With Nigerians voting in the general election on Saturday (February 25) to elect a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, an opposition party lawmaker was arrested with almost half a million dollars in cash "for distribution" on Friday.

With Nigerians voting in the general election on Saturday (February 25) to elect a successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, an opposition party lawmaker was arrested with almost half a million dollars in cash "for distribution" on Friday. According to police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, officers from the Rivers State Command arrested Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Chinyere Igwe with a cash sum of $ 498,100 inside a bag. "Also recovered was a list for distribution of the money," Iringe-Koko said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. ALSO READ | Nigeria: Opposition senatorial candidate killed days before election Separately on Friday, authorities in Lagos State said they discovered $70,300 in the local naira currency that it also suspected was being used for vote buying. For years, elections in Nigeria have been marked by vote-buying. To address this problem, the central bank issued new naira notes in December last year, giving citizens only a few weeks to replace the old ones. However, the currency swap led to a cash crunch which sparked riots in the country. Nigerians vote in election amid tight security Nearly 90 million Nigerians are eligible to vote to elect the next president amid widespread security arrangements. Voting has started and early turnout was slow at several polling stations in the economic capital of Lagos. Around 176,600 polling stations have been set up for citizens to exercise their franchise, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Results of the election will be posted outside the polling stations, and the final tally is expected within five days of voting Many citizens are hoping that the next president would steer the economy on a new course after years of worsening violence and hardships. The new president would face multiple problems ranging from high inflation, poverty, energy shortages, rampant crime, Islamist insurgency in Nigeria's northeast and industrial-scale oil theft in the south. A total of 18 candidates are vying for the presidency but analysts see three frontrunners –Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Bola Tinubu, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Peter Obi of the Labour Party. (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.

Nigeria: Voting for general election begins; opposition lawmaker arrested with nearly $500k a day before poll

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday (February 24) that his country would win the conflict. Zelensky's comment comes as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suspended Russia's membership. The United States has announced new sanctions on Russia's key-revenue generating sectors such as defence and banking.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-poland-makes-1st-delivery-of-leopard-2-tanks-to-ukraine-565487">Russia-Ukraine war LIVE | Zelensky confident of victory; FATF suspends membership of Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334619-live-blog.png?imwidth=1920" />

In a statement, FATF said that Russian Federation’s actions unacceptably run counter to FATF core principles aiming to promote security, safety and&nbsp;integrity of global financial system. FATF has decided to suspend their membership.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-sanctions-targeting-russian-banks-defence-industry-semiconductor-access-565534">US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334659-untitled-design-2023-02-24t180245507.png?imwidth=1920" />

US and allies to impose sanctions against Russia's key revenue-generating sectors like defence, banking&nbsp;and blocks access to semiconductors.&nbsp;The White House said in a statement that it was also joining with partners in the Group of Seven countries to impose new financial penalties designed to stop the funding of Moscow's war machine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-a-turning-point-not-a-roadblock-for-indian-medical-students-565459">Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334651-thumbnailrussiaukrainewarstudent-3.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Many long to enjoy campus life, but in Ukraine it has a whole new meaning; it’s about constant power cuts and the lingering fear that refuses to leave the air.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-calls-for-g20-to-focus-on-worlds-most-vulnerable-citizens-565575">Indian PM Modi calls for G20 to focus on world's 'most vulnerable citizens'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334685-modi-g-20.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 24) called for the Group of 20 (G20) to focus on the world's most vulnerable citizens as he said that the financial viability of many nations is being threatened by unsustainable debt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-cryptocurrency-firm-seems-to-have-disappeared-it-was-linked-to-parliamentarians-565607">UK cryptocurrency firm seems to have disappeared. It was linked to parliamentarians</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/03/329956-71c9885e-5e86-11e8-ad91-e01af256df68.jpeg?imwidth=1920" />

Phoenix Community Capital, a cryptocurrency investment firm in the United Kingdom that had links to two all-party parliamentary groups (APPGs), seems to have disappeared. The development has left several investors worried about losing tens of thousands of pounds in investment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/telecom-giant-ericsson-to-go-on-cost-cutting-mode-with-layoffs-of-8500-employees-565603">Swedish telecom giant Ericsson to go on cost-cutting with layoff of 8,500 employees</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334703-untitled-design-2023-02-24t204119993.png?imwidth=1920" />

As demand weakens in several countries, particularly in North America, the corporation declared in December that it will slash expenses by 9 billion crowns ($880 million) by the end of 2023. Now, the firm plans to layoff&nbsp;8,500 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/junior-doctors-to-go-on-72-hours-strike-in-england-565573">Junior doctors to go on 72-hour strike in England</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334684-untitled-design-2023-02-24t184558640.png?imwidth=1920" />

Continuing their&nbsp;demand for pay raise, Junior doctors in England will go on strike for three days, 13, 14 and 15 March, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said. According to the BMA, young doctors are at a loss for options after Health Secretary Steve Barclay "refused to attend" a meeting to discuss their wages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-opposition-senatorial-candidate-killed-days-before-election-565552">Nigeria: Opposition senatorial candidate killed days before election</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334670-2023-02-23t151014z1lynxmpej1m0kvrtroptp4nigeria-election.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

An opposition senatorial candidate in Nigeria was killed in the southeastern Enugu State late Wednesday, ahead of the crucial general election on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/james-bond-star-daniel-craig-to-voice-turkey-syria-earthquake-aid-appeal-565542">James Bond star Daniel Craig to voice Turkey-Syria earthquake aid appeal</a> 
&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/12/05/118965-new-13.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

