F has termed the Feb 8 general elections as rigged and has refused to support the coalition government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reacting to Rehman's remarks on Thursday, the PTI said that there was a conspiracy to oust Khan. In a post on X, the PTI said on Thursday, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion."</p>

<p>"The cipher revealed that there was a conspiracy, and it's now clear that the main architect was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa," the post added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) said on Thursday (Feb 15) that former Pakistan Army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa orchestrated a no-confidence vote against Imran Khan and his government. In an interview with Samaa TV, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that Bajwa and Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), guided all political parties over the no-confidence vote against Khan in April 2022. "The PPP (Pakistan Peoples Party) was moving the no-confidence motion against the PTI. Gen Bajwa and Faiz Hameed were in touch with us at the time of the no-confidence motion," Rehman said. Also read | Pakistan elections: PPP's Asif Ali Zardari likely to become president, says report "Gen Bajwa, Faiz Hameed asked all parties to do this (bringing the no-confidence motion)," he added. The JUI-F chief also said that he was not in favour of the move, adding, "Just for my friends, I sacrificed my opinion.” Rehman claimed that then-ISI chief Hameed came to him, asking to go ahead with the motion. Rehman said he refused the proposal but changed his stance after various other political parties approached him for joint action. "If I had refused it again, they would say I am saving Imran,” he told Samaa TV. For the first time in its history, Pakistan saw the ouster of a prime minister (in this case Imran Khan) through a no-confidence vote. Khan had claimed a US-led conspiracy was behind his ouster as PM. He never provided any evidence to back this claim, and Islamabad and Washington denied the charges. A confession that has vindicated Imran Khan's stance. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no confidence motion. "It was General Bajwa who told everyone… pic.twitter.com/2K9OYdqbqH — PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) February 15, 2024 × The JUI-F has termed the Feb 8 general elections as rigged and has refused to support the coalition government. Reacting to Rehman's remarks on Thursday, the PTI said that there was a conspiracy to oust Khan. In a post on X, the PTI said on Thursday, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who was President of the PDM, has confessed that it was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa who asked them to remove Imran Khan in a no-confidence motion." "The cipher revealed that there was a conspiracy, and it's now clear that the main architect was then Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa," the post added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Former army chief Bajwa orchestrated no-confidence vote against Imran, says JUI-F

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<p>The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday (Feb 21)."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⁦⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a>⁩ can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/inc?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#inc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bankaccounts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#bankaccounts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/initialrelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#initialrelief</a> <a href="https://t.co/BqMNG2jUYE">pic.twitter.com/BqMNG2jUYE</a></p>
— Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) <a href="https://twitter.com/VTankha/status/1758380186410561654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Friday, Congress treasurer Ajay Makan had said the accounts were frozen. "You will be surprised to know that democracy has completely ended in India. The Congress received information the day before yesterday that the party's bank cheques issued were not being honoured," Maken said.</p>

<p>"When we started probing this matter, we were told that all the bank accounts of the party were frozen," Maken said, adding that not just bank accounts (of Congress) were frozen but the country's democracy has also been frozen. He pointed out that the Youth Congress' bank accounts have also been frozen.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हिंदुस्तान में लोकतंत्र पूरी तरह से खत्म हो चुका है।<br />
<br />
देश की मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी के सारे अकाउंट्स फ्रीज कर दिए गए हैं। भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के अकाउंट पर तालाबंदी कर दी गई है।<br />
<br />
ये कांग्रेस पार्टी के अकाउंट्स फ्रीज नहीं हुए, हमारे देश का लोकतंत्र फ्रीज हो गया है।<br />
<br />
: कांग्रेस… <a href="https://t.co/ndoT5IHKtg">pic.twitter.com/ndoT5IHKtg</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1758368497061810613?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Just a few weeks are left for the announcement of the election dates and the bank accounts of the main opposition party have been frozen. What does the central government want to prove?" the party treasurer further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Why were the bank accounts frozen?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Congress, the accounts were frozen on an Income Tax demand of $25.28 million (Rs 210 crore) for 2018-19. Maken told reporters on Friday that Congress already appealed to the Income Tax appellate authority.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-claims-farmers-to-get-legal-guarantees-for-msp-after-india-alliance-forms-govt-689951">Rahul Gandhi announces legal guarantees for MSP to farmers if INDIA alliance forms govt</a></strong></p>

