A new study has suggested that hogfish don't just see with their eyes, they also see with their skin. The study published in Nature on Tuesday (August 22) said that hogfish known for its colour-changing skin, can morph from white to mottled to reddish-brown in a matter of milliseconds to blend in with corals, sand or rocks. They have light-sensing skin or skin vision, which helps them to see their surroundings.

These fish are not only using skin vision to see their surroundings, as biologist Lorian Schweikert says that the fish could be using skin vision to view themselves.

<h2>The discovery</h2>

A few years ago, during a fishing trip, Schweikert came across a hogfish and threw it onboard. But later when she went to put it in a cooler she noticed something odd: its skin had taken on the same colour and pattern as the deck of the boat. The biologist was surprised as this fish continued its camouflage even though it was no longer alive. “That opened up this whole field for me,” Schweikert said, according to a report by Eureka Alert.

In 2018, Schweikert and another biologist Sonke Johnsen published a study that showed that hogfish carry a gene for a light-sensitive protein called opsin that is activated in their skin and that this gene is different from the opsin genes found in their eyes.&nbsp;

In the study published on Tuesday, Schweikert, Johnsen and their colleagues took a closer look at the hogfish's skin. The researchers took pieces of skin from different parts of the fish’s body and took pictures of them under a microscope.

Up close, the skin looked like a pointillist painting. The&nbsp;study added that each dot of colour is a specialised cell called a chromatophore containing granules of pigment that can be red, yellow or black.

The movement of these granules changes the skin colour. When granules spread out across the cell, the colour appears darker. And when they cluster together into a tiny spot, the cell becomes more transparent.

<h2>An internal polaroid film&nbsp;</h2>

The hogfish's light-sensitive opsins act somewhat like an internal polaroid film. “The animals can literally take a photo of their own skin from the inside,” biologist Johnsen said, according to Eureka Alert. “In a way, they can tell the animal what its skin looks like since it can’t really bend over to look,” he added. “Just to be clear, we're not arguing that hogfish skin functions like an eye. We don't have any evidence to suggest that's what's happening in their skin,” Schweikert, meanwhile, said.

Rather, it’s a sensory feedback mechanism that lets the hogfish monitor its own skin as it changes colour, and fine-tune it to fit what it sees with its eyes.

&nbsp;

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A new study has suggested that hogfish don't just see with their eyes, they also see with their skin. The study published in Nature on Tuesday (August 22) said that hogfish known for its colour-changing skin, can morph from white to mottled to reddish-brown in a matter of milliseconds to blend in with corals, sand or rocks.

A new study has suggested that hogfish don't just see with their eyes, they also see with their skin. The study published in Nature on Tuesday (August 22) said that hogfish known for its colour-changing skin, can morph from white to mottled to reddish-brown in a matter of milliseconds to blend in with corals, sand or rocks. They have light-sensing skin or skin vision, which helps them to see their surroundings. These fish are not only using skin vision to see their surroundings, as biologist Lorian Schweikert says that the fish could be using skin vision to view themselves. The discovery A few years ago, during a fishing trip, Schweikert came across a hogfish and threw it onboard. But later when she went to put it in a cooler she noticed something odd: its skin had taken on the same colour and pattern as the deck of the boat. The biologist was surprised as this fish continued its camouflage even though it was no longer alive. “That opened up this whole field for me,” Schweikert said, according to a report by Eureka Alert. In 2018, Schweikert and another biologist Sonke Johnsen published a study that showed that hogfish carry a gene for a light-sensitive protein called opsin that is activated in their skin and that this gene is different from the opsin genes found in their eyes. In the study published on Tuesday, Schweikert, Johnsen and their colleagues took a closer look at the hogfish's skin. The researchers took pieces of skin from different parts of the fish’s body and took pictures of them under a microscope. Up close, the skin looked like a pointillist painting. The study added that each dot of colour is a specialised cell called a chromatophore containing granules of pigment that can be red, yellow or black. The movement of these granules changes the skin colour. When granules spread out across the cell, the colour appears darker. And when they cluster together into a tiny spot, the cell becomes more transparent. An internal polaroid film The hogfish's light-sensitive opsins act somewhat like an internal polaroid film. “The animals can literally take a photo of their own skin from the inside,” biologist Johnsen said, according to Eureka Alert. “In a way, they can tell the animal what its skin looks like since it can’t really bend over to look,” he added. “Just to be clear, we're not arguing that hogfish skin functions like an eye. We don't have any evidence to suggest that's what's happening in their skin,” Schweikert, meanwhile, said. Rather, it’s a sensory feedback mechanism that lets the hogfish monitor its own skin as it changes colour, and fine-tune it to fit what it sees with its eyes. 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.

