<p>The first known piece of&nbsp;mail&nbsp;sent using a postage stamp is about to hit the auction block at Sotheby's New York.</p>

<p>The Penny Black stamp dates to May 2, 1840. It features the young Queen Victoria’s head in profile with the words "Postage One Penny" on handmade watermarked paper with gum on the back.</p>

<p>“Penny Blacks aren't rare, I mean, because they were so widely used,” said Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Global Head of Books and Manuscripts. “However, this is the first case of it being used successfully, and that is often what defines the collectability of an object."</p>

<p>While the contents of the letter have been lost, the postal markings reveal a clear picture of its journey.</p>

<p>It was sent from London on the evening of Saturday, May 2, to a 35-year-old manager of an iron works, William Blenkinsop Jr., in Dalston, Cumbria, 75 miles to the west of London. Although the original sender remains unknown, the markings on the envelope reveal a journey of over 300 miles.</p>

<p>“I think within 10 years of this being introduced in 1840 in England, the&nbsp;mail&nbsp;went from 75 million pieces annually to 350 million pieces annually. So, it was, it was incredibly popular,” Austin said. “This is really one of the first great leaps forward in human communication.”</p>

<p>Sotheby’s estimates it could sell for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million.</p>

<p>The live auction takes place on February 2 in New York City.</p>


The first known piece of mail sent using a postage stamp is about to hit the auction block at Sotheby's New York. The Penny Black stamp dates to May 2, 1840. It features the young Queen Victoria’s head in profile with the words "Postage One Penny" on handmade watermarked paper with gum on the back.

The first known piece of mail sent using a postage stamp is about to hit the auction block at Sotheby's New York. The Penny Black stamp dates to May 2, 1840. It features the young Queen Victoria’s head in profile with the words "Postage One Penny" on handmade watermarked paper with gum on the back. “Penny Blacks aren't rare, I mean, because they were so widely used,” said Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Global Head of Books and Manuscripts. “However, this is the first case of it being used successfully, and that is often what defines the collectability of an object." While the contents of the letter have been lost, the postal markings reveal a clear picture of its journey. It was sent from London on the evening of Saturday, May 2, to a 35-year-old manager of an iron works, William Blenkinsop Jr., in Dalston, Cumbria, 75 miles to the west of London. Although the original sender remains unknown, the markings on the envelope reveal a journey of over 300 miles. “I think within 10 years of this being introduced in 1840 in England, the mail went from 75 million pieces annually to 350 million pieces annually. So, it was, it was incredibly popular,” Austin said. “This is really one of the first great leaps forward in human communication.” Sotheby’s estimates it could sell for between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. The live auction takes place on February 2 in New York City.

First piece of mail sent with postage stamp could fetch up to $2.5 million at auction

<p>The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to&nbsp;President Joe Biden and his top aides.</p>

<p>According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the White House say</strong></h2>

<p>In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House."</p>

<p>Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-secretary-lloyd-austin-makes-first-appearance-since-secret-hospitalisation-682926">US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation</a></strong></p>

<p>With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said.</p>

<p>It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.”</p>

<h2><strong>Austin to make full recovery</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.</p>

<p>On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress</strong></p>

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<p>Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides.

The White House has set new guidelines for cabinet notifications following Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalisation was not disclosed for days to President Joe Biden and his top aides. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Saturday (Jan 27), the new guidelines include half-a-dozen instructions for Cabinet agencies to follow when there is a “delegation of authority,” or when secretaries temporarily transfer their authority to a deputy when unreachable due to medical issues, travel or other reasons. What did the White House say In a memo to the Cabinet, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients said, "Through your submissions, you demonstrated your commitment to notifying the White House in the event of a delegation – and upon assumption of a delegation, establishing contact with the White House." Zients pointed out that some existing guidelines among agencies differed because of various laws, regulations, and executive orders. But through this process we are assured that all agencies have a set of standard protocols they must follow in the event of a delegation of authority, the memo said. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin makes first appearance since secret hospitalisation With the new guidelines, Cabinet agencies must notify the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients’ office when they’re anticipating a delegation of authority and again when the delegation happens, the report said. It added that once the interim leader assumed authority, that person must contact his or her primary counterpart at the White House and the agency must follow any other notifications that are required under law. The memo further stated that agencies should ensure that authority is transferred when a Cabinet official is “travelling to areas with limited or no access to communication, undergoing hospitalization or a medical procedure requiring general anaesthesia, or otherwise in a circumstance when he or she may be unreachable.” Austin to make full recovery Earlier this month, the Pentagon had said that Austin had a prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer on Dec 22 last year, for which he underwent general anaesthesia at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The White House was not informed about the procedure, and Austin, 70, transferred some of his authority to US Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. On Jan 1 this year, Austin returned to the medical centre after being in severe pain and was admitted to intensive care. Here too, he transferred some authority to Hicks, who was on vacation in Puerto Rico. Also watch | Lloyd Austin called to testify about hospitalisation before Congress × Hicks was not informed why she was having authorities delegated to her. The White House was not informed about Austin's hospitalisation until Jan 4, and President Biden did not learn of the 70-year-old's cancer diagnosis until Jan 9. Republican lawmakers called for Austin to be sacked from the top Pentagon post. Meanwhile, a statement by the Pentagon said that Austin is likely to make a full recovery from prostate cancer and his prognosis is "excellent." (With inputs from agencies)

US sets new guidelines for Cabinet notifications following Pentagon chief's secret hospitalisation

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<p>Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-un-court-orders-israel-to-take-steps-to-prevent-genocide-in-gaza-report-back-in-a-month-683996">International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration</a></strong> to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza.</p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-unsc-to-meet-next-week-after-icjs-gaza-ruling-684133"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The ICJ ruling</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said.</p>

<p>However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-intelligence-chiefs-to-meet-qatar-officials-to-discuss-second-gaza-hostage-deal-report-683891">US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000</strong></h2>

<p>The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded.</p>

<p>Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group.

Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified. The ICJ ruling On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said. However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust. Also read | US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling. Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency. Also watch | Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza × Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals. Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000 The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded. Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling

<p>The Pakistani government is seeking a rollover of a $2 billion loan from China, as the term for safe deposit is expiring next month. According to a report by ARY News on Friday (Jan 26), caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar wrote to Beijing, requesting for the loan. Citing sources, the report said that Pakistan formally requested China to roll over its loan, which is expiring on March 23, on the same terms and conditions.</p>

<p>The sources said that Pakistan’s finance ministry is in contact with the Chinese officials for a timely loan rollover. PM Kakar's letter also appreciated Beijing's assistance to Islamabad in&nbsp;easing&nbsp;the burden of foreign payments.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reopens-border-crossing-with-afghanistan-after-deadlock-over-visa-requirements-683062">Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements</a></strong></p>

<p>The loan from China comes days after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rolled over $2 billion for one year to Pakistan, ARY News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan is going through an economic crisis and will hold its parliamentary election next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, Reza Baqir, the former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was facing tough choices on how to deal with Pakistan after the election and how to assess the country's debt situation.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan elections: Will Nawaz Sharif get clear majority?</strong></p>

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<p>In July 2023, Pakistan secured a $3 billion loan programme with the IMF in July that helped pull the country back from the brink of a sovereign debt default. However, the programme whihc is&nbsp;a nine-month standby arrangement is set to expire this spring.</p>

<p>Speaking to&nbsp;news agency Reuters on Jan 18, Baqir, head of sovereign advisory services at Alvarez &amp; Marsal, said, "The IMF will have to decide whether to pull the plug on Pakistan or not, and by that I mean it will have to decide about its assessment of debt sustainability."</p>

<p>"That's almost like having it both ways," Baqir said, adding, that investors would be watching whether the IMF would continue to label the debt as sustainable or whether it would offer its support on a debt restructuring as part of a new programme should Pakistan's authorities chose to go down that route.</p>

<p>Pakistan would also be a potential candidate for a "debt-for-nature"-style debt swap, he added pointing to the deadly 2022 floods.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Pakistani government is seeking a rollover of a $2 billion loan from China, as the term for safe deposit is expiring next month. According to a report by ARY News on Friday (Jan 26), caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar wrote to Beijing, requesting for the loan.

The Pakistani government is seeking a rollover of a $2 billion loan from China, as the term for safe deposit is expiring next month. According to a report by ARY News on Friday (Jan 26), caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar wrote to Beijing, requesting for the loan. Citing sources, the report said that Pakistan formally requested China to roll over its loan, which is expiring on March 23, on the same terms and conditions. The sources said that Pakistan’s finance ministry is in contact with the Chinese officials for a timely loan rollover. PM Kakar's letter also appreciated Beijing's assistance to Islamabad in easing the burden of foreign payments. Also read | Pakistan reopens border crossing with Afghanistan after deadlock over visa requirements The loan from China comes days after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rolled over $2 billion for one year to Pakistan, ARY News reported. Pakistan is going through an economic crisis and will hold its parliamentary election next month. Last week, Reza Baqir, the former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan said that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was facing tough choices on how to deal with Pakistan after the election and how to assess the country's debt situation. Also watch | Pakistan elections: Will Nawaz Sharif get clear majority? × In July 2023, Pakistan secured a $3 billion loan programme with the IMF in July that helped pull the country back from the brink of a sovereign debt default. However, the programme whihc is a nine-month standby arrangement is set to expire this spring. Speaking to news agency Reuters on Jan 18, Baqir, head of sovereign advisory services at Alvarez & Marsal, said, "The IMF will have to decide whether to pull the plug on Pakistan or not, and by that I mean it will have to decide about its assessment of debt sustainability." "That's almost like having it both ways," Baqir said, adding, that investors would be watching whether the IMF would continue to label the debt as sustainable or whether it would offer its support on a debt restructuring as part of a new programme should Pakistan's authorities chose to go down that route. Pakistan would also be a potential candidate for a "debt-for-nature"-style debt swap, he added pointing to the deadly 2022 floods. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan seeks rollover of $2 billion loan from China: Report

<p>The son of a top police officer in India's&nbsp;capital New Delhi was allegedly killed by two friends over a financial dispute, the Delhi Police said on Friday (Jan 25). According to a report by the news agency PTI, the police said that 26-year-old Lakshya Chauhan, along with two of his friends- Vikas Bhardwaj and Abhishek — had gone to attend a wedding&nbsp;in Haryana’s Sonepat on Monday.</p>

<p>After Chauhan did not return home the next day, his father ACP Yashpal Singh, posted as ACP (Operations) in Outer-North Delhi, lodged a missing complaint. The police said that the complaint was later converted into an abduction FIR when the police suspected some foul play during the investigation. A search operation was launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the police, Chauhan was allegedly pushed into a canal by Vikas and Abhishek. The police arrested Abhishek from his house on Thursday and have been&nbsp;interrogating him, while efforts are&nbsp;underway to nab Vikas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/divya-pahujas-murder-bullet-removed-from-head-was-shot-at-point-blank-range-680108">Divya Pahuja’s murder: Bullet removed from head, was shot at point-blank range</a></strong></p>

<p>During the interrogation, Abhishek said that Vikas called him on Monday noon and invited him to attend a marriage function with him and Chauhan in Sonepat, a police official told PTI.</p>

<p>Vikas also told Abhishek that Chauhan had taken a loan from him and misbehaved whenever he asked him to return the money. The duo then planned to eliminate Chauhan.</p>

