Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday (September 1) that his government would hold a referendum to decide whether to construct the country's first nuclear power plant. Addressing the parliament, President Tokayev said the development of nuclear energy had become a particularly important economic and political issue.

Kazakhstan has long discussed the idea (of having a nuclear plant), citing the need for new power generation capacity. The government even identified a planned location for the facility in the southeastern Almaty region and mentioned Russia's Rosatom as a potential partner.

However, activists have opposed the project due to safety concerns and the country's history as home to the Semei nuclear weapons testing ground.

President Tokayev told parliament on Friday, "You know that there are different opinions about the feasibility of building a nuclear power plant in our country. On the one hand, Kazakhstan, as the largest uranium producer in the world, should have its own nuclear power generation. Some experts are in favour of building stations with small reactors. On the other hand, many citizens and a number of experts have concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants."

Highlighting the tragic legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, he said there is a need to continue public hearings and comprehensive broad discussions on the issue.&nbsp;

"The decision to build or not to build a nuclear power plant is an extremely important issue concerning the future of our country. Therefore, I propose to submit it to a national referendum. We will decide on specific dates later," Tokayev added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday (September 1) that his government would hold a referendum to decide whether to construct the country's first nuclear power plant.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Friday (September 1) that his government would hold a referendum to decide whether to construct the country's first nuclear power plant. Addressing the parliament, President Tokayev said the development of nuclear energy had become a particularly important economic and political issue. Kazakhstan has long discussed the idea (of having a nuclear plant), citing the need for new power generation capacity. The government even identified a planned location for the facility in the southeastern Almaty region and mentioned Russia's Rosatom as a potential partner. However, activists have opposed the project due to safety concerns and the country's history as home to the Semei nuclear weapons testing ground. President Tokayev told parliament on Friday, "You know that there are different opinions about the feasibility of building a nuclear power plant in our country. On the one hand, Kazakhstan, as the largest uranium producer in the world, should have its own nuclear power generation. Some experts are in favour of building stations with small reactors. On the other hand, many citizens and a number of experts have concerns about the safety of nuclear power plants." Highlighting the tragic legacy of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, he said there is a need to continue public hearings and comprehensive broad discussions on the issue. "The decision to build or not to build a nuclear power plant is an extremely important issue concerning the future of our country. Therefore, I propose to submit it to a national referendum. We will decide on specific dates later," Tokayev added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kazakhstan to hold referendum on construction of first-ever nuclear plant

Eighteen people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, were killed in a collision between two minibuses in Iraq's capital city Baghdad late Friday (September 1). Citing local media, the news agency AFP&nbsp;reported that the accident occurred between Dujail and Samarra. A medical official in the Salaheddin province told the agency that the minibuses crashed into each other on Friday.&nbsp;

Another hospital official said the victims included 14 Iranians who were Shiite pilgrims, two Afghans and two people who were yet to be identified. The victims also included the two drivers, an official from the area's traffic authority said.

Local media had initially reported a death toll of 16 while 13 others were injured. Millions of Shiite pilgrims, many of them from Iran, head each year to Karbala for Arbaeen, one of the world's biggest religious gatherings. Arbaeen concludes September 6-7 this year.

On September 11 last year, 11 Iranian Shiite pilgrims and their Iraqi driver died when their minibus collided with a truck in Babil province.

AFP reported that on Monday and Tuesday, four road accidents killed 20 people and injured dozens more, mostly Iranian pilgrims. The accidents occurred in the southern provinces of Wassit and Dhi Qar, near the border with Iran.

Conflict, neglect and corruption have left Iraq's infrastructure in disrepair. Officials have said speed, mobile phone use and driving while impaired contribute to crashes.

As per Iraq's health ministry data, road accidents last year claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people, an average of 13 per day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Eighteen people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, were killed in a collision between two minibuses in Iraq's capital city Baghdad late Friday (September 1). Citing local media, the news agency AFP reported that the accident occurred between Dujail and Samarra.

