The United States administration on Friday (January 20) designated Russian mercenary group Wagner as a&nbsp;transnational criminal organisation with White House national security spokesperson John Kirby saying that the group is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. Kirby said that Wagner has about 50,000 fighters in Ukraine and 80 per cent of them are drawn from prisons. Wagner "is a criminal organisation that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting (it)," Kirby said, according to a report by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Showing photographs of North Korea supplying arms to Wagner for its operations in Ukraine, Kirby said the mercenary group has become a rival to the formal Russian military. The photographs from November 18-19 last year, showed Russian rail cars entering North Korea, picking up a load of infantry rockets and missiles, and returning to Russia, Kirby said, adding, the US presented its intelligence on Wagner's purchase to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) unit on North Korea sanctions.&nbsp;

The arms transfers from North Korea are in direct violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, he further said.&nbsp;

The White House national security spokesperson also pointed out that Wagner is becoming a rival power centre to the Russian military and other Russian ministries.&nbsp;

"Prigozhin is trying to advance his own interest in Ukraine and Wagner is making military decisions based largely on what they will generate for Prigozhin, in terms of positive publicity," Kirby further said on Friday. He added that the US Treasury was formally designating Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation. The designation would allow the wider application of sanctions on the group's sprawling network across the world, which includes operations in Africa and elsewhere too.

Since the beginning of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, Wagner's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has claimed credit for Moscow's advances over several months towards the eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut, including the capture last week of neighbouring Soledar. On Thursday, Prigozhin, a businessman close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Russia had a lot to learn from Ukraine's army.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States administration on Friday (January 20) designated Russian mercenary group Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation with White House national security spokesperson John Kirby saying that the group is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses.

The United States administration on Friday (January 20) designated Russian mercenary group Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation with White House national security spokesperson John Kirby saying that the group is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. Kirby said that Wagner has about 50,000 fighters in Ukraine and 80 per cent of them are drawn from prisons. Wagner "is a criminal organisation that is committing widespread atrocities and human rights abuses. We will work relentlessly to identify, disrupt, expose and target those who are assisting (it)," Kirby said, according to a report by news agency AFP. Showing photographs of North Korea supplying arms to Wagner for its operations in Ukraine, Kirby said the mercenary group has become a rival to the formal Russian military. The photographs from November 18-19 last year, showed Russian rail cars entering North Korea, picking up a load of infantry rockets and missiles, and returning to Russia, Kirby said, adding, the US presented its intelligence on Wagner's purchase to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) unit on North Korea sanctions. The arms transfers from North Korea are in direct violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions, he further said. The White House national security spokesperson also pointed out that Wagner is becoming a rival power centre to the Russian military and other Russian ministries. "Prigozhin is trying to advance his own interest in Ukraine and Wagner is making military decisions based largely on what they will generate for Prigozhin, in terms of positive publicity," Kirby further said on Friday. He added that the US Treasury was formally designating Wagner as a transnational criminal organisation. The designation would allow the wider application of sanctions on the group's sprawling network across the world, which includes operations in Africa and elsewhere too. Since the beginning of Russia's offensive in Ukraine, Wagner's boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has claimed credit for Moscow's advances over several months towards the eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut, including the capture last week of neighbouring Soledar. On Thursday, Prigozhin, a businessman close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Russia had a lot to learn from Ukraine's army. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US designates mercenary group Wagner as 'transnational criminal organisation'

The Peruvian Police on Saturday (January 21) raided a university in the capital city of Lima and arrested more than 200 anti-government protesters on the charges of theft and trespassing. According to a statement issued by the San Marcos University, a group of masked protesters stormed the campus late Friday and expelled security personnel after taking their vests and other equipment. Alfonso Barrenechea, who works with the crime prevention division of the prosecutor's office, told a local radio station PPP that 205 people were arrested for illegally trespassing on the university's premises and for allegedly stealing electronic goods, a report by news agency Reuters said early Sunday.&nbsp;

Peru's interior minister Vicente Romero, meanwhile,&nbsp;told the Canal N news channel that cops intervened after university authorities said some of the squatters were committing crimes, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Visuals shared by Reuters showed police tanks entering the university, breaking through the gates to allow the personnel inside. The police were then seen escorting multiple protesters to buses. Some of the protesters tried to stop the buses from leaving by blocking the road.&nbsp;

"The police entered with force, they have taken out all the demonstrators who were inside the university, they have entered with tear gas bombs, they assaulted people. I arrived here and saw some demonstrators crying," San Marcos University student Rosmely Torres told the news agency. "We are outraged by what we are going through, it is insurgency," a protester told Reuters.&nbsp;

The incident at the university comes as the violent anti-government protests in Peru continue. The demonstrations have been going on since early December last year when&nbsp;President Pedro Castillo was ousted and Dina Boluarte took charge of the top post. The protesters have demanded the resignation of Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru.

Forty-six people have died in clashes with security forces so far and nine have died in accidents linked to the protests, the Reuters report said.&nbsp;

On Friday, in the Cusco region, the gateway to Machu Picchu, Glencore's major Antapaccay copper mine suspended operations after protesters attacked the premises. Issuing a statement, Cusco's cultural authorities said, "in view of the current social situation in which our region and the country are immersed, the closure of the Inca trail network and Machu Picchu has been ordered, as of January 21 and until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Peruvian Police on Saturday (January 21) raided a university in the capital city of Lima and arrested more than 200 anti-government protesters on the charges of theft and trespassing.

