Planting more&nbsp;trees&nbsp;in urban areas to lower summertime temperatures could decrease deaths directly linked to hot weather and heatwaves by a third, researchers said Wednesday.

Modelling found that increasing tree cover to 30 percent would shave off 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit) locally, on average, during hot summer months, they reported in The Lancet.&nbsp;

Of the 6,700 premature deaths attributed to higher temperatures in 93 European cities during 2015, one third could have been prevented, according to the findings.&nbsp;

Currently, just under 15 percent of urban environments in Europe, on average, are covered by some kind of foliage. &nbsp;

The study is the first to project the number of premature deaths due to higher temperatures in cities that could be prevented by additional tree cover, said lead author Tamara Iungman, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.&nbsp;

"We already know that high temperatures in urban environments are associated with negative health outcomes, such as cardiorespiratory failure, hospital admission, and premature death," she said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Our goal is to inform local policy and decision-makers about the benefits of strategically integrating green infrastructure into urban planning in order to promote more sustainable, resilient and healthy urban environments."

Cities record higher temperatures than surrounding suburbs or countryside due to the so-called urban heat island effect.&nbsp;

This extra heat is caused primarily by a lack of vegetation, exhaust from air conditioning systems, along with dark-hued asphalt and building materials that absorb and trap warmth.

Climate change has already amplified the problem. Last year, Europe saw its hottest summer on record, and second warmest year.

Health benefits

Heatwaves around the world are seeing record-breaking peaks, and have increased in duration in recent decades.

Today, cold conditions still cause more deaths in Europe than hot weather. But climate models project that heat-related illness and death will present a bigger burden to health services within a decade.&nbsp;

"This is becoming increasingly urgent as Europe experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations caused by climate change," said Iungman.

The researchers estimated mortality rates for people over 20 years old between June and August 2015, accounting for 57 million inhabitants in total.&nbsp;

This data was analysed in relation to daily average city temperatures in two modelling scenarios.

The first compared the city temperature with and without urban heat islands. The second simulating temperature reduction if tree cover was increased to 30 percent.&nbsp;

On average, the temperature in cities was 1.5C warmer during summer 2015 than in the surrounding countryside. The city with the highest difference -- 4.1C -- was Cluj-Napoca, Romania.&nbsp;

Across all cities, 75 percent of the total population lived in areas at least one degree warmer, while 20 percent experienced temperatures at least two degrees higher.

Overall, cities with highest temperature-elated mortality rates were in southern and eastern Europe.

"This is an important piece of research," commented Laurence Wainwright, a lecturer at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.&nbsp;

"Urban tree planting -– on the right scale, in the right places, and under certain other conditions -– likely leads to a modest-yet-real reduction in heat-related deaths in many urban areas."

Earlier studies have shown that green spaces can have additional health benefits such as reducing cardiovascular disease, dementia and poor mental health, as well as improving cognitive functioning of children and the elderly.

&nbsp;

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Planting more trees in urban areas to lower summertime temperatures could decrease deaths directly linked to hot weather and heatwaves by a third, researchers said Wednesday.

Planting more trees in urban areas to lower summertime temperatures could decrease deaths directly linked to hot weather and heatwaves by a third, researchers said Wednesday. Modelling found that increasing tree cover to 30 percent would shave off 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit) locally, on average, during hot summer months, they reported in The Lancet. Of the 6,700 premature deaths attributed to higher temperatures in 93 European cities during 2015, one third could have been prevented, according to the findings. Currently, just under 15 percent of urban environments in Europe, on average, are covered by some kind of foliage. The study is the first to project the number of premature deaths due to higher temperatures in cities that could be prevented by additional tree cover, said lead author Tamara Iungman, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. "We already know that high temperatures in urban environments are associated with negative health outcomes, such as cardiorespiratory failure, hospital admission, and premature death," she said in a statement. "Our goal is to inform local policy and decision-makers about the benefits of strategically integrating green infrastructure into urban planning in order to promote more sustainable, resilient and healthy urban environments." Cities record higher temperatures than surrounding suburbs or countryside due to the so-called urban heat island effect. This extra heat is caused primarily by a lack of vegetation, exhaust from air conditioning systems, along with dark-hued asphalt and building materials that absorb and trap warmth. Climate change has already amplified the problem. Last year, Europe saw its hottest summer on record, and second warmest year. Health benefits Heatwaves around the world are seeing record-breaking peaks, and have increased in duration in recent decades. Today, cold conditions still cause more deaths in Europe than hot weather. But climate models project that heat-related illness and death will present a bigger burden to health services within a decade. "This is becoming increasingly urgent as Europe experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations caused by climate change," said Iungman. The researchers estimated mortality rates for people over 20 years old between June and August 2015, accounting for 57 million inhabitants in total. This data was analysed in relation to daily average city temperatures in two modelling scenarios. The first compared the city temperature with and without urban heat islands. The second simulating temperature reduction if tree cover was increased to 30 percent. On average, the temperature in cities was 1.5C warmer during summer 2015 than in the surrounding countryside. The city with the highest difference -- 4.1C -- was Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Across all cities, 75 percent of the total population lived in areas at least one degree warmer, while 20 percent experienced temperatures at least two degrees higher. Overall, cities with highest temperature-elated mortality rates were in southern and eastern Europe. "This is an important piece of research," commented Laurence Wainwright, a lecturer at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. "Urban tree planting -– on the right scale, in the right places, and under certain other conditions -– likely leads to a modest-yet-real reduction in heat-related deaths in many urban areas." Earlier studies have shown that green spaces can have additional health benefits such as reducing cardiovascular disease, dementia and poor mental health, as well as improving cognitive functioning of children and the elderly. 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.

Trees could cut urban heatwave mortality by a third: Study

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India will launch a 12-day nationwide campaign from Wednesday (February 1) to highlight the benefits of the Union Budget 2023. Speaking to the news agency ANI, a BJP source said, "BJP will hold `Countrywide discussion on the budget`, from February 1 to February 12, and run a nationwide campaign to spread awareness on measures that will be announced in the Union budget 2023-24 on Wednesday. National President JP Nadda has constituted a nine-member committee for same."