<p>On Monday, Chauhan picked up the accused from near Mukarba Chowk in Rohini. They reached the wedding venue by night and left after midnight, another official said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While returning, the trio stopped the car near the Munak Canal to attend to nature's call. This was the moment when Abhishek and Vikas allegedly pushed Chauhan into the canal and fled the spot in his car.</p>

<p>Upon reaching Delhi, Vikas dropped Abhishek in Narela and went away. Abhishek was charged under sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chauhan's body has not been recovered yet. He resided with his parents in outer-north Delhi’s Samaypur Badli area. He was a lawyer by profession and practised at the Tis Hazari court.</p>

<p>The police said that Vikas works as a clerk for another lawyer who practises at the court while Abhishek was his&nbsp;acquaintance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The son of a top police officer in India's capital New Delhi was allegedly killed by two friends over a financial dispute, the Delhi Police said on Friday (Jan 25).

The son of a top police officer in India's capital New Delhi was allegedly killed by two friends over a financial dispute, the Delhi Police said on Friday (Jan 25). According to a report by the news agency PTI, the police said that 26-year-old Lakshya Chauhan, along with two of his friends- Vikas Bhardwaj and Abhishek — had gone to attend a wedding in Haryana’s Sonepat on Monday. After Chauhan did not return home the next day, his father ACP Yashpal Singh, posted as ACP (Operations) in Outer-North Delhi, lodged a missing complaint. The police said that the complaint was later converted into an abduction FIR when the police suspected some foul play during the investigation. A search operation was launched. According to the police, Chauhan was allegedly pushed into a canal by Vikas and Abhishek. The police arrested Abhishek from his house on Thursday and have been interrogating him, while efforts are underway to nab Vikas. Also read | Divya Pahuja’s murder: Bullet removed from head, was shot at point-blank range During the interrogation, Abhishek said that Vikas called him on Monday noon and invited him to attend a marriage function with him and Chauhan in Sonepat, a police official told PTI. Vikas also told Abhishek that Chauhan had taken a loan from him and misbehaved whenever he asked him to return the money. The duo then planned to eliminate Chauhan. On Monday, Chauhan picked up the accused from near Mukarba Chowk in Rohini. They reached the wedding venue by night and left after midnight, another official said. While returning, the trio stopped the car near the Munak Canal to attend to nature's call. This was the moment when Abhishek and Vikas allegedly pushed Chauhan into the canal and fled the spot in his car. Upon reaching Delhi, Vikas dropped Abhishek in Narela and went away. Abhishek was charged under sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Chauhan's body has not been recovered yet. He resided with his parents in outer-north Delhi’s Samaypur Badli area. He was a lawyer by profession and practised at the Tis Hazari court. The police said that Vikas works as a clerk for another lawyer who practises at the court while Abhishek was his acquaintance. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi top cop's son allegedly killed by friends over financial dispute

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<p>Former United States president and current presidential frontrunner Donald Trump gave a brief testimony on Thursday (Jan 25) in author E Jean Carroll's second defamation trial against him. According to a report by CNN, Trump's testimony in a New York court lasted for less than five minutes as he sought to avoid a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against him in the civil defamation trial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Carroll, 80, is suing Trump for his&nbsp;June 2019 denials that he raped her in the mid-1990s in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan. The former Elle magazine advice columnist is seeking at least $10 million.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's appearance on witness stand for mere minutes</strong></h2>

<p>Amid speculations about his appearance in the trial, Trump was on the witness stand for mere minutes on Thursday, CNN reported. The defence's questions were effectively pre-cleared by Judge Lewis Kaplan as the former president was allowed to re-litigate the verdict from last year, the report added.</p>

<p>“Ms Habba, you may call your next witness,” Judge Kaplan said to Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer. Trump walked to the witness stand and sat after being sworn in. Habba asked whether Trump stood by his testimony in a previous deposition denying Carroll’s allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slugfest-of-oldies-pelosi-mocks-trump-of-cognitive-disorder-then-mixes-up-his-name-with-biden-683177">Slugfest of oldies? Pelosi mocks Trump with cognitive disorder barb, then mixes up his name with Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>“One hundred per cent, yes,” the 77-year-old replied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Did you deny the allegation because Ms Carroll made an accusation,” Habba asked, to which Trump said, "That’s exactly right, yes I did. She said something that I considered a false accusation – totally false."</p>

<p>At this point, Trump was cut off by Judge Kaplan, who did not allow him to testify about denying the claim.</p>

<p>“Did you ever instruct anyone to hurt Ms. Carroll in your statements?” Habba asked her final question. “No I just wanted to defend myself, my family and frankly the presidency,” Trump responded.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US presidential election&nbsp;2024: Donald Trump alleges political persecution by Biden &amp; Justice Dept</strong></p>

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<p>The report said that a cross-examination (of Trump) by Carroll's lawyer was even shorter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he had not known Carroll despite photos showing them together, and accusing her of making up the rape to boost sales of her memoir.</p>

<p>The defamation trial came just two days after Trump dominated the New Hampshire GOP&nbsp;presidential primary. He defeated his arch-rival, Nikki Haley, results projections by American media showed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Former United States president and current presidential frontrunner Donald Trump gave a brief testimony on Thursday (Jan 25) in author E Jean Carroll's second defamation trial against him.