The Peruvian Police on Saturday (January 21) raided a university in the capital city of Lima and arrested more than 200 anti-government protesters on the charges of theft and trespassing. According to a statement issued by the San Marcos University, a group of masked protesters stormed the campus late Friday and expelled security personnel after taking their vests and other equipment. Alfonso Barrenechea, who works with the crime prevention division of the prosecutor's office, told a local radio station PPP that 205 people were arrested for illegally trespassing on the university's premises and for allegedly stealing electronic goods, a report by news agency Reuters said early Sunday. Peru's interior minister Vicente Romero, meanwhile, told the Canal N news channel that cops intervened after university authorities said some of the squatters were committing crimes, news agency AFP reported. Visuals shared by Reuters showed police tanks entering the university, breaking through the gates to allow the personnel inside. The police were then seen escorting multiple protesters to buses. Some of the protesters tried to stop the buses from leaving by blocking the road. "The police entered with force, they have taken out all the demonstrators who were inside the university, they have entered with tear gas bombs, they assaulted people. I arrived here and saw some demonstrators crying," San Marcos University student Rosmely Torres told the news agency. "We are outraged by what we are going through, it is insurgency," a protester told Reuters. The incident at the university comes as the violent anti-government protests in Peru continue. The demonstrations have been going on since early December last year when President Pedro Castillo was ousted and Dina Boluarte took charge of the top post. The protesters have demanded the resignation of Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru. Forty-six people have died in clashes with security forces so far and nine have died in accidents linked to the protests, the Reuters report said. On Friday, in the Cusco region, the gateway to Machu Picchu, Glencore's major Antapaccay copper mine suspended operations after protesters attacked the premises. Issuing a statement, Cusco's cultural authorities said, "in view of the current social situation in which our region and the country are immersed, the closure of the Inca trail network and Machu Picchu has been ordered, as of January 21 and until further notice". (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 unrest: Police raid university in Lima, arrest over 200 protesters

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Sunday (January 22) hit out at Germany's decision not to supply the Leopard 2 tanks to war-hit Ukraine by saying that Berlin's attitude is unacceptable. "Germany's attitude is unacceptable. It has been almost a year since the war began, innocent people are dying every day," Morawiecki told the PAP agency. He said that Russian bombs were wreaking havoc in Ukrainian cities, adding civilians were being attacked and women and children were being murdered, a report by news agency AFP said.&nbsp;

Germany is the manufacturer of Leopard tanks and has been reluctant to supply them to Ukraine or allow other countries having them to do so. Earlier, the Polish government had announced that it was ready to supply 14 tanks to Ukraine and said it was discussing the matter with around 15 countries.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Morawiecki said that he was waiting for a clear signal from Berlin whether countries who have Leopards could transfer them to Kyiv. He further pointed out that if Berlin refuses, "we will set up a 'small coalition' of countries ready to donate some of their modern equipment, their modern tanks," the report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-allies-offer-more-weapons-to-kyiv-but-no-decision-on-tanks-yet-554651">Ukraine war: Allies offer more weapons to Kyiv, but Germany's reluctance stalls decision on tanks</a>

On Friday, a meeting of about 50 Ukrainian allies led by the United States was held at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany during which the supply of the Leopard&nbsp;tanks to Ukraine was one of the dominating issues. The countries agreed to provide billions of dollars worth of military hardware, including ample armoured vehicles and munitions needed to push back the Russian military. However, German defence minister Boris Pistorius, who was a part of the meeting, said, "We still cannot say when a decision will be taken, and what the decision will be when it comes to the Leopard tank." 
 
On Saturday, the foreign ministers of the three Baltic states urged Berlin to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH | World at War: Will United States &amp; Germany send their M1 Abram &amp; Leopard tanks?

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A report by news agency Reuters early Sunday quoting German sources said that German-made tanks would be allowed to be sent to Ukraine if the United States agrees to send its own tanks. However, US officials earlier said that the Joe Biden administration was not poised to send its own tanks including the M1 Abrams.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, German defence minister Pistorius announced that he will visit Ukraine soon, "probably even within the next four weeks." In an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper published on Sunday, Pistorious, when asked about the supply of tanks said, his government was in very close dialogue with its international partners, first and foremost with the US. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Sunday (January 22) hit out at Germany's decision not to supply the Leopard 2 tanks to war-hit Ukraine by saying that Berlin's attitude is unacceptable.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Sunday (January 22) hit out at Germany's decision not to supply the Leopard 2 tanks to war-hit Ukraine by saying that Berlin's attitude is unacceptable. "Germany's attitude is unacceptable. It has been almost a year since the war began, innocent people are dying every day," Morawiecki told the PAP agency. He said that Russian bombs were wreaking havoc in Ukrainian cities, adding civilians were being attacked and women and children were being murdered, a report by news agency AFP said. Germany is the manufacturer of Leopard tanks and has been reluctant to supply them to Ukraine or allow other countries having them to do so. Earlier, the Polish government had announced that it was ready to supply 14 tanks to Ukraine and said it was discussing the matter with around 15 countries. On Sunday, Prime Minister Morawiecki said that he was waiting for a clear signal from Berlin whether countries who have Leopards could transfer them to Kyiv. He further pointed out that if Berlin refuses, "we will set up a 'small coalition' of countries ready to donate some of their modern equipment, their modern tanks," the report added. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Allies offer more weapons to Kyiv, but Germany's reluctance stalls decision on tanks On Friday, a meeting of about 50 Ukrainian allies led by the United States was held at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany during which the supply of the Leopard tanks to Ukraine was one of the dominating issues. The countries agreed to provide billions of dollars worth of military hardware, including ample armoured vehicles and munitions needed to push back the Russian military. However, German defence minister Boris Pistorius, who was a part of the meeting, said, "We still cannot say when a decision will be taken, and what the decision will be when it comes to the Leopard tank." On Saturday, the foreign ministers of the three Baltic states urged Berlin to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine now. ALSO WATCH | World at War: Will United States & Germany send their M1 Abram & Leopard tanks? × A report by news agency Reuters early Sunday quoting German sources said that German-made tanks would be allowed to be sent to Ukraine if the United States agrees to send its own tanks. However, US officials earlier said that the Joe Biden administration was not poised to send its own tanks including the M1 Abrams. Meanwhile, German defence minister Pistorius announced that he will visit Ukraine soon, "probably even within the next four weeks." In an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper published on Sunday, Pistorious, when asked about the supply of tanks said, his government was in very close dialogue with its international partners, first and foremost with the US. (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.

'Attitude unacceptable': Poland hits out at Germany's decision not to supply Leopard tanks to Ukraine

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine continues, Kyiv's western allies dampened its hopes for a rapid shipment of battle tanks to boost its firepower. A meeting of some 50 Ukrainian allies led by the United States on Friday (January 20) came through billions of dollars worth of military hardware, including ample armoured vehicles and munitions needed to push back the Russian military.