This fish uses 'skin vision' to look at itself from the inside

Former United States president Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal judge in Georgia to block state authorities from arresting him if he fails to voluntarily surrender by Friday (August 25) on charges that he conspired to help overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Former United States president Donald Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows asked a federal judge in Georgia to block state authorities from arresting him if he fails to voluntarily surrender by Friday (August 25) on charges that he conspired to help overturn the 2020 presidential election. According to a report by Bloomberg, the emergency request for an order against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was filed in a federal court in Atlanta on Tuesday. Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in the Georgia case on August 14. Willis, who brought the indictment, gave all 19 defendants in the case until Friday to voluntarily surrender. Trump said he would appear in Atlanta on Thursday to be booked. Should not be required to surrender: Meadows Meadows has argued that he should not be required to surrender for booking in the state case while he fights to have the matter moved to federal court and dismissed, Bloomberg reported. He wants to avoid surrendering before a hearing at the federal court on August 28 on his request to move the case out of state court. Meadows has also argued that he is protected from state prosecution under the American Constitution as he was an employee of the federal government during the alleged misconduct. In a filing, Meadows' lawyers said, “Unfortunately, the state is set on subjecting Mr Meadows to criminal process in Georgia as quickly as it can and without regard to his pending efforts to remove the case to federal court.” “In addition to threatening arrest on Friday — in advance of this court’s Monday hearing — the state has also sought a scheduling order that would proceed exceptionally fast for a 19-defendant, 41-count prosecution,” they added. Trump faces $200K bond, orders not to make threats in case Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House next year, has been accused of violating Georgia law by running a criminal enterprise to stay in office after losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden. The former president faces a $200,000 bond and has orders not to send threatening social media messages as he awaits trial in the case. The document, a bond agreement signed by Trump's attorneys and Fulton Country District Attorney Fani Willis, sets out release terms, including restrictions on intimidating witnesses and obstructing justice. (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.

Georgia election case: Trump ally Meadows asks judge to block his arrest

India is set to make history on Wednesday (August 23) as Chandrayaan-3 attempts to land at the Moon's South Pole. If the mission is successful, India will elevate itself to a select group of nations that have achieved the momentous feat of soft lunar landings.

The Russia-Ukraine war rages on with a series of Ukrainian drone strikes continuing to shake Russia's capital city Moscow with the latest strike early Wednesday when an under-construction building in the central region was hit.&nbsp;

In other news, Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was shifted to a hospital overnight on the first night of his jail, a few hours after he returned to the country from years of exile.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-mission-live-india-prepares-for-historic-south-pole-moon-landing-628171">Chandrayaan-3 Mission LIVE: India prepares for historic south pole Moon landing</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/23/374910-chandrayaan-3-mission-4.png?imwidth=1920" />

India is all set to become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. It has emerged as&nbsp;a historic moment for the world's most populous nation and its rapidly growing space sector.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-drone-strikes-continue-to-shake-moscow-central-building-hit-and-flights-suspended-628143">Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/23/374889-domodedovo-airport-outside-moscow-russia.png?imwidth=1920" />

A series of Ukrainian drone strikes continue to shake Moscow with the latest one being on early Wednesday (August 23) when an under-construction building in the central Russian capital region was hit, media reports said quoting&nbsp;&nbsp;the&nbsp;city’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailands-ex-pm-thaksin-shinawatra-shifted-to-hospital-after-spending-one-night-in-jail-628145">Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra shifted to hospital after spending one night in jail</a>