Former United States president and current presidential frontrunner Donald Trump gave a brief testimony on Thursday (Jan 25) in author E Jean Carroll's second defamation trial against him. According to a report by CNN, Trump's testimony in a New York court lasted for less than five minutes as he sought to avoid a multimillion-dollar jury verdict against him in the civil defamation trial. Carroll, 80, is suing Trump for his June 2019 denials that he raped her in the mid-1990s in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room in Manhattan. The former Elle magazine advice columnist is seeking at least $10 million. Trump's appearance on witness stand for mere minutes Amid speculations about his appearance in the trial, Trump was on the witness stand for mere minutes on Thursday, CNN reported. The defence's questions were effectively pre-cleared by Judge Lewis Kaplan as the former president was allowed to re-litigate the verdict from last year, the report added. “Ms Habba, you may call your next witness,” Judge Kaplan said to Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer. Trump walked to the witness stand and sat after being sworn in. Habba asked whether Trump stood by his testimony in a previous deposition denying Carroll’s allegations. Also read | Slugfest of oldies? Pelosi mocks Trump with cognitive disorder barb, then mixes up his name with Biden “One hundred per cent, yes,” the 77-year-old replied. “Did you deny the allegation because Ms Carroll made an accusation,” Habba asked, to which Trump said, "That’s exactly right, yes I did. She said something that I considered a false accusation – totally false." At this point, Trump was cut off by Judge Kaplan, who did not allow him to testify about denying the claim. “Did you ever instruct anyone to hurt Ms. Carroll in your statements?” Habba asked her final question. “No I just wanted to defend myself, my family and frankly the presidency,” Trump responded. Also watch | US presidential election 2024: Donald Trump alleges political persecution by Biden & Justice Dept × The report said that a cross-examination (of Trump) by Carroll's lawyer was even shorter. Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing, claiming he had not known Carroll despite photos showing them together, and accusing her of making up the rape to boost sales of her memoir. The defamation trial came just two days after Trump dominated the New Hampshire GOP presidential primary. He defeated his arch-rival, Nikki Haley, results projections by American media showed.

Donald Trump briefly testifies at Jean Carroll defamation trial in New York

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<p>India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday (Jan 26). On the eve of the Republic Day on Thursday, the central government released the names of the&nbsp;recipients of the Padma Awards that is divided in&nbsp;three categories:&nbsp; Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan (in ascending order). This year, the recipients of these awards were from the fields of art, social work, education, medicine, music, sports etc.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/padma-awards-2024-declared-on-indian-republic-day-eve-full-list-of-awardees-683648">Padma Awards 2024 declared on Indian Republic Day Eve: Full list of awardees</a></strong></p>

<p>One of the recipients of the Padma Shri is Chami Murmu, a tribal environmentalist from the state of Jharkhand. In a post on X, the ministry of tribal affairs said, "A heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Ms&nbsp;Chami Murmu, a true tribal warrior hailing from Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand! With unwavering dedication, she has planted over 30 lakh plants and empowered 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Chami Murmu?</strong></h2>

<p>Murmu, 52, is a resident of the Rajnagar block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district. She is popularly known as the Lady Tarzan of Jharkhand for her fight against the timber mafia, a report by the Times of India (TOI) said. She was awarded the Padma Shri this year for her initiative for women&nbsp;empowerment and to conserve the environment.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Ms. Chami Murmu, a true tribal warrior hailing from Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand! With unwavering dedication, she has planted over 30 lakh plants and empowered 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadmaAwards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PadmaAwards</a> <a href="https://t.co/06f7i8UwXp">pic.twitter.com/06f7i8UwXp</a></p>
— Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India (@TribalAffairsIn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TribalAffairsIn/status/1750753244182351982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Murmu has been working as an environmental activist since 1988. A report by the Indian Express said that she is a Class 10 pass-out and lost her father and elder brother at an early age. She became the sole guardian of her three siblings and an ailing mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the years, the 52-year-old has launched impactful programs focusing on safe motherhood, anaemia, malnutrition, and adolescent girls’ education through her NGO, Sahyogi Mahila.</p>

<p>In 2019, she received the Nari Shakti Award from the women and child development ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday (Jan 26). On the eve of the Republic Day on Thursday, the central government released the names of the recipients of the Padma Awards that is divided in three categories: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan (in ascending order).

India is celebrating its 75th Republic Day on Friday (Jan 26). On the eve of the Republic Day on Thursday, the central government released the names of the recipients of the Padma Awards that is divided in three categories: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan (in ascending order). This year, the recipients of these awards were from the fields of art, social work, education, medicine, music, sports etc. Also read | Padma Awards 2024 declared on Indian Republic Day Eve: Full list of awardees One of the recipients of the Padma Shri is Chami Murmu, a tribal environmentalist from the state of Jharkhand. In a post on X, the ministry of tribal affairs said, "A heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Ms Chami Murmu, a true tribal warrior hailing from Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand! With unwavering dedication, she has planted over 30 lakh plants and empowered 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups." Who is Chami Murmu? Murmu, 52, is a resident of the Rajnagar block of Seraikela-Kharsawan district. She is popularly known as the Lady Tarzan of Jharkhand for her fight against the timber mafia, a report by the Times of India (TOI) said. She was awarded the Padma Shri this year for her initiative for women empowerment and to conserve the environment. A heartfelt congratulations to the incredible Ms. Chami Murmu, a true tribal warrior hailing from Seraikela Kharsawan, Jharkhand! With unwavering dedication, she has planted over 30 lakh plants and empowered 30,000 women through Self-Help Groups. #PadmaAwards pic.twitter.com/06f7i8UwXp — Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India (@TribalAffairsIn) January 26, 2024 × Murmu has been working as an environmental activist since 1988. A report by the Indian Express said that she is a Class 10 pass-out and lost her father and elder brother at an early age. She became the sole guardian of her three siblings and an ailing mother. Over the years, the 52-year-old has launched impactful programs focusing on safe motherhood, anaemia, malnutrition, and adolescent girls’ education through her NGO, Sahyogi Mahila. In 2019, she received the Nari Shakti Award from the women and child development ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

