Greece is seeing a peak tourist season. But in Paros island, residents have launched demonstrations demanding space and free access to its sandy beaches which has now become a movement against the expansion of pricey sunbeds rented out by private companies.

Greece is seeing a peak tourist season. But in Paros island, residents have launched demonstrations demanding space and free access to its sandy beaches which has now become a movement against the expansion of pricey sunbeds rented out by private companies. These demonstrations have been dubbed by the media as the "Towel Movement." According to a report by The New York Times on Tuesday (August 15), a phalanx of lounge chairs with red umbrellas is covering the sand on the Monastiri beach in Paros. A pair of front-row seats near the crystalline waters costs At $76 (70 euros) and less than half were taken on a recent day, the report said. Speaking to NYT, a local resident said that in some cases, the chairs covered 100 per cent of the beach. "We feel we’re being pushed off the island," the resident said and pointed out that people were being made to feel unwelcome unless they use the services of the beach bars that own the chairs. Many businesses on beaches expanding illegally While beaches are public in Greece, local authorities lease sections of them to bars, restaurants and hotels. The report said that though no more than 50 per cent of beaches are supposed to be occupied, many businesses are expanding illegally. The NYT report said that in Paros, the businesses have become predatory with up to $130 being charged for VIP sun loungers. Apart from local residents, tourists are also not happy about the proliferation of the chairs. Local residents have said that seaside businesses have left them hardly a scrap of sand on which to lay their towels. 'Towel Movement' spreading quickly The "Towel Movement" demonstrations are spreading quickly- from Paros to the nearby island of Naxos, and to other holiday spots in the north and the south of Greece. A report by the news agency Reuters on August 10 said that an investigation has been launched into the Paros case. Meanwhile, in Naxos, more than 5,000 people have joined the Facebook group "Save Naxos Beaches" which has filed a legal complaint. Eleni Andrianopoulou, the group's spokesperson, said the beaches were so full of this furniture since the beginning of the tourist season that many people didn't want to sit on a bed or in a chair they didn't have any space anymore to sit." “People started complaining, sending letters, sending complaints, filing complaints and gathering signatures but nothing happened they were not heard. The situation continued and got worse and worse and so they felt also angry and many of these angry people were going every day to the beach ready for (a) fight," Andrianopoulou 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.

Towel Movement: A fight for space on Greece's beaches

Twenty-five countries, which house one-quarter of the world's population, are facing extremely high water stress each year, regularly using up almost their entire available water supply.

Twenty-five countries, which house one-quarter of the world's population, are facing extremely high water stress each year, regularly using up almost their entire available water supply. According to research published by the World Resources Institute on Wednesday (August 16), at least 50 per cent of the global population or around four billion people are currently living under highly water-stressed conditions for at least one month of the year. "Living with this level of water stress jeopardizes people’s lives, jobs, food and energy security. Water is central to growing crops and raising livestock, producing electricity, maintaining human health, fostering equitable societies and meeting the world’s climate goals," the research said. Increasing water stress is threatening countries’ economic growth as well as the world’s food security. Which countries are facing the worst water stress? As per the research, 25 countries, including Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar are exposed to high water stress annually. This means that such countries use more than 80 per cent of their renewable water supply for irrigation, livestock, industry and domestic needs. "Even a short-term drought puts these places in danger of running out of water and sometimes prompts governments to shut off the taps," the research said. The water stress in Bahrain, Cyprus, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman and Qatar is mostly driven by low supply, paired with demand from domestic, agricultural and industrial use. The most water-stressed regions, meanwhile are the Middle East and North Africa, where 83 per cent of the population is exposed to extremely high water stress, and South Asia, where 74 per cent of people are exposed. Situation to worsen The research also said that by 2050, an additional one billion people are expected to live with extremely high water stress, even if the world limits global temperature rise to 1.3 degrees C to 2.4 degrees C (2.3 degrees F to 4.3 degrees F) by 2100, an optimistic scenario. "Global water demand is projected to increase by 20 per cent to 25% by 2050, while the number of watersheds facing high year-to-year variability, or less predictable water supplies, is expected to increase by 19 per cent," it added. This means that for the Middle East and North Africa, their entire population will live with extremely high water stress by 2050. And this is not just a problem for consumers and water-reliant industries but for political stability. Water demand spiking in Africa By 2050, water demand in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to skyrocket by 163 per cent. Even though most countries in this region are not extremely water-stressed, demand is growing faster there than in any other region in the world. This increase in water use, mainly expected for irrigation and domestic water supply, could foster major economic growth in Africa. 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.