As Russia's offensive in Ukraine continues, Kyiv's western allies dampened its hopes for a rapid shipment of battle tanks to boost its firepower. A meeting of some 50 Ukrainian allies led by the United States on Friday (January 20) came through billions of dollars worth of military hardware, including ample armoured vehicles and munitions needed to push back the Russian military. One of the main issues which dominated the meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany was whether the German government would agree to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, or permit other countries that have them to do so, news agency Reuters reported. After the meeting, the US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that while time was of the essence for Ukraine to take the fight to Russia's forces in spring, "Ukraine was well-equipped even without the Leopards." "Ukraine is not dependent on a single platform," Austin added. The secretary of defence also defended Germany against criticism that it was doing enough to help Ukraine, emphasising that Berlin was a reliable ally. ALSO READ | US designates mercenary group Wagner as 'international criminal organisation' Regarding the supply of Leopard 2 tanks, German defence minister Boris Pistorious said on Friday that his government still could not say what the decision will be and when it would be taken. Poland and Finland indicated they would be willing to send these tanks to Ukraine, but needed approval from Germany to do so, a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday said. Meanwhile, Ukraine's defence minister Oleskii Reznikov said, "We had a frank discussion on Leopards 2. To be continued." On Friday evening, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was no alternative but for the West to give his country heavy tanks. "Yes, we will still have to fight for the supply of modern tanks, but every day we make it more obvious that there is no alternative, that a decision about tanks must be made," Zelensky said. However, he thanked the countries that already promised to deliver weapons. Ukraine carries out military exercise in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone On Friday, the Ukrainian military carried out drills in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone near the Belarus border involving tanks and western-provided tactical vehicles. Commander of Ukraine's joint forces Serhiy Nayev told Reuters that there was no immediate danger of invasion from Belarus, adding this time was being used to increase fighting capacity and strengthen defence. “As of now, there is no immediate danger of land action from the territory of Belarus, of the joint army that is stationed there, the danger level is low. But we are using this time to increase our fighting capacity, to strengthen our defence,” Nayev said. Red cross says it needs more access to POWs on both sides of conflict The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), whose President Mirjana Spoljaric visited Moscow, said on Friday that it urgently needs more access to prisoners of war (POW) on both sides (Russia and Ukraine) in the conflict. In a statement, the ICRC said that Spoljaric's priority was that prisoners of war were treated humanely and receive regular visits from the organisation. "It is time to see meaningful progress. Lives are at stake, and people on both sides of the international armed conflict are desperate for news of their loved ones," the statement 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: Allies offer more weapons to Kyiv, but Germany's reluctance stalls decision on tanks

The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg.&nbsp;

Singapore has not banned the import of Russian oil or petroleum products, unlike the United States and European Union (EU) countries which have done so as retaliation for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. However, financial institutions in Singapore are prohibited from financing or dealing with Russian goods and companies, the Bloomberg report said.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February last year, Russian crude oil and fuel flows to Asia and the Middle East increased after western buyers turned away in retaliation. These (Russian) shipments have increasingly made their way to blending and redistribution hubs like Singapore and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates where they can be co-mingled, repackaged and re-exported globally, the report added.&nbsp; 
 
These Russia to Asia shipments would increase in the coming weeks as the EU would impose new sanctions on &nbsp;Russian petroleum products from February 5.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Advario Asia Pacific Pte, an oil storage firm, told the news agency that the firm has observed an increase in the number of inquiries of short/spot-term storage in the period leading up to December. The spokesperson added that the firm verified the source of products to ensure compliance with Russian sanctions before accepting them.&nbsp;

A spokesperson from the Jurong Port Universal Terminal Pte did not talk about the movement of specific products but said the firm complies with all applicable sanctions.

William Tan from Singapore-based Miyabi Industries, a marine fuel consultancy firm, told Bloomberg that traders and fuel suppliers are all over oil storage and blending plays right now because of “very good” profit margins from such activities. Tan said that traders can enjoy close to 20% profit margin from mixing Russian components with other grades to make a blended fuel oil product, adding this trend has been going on since October last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg.

The demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising, a sign that a flood of fuel from Russia is being mixed and re-exported globally. Tank space in the country is being snapped up because of an increase in interest and profits from mixing supplies of cheap fuel from Russia with shipments from other sources, a tank operator official and a consultant on the matter said as per report by news agency Bloomberg. Singapore has not banned the import of Russian oil or petroleum products, unlike the United States and European Union (EU) countries which have done so as retaliation for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. However, financial institutions in Singapore are prohibited from financing or dealing with Russian goods and companies, the Bloomberg report said. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine in February last year, Russian crude oil and fuel flows to Asia and the Middle East increased after western buyers turned away in retaliation. These (Russian) shipments have increasingly made their way to blending and redistribution hubs like Singapore and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates where they can be co-mingled, repackaged and re-exported globally, the report added. These Russia to Asia shipments would increase in the coming weeks as the EU would impose new sanctions on Russian petroleum products from February 5. A spokesperson for Advario Asia Pacific Pte, an oil storage firm, told the news agency that the firm has observed an increase in the number of inquiries of short/spot-term storage in the period leading up to December. The spokesperson added that the firm verified the source of products to ensure compliance with Russian sanctions before accepting them. A spokesperson from the Jurong Port Universal Terminal Pte did not talk about the movement of specific products but said the firm complies with all applicable sanctions. William Tan from Singapore-based Miyabi Industries, a marine fuel consultancy firm, told Bloomberg that traders and fuel suppliers are all over oil storage and blending plays right now because of “very good” profit margins from such activities. Tan said that traders can enjoy close to 20% profit margin from mixing Russian components with other grades to make a blended fuel oil product, adding this trend has been going on since October last year. (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.

Demand for oil storage tanks in Singapore is rising. Here's the reason

The Bolivian government has picked a consortium including&nbsp;Chinese battery giant CATL to develop its largely untapped lithium reserves. A report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (January 20) said the deal would see the consortium partner direct lithium extraction from Bolivia's Uyuni and Oruro salt flats.&nbsp;The partnership would give the CBC consortium the rights to develop two lithium plants which can produce up to 25,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate each annually.&nbsp; 
 
China's CATL specialises in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems but it does not produce lithium at present though it has invested in many Chinese projects. The report said that two years back, the company lost the bid to buy the Millenial Lithium Corp.&nbsp;

Speaking on Friday's deal, Bolivian President Luis Arce said that the CBC consortium would invest more than $1 billion in the project's first stage to boost infrastructure, roads and conditions required to start the lithium plants the country hopes will one day produce lithium cathodes and batteries.

