United States President Joe Biden has faced a major setback to his hope of getting re-elected next year after a poll by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Friday (Dec 9) showed that presidential hopeful Donald Trump was more favoured.

United States President Joe Biden has faced a major setback to his hope of getting re-elected next year after a poll by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Friday (Dec 9) showed that presidential hopeful Donald Trump was more favoured. As per the report, Biden, 81, lagged behind Trump, 77, by four percentage points, 47 per cent to 43 per cent, on a hypothetical ballot with only those two candidates. Trump's lead expanded to six points, 37 per cent to 31 per cent, when five potential third-party and independent candidates were added to the mix, the poll showed. The poll surveyed 1,500 registered voters from Nov 29-Dec 4 by phone, landline, and text-to-web. Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio conducted the survey with Democrat Michael Bocian. The dissatisfaction with Joe Biden The WSJ poll showed that only 23 per cent of the voters said that Biden's policies helped them personally while 53 per cent said they were hurt by his agenda. Around 37 per cent approved of the president's job performance while 61 per cent saw his overall image in an unfavourable light, a record high. Also read: Explained | Joe Biden’s age in focus again as US president celebrates 81st birthday ahead of 2024 elections On the other hand, about half of the voters (in the WSJ poll) said that Trump's policies helped them personally, and over 37 per cent said they were hurt. The findings of the poll were the latest shock to Biden and Democrats, some of whom fretted about the 81-year-old president’s stamina and have increasingly played up warnings of Trump’s potential return next year. “Things were thriving under Trump. This country is a business and it needs to be run by a businessman,” said Aimee Kozlowski of Goffstown, New Hampshire. Kozlowski said her competitive gymnastics facility was impacted as parents looked to cut costs because of inflation. 'Economy has gotten worse in past two years' The state of the American economy has been a core issue in the upcoming election. As per the poll, two-thirds of the voters rated the economy as poor or not good, and two-thirds said the economy had gotten worse in the past two years, during Biden's tenure as president. Meanwhile, 48 per cent of the voters said they did not believe this generation would do better than the one that came before, compared with 44 per cent who said conditions would be better for the current generation. Also read: An open letter to Donald Trump: Yes, Make America Great Again Economic anxiety appeared to weigh heavily on young voters. Less than one-third of those under 35 said the economy was in good shape. Michael Bocian said that Biden was also falling short with several young, Black and Latino voters as they were feeling economically stressed and challenged right now. "And they are not showing enthusiasm in the way they were turning out in 2020, 2022," Bocian added. However, he said that with the election a year away, he said, reassembling the Biden coalition “was eminently doable.” (With inputs from agencies)

Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9). As per the report, a group of MPs and political strategists dining at Giovanni were busy turning a torrent of headlines damaging to Sunak. The report said that the group intended to leave 10 Downing Street reeling from a series of blows in the wake of the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary in November.

One of the plotters of the group has been open about wanting to crash the Sunak administration to install a new leader before the upcoming election.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-work-rishi-sunak-pleads-conservatives-to-support-his-rwanda-asylum-plan-667281">'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan</a>

"Our polling is down to 20 per cent, which is wipeout territory. Even a five per cent bounce from a new leader would save a decent number of seats. [Sunak] can't win on the legislation, because every wing of the party is p***** off for one reason or another," the plotter told the publication.

Suella Braverman's resignation and her brutally parting letter were followed by the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick over PM Sunak's plans to use emergency legislation to rescue his scheme to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, which he felt did not go far enough.

<h2>A crucial vote on Tuesday</h2>

Now on Tuesday, Downing Street would open the latest advent calendar window, when lawmakers are given the first chance to vote on the legislation.&nbsp;

Supporters of Sunak have scathed about Jenrick's resignation. One Home Office&nbsp;source told the Daily Mail, "He (Jenrick) thinks he is the new darling of the Right, but it's a Damascene conversion given that prior to joining the Home Office he thought the whole premise of the Rwanda scheme was wrong."