Research says 25 countries are facing extremely high water stress

Indian Hindu right-wing group Bajrang Dal's leader Bittu Bajrangi was arrested on Tuesday (August 15) in connection with the communal violence in Nuh in the northern state of Haryana.

Indian Hindu right-wing group Bajrang Dal's leader Bittu Bajrangi was arrested on Tuesday (August 15) in connection with the communal violence in Nuh in the northern state of Haryana. According to a report by the news agency PTI, CCTV footage showed policed officials in plain clothes arresting Bajrangi in a dramatic chase in the lanes of Faridabad city in Haryana. At least 15-20 police officials were seen leaving the site along with the Bajrang Dal leader as locals looked on. PTI reported that Bajrangi, a cow vigilante, was questioned in connection with a fresh FIR registered against him at Nuh's Sadar police station based on a complaint by Assistant Superintendent of Police Usha Kundu. Bajrangi accused of wielding weapons during VHP procession The FIR was registered against Bajrangi under Indian Penal Code sections 148 (riots), 149 (unlawful assembly), 323 (causing hurt), 353, 186 (obstructing a public servant from discharging duty), 395, 397 (armed robbery), and 506 (criminal intimidation) and provisions of the Arms Act, police said. VIDEO | Bittu Bajrangi, a Bajrang Dal member, has been arrested in connection with violence in Haryana's Nuh. (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/SC04SydgiY — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 15, 2023 × He is expected to be produced before a court later on Wednesday. A senior police official told PTI that Bajrangi and his associates wielded weapons during the VHP procession that came under attack in Nuh on July 31. The Bajrang Dal leader was earlier accused of posting inflammatory remarks on social media. Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, had died in the recent clashes that erupted in Nuh over an attempt to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession and spread to Gurugram. (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.

Haryana violence: Bajrang Dal member Bittu Bajrangi arrested after dramatic chase by police | Watch

A nine-year-old child fatally shot a six-year-old inside a home in Florida on Monday (August 14), according to American media reports. The child was taken to the&nbsp;hospital but was pronounced dead. According to the police, the victim was wounded in the head with a single gunshot.

Addressing a press conference, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Assistant Chief JD Stronko said that the children were inside a home in Shady Pine Street South along with an adult at the time of the shooting.&nbsp;

The relationship between the children, and the victim has not been identified yet. Stronko told reporters, "We're trying to get some answers to the specifics regarding the incident."&nbsp;

The adult who was in the house has been questioned by the police. It is not yet known if any charges would be filed.

Citing data analysed from Everytown for Gun Safety, CBS News reported on Tuesday there have been 240 unintentional shootings by children across the United States so far this year. Out of these, there have been 88 deaths and 160 injuries.&nbsp;

In Florida alone, there have been over a dozen unintentional shootings involving children this year.&nbsp;

Florida has a child access prevention law.

Florida Statute 790.174 states that&nbsp;any person who stores or leaves a loaded firearm and "who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm" is required to "keep the firearm in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure or shall secure it with a trigger lock" in most cases.&nbsp;

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A nine-year-old child fatally shot a six-year-old inside a home in Florida on Monday (August 14), according to American media reports. The child was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead.

A nine-year-old child fatally shot a six-year-old inside a home in Florida on Monday (August 14), according to American media reports. The child was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead. According to the police, the victim was wounded in the head with a single gunshot. Addressing a press conference, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Assistant Chief JD Stronko said that the children were inside a home in Shady Pine Street South along with an adult at the time of the shooting. The relationship between the children, and the victim has not been identified yet. Stronko told reporters, "We're trying to get some answers to the specifics regarding the incident." The adult who was in the house has been questioned by the police. It is not yet known if any charges would be filed. Citing data analysed from Everytown for Gun Safety, CBS News reported on Tuesday there have been 240 unintentional shootings by children across the United States so far this year. Out of these, there have been 88 deaths and 160 injuries. In Florida alone, there have been over a dozen unintentional shootings involving children this year. Florida has a child access prevention law. Florida Statute 790.174 states that any person who stores or leaves a loaded firearm and "who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to the firearm" is required to "keep the firearm in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure or shall secure it with a trigger lock" in most cases. 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: 9-year-old child fatally shoots 6-year-old in Florida, police say

The Niger junta said on Tuesday (August 15) that it was open to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the July military coup. "We are in a process of transition.