“CBC will make an investment of more than one billion dollars in the first stage. One billion dollars that will help improve electric energy at the places where it will be established, roads, basic services, conditions for the constructions of the plants that will produce the lithium cathodes and batteries,” he said.&nbsp;

"Today begins the era of industrialisation of Bolivian lithium," Arce said, adding there was no time to lose in developing the metal. The president also said that talks were ongoing for potential partnerships with other foreign firms.&nbsp;

Bolivia's energy minister Franklin Molina, meanwhile, said the deal showed there were "sovereign alternatives to the privatisation models of lithium exploitation." State firm YLB is set to supervise and play a central part in the project.&nbsp;

As per the US Geological Survey, Bolivia's salt flats are home to the world's largest lithium resources at 21 million tonnes. However, the country has almost no industrial production or commercially viable reserves. The report added that the partnership with the CBC consortium could help finally unlock Bolivia's huge potential as a supplier of lithium for batteries needed to power the global shift to electric vehicles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Bolivian government has picked a consortium including Chinese battery giant CATL to develop its largely untapped lithium reserves. A report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (January 20) said the deal would see the consortium partner direct lithium extraction from Bolivia's Uyuni and Oruro salt flats.

The Bolivian government has picked a consortium including Chinese battery giant CATL to develop its largely untapped lithium reserves. A report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (January 20) said the deal would see the consortium partner direct lithium extraction from Bolivia's Uyuni and Oruro salt flats. The partnership would give the CBC consortium the rights to develop two lithium plants which can produce up to 25,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate each annually. China's CATL specialises in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems but it does not produce lithium at present though it has invested in many Chinese projects. The report said that two years back, the company lost the bid to buy the Millenial Lithium Corp. Speaking on Friday's deal, Bolivian President Luis Arce said that the CBC consortium would invest more than $1 billion in the project's first stage to boost infrastructure, roads and conditions required to start the lithium plants the country hopes will one day produce lithium cathodes and batteries. “CBC will make an investment of more than one billion dollars in the first stage. One billion dollars that will help improve electric energy at the places where it will be established, roads, basic services, conditions for the constructions of the plants that will produce the lithium cathodes and batteries,” he said. "Today begins the era of industrialisation of Bolivian lithium," Arce said, adding there was no time to lose in developing the metal. The president also said that talks were ongoing for potential partnerships with other foreign firms. Bolivia's energy minister Franklin Molina, meanwhile, said the deal showed there were "sovereign alternatives to the privatisation models of lithium exploitation." State firm YLB is set to supervise and play a central part in the project. As per the US Geological Survey, Bolivia's salt flats are home to the world's largest lithium resources at 21 million tonnes. However, the country has almost no industrial production or commercially viable reserves. The report added that the partnership with the CBC consortium could help finally unlock Bolivia's huge potential as a supplier of lithium for batteries needed to power the global shift to electric vehicles. (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.

Bolivia picks consortium including Chinese firm to develop its untapped lithium reserves: Report

A man in the United States has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually manipulating her daughter's college friends after moving into her dorm room in college in New York. Sixty-three-year-old Lawrence Ray was convicted last year of running a sex-cult-like ring at the Sarah Lawrence college, extracting millions of dollars from victims and forcing one into prostitution. In a report by the news agency AFP, Ray was found guilty on 15 counts, including racketeering, violent assault, extortion, sex trafficking, forced labour, tax evasion and money laundering.&nbsp;

Judge Lewis Liman, while handing down the life term on Friday, described Ray as an evil genius and said, "It was sadism. Pure and simple." 
 
n the other hand, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said that for years, Ray inflicted brutal and lifelong harm on innocent victims, groomed them and&nbsp;abused them into submission for his gain. 
 
Ray's crimes started back in 2010 when he moved into his daughter's dorm. According to prosecutors, Ray portrayed himself as a father figure and gained the trust of his daughter's friends before he subjected them to physical and psychological abuse. His tactics included sexual humiliation, verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, threats of violence and criminal legal action. The trial in Manhattan read that the 63-year-old exploited his victims' mental health difficulties and alienated them from their families.&nbsp;

He also extracted false confessions from victims about fake damages they had caused him. The victims then paid him by borrowing money and selling real estate they owned. In one case, Lawrence Ray had collected sexually explicit photographs and other personal details from one victim and forced her into commercial sex acts, from which he earned millions of dollars. In another, he tied a victim to a chair, placed a plastic bag over her head, and nearly suffocated her.&nbsp;

The AFP report also said Ray had laundered his criminal proceeds through an internet domain business and evaded paying taxes on the money which he had shared with at least two associates. Isabella Pollok, a co-defendant of Ray, is due to be sentenced in February.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A man in the United States has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually manipulating her daughter's college friends after moving into her dorm room in college in New York.

A man in the United States has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for sexually manipulating her daughter's college friends after moving into her dorm room in college in New York. Sixty-three-year-old Lawrence Ray was convicted last year of running a sex-cult-like ring at the Sarah Lawrence college, extracting millions of dollars from victims and forcing one into prostitution. In a report by the news agency AFP, Ray was found guilty on 15 counts, including racketeering, violent assault, extortion, sex trafficking, forced labour, tax evasion and money laundering. Judge Lewis Liman, while handing down the life term on Friday, described Ray as an evil genius and said, "It was sadism. Pure and simple." n the other hand, the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said that for years, Ray inflicted brutal and lifelong harm on innocent victims, groomed them and abused them into submission for his gain. Ray's crimes started back in 2010 when he moved into his daughter's dorm. According to prosecutors, Ray portrayed himself as a father figure and gained the trust of his daughter's friends before he subjected them to physical and psychological abuse. His tactics included sexual humiliation, verbal abuse, sleep deprivation, threats of violence and criminal legal action. The trial in Manhattan read that the 63-year-old exploited his victims' mental health difficulties and alienated them from their families. He also extracted false confessions from victims about fake damages they had caused him. The victims then paid him by borrowing money and selling real estate they owned. In one case, Lawrence Ray had collected sexually explicit photographs and other personal details from one victim and forced her into commercial sex acts, from which he earned millions of dollars. In another, he tied a victim to a chair, placed a plastic bag over her head, and nearly suffocated her. The AFP report also said Ray had laundered his criminal proceeds through an internet domain business and evaded paying taxes on the money which he had shared with at least two associates. Isabella Pollok, a co-defendant of Ray, is due to be sentenced in February. (With inputs from agencies)

Sex-cult leader at New York college sentenced to 60 years in prison

Authorities in Mexico are warning about a viral TikTok challenge that has left school students intoxicated. The challenge with the slogan "The last one to fall asleep wins" involves people trying to stay awake after consuming a drug called clonazepam which is used for treating seizures, panic attacks and anxiety, a report by news agency AFP said early Saturday (January 21). One of the side effects of clonazepam is drowsiness.