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Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was shifted to a hospital overnight from his detention as he faced health issues of heart and high blood pressure on the first night of his jail, a few hours after he returned to the country from years of exile, said police.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-officially-rolls-out-web-version-of-threads-app-to-compete-against-x-628174">Meta officially rolls out web version of Threads app to compete against X</a>

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In an attempt to keep up with X, formerly known as Twitter, Meta on Tuesday (August 22) announced the launch of its web version of the Threads app. Having launched the app in July, Meta has been hit with a reality check in recent weeks as it attempts to&nbsp;rebuild consumer interest.

Watch | First Trump allies in presidential election subversion case surrender in Georgia

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India is set to make history on Wednesday (August 23) as Chandrayaan-3 attempts to land at the Moon's South Pole. If the mission is successful, India will elevate itself to a select group of nations that have achieved the momentous feat of soft lunar landings.

India is set to make history on Wednesday (August 23) as Chandrayaan-3 attempts to land at the Moon's South Pole. If the mission is successful, India will elevate itself to a select group of nations that have achieved the momentous feat of soft lunar landings. The Russia-Ukraine war rages on with a series of Ukrainian drone strikes continuing to shake Russia's capital city Moscow with the latest strike early Wednesday when an under-construction building in the central region was hit. In other news, Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was shifted to a hospital overnight on the first night of his jail, a few hours after he returned to the country from years of exile. Click on the headlines to read more: Chandrayaan-3 Mission LIVE: India prepares for historic south pole Moon landing India is all set to become the first nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon's south pole. It has emerged as a historic moment for the world's most populous nation and its rapidly growing space sector. Ukraine drone strikes continue to shake Moscow, central building hit and flights suspended A series of Ukrainian drone strikes continue to shake Moscow with the latest one being on early Wednesday (August 23) when an under-construction building in the central Russian capital region was hit, media reports said quoting the city’s mayor Sergei Sobyanin. Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra shifted to hospital after spending one night in jail Thailand’s jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was shifted to a hospital overnight from his detention as he faced health issues of heart and high blood pressure on the first night of his jail, a few hours after he returned to the country from years of exile, said police. Meta officially rolls out web version of Threads app to compete against X In an attempt to keep up with X, formerly known as Twitter, Meta on Tuesday (August 22) announced the launch of its web version of the Threads app. Having launched the app in July, Meta has been hit with a reality check in recent weeks as it attempts to rebuild consumer interest. Watch | First Trump allies in presidential election subversion case surrender in Georgia ×

Morning brief: India's Chandrayaan-3 prepares for historic moon landing, & more

More than 1,100 people are still missing two weeks after the deadly wildfires in Hawaii's Maui island, authorities said on Tuesday (August 22). According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was seeking the help of family members in identifying the remains of the dead.

More than 1,100 people are still missing two weeks after the deadly wildfires in Hawaii's Maui island, authorities said on Tuesday (August 22). According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was seeking the help of family members in identifying the remains of the dead. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Special Agent Steven Merrill said that the FBI was working to collate and verify the data. "We're cross-referencing all the lists so that we can determine who in fact truly is still unaccounted for," Merrill said, adding that as of Tuesday, the agency counted 1,100 missing persons, with the number likely to go up. The FBI set up a dedicated telephone hotline and has encouraged relatives of the missing to contact them. "We really need the public's help," Merrill further told reporters, particularly in terms of getting additional information to verify details for some of the missing. Death toll climbs to at least 115 The death toll due to the wildfires has climbed to 115. AFP reported that FBI agents have also been collecting DNA samples from the families of the missing who are unable to travel to Maui. So far, only 27 of the 115 victims have been identified. On Tuesday, Maui police chief John Pelletier said that a thorough search was being carried out but some victims had been so badly burned that it was impossible to recover any more than ashes. The fires, which started the night of August 8, wreaked widespread destruction in Lahaina. The town was all but wiped off the map, with thousands of missing persons appearing on lists maintained by various organizations, including the police, Red Cross and shelters. "We are going to do this right, we're not going to do it fast. We cannot be in a rush to judgment. We've got one chance. And when this is all said and done, realistically, let's be honest here, we're going to have a number of confirmed. We're going to have a number of presumed." 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.