<p>Maken also said that the party doesn't have "any money to spend, to pay electricity bills, to pay salaries to our employees." He highlighted that all activities of the Congress will be impacted.</p>

<h2><strong>'A deep assault on India's democracy'</strong></h2>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the Modi government over the freezing of bank accounts. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy!"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections.<br />
<br />
This is a deep assault on India's Democracy !<br />
<br />
The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1758374494387990726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The&nbsp;<em>UNCONSTITUTIONAL</em>&nbsp;money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by us through&nbsp;<em>CROWDFUNDING</em>&nbsp;shall be sealed!" Kharge added.</p>

<p>The Congress president further appealed to the judiciary to save the multi-party system in this country and protect India's Democracy.</p>


The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !

The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal granted de-froze the bank accounts of India's main opposition party Congress on Friday (Feb 16). In a post on X, Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha said, "Congress can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday (Feb 21)." ⁦⁦@INCIndia⁩ can operate its accounts with a lien of the IT Dept thereon !! Direction by Hon ITAT delhi. Prayer for interim relief will be heard on Wednesday. #inc #bankaccounts #initialrelief pic.twitter.com/BqMNG2jUYE — Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) February 16, 2024 × Earlier on Friday, Congress treasurer Ajay Makan had said the accounts were frozen. "You will be surprised to know that democracy has completely ended in India. The Congress received information the day before yesterday that the party's bank cheques issued were not being honoured," Maken said. "When we started probing this matter, we were told that all the bank accounts of the party were frozen," Maken said, adding that not just bank accounts (of Congress) were frozen but the country's democracy has also been frozen. He pointed out that the Youth Congress' bank accounts have also been frozen. हिंदुस्तान में लोकतंत्र पूरी तरह से खत्म हो चुका है। देश की मुख्य विपक्षी पार्टी के सारे अकाउंट्स फ्रीज कर दिए गए हैं। भारतीय राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस के अकाउंट पर तालाबंदी कर दी गई है। ये कांग्रेस पार्टी के अकाउंट्स फ्रीज नहीं हुए, हमारे देश का लोकतंत्र फ्रीज हो गया है। : कांग्रेस… pic.twitter.com/ndoT5IHKtg — Congress (@INCIndia) February 16, 2024 × "Just a few weeks are left for the announcement of the election dates and the bank accounts of the main opposition party have been frozen. What does the central government want to prove?" the party treasurer further said. Why were the bank accounts frozen? According to the Congress, the accounts were frozen on an Income Tax demand of $25.28 million (Rs 210 crore) for 2018-19. Maken told reporters on Friday that Congress already appealed to the Income Tax appellate authority. Also read | Rahul Gandhi announces legal guarantees for MSP to farmers if INDIA alliance forms govt Maken also said that the party doesn't have "any money to spend, to pay electricity bills, to pay salaries to our employees." He highlighted that all activities of the Congress will be impacted. 'A deep assault on India's democracy' Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the Modi government over the freezing of bank accounts. In a post on X, Kharge said, "Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy!" Power drunk Modi Govt has frozen the accounts of the country’s largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is a deep assault on India's Democracy ! The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) February 16, 2024 × "The UNCONSTITUTIONAL money collected by the BJP would be utilised by them for elections, but the money collected by us through CROWDFUNDING shall be sealed!" Kharge added. The Congress president further appealed to the judiciary to save the multi-party system in this country and protect India's Democracy.