Several videos have been posted on TikTok of people recording themselves taking the drug to observe the effects while others have posted videos warning about the dangers of the challenge.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Mexico City's public security department said that paramedics had treated five intoxicated minors at a school. On the other hand, authorities in the northern state of Nuevo Leon saw three such cases. None of the students was seriously ill.&nbsp;

Alma Rosa, the health secretary of Nuevo Leon said that such challenges that spread through networks often put people's health at risk, the AFP report added. Previously, this TikTok challenge was also seen in Chile.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, authorities in Argentina are on alert over another challenge on TikTok which involves people competing to see who can hold their breath the longest without passing out. The ''Blackout Challenge" has killed two children in the country till now. According to a report by the Buenos Aires Herald, the victims&nbsp;aged 12 and 15 died in separate incidents just days apart.&nbsp;

On January 13, 12-year-old Milagros Soto was found dead in her bedroom in Capitán Bermúdez, Santa Fe. Speaking to Radio 2, Soto's aunt said the girl was in a TikTok group video chat with her classmates where she “was incentivised” to do the challenge which claimed her life. The second victim, a 15-year-old in General Roca, Río Negro, was found dead with another child, who remains in a serious condition, the report said, adding that as per authorities they had also participated in the blackout challenge.&nbsp;

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Authorities in Mexico are warning about a viral TikTok challenge that has left school students intoxicated. The challenge with the slogan "The last one to fall asleep wins" involves people trying to stay awake after consuming a drug called clonazepam which is used for treating seizures, panic attacks and anxiety, a report by news agency AFP said early Saturday (January 21).

Authorities in Mexico are warning about a viral TikTok challenge that has left school students intoxicated. The challenge with the slogan "The last one to fall asleep wins" involves people trying to stay awake after consuming a drug called clonazepam which is used for treating seizures, panic attacks and anxiety, a report by news agency AFP said early Saturday (January 21). One of the side effects of clonazepam is drowsiness. Several videos have been posted on TikTok of people recording themselves taking the drug to observe the effects while others have posted videos warning about the dangers of the challenge. On Thursday, Mexico City's public security department said that paramedics had treated five intoxicated minors at a school. On the other hand, authorities in the northern state of Nuevo Leon saw three such cases. None of the students was seriously ill. Alma Rosa, the health secretary of Nuevo Leon said that such challenges that spread through networks often put people's health at risk, the AFP report added. Previously, this TikTok challenge was also seen in Chile. Meanwhile, authorities in Argentina are on alert over another challenge on TikTok which involves people competing to see who can hold their breath the longest without passing out. The ''Blackout Challenge" has killed two children in the country till now. According to a report by the Buenos Aires Herald, the victims aged 12 and 15 died in separate incidents just days apart. On January 13, 12-year-old Milagros Soto was found dead in her bedroom in Capitán Bermúdez, Santa Fe. Speaking to Radio 2, Soto's aunt said the girl was in a TikTok group video chat with her classmates where she “was incentivised” to do the challenge which claimed her life. The second victim, a 15-year-old in General Roca, Río Negro, was found dead with another child, who remains in a serious condition, the report said, adding that as per authorities they had also participated in the blackout challenge. 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.

Mexico gripped by TikTok challenge that leaves school students intoxicated

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday (January 19) accused the attendees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of fuelling the destruction of the planet, as she spoke during a round-table discussion in Davos between climate campaigners and International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol.

She also slammed the&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;for appointing Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as chair of the Cop28 climate talks later this year.

She raised the matter at an event on the sidelines of the WEF’s annual meeting, saying&nbsp;lobbyists have been influencing these conferences “since, basically, forever”.

“This just puts a very clear face to it,” she added. “It’s completely ridiculous.”

Responding to Greta,&nbsp;a Cop28 spokesperson insisted al-Jaber,&nbsp;who founded&nbsp;renewable energy firm Masdar&nbsp;in 2006, was “uniquely qualified to deliver a successful Cop28”.

Thunberg participated in the discussion along with fellow activists Helena Gualinga from Ecuador, Vanessa Nakate from Uganda and Luisa Neubauer from Germany. The four&nbsp;activists called out energy companies and financial institutions that were financing investments in fossil fuels.&nbsp;

"We are right now in Davos where (there are) basically the people who are mostly fuelling the destruction of the planet," Thunberg said, reported news agency AFP. "The people who are at the very core of the climate crisis, the people who are investing in fossil fuels etc, and yet somehow these are the people that we seem to rely on for solving our problems," she added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-detained-in-germany-over-coal-village-protests-553601">Greta Thunberg released after detention in Germany over coal village protests: Police</a>

Thunberg pointed out that without massive public pressure from the outside, these people would go as far as they possibly could, as long as they could get away with it. "They will continue to invest in fossil fuels. They will continue to throw people under the bus for their own gain."

The Swedish climate activist also said that the global emissions of greenhouse gases were still increasing. Activist Helena Gualinga from Ecuador said during the round-table discussion that she, Greta, Vanessa and Luisa created a "cease and desist" letter to oil CEOs urging them to phase out from new fossil fuel projects.&nbsp;

"They, we know that they knew there's a report that has come out saying that they knew way before us what they were doing when they were exploring for oil. They knew what the consequences would be of CO2 gas emissions. They knew the irreversible consequences, the huge impact it would have on people's livelihood, on the environment," Gualinga said, as per Reuters report.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, these four activists launched an online petition demanding energy firms stop any new oil gas or coal extraction projects. On Thursday, Helena Gualinga said the petition was reaching nearly 900,000 signatures which showed the commitment of the youth, which also showed the commitment "of civil society and people and the change that we are demanding."

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hot-air-in-the-cold-alps-why-davos-forum-is-divorced-from-ground-reality-554084">Hot air in the cold Alps: Why Davos forum is divorced from ground reality</a>

Meanwhile, International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said that his presence alongside the four activists was a very important signal he wanted to give to the world. "We have to see that climate change needs to get more attention. Unfortunately, the attention to climate change is sliding down," Birol said and highlighted that the energy sector had to be transformed or "we have no chance whatsoever to reach our climate targets". 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday (January 19) accused the attendees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of fuelling the destruction of the planet, as she spoke during a round-table discussion in Davos between climate campaigners and International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol.