Eighteen people, mostly Iranian pilgrims, were killed in a collision between two minibuses in Iraq's capital city Baghdad late Friday (September 1). Citing local media, the news agency AFP reported that the accident occurred between Dujail and Samarra. A medical official in the Salaheddin province told the agency that the minibuses crashed into each other on Friday. Another hospital official said the victims included 14 Iranians who were Shiite pilgrims, two Afghans and two people who were yet to be identified. The victims also included the two drivers, an official from the area's traffic authority said. Local media had initially reported a death toll of 16 while 13 others were injured. Millions of Shiite pilgrims, many of them from Iran, head each year to Karbala for Arbaeen, one of the world's biggest religious gatherings. Arbaeen concludes September 6-7 this year. On September 11 last year, 11 Iranian Shiite pilgrims and their Iraqi driver died when their minibus collided with a truck in Babil province. AFP reported that on Monday and Tuesday, four road accidents killed 20 people and injured dozens more, mostly Iranian pilgrims. The accidents occurred in the southern provinces of Wassit and Dhi Qar, near the border with Iran. Conflict, neglect and corruption have left Iraq's infrastructure in disrepair. Officials have said speed, mobile phone use and driving while impaired contribute to crashes. As per Iraq's health ministry data, road accidents last year claimed the lives of more than 4,900 people, an average of 13 per day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq: Bus collision in Baghdad kills 18, most victims were Iranian pilgrims

Lebanon is currently grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis, and its politicians have been split on dealing with it. Political factions in Lebanon have been so divided that they have not been able to choose a new president for the last 10 months.

Lebanon is currently grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis, and its politicians have been split on dealing with it. Political factions in Lebanon have been so divided that they have not been able to choose a new president for the last 10 months. Now in recent weeks, politicians have united to fight the LGBTQ+ community. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press late Friday (September 1), politicians and religious leaders in Lebanon have intensified a campaign, raising alarm over symbols and trends that might normalize queerness as an existential threat to society. The report said that last week, several dozen men from a Christian extremist group thrashed several people who were attending a drag show at a club in Beirut. “This is the venue of Satan!,” one member of the community yelled while filming on his mobile phone. “Promoting homosexuality is not allowed! This is just the beginning!,” the member added. From tolerance to crackdowns Lebanon was once known for relative tolerance regarding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. However, this has changed recently as authorities have cracked down on free speech and the LGBTQ+ community. The Associated Press report on Friday said that the anti-LGBTQ+ campaign in Lebanon is being spearheaded by religious figures from the country's Christian and Muslim sects, as well as political officials. Currently, Lebanon does not have a law that clearly bans same-sex acts. However, Article 534 of the penal code prohibits sexual relations that “contradict the laws of nature” and has been used to penalize homosexuality. In July, a few legislators called for the abolishment of Article 534, but their attempts sparked a backlash from religious communities and also made some strange political allies. Call for movie ban, death penalty for same sex acts Last month, Lebanon's Culture Minister Mohammed Murtada requested for the General Security Directorate to ban the movie "Barbie", saying that it promoted homosexuality and transgenders. However, the directorate ruled the movie is permitted and it is reportedly expected to start showing this month. The report said that the Islamic Cultural Center submitted a request to the public prosecutor’s office to shut down Helem, the first LGBTQ+ rights organisation in Lebanon and the Arab World. The case was referred to the interior ministry, which has not acted on it so far. In June, the ministry restricted events connected with the Pride month. Last month, caretaker Prime Minister Mikati held a meeting with several government ministers and the head of the Maronite Church Cardinal Beshara Rai where they discussed homosexuality. Following the meeting, Mikati told reporters there was unanimity to abide by moral Lebanese and family values. Recently, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah called for the death penalty on people engaged in same-sex acts, calling homosexuality “a clear and present danger.” Nasrallah accused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of circulating books for school children that promoted homosexuality and called for such books to be banned. A distraction to solving economic crisis: LGBTQ+ group Speaking to the Associated Press, Tarek Zeidan, who heads Helem, said that politicians in Lebanon were scapegoating a vulnerable group to distract from their failure to solve the economic and political breakdown and infrastructure collapse. "Do any of these people have solutions for water, electricity, and health care? They have nothing. And when they have nothing to offer, they create an enemy." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid economic crisis in Lebanon, politicians unite to go after LGBTQ+ community

A police officer in the US state of Michigan saved an 18-month-old baby boy's life during a traffic stop on Tuesday (August 29), American media reported on Friday. According to a report by USA Today, Officer&nbsp;Brenden Fraser thought he was pulling over a reckless driver but ended up saving the baby who was choking. The ordeal was captured on Fraser's dashcam.