The Niger junta said on Tuesday (August 15) that it was open to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the July military coup. "We are in a process of transition. We have explained the ins and outs, reiterated our willingness to remain open and to talk to all parties, but we have insisted on the need for the country to be independent," the military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said, following his visit to Chad to meet President Mahamat Deby. Following his meeting, Prime Minister Lamine Zeine said he brought a message of "good neighbourliness and good fraternity" from the head of Niger's regime. US, Russia call for peaceful resolution in Niger The United States and Russia on Tuesday called for a peaceful resolution in Niger. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Mali's military leader about the coup (in Niger). Taking to X, which was earlier called Twitter, Mali's interim President Assimi Goita said that Putin stressed the importance of a peaceful resolution of the situation for a more stable Sahel. On the other hand, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that Washington was still focused on diplomacy as the tool to solve the ongoing crisis in Niger. "We remain very focused on diplomacy for achieving the results that we want, which is the return to the constitutional order," Blinken told reporters on Tuesday. Since the July 26 coup, Western powers and democratic African governments have called for the coup leaders to reinstate ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, who has been in detention. However, the military leaders have refused and rejected attempts at negotiation. On Thursday and Friday, West African army chiefs will meet in Ghana to prepare for possible military intervention, according to a report by the news agency Reuters. Junta threatens to prosecute ousted president The military junta has threatened to prosecute ousted president Bazoum for high treason over his exchanges with foreign heads of state and international organisations. On Sunday, junta spokesperson Amadou Abdramane said that the military authorities "gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute the ousted president ... for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger". The decision was condemned by the US, the United Nations (UN) and West African leaders who called it a further sign that the junta is unwilling to seek a peaceful route out of the crisis. (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.

Niger coup: Junta open to talks to resolve regional crisis

Niger's defence ministry said on Tuesday (August 15) that 17 of its army soldiers were killed in a southwest region bordering Burkina Faso. In a statement, the defence ministry said a detachment of the army was attacked in an ambush next to Torodi commune, adding over a hundred "terrorists" were neutralised.

Niger's defence ministry said on Tuesday (August 15) that 17 of its army soldiers were killed in a southwest region bordering Burkina Faso. In a statement, the defence ministry said a detachment of the army was attacked in an ambush next to Torodi commune, adding over a hundred "terrorists" were neutralised. "The swift reaction of the soldiers and the air-land response at the scene of the skirmish enabled the enemy to be dealt with," the statement added. Attacks in Niger have been falling since 2021 but security remains a major problem, especially in the southwest near the border with neighbouring Mali. The departure of French troops on the Malian side last year left a security vacuum that groups linked to Islamic State and Al Qaeda have expanded into. This incident comes amid Niger facing a military coup since July 26. Niger open to talks to resolve regional crisis The Niger junta said on Tuesday that it was open to talks to resolve the regional crisis caused by the military coup. "We are in a process of transition. We have explained the ins and outs, reiterated our willingness to remain open and to talk to all parties, but we have insisted on the need for the country to be independent," the military-appointed Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine said, following his visit to Chad to meet President Mahamat Deby. Following his meeting, Prime Minister Lamine Zeine said he brought a message of "good neighbourliness and good fraternity" from the head of Niger's regime. The junta is also set to prosecute ousted President Mohamed Bazoum for high treason over his exchanges with foreign heads of state and international organisations. On Sunday, junta spokesperson Colonel Amadou Abdramane said that the military authorities had "gathered the necessary evidence to prosecute the ousted president ... for high treason and undermining the internal and external security of Niger". 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.

17 Niger army soldiers killed in ambush near Burkina Faso border

Authorities in Iran have re-arrested journalist Nazila Maroufian who interviewed the father of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini whose death in custody last year sparked months of protests.