James Bond&nbsp;star Daniel Craig will be lending his voice for a noble cause. He will seek donations on UK TV for Turkey-Syria as the two nations were rocked by a devastating earthquake recently. The aid appeal will air across 29 channels.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-anjum-chopra-consoles-an-emotional-harmanpreet-kaur-after-indias-t20-world-cup-exit-565493">WATCH: Anjum Chopra consoles an emotional Harmanpreet Kaur after India's T20 World Cup exit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/24/334626-watch-chopra-consoles-an-emotional-harmanpreet-after-indias-t20-wc-loss.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

India gave a tough fight to defending champions Australia but bowed out of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023, in South Africa, with a five-run loss in the first semi-final on Thursday (February 23). Being asked to bowl first, India were rusty as Australia rode on Beth Mooney's 54, captain Mag Lanning's 49* and Ashleigh Gardener's 31 to post 172-4.&nbsp;

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday (February 24) that his country would win the conflict. Zelensky's comment comes as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suspended Russia's membership.

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday (February 24) that his country would win the conflict. Zelensky's comment comes as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) suspended Russia's membership. The United States has announced new sanctions on Russia's key-revenue generating sectors such as defence and banking. Click on the headlines to read more Russia-Ukraine war LIVE | Zelensky confident of victory; FATF suspends membership of Russia In a statement, FATF said that Russian Federation’s actions unacceptably run counter to FATF core principles aiming to promote security, safety and integrity of global financial system. FATF has decided to suspend their membership. US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access US and allies to impose sanctions against Russia's key revenue-generating sectors like defence, banking and blocks access to semiconductors. The White House said in a statement that it was also joining with partners in the Group of Seven countries to impose new financial penalties designed to stop the funding of Moscow's war machine. Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students Many long to enjoy campus life, but in Ukraine it has a whole new meaning; it’s about constant power cuts and the lingering fear that refuses to leave the air. Indian PM Modi calls for G20 to focus on world's 'most vulnerable citizens' India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 24) called for the Group of 20 (G20) to focus on the world's most vulnerable citizens as he said that the financial viability of many nations is being threatened by unsustainable debt. UK cryptocurrency firm seems to have disappeared. It was linked to parliamentarians Phoenix Community Capital, a cryptocurrency investment firm in the United Kingdom that had links to two all-party parliamentary groups (APPGs), seems to have disappeared. The development has left several investors worried about losing tens of thousands of pounds in investment. Swedish telecom giant Ericsson to go on cost-cutting with layoff of 8,500 employees As demand weakens in several countries, particularly in North America, the corporation declared in December that it will slash expenses by 9 billion crowns ($880 million) by the end of 2023. Now, the firm plans to layoff 8,500 employees. Junior doctors to go on 72-hour strike in England Continuing their demand for pay raise, Junior doctors in England will go on strike for three days, 13, 14 and 15 March, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said. According to the BMA, young doctors are at a loss for options after Health Secretary Steve Barclay "refused to attend" a meeting to discuss their wages. Nigeria: Opposition senatorial candidate killed days before election An opposition senatorial candidate in Nigeria was killed in the southeastern Enugu State late Wednesday, ahead of the crucial general election on Saturday. James Bond star Daniel Craig to voice Turkey-Syria earthquake aid appeal James Bond star Daniel Craig will be lending his voice for a noble cause. He will seek donations on UK TV for Turkey-Syria as the two nations were rocked by a devastating earthquake recently. The aid appeal will air across 29 channels. WATCH: Anjum Chopra consoles an emotional Harmanpreet Kaur after India's T20 World Cup exit India gave a tough fight to defending champions Australia but bowed out of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023, in South Africa, with a five-run loss in the first semi-final on Thursday (February 23). Being asked to bowl first, India were rusty as Australia rode on Beth Mooney's 54, captain Mag Lanning's 49* and Ashleigh Gardener's 31 to post 172-4.

Top 10 world news: Ukraine's Zelensky confident of winning war; FATF suspends Russia's membership, & more

The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure.&nbsp;Punggye-ri is the main nuclear testing site of North Korea.

Lee Hyo-jung, the deputy spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry said that radiation testing would be offered to North Koreans who lived in Kilju or nearby regions following Pyongyang's first nuclear tests in 2006, if they are willing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The ministry had tested some defectors from around the area before, but it was done with such a small sample size. For more meaningful results, the ministry plans on conducting the tests on a larger scale starting this year, with the consent of the defectors,” Hyo-jung said, according to a report by The Korea Herald. She added the tests would determine if the defectors were exposed to radiation generated by the nuclear tests, and how their health might have been affected.&nbsp;

The ministry's announcement comes after a report by Seoul-based NGO Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) said that residents around Punggye-ri could be exposed to radioactive leaks or contamination. The TJWG estimated that up to half a million residents are at risk and called on the South Korean government to probe the risk and the possible extent of radiation exposure.&nbsp;

A report by the BBC on Friday said that North Korea had last tested a nuclear bomb in 2017- the most powerful test conducted at Punggye-ri. It said the tests were carried out safely. However, scientists for long raised fears that radioactive material might have escaped into surrounding soil and groundwater.

In 2019, South Korea's unification ministry stopped testing defectors for radiation exposure. And in 2017 and 2018, it tested 40 defectors from and around Kilju and found worrying levels of chromosomal abnormalities in nine of them. But it did not fully disclose the results and faced public criticism.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure.

