The Indian central government on Thursday (August 31) appointed Jaya Varma Sinha as the chairperson and the chief executive officer (CEO) of the country's railway board.

The Indian central government on Thursday (August 31) appointed Jaya Varma Sinha as the chairperson and the chief executive officer (CEO) of the country's railway board. According to an official statement, on Friday, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Varma. The statement said she was the first woman to be appointed to this apex post of the railways. The appointment will be effective from Friday (September 1). She will hold this esteemed position until her superannuation, with an additional re-employment period from October 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024. Who is Jaya Varma Sinha? Sinha joined the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) in 1988 and has until now served as a Member, of the Operations and Business Development of the Railway Board. She has been responsible for the overall transportation of freight and passenger services on Indian Railways. Sinha had served as an Additional Member of the Traffic Transportation, Railway Board. She was also the first woman to be appointed as the Principal Chief Operations Manager of South Eastern Railway. In a career spanning over 35 years in the railways, she worked on diverse verticals spanning operations, commercial, IT and vigilance. This year, Sinha was at the centre explaining the complex signalling system after the tragic Balasore accident which killed nearly 300 people. 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: Railway Board gets first-ever woman chairperson and CEO. Here's what we know about her

A post on a Russian channel on Telegram has ignited concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health. According to a report by the Express on Monday (August 28), the post by "Z-blogger" Pozdnyakov read, "God, don't you leave us.

A post on a Russian channel on Telegram has ignited concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health. According to a report by the Express on Monday (August 28), the post by "Z-blogger" Pozdnyakov read, "God, don't you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy." The post sparked discussion across social media platforms about Putin's health. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of this Telegram post. So far, Russian authorities have not commented on this matter. What is going on?: Ukraine reacts to post on Putin's health Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, shared the Telegram post on X (formerly known as Twitter), and said, "What is going on?" Gerashchenko's post garnered several reactions on the microblogging website. An interesting post on the Telegram channel of "Z-blogger" Pozdnyakov: "God, don't you leave us 🙏🙏🙏 Pray to God you are alive and healthy 🙏" What is going on? pic.twitter.com/w1mlbuQyfx — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 28, 2023 × "Nothing. More propaganda. Just a way to manipulate people's feelings. I know exactly where he's going with this. What country has a leader that prays to god on social media unless they're hoping to use it to get people to keep worrying about what he might do? We all know better," X user Roadrunner posted on Tuesday. "Probably nothing, but if he's sick and his time is nearing the end, then it actually makes perfect sense to get rid of Prigozjin. He would most certainly try to take over if this is the case," another X user named RAVEN posted. Russian missile hits private enterprise in central Ukraine Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine continues, Russian forces struck a private enterprise with a long-range cruise missile in Ukraine's Vinnytsia, Kyiv said on Friday. "Unfortunately, there are victims - three civilians, they are being provided with all necessary assistance," Governor Serhiy Borzov wrote on Telegram, adding that unspecified property and cars had been damaged. 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.

Telegram post ignites concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health. Ukraine reacts

Pope Francis, who is sometimes received as a superstar on trips abroad, arrived in Mongolia on Friday to the joy of its tiny Catholic community but with his presence barely making a ripple in the overwhelmingly Buddhist country.

The plane carrying Francis and his entourage landed after a night flight of nearly 10 hours, and the pope, who is 86 and in need of a wheelchair, was resting for the remainder of the day.

His first engagement is on Saturday when he attends an official welcoming ceremony and addresses government leaders and diplomats.

At the airport, a woman in traditional dress offered the pope solid yoghurt, a customary Mongolian gesture of welcome, before he was wheeled past an honour guard wearing ornate blue and red uniforms and holding rifles.

Apart from Mongolian and Vatican flags on poles on the highway, and traffic backed up by the passing of his motorcade, there were barely any signs that the pope was in town.

One of the few banners along his motorcade route into the modern capital surrounded by a mostly barren expanse was held up by Catholics from Vietnam, a country once hostile to Western religions but which recently upgraded its relations with the Vatican.