India: Congress' 'frozen' bank accounts now operational

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidD0iMcUle4ow3" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><meta name="uuid" content="uuidD0iMcUle4ow3" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Protesting farmers in India called for a Bharath Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday (Feb 16) as part of their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation - a march by farmers from the state of Punjab to the national capital to press their demands that the government set a minimum price for all their produce to ensure they can sustain their livelihood. Security has been tightened in New Delhi and surrounding regions amid the nationwide strike.</p>

<p>The Bandh was called by the central trade unions. Earlier, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) requested all like-minded farmer groups to come together and be a part of the Bandh.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Here's a look at the latest updates:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Traders<strong>&nbsp;</strong>in India are poised to continue their business operations uninterrupted despite the Bandh, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Friday. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that traders will keep their establishments open during the nationwide strike, emphasising their role in ensuring the availability of essential goods and services to the public, asserting their right to conduct business and support the economy.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The CAIT urged traders across India to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their establishments and customers during the Bandh. It also advised members to cooperate with local authorities and adhere to all safety protocols to prevent any disruptions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-orders-30000-tear-gas-shells-in-anticipation-of-farmers-protest-march-towards-the-capital-690715">Delhi Police orders 30,000 tear gas shells in anticipation of farmers' protest march towards the capital</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;On Thursday, farmer leaders held talks with Indian ministers for over five hours amid the standoff between protesters and security forces at two points of the Punjab-Haryana border.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Addressing a press conference, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said that farmers' union leaders assured the ministers of their "commitment to dialogue".&nbsp;Pandher said that a discussion was held to find a resolution to the issues.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The farmer leader expressed concerns about the current situation which included the suspension of social media handles and teargas shelling during peaceful interactions. "We said that we are not Pakistan. We seek a peaceful solution, not confrontation. They assured us that our pages would be restarted...We assured them of our commitment to dialogue," Pandher added.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Police have used tear gas and barricades to stop thousands of farmers from marching to New Delhi. A report by the news agency Reuters on Thursday said that more than a dozen protesters have been injured in the last two days.&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> | Chandigarh: After the meeting between the central government and the farmer unions concluded, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal says, "The protest will continue peacefully... We will not do anything else. We will appeal to the farmers too. When meetings are underway… <a href="https://t.co/YJOZIZ8Nlm">pic.twitter.com/YJOZIZ8Nlm</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1758266132786483542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Following the meeting with the ministers on Thursday, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that the protests will continue peacefully. "We will not do anything else. We will appeal to the farmers too. When meetings are underway and we move forward (at the borders), then how will the meetings continue? They (The government) have called for a meeting, we will wait till then... On Sunday if we do not get any positive result, then (we will continue)..." Dallewal told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Section 144 was imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida ahead of the Bandh. "Various programmes like protest demonstrations are proposed by SKM and various organisations for Friday. Hence, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was implemented on February 16," a police statement said.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;The police cautioned commuters going from Noida to New Delhi and coming back from the national capital of traffic diversions in Noida. The police urged Noida residents to use the metro service instead, "as far as possible", to avoid inconvenience.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Protesting farmers in India called for a Bharath Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday (Feb 16) as part of their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation - a march by farmers from the state of Punjab to the national capital to press their demands that the government set a minimum price for all their produce to ensure they can sustain their livelihood.