Fraser approached a Chevrolet Camaro&nbsp;and found a terrified mother in the passenger seat with her child in her lap. The baby's uncle was the driver of the car, the USA Today report said. “We’ve got a baby in here dying,”&nbsp;the mother yelled. According to the police officer, the speed limit was 45 mph but the driver was going about 75 or 80 mph.&nbsp;

Fraser got out of his car and rushed to the driver's side of the car. He reached in and grabbed the baby.&nbsp;"I put him on my forearm and administered a few back blows to him,” he said, adding&nbsp;calming the child’s mother and uncle down was just as important to him as saving the baby.

The baby's lips were blue and he barely had a pulse. In an attempt to console the mother, Fraser said that her child was breathing and his lips were not blue anymore. This baby was taken to a hospital and was reported to be doing ok.

Fraser was praised on social media for his quick thinking.&nbsp;&nbsp;"You not only saved the baby, you remained so calm. Great job!" a Facebook user wrote.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A police officer in the US state of Michigan saved an 18-month-old baby boy's life during a traffic stop on Tuesday (August 29), American media reported on Friday.

A police officer in the US state of Michigan saved an 18-month-old baby boy's life during a traffic stop on Tuesday (August 29), American media reported on Friday. According to a report by USA Today, Officer Brenden Fraser thought he was pulling over a reckless driver but ended up saving the baby who was choking. The ordeal was captured on Fraser's dashcam. Fraser approached a Chevrolet Camaro and found a terrified mother in the passenger seat with her child in her lap. The baby's uncle was the driver of the car, the USA Today report said. “We’ve got a baby in here dying,” the mother yelled. According to the police officer, the speed limit was 45 mph but the driver was going about 75 or 80 mph. Fraser got out of his car and rushed to the driver's side of the car. He reached in and grabbed the baby. "I put him on my forearm and administered a few back blows to him,” he said, adding calming the child’s mother and uncle down was just as important to him as saving the baby. The baby's lips were blue and he barely had a pulse. In an attempt to console the mother, Fraser said that her child was breathing and his lips were not blue anymore. This baby was taken to a hospital and was reported to be doing ok. Fraser was praised on social media for his quick thinking. "You not only saved the baby, you remained so calm. Great job!" a Facebook user wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US cop saves baby boy who stopped breathing during traffic stop

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers on Saturday (September 2) congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of India's first solar mission Aditya L-1 to study the Sun.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers on Saturday (September 2) congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of India's first solar mission Aditya L-1 to study the Sun. Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, "After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues its space journey. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at ISRO for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1." Modi added that India's tireless scientific efforts will continue to develop a better understanding of the Universe for the welfare of entire humanity. After the success of Chandrayaan-3, India continues its space journey. Congratulations to our scientists and engineers at @isro for the successful launch of India’s first Solar Mission, Aditya -L1. Our tireless scientific efforts will continue in order to develop better… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 2, 2023 × India's Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who was present at Sriharikota to witness the momentous occasion said the launch of Aditya L-1 was a "sunshine moment" for the country. "This remarkable endeavour promises to unlock the secrets of our nearest star, shedding light on its mysteries and enhancing our understanding of space weather," Indian Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari posted on X. Also read | Aditya-L1: Special puja & prayers at 'Sun temple' for India's maiden Sun mission President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, said the launch "will help us better understand space and celestial phenomena." Launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 accomplished successfully: ISRO The ISRO said on Saturday that the launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 was accomplished successfully. "The vehicle has placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit. India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point," ISRO posted on X. Meanwhile, ISRO chairperson S Somanath said, "The Aditya L1 spacecraft has been injected in an elliptical orbit...which is intended very precisely by the PSLV. I want to congratulate the PSLV for such a different mission approach today to put Aditya L1 in the right orbit." #WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches India's first solar mission, #AdityaL1 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Aditya L1 is carrying seven different payloads to have a detailed study of the Sun. pic.twitter.com/Eo5bzQi5SO — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2023 × The Aditya L-1 is destined to travel 1.5 million kilometres over four months, far short of the sun, which is 150 million km from Earth, a report by the news agency Reuters said. It is meant to stop its journey in a kind of parking lot in space, called a Lagrange Point, where objects tend to stay put because of balancing gravitational forces, thereby reducing fuel consumption for the spacecraft. The spacecraft took flight barely a week after India became the first country to land on the south pole of the Moon. On August 23, ISRO announced the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft at the lunar south pole. Pushed by PM Modi, India has privatised space launches and is looking to open the sector to foreign investment as it targets a five-fold increase in its share of the global launch market within the next decade. Modi is also pushing for India's space missions to play a larger role on a world stage dominated by the United States and China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's ‘sunshine moment’: PM Modi, ministers congratulate ISRO for Aditya L-1 launch