Well-wishers greeted the pope, some putting on a brief song and dance performance, when he arrived at his destination in the city centre.

"I'm so happy to see the pope," said 47-year-old Catholic devotee Otgon Zesenjav. "I'm very thankful for his visit. We have been waiting for this moment for such a long time. He shook my hand twice. I'm so excited."

There are only 1,450 Catholics in Mongolia, administered by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, who started working in the country more than 20 years ago as a young priest.

<h2>'Improving relations'</h2>

Visiting places where Catholics are a minority is part of Francis's policy of drawing attention to people and problems in what he has called the peripheries of society and of the world. He has not visited most of the capitals of Western Europe.

Talking to reporters on the plane from Rome, Francis said he was looking forward to visiting even just one part of the vast country, said it had a "small population but with a great culture".

Francis, who had an intestinal operation in June, looked relatively fit as he walked through the reporters' section of the plane, leaning on his cane and stopping to chat.

As is customary, Francis, who besides being the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics is also a head of state, wired greetings to the leaders of each country he flew over, including China, with which the Vatican has had difficult relations.

The Holy See has full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its own, while China’s Catholics have long been split between a state-backed official church and an underground flock loyal to the Pope.

Francis, in his message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, said he had good wishes for all the people of China and assured the president of his prayers for the "wellbeing of the nation".

A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, said the pope's blessing reflected friendship and goodwill, noting that China and the Vatican had maintained communication in recent years.

"China is willing to continue to work with the opposite side to hold constructive dialogue, enhance understanding, build mutual trust and advance the process of improving relations between the two sides," Wang said.

Francis will preside over several religious events before he leaves on Monday, the centrepiece being a Mass in the Steppe Arena on Sunday.

He will also attend an inter-religious service and inaugurate a charity centre to help the needy, regardless of their religion.

&nbsp;

Pope Francis, who is sometimes received as a superstar on trips abroad, arrived in Mongolia on Friday to the joy of its tiny Catholic community but with his presence barely making a ripple in the overwhelmingly Buddhist country.

Pope Francis, who is sometimes received as a superstar on trips abroad, arrived in Mongolia on Friday to the joy of its tiny Catholic community but with his presence barely making a ripple in the overwhelmingly Buddhist country. The plane carrying Francis and his entourage landed after a night flight of nearly 10 hours, and the pope, who is 86 and in need of a wheelchair, was resting for the remainder of the day. His first engagement is on Saturday when he attends an official welcoming ceremony and addresses government leaders and diplomats. At the airport, a woman in traditional dress offered the pope solid yoghurt, a customary Mongolian gesture of welcome, before he was wheeled past an honour guard wearing ornate blue and red uniforms and holding rifles. Apart from Mongolian and Vatican flags on poles on the highway, and traffic backed up by the passing of his motorcade, there were barely any signs that the pope was in town. One of the few banners along his motorcade route into the modern capital surrounded by a mostly barren expanse was held up by Catholics from Vietnam, a country once hostile to Western religions but which recently upgraded its relations with the Vatican. Well-wishers greeted the pope, some putting on a brief song and dance performance, when he arrived at his destination in the city centre. "I'm so happy to see the pope," said 47-year-old Catholic devotee Otgon Zesenjav. "I'm very thankful for his visit. We have been waiting for this moment for such a long time. He shook my hand twice. I'm so excited." There are only 1,450 Catholics in Mongolia, administered by Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, who started working in the country more than 20 years ago as a young priest. 'Improving relations' Visiting places where Catholics are a minority is part of Francis's policy of drawing attention to people and problems in what he has called the peripheries of society and of the world. He has not visited most of the capitals of Western Europe. Talking to reporters on the plane from Rome, Francis said he was looking forward to visiting even just one part of the vast country, said it had a "small population but with a great culture". Francis, who had an intestinal operation in June, looked relatively fit as he walked through the reporters' section of the plane, leaning on his cane and stopping to chat. As is customary, Francis, who besides being the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics is also a head of state, wired greetings to the leaders of each country he flew over, including China, with which the Vatican has had difficult relations. The Holy See has full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the democratic island that Beijing claims as its own, while China’s Catholics have long been split between a state-backed official church and an underground flock loyal to the Pope. Francis, in his message to Chinese President Xi Jinping, said he had good wishes for all the people of China and assured the president of his prayers for the "wellbeing of the nation". A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, said the pope's blessing reflected friendship and goodwill, noting that China and the Vatican had maintained communication in recent years. "China is willing to continue to work with the opposite side to hold constructive dialogue, enhance understanding, build mutual trust and advance the process of improving relations between the two sides," Wang said. Francis will preside over several religious events before he leaves on Monday, the centrepiece being a Mass in the Steppe Arena on Sunday. He will also attend an inter-religious service and inaugurate a charity centre to help the needy, regardless of their religion.