A Tory source, meanwhile, told the publication that Braverman and Jenrick fought like rats in a sack in the Home Office, constantly wrangling for the limelight and blaming each other when something went wrong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-introduces-tighter-worker-visa-rules-rishi-sunak-dubs-it-radical-666459">UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration</a>

Before the vote is held on Tuesday, the European Research Group's (ERG) Sir Bill Cash will chair a 'star chamber' which will give its verdict on the proposed Rwandan legislation.

The report further said that last week's plotting moved up a gear in the hours after Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled his Rwanda Bill in the Commons with around 36 MPs including Braverman drinking wine in West Dorset MP Chris Loder's office.

"The mood was jubilant after Rob Jenrick went. All the talk was – what will our next chess move be?," one rebel lawmaker told the publication.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9).

The political enemies of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were allegedly plotting the end of his career last week at an Italian restaurant in London, the Daily Mail said in a report late Saturday (Dec 9). As per the report, a group of MPs and political strategists dining at Giovanni were busy turning a torrent of headlines damaging to Sunak. The report said that the group intended to leave 10 Downing Street reeling from a series of blows in the wake of the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary in November. One of the plotters of the group has been open about wanting to crash the Sunak administration to install a new leader before the upcoming election. Also read | 'It will work': Rishi Sunak pleads conservatives to support his Rwanda asylum plan "Our polling is down to 20 per cent, which is wipeout territory. Even a five per cent bounce from a new leader would save a decent number of seats. [Sunak] can't win on the legislation, because every wing of the party is p***** off for one reason or another," the plotter told the publication. Suella Braverman's resignation and her brutally parting letter were followed by the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick over PM Sunak's plans to use emergency legislation to rescue his scheme to send Channel migrants to Rwanda, which he felt did not go far enough. A crucial vote on Tuesday Now on Tuesday, Downing Street would open the latest advent calendar window, when lawmakers are given the first chance to vote on the legislation. Supporters of Sunak have scathed about Jenrick's resignation. One Home Office source told the Daily Mail, "He (Jenrick) thinks he is the new darling of the Right, but it's a Damascene conversion given that prior to joining the Home Office he thought the whole premise of the Rwanda scheme was wrong." A Tory source, meanwhile, told the publication that Braverman and Jenrick fought like rats in a sack in the Home Office, constantly wrangling for the limelight and blaming each other when something went wrong. Also read: UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration Before the vote is held on Tuesday, the European Research Group's (ERG) Sir Bill Cash will chair a 'star chamber' which will give its verdict on the proposed Rwandan legislation. The report further said that last week's plotting moved up a gear in the hours after Home Secretary James Cleverly unveiled his Rwanda Bill in the Commons with around 36 MPs including Braverman drinking wine in West Dorset MP Chris Loder's office. "The mood was jubilant after Rob Jenrick went. All the talk was – what will our next chess move be?," one rebel lawmaker told the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report

At least six people were killed and tens of thousands were left without power after storms and tornadoes struck the US state of Tennessee on Saturday (Dec 9), the news agency Reuters reported. Of the six deaths - three were reported in the suburbs of Nashville and the other three in Montgomery County.

In a post on Facebook, the Montgomery County said, "At this time, we can confirm that three people are deceased, two adults and one child as a result of the tornado that touched down this afternoon. Additionally, 23 people have been treated at the hospital."

The county added that they were still in the search and rescue phase of the disaster, and urged residents to stay off the roads. "This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes," county Mayor Wes Golden said.

Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Nashville Office of Emergency Management said, "Unfortunately we can confirm there are three fatalities as a result of the severe weather on Nesbitt Lane."

Outage tracking website poweroutage.us showed that more than 80,000 people in Tennessee were left without power as of Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency alert for several Nashville suburbs earlier in the day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least six people were killed and tens of thousands were left without power after storms and tornadoes struck the US state of Tennessee on Saturday (Dec 9), the news agency Reuters reported.