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and schools have been closed in Hong Kong on Friday (September 1) as Super Typhoon Saola nears. The city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific said all flights in and out of Hong Kong between 2 pm (06.

Hundreds of flights have been cancelled and schools have been closed in Hong Kong on Friday (September 1) as Super Typhoon Saola nears. The city's flagship carrier Cathay Pacific said all flights in and out of Hong Kong between 2 pm (06.00 GMT) on Friday and 10 am (02.00 GMT) on Saturday have been cancelled. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Saola is packing winds of over 200 kilometres per hour (kph) and is moving towards the coast of China's Guangdong province which encompasses Hong Kong. Flights have also been cancelled in Guangdong. China's National Meteorological Centre said that Saola could make landfall Friday night or Saturday morning as a severe typhoon along the coast from Huidong to Taishan in Guangdong. Hong Kong and neighbouring Macau lie in the centre of that coastline. Businesses and financial markets closed The government in Hong Kong said that all schools would be closed on Friday despite the first day of term for many students. Reuters reported that schools would also be closed in Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Shenzhen went a step further and suspended work, businesses and financial markets from Friday afternoon. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly as Saola makes landfall. The observatory said it would consider the need to issue higher cyclone warning signals later on Friday, adding it expects heavy rain and violent winds while the city's water level is expected to "rise appreciably" until Saturday. Signal 8 in force in Hong Kong Hong Kong has five rankings for typhoons- 1, 3, 8, 9 and 10, and currently Signal 8 is in force. On Thursday, supermarkets across the city saw long queues with people stocking up ahead of the typhoon. Local media reported that the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge which connects all three cities would be closed from Friday afternoon to ensure of transport safety. Meanwhile, authorities in Guangdong said that all trains in and out of the Chinese province from Friday 8 pm (12.00 GMT) to Saturday 6 pm (10.00 GMT) will be non-operational. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Typhoon Saola: Flights cancelled, schools closed in Hong Kong

Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a programme to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a programme to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. During a ceremony at the presidential palace, President Gabriel Boric said, "Justice has taken too long. The only way to build a future that is more free and respectful of life and human dignity is to know the whole truth." According to a report by the news agency AFP, the programme - called Truth and Justice - will have a dedicated budget and staff. The report said that investigators will be tasked with reconstructing the victims' final days - from their arrest to their final destination. Detainees Gaby Rivera, the president of the Association of Relatives of Disappeared Detainees Gaby Rivera, said at the ceremony that no other government has had the political will required to help the affected families. The 1973 coup and subsequent abuse Augusto Pinochet seized power in a bloody coup on September 11, 1973. The coup was backed by the United States, and Pinochet would remain in power until 1990. Pinochet died in 2006 without ever being convicted for the crimes committed by his regime. According to Chile's justice ministry, 40,175 people were executed, detained, and disappeared, or tortured as political prisoners during Pinochet's dictatorship. Government reports showed that 1,469 people were victims of forced disappearances. Of these, 1,092 were secretly detained and 377 were executed. Before Truth and Justice was launched, the circumstances of those who were declared missing were not looked into. A major obstacle had been the recalcitrance from former soldiers, accused by next-of-kin of having forged a "pact of silence" to keep their crimes hidden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chile: Govt starts investigating disappearances during Pinochet's regime

Singapore on Friday (September 1) held its first contest presidential election in over a decade to elect the new head of the state. The frontrunners for the election are former deputy prime minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam (66), Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian.