Pope Francis begins low-key visit to Catholics in Buddhist Mongolia

Iranian journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on Wednesday (August 30) for not wearing the headscarf in public, a report by the Tasnim agency said. Maroufian, 23, was arrested for wearing inappropriate clothing in public places&nbsp;and for publishing her photographs on social media. Maroufian has been arrested many times for not adhering to the country's strict dress code.&nbsp;

On August 13, she walked out of Tehran's Evin prison after spending over a month behind bars, posting on social media a picture of herself without a headscarf and the slogan - "Don't accept slavery, you deserve the best!". However, she was detained again at the Qarchak women's prison.&nbsp;

Wednesday's arrest comes just days ahead of the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death on September 16. Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman, died in police custody last September after being held by the country's morality police for allegedly violating the dress code. Her death sparked months of protests in the country and several other places across the world.

Last year, Maroufian interviewed Amini's father Amjad who accused authorities of lying about the circumstances of his daughter's death. However, authorities have maintained that she died because of a health problem, contesting accusations from the family and activists who have said she suffered a blow to the head while in custody.

Also on Wednesday, local media reported that the trial has started for Amini's lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, who is charged with "propaganda against the system."

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Iranian journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on Wednesday (August 30) for not wearing the headscarf in public, a report by the Tasnim agency said. Maroufian, 23, was arrested for wearing inappropriate clothing in public places and for publishing her photographs on social media.

Iranian journalist Nazila Maroufian was re-arrested on Wednesday (August 30) for not wearing the headscarf in public, a report by the Tasnim agency said. Maroufian, 23, was arrested for wearing inappropriate clothing in public places and for publishing her photographs on social media. Maroufian has been arrested many times for not adhering to the country's strict dress code. On August 13, she walked out of Tehran's Evin prison after spending over a month behind bars, posting on social media a picture of herself without a headscarf and the slogan - "Don't accept slavery, you deserve the best!". However, she was detained again at the Qarchak women's prison. Wednesday's arrest comes just days ahead of the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death on September 16. Amini, an Iranian-Kurdish woman, died in police custody last September after being held by the country's morality police for allegedly violating the dress code. Her death sparked months of protests in the country and several other places across the world. Last year, Maroufian interviewed Amini's father Amjad who accused authorities of lying about the circumstances of his daughter's death. However, authorities have maintained that she died because of a health problem, contesting accusations from the family and activists who have said she suffered a blow to the head while in custody. Also on Wednesday, local media reported that the trial has started for Amini's lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, who is charged with "propaganda against the system." 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.

Iranian journalist re-arrested for not wearing headscarf in public ahead of Amini's first death anniversary

United States President Joe Biden has approved military aid for Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme which is normally used for sovereign states.