BJP's Rajya Sabha MP and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Modi has been made the committee's convener, the source said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-to-present-union-budget-2023-24-in-parliament-today-557696">Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Union Budget 2023</a>

The source also told the news agency that on February 4 and 5, central government ministers, national officials and economic experts "will hold conferences on the budget at 50 important centres including the capitals of various states of the country."

For the next two weeks, chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, party state unit presidents, MPs, ministers and MLAs will hold conferences and public meetings across India and discuss the budget and its benefit with the common people. The ANI report also said that the conferences will be held in all districts and the main issues of the budget will be conveyed to the public up to the block level.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-mos-finance-says-budget-2023-will-incorporate-every-sections-expectations-557730">India: MoS finance says Budget 2023 will incorporate every section's expectations</a>

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Union Budget in Lok Sabha, Parliament on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ahead of presenting the budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Union Cabinet meeting. This is the&nbsp;fifth budget presented by finance minister Sitharaman. Speaking to ANI, Minister of State for Finance&nbsp;Pankaj Chaudhary said, "Union Budget 2023 will meet the expectations of every section of society. Modi govt has always worked in the favour of the people of the country."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India will launch a 12-day nationwide campaign from Wednesday (February 1) to highlight the benefits of the Union Budget 2023.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India will launch a 12-day nationwide campaign from Wednesday (February 1) to highlight the benefits of the Union Budget 2023. Speaking to the news agency ANI, a BJP source said, "BJP will hold `Countrywide discussion on the budget`, from February 1 to February 12, and run a nationwide campaign to spread awareness on measures that will be announced in the Union budget 2023-24 on Wednesday. National President JP Nadda has constituted a nine-member committee for same." BJP's Rajya Sabha MP and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Sushil Modi has been made the committee's convener, the source said. Click here to follow all LIVE updates on the Union Budget 2023 The source also told the news agency that on February 4 and 5, central government ministers, national officials and economic experts "will hold conferences on the budget at 50 important centres including the capitals of various states of the country." For the next two weeks, chief ministers of BJP-ruled states, party state unit presidents, MPs, ministers and MLAs will hold conferences and public meetings across India and discuss the budget and its benefit with the common people. The ANI report also said that the conferences will be held in all districts and the main issues of the budget will be conveyed to the public up to the block level. ALSO READ | India: MoS finance says Budget 2023 will incorporate every section's expectations Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Union Budget in Lok Sabha, Parliament on Wednesday. Ahead of presenting the budget, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Union Cabinet meeting. This is the fifth budget presented by finance minister Sitharaman. Speaking to ANI, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said, "Union Budget 2023 will meet the expectations of every section of society. Modi govt has always worked in the favour of the people of the country." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: BJP to launch nationwide campaign to highlight benefits of Union Budget

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Union Budget speech on Wednesday (February 1) that she proposes to increase the income tax rebate limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the new tax regime. Addressing the Lok Sabha in Parliament, Sitharaman said, "I have five major announcements to make concerning personal income tax. These primarily benefit the hard-working middle class."&nbsp;

Sitharaman said that currently, those with income of Rs 5 lakh do not pay any income tax in both old and new regimes. "I propose to increase the rebate limit to Rs 7 lakhs in the new tax regime," she said, adding that people with income up to Rs 7 lakh will not have to pay any tax at all.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-to-present-union-budget-2023-24-in-parliament-today-557696">Click here to check all Highlights of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2023-24 speech</a>

In the second proposal, Sitharaman said that she proposes to change the tax structure in the new personal income tax regime by reducing the number of slabs to five and increasing the tax exemption limit to three.&nbsp;

"For Personal Income Tax, the new tax rates are 0 to Rs 3 lakhs - nil, Rs 3 lakh to 6 lakh&nbsp;- 5 per cent, Rs 6 lakh&nbsp;to 9 lakh&nbsp;- 10 per cent, Rs 9 lakh to 12 lakh&nbsp;- 15 per cent, Rs 12 lakh to 15 lakh&nbsp;- 20 per cent and above Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;- 30 per cent," she said.&nbsp;

Explaining the above point, the FM said that an individual with an annual income of Rs 9 lakh will be required to pay only Rs 45,000. This would be only five per cent of the individual's income.&nbsp;

"My third proposal is for the salaried class and the pensioners, including family pensioners, for whom I propose to extend the benefit of the standard deduction to the new tax regime. Each salaried person with an income of Rs 15.5 lakh or more will thus standby to benefit by Rs 52,000," Sitharaman told Parliament.&nbsp;

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Personal Income Tax from the Budget speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 
 
(Source: Govt of India) <a href="https://t.co/dYEeRjQ6Nt">pic.twitter.com/dYEeRjQ6Nt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1620684477981925376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The finance minister's fourth announcement was regarding the highest tax rate in India which is at 42.74 per cent, which is among the highest in the world. "I propose to reduce the highest surcharge from 37% to 25 % in the new tax regime. This would result in the reduction of the maximum rate to 39 per cent."

The fifth and last announcement was regarding the limit for tax exemption on leave encashment on the retirement of non-government salaried employees. Sitharaman told Parliament that the limit of Rs 3 lakh for tax exemption for such employees was last fixed in 2002 when the highest basic pay in the government was Rs 30,000 per month. "In line with the increase in government salaries, I am proposing to increase this limit to Rs 25 lakh."&nbsp;

"We are also making the new income tax regime the default tax regime, however, citizens will continue to have the option to avail the benefits of the old tax regime," Sitharaman pointed out. Apart from the above, Sitharaman also said she was making some other changes as given in the Annexure.&nbsp;