At least six people were killed and tens of thousands were left without power after storms and tornadoes struck the US state of Tennessee on Saturday (Dec 9), the news agency Reuters reported. Of the six deaths - three were reported in the suburbs of Nashville and the other three in Montgomery County. In a post on Facebook, the Montgomery County said, "At this time, we can confirm that three people are deceased, two adults and one child as a result of the tornado that touched down this afternoon. Additionally, 23 people have been treated at the hospital." The county added that they were still in the search and rescue phase of the disaster, and urged residents to stay off the roads. "This is a sad day for our community. We are praying for those who are injured, lost loved ones, and lost their homes," county Mayor Wes Golden said. Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Nashville Office of Emergency Management said, "Unfortunately we can confirm there are three fatalities as a result of the severe weather on Nesbitt Lane." Outage tracking website poweroutage.us showed that more than 80,000 people in Tennessee were left without power as of Saturday evening. The National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency alert for several Nashville suburbs earlier in the day. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Storms, tornadoes in Tennessee kill at least six, leave tens of thousands without power

Archaeologists in Italy discovered a bakery prison in Pompeii which enslaved workers who were exploited to make bread. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (Dec 8), the bakery was discovered during excavations at the ruins of Pompeii.

Archaeologists in Italy discovered a bakery prison in Pompeii which enslaved workers who were exploited to make bread. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (Dec 8), the bakery was discovered during excavations at the ruins of Pompeii. In a statement, Italy's culture ministry said the finding emerged in Region IX, Insula 10, where excavations were underway as part of a larger project to secure and consolidate the slopes that form the edge of the unexcavated areas of the city. A bakery with no view of the outside world In a small room, with no view of the outside world and with small windows high in the wall with iron bars to let the light in, slaves and donkeys were forced to walk around for hours to grind grain to make bread. Speaking to Reuters, Pompeii Archaeological Park's Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said, "We are in the house's bakery and behind me, there is the big oven. The stable was right here, the donkeys used to live between these two spaces and, as you can see, there are a lot of mills." "The paving stones were also a bit slippery, so here we have something that exists in other parts of the city but is particularly clear here, which helped us understand this phenomenon. There are carvings," Zuchtriegel added. Photo: The bakery did not provide a view of the outside world and with small windows high in the wall with iron bars to let the light in. The archaeologist also said that the bakery highlighted the very precarious living conditions of enslaved people and animals exploited for this gruelling work. Pompeii, which was rediscovered in the 18th century, is one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions. The city has seen a flurry of archaeological activity in recent times. In August, archaeologists discovered a small bedroom in a Roman villa near the city that was almost certainly used by slaves, throwing light on their condition in the ancient world. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists discover ancient bakery in Italy's Pompeii which enslaved workers

Tesla Cybertruck Sparks Safety Concerns After Launch

Cybertruck's Angular Design Concerns Experts

Days after Elon Musk's Tesla launched the Cybertruck, safety experts expressed concerns about the electric pickup truck's angular design and said its stainless-steel exoskeleton could hurt pedestrians and cyclists and damage other vehicles on roads.   

During the launch event in Austin, Texas on Nov 30, Tesla live-streamed crash test videos, following which experts told the news agency Reuters that they needed crash-test data to reach firm conclusions about the safety.

Experts also said they were alarmed by the crash test videos released by Tesla, adding the heavy weight of the trucks and their high acceleration "raise red flags for non-occupants."

Excessive intake of ACV can lead to a decrease in potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heart rhythms.


Researchers at the prestigious Northwestern University have developed virtual reality (VR) goggles for mice to create immersive scenarios for brain research. "By more faithfully simulating natural environments, the researchers can more accurately and precisely study the neural circuitry that underlies behaviour," the researchers said in the study published on Friday (Dec 8).