Maui wildfires: More than 1,100 missing, death toll at 115

Former United States president Donald Trump, who will surrender on Thursday (August 24) to face charges in the 2020 US presidential election case, is expected to do so at a jail in Atlanta where conditions are so notorious they are under investigation by the Justice Department.

Former United States president Donald Trump, who will surrender on Thursday (August 24) to face charges in the 2020 US presidential election case, is expected to do so at a jail in Atlanta where conditions are so notorious they are under investigation by the Justice Department. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday, the standard booking procedure is for a defendant to be fingerprinted and to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond -- which has already been set at $200,000 in Trump's case. During his three previous arrests this year, Trump did not have to undergo having a mugshot taken. However, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat told reporters earlier in August, that when it comes to booking at his jail, "it doesn't matter your status." "We have a mug shot ready for you," Labat added. Trump's fundraising appeal Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump confirmed he would be going to Atlanta to get arrested, but did not give a time. In a fundraising appeal, he said it would take place at a jail "which has been described as a 'humanitarian crisis'" where "guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls." Also read | Georgia election case: Trump ally Meadows asks judge to block his arrest The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has set up a tight security perimeter around the facility, closing streets and restricting access. In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "When Former President Trump surrenders: there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the Rice Street Jail, meaning no ingress or egress during that time." Govt opens probe into conditions of jail Last month, the Justice Department opened an investigation at the Fulton County Jail. Attorney General Merrick Garland said the investigation was being launched based on serious allegations of unsafe, unsanitary living conditions at the prison. "Recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries, and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation," US Attorney Ryan Buchanan said. Citing the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, AFP reported that the prison houses over 2,500 inmates, double the amount it was originally designed to hold in 1989. Last year, 15 inmates died, the journal said, adding there were four deaths reported in the past five weeks alone. (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 2020 election case: Donald Trump expected to be booked at infamous Atlanta Jail

British-American internet personality and former world kickboxing champion Andrew Tate coerced women into sexual acts, the BBC said in a report on Wednesday (August 23), citing prosecution files.

British-American internet personality and former world kickboxing champion Andrew Tate coerced women into sexual acts, the BBC said in a report on Wednesday (August 23), citing prosecution files. The case file summary, which contains hundreds of pages of testimony and transcripts, includes an allegation of sexual violence which is said to have left one woman with eye and breast injuries. And what Romanian prosecutors say are transcribed audio messages, Andrew's brother Tristan (former European kickboxing champion) appeared to say that he would "slave these b**ches." The file summary also included a reproduced text message in which Andrew appeared to claim leadership of the adult content business which prosecutors said was a human trafficking ring. Physical violence and mental coercion Earlier this year, prosecutors said in a statement that the Tate brothers recruited their alleged victims by misleading them about their romantic intentions, before transporting them to a house on the outskirts of Romania's capital city of Bucharest, where they were sexually exploited and forced to produce pornographic content through physical violence and mental coercion. The report added that lawyers for the Tate brothers are expected to challenge the prosecution evidence in a pre-trial hearing later this month. In June, Romania's Organised Crime Unit formally charged the Tate brothers, along with two Romanian women, with human trafficking and forming an organised crime group. Citing prosecutors, the report said that access to money made on the OnlyFans site was controlled by Georgiana Naghel, one of the two Romanian co-defendants. Prosecutors alleged that Naghel would pay the women (in OnlyFans videos) sums of money each month without revealing the total income they earned. On content created on TikTok, the defendants took half of the income, and sometimes even more. The report also said that Naghel faces a charge of physically assaulting one victim - which she denies. One of the witnesses said that fines of about 10 per cent were imposed by the defendants on the women performing online for even small infractions - such as staying too long on a break, or crying while live online. This led to one of the victims owing about $4,326 in debt. The prosecutors' file also contains the transcriptions of audio messages from 2020 in which Tristan appeared to say that he did not want the women on sites like PornHub and OnlyFans to have access to their accounts. Huge financial transfers The file referred to financial transfers done by the Tate brothers, including $5 million allegedly transferred by Andrew into an online bank account under the heading "Rev Only Fans." Prosecutors said that Andrew and Tristan do not appear to have income "from lawful activities", but that from 2018 onwards they acquired numerous properties, 15 of the rarest and most expensive cars, and jewellery $400,000 in cryptocurrency. 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.