The South Korean government said on Friday (February 24) that it would carry out radiation tests for more than 800 defectors from North Korea's nuclear test site in Punggye-ri, for possible radiation exposure. Punggye-ri is the main nuclear testing site of North Korea. Lee Hyo-jung, the deputy spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry said that radiation testing would be offered to North Koreans who lived in Kilju or nearby regions following Pyongyang's first nuclear tests in 2006, if they are willing. “The ministry had tested some defectors from around the area before, but it was done with such a small sample size. For more meaningful results, the ministry plans on conducting the tests on a larger scale starting this year, with the consent of the defectors,” Hyo-jung said, according to a report by The Korea Herald. She added the tests would determine if the defectors were exposed to radiation generated by the nuclear tests, and how their health might have been affected. The ministry's announcement comes after a report by Seoul-based NGO Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) said that residents around Punggye-ri could be exposed to radioactive leaks or contamination. The TJWG estimated that up to half a million residents are at risk and called on the South Korean government to probe the risk and the possible extent of radiation exposure. A report by the BBC on Friday said that North Korea had last tested a nuclear bomb in 2017- the most powerful test conducted at Punggye-ri. It said the tests were carried out safely. However, scientists for long raised fears that radioactive material might have escaped into surrounding soil and groundwater. In 2019, South Korea's unification ministry stopped testing defectors for radiation exposure. And in 2017 and 2018, it tested 40 defectors from and around Kilju and found worrying levels of chromosomal abnormalities in nine of them. But it did not fully disclose the results and faced public criticism. (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.

South Korea to test North Korean defectors for radiation exposure: Reports

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Friday (February 24) that Moscow would be victorious in its offensive in Ukraine, and was ready to fight until the Polish border to counter threats.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Friday (February 24) that Moscow would be victorious in its offensive in Ukraine, and was ready to fight until the Polish border to counter threats. Taking to Telegram, Medvedev, who is currently the head of Russia's security council, said that victory would be achieved. Medvedev predicted that tough negotiations with Kyiv and the West would follow that would culminate in some kind of agreement. However, he said the deal would lack fundamental agreements on real borders and not amount to an over-arching European security pact, making it important for Moscow to extend its borders now. ALSO READ | US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access "This is why it is so important to reach all the goals of the special military operation. To push back the borders of the threats against our country as far as possible, even if this is to the borders of Poland," he further said on Telegram. Poland has supported Ukraine since the beginning of Moscow's offensive and confirmed on Friday that it would be delivering the first Leopard tanks to the war-torn country. Poland shares long eastern borders with Ukraine and Belarus (an ally of Russia), and a frontier of around 200 kilometres in its northeastern corner with the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. A report by the news agency Reuters on Friday said that any encroachment on Poland's borders would bring Russia for the first time into direct conflict with NATO. Two days back, United States President Joe Biden vowed to defend every inch of NATO territory if it was attacked. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight "The commitment of the United States to NATO ... is absolutely clear. Article 5 is a sacred commitment the United States has made. We will defend literally every inch of NATO, every inch of NATO," Biden said during his speech in Warsaw on Wednesday. On war anniversary, Ukraine preparing for counter offensive: Minister Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said that his forces were making plans to push the Russian military out of the country, the news agency AFP reported. Speaking to the armed forces, Reznikov said that a year back, it was difficult for Kyiv to get serious weapons. "Today, civilised countries see that you are the shield of Europe in the east. There will be a counteroffensive. We are working hard to prepare and secure it," Reznikov 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.

Ukraine war: Russia will be victorious in its offensive, ready to fight until Polish border, vows ex-president

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 24) called for the Group of 20 (G20) to focus on the world's most vulnerable citizens as he said that the financial viability of many nations is being threatened by unsustainable debt. Virtually addressing the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi said, "Food and energy security have become major concerns across the world. Even the financial viability of many countries is threatened by unsustainable debt levels."

Modi said the trust in financial institutions has eroded amid the serious economic difficulties from the impact of the Covid pandemic and that this was partly because the international financial institutions had been slow to reform themselves. "We are also witnessing rising geo-political tensions in different parts of the world. There are disruptions in global supply chains," he added, the news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/host-india-avoids-discussion-on-more-russia-sanctions-at-g20-meet-report-564867">Host India avoids discussion on more Russia sanctions at G20 meet: Report</a>

The Indian Prime Minister hoped that G20 member nations would be inspired by the vibrancy of India's economy. Modi pointed out that Indian consumers and producers are optimistic and confident about the future and hoped member nations would be able to transmit the same positive spirit to the global economy.&nbsp;

"We need to collectively work to strengthen multilateral development banks for meeting global challenges like climate change and high debt levels," he added.

India is the host nation for this year's G20 summit which will be held in September. India's presidency of the bloc comes as its three neighbours - Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan seek bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the economic slowdown caused by Covid and the ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/141-in-favour-32-abstained-five-against-unga-votes-to-demand-russia-withdraw-from-ukraine-immediately-565280">India abstains as historic UNGA vote demands Russia to leave Ukraine 'immediately'</a>

