A former minister in Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's cabinet- Anderson Torres was arrested early Saturday (January 14) over the riots that broke out in the capital city of Brasilia on January 8. On this day, thousands of Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the capital city of Brasilia attacking the Supreme Court, the Presidential Palace and Congress, calling for a military coup to oust President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Anderson Torres, who had served as Brazil's justice minister was arrested when he arrived in Brasilia from the United States- where he and Bolsonaro were at the time of the riots, a report by news agency AFP said.&nbsp;

Torres was wanted under a Supreme Court warrant for alleged "collusion" with the rioters and stands accused of "omission" in his most recent job as security chief for Brasilia. He has been fired from this post.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-releases-bolsonaros-spending-records-showing-his-love-of-high-living-spent-over-1400-on-ice-cream-552604">Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro's spending records show his love of high living, splurge on ice cream</a>

The country's new justice minister Flavio Dino said on Friday that authorities would give Torres time until Monday to return to Brazil, or face extradition. Dino also confirmed the discovery of a draft decree at his predecessor's house which proposed emergency steps for the possible "correction" of the October election that President Lula da Silva won.&nbsp;

The draft showed Jair Bolsonaro's name at the bottom but Dino said the authorship was unknown. Published in the &nbsp;Folha de S. Paulo newspaper on Thursday, the draft foresees a "state of defense" for the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The draft said the aim is "the preservation and immediate restoration of the transparency and correction of the 2022 presidential electoral process."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-riots-explained-why-are-jair-bolsonaros-supporters-protesting-550678">Brazil riots explained: Why are Jair Bolsonaro's supporters protesting?</a>

On Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to open an investigation into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-supreme-court-allows-authorities-to-include-jair-bolsonaro-in-january-8-riots-probe-552494">Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly instigating anti-democratic protests</a> that resulted in the riots in Brasilia. Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted a request from the prosecutor general's office to include Bolsonaro in the wider probe, citing a video he posted on Facebook two days after the riots. The video claimed that Lula da Silva was not voted into office, but rather was chosen by the Supreme Court and Brazil’s electoral authority. The video has been deleted by Bolsonaro and the former President has refrained from commenting on his election defeat, a report by the news agency AP said.&nbsp;

However, the trouble for Bolsonaro is not over as he faces several other investigations for anti-democratic statements he made as the President including that the election system was open to fraud. Liberal Party (PL), the political front he belongs to, now fears he will be held responsible for the January 8 riots. A PL leader told Reuters that while the party doesn't think that Bolsonaro will be arrested, it fears he could be declared ineligible to run in the next presidential election.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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A former minister in Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's cabinet- Anderson Torres was arrested early Saturday (January 14) over the riots that broke out in the capital city of Brasilia on January 8.

A former minister in Ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's cabinet- Anderson Torres was arrested early Saturday (January 14) over the riots that broke out in the capital city of Brasilia on January 8. On this day, thousands of Bolsonaro's supporters stormed the capital city of Brasilia attacking the Supreme Court, the Presidential Palace and Congress, calling for a military coup to oust President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Anderson Torres, who had served as Brazil's justice minister was arrested when he arrived in Brasilia from the United States- where he and Bolsonaro were at the time of the riots, a report by news agency AFP said. Torres was wanted under a Supreme Court warrant for alleged "collusion" with the rioters and stands accused of "omission" in his most recent job as security chief for Brasilia. He has been fired from this post. ALSO READ | Brazil's ex-president Bolsonaro's spending records show his love of high living, splurge on ice cream The country's new justice minister Flavio Dino said on Friday that authorities would give Torres time until Monday to return to Brazil, or face extradition. Dino also confirmed the discovery of a draft decree at his predecessor's house which proposed emergency steps for the possible "correction" of the October election that President Lula da Silva won. The draft showed Jair Bolsonaro's name at the bottom but Dino said the authorship was unknown. Published in the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper on Thursday, the draft foresees a "state of defense" for the Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The draft said the aim is "the preservation and immediate restoration of the transparency and correction of the 2022 presidential electoral process." ALSO READ | Brazil riots explained: Why are Jair Bolsonaro's supporters protesting? On Friday, the Supreme Court agreed to open an investigation into Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly instigating anti-democratic protests that resulted in the riots in Brasilia. Justice Alexandre de Moraes granted a request from the prosecutor general's office to include Bolsonaro in the wider probe, citing a video he posted on Facebook two days after the riots. The video claimed that Lula da Silva was not voted into office, but rather was chosen by the Supreme Court and Brazil’s electoral authority. The video has been deleted by Bolsonaro and the former President has refrained from commenting on his election defeat, a report by the news agency AP said. However, the trouble for Bolsonaro is not over as he faces several other investigations for anti-democratic statements he made as the President including that the election system was open to fraud. Liberal Party (PL), the political front he belongs to, now fears he will be held responsible for the January 8 riots. A PL leader told Reuters that while the party doesn't think that Bolsonaro will be arrested, it fears he could be declared ineligible to run in the next presidential election. (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.