She said that as per a result of these above proposals, the revenue of about Rs 38,000 crore – Rs 37,000 crore in direct taxes and Rs 1,000 crore in indirect taxes-would be forgone while revenue of about Rs 3,000 crore will be additionally mobilised. The total revenue forgone is about Rs 35,000 crore annually.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Union Budget speech on Wednesday (February 1) that she proposes to increase the income tax rebate limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the new tax regime.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Union Budget speech on Wednesday (February 1) that she proposes to increase the income tax rebate limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh in the new tax regime. Addressing the Lok Sabha in Parliament, Sitharaman said, "I have five major announcements to make concerning personal income tax. These primarily benefit the hard-working middle class." Sitharaman said that currently, those with income of Rs 5 lakh do not pay any income tax in both old and new regimes. "I propose to increase the rebate limit to Rs 7 lakhs in the new tax regime," she said, adding that people with income up to Rs 7 lakh will not have to pay any tax at all. Click here to check all Highlights of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2023-24 speech In the second proposal, Sitharaman said that she proposes to change the tax structure in the new personal income tax regime by reducing the number of slabs to five and increasing the tax exemption limit to three. "For Personal Income Tax, the new tax rates are 0 to Rs 3 lakhs - nil, Rs 3 lakh to 6 lakh - 5 per cent, Rs 6 lakh to 9 lakh - 10 per cent, Rs 9 lakh to 12 lakh - 15 per cent, Rs 12 lakh to 15 lakh - 20 per cent and above Rs 15 lakh - 30 per cent," she said. Explaining the above point, the FM said that an individual with an annual income of Rs 9 lakh will be required to pay only Rs 45,000. This would be only five per cent of the individual's income. "My third proposal is for the salaried class and the pensioners, including family pensioners, for whom I propose to extend the benefit of the standard deduction to the new tax regime. Each salaried person with an income of Rs 15.5 lakh or more will thus standby to benefit by Rs 52,000," Sitharaman told Parliament. Personal Income Tax from the Budget speech of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. (Source: Govt of India) pic.twitter.com/dYEeRjQ6Nt — ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2023 × The finance minister's fourth announcement was regarding the highest tax rate in India which is at 42.74 per cent, which is among the highest in the world. "I propose to reduce the highest surcharge from 37% to 25 % in the new tax regime. This would result in the reduction of the maximum rate to 39 per cent." The fifth and last announcement was regarding the limit for tax exemption on leave encashment on the retirement of non-government salaried employees. Sitharaman told Parliament that the limit of Rs 3 lakh for tax exemption for such employees was last fixed in 2002 when the highest basic pay in the government was Rs 30,000 per month. "In line with the increase in government salaries, I am proposing to increase this limit to Rs 25 lakh." "We are also making the new income tax regime the default tax regime, however, citizens will continue to have the option to avail the benefits of the old tax regime," Sitharaman pointed out. Apart from the above, Sitharaman also said she was making some other changes as given in the Annexure. She said that as per a result of these above proposals, the revenue of about Rs 38,000 crore – Rs 37,000 crore in direct taxes and Rs 1,000 crore in indirect taxes-would be forgone while revenue of about Rs 3,000 crore will be additionally mobilised. The total revenue forgone is about Rs 35,000 crore annually. 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.

Union Budget 2023-24: Sitharaman's 5 announcements on personal income tax

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (January 24) made a surprise visit to Jordan to hold talks with King Abdullah amid increasing tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (January 24) made a surprise visit to Jordan to hold talks with King Abdullah amid increasing tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. According to the royal palace, Netanyahu and King Abdullah discussed the situation in the compound and the importance of respecting the historical and legal status quo. Netanyahu's office, meanwhile, said that the Israeli Prime Minister and the Jordanian King discussed regional issues, especially strategic, security and economic cooperation between the two countries, a report by the news agency AFP said. The visit to Amman was Netanyahu's first official trip abroad since taking office. He had previously met the monarch in 2018. The latest meeting between the two leaders comes following years of strained relations. Why does Netanyahu's visit to Jordan hold significance? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Jordan came amid increasing tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. On January 3, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's extreme right-wing national security minister, visited the holy site, sparking global condemnation. The compound is a highly sensitive site sacred to both Islam and Judaism. Palestinians labelled Itamar Ben-Gvir's January 3 visit as a provocation. The meeting on Tuesday also seemed an avenue for Netanyahu and Jordanian King Abdullah to mend their relations. What does the status quo say? Under the status quo agreement, the Al-Aqsa mosque is administered by Jordan in coordination with the Palestinians but access to the site is controlled by Israel's security forces. As per rules, Muslims are allowed to enter the esplanade at all times of the day and night. However, non-Muslims can only do so at certain times and without praying. ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage? In the past few years, the Israeli Police have repeatedly closed access to the compound during times of tension and the number of Jews paying a visit (to the holy site) has increased. Some ultra-nationalist Jews have been caught praying at the esplanade, leading to tensions with Muslim worshippers. They also want to build a Third Temple at the site. WION had earlier reported that Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has long sought to change the status quo of the holy site and is also allegedly an advocate for Jewish prayer to take place. Ahead of his January 3 tour, Jordan signalled that a visit by the Israeli minister or moves which violated the status quo would have far-reaching consequences, according to a report by the Times of Israel on Tuesday. Netanyahu-King Abdullah meeting after years of tense relations During Netanyahu's last stint as Israel's Prime Minister, ties between Jerusalem and Amman had deteriorated. Jordanian King Abdullah had repeatedly described ties with Israel as a "cold peace", and said in 2019 that relations between the two countries were at an all-time low. The Times of Israel report on Tuesday said that Jordan was nervous over changes to the Temple Mount during Netanyahu’s previous tenure. In 2019, King Abdullah said that he was under pressure to alter his country's role on Temple Mount, but the monarch said he would not change in position, the report added. In January this year, the foreign ministry in Amman summoned Israel's ambassador twice, first to protest against Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and second after Israeli police prevented the Jordanian ambassador from entering the holy site. Jordan's concerns after Netanyahu's return to power Netanyahu becoming Israel's prime minister again has deepened Jordan's concerns that ultra-right policies, which include an accelerated Jewish settlement building in Palestinian territories in the West Bank, will cause a new wave of violence, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday. Jordan also fears provocative moves by ultra-right Jewish groups praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound could inflame religious passions. (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.

Explained: Why is Israeli PM Netanyahu's visit to Jordan important?

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi said on Sunday (January 29) that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) no longer reflects today's realities, was paralysed and unable to discharge its basic function of maintaining international peace and security when one of its permanent members has attacked its neighbour. Speaking to the news agency PTI, Korosi, a Hungarian diplomat, said that the UNSC, "which has been created back then” and given the primary responsibility of maintaining “international peace and security and preventing wars now is paralysed.”