On Friday, Prime Minister Modi also said that as members of the G20 were meeting in Bengaluru, the delegates would have a first-hand experience of how Indian consumers have embraced digital payments, PTI reported. Modi added that during India's G20 presidency, the central government created a new system for G20 guests to use the nation's path-breaking digital payments platform UPI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 24) called for the Group of 20 (G20) to focus on the world's most vulnerable citizens as he said that the financial viability of many nations is being threatened by unsustainable debt.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (February 24) called for the Group of 20 (G20) to focus on the world's most vulnerable citizens as he said that the financial viability of many nations is being threatened by unsustainable debt. Virtually addressing the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting in Bengaluru, Prime Minister Modi said, "Food and energy security have become major concerns across the world. Even the financial viability of many countries is threatened by unsustainable debt levels." Modi said the trust in financial institutions has eroded amid the serious economic difficulties from the impact of the Covid pandemic and that this was partly because the international financial institutions had been slow to reform themselves. "We are also witnessing rising geo-political tensions in different parts of the world. There are disruptions in global supply chains," he added, the news agency PTI reported. ALSO READ | Host India avoids discussion on more Russia sanctions at G20 meet: Report The Indian Prime Minister hoped that G20 member nations would be inspired by the vibrancy of India's economy. Modi pointed out that Indian consumers and producers are optimistic and confident about the future and hoped member nations would be able to transmit the same positive spirit to the global economy. "We need to collectively work to strengthen multilateral development banks for meeting global challenges like climate change and high debt levels," he added. India is the host nation for this year's G20 summit which will be held in September. India's presidency of the bloc comes as its three neighbours - Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan seek bailouts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the economic slowdown caused by Covid and the ongoing war in Ukraine. ALSO READ | India abstains as historic UNGA vote demands Russia to leave Ukraine 'immediately' On Friday, Prime Minister Modi also said that as members of the G20 were meeting in Bengaluru, the delegates would have a first-hand experience of how Indian consumers have embraced digital payments, PTI reported. Modi added that during India's G20 presidency, the central government created a new system for G20 guests to use the nation's path-breaking digital payments platform UPI. (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.

Indian PM Modi calls for G20 to focus on world's 'most vulnerable citizens'

An opposition senatorial candidate in Nigeria was killed in the southeastern Enugu State late Wednesday, ahead of the crucial general election on Saturday. According to the state police on Thursday, suspected members of two Biafran separatist groups which have been banned by authorities targeted vehicles from three different political parties including the Labour Party in simultaneous incidents at separate locations, news agency Reuters reported late Friday.&nbsp;

The police confirmed that Labour Party's senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu and his driver were killed. The police added that in a separate attack, a driver of a People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaign minibus was also killed.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-cash-crisis-hits-health-services-patients-die-for-lack-of-money-564628">Nigeria: Cash crisis hits health services, patients die for lack of money</a>

In the above cases, the attackers set vehicles ablaze with petrol bombs. Police also said on Thursday that a similar attempted attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party's gubernatorial candidate in Enugu. In a statement, &nbsp;Enugu State police commissioner, Ahmed Ammani urged citizens "not to succumb to the cowardly antics of the hoodlums, which is aimed at creating fear and to disrupt the electoral process".

The campaign for the general election in Nigeria ended on Thursday and polling will take place on Saturday. The election comes amid the country grappling with widespread insecurity from various armed groups, high inflation and growing poverty. Recently, the country has been hit by a cash crunch which sparked riots.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/violent-protests-erupt-in-nigeria-over-scarcity-of-cash-reports-562541">Nigeria president defends currency swap but orders old notes to remain in circulation</a>

On Thursday, the United States, Europe and other global governments urged Nigeria to ensure a peaceful election. For years, elections in the West African country have been marked by violence, ethnic tensions, vote-buying and clashes between supporters of rival parties.

"It is vital for Nigeria's stability and democratic consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely, fairly and credibly," according to a joint statement from the diplomatic missions of the United States, Britain, Australia, Japan, Canada and Norway. &nbsp;"We encourage all actors to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and avoid any violence," the statement added.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

An opposition senatorial candidate in Nigeria was killed in the southeastern Enugu State late Wednesday, ahead of the crucial general election on Saturday. According to the state police on Thursday, suspected members of two Biafran separatist groups which have been banned by authorities targeted vehicles from three different political parties including the Labour Party in simultaneous incidents at separate locations, news agency Reuters reported late Friday.

An opposition senatorial candidate in Nigeria was killed in the southeastern Enugu State late Wednesday, ahead of the crucial general election on Saturday. According to the state police on Thursday, suspected members of two Biafran separatist groups which have been banned by authorities targeted vehicles from three different political parties including the Labour Party in simultaneous incidents at separate locations, news agency Reuters reported late Friday. The police confirmed that Labour Party's senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu and his driver were killed. The police added that in a separate attack, a driver of a People's Democratic Party (PDP) campaign minibus was also killed. ALSO READ | Nigeria: Cash crisis hits health services, patients die for lack of money In the above cases, the attackers set vehicles ablaze with petrol bombs. Police also said on Thursday that a similar attempted attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party's gubernatorial candidate in Enugu. In a statement, Enugu State police commissioner, Ahmed Ammani urged citizens "not to succumb to the cowardly antics of the hoodlums, which is aimed at creating fear and to disrupt the electoral process". The campaign for the general election in Nigeria ended on Thursday and polling will take place on Saturday. The election comes amid the country grappling with widespread insecurity from various armed groups, high inflation and growing poverty. Recently, the country has been hit by a cash crunch which sparked riots. ALSO READ | Nigeria president defends currency swap but orders old notes to remain in circulation On Thursday, the United States, Europe and other global governments urged Nigeria to ensure a peaceful election. For years, elections in the West African country have been marked by violence, ethnic tensions, vote-buying and clashes between supporters of rival parties. "It is vital for Nigeria's stability and democratic consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely, fairly and credibly," according to a joint statement from the diplomatic missions of the United States, Britain, Australia, Japan, Canada and Norway. "We encourage all actors to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and avoid any violence," the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nigeria: Opposition senatorial candidate killed days before election

American tech giant Apple Inc is researching how to add a colour change function to the Apple Watch band so that it matches the wearers' outfit. According to a report by AppleInsider on Tuesday (February 21), Apple has been granted a patent for the colour-changing band. Rather than buying different watch bands to match different clothes, "Watch Band With Adjustable Colour" proposes that users buy just one, and it changes colour.&nbsp;