United States President Joe Biden has approved military aid for Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme which is normally used for sovereign states. As per a notification sent to Congress and seen by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (August 30), congressional committees have been informed of the US State Department's s intention to obligate up to $80 million in FMF funds in support of Taiwan. "FMF will be used to strengthen Taiwan's self-defence capabilities through joint and combined defence capability and enhanced maritime domain awareness and maritime security capability," the notification read. Taiwan's defence ministry thanked the US but did not give any details about this military aid. The ministry noted that Washington has already been helping strengthen Taiwan's combat capabilities under existing policies and laws. What is FMF? According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSAC), which is part of the US Department of Defense, FMF is a source of financing and may be provided to a partner nation on either a grant (non-repayable) or direct loan basis. FMF enables eligible partner nations to purchase American defence articles, services, and training through either Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or, for a limited number of countries, through the foreign military financing of direct commercial contracts (FMF/DCC) programme, the DSAC says. On Wednesday, Representative Michael McCaul, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, said he was glad the administration was "finally" providing FMF to Taiwan. "These weapons will not only help Taiwan and protect other democracies in the region but also strengthen the US deterrence posture and ensure our national security from an increasingly aggressive CCP (Chinese Communist Party)," McCaul said in a statement. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has warned against any forms of "official exchanges" between the US and Taiwan. Beijing has repeatedly complained to Washington about military aid and sales to the island. US announces Taiwan weapons aid package worth $345 million On July 28, the US announced a Taiwan weapons aid package worth up to $345 million. Citing sources, Reuters reported that the package was expected to include four unarmed MQ-9A reconnaissance drones. Taiwan thanked the US for the package but did not disclose any details about it. Last week, the United States also approved a possible $500 million sale to Taiwan of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, as well as other equipment. (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.

US President Biden approves military aid to Taiwan under FMF programme

Britain's Queen Camilla has unveiled a new portrait of the Indian-origin spy and descendent of Tipu Sultan, Noor Inayat Khan, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Club here to honour her sacrifice as an undercover agent for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the World War II.

The 76-year-old senior royal on Tuesday also formally named a room at the RAF Club as "Noor Inayat Khan Room", where the portrait hangs opposite a stained-glass window celebrating women in the RAF which was inaugurated by her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II in 2018.

Noor was a member of RAF’s Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) when she was recruited to the SOE in 1942 and went on to become one of only two members of the WAAF to be awarded the George Cross (GC) – the highest award bestowed for acts of the greatest heroism, or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

"It was a proud moment to have the Queen unveil the portrait of Noor Inayat Khan at the RAF Club,” said British Indian author Shrabani Basu, who presented a copy of her biography of Noor – 'Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan' – to the Queen at the unveiling ceremony.

"For me, it has been a privilege to tell her story. This wonderful portrait will now be seen by many young men and women for generations. Noor's story will never be forgotten," she said.

Born Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian sufi saint father and American mother, Noor moved to London at a young age before settling in Paris for her school years. Following the fall of France during the Second World War, she escaped to England and joined the WAAF.

In late 1942, she was recruited into the SOE – created to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied territories during the war. Her new portrait at the RAF Club was unveiled in the presence of her relatives, including 95-year-old cousin Shaikh Mahmood and nephew Pir Zia Inayat Khan.

The portrait has been created by celebrated British artist Paul Brason, a former President of the Society of Portrait Painters. He based his creation on the few available images of Noor Inayat Khan to capture her steely resolve as an undercover agent, who refused to crack under brutal Nazi interrogation before being shot by the Gestapo at Dachau concentration camp in Germany in 1944 with the word “liberty” on her lips.

"Noor was the first woman SOE operator to be infiltrated into France, and was landed by Lysander aircraft on 16 June 1943. During the following weeks, the Gestapo arrested most of the Paris Resistance Group in which she worked. Despite the danger, Noor refused to return to England because she did not wish to leave her French comrades without communications and she hoped also to rebuild the Group,” the RAF Club said in a statement.