Andrew Tate coerced women into sexual acts: Report

A US court ordered a stay on the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India, where he is facing a trial in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed. Rana appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against an order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus.&nbsp;

According to a report by the news agency PTI on Tuesday (August 22), District Judge Dale S Fischer in his latest order said that Rana's “ex parte application” seeking a stay on his extradition was granted.

“The extradition of Rana to India is stayed pending the conclusion of his appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” the order issued on August 18 read.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/extradition-of-mumbai-terror-attack-accused-tahawwur-rana-a-pending-matter-us-626607">Extradition of Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana a 'pending matter': US</a>

The report said that in doing so, the judge overrode the government's recommendations that there should be no stay on Rana's extradition. Judge Fischer wrote that the court did not find that Rana made a strong showing that he was likely to succeed on merits,&nbsp;otherwise, the court would have ruled in his favour in the first instance.

Fischer noted that the proper meaning of offence in Article 6(1) of the extradition treaty was not clear different jurists could come to different conclusions. "Rana's position is certainly colourable and could very well be found to be correct on appeal,” he added.

“The final two factors “merge when the Government is the opposing party.” There is value in compliance with India's extradition request, but Rana's extradition proceedings have been going on for more than three years, which suggests that the process has not been rushed so far. Otherwise, the public interest, if anything, favours Rana,” the judge further wrote.

The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and Washington has been asked to submit its response by November 8.

Judge Fischer also said that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay. He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States.&nbsp;

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A US court ordered a stay on the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India, where he is facing a trial in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed.

A US court ordered a stay on the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India, where he is facing a trial in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed. Rana appealed before the Ninth Circuit Court against an order by a US District Court in the Central District of California that denied the writ of habeas corpus. According to a report by the news agency PTI on Tuesday (August 22), District Judge Dale S Fischer in his latest order said that Rana's “ex parte application” seeking a stay on his extradition was granted. “The extradition of Rana to India is stayed pending the conclusion of his appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit,” the order issued on August 18 read. Also read | Extradition of Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana a 'pending matter': US The report said that in doing so, the judge overrode the government's recommendations that there should be no stay on Rana's extradition. Judge Fischer wrote that the court did not find that Rana made a strong showing that he was likely to succeed on merits, otherwise, the court would have ruled in his favour in the first instance. Fischer noted that the proper meaning of offence in Article 6(1) of the extradition treaty was not clear different jurists could come to different conclusions. "Rana's position is certainly colourable and could very well be found to be correct on appeal,” he added. “The final two factors “merge when the Government is the opposing party.” There is value in compliance with India's extradition request, but Rana's extradition proceedings have been going on for more than three years, which suggests that the process has not been rushed so far. Otherwise, the public interest, if anything, favours Rana,” the judge further wrote. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has asked Rana to submit his argument before October 10 and Washington has been asked to submit its response by November 8. Judge Fischer also said that Rana has shown that he is likely to suffer significant irreparable harm absent a stay. He will be extradited to India for a trial on serious crimes with no hope for a review of his arguments or hope for his return to the United States. 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.

Mumbai terror attack accused Rana's extradition to India stayed by US court

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday (August 20) that 25 planes of the Chinese air force crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line in the last 24 hours, with officials warning that China will likely conduct military exercises near the island.

In Niger, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani said that neither the junta nor the citizens wanted war, and remained open to dialogue. "But let there be no misunderstanding: should aggression be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park that some believe it to be," Tiani added.