According to the patent, Apple Watch users may desire the ability to customise their watch bands for variety and style. "For example, a user may desire a watch band of a particular colour based on the user's selection of clothing, other wearable articles, environment, or another preference," the patent said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/soon-an-apple-device-to-monitor-blood-glucose-without-need-to-prick-skin-564913">Soon, an Apple device to monitor blood glucose without need to prick skin</a>

"Some existing watches offer users the ability to remove and change watch bands for customisation.&nbsp;However, this requires the user to have a separate watch band for each of the colours or colour combinations that are desired," it further said.&nbsp;

According to the AppleInsider report, the patent describes the idea by referring to watch bands with electrochromic features, meaning that an applied voltage can cause a variety of colours and colour combinations to be displayed by a single band.&nbsp;

And while the patent attempts to describe every possible use of its core idea, the central examples revolve around watch bands that are made from a fabric which is itself woven from filaments. Apple said in its patent that some or all of the filaments can include electrochromic features. Giving an example, the tech giant said one or more of the filaments can include a conductor and an electrochromic layer.&nbsp;

The layer can be electrically connected to the conductor so that voltage applied to the conductor is communicated to it, said Apple adding the electrochromic layer can include a polymer layer which can react, in the presence of an applied voltage, to change its colour.&nbsp;

"The colour selections can be made and adjusted without removing and exchanging the watch band," the patent said. Also, a variety of colours can be displayed at different times without requiring different watch bands for each colour or colour combination, it added.&nbsp;

 


WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

American tech giant Apple Inc is researching how to add a colour change function to the Apple Watch band so that it matches the wearers' outfit. According to a report by AppleInsider on Tuesday (February 21), Apple has been granted a patent for the colour-changing band.

American tech giant Apple Inc is researching how to add a colour change function to the Apple Watch band so that it matches the wearers' outfit. According to a report by AppleInsider on Tuesday (February 21), Apple has been granted a patent for the colour-changing band. Rather than buying different watch bands to match different clothes, "Watch Band With Adjustable Colour" proposes that users buy just one, and it changes colour. According to the patent, Apple Watch users may desire the ability to customise their watch bands for variety and style. "For example, a user may desire a watch band of a particular colour based on the user's selection of clothing, other wearable articles, environment, or another preference," the patent said. ALSO READ | Soon, an Apple device to monitor blood glucose without need to prick skin "Some existing watches offer users the ability to remove and change watch bands for customisation. However, this requires the user to have a separate watch band for each of the colours or colour combinations that are desired," it further said. According to the AppleInsider report, the patent describes the idea by referring to watch bands with electrochromic features, meaning that an applied voltage can cause a variety of colours and colour combinations to be displayed by a single band. And while the patent attempts to describe every possible use of its core idea, the central examples revolve around watch bands that are made from a fabric which is itself woven from filaments. Apple said in its patent that some or all of the filaments can include electrochromic features. Giving an example, the tech giant said one or more of the filaments can include a conductor and an electrochromic layer. The layer can be electrically connected to the conductor so that voltage applied to the conductor is communicated to it, said Apple adding the electrochromic layer can include a polymer layer which can react, in the presence of an applied voltage, to change its colour. "The colour selections can be made and adjusted without removing and exchanging the watch band," the patent said. Also, a variety of colours can be displayed at different times without requiring different watch bands for each colour or colour combination, it 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.

Planning to buy an Apple Watch? Report says watch band may change colour to match your outfit

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, China on Friday (February 24) called for both countries to hold peace talks as soon as possible and insisted that nuclear weapons must not be used in the conflict.