Singapore on Friday (September 1) held its first contest presidential election in over a decade to elect the new head of the state. The frontrunners for the election are former deputy prime minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam (66), Ng Kok Song and Tan Kin Lian. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Song, aged 75, is the former chief investment officer of Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, which manages the country's foreign reserves. Lian (75) meanwhile, is a former chief executive of insurer NTUC Income. Whoever wins the election will take over from Singapore's first female president, Halimah Yacob. The president's role is largely ceremonial. However, there are stringent requirements for the position which formally oversees Singapore's accumulated financial reserves and holds the power to veto certain measures and approve anti-graft probes. Voting is compulsory for eligible citizens and those who do not vote are at risk of being struck from the voters' list. By 5 pm Friday, around 85 per cent of eligible voters exercised their franchise, according to the Elections Department Singapore (ELD). The frontrunners Former deputy prime minister Shanmugaratnam, a leader of the People's Action Party (PAP), is widely perceived as having the government's backing and was questioned about his independence during the campaign. Shanmugaratnam stepped down from the deputy PM's post ahead of his candidacy. His party was recently rocked by political scandals. Citing observers, AFP reported that Friday's vote could indicate the level of PAP support ahead of general elections due in 2025 or discontent after the scandals. Tan Kin Lian has gained the support of several opposition leaders. Lian had recently said that it was okay to be merciful to drug mules facing the death penalty in Singapore, adding he did not believe would granting clemency would lead to a flood of drug traffickers. Meanwhile, two days before the election, Ng Kok Song said that politics in Singapore had become highly contestable and having the "wrong team" in charge is “no longer a remote possibility,” CNA reported on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore holds first presidential poll in over 10 years to pick next head of state

A disabled nun in the US state of Texas was caught sexting with a priest and is defying Vatican orders to leave the monastery. According to a report by the New York Post on Thursday (August 31), Rev. Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach was booted from the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington earlier this year after she was accused of breaking her vow of chastity in 2022 with Father Bernard Marie. Gerlach, 43, was allegedly sexting and has refused to leave the monastery.&nbsp;

She and her supportive nuns publicly declared they were now “independent” of Bishop Michael Olson, the head of the Diocese of Fort Worth who investigated under the powers of the Vatican.

On <a href="https://archive.ph/x5MDJ#selection-2061.111-2061.197">their website</a>, the monastery's Carmelite nuns said last Saturday (August 26), "The Chapter takes this opportunity to express its complete confidence in the personal and moral integrity of its Mother Prioress and in her leadership."

“Therefore, because the salvation of our souls is our first duty before Almighty God … we hereby state that, in conscience, we no longer recognize the authority of, and can have no further relations with, the current Bishop of Fort Worth,” they added.&nbsp;

The nuns further said they would forbid Bishop Olson or any of his officials or representatives&nbsp;to enter their residential property or to have any contact or relations with the monastery or any of its nuns or novices.”

A week back, Bishop Olson <a href="https://fwdioc.org/bpolson-statement-8-19-2023.pdf">said in a statement </a>that the monastery would remain closed to public access until such time as the Arlington Carmel publicly disavows itself of these scandalous and schismatic actions of Mother Teresa Agnes.

"I stand ready to assist Mother Teresa Agnes on her path of reconciliation and healing. Please join me in praying for the nuns, and the restoration of order and stability to our beloved Arlington Carmel. May Saint Teresa of Jesus intercede on their and our behalf," the statement added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A disabled nun in the US state of Texas was caught sexting with a priest and is defying Vatican orders to leave the monastery. According to a report by the New York Post on Thursday (August 31), Rev.

A disabled nun in the US state of Texas was caught sexting with a priest and is defying Vatican orders to leave the monastery. According to a report by the New York Post on Thursday (August 31), Rev. Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach was booted from the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington earlier this year after she was accused of breaking her vow of chastity in 2022 with Father Bernard Marie. Gerlach, 43, was allegedly sexting and has refused to leave the monastery. She and her supportive nuns publicly declared they were now “independent” of Bishop Michael Olson, the head of the Diocese of Fort Worth who investigated under the powers of the Vatican. On their website, the monastery's Carmelite nuns said last Saturday (August 26), "The Chapter takes this opportunity to express its complete confidence in the personal and moral integrity of its Mother Prioress and in her leadership." “Therefore, because the salvation of our souls is our first duty before Almighty God … we hereby state that, in conscience, we no longer recognize the authority of, and can have no further relations with, the current Bishop of Fort Worth,” they added. The nuns further said they would forbid Bishop Olson or any of his officials or representatives to enter their residential property or to have any contact or relations with the monastery or any of its nuns or novices.” A week back, Bishop Olson said in a statement that the monastery would remain closed to public access until such time as the Arlington Carmel publicly disavows itself of these scandalous and schismatic actions of Mother Teresa Agnes. "I stand ready to assist Mother Teresa Agnes on her path of reconciliation and healing. Please join me in praying for the nuns, and the restoration of order and stability to our beloved Arlington Carmel. May Saint Teresa of Jesus intercede on their and our behalf," the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US nun caught sexting with priest defies Vatican orders to leave monastery: Report