Researchers at the prestigious Northwestern University have developed virtual reality (VR) goggles for mice to create immersive scenarios for brain research. "By more faithfully simulating natural environments, the researchers can more accurately and precisely study the neural circuitry that underlies behaviour," the researchers said in the study published on Friday (Dec 8). "Compared to current state-of-the-art systems, which simply surround mice with computer or projection screens, the new goggles provide a leap in advancement," the study said. The new VR goggles could help researchers glean new insights into how the human brain adapts and reacts to virtual reality exposure. Professor Daniel Dombeck, the study's senior author said that researchers have been using VR systems for mice for the past 15 years, adding that till now, laboratories have used big computers or projection screens to surround an animal. "For humans, this is like watching a TV in your living room. You still see your couch and your walls. There are cues around you, telling you that you aren’t inside the scene. Now think about putting on VR goggles, like Oculus Rift, that take up your full vision. You don’t see anything but the projected scene and a different scene is projected into each eye to create depth information. That’s been missing for mice,” he said. Integrating VR into lab settings The study said that although researchers observe animals in nature, it has been difficult to image patterns of real-time brain activity while animals engage with the real world. To solve this problem, researchers have integrated VR into laboratory settings. "In these experimental setups, an animal uses a treadmill to navigate scenes, such as a virtual maze, projected onto surrounding screens," it said. Rather than allowing a mouse to run in a natural environment or physical maze, keeping the mouse in place on the treadmill allows researchers to use tools to view and map the brain as the rodent traverses a virtual space. This would help researchers grasp the general principles of how activated neural circuits encode information during various behaviours. “VR basically reproduces real environments,” Professor Dombeck said. "We’ve had a lot of success with this VR system, but it’s possible the animals aren’t as immersed as they would be in a real environment. It takes a lot of training just to get the mice to pay attention to the screens and ignore the lab around them,” he added. What is iMRSIV? Dombeck and his team created compact VR goggles for mice using custom-designed lenses and miniature organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. The goggle is called Miniature Rodent Stereo Illumination VR (iMRSIV). The study said that iMRSIV has two lenses and two screens — one for each side of the head to separately illuminate each eye for 3D vision. This system provides each eye with a 180-degree field of view that fully immerses the mouse and excludes the surrounding environment. Unlike the VR goggles for humans, iMRSIV does not wrap around the mouse’s head. Instead, it is closely perched directly in front of the mouse’s face.

Researchers develop VR goggles for mice to create immersive scenarios for brain research

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Addressing an event at the Las Vegas Carpenters International Training Center, President Biden said, "You have no idea how much this pleases me. A long last, we're building the first high-speed rail project in our nation's history, and it's starting here. It's part of the $ 8.2 billion investment we're making in ten major rail projects across America, reaching tens of millions of people. We're putting high-speed rail on the fast track." "Some of you know what it's like to sit in traffic on the interstate, not the one between here and LA, which is real, but all interstates. And guess what? Trying to make that drive from LA to Las Vegas, from Las Vegas to LA or anywhere in between is a paint on your neck," he added. A reduction in trip time He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. "And it won't just get there faster, the rail project reduces carbon emissions by three... Is the same as taking three million vehicles off the highway. Three million. And all the studies show, by the way, people get from point A to point B faster on a train than their car. They take the train. They take the train. Think of what that's going to mean to the environment," Biden further said during the event. Also read: Biden says 'not sure' if he'd be seeking re-election next year if Trump wasn't his rival The new project would transport 11 million passengers a year and would also create ample employment opportunities, the president added. "Ultimately, it's going to take folks in Los Angeles through the Central Valley all the way to San Francisco for less than 3 hours. But today, the journey can take 8 hours by bus or car. Think of how this train will transform California's Central Valley with new businesses, new residents, visitors, and economic opportunities," he said. "This project is California's most ambitious rail project in the entire Western Hemisphere. It expects to carry 31 million passengers a year, will be 100% powered by renewable energy, and once again, this project is about jobs." Upcoming rail projects Biden also said during Friday's event that his administration was supporting 69 rail projects still in the early stages across 44 states. "On top of that, we're investing $9 billion to replace over 1000 Amtrak engines and cars across the country with scale-of-the-art equipment made in America by American workers. Made in America by American workers," said the president.

US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent.

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) &nbsp;unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This rail project would reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours.

In other news from around the world, North Korea warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches soon to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-dominates-global-leader-approval-ratings-tops-the-chart-with-impressive-76-percent-667794">Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/18/373908-pm-modi.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, as revealed by the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult.&nbsp;This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-unveils-3-billion-investment-for-la-las-vegas-high-speed-rail-project-667792">US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398140-untitled-design.png?imwidth=3840" />

United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles.&nbsp;He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boasts-of-satellite-capability-warns-to-launch-more-soon-667790">North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398139-succession-2023-12-09t074906804.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-michigan-shool-shooter-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole-667787">Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole​​​​​​​</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/09/398138-succession-2023-12-09t071020092.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

An American teenager, who shot dead four of his classmates in 2021 at a high school outside Detroit, was on Friday (Dec 8) sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.&nbsp;Ethan Crumbley had opened fire on Nov 30 2021 with a semi-automatic handgun that his father bought as a Christmas gift days before the incident occurred.