In a reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine, which will soon mark one year, the UNGA President said, "The Security Council cannot discharge its basic function for a very simple reason. One of the permanent members of the Security Council attacked its neighbour. The Security Council should be the body to take action against the aggression. But because of the veto power, the Security Council cannot act."

He added this was a “very serious lesson learnt” for the future when talking about how to improve the functioning of global organisations.

On Sunday, Csaba Korosi arrived on a three-day visit to India,&nbsp;his first bilateral visit to any country since he assumed the presidency of the UNGA in September last year. According to a statement issued by the Indian foreign ministry, Korosi will hold talks with foreign minister S Jaishankar on key multilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. 
 
The UNGA chief will also interact with senior officials of NITI Aayog and India's G20 presidency team to explore the scaling up of the country's best practices. On Monday, Korosi will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas.

Before leaving for India, Korosi told PTI that the issue of the UN Security Council reform was both “burning” and “compelling” since the composition of the Security Council reflected&nbsp;“the outcome of the Second World War”.&nbsp;

India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the UNSC, saying it rightly deserved a place as a permanent member of the UN. At present, the UNSC has only five permanent members&nbsp;– China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States (US) and only a permanent member has the power to veto any substantive resolution.

In the history of the UN, the composition of the Security Council has been altered only once – in 1963. Csaba Korosi said, "Since then, the world has changed. The geopolitical relations in the world altered, the economic responsibilities in the world in some countries, including in India, including some other very strongly developing countries, actually changed." Korosi added that the composition of the UNSC did not reflect today's realities.

On being asked whether he has hope for any forward movement in the UNSC reform, the UNGA president said, "Yes, I do have hope." 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi said on Sunday (January 29) that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) no longer reflects today's realities, was paralysed and unable to discharge its basic function of maintaining international peace and security when one of its permanent members has attacked its neighbour.

United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Csaba Korosi said on Sunday (January 29) that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) no longer reflects today's realities, was paralysed and unable to discharge its basic function of maintaining international peace and security when one of its permanent members has attacked its neighbour. Speaking to the news agency PTI, Korosi, a Hungarian diplomat, said that the UNSC, "which has been created back then” and given the primary responsibility of maintaining “international peace and security and preventing wars now is paralysed.” In a reference to Russia's offensive in Ukraine, which will soon mark one year, the UNGA President said, "The Security Council cannot discharge its basic function for a very simple reason. One of the permanent members of the Security Council attacked its neighbour. The Security Council should be the body to take action against the aggression. But because of the veto power, the Security Council cannot act." He added this was a “very serious lesson learnt” for the future when talking about how to improve the functioning of global organisations. On Sunday, Csaba Korosi arrived on a three-day visit to India, his first bilateral visit to any country since he assumed the presidency of the UNGA in September last year. According to a statement issued by the Indian foreign ministry, Korosi will hold talks with foreign minister S Jaishankar on key multilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. The UNGA chief will also interact with senior officials of NITI Aayog and India's G20 presidency team to explore the scaling up of the country's best practices. On Monday, Korosi will pay floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas. Before leaving for India, Korosi told PTI that the issue of the UN Security Council reform was both “burning” and “compelling” since the composition of the Security Council reflected “the outcome of the Second World War”. India has been at the forefront of the years-long efforts to reform the UNSC, saying it rightly deserved a place as a permanent member of the UN. At present, the UNSC has only five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States (US) and only a permanent member has the power to veto any substantive resolution. In the history of the UN, the composition of the Security Council has been altered only once – in 1963. Csaba Korosi said, "Since then, the world has changed. The geopolitical relations in the world altered, the economic responsibilities in the world in some countries, including in India, including some other very strongly developing countries, actually changed." Korosi added that the composition of the UNSC did not reflect today's realities. On being asked whether he has hope for any forward movement in the UNSC reform, the UNGA president said, "Yes, I do have hope." (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.

UNGA President says UN Security Council is paralysed, refers to Ukraine war, bats for reforms

Turkiye on Saturday (January 28) issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens over "possible Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist attacks" in Europe and the United States. Issuing two separate travel advisories, the Turkish foreign ministry recommended citizens its in European countries and the US to act calmly in the face of possible xenophobic and racist harassment and attacks. The ministry also urged citizens to stay away from areas where demonstrations might intensify.&nbsp;

The first travel advisory warned of "dangerous levels of religious intolerance and hatred in Europe",&nbsp;a report by the news agency AFP said. A separate statement, meanwhile, said, "There have recently been verbal and physical attacks against foreigners and acts of racism committed throughout the United States."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedish-pm-kristersson-calls-burning-of-koran-deeply-disrespectful-554906">Swedish PM Kristersson calls burning of Koran ‘deeply disrespectful’</a>

The above warnings seem to appear as retaliation for similar alerts issued by Western allies cautioning their citizens in Turkey about possible terror attacks. On Friday, several embassies in Ankara, including those of Germany, France, Italy and the United States, issued warnings to&nbsp;their citizens in Turkey that flagged "possible retaliatory attacks by terrorists against places of worship." The citizens were also advised to avoid tourist hotspots in Turkey.&nbsp;

Ankara's warnings also come after Rasmus Paludan, a Danish-Swedish far-right activist burned the Quran in Stockholm on January 21. Paludan replicated the stunt on Friday in front of a mosque, as well as the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen.&nbsp;

Following the condemnation of the Quran burning incidents, Turkey had cancelled a planned visit by the Swedish defence minister and also summoned the Danish ambassador and accused Denmark of endorsing a “hate crime''.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Paludan's burning of the Quran and said it was an insult to everyone, especially Muslims. Erdogan also warned Sweden not to expect support for its bid for membership into NATO, a report by the news agency Associated Press said.&nbsp;

Finland and Sweden have applied for NATO membership in response to Russia's offensive in Ukraine&nbsp;but their bids to join the intergovernmental military alliance must be approved by all 30 members. Turkey and Hungary are the only members not to have ratified the two applications by votes in parliament. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkiye on Saturday (January 28) issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens over "possible Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist attacks" in Europe and the United States.