Inmates in a jail in Ecuador's Cuenca are holding 50 guards and seven police officers hostage, Interior Minister Juan Zapata said on Thursday (August 31). Addressing a press conference, Zapata said, "We are concerned about the safety of our officials."

Joe Biggs, the leader of Proud Boys who declared a war to ensure Donald Trump remains US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday. This is one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol Hill riot.

In other news, Chile's government on Wednesday launched a program to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The program called Truth and Justice- will have a dedicated budget and staff.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inmates-in-ecuador-jail-hold-57-guards-police-hostage-minister-631035">Inmates in Ecuador jail hold 57 guards, police hostage: Minister</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/01/376680-ecuador.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Prisoner at a jail in the Ecuadorean city of Cuenca are holding 50 guards and seven police officers hostage, said Interior Minister Juan Zapata on Thursday (August 31).&nbsp; "We are concerned about the safety of our officials," he said at a press conference in the capital Quito.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leader-of-proud-boys-militia-sentenced-to-17-years-imprisonment-over-us-capitol-attack-631008">Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/01/376664-untitled-design-2023-09-01t000811630.png?imwidth=1920" />

Leader of the Proud Boys militia Joe Biggs, who had declared a “war” to ensure Donald Trump remains the US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday (August 31). This marked one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol attack in the United States. 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-govt-starts-investigating-disappearances-during-pinochets-regime-631058">Chile: Govt starts investigating disappearances during Pinochet's regime</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/01/376694-00033ty7fn.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a program to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. During a ceremony at the presidential palace, President Gabriel Boric said, "Justice has taken too long.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gabon-general-to-be-sworn-in-as-president-african-union-suspends-membership-631019">Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/01/376672-untitled-design-2023-09-01t005333795.png?imwidth=1920" />

The general, who has overthrown the 55-year Bongo dynasty of Gabon, will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday (September 4), said the army as the opposition appealed for recognition of its candidate as the winner of weekend elections.

Watch | Elon Musk to transform X into a super app with calling feature

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-to-transform-x-into-a-super-app-with-calling-feature-631052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Inmates in a jail in Ecuador's Cuenca are holding 50 guards and seven police officers hostage, Interior Minister Juan Zapata said on Thursday (August 31). Addressing a press conference, Zapata said, "We are concerned about the safety of our officials.

Inmates in a jail in Ecuador's Cuenca are holding 50 guards and seven police officers hostage, Interior Minister Juan Zapata said on Thursday (August 31). Addressing a press conference, Zapata said, "We are concerned about the safety of our officials." Joe Biggs, the leader of Proud Boys who declared a war to ensure Donald Trump remains US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday. This is one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol Hill riot. In other news, Chile's government on Wednesday launched a program to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The program called Truth and Justice- will have a dedicated budget and staff. Click on the headlines to read more: Inmates in Ecuador jail hold 57 guards, police hostage: Minister Prisoner at a jail in the Ecuadorean city of Cuenca are holding 50 guards and seven police officers hostage, said Interior Minister Juan Zapata on Thursday (August 31). "We are concerned about the safety of our officials," he said at a press conference in the capital Quito. Leader of Proud Boys militia sentenced to 17 years over US Capitol attack Leader of the Proud Boys militia Joe Biggs, who had declared a “war” to ensure Donald Trump remains the US president, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday (August 31). This marked one of the longest prison sentences ever given over the 2021 Capitol attack in the United States. Chile: Govt starts investigating disappearances during Pinochet's regime Chile's government on Wednesday (August 30) launched a program to investigate what happened to more than 1,000 people who disappeared during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. During a ceremony at the presidential palace, President Gabriel Boric said, "Justice has taken too long. Gabon general to be sworn in as president, African Union suspends membership The general, who has overthrown the 55-year Bongo dynasty of Gabon, will be sworn in as transitional president on Monday (September 4), said the army as the opposition appealed for recognition of its candidate as the winner of weekend elections. Watch | Elon Musk to transform X into a super app with calling feature ×

Morning brief: Inmates in Ecuador jail hold 57 guards, police hostage, and more

Pilots from the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida have captured footage of the St. Elmo's fire phenomenon. The pilots captured the footage on Monday (August 28) as they evacuated from the airbase in preparation for Hurricane Idalia, which has now weakened into a tropical storm.