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine marks one year, China on Friday (February 24) called for both countries to hold peace talks as soon as possible and insisted that nuclear weapons must not be used in the conflict. China's foreign ministry shared a 12-point paper on a political settlement of the war which includes resuming peace talks, ceasing hostilities, keeping nuclear power plants safe and protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs). The paper was criticised by the United States and some experts. Here are the 12-points that China has put forward 1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries Universally recognised international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All parties should jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and defend international fairness and justice. Equal and uniform application of international law should be promoted, while double standards must be rejected. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight 2. Abandoning the Cold War mentality China said the security of a country should not be pursued at the expense of others, adding, the security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocks. "The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly," the ministry said. It highlighted that there is no simple solution to a complex issue, and all parties should follow the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and bearing in mind the long-term peace and stability of the world, help forge a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. China further said that all parties should oppose the pursuit of one's security at the cost of others' security, prevent bloc confrontation and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian Continent. 3. Ceasing hostilities Conflict and war benefit no one, China said and urged all parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control. Beijing added that all parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming a direct dialogue as quickly as possible to gradually de-escalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire. 4. Resuming peace talks With Russia's offensive in Ukraine marking one year, China's fourth point in the 12-point paper is about resuming peace talks between the two countries. It said that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. "All efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported. The international community should stay committed to the right approach of promoting talks for peace, help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible, and create conditions and platforms for the resumption of negotiation," China said, adding, it will continue to play a constructive role in this regard. 5. Resolving humanitarian crisis "All measures conducive to easing the humanitarian crisis must be encouraged and supported. Humanitarian operations should follow the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and humanitarian issues should not be politicised," China said and stressed that the safety of civilians must be effectively protected, and humanitarian corridors should be set for evacuating civilians from conflict zones. China also said that the United Nations should be supported in playing a coordinating role in channelling humanitarian aid to conflict zones. ALSO READ | A tale of two silences: Why India's Ukraine vote abstention in the UN is different from that of China 6. Protecting civilians and POWs China said that parties to the conflict (the Ukraine war) should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities; protect women children and other victims of the war and respect the basic rights of the prisoners of war (POWs). China added it supports the exchange of POWs between Moscow and Kyiv and called on all parties to create more favourable conditions for this purpose. 7. Keeping nuclear power plants safe In the seventh point of the paper, China said it opposes "armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities, and calls on all parties to comply with international law including the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and resolutely avoid man-made nuclear accidents." "China supports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities," it added. 8. Reducing strategic risks Insisting that nuclear weapons must not be used in the Ukraine war, China said nuclear proliferation must be prevented and the nuclear crisis avoided, adding, it opposes the research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances. ALSO WATCH | Evaluating the Ukraine war, one year later × 9. Facilitating grain exports "All parties need to implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN fully and effectively in a balanced manner, and support the UN in playing an important role in this regard. The cooperation initiative on global food security proposed by China provides a feasible solution to the global food crisis," China said. 10. Stopping unilateral sanctions China said it opposes the unilateral sanctions unauthorised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). "Unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure cannot solve the issue; they only create new problems," China said and urged relevant countries to stop abusing such sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” against other countries, to do their share in de-escalating the Ukraine war, and also create conditions for developing countries to grow their economies and better lives of citizens. 11. Keeping industrial and supply chains stable "All parties should earnestly maintain the existing world economic system and oppose using the world economy as a tool or weapon for political purposes. Joint efforts are needed to mitigate the spillovers of the crisis and prevent it from disrupting international cooperation in energy, finance, food trade and transportation and undermining the global economic recovery," China said. 12. Promoting post-conflict reconstruction The final point that China made in its paper is that the global community needs to take measures to support post-conflict reconstruction in conflict zones. "China stands ready to provide assistance and play a constructive role in this endeavour." China's paper criticised by US, experts United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan and some experts criticised the 12-point-paper put forward by China on a political settlement of the Ukraine war. Speaking to CNN, NSA Sullivan said “My first reaction to it is that it could stop at point one, which is to respect the sovereignty of all nations.” Sullivan added that Ukraine, NATO and the US were not attacking Russia, and Moscow's aims in the war were to wipe Ukraine off the map, to absorb it. Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the German Marshall Fund, said Beijing's paper was largely a summary of its previously stated positions and statements which were replete with contradictions, according to a report by the Guardian on Friday. Drew Thompson, a former US Defence Department official, meanwhile, said that the paper lacked credibility. The paper also comes after China was accused of militarily aiding Russia's offensive. Earlier this month, a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) said that Beijing was providing technology that Moscow needed in Ukraine despite Western countries imposing sanctions and export controls. Sanctions data reviewed by the WSJ showed that Chinese state-owned defence companies were sending navigation equipment, jamming technology and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defence companies. 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.

Ukraine war anniversary: China's position on political settlement of the crisis explained in 12 points

Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates has bought a 3.76 per cent stake in Dutch brewing giant Heineken. The filing by Netherlands' Financial Markets Authority (AFM) said that the shares were purchased on February 17, a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (February 22) said. Heineken Holding owns a controlling stake in brewer Heineken NV. Bill Gates, who is also a philanthropist, purchased the shares from Mexico's FEMSA, which is selling out of the brewing company.&nbsp;

A separate filing on February 17 showed FEMSA selling all 18 million shares which it held in Heineken Holding, the report added. Gates purchased 10.8 million shares worth $939.87 million (883 million euros) at current market prices, triggering a disclosure requirement under the stock market rules of the Netherlands.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Bill Gates buys 3.76% stake in Dutch drinks giant Heineken

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bill-gates-buys-376-stake-in-dutch-drinks-giant-heineken-world-business-watch-565000/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Microsoft co-founder bought the Heineken stake despite saying in 2018 that he was not a big beer drinker. During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Gates said, "When I end up at something like a baseball game I drink light beer to get with the vibe of all the other beer drinkers. Sorry to disappoint real beer drinkers."

Previously, The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation- the charitable foundation launched by Bill Gates and his former wife Melinda- invested in Dutch online grocer Picnic BV and also holds a 1.34 per cent stake in Dutch fertiliser producer OCI NV, the news agency Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates has bought a 3.76 per cent stake in Dutch brewing giant Heineken. The filing by Netherlands' Financial Markets Authority (AFM) said that the shares were purchased on February 17, a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (February 22) said.

Microsoft's co-founder Bill Gates has bought a 3.76 per cent stake in Dutch brewing giant Heineken. The filing by Netherlands' Financial Markets Authority (AFM) said that the shares were purchased on February 17, a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (February 22) said. Heineken Holding owns a controlling stake in brewer Heineken NV. Bill Gates, who is also a philanthropist, purchased the shares from Mexico's FEMSA, which is selling out of the brewing company. A separate filing on February 17 showed FEMSA selling all 18 million shares which it held in Heineken Holding, the report added. Gates purchased 10.8 million shares worth $939.87 million (883 million euros) at current market prices, triggering a disclosure requirement under the stock market rules of the Netherlands. ALSO WATCH | Bill Gates buys 3.76% stake in Dutch drinks giant Heineken × The Microsoft co-founder bought the Heineken stake despite saying in 2018 that he was not a big beer drinker. During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, Gates said, "When I end up at something like a baseball game I drink light beer to get with the vibe of all the other beer drinkers. Sorry to disappoint real beer drinkers." Previously, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation- the charitable foundation launched by Bill Gates and his former wife Melinda- invested in Dutch online grocer Picnic BV and also holds a 1.34 per cent stake in Dutch fertiliser producer OCI NV, the news agency Bloomberg reported. (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.