Turkiye on Saturday (January 28) issued a travel advisory, warning its citizens over "possible Islamophobic, xenophobic and racist attacks" in Europe and the United States. Issuing two separate travel advisories, the Turkish foreign ministry recommended citizens its in European countries and the US to act calmly in the face of possible xenophobic and racist harassment and attacks. The ministry also urged citizens to stay away from areas where demonstrations might intensify. The first travel advisory warned of "dangerous levels of religious intolerance and hatred in Europe", a report by the news agency AFP said. A separate statement, meanwhile, said, "There have recently been verbal and physical attacks against foreigners and acts of racism committed throughout the United States." ALSO READ | Swedish PM Kristersson calls burning of Koran ‘deeply disrespectful’ The above warnings seem to appear as retaliation for similar alerts issued by Western allies cautioning their citizens in Turkey about possible terror attacks. On Friday, several embassies in Ankara, including those of Germany, France, Italy and the United States, issued warnings to their citizens in Turkey that flagged "possible retaliatory attacks by terrorists against places of worship." The citizens were also advised to avoid tourist hotspots in Turkey. Ankara's warnings also come after Rasmus Paludan, a Danish-Swedish far-right activist burned the Quran in Stockholm on January 21. Paludan replicated the stunt on Friday in front of a mosque, as well as the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen. Following the condemnation of the Quran burning incidents, Turkey had cancelled a planned visit by the Swedish defence minister and also summoned the Danish ambassador and accused Denmark of endorsing a “hate crime''. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Paludan's burning of the Quran and said it was an insult to everyone, especially Muslims. Erdogan also warned Sweden not to expect support for its bid for membership into NATO, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. Finland and Sweden have applied for NATO membership in response to Russia's offensive in Ukraine but their bids to join the intergovernmental military alliance must be approved by all 30 members. Turkey and Hungary are the only members not to have ratified the two applications by votes in parliament. (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.

Turkiye issues travel warning for Europe and United States. Here’s why

Palestinian health officials said on Sunday (January 29) that Israeli guards killed a teen near a settlement in the occupied West Bank, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies.

Palestinian health officials said on Sunday (January 29) that Israeli guards killed a teen near a settlement in the occupied West Bank, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies. According to the health ministry, 18-year-old Karam Ali Ahmad Salman, a Palestinian, was shot dead by Israeli occupation near the settlement of Kedumim, news agency AFP reported. Israel, however, alleged that Salman was armed. The Israeli army said "civilian security team" shot a person "armed with a handgun" near the settlement in the northern West Bank. The 18-year-old is one of 34 Palestinians killed in the West Bank in January, including civilians and militants, an AFP tally showed based on official sources from both sides. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Palestinian health ministry also said that the death toll due to Israeli raids in Jenin on Thursday climbed to 10, the latest death of a 24-year-old man, Omar Tariq Ali al-Saadi. Separately, a spokesperson from the Shaare Zedek Hospital, told AFP on Sunday that a Palestinian died on Friday night after being wounded during clashes with Israeli forces last week. ALSO READ | Gun attack by teen Palestinian in east Jerusalem injures two, hours after synagogue mass shooting The following developments come after two gun attacks were reported in east Jerusalem. On Friday, a Palestinian gunman killed seven people outside a synagogue. The attacker was shot dead and the police identified him as a Palestinian resident of east Jerusalem. Hours later, two men were shot at by a 13-year-old Palestinian boy predominantly Arab neighbourhood of Silwan on Saturday. The victims- the father and son, aged 47 and 23 were injured and received gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. Palestinian man who raped and killed Israeli woman gets life sentence In separate news, an Israeli court on Sunday sentenced a Palestinian man to life in prison for raping and murdering a 19-year-old Jewish woman. Arafat Irfaiya, a resident of Hebron in the West Bank who is in his early 30s, was sentenced by the Jerusalem district court over the killing of Ori Ansbacher in February 2019. He was given a life sentence for the killing and an additional 20 years for rape. ALSO READ | Israeli PM Netanyahu vows response to East Jerusalem attacks; govt announces new measures: What we know so far Another AFP report on Sunday said that attack took place in a Jerusalem forest near the youth centre where Ansbacher had been working as part of her national service. As per the sentencing, "the defendant saw Ori sitting on a rock, and decided to kill her just because she was Jewish." (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.

Israeli guards kill teen Palestinian in West Bank; Jenin raid death toll climbs to 10

China on Sunday (January 29) announced that it would resume issuing visas for Japanese citizens, weeks after suspending them as a retaliatory step against Tokyo's decision to require Covid testing for travellers arriving from China. Issuing a notice, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo said, "Starting today, the Embassy and the Offices of Consulates-General of the People's Republic of China will resume issuing ordinary visas for Japanese citizens." The embassy did not elaborate on this further.&nbsp;

On January 10, China had suspended issuing visas for Japan as well as South Korea as the two countries imposed Covid restrictions on Chinese travelling to the countries due to a sharp surge in Covid cases in China after it lifted all restrictions. Both Japan and South Korea had protested against the suspension.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-wave-past-its-peak-deaths-declining-rapidly-claims-china-556640">Covid wave past its peak, deaths declining rapidly, claims China</a>

"As part of Covid-19 countermeasures, our country is implementing border curbs that will not hinder international visitors from entering and exiting Japan as much as possible. So it is very regrettable that China has unilaterally taken visa suspension action for reasons beyond virus control. We have lodged a protest to China through our diplomatic channel and asked them to lift visa suspension," Japanese chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno had said on January 11.&nbsp;

On the other hand, South Korea called the suspension ''deeply regrettable," with foreign minister Park Jin pointing out that Seoul was still issuing visas to Chinese visitors for urgent business or humanitarian purposes.