"The Gestapo had a full description of Noor, who they knew only by her code name ‘Madeleine’, and in October 1943 she was captured by them. Despite brutal interrogation she refused to give any information, either as to her work or her colleagues. She was imprisoned in Gestapo HQ, during which time she made two unsuccessful attempts at escape, and was then sent to Germany for so called ‘safe custody’. She was considered to be a particularly dangerous and uncooperative prisoner,” it noted.

Noor was awarded the GC posthumously for displaying the most conspicuous courage, both moral and physical, over a period of more than 12 months.

Founded in 1918, the RAF Club is a private Members’ Club and registered charity that provides a home away from home for officers of the RAF and their families. The Club counts around 24,000 Officers and former serving officers of the Royal Air Force and their families as its members. 
 
&nbsp;

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Britain's Queen Camilla has unveiled a new portrait of the Indian-origin spy and descendent of Tipu Sultan, Noor Inayat Khan, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Club here to honour her sacrifice as an undercover agent for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the World War II.

Britain's Queen Camilla has unveiled a new portrait of the Indian-origin spy and descendent of Tipu Sultan, Noor Inayat Khan, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Club here to honour her sacrifice as an undercover agent for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the World War II. The 76-year-old senior royal on Tuesday also formally named a room at the RAF Club as "Noor Inayat Khan Room", where the portrait hangs opposite a stained-glass window celebrating women in the RAF which was inaugurated by her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. Noor was a member of RAF’s Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) when she was recruited to the SOE in 1942 and went on to become one of only two members of the WAAF to be awarded the George Cross (GC) – the highest award bestowed for acts of the greatest heroism, or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. "It was a proud moment to have the Queen unveil the portrait of Noor Inayat Khan at the RAF Club,” said British Indian author Shrabani Basu, who presented a copy of her biography of Noor – 'Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan' – to the Queen at the unveiling ceremony. "For me, it has been a privilege to tell her story. This wonderful portrait will now be seen by many young men and women for generations. Noor's story will never be forgotten," she said. Born Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan in Moscow in 1914 to an Indian sufi saint father and American mother, Noor moved to London at a young age before settling in Paris for her school years. Following the fall of France during the Second World War, she escaped to England and joined the WAAF. In late 1942, she was recruited into the SOE – created to conduct espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance in occupied territories during the war. Her new portrait at the RAF Club was unveiled in the presence of her relatives, including 95-year-old cousin Shaikh Mahmood and nephew Pir Zia Inayat Khan. The portrait has been created by celebrated British artist Paul Brason, a former President of the Society of Portrait Painters. He based his creation on the few available images of Noor Inayat Khan to capture her steely resolve as an undercover agent, who refused to crack under brutal Nazi interrogation before being shot by the Gestapo at Dachau concentration camp in Germany in 1944 with the word “liberty” on her lips. "Noor was the first woman SOE operator to be infiltrated into France, and was landed by Lysander aircraft on 16 June 1943. During the following weeks, the Gestapo arrested most of the Paris Resistance Group in which she worked. Despite the danger, Noor refused to return to England because she did not wish to leave her French comrades without communications and she hoped also to rebuild the Group,” the RAF Club said in a statement. "The Gestapo had a full description of Noor, who they knew only by her code name ‘Madeleine’, and in October 1943 she was captured by them. Despite brutal interrogation she refused to give any information, either as to her work or her colleagues. She was imprisoned in Gestapo HQ, during which time she made two unsuccessful attempts at escape, and was then sent to Germany for so called ‘safe custody’. She was considered to be a particularly dangerous and uncooperative prisoner,” it noted. Noor was awarded the GC posthumously for displaying the most conspicuous courage, both moral and physical, over a period of more than 12 months. Founded in 1918, the RAF Club is a private Members’ Club and registered charity that provides a home away from home for officers of the RAF and their families. The Club counts around 24,000 Officers and former serving officers of the Royal Air Force and their families as its members. 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.

Britain's Queen Camilla unveils portrait of British-Indian spy Noor Inayat Khan in London

Drivers in Canada's Toronto were on Wednesday (August 30) warned to keep their car windows closed after a truck spilt crates carrying five million bees onto a road. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Halton Regional Police said they received a call early Wednesday that bee crates had come loose from a truck and spilt onto Guelph Line, north of Dundas Street, in Burlington.