Bill Gates buys 3.76% stake in Dutch brewing giant Heineken

Oman has decided to allow Israeli aircraft to fly through its airspace, indicating another sign of closer ties between the two countries. The announcement was made by Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Thursday (February 23). Cohen said the approval (from Oman) is a "significant and historic decision for the Israeli economy and Israeli travellers,” the news agency AP reported.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, Oman's Civil Aviation Authority did not directly mention Israel but said, "As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflying."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-palestinians-killed-over-100-injured-during-israeli-militarys-raid-in-west-bank-564880">10 Palestinians killed, over 100 injured during Israeli military’s raid in West Bank</a>

Oman and Israel have had secretive ties for years with Muscat establishing unofficial trade relations in the early 2000s. But the ties came into the public light when Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to the country in October 2018, the first such trip in more than two decades.

According to a statement by Netanyahu's office, he discussed peace initiatives in the middle east with former Omani leader Sultan Qaboos. And earlier in 2018, Oman's then-Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi made a rare visit to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflyuing. <a href="https://t.co/jNaqqDxZM1">pic.twitter.com/jNaqqDxZM1</a>
— هيئة الطّيران المدني (@CAAOMN) <a href="https://twitter.com/CAAOMN/status/1628696772397744128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The previous such visit to Oman was in 1994 by then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.&nbsp;

Oman has had a low-key role in fostering negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. It also served as a mediator between the United States and Israel's arch-rival Iran as it hosted talks which led to the 2015 nuclear agreement.&nbsp;

However, Oman was not among the four countries to sign normalisation deals with Israel in 2020 under American-brokered agreements called the Abraham records. As part of the deals, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan agreed to normalise ties with Jerusalem.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Oman has decided to allow Israeli aircraft to fly through its airspace, indicating another sign of closer ties between the two countries. The announcement was made by Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Thursday (February 23).

Oman has decided to allow Israeli aircraft to fly through its airspace, indicating another sign of closer ties between the two countries. The announcement was made by Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen on Thursday (February 23). Cohen said the approval (from Oman) is a "significant and historic decision for the Israeli economy and Israeli travellers,” the news agency AP reported. Taking to Twitter, Oman's Civil Aviation Authority did not directly mention Israel but said, "As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflying." ALSO READ | 10 Palestinians killed, over 100 injured during Israeli military’s raid in West Bank Oman and Israel have had secretive ties for years with Muscat establishing unofficial trade relations in the early 2000s. But the ties came into the public light when Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to the country in October 2018, the first such trip in more than two decades. According to a statement by Netanyahu's office, he discussed peace initiatives in the middle east with former Omani leader Sultan Qaboos. And earlier in 2018, Oman's then-Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi made a rare visit to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. As part of the Sultanate of Oman’s continuous efforts to fulfill its obligations under the Chicago Convention of 1944, the Civil Aviation Authority affirms that the Sultanate’s airspace is open for all carriers that meet the requirements of the Authority for overflyuing. pic.twitter.com/jNaqqDxZM1 — هيئة الطّيران المدني (@CAAOMN) February 23, 2023 × The previous such visit to Oman was in 1994 by then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Oman has had a low-key role in fostering negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians. It also served as a mediator between the United States and Israel's arch-rival Iran as it hosted talks which led to the 2015 nuclear agreement. However, Oman was not among the four countries to sign normalisation deals with Israel in 2020 under American-brokered agreements called the Abraham records. As part of the deals, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan agreed to normalise ties with Jerusalem. 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.

Oman to allow Israeli aircraft to fly through its airspace, says Jerusalem

Over the past few weeks, American media has closely followed the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, a well-known South Carolina-based lawyer who is facing charges that he killed his wife Maggie, 52, and youngest son Paul, 22.

Over the past few weeks, American media has closely followed the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, a well-known South Carolina-based lawyer who is facing charges that he killed his wife Maggie, 52, and youngest son Paul, 22. Each twist and turn in this case has been broadcast live on national television and now American streaming giant Netflix has come out with a three-part documentary series called "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal". Alex Murdaugh, 54, belongs to a family of prominent lawyers that have dominated South Carolina's legal landscape for decades. He has maintained his innocence in the killings. If convicted, Murdaugh would face 30 years to life in prison. What are the Murdaugh murders about? On the night of June 7, 2021, at around 10 pm, Alex Murdaugh called 911 to report that his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul were shot dead. Murdaugh said that their bodies were discovered near the dog kennels at the family's hunting lodge in Islandton, South Carolina. Earlier in the day, Murdaugh was at home with Maggie and Paul and phone records indicated that he left home to visit his ailing mother at 9 pm, according to a report by the New York Times on Wednesday. ALSO READ | Murdaugh Murders A Southern Scandal: Everything to know about Netflix's timely docuseries The murders of Maggie and Paul shocked South Carolina's Lowcountry region. Law enforcement officers who were at the crime scene found shell casings and said they looked for surveillance cameras from nearby areas. But police reports did not indicate that they found any. Murdaugh told the officers that his son Paul, a student at the University of South Carolina, was getting death threats due to a fatal boat accident he had been involved in 2019 in which 19-year-old Mallory Beach, one of the passengers, had died. Paul was allegedly drunk while operating the boat and he was charged with felonies related to the accident. No arrests were made in connection to the murders of Maggie and Paul for more than a year. July 2022: Alex Murdaugh indicted for murders of wife, son In July last year, Alex Murdaugh was indicted for the murders of Maggie and Paul, with authorities saying he shot his wife with a rifle and his son with a shotgun, the New York Times report added. Prosecutors accused the 54-year-old of killing his wife and son in a failed attempt to conceal his financial crimes. On September 3, 2021, Murdaugh resigned from the law firm Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth & Detrick (PMPED) after he was confronted for years of suspected embezzlement. A day later, the former lawyer claimed that he was shot in the head on a roadside while he was changing a flat tyre. However, investigators soon discovered that Murdaugh asked a former client to kill him so that his oldest son, Buster, would receive $10 million in life insurance. But the shooter missed. Murdaugh survived and was charged with fraud. He was jailed in October 2021 and since then has faced several financial charges. What is the latest development in the trial? On Wednesday, Mark Ball, a former law partner of Alex Murdaugh and friend of over three decades, testified that over a dozen people walked around the crime scene (of the killings of Maggie and Paul) before law enforcement officers arrived. “This is a pretty big farm and I don’t know who is over there. Two people have been gunned down. Safety is one concern. And is that house part of what has gone on here? Where does the crime scene start and stop,” Ball said, the news agency AP reported. Ball also said that he identified Murdaugh's voice in a video taken at the dog kennels minutes before Maggie and Paul were murdered. Has the Murdaugh family been involved in any other case? The scrutiny on Alex Murdaugh in the murder of his wife and son has opened investigations into three other deaths in proximity to the family. These three deaths are of Mallory Beach, Gloria Satterfield and Stephen Smith. As mentioned before, Mallory Beach was killed in a fatal boat crash in 2019 and questions were raised about whether the police were sloppy in their probe or gave Paul Murdaugh favourable treatment. Paul was out on bail after he was charged. A year before the boat accident, Gloria Satterfield, who was a housekeeper for Alex Murdaugh and his family for more than two decades, died after falling down the stairs at their residence. Murdaugh stole millions of dollars paid by an insurance company to the relatives of Satterfield. The investigation is this case is still going on. And in 2015, Stephen Smith, a former classmate of Murdaugh's oldest son Buster, was found dead on a road about 16 kilometres from the Murdaugh residence. Smith's death was initially investigated as a possible shooting but was then considered to be a hit and run, the New York Times reported. It was rumoured that the Murdaughs were involved but the police have not accused the family of any wrongdoing. 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.