Protesting farmers in India called for a Bharath Bandh (nationwide strike) on Friday (Feb 16) as part of their 'Dilli Chalo' agitation - a march by farmers from the state of Punjab to the national capital to press their demands that the government set a minimum price for all their produce to ensure they can sustain their livelihood. Security has been tightened in New Delhi and surrounding regions amid the nationwide strike. The Bandh was called by the central trade unions. Earlier, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) requested all like-minded farmer groups to come together and be a part of the Bandh. Here's a look at the latest updates: > Traders in India are poised to continue their business operations uninterrupted despite the Bandh, according to a report by the news agency ANI on Friday. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said that traders will keep their establishments open during the nationwide strike, emphasising their role in ensuring the availability of essential goods and services to the public, asserting their right to conduct business and support the economy. > The CAIT urged traders across India to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their establishments and customers during the Bandh. It also advised members to cooperate with local authorities and adhere to all safety protocols to prevent any disruptions. Also read | Delhi Police orders 30,000 tear gas shells in anticipation of farmers' protest march towards the capital > On Thursday, farmer leaders held talks with Indian ministers for over five hours amid the standoff between protesters and security forces at two points of the Punjab-Haryana border. > Addressing a press conference, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) coordinator Sarwan Singh Pandher said that farmers' union leaders assured the ministers of their "commitment to dialogue". Pandher said that a discussion was held to find a resolution to the issues. > The farmer leader expressed concerns about the current situation which included the suspension of social media handles and teargas shelling during peaceful interactions. "We said that we are not Pakistan. We seek a peaceful solution, not confrontation. They assured us that our pages would be restarted...We assured them of our commitment to dialogue," Pandher added. > Police have used tear gas and barricades to stop thousands of farmers from marching to New Delhi. A report by the news agency Reuters on Thursday said that more than a dozen protesters have been injured in the last two days. #WATCH | Chandigarh: After the meeting between the central government and the farmer unions concluded, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal says, "The protest will continue peacefully... We will not do anything else. We will appeal to the farmers too. When meetings are underway… pic.twitter.com/YJOZIZ8Nlm — ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2024 × > Following the meeting with the ministers on Thursday, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that the protests will continue peacefully. "We will not do anything else. We will appeal to the farmers too. When meetings are underway and we move forward (at the borders), then how will the meetings continue? They (The government) have called for a meeting, we will wait till then... On Sunday if we do not get any positive result, then (we will continue)..." Dallewal told ANI. > Section 144 was imposed in Uttar Pradesh's Noida ahead of the Bandh. "Various programmes like protest demonstrations are proposed by SKM and various organisations for Friday. Hence, Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was implemented on February 16," a police statement said. > The police cautioned commuters going from Noida to New Delhi and coming back from the national capital of traffic diversions in Noida. The police urged Noida residents to use the metro service instead, "as far as possible", to avoid inconvenience. (With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Bandh today: Nationwide strike begins, protesting farmers say demonstrations will continue peacefully

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid5IQJJMZquou4" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The shooting during the victory parade of NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday (Feb 14) has brought back the focus on Missouri state's gun laws. The shooting at the Union Station killed one person and injured 21 others. According to police, three people were detained in connection with the incident, and there was no known motive for the violence.</p>

<p>A report by the <strong><a href="https://everytownresearch.org/rankings/state/missouri/">Everytown Research &amp; Police </a></strong>earlier this year said that Missouri has one of the highest rates of gun deaths, gun homicide rates, and household firearm ownership in the US. The report added that legislators have shown no momentum for passing gun safety protections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No background check needed to buy weapons</strong></h2>

<p>In Missouri, no background check is required to purchase weapons. The person simply needs to be aged 19 or older to carry a firearm, or a member or former member of the US armed forces, or an honourably discharged member of the military.</p>

<p>Even though the state has a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit, it is only needed if a person intends to travel outside the state and wants to carry a concealed weapon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kansas-super-bowl-victory-rally-shooting-tv-broadcast-shows-moment-when-shots-were-heard-watch-690426">Kansas Super Bowl victory rally shooting: TV broadcast shows moment when shots were heard</a></strong></p>

<p>"Only a few of the 50 top policies are in place in Missouri," Everytown Research said, pointing out that St&nbsp;Louis in Missouri is among the top American cities with the highest gun murder rates in the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Who cannot possess firearms in Missouri?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the <strong><a href="https://www.dwicriminallawcenter.com/missouri-gun-laws/">Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center</a></strong>, certain groups of people cannot obtain CCW licenses in the state and can also not possess a firearm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These include- individuals charged with, convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a crime punishable by more than one year of incarceration or any assault and violent crimes in the last five years; those convicted of two or more misdemeanour offences involving drunk or drugged driving, or possession or abuse of a controlled substance in the last five years; and those adjudicated mentally incompetent within the last five years or committed to a mental institution.</p>