Authorities in Iran have re-arrested journalist Nazila Maroufian who interviewed the father of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini whose death in custody last year sparked months of protests. According to a report by the news agency AFP late Tuesday (August 15), Maroufian, 23, walked out of the Evin prison in Tehran last Sunday, posting a photograph of herself without a headscarf in defiance of the country's strict dress code for women. However, she was arrested again and was moved outside of Tehran to Qarchak women's prison. The conditions of this prison have been repeatedly criticised by rights groups, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said. The HRANA said it had confirmed her re-arrest with a source close to the family. The interview In October last year, Maroufian published an interview on the Mostaghel Online news site with Amjad Amini- Mahsa's father. Mahsa Amini died in September last year after she allegedly violated the dress code. In the interview, Amjad accused authorities of lying about the circumstances of his daughter's death. Authorities have said that the 22-year-old died due to a health problem. However, the family and activists have said she suffered a blow to the head while in custody. The first and subsequent arrests Maroufian was first arrested in November last year. She was later released but said in January that she had been sentenced to two years in jail and suspended for five years on charges of propaganda against the system and spreading false news. Rights groups said that the journalist was again ordered back to Evin prison in early July. Citing data from New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, AFP reported that 95 journalists were arrested in the crackdown on the Amini protests, although most have now been released on bail. (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.

Iran re-arrests journalist who interviewed Mahsa Amini's father and posted pic without veil

Security was tightened outside the Indian embassy in Washington DC in the wake of protests called out by Khalistani supporters. According to a report by the news agency ANI on Tuesday (August 15), several police personnel were seen deployed outside the embassy along with makeshift barricades. The pro-Khalistani groups planned to stage protests outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC amid a scheduled Independence Day celebration on Tuesday.

A report by Livemint said that on Tuesday morning, a small group gathered near the embassy but it was outnumbered by the presence of security personnel.

India's ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu unfurled the Tiranga (Indian flag) at the India House on Tuesday. "Wishing fellow Indians, the Indian diaspora, and friends of India in the US a very happy Independence Day! A privilege to unfurl the Tiranga at India House in Washington DC," Sandhu wrote on X, which was formerly known as Twitter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | USA: Security increased outside the Indian Embassy as Khalistanis plan a protest outside the Indian Mission in Washington DC. <a href="https://t.co/dpcEN2lKrU">pic.twitter.com/dpcEN2lKrU</a>
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This is not the first time that Khalistani supporters have attacked Indian missions. Many such incidents have been reported not just in the US, but also in the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and Canada.

Last month, Khalistani supporters allegedly attempted to set fire to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. There was no major damage nor any injuries and police launched an investigation.

“The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence," US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller wrote in a post on X.

&nbsp;

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Security was tightened outside the Indian embassy in Washington DC in the wake of protests called out by Khalistani supporters. According to a report by the news agency ANI on Tuesday (August 15), several police personnel were seen deployed outside the embassy along with makeshift barricades.

Security was tightened outside the Indian embassy in Washington DC in the wake of protests called out by Khalistani supporters. According to a report by the news agency ANI on Tuesday (August 15), several police personnel were seen deployed outside the embassy along with makeshift barricades. The pro-Khalistani groups planned to stage protests outside the Indian Embassy in Washington DC amid a scheduled Independence Day celebration on Tuesday. A report by Livemint said that on Tuesday morning, a small group gathered near the embassy but it was outnumbered by the presence of security personnel. India's ambassador to the US Taranjit Sandhu unfurled the Tiranga (Indian flag) at the India House on Tuesday. "Wishing fellow Indians, the Indian diaspora, and friends of India in the US a very happy Independence Day! A privilege to unfurl the Tiranga at India House in Washington DC," Sandhu wrote on X, which was formerly known as Twitter. #WATCH | USA: Security increased outside the Indian Embassy as Khalistanis plan a protest outside the Indian Mission in Washington DC. pic.twitter.com/dpcEN2lKrU — ANI (@ANI) August 15, 2023 × This is not the first time that Khalistani supporters have attacked Indian missions. Many such incidents have been reported not just in the US, but also in the United Kingdom (UK), Australia and Canada. Last month, Khalistani supporters allegedly attempted to set fire to the Indian consulate in San Francisco. There was no major damage nor any injuries and police launched an investigation. “The US strongly condemns the reported vandalism and attempted arson against the Indian Consulate in San Francisco on Saturday. Vandalism or violence against diplomatic facilities or foreign diplomats in the US is a criminal offence," US Department of State Spokesperson, Matthew Miller wrote in a post on X. 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: Khalistani protests fizzle out amid tight security, Tricolour unfurled at India House

United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen accidentally ate a magic mushroom during her recent trip to China's capital city Beijing. Speaking to CNN on Monday (August 14), Treasury Secretary Yellen described her experience with the aftereffects.