Watch |&nbsp;US bars imports from 3 more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labour

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dominated the Global Leader Approval ratings, topping at 76 per cent. The second-highest approval rating is held by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador at 66 per cent, followed by Switzerland President Alain Berset at 58 per cent. United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. This rail project would reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. In other news from around the world, North Korea warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches soon to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies. Click on the headlines to read more: Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, tops the chart with impressive 76 percent Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued to remain a global frontrunner in global leadership approval, boasting an impressive 76 per cent rating, as revealed by the latest survey conducted by Morning Consult. This commanding approval rating placed Prime Minister Modi ahead of other world leaders, who are trailing behind by a huge margin. US President Biden unveils $3 billion investment for LA-Las Vegas high-speed rail project United States President Joe Biden on Friday (Dec 8) unveiled a $3 billion investment for a high-speed rail project to connect Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He pointed out that the new rail project will reduce the trip (from LA to Las Vegas and Las Vegas to LA) time from seven hours to just three hours. North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). Michigan school shooter sentenced to life in prison without parole An American teenager, who shot dead four of his classmates in 2021 at a high school outside Detroit, was on Friday (Dec 8) sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. Ethan Crumbley had opened fire on Nov 30 2021 with a semi-automatic handgun that his father bought as a Christmas gift days before the incident occurred. Watch | US bars imports from 3 more Chinese companies over Uyghur forced labour ×

Morning brief: Indian PM Modi dominates Global Leader Approval ratings, and more

Social media giant Meta's decision to start fully encrypting messages on Facebook and Messenger has been criticised by US prosecutors and child safety groups, a report by The Guardian said late Friday (Dec 8). On Wednesday, Meta said that the end-to-end encryption feature would be available for use immediately. However, it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption.

Encryption hides the contents of a message from anyone apart from the sender and the recipient by converting text and images into unreadable cyphers that are unscrambled on receipt. Meta has argued that encryption can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals.

However, prosecutors and child safety groups said that the encryption would hamstring the rescue of child sex trafficking victims and the prosecution of predators.

The Guardian report on Friday said that social media companies have been legally obligated to send any evidence of child sexual abuse material they detect to the United States' National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children (NCMEC). From here, the evidence is forwarded to relevant domestic and international law enforcement agencies.

An NCMEC spokesperson said that encryption on platforms "without the ability to detect known child sexual abuse material and create actionable reports will immediately cripple online child protection as we know it."

“NCMEC anticipates the number of reports of suspected child sexual abuse from the larger reporting companies will plummet by close to 80 per cent,” the spokesperson added.

Ali Burns, an assistant US attorney in Illinois, also told the publication that the identification and rescue of exploited children would be made more difficult by encryption, as investigators would often only be able to identify victims by gaining access to a suspect’s social media accounts and private messages.

“It would make it more challenging to corroborate evidence, to be able to verify. I can see this being a challenge for law enforcement,” Burns added.

Civil groups, however, argued that encryption protects individuals’ data and free expression, the report said.

In October, the American Civil Liberties Union, a non-profit human rights organisation, said, "This level of security not only protects individuals from cyber-attacks but also empowers citizens to communicate freely without fear of surveillance, censorship, and warrantless searches – whether by the government, Big Tech, data brokers, or anyone else."

(With inputs from agencies)

Social media giant Meta's decision to start fully encrypting messages on Facebook and Messenger has been criticised by US prosecutors and child safety groups, a report by The Guardian said late Friday (Dec 8).