It was “quite the scene,” Constable Ryan Anderson said, adding that crates were on the road and swarms of bees were flying around. The initial beekeeper who was present at the scene was stung a few times, Anderson said.

An hour later, the regional police put out a notice on social media and several beekeepers approached the police to help. Six or seven beekeepers eventually arrived at the scene, the police official further said.

By 9.15 am Wednesday, police said most of the five million bees were safely collected and the crates were being hauled away. Some crates had been left behind for the uncollected bees to return to them on their own.

It was reported that these bees might have been a part of a pollination service, in which farmers hire beekeepers to help pollinate their crops.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Drivers in Canada's Toronto were on Wednesday (August 30) warned to keep their car windows closed after a truck spilt crates carrying five million bees onto a road.

Drivers in Canada's Toronto were on Wednesday (August 30) warned to keep their car windows closed after a truck spilt crates carrying five million bees onto a road. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Halton Regional Police said they received a call early Wednesday that bee crates had come loose from a truck and spilt onto Guelph Line, north of Dundas Street, in Burlington. It was “quite the scene,” Constable Ryan Anderson said, adding that crates were on the road and swarms of bees were flying around. The initial beekeeper who was present at the scene was stung a few times, Anderson said. An hour later, the regional police put out a notice on social media and several beekeepers approached the police to help. Six or seven beekeepers eventually arrived at the scene, the police official further said. By 9.15 am Wednesday, police said most of the five million bees were safely collected and the crates were being hauled away. Some crates had been left behind for the uncollected bees to return to them on their own. It was reported that these bees might have been a part of a pollination service, in which farmers hire beekeepers to help pollinate their crops. (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.

Canada: Five million bees fall off truck near Toronto, cops call beekeepers for help

At least 73 people died and 43 others were injured after a fire broke out in a&nbsp;rundown five-storey building that was occupied by homeless people and squatters&nbsp;in Johannesburg&nbsp;on Thursday (August 31). According to&nbsp;Emergency Management spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, the blaze started early Thursday.&nbsp;Mulaudzi said it was not yet clear what caused the blaze. 
 
Seven of the victims were children, with the youngest being just one-year-old, said an emergency services spokesperson.

As many as 200 people were likely to have been living in the building, said witnesses.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and put out the flames. The building had been evacuated and search and recovery operations were ongoing. Television footage showed fire trucks and ambulances outside the red and white building with burned-out windows, which has been cordoned off by police. 
 
“The death toll may increase. The fire took three hours to contain.&nbsp;This is a tragedy for Johannesburg. Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said.

<h2>Those inside building occupied it illegally</h2>

According to a report by the news agency Reuters,&nbsp;municipal&nbsp;government speaker Colleen Makhubele implied those inside had been occupying it illegally, and that the city had sought but often failed to evict squatters from such buildings.&nbsp;

<img alt="People walk past the 5-storey building after a deadly blaze on August 31, 2023." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f5d79673-1d14-404e-bd1e-73111fb093aa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023-08-31T061025Z_2_LYNXMPEJ7U06N_RTROPTP_4_JOHANNESBURG-FIRE.JPG" />

Photograph:&nbsp;People walk past the 5-storey building after a deadly blaze on August 31, 2023.

They had been to blame for "not heeding to the call of the city to do the right thing..., Makhubele told the country's public broadcaster.&nbsp;"Things like this happen ... because the citizens are not willing to understand and work with us in upholding the laws and the bylaws of the city, in understanding what is safe, what is not safe," she added.

Fires are common in Johannesburg as it suffers from chronic power outages&nbsp;which cause people to&nbsp;resort to candles for light and wood fires for heat.