And as the war rages on in Ukraine, Kyiv announced training had begun for Ukrainians to operate upon F-16 fighter jets. Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov in a TV interview informed about the training, adding that it would take at least six months or possibly longer to complete it. &nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twenty-five-chinese-air-force-planes-crossed-taiwan-straits-median-line-taipei-627130">Twenty-five Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait's median line: Taipei</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/20/374287-2023-08-19t202813z1lynxmpej7i077rtroptp4china-taiwan.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday (August 20) that in the last 24 hours, 25 Chinese air force planes crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, which previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-coup-junta-says-open-to-dialogue-warns-against-agression-627140">Niger coup: Junta says open to dialogue, warns against aggression</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/20/374293-tiani.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Niger coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani said on Saturday (August 19) evening that neither the junta nor the citizens wanted war, and remained open to dialogue.&nbsp;Niger has been placed under a coup since July 26.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-wildfires-about-30000-in-british-columbia-under-evacuation-order-with-thousands-more-on-alert-627128">Canada wildfires: About 30,000 in British Columbia under evacuation order with thousands more on alert</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/20/374286-untitled-design-2023-08-20t075433809.png?imwidth=1920" />

Provincial officials have ordered&nbsp;the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals in western Canada's British Columbia, amidst escalating wildfires, media reports said. Bowinn Ma, British Columbia's minister of emergency management and climate readiness, spoke about the dynamic nature of the wildfire crisis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-begin-training-to-operate-f-16s-informs-defence-minister-627133">Ukrainian troops begin training to operate F-16s, informs defence minister</a>

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A couple of days after the United States approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands, Kyiv announced training had begun for Ukrainians to operate upon the machine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israeli father and son gunned down in West Bank

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Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday (August 20) that 25 planes of the Chinese air force crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line in the last 24 hours, with officials warning that China will likely conduct military exercises near the island.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday (August 20) that 25 planes of the Chinese air force crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line in the last 24 hours, with officials warning that China will likely conduct military exercises near the island. In Niger, junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani said that neither the junta nor the citizens wanted war, and remained open to dialogue. "But let there be no misunderstanding: should aggression be undertaken against us, it will not be the walk in the park that some believe it to be," Tiani added. And as the war rages on in Ukraine, Kyiv announced training had begun for Ukrainians to operate upon F-16 fighter jets. Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov in a TV interview informed about the training, adding that it would take at least six months or possibly longer to complete it. Click on the headlines to read more: Twenty-five Chinese air force planes crossed Taiwan Strait's median line: Taipei Taiwan's defence ministry said on Sunday (August 20) that in the last 24 hours, 25 Chinese air force planes crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, which previously served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides. Niger coup: Junta says open to dialogue, warns against aggression Niger coup leader General Abdourahamane Tiani said on Saturday (August 19) evening that neither the junta nor the citizens wanted war, and remained open to dialogue. Niger has been placed under a coup since July 26. Canada wildfires: About 30,000 in British Columbia under evacuation order with thousands more on alert Provincial officials have ordered the evacuation of approximately 30,000 individuals in western Canada's British Columbia, amidst escalating wildfires, media reports said. Bowinn Ma, British Columbia's minister of emergency management and climate readiness, spoke about the dynamic nature of the wildfire crisis Ukrainian troops begin training to operate F-16s, informs defence minister A couple of days after the United States approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands, Kyiv announced training had begun for Ukrainians to operate upon the machine. Watch | Israeli father and son gunned down in West Bank ×

Morning brief: Niger junta says open to dialogue, and more

UFC 292 results: Sean O'Malley (United States) has been crowned the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion after he defeated Aljamain Sterling (United States) by TKO (strikes) in the second round in UFC 292 in Boston on Sunday (August 20).