Social media giant Meta's decision to start fully encrypting messages on Facebook and Messenger has been criticised by US prosecutors and child safety groups, a report by The Guardian said late Friday (Dec 8). On Wednesday, Meta said that the end-to-end encryption feature would be available for use immediately. However, it may take some time for all Messenger accounts to be updated with default end-to-end encryption. Encryption hides the contents of a message from anyone apart from the sender and the recipient by converting text and images into unreadable cyphers that are unscrambled on receipt. Meta has argued that encryption can help keep users safe from hackers, fraudsters, and criminals. However, prosecutors and child safety groups said that the encryption would hamstring the rescue of child sex trafficking victims and the prosecution of predators. The Guardian report on Friday said that social media companies have been legally obligated to send any evidence of child sexual abuse material they detect to the United States' National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). From here, the evidence is forwarded to relevant domestic and international law enforcement agencies. An NCMEC spokesperson said that encryption on platforms "without the ability to detect known child sexual abuse material and create actionable reports will immediately cripple online child protection as we know it." “NCMEC anticipates the number of reports of suspected child sexual abuse from the larger reporting companies will plummet by close to 80 per cent,” the spokesperson added. Ali Burns, an assistant US attorney in Illinois, also told the publication that the identification and rescue of exploited children would be made more difficult by encryption, as investigators would often only be able to identify victims by gaining access to a suspect’s social media accounts and private messages. “It would make it more challenging to corroborate evidence, to be able to verify. I can see this being a challenge for law enforcement,” Burns added. Civil groups, however, argued that encryption protects individuals’ data and free expression, the report said. In October, the American Civil Liberties Union, a non-profit human rights organisation, said, "This level of security not only protects individuals from cyber-attacks but also empowers citizens to communicate freely without fear of surveillance, censorship, and warrantless searches – whether by the government, Big Tech, data brokers, or anyone else." (With inputs from agencies)

Meta's decision to encrypt messages on Facebook, Messenger criticised. Here's why

The Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais in a letter&nbsp; addressed to the oil cartel's member nations has pleaded with them to&nbsp;reject proposals for any text under negotiation at the&nbsp;COP28 Climate Summit, reported news agency Reuters on&nbsp;Friday (Dec 8). The letter referred to a draft of the COP28 text under negotiation that was published by the UN climate body on Tuesday.

A different draft was published on Friday. This new draft included a range of options from agreeing to a "phase-out of fossil fuels in line with best available science", to phasing out "unabated fossil fuels", to including no language on them at all.

"It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences, as the draft decision still contains options on fossil fuels phase out," the letter read.

It also urged delegations at COP28 to "proactively reject any text or formula that targets energy i.e. fossil fuels rather than emissions."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>

"While OPEC Member Countries and Non-OPEC Countries participating in the Charter of Cooperation (CoC) are taking climate change seriously and have a proven record on climate actions, it would be unacceptable that politically motivated campaigns put our people's prosperity and future at risk," the letter further added.

Speaking to Reuters, OPEC said it did not comment on official communication with member nations but it continued to advise them and its partners.

Reacting to the letter, Nikki Reisch from the Center for International Environmental Law said, "The inclusion of some options that focus on the need for action toward phaseout of all fossil fuels this critical decade is a step in the right direction."

"But language calling for the massive scale-up of risky and speculative carbon capture and removal technologies risks blowing a gaping loophole through the energy package and must be struck," Reisch added.

Another climate expert said the new draft of the COP28 agreement was the beginning of the end.&nbsp;

Li Shuo, director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told Reuters the first version included options from "two extreme sides of the political spectrum" and the new options were filling in "the empty field in the middle."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais in a letter addressed to the oil cartel's member nations has pleaded with them to reject proposals for any text under negotiation at the COP28 Climate Summit, reported news agency Reuters on Friday (Dec 8).