Though China will now start issuing visas to Japanese citizens, the suspension remains imposed on South Koreans. Japan is still requiring those travelling on direct flights from the mainland to show proof of negative Covid test results from samples taken no more than 72 hours before leaving China.&nbsp;

South Korea, meanwhile, said it would continue to restrict the entry of short-term travellers from China through the end of February amid concerns that the spread of Covid (in China) might worsen following the Lunar New Year Holiday. Currently, South Korea requires all passengers from China, Hong Kong and Macau to submit proof of negative Covid tests taken within 48 hours before their arrival and put them through tests again once they arrive.

According to Seoul's Disease Control and Prevention Agency, around 10 per cent of the 6,900 short-term travellers from China who arrived in the country from January 2 to January 26 tested positive after being tested at the airport. South Korea also stopped issuing most short-term visas at its consulates in China except for essential government, diplomatic and business activities and humanitarian reasons.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China on Sunday (January 29) announced that it would resume issuing visas for Japanese citizens, weeks after suspending them as a retaliatory step against Tokyo's decision to require Covid testing for travellers arriving from China.

China on Sunday (January 29) announced that it would resume issuing visas for Japanese citizens, weeks after suspending them as a retaliatory step against Tokyo's decision to require Covid testing for travellers arriving from China. Issuing a notice, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo said, "Starting today, the Embassy and the Offices of Consulates-General of the People's Republic of China will resume issuing ordinary visas for Japanese citizens." The embassy did not elaborate on this further. On January 10, China had suspended issuing visas for Japan as well as South Korea as the two countries imposed Covid restrictions on Chinese travelling to the countries due to a sharp surge in Covid cases in China after it lifted all restrictions. Both Japan and South Korea had protested against the suspension. ALSO READ | Covid wave past its peak, deaths declining rapidly, claims China "As part of Covid-19 countermeasures, our country is implementing border curbs that will not hinder international visitors from entering and exiting Japan as much as possible. So it is very regrettable that China has unilaterally taken visa suspension action for reasons beyond virus control. We have lodged a protest to China through our diplomatic channel and asked them to lift visa suspension," Japanese chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno had said on January 11. On the other hand, South Korea called the suspension ''deeply regrettable," with foreign minister Park Jin pointing out that Seoul was still issuing visas to Chinese visitors for urgent business or humanitarian purposes. Though China will now start issuing visas to Japanese citizens, the suspension remains imposed on South Koreans. Japan is still requiring those travelling on direct flights from the mainland to show proof of negative Covid test results from samples taken no more than 72 hours before leaving China. South Korea, meanwhile, said it would continue to restrict the entry of short-term travellers from China through the end of February amid concerns that the spread of Covid (in China) might worsen following the Lunar New Year Holiday. Currently, South Korea requires all passengers from China, Hong Kong and Macau to submit proof of negative Covid tests taken within 48 hours before their arrival and put them through tests again once they arrive. According to Seoul's Disease Control and Prevention Agency, around 10 per cent of the 6,900 short-term travellers from China who arrived in the country from January 2 to January 26 tested positive after being tested at the airport. South Korea also stopped issuing most short-term visas at its consulates in China except for essential government, diplomatic and business activities and humanitarian reasons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China to resume issuing visas for Japanese citizens, no decision on South Koreans yet

Pakistan finance minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (January 29) announced that the prices of petrol and diesel have been hiked by Rs 35, as the South Asian country grapples with the ongoing economic crisis. Addressing a press conference, Dar said that prices of kerosene oil and light diesel will be hiked by Rs 18. The price hike&nbsp;came into effect at 11 am on Sunday. Taking to Twitter, the finance ministry shared the revised prices after the hike.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amid-economic-crisis-pakistan-mulls-10-cut-in-salaries-of-govt-employees-reports-556184">Amid economic crisis, Pakistan mulls 10% cut in salaries of govt employees: Reports</a>

"Govt announced new prices of Petroleum Products with effect from 11.00 hrs, 29 Jan 2023. High Speed Diesel - Rs 262.80 per litre MS Petrol - Rs 249.80 per litre Kerosene Oil - Rs 189.83 per litre Light Diesel Oil - Rs 187 per litre," the ministry tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Govt announced new prices of Petroleum Products with effect from 11.00 hrs, 29 Jan ,2023. 
 
High Speed Diesel-Rs 262.80 per litre 
 
MS Petrol —Rs 249.80 per litre 
 
Kerosene Oil -Rs 189.83 per litre 
 
Light Diesel Oil - Rs 187 per litre
— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) <a href="https://twitter.com/FinMinistryPak/status/1619579990089273344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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During Sunday's press conference, finance minister Dar pointed out that in the last four months (October to Jan 29) the price of petrol was not increased and prices of diesel and kerosene oil were decreased, a report by Dawn said.&nbsp;

The finance minister also told reporters that there was speculation on social media regarding a Rs 50 increase in petrol and diesel prices. “Because of this, we have received reports of artificial shortages in the market,” the finance minister said, the report added.

On Friday, the rumours of a massive hike in petrol prices led to long queues at petrol pumps across Pakistan. Citing local media, a report by news agency IANS said that petrol was available at only 20 per cent of the petrol pum­ps in Gujranwala, while severe shortages were also seen in Rah­im Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Sialkot and Faisalabad.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to criticise the price hike. "Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt &amp; incompetent imported govt has crushed masses &amp; salaried class with latest hike in petrol &amp; diesel prices &amp; Rs 33/$ devaluation to Rs 262.6/$. Elec &amp; gas price hike &amp; 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs 200bn mini-budget," Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt &amp; incompetent imported govt has crushed masses &amp; salaried class with latest hike in petrol &amp; diesel prices &amp; Rs33/$ devaluation to Rs262.6/$. Elec &amp; gas price hike &amp; 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs200bn mini budget.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1619616555045904385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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A few days back, the government was mulling slashing the salaries of government employees by 10 per cent across the board. A report by Geo News on Wednesday said that the National Austerity Committee (NAC) constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also considering cutting down expenditures of ministries and divisions by 15 per cent, reducing the number of federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers from 78 to 30 and asking the remaining to&nbsp;work on a pro bono basis.&nbsp;

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Pakistan finance minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (January 29) announced that the prices of petrol and diesel have been hiked by Rs 35, as the South Asian country grapples with the ongoing economic crisis.