<h2><strong>The 'Open Carry' restrictions</strong></h2>

<p>Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017- which means that a person doesn't need a permit to conceal carry or open carry a firearm. However, gun laws in the state prohibit possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons, Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kansas City Chiefs win consecutive Super Bowls</strong></p>

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<p>"The state doesn’t require individuals to register handguns, long guns, or other types of firearms, and no special license is issued to firearms owners. However, individuals are required by law to carry the permit, together with a photo ID, anytime they are in actual possession of a concealed gun. Local authorities can regulate open carry if an individual doesn’t have a CCW permit. But, if they do, local authorities are not allowed to place any restrictions on them," the centre has said on its website.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kansas-parade-shootout-bystanders-tackle-suspected-gunman-after-firing-video-690385">Kansas parade shootout: Bystanders tackle suspected gunman after firing</a></strong></p>

<p>The possession of a firearm and open carry is allowed inside state parks, restaurants, roadside rest areas, and all areas not listed as off-limits.</p>

<p>Now this may sound like anyone can carry concealed firearms anywhere in Missouri. This is not the case as intentionally displaying a firearm in an angry or threatening manner not necessary for self-defence is forbidden.</p>

<p>Open carry in educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities), places of worship, hospitals, stadiums and school buses are not allowed. However, the state allows a specially trained school employee, such as a school protection officer, to carry firearms on school grounds.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The shooting during the victory parade of NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday (Feb 14) has brought back the focus on Missouri state's gun laws. The shooting at the Union Station killed one person and injured 21 others.

The shooting during the victory parade of NFL champions Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday (Feb 14) has brought back the focus on Missouri state's gun laws. The shooting at the Union Station killed one person and injured 21 others. According to police, three people were detained in connection with the incident, and there was no known motive for the violence. A report by the Everytown Research & Police earlier this year said that Missouri has one of the highest rates of gun deaths, gun homicide rates, and household firearm ownership in the US. The report added that legislators have shown no momentum for passing gun safety protections. No background check needed to buy weapons In Missouri, no background check is required to purchase weapons. The person simply needs to be aged 19 or older to carry a firearm, or a member or former member of the US armed forces, or an honourably discharged member of the military. Even though the state has a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit, it is only needed if a person intends to travel outside the state and wants to carry a concealed weapon. Also read | Kansas Super Bowl victory rally shooting: TV broadcast shows moment when shots were heard "Only a few of the 50 top policies are in place in Missouri," Everytown Research said, pointing out that St Louis in Missouri is among the top American cities with the highest gun murder rates in the country. Who cannot possess firearms in Missouri? According to the Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center, certain groups of people cannot obtain CCW licenses in the state and can also not possess a firearm. These include- individuals charged with, convicted of, or pleaded guilty or no contest to, a crime punishable by more than one year of incarceration or any assault and violent crimes in the last five years; those convicted of two or more misdemeanour offences involving drunk or drugged driving, or possession or abuse of a controlled substance in the last five years; and those adjudicated mentally incompetent within the last five years or committed to a mental institution. The 'Open Carry' restrictions Missouri became a constitutional carry state in 2017- which means that a person doesn't need a permit to conceal carry or open carry a firearm. However, gun laws in the state prohibit possessing, selling, manufacturing, or purchasing assault weapons, Missouri DWI and Criminal Law Center said. Also watch | Kansas City Chiefs win consecutive Super Bowls × "The state doesn’t require individuals to register handguns, long guns, or other types of firearms, and no special license is issued to firearms owners. However, individuals are required by law to carry the permit, together with a photo ID, anytime they are in actual possession of a concealed gun. Local authorities can regulate open carry if an individual doesn’t have a CCW permit. But, if they do, local authorities are not allowed to place any restrictions on them," the centre has said on its website. Also read | Kansas parade shootout: Bystanders tackle suspected gunman after firing The possession of a firearm and open carry is allowed inside state parks, restaurants, roadside rest areas, and all areas not listed as off-limits. Now this may sound like anyone can carry concealed firearms anywhere in Missouri. This is not the case as intentionally displaying a firearm in an angry or threatening manner not necessary for self-defence is forbidden. Open carry in educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities), places of worship, hospitals, stadiums and school buses are not allowed. However, the state allows a specially trained school employee, such as a school protection officer, to carry firearms on school grounds.