<img alt="Firefighters work at the scene of a deadly blaze in Johannesburg." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9025f372-0210-43ca-a035-c15b4f221636" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2023-08-31T061025Z_2_LYNXMPEJ7U06L_RTROPTP_4_JOHANNESBURG-FIRE.JPG" />

Photograph:&nbsp;Firefighters work at the scene of a deadly blaze in Johannesburg.

As per a report by BBC on Thursday, a&nbsp;firefighter told local media that many victims were likely trapped&nbsp;by combustible shack-like structures that had been erected in the building.&nbsp;

In the wake of this tragedy, many citizens on social media condemned&nbsp;the online xenophobic attacks that some have made against the victims and survivors of the fire, BBC reported.

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At least 73 people died and 43 others were injured after a fire broke out in a rundown five-storey building that was occupied by homeless people and squatters in Johannesburg on Thursday (August 31).

At least 73 people died and 43 others were injured after a fire broke out in a rundown five-storey building that was occupied by homeless people and squatters in Johannesburg on Thursday (August 31). According to Emergency Management spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, the blaze started early Thursday. Mulaudzi said it was not yet clear what caused the blaze. Seven of the victims were children, with the youngest being just one-year-old, said an emergency services spokesperson. As many as 200 people were likely to have been living in the building, said witnesses. Firefighters arrived at the scene and put out the flames. The building had been evacuated and search and recovery operations were ongoing. Television footage showed fire trucks and ambulances outside the red and white building with burned-out windows, which has been cordoned off by police. “The death toll may increase. The fire took three hours to contain. This is a tragedy for Johannesburg. Over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said. Those inside building occupied it illegally According to a report by the news agency Reuters, municipal government speaker Colleen Makhubele implied those inside had been occupying it illegally, and that the city had sought but often failed to evict squatters from such buildings. Photograph: People walk past the 5-storey building after a deadly blaze on August 31, 2023. They had been to blame for "not heeding to the call of the city to do the right thing..., Makhubele told the country's public broadcaster. "Things like this happen ... because the citizens are not willing to understand and work with us in upholding the laws and the bylaws of the city, in understanding what is safe, what is not safe," she added. Fires are common in Johannesburg as it suffers from chronic power outages which cause people to resort to candles for light and wood fires for heat. Photograph: Firefighters work at the scene of a deadly blaze in Johannesburg. As per a report by BBC on Thursday, a firefighter told local media that many victims were likely trapped by combustible shack-like structures that had been erected in the building. In the wake of this tragedy, many citizens on social media condemned the online xenophobic attacks that some have made against the victims and survivors of the fire, BBC reported. 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.

Johannesburg: Fire kills at least 73 in five-storey building occupied by homeless, squatters

Former United States president Donald Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion in one year, CNN reported late Wednesday (August 30), citing the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Former United States president Donald Trump inflated his net worth by as much as $2.2 billion in one year, CNN reported late Wednesday (August 30), citing the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James. The office made this allegation as part of its civil fraud lawsuit against Trump, his adult sons, and the Trump Organization. Over 10 years, the office said that when it corrected Trump's financial statements for alleged misvaluations, it reduced his net worth by 17-39% each year, or between $812 million to $2.2 billion, depending on the year. Defendants presented grossly & materially inflated asset values This $2.2 billion disparity came in 2014. The office said that based on undisputed evidence, no trial was required for the court "to determine that defendants presented grossly and materially inflated asset values in the (statements of financial condition) and then used those SFCs repeatedly in business transactions to defraud banks and insurers.” “Notwithstanding defendants’ horde of 13 experts, at the end of the day, this is a documents case, and the documents leave no shred of doubt that Mr Trump’s SFCs do not even remotely reflect the ‘estimated current value’ of his assets as they would trade between well-informed market participants,” the office added. The office also said that its valuation and accounting experts determined the former president's net worth in any year between 2011 and 2021 would be no more than $2.6 billion, rather than the stated net worth of up to $6.1 billion. Trump denies any wrongdoing Trump and other defendants in the case denied any wrongdoing. In a court filing, the former president's lawyers said that the Trump Organization's financial statements were not misleading and it never missed a loan payment. “The undisputed record further establishes his companies timely paid hundreds of millions of dollars in interest to their lenders and never defaulted on a loan or even been late on a loan payment during the entire 15+ year time period the NYAG has sought to scrutinize in this action,” Trump's lawyers said. 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.