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday (January 19) accused the attendees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of fuelling the destruction of the planet, as she spoke during a round-table discussion in Davos between climate campaigners and International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol. She also slammed the United Arab Emirates for appointing Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, chief executive of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), as chair of the Cop28 climate talks later this year. She raised the matter at an event on the sidelines of the WEF’s annual meeting, saying lobbyists have been influencing these conferences “since, basically, forever”. “This just puts a very clear face to it,” she added. “It’s completely ridiculous.” Responding to Greta, a Cop28 spokesperson insisted al-Jaber, who founded renewable energy firm Masdar in 2006, was “uniquely qualified to deliver a successful Cop28”. Thunberg participated in the discussion along with fellow activists Helena Gualinga from Ecuador, Vanessa Nakate from Uganda and Luisa Neubauer from Germany. The four activists called out energy companies and financial institutions that were financing investments in fossil fuels. "We are right now in Davos where (there are) basically the people who are mostly fuelling the destruction of the planet," Thunberg said, reported news agency AFP. "The people who are at the very core of the climate crisis, the people who are investing in fossil fuels etc, and yet somehow these are the people that we seem to rely on for solving our problems," she added. ALSO READ | Greta Thunberg released after detention in Germany over coal village protests: Police Thunberg pointed out that without massive public pressure from the outside, these people would go as far as they possibly could, as long as they could get away with it. "They will continue to invest in fossil fuels. They will continue to throw people under the bus for their own gain." The Swedish climate activist also said that the global emissions of greenhouse gases were still increasing. Activist Helena Gualinga from Ecuador said during the round-table discussion that she, Greta, Vanessa and Luisa created a "cease and desist" letter to oil CEOs urging them to phase out from new fossil fuel projects. "They, we know that they knew there's a report that has come out saying that they knew way before us what they were doing when they were exploring for oil. They knew what the consequences would be of CO2 gas emissions. They knew the irreversible consequences, the huge impact it would have on people's livelihood, on the environment," Gualinga said, as per Reuters report. Earlier this week, these four activists launched an online petition demanding energy firms stop any new oil gas or coal extraction projects. On Thursday, Helena Gualinga said the petition was reaching nearly 900,000 signatures which showed the commitment of the youth, which also showed the commitment "of civil society and people and the change that we are demanding." ALSO READ | Hot air in the cold Alps: Why Davos forum is divorced from ground reality Meanwhile, International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said that his presence alongside the four activists was a very important signal he wanted to give to the world. "We have to see that climate change needs to get more attention. Unfortunately, the attention to climate change is sliding down," Birol said and highlighted that the energy sector had to be transformed or "we have no chance whatsoever to reach our climate targets". (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.

Davos: Greta Thunberg slams decision to appoint UAE oil boss as chair of Cop28

A massive blaze was reported in a slum in South Korea's capital city Seoul on Friday (January 20) which led to 500 people being evacuated. The fire broke out at 6:27 am in Guryong Village, which houses approximately 660 families. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will meet his American counterpart Joe Biden in Washington on February 10. Lula said that he wants to improve strained ties with international governments, including those with the United States. And as the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, 45 demonstrators have died till now. Peru's President Dina Boluarte, who has faced calls to step down, said on Thursday night that protesters who carried out acts of violence will not go unpunished.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-500-people-evacuated-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-south-korean-slum-554291">Around 500 people evacuated as massive blaze engulfs South Korean slum</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/20/326801-untitled-design-42.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
&nbsp;

A massive blaze in a shanty town in the South Korean capital, Seoul, has led to around 500 people being evacuated, fire officials said. The fire broke out at 6:27 am Friday in Guryong Village, which houses approximately 660 families.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-da-silva-to-meet-biden-on-february-10-in-washington-554281">Brazil's Lula da Silva to meet Biden on February 10 in Washington</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/20/326796-pf76lyzbvznffdpgnds3pjpfsm.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Left-leaning former trade unionist Lula, who was sworn in as president of Brazil on January 1 for a third term, will go to Washington, D.C., on February 9 for two days, according to his communications staff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-unrest-spreads-president-says-violence-will-not-go-unpunished-554305">Peru unrest spreads; President says violence will not go unpunished</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/20/326814-000337f7uh.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/staff-accidentally-deleted-some-files-causing-outrage-that-grounded-over-11000-flights-faa-554293">Staff ‘accidentally’ deleted some files causing outage and grounding over 11,000 flights: US FAA</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/20/326802-flights.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its preliminary report has revealed that the contractors working on the system that alerts pilots of a potential danger had “unintentionally” deleted some files, prompting the entire mechanism to break down on January 11 which affected more than 11,000 flights.

<a>WATCH| France protests against pension reforms, trade unions announce another strike</a>

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A massive blaze was reported in a slum in South Korea's capital city Seoul on Friday (January 20) which led to 500 people being evacuated. The fire broke out at 6:27 am in Guryong Village, which houses approximately 660 families.

A massive blaze was reported in a slum in South Korea's capital city Seoul on Friday (January 20) which led to 500 people being evacuated. The fire broke out at 6:27 am in Guryong Village, which houses approximately 660 families. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will meet his American counterpart Joe Biden in Washington on February 10. Lula said that he wants to improve strained ties with international governments, including those with the United States. And as the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, 45 demonstrators have died till now. Peru's President Dina Boluarte, who has faced calls to step down, said on Thursday night that protesters who carried out acts of violence will not go unpunished. Click on the headlines to read more: Around 500 people evacuated as massive blaze engulfs South Korean slum A massive blaze in a shanty town in the South Korean capital, Seoul, has led to around 500 people being evacuated, fire officials said. The fire broke out at 6:27 am Friday in Guryong Village, which houses approximately 660 families. Brazil's Lula da Silva to meet Biden on February 10 in Washington Left-leaning former trade unionist Lula, who was sworn in as president of Brazil on January 1 for a third term, will go to Washington, D.C., on February 9 for two days, according to his communications staff. Peru unrest spreads; President says violence will not go unpunished As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government. Staff ‘accidentally’ deleted some files causing outage and grounding over 11,000 flights: US FAA The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its preliminary report has revealed that the contractors working on the system that alerts pilots of a potential danger had “unintentionally” deleted some files, prompting the entire mechanism to break down on January 11 which affected more than 11,000 flights. WATCH| France protests against pension reforms, trade unions announce another strike ×