Kansas shooting: Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws

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<p>Many people in Myanmar are considering leaving the country, fleeing to border areas controlled by ethnic minorities or are also considering joining rebel&nbsp;groups. The reason?&nbsp;The junta's newly activated conscription law that makes military service mandatory for two years for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (Feb 14), the junta said that it would draft 60,000 young men and women for military service under the conscription law.</p>

<p>The call-ups would begin after the Thingyan New Year celebration in April, a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday said. The activation of the law has caused fear, defiance and anxiety among young people and their families, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-all-men-and-women-of-eligible-age-now-required-to-serve-in-army-689038">Myanmar: All men and women of eligible age now required to serve in army</a></strong></p>

<p>Evading the conscription is punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine. Members of religious orders are exempt, while civil servants and students can be granted temporary deferments.</p>

<h2><strong>Army says 5,000 people to be trained each month</strong></h2>

<p>A few days back, the army's information office said that 5,000 people each month would be called up and given training. Around 14 million of Myanmar's 56 million population is eligible for military service.</p>

<p>Under the conscription law, men aged 18 to 35 and women 18 to 27 can be drafted into the armed forces for two years. A higher age limit of 45 for men and 35 for women applies in certain categories, such as medical doctors and engineers, and their term of service is three years.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Myanmar army chief pledges to crush all opposition</strong></p>

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<p>The implementation of the law comes as the junta has suffered a series of battlefield defeats in a sweeping offensive by rebel groups that started in Oct last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The junta has also called up retired security personnel to return to work as it struggles to combat the rebel groups.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Many people in Myanmar are considering leaving the country, fleeing to border areas controlled by ethnic minorities or are also considering joining rebel groups.

Many people in Myanmar are considering leaving the country, fleeing to border areas controlled by ethnic minorities or are also considering joining rebel groups. The reason? The junta's newly activated conscription law that makes military service mandatory for two years for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27. On Wednesday (Feb 14), the junta said that it would draft 60,000 young men and women for military service under the conscription law. The call-ups would begin after the Thingyan New Year celebration in April, a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday said. The activation of the law has caused fear, defiance and anxiety among young people and their families, the report said. Also read | Myanmar: All men and women of eligible age now required to serve in army Evading the conscription is punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine. Members of religious orders are exempt, while civil servants and students can be granted temporary deferments. Army says 5,000 people to be trained each month A few days back, the army's information office said that 5,000 people each month would be called up and given training. Around 14 million of Myanmar's 56 million population is eligible for military service. Under the conscription law, men aged 18 to 35 and women 18 to 27 can be drafted into the armed forces for two years. A higher age limit of 45 for men and 35 for women applies in certain categories, such as medical doctors and engineers, and their term of service is three years. Also watch | Myanmar army chief pledges to crush all opposition × The implementation of the law comes as the junta has suffered a series of battlefield defeats in a sweeping offensive by rebel groups that started in Oct last year. The junta has also called up retired security personnel to return to work as it struggles to combat the rebel groups. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: People consider leaving nation to evade junta's compulsory military service