India Republic Day: This Padma Shri awardee helped plant over 3 million trees, empowered 30k women

<p>A top US antitrust regulator on Thursday said it was probing investments made by Microsoft, Google and Amazon into generative&nbsp;AI&nbsp;startups OpenAI and Anthropic. The move is part of efforts by authorities to make sure regulatory oversight can keep up with developments in artificial intelligence and stop major players shutting out competitors in a field promising upheaval in multiple sectors.</p>

<p>"Our study will shed light on whether investments and partnerships pursued by dominant companies risk distorting innovation and undermining fair competition," said Lina Khan, head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in a statement.</p>

<p>One major concern is that generative&nbsp;AI, which allows for human-level content to be produced by software in just seconds, requires a massive&nbsp;amount of computing power, something that big tech companies are almost uniquely capable of delivering.</p>

<p>Amazon -- through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) arm -- Microsoft and Google are the world's biggest providers of cloud-based data centers, which store and process data on a vast scale, in addition to being some of the world's richest companies.</p>

<p>Microsoft has moved the fastest in the generative&nbsp;AI&nbsp;revolution with a reported $13 billion investment into OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.</p>

<p>And after a boardroom fight that saw OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman temporarily sidelined, Microsoft now holds a&nbsp;non-voting seat on the company's board.</p>

<p>Anthropic, founded by former staff of OpenAI, received major investments from both Google and Amazon last year and is seen as a potential major player in the fast-emerging generative&nbsp;AI&nbsp;sector.</p>

<p>Amazon had already announced it aimed to soup up its Alexa voice assistant with generative&nbsp;AI, which the firm said would allow users to have smoother conversations with the device.</p>

<p>Anthropic also agreed to use Amazon's chips to develop its next models and the two firms said they would collaborate on developing a next generation of&nbsp;AI&nbsp;chips.</p>

<p>The startup also agreed to use Amazon's cloud infrastructure.</p>

<p>Such cooperation is what the FTC will be taking a closer look at.</p>

<p>With regulators in Britain, the European Union "and now the FTC investigating, the walls are quickly closing in on these so-called&nbsp;AI&nbsp;'partnerships' -- better described as acquisitions in all but name," said Max von Thun, Europe Director for Open Markets, an anti-monopoly activist group.</p>

<h2><strong>'House of horrors'</strong></h2>

<p>FTC studies are intended to gain a "deeper understanding of market trends and business practices" and any conclusions can guide the commission toward taking legal action, the regulator said.</p>

<p>In a statement, Microsoft Vice President Rima Alaily said it would provide the FTC with the information it requests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Partnerships between independent companies like Microsoft and OpenAI, as well as among many others, are promoting competition and accelerating innovation," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Google said it hoped the FTC "will shine a bright light on companies that don't offer the openness of Google Cloud or have a long history of locking-in customers -- and who are bringing that same approach to&nbsp;AI&nbsp;services."</p>

<p>This seemed to be a veiled swipe at Microsoft and its close partnership with OpenAI that gives Microsoft exclusive access to OpenAI's industry-leading technology and profits until its investment is recouped.</p>

<p>Anthropic and Amazon declined to comment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan, a former antitrust academic, has targeted big tech since taking office in 2021 but has yet to score any major victories.</p>

<p>This summer, for example, the FTC had to suspend its proceedings to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the video game giant, after a judge threw out the commission's bid.</p>

<p>The FTC launched a major case against Amazon in September, for allegedly making it harder for small businesses to compete on its platform.</p>

<p>The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, earlier this month&nbsp;started its own preliminary study of Microsoft's multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI to see if it could be a disguised merger.</p>

<p>Britain's competition watchdog launched a similar case in December.</p>

<p>"Artificial intelligence has the potential to become antitrust's house of horrors if we do nothing," said Benoit Coeure, chairman of the French Competition Authority, in November.</p>


A top US antitrust regulator on Thursday said it was probing investments made by Microsoft, Google and Amazon into generative AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic. The move is part of efforts by authorities to make sure regulatory oversight can keep up with developments in artificial intelligence and stop major players shutting out competitors in a field promising upheaval in multiple sectors.

A top US antitrust regulator on Thursday said it was probing investments made by Microsoft, Google and Amazon into generative AI startups OpenAI and Anthropic. The move is part of efforts by authorities to make sure regulatory oversight can keep up with developments in artificial intelligence and stop major players shutting out competitors in a field promising upheaval in multiple sectors. "Our study will shed light on whether investments and partnerships pursued by dominant companies risk distorting innovation and undermining fair competition," said Lina Khan, head of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in a statement. One major concern is that generative AI, which allows for human-level content to be produced by software in just seconds, requires a massive amount of computing power, something that big tech companies are almost uniquely capable of delivering. Amazon -- through its Amazon Web Services (AWS) arm -- Microsoft and Google are the world's biggest providers of cloud-based data centers, which store and process data on a vast scale, in addition to being some of the world's richest companies. Microsoft has moved the fastest in the generative AI revolution with a reported $13 billion investment into OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT. And after a boardroom fight that saw OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman temporarily sidelined, Microsoft now holds a non-voting seat on the company's board. Anthropic, founded by former staff of OpenAI, received major investments from both Google and Amazon last year and is seen as a potential major player in the fast-emerging generative AI sector. Amazon had already announced it aimed to soup up its Alexa voice assistant with generative AI, which the firm said would allow users to have smoother conversations with the device. Anthropic also agreed to use Amazon's chips to develop its next models and the two firms said they would collaborate on developing a next generation of AI chips. The startup also agreed to use Amazon's cloud infrastructure. Such cooperation is what the FTC will be taking a closer look at. With regulators in Britain, the European Union "and now the FTC investigating, the walls are quickly closing in on these so-called AI 'partnerships' -- better described as acquisitions in all but name," said Max von Thun, Europe Director for Open Markets, an anti-monopoly activist group. 'House of horrors' FTC studies are intended to gain a "deeper understanding of market trends and business practices" and any conclusions can guide the commission toward taking legal action, the regulator said. In a statement, Microsoft Vice President Rima Alaily said it would provide the FTC with the information it requests. "Partnerships between independent companies like Microsoft and OpenAI, as well as among many others, are promoting competition and accelerating innovation," she added. Google said it hoped the FTC "will shine a bright light on companies that don't offer the openness of Google Cloud or have a long history of locking-in customers -- and who are bringing that same approach to AI services." This seemed to be a veiled swipe at Microsoft and its close partnership with OpenAI that gives Microsoft exclusive access to OpenAI's industry-leading technology and profits until its investment is recouped. Anthropic and Amazon declined to comment. Khan, a former antitrust academic, has targeted big tech since taking office in 2021 but has yet to score any major victories. This summer, for example, the FTC had to suspend its proceedings to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the video game giant, after a judge threw out the commission's bid. The FTC launched a major case against Amazon in September, for allegedly making it harder for small businesses to compete on its platform. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, earlier this month started its own preliminary study of Microsoft's multibillion-dollar investment in OpenAI to see if it could be a disguised merger. Britain's competition watchdog launched a similar case in December. "Artificial intelligence has the potential to become antitrust's house of horrors if we do nothing," said Benoit Coeure, chairman of the French Competition Authority, in November.