Morning news brief: Massive blaze engulfs South Korean slum, Lula to meet Biden on Feb 10, & more

As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government. The South American nation has been rocked by protests since President Pedro Castillo was ousted in early December last year and Dina Boluarte took charge of the top post. Protesters have been demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru. On Thursday, some demonstrators clashed with the police, throwing stones and bottles at the officers in the city centre, according to a report by the news agency AFP on Friday. The police officials temporarily retreated before equipping themselves with riot gear and started deploying tear gas. Two people were said to be injured.&nbsp;

The protesters reached Lima on Thursday, carrying flags and banners criticising the government and the police for deadly clashes in two southern cities- Ayacucho and Juliaca, a report by news agency Reuters said. A building on the San Martin Plaza caught fire late Thursday though it was empty and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-declares-state-of-emergency-in-capital-over-protests-552753">Peru declares 30-day state of emergency in capital Lima amid nationwide protests</a>

Earlier on Thursday, protesters tried to storm the airports in Arequipa and Cusco cities with police resorting to firing tear gas to disperse them, according to local television visuals. Officials later announced that operations at both these airports were suspended. Peru's human rights ombudsman announced that one person was killed in Arequipa, adding to two other deaths resulting from clashes on Wednesday. The nationwide toll now stands at 45, the AFP report on Friday said.&nbsp;

Speaking to the news agency on Thursday, Victor Zanabria, head of the Lima Police Force, said "We have 11,800 police officers in the streets to control unrest, we have more than 120 vans and 49 military vehicles, and also the armed forces are participating." However, the protesters remain undeterred and will continue demonstrating till their demands are met.&nbsp;

"We want the usurper Dina Boluarte to step down and call for new elections," one protester Jose De la Rosa told Reuters on Thursday. Another protestor travelling to Lima who did not wish to be identified, said, "We won't forget the pain the police have caused in the town of Juliaca."

Meanwhile, President Boluarte addressed the country on Thursday night and said that protesters who carried out acts of violence will not go unpunished.&nbsp; 
“That was not a peaceful protest. The violent acts that occurred in December and January will not go unpunished. We will be alongside the Prosecutor’s Office checking and opening tax folders of people committing violent acts and destroying private and government property," Boluarte said, Reuters reported. The President also said that she would not get tired of inviting protesters for dialogue, adding "let’s work on the vision this country needs."

Boluarte <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/perus-president-boluarte-refuses-to-resign-as-protests-rage-across-capital-552607">has refused to step down and has demanded</a> forgiveness for the deaths of the protesters, even as demonstrators labelled her a murderer and called the killings by security forces ''massacre.'' Last week, the government extended a state of emergency in Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco, curtailing some civil rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government.

As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government. The South American nation has been rocked by protests since President Pedro Castillo was ousted in early December last year and Dina Boluarte took charge of the top post. Protesters have been demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, snap elections and a new constitution for Peru. On Thursday, some demonstrators clashed with the police, throwing stones and bottles at the officers in the city centre, according to a report by the news agency AFP on Friday. The police officials temporarily retreated before equipping themselves with riot gear and started deploying tear gas. Two people were said to be injured. The protesters reached Lima on Thursday, carrying flags and banners criticising the government and the police for deadly clashes in two southern cities- Ayacucho and Juliaca, a report by news agency Reuters said. A building on the San Martin Plaza caught fire late Thursday though it was empty and the cause of the fire is not yet known. ALSO READ | Peru declares 30-day state of emergency in capital Lima amid nationwide protests Earlier on Thursday, protesters tried to storm the airports in Arequipa and Cusco cities with police resorting to firing tear gas to disperse them, according to local television visuals. Officials later announced that operations at both these airports were suspended. Peru's human rights ombudsman announced that one person was killed in Arequipa, adding to two other deaths resulting from clashes on Wednesday. The nationwide toll now stands at 45, the AFP report on Friday said. Speaking to the news agency on Thursday, Victor Zanabria, head of the Lima Police Force, said "We have 11,800 police officers in the streets to control unrest, we have more than 120 vans and 49 military vehicles, and also the armed forces are participating." However, the protesters remain undeterred and will continue demonstrating till their demands are met. "We want the usurper Dina Boluarte to step down and call for new elections," one protester Jose De la Rosa told Reuters on Thursday. Another protestor travelling to Lima who did not wish to be identified, said, "We won't forget the pain the police have caused in the town of Juliaca." Meanwhile, President Boluarte addressed the country on Thursday night and said that protesters who carried out acts of violence will not go unpunished. “That was not a peaceful protest. The violent acts that occurred in December and January will not go unpunished. We will be alongside the Prosecutor’s Office checking and opening tax folders of people committing violent acts and destroying private and government property," Boluarte said, Reuters reported. The President also said that she would not get tired of inviting protesters for dialogue, adding "let’s work on the vision this country needs." Boluarte has refused to step down and has demanded forgiveness for the deaths of the protesters, even as demonstrators labelled her a murderer and called the killings by security forces ''massacre.'' Last week, the government extended a state of emergency in Lima and the southern regions of Puno and Cusco, curtailing some civil rights. (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 unrest spreads; President says violence will not go unpunished

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday (January 19) that China reported a 70% rise in weekly Covid hospitalisations, the highest since the pandemic started. According to the WHO's report based on data submitted by Beijing, the number of people hospitalised rose by 70 % to 63,307 versus the previous week, news agency Reuters reported. However, the United Nations health agency said it was awaiting "detailed provincial data disaggregated by week of reporting" on nearly 60,000 virus-related hospital deaths reported by China last week and did not include them in the tally.

A few days back, the WHO had urged China to share more information on the pandemic and said it will continue to work with the government providing technical advice and support, and engaging in analysing the situation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a data-loopstyle="link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-announces-censorship-crackdown-to-get-rid-of-covid-rumours-on-internet-554148">China announces censorship crackdown to remove Covid ‘rumours’&nbsp;</a>

Thursday's development comes as Beijing said that the worst was over in its battle against Covid ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who oversees the country's virus response, said on Thursday the outbreak was at a "relatively low" level. Chunlan's comment comes after health officials said the number of virus patients in clinics, emergency rooms and with critical conditions had peaked.