United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen accidentally ate a magic mushroom during her recent trip to China's capital city Beijing. Speaking to CNN on Monday (August 14), Treasury Secretary Yellen described her experience with the aftereffects. She had gone out with a group of people for dinner at the Yunnan restaurant called In and Out (not the burger chain), and said, "The person who’d arranged our dinner did the ordering." “There was a delicious mushroom dish. I was not aware that these mushrooms had hallucinogenic properties. I learned that later,” Yellen told CNN. The treasury secretary added that she had “read that if the mushrooms are cooked properly, which I’m sure they were at this very good restaurant, that they have no impact.” 'None of us felt any ill effects' Yellen also told CNN that she and others at the dinner did not feel any side effects after consuming the magic mushroom. “But all of us enjoyed the mushrooms, the restaurant, and none of us felt any ill effects from having eaten them,” she said. Last month, Yellen was in China for a four-day visit to China. Yellen praised her trip as having put US ties with China on a "surer footing." The Lanmaoa asiatica mushrooms Yellen's meal at In and Out, which specialises in Yunan food, started trending online, with related posts racking up six million views. According to the CNN report, the dish which the treasury secretary ate is made from Lanmaoa asiatica mushrooms, parts of which turn blue when bruised or sliced. Dr Peter Mortimer, a professor at Kunming Institute of Botany, told CNN on Tuesday that Lanmaoa mushrooms are considered poisonous as they can be hallucinogenic. Apart from the mushrooms, a local food blogger said that they spotted Yellen’s group eating another local fare, grilled fish with herbs, stir-fried pickled Yunnan wild greens with potato slices, and cold rice noodles. 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 Treasury Secretary Yellen ate 'magic mushroom' in China. Then this happened

The United States will roll out a decades-old antibiotic repurposed as a preventive pill which will boost its long fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The United States will roll out a decades-old antibiotic repurposed as a preventive pill which will boost its long fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to a report by the news agency AFP on Friday (August 11), DoxyPEP, or doxycycline has been found to significantly cut the risk of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis when used after sex without protection. The report said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will need to weigh the need to contain record-high rates of STIs impacting millions of American citizens against potentially giving rise to more antibiotic-resistant strains. "Innovation and creativity matter in public health, and more tools are desperately needed," senior CDC official Jonathan Mermin told AFP. Which groups will the preventive pill target? The AFP report said that DoxyPEP will target most at-risk groups of gay men and transgender women with histories of prior infection. As the word is spreading, some clinics are already prescribing the pill. Malik, a 37-year-old man in Washington, said his doctor recently told him he could start using doxycycline as a "morning-after pill" following risky sex, something he had to do twice. The efficacy trials The report said researchers found DoxyPEP efficacious in three of four trials. "What we found was there was about a two-thirds reduction in sexually transmitted infection every three months," Annie Luetkemeyer, who co-led a US trial, told the news agency. Researchers recruited 500 people in San Francisco and Seattle among communities of men who have sex with men and transgender women. Efficacy was greatest for chlamydia and syphilis, both of which were reduced by about 80 per cent, while for gonorrhoea it was about 55 per cent. However, there were few side effects. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US to roll out repurposed antibiotic to prevent sexually transmitted infections

The death toll due to wildfires in Hawaii's Maui has climbed to 96 and hundreds of people are reported to be still missing. This is the deadliest fire in the United States in more than a century.

The death toll due to wildfires in Hawaii's Maui has climbed to 96 and hundreds of people are reported to be still missing. This is the deadliest fire in the United States in more than a century. Hawaiian authorities have begun a probe into the handling of the fire which started four days back. As per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the cost to build Lahaina was estimated at $5.5 billion. There is growing anger among residents as they pointed out that no warnings were issued by officials about the fire. On Saturday, authorities vowed to examine Hawaii's emergency notification systems. Here's a look at the latest updates: > Till now, 96 people have died due to the wildfires, according to the Maui County website. On Saturday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green warned that the death toll would continue to increase as more victims were discovered. And as per Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier, dogs trained to detect bodies have covered only three per cent of the search area. > More than 2,200 structures were damaged or destroyed as the fire tore through Lahaina, according to a report by the news agency AFP. A town with a population of over 12,000, Lahania has been reduced to ruins, its lively hotels and restaurants turned to ashes. > On Saturday night, firefighters were battling at least one other blaze in Maui. The Pulehu/Kihei fire in the south was declared 100 per cent contained. > Speaking to CNN, Hawaii Congresswoman Jill Tokuda said that officials were taken by surprise by the tragedy. "We underestimated the lethality, the quickness of fire," she said. > The disaster began just after midnight on Tuesday when a brush fire was reported in the town of Kula, roughly 55 kilometres from Lahaina. Five hours later, there were power cuts across the town. > Maui also suffered numerous power outages during the crisis, preventing many residents from receiving emergency alerts on their cell phones > Speaking to AFP, a resident said, "The mountain behind us caught on fire and nobody told us jack. You know when we found that there was a fire? When it was across the street from us." > On Saturday, Governor Green said officials secured 1,000 hotel rooms for people who lost their homes and were arranging rental properties to serve as housing at no cost to families. A report by the news agency Reuters said over 1,400 people had been taken in at emergency shelters. > Defending the immediate response, Green said the situation had been complicated by the presence of multiple fires and by the strength of the winds. "Having seen that storm, we have doubts that much could have been done with a fiery fast-moving fire like that," he added. (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.