US regulator probes AI investments by tech giants

<p>US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources.</p>

<p>A source told Reuters the meeting would take place in Europe this weekend. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also participate in the meeting, a second source said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Burns and Barnea had met Qatari officials on November last year, helping to broker a short-lived truce that saw more than 100 hostages freed from Hamas' captivity in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in&nbsp;Israeli jails.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel proposes 60-day pause in fighting: Source</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Burns had been helping the Biden administration with the hostage "deal that was in place and trying to help us pursue another one."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-67-of-arab-world-says-hamas-oct-7-attack-was-legitimate-679859">Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows</a></strong></p>

<p>A third source told Reuters on Thursday that Israel proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which more than 100 hostages would be released in phases, beginning with&nbsp;women and children. This would be followed by the release of civilian men, female soldiers, and the remains of hostages who died after being abducted by Hamas.</p>

<p>As per the source, Hamas last week proposed an end to the war, international guarantees that it would not start anew, and the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those who participated in its Oct 7, 2023 attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'There will be no ceasefire'</strong></h2>

<p>Since the conflict began, Israel has opposed a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesperson Ilana Stein appeared to push back against media reports of a possible new mediated deal with Hamas under which fighting would be halted in exchange for a hostage release.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: US top officials to discuss Gaza war</strong></p>

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<p>"Commenting on reported ceasefire agreements, Israel will not give up on the destruction of Hamas, the return of all the hostages, and there will be no security threat from Gaza towards Israel," Stein said.</p>

<p>"There will be no ceasefire. In the past, there were pauses for humanitarian purposes. That agreement was breached by Hamas," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources.

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources. A source told Reuters the meeting would take place in Europe this weekend. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also participate in the meeting, a second source said. Burns and Barnea had met Qatari officials on November last year, helping to broker a short-lived truce that saw more than 100 hostages freed from Hamas' captivity in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israel proposes 60-day pause in fighting: Source Earlier, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Burns had been helping the Biden administration with the hostage "deal that was in place and trying to help us pursue another one." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows A third source told Reuters on Thursday that Israel proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which more than 100 hostages would be released in phases, beginning with women and children. This would be followed by the release of civilian men, female soldiers, and the remains of hostages who died after being abducted by Hamas. As per the source, Hamas last week proposed an end to the war, international guarantees that it would not start anew, and the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those who participated in its Oct 7, 2023 attack. 'There will be no ceasefire' Since the conflict began, Israel has opposed a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesperson Ilana Stein appeared to push back against media reports of a possible new mediated deal with Hamas under which fighting would be halted in exchange for a hostage release. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US top officials to discuss Gaza war × "Commenting on reported ceasefire agreements, Israel will not give up on the destruction of Hamas, the return of all the hostages, and there will be no security threat from Gaza towards Israel," Stein said. "There will be no ceasefire. In the past, there were pauses for humanitarian purposes. That agreement was breached by Hamas," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report

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<p>The Japanese government said on Friday (Jan 26) that the cost of damage due to an earthquake in central Japan on New Year (Jan 1) could reach $17.6 billion. The earthquake, which was of 7.5 magnitude, killed at least 236 people. The quake and its aftershocks devastated parts of Ishikawa prefecture toppling buildings, ripping up roads, and sparking a major fire.</p>

<p>Citing a government estimate, the news agency AFP reported on Friday the damage in Ishikawa and two neighbouring regions is likely to cost between 1.1 trillion yen ($7.4 billion) and 2.6 trillion yen ($17.6 billion). A cabinet&nbsp;official confirmed the figures that were calculated using data from past major earthquakes.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reconstruction plans for Ishikawa revealed</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, authorities revealed detailed reconstruction plans for Ishikawa. Ongoing snowfall and badly damaged roads have complicated relief efforts in the quake's aftermath.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-hit-by-another-60-magnitude-earthquake-as-death-toll-from-new-years-day-quake-crosses-200-mark-678217">Japan hit by another 6.0-magnitude earthquake as death toll from New Year’s Day quake crosses 200-mark</a></strong></p>

<p>AFP reported that some of the reconstruction plans include improvements to shelters for evacuees along with subsidies for rebuilding factories and ports, as well as attracting tourists to the area.</p>