UFC 292 results: Sean O'Malley (United States) has been crowned the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight champion after he defeated Aljamain Sterling (United States) by TKO (strikes) in the second round in UFC 292 in Boston on Sunday (August 20). In the co-main event, Zhang Weili (China) retained her Strawweight championship title as she defeated Amanda Lemos (Brazil) by unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45). Main event: Sean O'Malley vs Aljamain Sterling (Bantamweight division) Sean O'Malley claimed the Bantamweight title with a second-round stoppage win over Aljamain Sterling. In the second round, O'Malley landed a perfect right hand as Sterling looked to close the distance, dropping the former champion. O'Malley kept on landing shots at Sterling which forced the referee to step in and stop the fight. With this victory, O'Malley is the UFC's eighth undisputed Bantamweight champion and has six knockouts in the division's history. In the post-fight interview, O'Malley said he might make his title defence this December. "It feels right. Honestly, this was the most nervous I’ve ever been for a fight. In my eyes, Aljamain Sterling is the best bantamweight of all time. I was nervous but I never lost confidence because I know what I possess in this right hand! It only takes one mistake against me. I don’t even know if that was a mistake, I’m just that good! This is just the beginning of the Suga era. I’m running this until 2035, baby!" he added. Co-main event: Zhang Weili vs Amanda Lemos (Strawweight division) Zhang Weili successfully defended her title against Amanda Lemos as she defeated the Brazilian by unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 49-45). Weili put Lemos on the canvas early in the first round and seemed her way to pounding out a finish when Lemos executed a perfect deep ninja choke from the bottom. The Chinese managed to escape the choke finishing the round by dropping shots on Lemos along the fence. From there, Weili managed to dominate till the fifth round and won the fight. Weili landed 296 strikes, - a new single-fight UFC women's record previously held by Valentina Shevchenko's 249 at UFC 255. Here are the results of other fights in UFC 292: > Ian Machado Garry defeats Neil Magny by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-24). > Mario Bautista defeats Da’Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-29, 30-27). > Marlon Vera defeats Pedro Munhoz by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). > Brad Tavares defeats Chris Weidman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). > Gregory Rodrigues defeats Denis Tiuliulin by KO (elbows) at 1:43 of Round 1. > Kurt Holobaugh defeats Austin Hubbard by submission (triangle choke) at 2:39 of Round 2. > Brad Katona defeats Cody Gibson by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). > Andre Petroski defeats Gerald Meerschaert by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28). > Natalia Silva defeats Andrea Lee by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). > Karine Silva defeats Maryna Moroz by submission (guillotine choke) at 4:59 of Round 1. 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.

UFC 292: Sean O'Malley is new Bantamweight champion; Zhang Weili retains Strawweight title

Ecuadoreans on Sunday (August 20) began voting in the presidential election. The eight presidential hopefuls of the South American nation have pledged to fight huge spurt in crime, which the current government blames on drug gangs, and improve the struggling economy.

Ecuadoreans on Sunday (August 20) began voting in the presidential election. The eight presidential hopefuls of the South American nation have pledged to fight huge spurt in crime, which the current government blames on drug gangs, and improve the struggling economy. On August 9, presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio was assassinated, leading to security issues taking the centre stage in the election. Six suspects, all Colombians police say belong to criminal gangs, were held in connection with Fernando Villavicencio's assassination. Another suspect died of injuries sustained in the shootout. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Sunday, other presidential hopefuls have also reported attacks against them. However, in several cases, the police said that violence was not directed at the hopefuls themselves. The hopefuls carried out their election campaign wearing bulletproof vests. Completely atypical election: Expert Speaking to the news agency AFP, political scientist Anamaria Correa Crespo said that this election is atypical, in a situation basically of horror that Ecuador is going through... due to the existing violence, but which manifested itself in a more acute and atrocious way. Apart from Villavicencio, several other political assassinations marked the run-up to the vote. Outgoing president Guillermo Lasso called the snap election after he dissolved the opposition-dominated Congress in May to avoid an impeachment trial just two years after his election. Villavicencio's replacement receives death threats Luisa Gonzalez, a protegee of Correa, led polling before Villavicencio's murder with about 30 per cent of voting intention. And Villavicencio was replaced by Christian Zurita. AFP reported that ahead of the election, Zurita said he was receiving death threats on social media. "The threats against my life and my team will not stop us, but they are forcing us to take greater security protocols," Zurita said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. He has promised to better equip the police and enshrine intelligence protocols to fight crime, using international loans to shore up social programs. This time, the leading presidential hopefuls include right-wing businessman Jan Topic, right-wing former vice-president Otto Sonnenholzner, and leftist Indigenous attorney Yaku Perez. Political analysts have said that Jan Topic, 40, has seen the biggest boost in his popularity. Nicknamed "Rambo," the former paratrooper and sniper with the French Foreign Legion has vowed to wipe out criminal gangs and build more prisons, emulating El Salvador's Nayib Bukele. (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.