Pakistan finance minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday (January 29) announced that the prices of petrol and diesel have been hiked by Rs 35, as the South Asian country grapples with the ongoing economic crisis. Addressing a press conference, Dar said that prices of kerosene oil and light diesel will be hiked by Rs 18. The price hike came into effect at 11 am on Sunday. Taking to Twitter, the finance ministry shared the revised prices after the hike. ALSO READ | Amid economic crisis, Pakistan mulls 10% cut in salaries of govt employees: Reports "Govt announced new prices of Petroleum Products with effect from 11.00 hrs, 29 Jan 2023. High Speed Diesel - Rs 262.80 per litre MS Petrol - Rs 249.80 per litre Kerosene Oil - Rs 189.83 per litre Light Diesel Oil - Rs 187 per litre," the ministry tweeted. Govt announced new prices of Petroleum Products with effect from 11.00 hrs, 29 Jan ,2023. High Speed Diesel-Rs 262.80 per litre MS Petrol —Rs 249.80 per litre Kerosene Oil -Rs 189.83 per litre Light Diesel Oil - Rs 187 per litre — Ministry of Finance (@FinMinistryPak) January 29, 2023 × During Sunday's press conference, finance minister Dar pointed out that in the last four months (October to Jan 29) the price of petrol was not increased and prices of diesel and kerosene oil were decreased, a report by Dawn said. The finance minister also told reporters that there was speculation on social media regarding a Rs 50 increase in petrol and diesel prices. “Because of this, we have received reports of artificial shortages in the market,” the finance minister said, the report added. On Friday, the rumours of a massive hike in petrol prices led to long queues at petrol pumps across Pakistan. Citing local media, a report by news agency IANS said that petrol was available at only 20 per cent of the petrol pumps in Gujranwala, while severe shortages were also seen in Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Sialkot and Faisalabad. Meanwhile, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan took to Twitter to criticise the price hike. "Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt & incompetent imported govt has crushed masses & salaried class with latest hike in petrol & diesel prices & Rs 33/$ devaluation to Rs 262.6/$. Elec & gas price hike & 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs 200bn mini-budget," Khan tweeted. Total mismanagement of our economy by a corrupt & incompetent imported govt has crushed masses & salaried class with latest hike in petrol & diesel prices & Rs33/$ devaluation to Rs262.6/$. Elec & gas price hike & 35% unprecedented inflation expected with Rs200bn mini budget. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 29, 2023 × A few days back, the government was mulling slashing the salaries of government employees by 10 per cent across the board. A report by Geo News on Wednesday said that the National Austerity Committee (NAC) constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also considering cutting down expenditures of ministries and divisions by 15 per cent, reducing the number of federal ministers, ministers of state, and advisers from 78 to 30 and asking the remaining to work on a pro bono basis. 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.

Pakistan FM announces Rs 35 hike in prices of petrol and diesel; Imran Khan slams govt

A bus plunged off a bridge in the Lasbela district of&nbsp;Balochistan province in Pakistan and burst into flames early Sunday (January 29), killing at least 41&nbsp;people. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Hamza Anjum, a senior official from Lasbela said that three survivors were rescued from the bus which was reportedly carrying 48 passengers when it hit a pillar on the bridge and careened off course. The bus was travelling between Balochistan's provincial capital of Quetta and Karachi.&nbsp;

"The dead bodies...are beyond recognition," Anjum said and pointed out that the bus driver might have fallen asleep. The senior official also mentioned that there was a possibility that the driver was speeding during the trip.

"We will investigate the causes of the accident, Anjum further said, adding that DNA tests would be carried out to determine the identity of the remains which were badly mutilated.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the police said on Sunday that teams of the fire brigade rescue services and law-enforcement agencies had arrived at the accident site and launched a rescue operation. The police added that efforts to completely douse the fire were underway, according to a report by Geo News&nbsp;

In Pakistan, passenger buses are frequently crammed to capacity and seatbelts are not commonly worn, meaning higher deaths from single-vehicle accidents are common. Earlier in January, a Muzaffarabad-bound bus plunged into a ravine in the Batrasi area in Mansehra, killing a five-month-old child and injuring 16 others, the Geo News report added.&nbsp;

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A bus plunged off a bridge in the Lasbela district of Balochistan province in Pakistan and burst into flames early Sunday (January 29), killing at least 41 people.

A bus plunged off a bridge in the Lasbela district of Balochistan province in Pakistan and burst into flames early Sunday (January 29), killing at least 41 people. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Hamza Anjum, a senior official from Lasbela said that three survivors were rescued from the bus which was reportedly carrying 48 passengers when it hit a pillar on the bridge and careened off course. The bus was travelling between Balochistan's provincial capital of Quetta and Karachi. "The dead bodies...are beyond recognition," Anjum said and pointed out that the bus driver might have fallen asleep. The senior official also mentioned that there was a possibility that the driver was speeding during the trip. "We will investigate the causes of the accident, Anjum further said, adding that DNA tests would be carried out to determine the identity of the remains which were badly mutilated. Meanwhile, the police said on Sunday that teams of the fire brigade rescue services and law-enforcement agencies had arrived at the accident site and launched a rescue operation. The police added that efforts to completely douse the fire were underway, according to a report by Geo News In Pakistan, passenger buses are frequently crammed to capacity and seatbelts are not commonly worn, meaning higher deaths from single-vehicle accidents are common. Earlier in January, a Muzaffarabad-bound bus plunged into a ravine in the Batrasi area in Mansehra, killing a five-month-old child and injuring 16 others, the Geo News report 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.