Pilots from the MacDill Air Force Base in Florida have captured footage of the St. Elmo's fire phenomenon. The pilots captured the footage on Monday (August 28) as they evacuated from the airbase in preparation for Hurricane Idalia, which has now weakened into a tropical storm. Sharing a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the air force base on Wednesday said, "All aircraft on the installation have been evacuated/secured in preparation for Hurricane Idalia. During the evacuation, the 50th ARS recorded St. Elmo’s fire, a weather phenomenon in which luminous plasma is created in an atmospheric electric field." Here's a look at the video: All aircraft on the installation have been evacuated/secured in preparation for #HurricaneIdalia . During the evacuation, the 50th ARS recorded St. Elmo’s fire, a weather phenomenon in which luminous plasma is created in an atmospheric electric field. pic.twitter.com/tqUGhfm8iN — MacDill AFB (@MacDill_AFB) August 29, 2023 × What is St. Elmo's fire phenomenon? As per the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the St. Elmo's fire phenomenon occurs when friction inside a storm cloud produces excess electrons. "For centuries, sailors observed corona discharges at the tips of ship masts during storms at sea. They coined the phenomenon St. Elmo’s fire, after the patron saint of sailors," the MIT said in a report in 2020. A report by CNN on Thursday said that pilots who captured the phenomenon outside their cockpit window this week were not in any danger as St. Elmo's fire on its own is not dangerous. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has cautioned that the fire could be a warning sign, as it typically indicates that storms are nearby. "Unprotected mariners should immediately move to shelter when this phenomenon occurs. Lightning may strike the mast within five minutes after it begins to glow," the NOAA said in a file report. Idalia lashes Florida, then weakens and turns to Georgia Meanwhile, Hurricane Idalia lashed Florida on Wednesday, then weakened as it turned its fury on southeastern Georgia, where floodwaters trapped some residents in their homes. Addressing a press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said no hurricane fatalities had been confirmed and that it seemed most residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas had heeded evacuation orders and warnings to move to higher ground. However, Florida Highway Patrol said on Wednesday that two motorists died in separate rain-related crashes. DeSantis later said authorities were investigating one unconfirmed storm-related traffic death. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Witchfire or St. Elmo’s fire was caught on camera by US pilots as Hurricane Idalia approached

The Pentagon said on Thursday (August 31) that it launched a website to provide declassified information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), which the government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).

The Pentagon said on Thursday (August 31) that it launched a website to provide declassified information on Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), which the government calls unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). A statement from the US Department of Defense (DoD) said, "This website will provide information, including photos and videos, on resolved UAP cases as they are declassified and approved for public release." The statement said that the website's other content includes reporting trends and a frequently asked questions (FAQs) section as well as links to official reports, transcripts, press releases, and other resources that the public may find useful. The All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) would launch a secure reporting tool on the website to enable current and former American government employees, service members, or contractors with direct knowledge of government programmes or activities to contact AARO directly to make a report. The website AARO's website mentions details about UAP reporting trends, official UAP videos, FAQs, AARO mission overview and new releases. "We look forward to using this site to regularly update the public about AARO’s work and findings, and to provide a mechanism for UAP reporting," AARO Director Dr Seab Kripland said. Dr Kripland added that since the AARO's establishment in July last year, the office has taken important steps to improve data collection, standardise reporting requirements, and mitigate the potential threats to safety and security posed by UAPs. What are UAPs? The government defines UAPs as 1) airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable; 2) trans-medium objects or devices and 3) submerged objects or devices that are not immediately identifiable and that display behaviour or performance characteristics. The Department of Defense considers UAPs as sources of anomalous detections in one or more domains that are not yet attributable to known actors and that demonstrate behaviours that are not readily understood by sensors or observers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Pentagon's new website aims to answer all your queries about UFOs

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Harshit Sabarwal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.