Ecuador election: Polling begins as spiraling violence, economic troubles bother voters

The US state of Maryland has reported its first case of locally acquired malaria in more than 40 years. According to a statement by Maryland's health department on Friday (August 18), the infected resident lives in the National Capital Region.

The US state of Maryland has reported its first case of locally acquired malaria in more than 40 years. According to a statement by Maryland's health department on Friday (August 18), the infected resident lives in the National Capital Region. "The individual was hospitalised and is now recovering. They did not travel recently outside of the United States or to other US states with recent locally acquired malaria cases," the statement added. As per a report by NBC Washington, Dr David Blythe, director of the health department’s infectious disease division, said the patient was from the DC area and had gone to a hospital after experiencing fever and sweating. Health department to investigate malaria case: '...taking very seriously' Maryland health department's Secretary Laura Herrera Scott said on Friday that Malaria was once common in the US, including Maryland, "but we have not seen a case in Maryland that was not related to travel in over 40 years." “We are taking this very seriously and will work with local and federal health officials to investigate this case,” Scott added. Over 2,000 cases reported annually in the US As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 2,000 cases of malaria are reported annually in the US, with most cases occurring in people returning from international travel. Maryland reports around 200 travel-related malaria cases each year. The state health department's statement also said symptoms of malaria usually appear 7 to 30 days after an infective bite and include high fever, chills, body aches, diarrhoea, and vomiting. The statement also suggested a few precautions to prevent mosquito bites or travel-related malaria including using insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin, wearing loose-fitting and long-sleeved clothing, keeping windows and doors closed or covered with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house, and emptying standing water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs. 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: Maryland reports first locally acquired malaria case in over 40 years

The Indian state of Sikkim has announced a sabbatical leave scheme for regular government employees that would allow them to take up to three years of leave with 50 per cent basic pay for such employees interested in pursuing their desired ventures without losing their jobs, the Indian media reported on Sunday (August 20) citing a state government notification.

The Indian state of Sikkim has announced a sabbatical leave scheme for regular government employees that would allow them to take up to three years of leave with 50 per cent basic pay for such employees interested in pursuing their desired ventures without losing their jobs, the Indian media reported on Sunday (August 20) citing a state government notification. According to a report by NDTV, the state government said in a notification on Monday (August 14) that the sabbatical leave for such employees seeks to give multiple opportunities, which otherwise are not available to them because of service rules. What is the scheme about? The notification said that as per the scheme, an employee will be allowed sabbatical leave for not less than 365 days, extendable up to a maximum of 1,080 days for only once in the entire service period. The interested regular state government employees should have completed not less than five years of continuous service, it said. The notification also pointed out that the employees on sabbatical leave can be called back to join duty whenever the Sikkim government finds it necessary to do so in the state's interest by giving a month's notice. Who are ineligible? As per the NDTV report, the state government notification also said the sabbatical leave scheme will not apply to government employees who are members of the All India Service or serving the state government on deputation from the central government, other state governments' PSU, boards and centrally sponsored schemes. Those ineligible also include employees against whom department inquiry or vigilance cases are being considered or pending or those employees placed under suspension are not eligible till the cases are solved. Also, regular government employees who have taken bank loans for which repayment is deducted from their salary will not be eligible for the scheme if the Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) cannot be met from the 50 per cent reduction in monthly pay during the leave period. 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: Sikkim introduces 3-yr sabbatical leave with 50% salary for regular govt employees

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