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<p>There police officers in Washington DC were shot while&nbsp;trying to make a cruelty arrest. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 15), the shooting happened at the capitol on Wednesday.&nbsp;Authorities said that the officers were hospitalised and are expected to recover from the wounds. A fourth officer was hurt at the scene, but not shot.</p>

<p>White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden was praying that the officers make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns. “This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” Jean-Pierre said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The shooting</strong></h2>

<p>The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when officers attempted to make an arrest on an animal cruelty warrant, but the suspect refused to leave his house, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-1-dead-21-injured-in-kansas-city-chiefs-parade-shooting-690378">Kansas shooting: At least 1 dead, 22 injured in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade attack</a></strong></p>

<p>As the officers tried to get inside the house, a person identified as 46-year-old Julius James opened fire. The report said that James barricaded himself inside his home, and continued&nbsp;firing sporadically.</p>

<h2><strong>Shooter arrested</strong></h2>

<p>Hours after the shootout, James was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals. The 46-year-old will face additional charges related to the shooting. DC Police Union chairperson Gregg Pemberton said that one officer was struck by gunfire twice, but the rounds were stopped by a bulletproof vest.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-missouri-has-one-of-the-highest-rates-of-gun-deaths-what-are-the-states-gun-laws-690462">Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws</a></strong></p>

<p>Two other officers were struck in their lower legs, Pemberton said, adding the fourth officer suffered hand injuries at the scene. “We expect some may have a lengthy recovery, but hopefully they’ll be back on the streets again soon,” he also said.</p>

<p>As the shooting unfolded, roads were closed, schools were locked down and police warned people to stay far from the affected area.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There police officers in Washington DC were shot while trying to make a cruelty arrest. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 15), the shooting happened at the capitol on Wednesday.

There police officers in Washington DC were shot while trying to make a cruelty arrest. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Thursday (Feb 15), the shooting happened at the capitol on Wednesday. Authorities said that the officers were hospitalised and are expected to recover from the wounds. A fourth officer was hurt at the scene, but not shot. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden was praying that the officers make full recoveries and called for more congressional action on guns. “This shooting is yet another distressing and painful reminder of the toll gun violence is inflicting on families, on our communities and, obviously, on our nation,” Jean-Pierre said. The shooting The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when officers attempted to make an arrest on an animal cruelty warrant, but the suspect refused to leave his house, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said. Also read | Kansas shooting: At least 1 dead, 22 injured in Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade attack As the officers tried to get inside the house, a person identified as 46-year-old Julius James opened fire. The report said that James barricaded himself inside his home, and continued firing sporadically. Shooter arrested Hours after the shootout, James was arrested on suspicion of cruelty to animals. The 46-year-old will face additional charges related to the shooting. DC Police Union chairperson Gregg Pemberton said that one officer was struck by gunfire twice, but the rounds were stopped by a bulletproof vest. Also read | Missouri state has one of the highest gun death rates in US and lax laws Two other officers were struck in their lower legs, Pemberton said, adding the fourth officer suffered hand injuries at the scene. “We expect some may have a lengthy recovery, but hopefully they’ll be back on the streets again soon,” he also said. As the shooting unfolded, roads were closed, schools were locked down and police warned people to stay far from the affected area. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Three cops shot while trying to make animal cruelty arrest in Washington DC

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<p>Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ex-pm-nawaz-sharif-nominates-shehbaz-sharif-for-pm-post-690014">President Shehbaz Sharif </a></strong>is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the&nbsp;party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13). Sharif, 72, was named by the PML-N and its coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly (in the recently concluded general elections) and being favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term.</p>

<p>Sharif first became PM in April 2022 and served in the position till Aug 2023 when the Pakistani parliament was dissolved ahead of the general elections on Feb 8. Some of the challenges that the 72-year-old would face as PM include combating the country's intensifying economic crisis, maintaining ties with the military and improving relations&nbsp;with neighbouring countries, including India.</p>