The Oil Producing and Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais in a letter addressed to the oil cartel's member nations has pleaded with them to reject proposals for any text under negotiation at the COP28 Climate Summit, reported news agency Reuters on Friday (Dec 8). The letter referred to a draft of the COP28 text under negotiation that was published by the UN climate body on Tuesday. A different draft was published on Friday. This new draft included a range of options from agreeing to a "phase-out of fossil fuels in line with best available science", to phasing out "unabated fossil fuels", to including no language on them at all. "It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences, as the draft decision still contains options on fossil fuels phase out," the letter read. It also urged delegations at COP28 to "proactively reject any text or formula that targets energy i.e. fossil fuels rather than emissions." Also read: Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? "While OPEC Member Countries and Non-OPEC Countries participating in the Charter of Cooperation (CoC) are taking climate change seriously and have a proven record on climate actions, it would be unacceptable that politically motivated campaigns put our people's prosperity and future at risk," the letter further added. Speaking to Reuters, OPEC said it did not comment on official communication with member nations but it continued to advise them and its partners. Reacting to the letter, Nikki Reisch from the Center for International Environmental Law said, "The inclusion of some options that focus on the need for action toward phaseout of all fossil fuels this critical decade is a step in the right direction." "But language calling for the massive scale-up of risky and speculative carbon capture and removal technologies risks blowing a gaping loophole through the energy package and must be struck," Reisch added. Another climate expert said the new draft of the COP28 agreement was the beginning of the end. Li Shuo, director of China Climate Hub at the Asia Society Policy Institute, told Reuters the first version included options from "two extreme sides of the political spectrum" and the new options were filling in "the empty field in the middle." (With inputs from agencies)

OPEC head told members to block any deal at COP28 that targets fossil fuels: Report

T Raja Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Indian state of Telangana known for making controversial remarks, triggered a fresh row on Friday (Dec 8) after he said that he would not take oath in front of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi&nbsp;who was appointed as the Pro-tem speaker of the state legislative assembly.

Speaking to the news agency ANI, Singh said that he won't take oath in front of Owaisi because he made anti-Hindu comments.&nbsp;

"It is very unfortunate. After Congress formed the government and&nbsp;Revanth Reddy became the CM, Congress' real face has come to the fore. Every time Revanth Reddy used to make a statement that BJP, AIMIM &amp; BRS are one, but the people of Telangana have known who is with whom," Singh said.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi appointed as Pro-tem Speaker of Telangana Legislative Assembly, BJP leader T Raja Singh says, "It is very unfortunate. After Congress formed the government &amp; Revanth Reddy became the CM, Congress' real face has come to the fore. Every time… <a href="https://t.co/nTmGypYD6f">pic.twitter.com/nTmGypYD6f</a>
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In the recently concluded Telangana assembly elections in which Congress won, BJP's T Raja Singh emerged victorious from the Goshamahal constituency for the third time in a row.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/revanth-reddy-sworn-in-as-telangana-cm-first-congress-leader-to-lead-state-667170">Revanth Reddy sworn in as Telangana CM, first Congress leader to lead state</a>

In 2018, Singh refused to be administered oath since the Pro-tem speaker then was also an AIMIM leader.&nbsp;

On Saturday, the Telangana BJP boycotted the oath ceremony for the newly elected MLAs. As the Pro-tem speaker, Akbaruddin Owaisi is responsible for administering oath&nbsp;to the new legislators.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy said that his party was against Owaisi's appointment. "This is against the tradition of appointing senior MLAs to the post. BJP MLAs will boycott taking oath before this Pro-tem Speaker. Our MLAs will take oath after a Speaker is appointed. We will never ally with such a party (AIMIM). We will go to the Governor on this," Reddy told reporters.

"We have won 8 seats and reached 14% vote percentage in the state...There is a ritual of appointing a senior leader as pro-tem Speaker. However, Congress has appointed Akbaruddin Owaisi to the post due to their understanding with AIMIM. We object to this. We demand that the election of the Assembly Speaker should not happen with this Pro-tem Speaker. We will tell the same to the State Governor," Reddy added. 
&nbsp;

T Raja Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Indian state of Telangana known for making controversial remarks, triggered a fresh row on Friday (Dec 8) after he said that he would not take oath in front of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi who was appointed as the Pro-tem speaker of the state legislative assembly.