<h2><strong>Earthquake to have lasting impact on economy</strong></h2>

<p>A government report on Thursday said that the earthquake was likely to have a lasting impact on the country's economy and requires full attention. "Full attention should be given to the economic impact," the government said in its monthly economic report for Jan.</p>

<p>The report added that while Ishikawa accounted for only 0.8 per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP), some of the local plants, like the makers of production machinery and power semiconductors have been unable to resume production after the disaster.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan Earthquake: Thousands left without power, houses reduced to rubble</strong></p>

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<p>The government also downgraded its evaluation of Japanese exports for the first time in a year, citing shrinking demand from European markets.</p>

<p>The report comes a day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged an additional $1.02 billion in spending from the state budget reserves for a relief package for the quake-hit areas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Japanese government said on Friday (Jan 26) that the cost of damage due to an earthquake in central Japan on New Year (Jan 1) could reach $17.6 billion. The earthquake, which was of 7.

The Japanese government said on Friday (Jan 26) that the cost of damage due to an earthquake in central Japan on New Year (Jan 1) could reach $17.6 billion. The earthquake, which was of 7.5 magnitude, killed at least 236 people. The quake and its aftershocks devastated parts of Ishikawa prefecture toppling buildings, ripping up roads, and sparking a major fire. Citing a government estimate, the news agency AFP reported on Friday the damage in Ishikawa and two neighbouring regions is likely to cost between 1.1 trillion yen ($7.4 billion) and 2.6 trillion yen ($17.6 billion). A cabinet official confirmed the figures that were calculated using data from past major earthquakes. Reconstruction plans for Ishikawa revealed On Thursday, authorities revealed detailed reconstruction plans for Ishikawa. Ongoing snowfall and badly damaged roads have complicated relief efforts in the quake's aftermath. Also read | Japan hit by another 6.0-magnitude earthquake as death toll from New Year’s Day quake crosses 200-mark AFP reported that some of the reconstruction plans include improvements to shelters for evacuees along with subsidies for rebuilding factories and ports, as well as attracting tourists to the area. Earthquake to have lasting impact on economy A government report on Thursday said that the earthquake was likely to have a lasting impact on the country's economy and requires full attention. "Full attention should be given to the economic impact," the government said in its monthly economic report for Jan. The report added that while Ishikawa accounted for only 0.8 per cent of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP), some of the local plants, like the makers of production machinery and power semiconductors have been unable to resume production after the disaster. Also watch | Japan Earthquake: Thousands left without power, houses reduced to rubble × The government also downgraded its evaluation of Japanese exports for the first time in a year, citing shrinking demand from European markets. The report comes a day after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged an additional $1.02 billion in spending from the state budget reserves for a relief package for the quake-hit areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan New Year earthquake: Tokyo says cost of damage could reach $17 billion

<p>Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction)&nbsp;leader Rohit Pawar was on Wednesday (Jan 24) questioned by the&nbsp;Enforcement Directorate (ED) -&nbsp;central government agency -&nbsp;in a money laundering case in the Indian state of Maharashtra, reported news agency&nbsp;ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pawar, 38, the grandnephew of NCP President and veteran Indian politician Sharad Pawar, was questioned for a full day. Exiting the ED office, Pawar told reporters, "The questioning went on for 24 hours. I answered all the questions and submitted relevant documents. On February 1, I will submit the other documents requested by the officials."</p>

<p>"I cooperated with the officials... People think that all of this is politically motivated...," he added.</p>

<p>Hitting out at the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, Pawar said that politicians like Sanjay Shirsat (Shiv Sena) and others were speaking lies and making false allegations against him and the NCP.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Some leaders think I'm a child in this politics," the NCP leader said adding that under Sharad Pawar's leadership, the NCP will fight against the Shinde govt in elections and will come back stronger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case in which the 38-year-old leader is being questioned is related to the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) bank scam which involved the alleged fraudulent disbursal of loans amounting to Rs 25,000 crores. The case triggered the filing of a PIL petition in the Bombay High Court.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The petition shedding&nbsp;light on the modus operandi of the fraud said that&nbsp;some sugar mills defaulted on the loans that were given without due diligence. These mills were attached by MSC and auctioned to various office bearers of the bank and politicians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday evening, NCP workers held celebrations outside the ED office after Pawar's questioning was concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar was on Wednesday (Jan 24) questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) - central government agency - in a money laundering case in the Indian state of Maharashtra, reported news agency ANI.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Rohit Pawar was on Wednesday (Jan 24) questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) - central government agency - in a money laundering case in the Indian state of Maharashtra, reported news agency ANI. Pawar, 38, the grandnephew of NCP President and veteran Indian politician Sharad Pawar, was questioned for a full day. Exiting the ED office, Pawar told reporters, "The questioning went on for 24 hours. I answered all the questions and submitted relevant documents. On February 1, I will submit the other documents requested by the officials." "I cooperated with the officials... People think that all of this is politically motivated...," he added. Hitting out at the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government, Pawar said that politicians like Sanjay Shirsat (Shiv Sena) and others were speaking lies and making false allegations against him and the NCP. #WATCH | Maharashtra: On being questioned by ED, NCP-Sharad Pawar faction leader Rohit Pawar says, "The questioning went on for 24 hours. I answered all the questions and submitted relevant documents. On February 1, I will submit the other documents requested by the officials. I… pic.twitter.com/FWlSVVujWK — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2024 × "Some leaders think I'm a child in this politics," the NCP leader said adding that under Sharad Pawar's leadership, the NCP will fight against the Shinde govt in elections and will come back stronger. The case in which the 38-year-old leader is being questioned is related to the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) bank scam which involved the alleged fraudulent disbursal of loans amounting to Rs 25,000 crores. The case triggered the filing of a PIL petition in the Bombay High Court. #WATCH | Maharashtra | NCP-Sharad Pawar faction workers celebrate as leader Rohit Pawar leaves from ED office. https://t.co/3vFjlWxVIO pic.twitter.com/ckLboMu2gB — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2024 × The petition shedding light on the modus operandi of the fraud said that some sugar mills defaulted on the loans that were given without due diligence. These mills were attached by MSC and auctioned to various office bearers of the bank and politicians. On Wednesday evening, NCP workers held celebrations outside the ED office after Pawar's questioning was concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NCP leader Rohit Pawar questioned by ED in money laundering case