<p><strong>As Sharif is hoping to return&nbsp;to power for a second time, here are a few things to know about him:</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>Shehbaz Sharif was born in Lahore on Sept 23, 1951. He is the younger brother of former three-time PM Nawaz Sharif.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>After graduating from Government College University, Lahore, Sharif joined the family business and later ventured into politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ex-pm-imran-khan-gets-bail-in-12-cases-related-to-may-9-violence-to-remain-in-jail-688942">Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan gets bail in 12 cases related to May 9 violence, to remain in jail</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;He began his political career in the late 1980s. He was elected to the provincial assembly of Punjab in the 1988 general elections. He became Punjab's chief minister in 1997 and served in the top position for a second term in 2008 and then for a third term in 2013.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Sharif has been the longest serving CM of Punjab. As chief minister, Sharif planned and executed many ambitious infrastructure mega-projects, including Pakistan's first modern mass transport system in Lahore.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM of coalition govt in Pak</strong></p>

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<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sharif's cabinet members and bureaucrats who have worked closely with him call him a workaholic.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;He entered national-level politics when his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was found guilty in 2017 on charges of concealing assets related to the Panama Papers. Shehbaz was the president of the PML-N.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;The 72-year-old has been married twice. He has two sons and two daughters from his first marriage but none from the second. One of the sons is in politics but the others are not in public life.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;During his first tenure as PM, Sharif's biggest achievement in his short stint&nbsp;was clinching a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with Pakistan on the brink of a debt default.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Despite clinching the bailout deal, Pakistan under his government saw its inflation touch&nbsp;a high of 38 per cent with record depreciation of the rupee currency. Sharif blamed the economic crisis on his predecessor Imran Khan's government which he says broke an agreement with IMF just before he was ousted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif is the coalition candidate for the next prime minister of Pakistan, the party announced on Tuesday (Feb 13). Sharif, 72, was named by the PML-N and its coalition allies to head the country despite his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif winning a seat in the assembly (in the recently concluded general elections) and being favourite to be sworn in for a fourth term. Sharif first became PM in April 2022 and served in the position till Aug 2023 when the Pakistani parliament was dissolved ahead of the general elections on Feb 8. Some of the challenges that the 72-year-old would face as PM include combating the country's intensifying economic crisis, maintaining ties with the military and improving relations with neighbouring countries, including India. As Sharif is hoping to return to power for a second time, here are a few things to know about him: > Shehbaz Sharif was born in Lahore on Sept 23, 1951. He is the younger brother of former three-time PM Nawaz Sharif. > After graduating from Government College University, Lahore, Sharif joined the family business and later ventured into politics. Also read | Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan gets bail in 12 cases related to May 9 violence, to remain in jail > He began his political career in the late 1980s. He was elected to the provincial assembly of Punjab in the 1988 general elections. He became Punjab's chief minister in 1997 and served in the top position for a second term in 2008 and then for a third term in 2013. > Sharif has been the longest serving CM of Punjab. As chief minister, Sharif planned and executed many ambitious infrastructure mega-projects, including Pakistan's first modern mass transport system in Lahore. Also Read | Gravitas: Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM of coalition govt in Pak × > According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Sharif's cabinet members and bureaucrats who have worked closely with him call him a workaholic. > He entered national-level politics when his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was found guilty in 2017 on charges of concealing assets related to the Panama Papers. Shehbaz was the president of the PML-N. > The 72-year-old has been married twice. He has two sons and two daughters from his first marriage but none from the second. One of the sons is in politics but the others are not in public life. > During his first tenure as PM, Sharif's biggest achievement in his short stint was clinching a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with Pakistan on the brink of a debt default. > Despite clinching the bailout deal, Pakistan under his government saw its inflation touch a high of 38 per cent with record depreciation of the rupee currency. Sharif blamed the economic crisis on his predecessor Imran Khan's government which he says broke an agreement with IMF just before he was ousted. (With inputs from agencies)

Shehbaz Sharif is coalition candidate for next PM of Pakistan. Who is he?

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