T Raja Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Indian state of Telangana known for making controversial remarks, triggered a fresh row on Friday (Dec 8) after he said that he would not take oath in front of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi who was appointed as the Pro-tem speaker of the state legislative assembly. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Singh said that he won't take oath in front of Owaisi because he made anti-Hindu comments. "It is very unfortunate. After Congress formed the government and Revanth Reddy became the CM, Congress' real face has come to the fore. Every time Revanth Reddy used to make a statement that BJP, AIMIM & BRS are one, but the people of Telangana have known who is with whom," Singh said. #WATCH | On AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi appointed as Pro-tem Speaker of Telangana Legislative Assembly, BJP leader T Raja Singh says, "It is very unfortunate. After Congress formed the government & Revanth Reddy became the CM, Congress' real face has come to the fore. Every time… pic.twitter.com/nTmGypYD6f — ANI (@ANI) December 8, 2023 × In the recently concluded Telangana assembly elections in which Congress won, BJP's T Raja Singh emerged victorious from the Goshamahal constituency for the third time in a row. Also read: Revanth Reddy sworn in as Telangana CM, first Congress leader to lead state In 2018, Singh refused to be administered oath since the Pro-tem speaker then was also an AIMIM leader. On Saturday, the Telangana BJP boycotted the oath ceremony for the newly elected MLAs. As the Pro-tem speaker, Akbaruddin Owaisi is responsible for administering oath to the new legislators. Meanwhile, Telangana BJP President G Kishan Reddy said that his party was against Owaisi's appointment. "This is against the tradition of appointing senior MLAs to the post. BJP MLAs will boycott taking oath before this Pro-tem Speaker. Our MLAs will take oath after a Speaker is appointed. We will never ally with such a party (AIMIM). We will go to the Governor on this," Reddy told reporters. "We have won 8 seats and reached 14% vote percentage in the state...There is a ritual of appointing a senior leader as pro-tem Speaker. However, Congress has appointed Akbaruddin Owaisi to the post due to their understanding with AIMIM. We object to this. We demand that the election of the Assembly Speaker should not happen with this Pro-tem Speaker. We will tell the same to the State Governor," Reddy added.

'Won't take oath in front of Akbaruddin Owaisi because...': Telangana BJP MLA T Raja Singh

The angular design of the recently launched Tesla Cybertruck has sparked safety concerns among experts, who are demanding that the vehicle's crash test data be shared, the news agency Reuters reported early Saturday (Dec 9).

The angular design of the recently launched Tesla Cybertruck has sparked safety concerns among experts, who are demanding that the vehicle's crash test data be shared, the news agency Reuters reported early Saturday (Dec 9). On Nov 30, Tesla launched the Cybertruck in its factory in Austin, and the crash test videos that it live-streamed were heavily discussed on social media. Tesla touted the structures of the truck as that absorb impact during the crash. In a post on X, Tesla's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said on Tuesday that he was "highly confident" that Cybertruck would be safer than other trucks for occupants and pedestrians. The safety concerns Speaking to Reuters, safety experts said that the electric pickup truck's stiff stainless-steel exoskeleton could hurt pedestrians and cyclists and damage other vehicles on roads. As Tesla live-streamed the crash test videos during the launch event, experts demanded crash-test data to reach firm conclusions about safety. Also read: Tesla begins Cybertruck delivery, price starts from $60,990. Know more "The big problem there is if they really make the skin of the vehicle very stiff by using thick stainless steel, then when people hit their heads on it, it's going to cause more damage to them," said Adrian Lund, the former president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), whose vehicle crash tests are an industry standard. Samer Hamdar, a professor of auto safety at George Washington University raised concerns about limited crumple zones- which are parts of the car that can deform in a crash in a way to more safely absorb the energy of an impact. "There might be a possibility of shock-absorbent mechanism that will limit the fact that you have a limited crumple zone," Professor Hamdar said. "If you're in a crash with another vehicle that has a crumple zone and your car is more stiff, then their cars are going to crush and yours is resistant," David Friedman, the former acting head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said. Meanwhile, Julia Griswold, director of the University of California, Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, said she was alarmed by the crash test videos that Tesla live-streamed. She said the heavy weight of the trucks and their high acceleration "raise red flags for non-occupants." The Cybertruck is available at a starting price of $60,990, and Musk has said the vehicle will likely reach a production rate of roughly 250,000 Cybertrucks a year in 2025. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla Cybertruck's angular design sparks safety concerns, experts demand crash test data

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