Pakistan: 41 killed after bus plunges off bridge in Lasbela and bursts into flames

An earthquake of 5.9 magnitudes struck northwest Iran near the border with Turkey late Saturday (January 28), killing at least three people and injuring over 800 others. According to the University of Tehran's Seismologic Centre, the earthquake hit the city of Khoy in the West Azerbaijan province at 18.14 GMT (around 11.44 pm IST). Speaking to the IRNA news agency, West Azerbaijan governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian said the incident left three dead and 816 injured.&nbsp;

Following the earthquake, Iran's interior minister Ahmad Vahid travelled to Khoy to observe the situation, the IRNA report said. Iran has suffered devastating earthquakes in recent years as the country sits astride the boundaries of several major tectonic plates and experiences frequent seismic activity.&nbsp;

This earthquake in Khoy comes days after a 5.8 magnitude quake struck the city, injuring hundreds. Officials said that more than 300 houses in 15 villages were damaged, according to a report by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Nearly three years back, &nbsp;a 5.7-magnitude earthquake rattled the western village of Habash-e Olya, killing at least nine people across the border in Turkey. Iran saw its deadliest earthquake in 1990- a 7.4-magnitude tremor that killed 40,000 people, injured another 300,000 and left half a million homeless, the report said.&nbsp;

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An earthquake of 5.9 magnitudes struck northwest Iran near the border with Turkey late Saturday (January 28), killing at least three people and injuring over 800 others.

An earthquake of 5.9 magnitudes struck northwest Iran near the border with Turkey late Saturday (January 28), killing at least three people and injuring over 800 others. According to the University of Tehran's Seismologic Centre, the earthquake hit the city of Khoy in the West Azerbaijan province at 18.14 GMT (around 11.44 pm IST). Speaking to the IRNA news agency, West Azerbaijan governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian said the incident left three dead and 816 injured. Following the earthquake, Iran's interior minister Ahmad Vahid travelled to Khoy to observe the situation, the IRNA report said. Iran has suffered devastating earthquakes in recent years as the country sits astride the boundaries of several major tectonic plates and experiences frequent seismic activity. This earthquake in Khoy comes days after a 5.8 magnitude quake struck the city, injuring hundreds. Officials said that more than 300 houses in 15 villages were damaged, according to a report by the news agency AFP. Nearly three years back, a 5.7-magnitude earthquake rattled the western village of Habash-e Olya, killing at least nine people across the border in Turkey. Iran saw its deadliest earthquake in 1990- a 7.4-magnitude tremor that killed 40,000 people, injured another 300,000 and left half a million homeless, the report said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Earthquake of 5.9 magnitude hits Iran, killing three and injuring over 800

Peru's Congress on Saturday (January 28) rejected a request by President Dina Boluarte for early election in the country which has been rocked by anti-government protests since December last year following the arrest of Pedro Castillo,&nbsp;the former president. On Friday, Boluarte said that she was considering moving up the general election to later this year, describing the ongoing political crisis as a "quagmire." However, Congress rejected the proposal with 45 votes in favour, 65 against and two abstentions, a report by the news agency AFP said.&nbsp;

Last month, lawmakers had already agreed to an early election in the country from 2026 to April 2024. "With this vote, the constitutional reform proposal for the advancement of elections is rejected," Congress president Jose Williams said on Saturday, after over seven hours of debate.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-faces-shortage-of-food-and-fuel-as-anti-government-protests-continue-556031">Peru faces shortage of food and fuel as anti-government protests continue</a>

After the voting was completed, Williams received a request for reconsideration, which could be debated on Monday in a fresh session, the AFP report said. However, it would be difficult to reverse the decision.&nbsp;

A total of 47 people have so far been killed in clashes between the police and protesters. On Friday, the US State Department said that it remained concerned about the violent demonstrations in Peru. The State Department called for calm dialogue and for all parties to exercise restraint and non-violence, spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press conference. &nbsp;

Since the beginning of the protests, demonstrators have placed three demands —&nbsp;the resignation of Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-peru-democracy-in-danger-an-insight-from-latin-america-analyst-556369">Is Peru democracy in danger?</a>

On Thursday, the government said that police and soldiers would soon move to dismantle roadblocks erected by the protesters. "The Peruvian national police, with the support of the armed forces, will unblock the national network of highways that have been the subject of a state of emergency," the country's defence and interior ministries said in a joint statement.&nbsp;

The decision comes as weeks of roadblocks in Peru's southern regions led to shortages of food and fuel. The AFP report said that as per an autonomous human rights office, another 10 civilians, including two babies, were collateral fatalities when they were unable to get medical treatment or medicines. Apart from the roadblocks, the protesters have also stormed several airports in the country, leading to their temporary closure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Peru's Congress on Saturday (January 28) rejected a request by President Dina Boluarte for early election in the country which has been rocked by anti-government protests since December last year following the arrest of Pedro Castillo, the former president.

Peru's Congress on Saturday (January 28) rejected a request by President Dina Boluarte for early election in the country which has been rocked by anti-government protests since December last year following the arrest of Pedro Castillo, the former president. On Friday, Boluarte said that she was considering moving up the general election to later this year, describing the ongoing political crisis as a "quagmire." However, Congress rejected the proposal with 45 votes in favour, 65 against and two abstentions, a report by the news agency AFP said. Last month, lawmakers had already agreed to an early election in the country from 2026 to April 2024. "With this vote, the constitutional reform proposal for the advancement of elections is rejected," Congress president Jose Williams said on Saturday, after over seven hours of debate. ALSO READ | Peru faces shortage of food and fuel as anti-government protests continue After the voting was completed, Williams received a request for reconsideration, which could be debated on Monday in a fresh session, the AFP report said. However, it would be difficult to reverse the decision. A total of 47 people have so far been killed in clashes between the police and protesters. On Friday, the US State Department said that it remained concerned about the violent demonstrations in Peru. The State Department called for calm dialogue and for all parties to exercise restraint and non-violence, spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a press conference. Since the beginning of the protests, demonstrators have placed three demands — the resignation of Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru. ALSO READ | Is Peru democracy in danger? On Thursday, the government said that police and soldiers would soon move to dismantle roadblocks erected by the protesters. "The Peruvian national police, with the support of the armed forces, will unblock the national network of highways that have been the subject of a state of emergency," the country's defence and interior ministries said in a joint statement. The decision comes as weeks of roadblocks in Peru's southern regions led to shortages of food and fuel. The AFP report said that as per an autonomous human rights office, another 10 civilians, including two babies, were collateral fatalities when they were unable to get medical treatment or medicines. Apart from the roadblocks, the protesters have also stormed several airports in the country, leading to their temporary closure. (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.

Peru Congress rejects President Dina Boluarte's plan for early poll as protests rage on

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