Maui wildfires: Death toll climbs to 96, hundreds still missing | Top points

As the national election in Ecuador is just a week away, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12).

The Chinese government has expressed concerns over Taiwan Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. The government released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai and that it will take "resolute and forceful measures".

In other news, after violence broke out in India's Nuh, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday to discuss resuming the Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra which the violence had disrupted.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-poll-running-mate-of-slain-candidate-fernando-villavicencio-to-run-for-president-624953">Ecuador poll: Running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio to run for president</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/13/372841-2023-08-12t220121z1lynxmpej7b07xrtroptp4ecuador-election.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

With just a week left for the August 20 election in Ecuador, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hes-a-troublemaker-china-miffed-over-taiwan-vps-us-visit-624961">'He's a troublemaker...': China miffed over Taiwan VP's US visit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/11/24/75802-2018-11-24t131246z1lynxnpeean0etrtroptp3taiwan-politics-cabinet.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

China appears miffed over&nbsp;Taiwanese&nbsp;Vice President&nbsp;William Lai's weekend trip to the United States. On Sunday (August 13), Beijing released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai&nbsp;and that it will take&nbsp;"resolute and forceful measures".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-mahapanchayat-to-meet-in-nuh-to-discuss-resumption-of-vhp-yatra-y-624951">India: Mahapanchayat to meet in Nuh to discuss resumption of 'VHP Yatra'</a>

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A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-nurses-to-be-among-distinguished-guests-at-indias-official-independence-day-celebrations-in-delhi-624948">Farmers, nurses to be among distinguished guests at India's official Independence Day celebrations in Delhi</a>

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Farmers, nurses, fishermen, and head of villages will be among 1,800 distinguished guests at Independence Day Flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15th.

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As the national election in Ecuador is just a week away, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12).

As the national election in Ecuador is just a week away, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). The Chinese government has expressed concerns over Taiwan Vice President William Lai's visit to the United States. The government released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai and that it will take "resolute and forceful measures". In other news, after violence broke out in India's Nuh, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday to discuss resuming the Brajmandal Dharmik Yatra which the violence had disrupted. Click on the headlines to read more: Ecuador poll: Running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio to run for president With just a week left for the August 20 election in Ecuador, the running mate of slain candidate Fernando Villavicencio will run for president in his place, the Construye party said on Saturday (August 12). "The movement will replace the presidential ticket by putting Andrea Gonzalez as president," the party said in a statement. Gonzalez, 36, is due to participate in a presidential debate in Quito on Sunday. 'He's a troublemaker...': China miffed over Taiwan VP's US visit China appears miffed over Taiwanese Vice President William Lai's weekend trip to the United States. On Sunday (August 13), Beijing released a statement saying it was "closely monitoring" the visit by "troublemaker" Lai and that it will take "resolute and forceful measures". India: Mahapanchayat to meet in Nuh to discuss resumption of 'VHP Yatra' A fortnight after violence erupted between the Hindu and Muslim sides in Nuh, a district in the northern Indian state of Haryana, a Mahapanchayat (a gathering of people from around 10-12 villages) has been scheduled on Sunday (August 13). Farmers, nurses to be among distinguished guests at India's official Independence Day celebrations in Delhi Farmers, nurses, fishermen, and head of villages will be among 1,800 distinguished guests at Independence Day Flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15th. Watch | US to make largest ever investment in 'carbon removal' ×

Morning brief: Running mate of slain Ecuador candidate to run for president, & more

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