Donald Trump inflated his net worth by $2.2 billion in one year: Report

China issued a typhoon-red warning on Thursday (August 31) as Typhoon Saola moved closer to the southeastern coastline, threatening Hong Kong and other major manufacturing hubs in the neighbouring Guangdong province.

China issued a typhoon-red warning on Thursday (August 31) as Typhoon Saola moved closer to the southeastern coastline, threatening Hong Kong and other major manufacturing hubs in the neighbouring Guangdong province. China's National Meteorological Center said that Saola would move across the South China Sea at a speed of about 10 kilometres per hour (km/hr) gradually approaching the coast of Guangdong, then slowly weaken in intensity. At 9 am Thursday, winds were recorded at 209 km/hr. The meteorological centre said that Saola would make landfall along the coast somewhere from Huilai County in Guangdong to Hong Kong on Thursday afternoon to Friday night. The precautions As the typhoon approaches, Guangdong's Shenzhen city said it would upgrade the typhoon warning level to yellow - the second lowest - on Thursday evening and suspend classes at nurseries, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. Citing local media, Reuters reported the China Southern Power Grid was stepping up inspection of equipment and strengthening measures to prevent water leakage in basement power rooms. The national railways, meanwhile, suspended several major train lines and Shanghai halted trains heading to Guangdong. Saola brushes past Taiwan bringing heavy rain Typhoon Saola brushed past Taiwan's southern tip on Wednesday bringing heavy rain. The government issued land and sea warnings for the storm, with ferry services and flights to several offshore islands and the southeastern city of Taitung cancelled. Reuters reported that the heaviest rain would fall along mountainous and sparsely populated parts of Pingtung County, where classes and work were suspended in some townships. (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.

China issues typhoon-red warning as Saola moves towards Hong Kong

In Pics | Super blue Moon lights night skies around the world

The Kremlin said on Wednesday (August 30) that investigators were considering the possibility that the aircraft carrying Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was downed on purpose.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday (August 30) that investigators were considering the possibility that the aircraft carrying Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was downed on purpose. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "It is obvious that different versions are being considered, including the version - you know what we are talking about – let's say, a deliberate atrocity." "Let's wait for the results of our Russian investigation," Peskov said. On being asked if the International Civil Aviation Organisation would probe the crash, the Kremlin spokesperson said the circumstances made it different, though he cautioned that investigators had made no formal conclusions yet about what exactly took place. On August 23, the aircraft on which Prigozhin was travelling to St. Petersburg from Moscow crashed north of Moscow killing all 10 people on board including the Wagner chief, the mercenary group's top commanders, his bodyguards and crew of three. The cause of the crash is unclear, but villagers near the crash site told Reuters they heard a bang and then saw the jet plummet to the ground. Prigozhin supporters mourn his death: A fearless warrior On Wednesday, followers of Prigozhin laid flowers, messages and poetry at the Porokhovskoye cemetery in his home town of St. Petersburg, hailing him as a fearless warrior. "It's a huge loss for Russia. But I think we will realise the extent of loss late, as it usually happens. I think we all will feel it later. I think that nobody’s better now that he is here," former Russian Duma member Sergei Abeltsev said. "It's difficult to talk, difficult to compose myself. The country is losing its patriots. This man could have done a lot for our great country," a Wagner supporter, who chose to remain anonymous, told the news agency. A photograph of Prigozhin and the text of Joseph Brodsky's "Nature Morte" lay on the freshly dug ground of his grave. "You are nailed to the cross. How will I go home?" an excerpt from the poem read. (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.

Aircraft carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin may have been downed on purpose: Kremlin

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