<p>A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category.</p>

<p>Thomas, 25, gained worldwide prominence by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college title. Thomas was assigned male at birth and started to question her gender identity towards the end of high school. In 2018, Thomas came out as a transgender and began transitioning a year later using hormone replacement therapy.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>First at men's team, then at women's team</strong></h2>

<p>Thomas enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and graduated in 2022. During her time at the university, Thomas began competing in the men's team and then swam in the women's team as her hormone therapy was over.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/rewind-2023-did-the-lgbtq-movement-cross-the-line-674625">Rewind 2023: Did the LGBTQ movement cross the line?</a></strong></p>

<p>The report by The Telegraph said that Thomas asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to overturn rules brought in by World Aquatics. In 2022, she became the first openly transgender person to win the NCAA division title- a 500-yard freestyle event in Georgia.</p>

<h2><strong>Backlash over Thomas competing in women races</strong></h2>

<p>However, her victory sparked a major furore in the US as well as overseas over her taking part in women's races. Thomas had been ranked 65th over the same distance in the division’s male category and this led to protests from rival swimmers.</p>

<p>Riley Gaines, one such rival swimmer, had expressed concerns about Thomas being allowed to use women’s locker rooms during events, thereby exposing other competitors to her “male genitalia”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-champion-marie-patouillet-hopeful-for-more-lgbtqia-acceptance-in-cycling-637944">World champion Marie Patouillet hopeful for more LGBTQIA+ acceptance in cycling</a></strong></p>

<p>Gaines told Fox News last year that she had not been warned beforehand that she and others would be sharing a room with Thomas. "We did not give our consent; they did not ask for our consent. In that locker room, we turned around and there’s a 6ft 4in biological man dropping his pants and watching us undress, and we were exposed to male genitalia," Gaines added.</p>

<p>“Not even probably a year, two years ago, this would have been considered some form of sexual assault, voyeurism. But now, not even are they just allowing it to happen, it’s almost as if these large organisations are encouraging it to happen," she further said.</p>

<p>Three months after her NCAA win, World Aquatics introduced a rule change banning those to have gone through male puberty from women’s races under its jurisdiction and introducing a new ‘open’ category.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia's Supreme Court bans LGBTQ movement, asks govt to designate gays as extremists</strong></p>

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<p>The Telegraph report on Thursday also said that Thomas has hired a top Canadian law firm to fight World Aquatics and be back to swimming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She first went to the court in Sept last year, when World Aquatics applied to have the case thrown out on the basis that she was not currently impacted by its rules because she had not submitted herself to the jurisdiction of USA Swimming, its recognised member association, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category.

A transgender swimmer from the United States is taking legal action against World Aquatics in a bid to compete again. According to a report by The Telegraph late Thursday (Jan 25), Lia Thomas has not professionally swum since World Aquatics introduced new rules in 2022, which prohibited anyone who underwent any part of male puberty from the female category. Thomas, 25, gained worldwide prominence by becoming the first transgender athlete to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) college title. Thomas was assigned male at birth and started to question her gender identity towards the end of high school. In 2018, Thomas came out as a transgender and began transitioning a year later using hormone replacement therapy. First at men's team, then at women's team Thomas enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in 2017 and graduated in 2022. During her time at the university, Thomas began competing in the men's team and then swam in the women's team as her hormone therapy was over. Also read | Rewind 2023: Did the LGBTQ movement cross the line? The report by The Telegraph said that Thomas asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland to overturn rules brought in by World Aquatics. In 2022, she became the first openly transgender person to win the NCAA division title- a 500-yard freestyle event in Georgia. Backlash over Thomas competing in women races However, her victory sparked a major furore in the US as well as overseas over her taking part in women's races. Thomas had been ranked 65th over the same distance in the division’s male category and this led to protests from rival swimmers. Riley Gaines, one such rival swimmer, had expressed concerns about Thomas being allowed to use women’s locker rooms during events, thereby exposing other competitors to her “male genitalia”. Also read | World champion Marie Patouillet hopeful for more LGBTQIA+ acceptance in cycling Gaines told Fox News last year that she had not been warned beforehand that she and others would be sharing a room with Thomas. "We did not give our consent; they did not ask for our consent. In that locker room, we turned around and there’s a 6ft 4in biological man dropping his pants and watching us undress, and we were exposed to male genitalia," Gaines added. “Not even probably a year, two years ago, this would have been considered some form of sexual assault, voyeurism. But now, not even are they just allowing it to happen, it’s almost as if these large organisations are encouraging it to happen," she further said. Three months after her NCAA win, World Aquatics introduced a rule change banning those to have gone through male puberty from women’s races under its jurisdiction and introducing a new ‘open’ category. Also watch | Russia's Supreme Court bans LGBTQ movement, asks govt to designate gays as extremists × The Telegraph report on Thursday also said that Thomas has hired a top Canadian law firm to fight World Aquatics and be back to swimming. She first went to the court in Sept last year, when World Aquatics applied to have the case thrown out on the basis that she was not currently impacted by its rules because she had not submitted herself to the jurisdiction of USA Swimming, its recognised member association, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

American transgender swimmer taking legal action against World Aquatics to compete again: Report

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