Zhang Xiangyang, the director of the emergency department at the Beijing Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital told CCTV on Thursday that since mid-December last year, the number of patients received at the ER increased by two to three folds. The CCTV report said that Zhang's department received over 70 Covid patients in critical condition in just one day on January 8, whose average age was over 70 years. Of these, more than 10 recovered and were discharged over the past 10 days, the report added.&nbsp;

South Korea to lift mask mandate for indoor public places from Jan 30

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on Friday (January 20) that the government will lift the face mask mandate for most indoor public places from January 30, becoming the latest step to ease Covid rules in the country. However, Prime Minister Duck-soo still recommended that people should keep their faces covered and pointed out that masks will still be required on transport and in medical facilities. During a Covid response meeting, he said, "The daily number of new infections is continuing to decline and despite concerns over a spike in cases in China, the situation here is under control without major troubles," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The dropping of the mask mandate for public places comes as South Koreans will mark the Lunar Year Holidays during which they will travel to their home towns. Prime Minister Duck-soo also warned during Friday's meeting that the easing of mask rules could cause a temporary surge in new Covid infections, urging health authorities to stay vigilant, especially to those who are more vulnerable to the virus.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a data-loopstyle="link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-500-people-evacuated-as-massive-blaze-engulfs-south-korean-slum-554291">Around 500 people evacuated as massive blaze engulfs South Korean slum</a>

Since the onset of the pandemic, South Korea has recorded more than 29.9 million infections and 33,104 deaths, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The government has scrapped most of the Covid-related curbs including dropping the outdoor mask rule in May last year, but it maintains a seven-day isolation for people testing positive for the virus.&nbsp;

Additionally, the South Korean government requires that travellers from China, Macau and Hong Kong should provide a negative Covid test result before departure. As a retaliation,&nbsp;<a data-loopstyle="link" href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/covid-19-curbs-japan-protests-over-citizens-visa-suspension-china-defends-retaliation-551384">China suspended issuing short-term visas</a>&nbsp;in South Korea. The Chinese embassy in Seoul suspended issuing short-term visas for South Korean visitors on January 10. Taking to WeChat, the embassy said it would adjust the policy subject to the lifting of South Korea's "discriminatory entry restrictions" against Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a data-loopstyle="link" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-halloween-stampede-cops-blame-fatal-crush-on-negligence-552279">South Korea Halloween crowd crush: Cops blame negligence for fatal incident</a>

South Korea's foreign minister &nbsp;Park Jin said on January 11 that the visa suspension was deeply regrettable while highlighting that Seoul still issues visas to Chinese visitors with urgent requests. "It's deeply regrettable that China took such a countermeasure by entirely suspending issuance of short-term visas. We make exceptions and issue visas for diplomatic, work, urgent business or humanitarian purposes," Jin told reporters, according to an earlier Reuters report.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday (January 19) that China reported a 70% rise in weekly Covid hospitalisations, the highest since the pandemic started.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday (January 19) that China reported a 70% rise in weekly Covid hospitalisations, the highest since the pandemic started. According to the WHO's report based on data submitted by Beijing, the number of people hospitalised rose by 70 % to 63,307 versus the previous week, news agency Reuters reported. However, the United Nations health agency said it was awaiting "detailed provincial data disaggregated by week of reporting" on nearly 60,000 virus-related hospital deaths reported by China last week and did not include them in the tally. A few days back, the WHO had urged China to share more information on the pandemic and said it will continue to work with the government providing technical advice and support, and engaging in analysing the situation. ALSO READ | China announces censorship crackdown to remove Covid ‘rumours’ Thursday's development comes as Beijing said that the worst was over in its battle against Covid ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations. Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who oversees the country's virus response, said on Thursday the outbreak was at a "relatively low" level. Chunlan's comment comes after health officials said the number of virus patients in clinics, emergency rooms and with critical conditions had peaked. Zhang Xiangyang, the director of the emergency department at the Beijing Tsinghua Changgeng Hospital told CCTV on Thursday that since mid-December last year, the number of patients received at the ER increased by two to three folds. The CCTV report said that Zhang's department received over 70 Covid patients in critical condition in just one day on January 8, whose average age was over 70 years. Of these, more than 10 recovered and were discharged over the past 10 days, the report added. South Korea to lift mask mandate for indoor public places from Jan 30 South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on Friday (January 20) that the government will lift the face mask mandate for most indoor public places from January 30, becoming the latest step to ease Covid rules in the country. However, Prime Minister Duck-soo still recommended that people should keep their faces covered and pointed out that masks will still be required on transport and in medical facilities. During a Covid response meeting, he said, "The daily number of new infections is continuing to decline and despite concerns over a spike in cases in China, the situation here is under control without major troubles," news agency Reuters reported. The dropping of the mask mandate for public places comes as South Koreans will mark the Lunar Year Holidays during which they will travel to their home towns. Prime Minister Duck-soo also warned during Friday's meeting that the easing of mask rules could cause a temporary surge in new Covid infections, urging health authorities to stay vigilant, especially to those who are more vulnerable to the virus. ALSO READ | Around 500 people evacuated as massive blaze engulfs South Korean slum Since the onset of the pandemic, South Korea has recorded more than 29.9 million infections and 33,104 deaths, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The government has scrapped most of the Covid-related curbs including dropping the outdoor mask rule in May last year, but it maintains a seven-day isolation for people testing positive for the virus. Additionally, the South Korean government requires that travellers from China, Macau and Hong Kong should provide a negative Covid test result before departure. As a retaliation, China suspended issuing short-term visas in South Korea. The Chinese embassy in Seoul suspended issuing short-term visas for South Korean visitors on January 10. Taking to WeChat, the embassy said it would adjust the policy subject to the lifting of South Korea's "discriminatory entry restrictions" against Beijing. ALSO READ | South Korea Halloween crowd crush: Cops blame negligence for fatal incident South Korea's foreign minister Park Jin said on January 11 that the visa suspension was deeply regrettable while highlighting that Seoul still issues visas to Chinese visitors with urgent requests. "It's deeply regrettable that China took such a countermeasure by entirely suspending issuance of short-term visas. We make exceptions and issue visas for diplomatic, work, urgent business or humanitarian purposes," Jin told reporters, according to an earlier Reuters report. (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.

Covid: China reports 70% rise in weekly hospitalisations, highest since pandemic began, says WHO

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