Explained: The crime saga of Murdaugh Murders in South Carolina, US, and the mysteries so far

Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military. Taking to Telegram, Prigozhin said, "Today at 6 am, it was announced that the shipment of ammunition has started. Most likely, the ball is now rolling. So far, it's all on paper, but, as we were told, the principal documents have already been signed."

"Many thanks to those who acted various ways - to those ordinary citizens who did everything they could, and to those, including those in high offices, who exerted pressure and made decisions...so that they began to give us ammunition. Thank you. Thank you from the lads," he said in a separate message, reported the news agency Reuters.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wagner-chief-accuses-russian-military-of-treason-against-homeland-564467">Wagner chief accuses Russian military of 'treason' against homeland</a>

Recently, Wagner's feud with Russian military bosses had escalated with Prigozhin claiming that officials were denying the group ammunition out of personal animus against him. Two days back, Prigozhin accused Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of treason, claiming they were behind the shortages (in ammunition).&nbsp;

In a voice message, the Wagner chief said on Tuesday&nbsp;that Shoigu and Gerasimov were giving orders right and left not to give his group ammunition, and also not to help it with air support. He further said the military command even prohibited delivering Wagner fighters "shovels which allow them to dig trenches".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-30000-wagner-fighters-suffered-injuries-or-died-in-ukraine-war-claims-us-563378">More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US</a>

On Wednesday, Prigozhin urged Russian citizens to pressure the army into sharing ammunition with his fighters taking part in the Ukraine war. He said that Wagner was losing scores of men daily because of the lack of ammunition.&nbsp;

The defence ministry, meanwhile, responded to Prigozhin's claims on Tuesday by saying that attempts to drive a wedge between regular forces and fighters were counterproductive, the news agency AFP reported. In a statement, the ministry said it was providing both regular forces and "volunteers" with the necessary ammunition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military.

Wagner's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Thursday (February 23) that his group started receiving additional supplies of ammunition for the war in Ukraine following a public row with the top brass of the Russian military. Taking to Telegram, Prigozhin said, "Today at 6 am, it was announced that the shipment of ammunition has started. Most likely, the ball is now rolling. So far, it's all on paper, but, as we were told, the principal documents have already been signed." "Many thanks to those who acted various ways - to those ordinary citizens who did everything they could, and to those, including those in high offices, who exerted pressure and made decisions...so that they began to give us ammunition. Thank you. Thank you from the lads," he said in a separate message, reported the news agency Reuters. ALSO READ | Wagner chief accuses Russian military of 'treason' against homeland Recently, Wagner's feud with Russian military bosses had escalated with Prigozhin claiming that officials were denying the group ammunition out of personal animus against him. Two days back, Prigozhin accused Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu and the Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of treason, claiming they were behind the shortages (in ammunition). In a voice message, the Wagner chief said on Tuesday that Shoigu and Gerasimov were giving orders right and left not to give his group ammunition, and also not to help it with air support. He further said the military command even prohibited delivering Wagner fighters "shovels which allow them to dig trenches". ALSO READ | More than 30,000 Wagner fighters died or suffered injuries in Ukraine war, claims US On Wednesday, Prigozhin urged Russian citizens to pressure the army into sharing ammunition with his fighters taking part in the Ukraine war. He said that Wagner was losing scores of men daily because of the lack of ammunition. The defence ministry, meanwhile, responded to Prigozhin's claims on Tuesday by saying that attempts to drive a wedge between regular forces and fighters were counterproductive, the news agency AFP reported. In a statement, the ministry said it was providing both regular forces and "volunteers" with the necessary ammunition. (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.

Ukraine war: Wagner to receive additional ammunition supplies after row with Russian military

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Harshit Sabarwal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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