Brazil riots: Ex-Bolsonaro minister Anderson Torres arrested

The Tokyo high court on Wednesday (January 18) upheld the acquittal of three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster case, again clearing them of professional negligence. TEPCO was the operator of the nuclear plant and the three former executives included Tsunehisa Katsumata, 82, (former chairman), Sakae Muto, 72, &nbsp;(former vice president) and Ichiro Takekuro, 76, (former vice president). The high court's ruling upheld a decision of the lower court in 2019 which also acquitted these former executives.&nbsp;

They were accused of liability for the deaths of over 40 hospitalised patients who had to be evacuated following the nuclear disaster. However, the high court also said on Wednesday they were not guilty of the deaths of these patients.&nbsp;

After the court's ruling, protesters from a civil group held banners and chanted slogans outside the premises. "I thought they would be found guilty, without a doubt, so I was really not expecting this verdict. It makes me wonder why the court only seems to find them not guilty," Etsuk Kudo, 68, one of the protesters, told the news agency Reuters on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"I want to make sure they are held accountable. Unless it's made clear where the responsibility for the disaster lies, it's going to impact our future too," 59-year-old protestor Yoshiko Furukawa said.&nbsp;

Another protester, Masako Sawait, 69, told the news agency that most other lawsuits found that TEPCO was guilty, adding, "I can't understand why the criminal court is the odd one out."

On March 11 2011, a massive tsunami swamped the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after a 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake.

Three of the nuclear plant's reactors suffered meltdowns following which a huge amount of radiation into the surrounding communities and the sea, causing tens of thousands of residents to lose their homes. Earlier during trials, prosecutors demanded five-year prison sentences for each executive. They argued that TEPCO could have prevented the disaster had the plant installed sufficient safety measures before the tsunami.

A total of 18,500 people were reported to be dead or missing due to the tsunami, but there have been no records of people being directly killed by the nuclear accident, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday.

The criminal case had been in the spotlight after a separate verdict in July last year in a civil case involving the above three former TEPCO executives and another former executive. These four were ordered to pay $101 billion for failing to prevent the disaster.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Tokyo high court on Wednesday (January 18) upheld the acquittal of three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster case, again clearing them of professional negligence.

The Tokyo high court on Wednesday (January 18) upheld the acquittal of three former executives of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) in the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster case, again clearing them of professional negligence. TEPCO was the operator of the nuclear plant and the three former executives included Tsunehisa Katsumata, 82, (former chairman), Sakae Muto, 72, (former vice president) and Ichiro Takekuro, 76, (former vice president). The high court's ruling upheld a decision of the lower court in 2019 which also acquitted these former executives. They were accused of liability for the deaths of over 40 hospitalised patients who had to be evacuated following the nuclear disaster. However, the high court also said on Wednesday they were not guilty of the deaths of these patients. After the court's ruling, protesters from a civil group held banners and chanted slogans outside the premises. "I thought they would be found guilty, without a doubt, so I was really not expecting this verdict. It makes me wonder why the court only seems to find them not guilty," Etsuk Kudo, 68, one of the protesters, told the news agency Reuters on Wednesday. "I want to make sure they are held accountable. Unless it's made clear where the responsibility for the disaster lies, it's going to impact our future too," 59-year-old protestor Yoshiko Furukawa said. Another protester, Masako Sawait, 69, told the news agency that most other lawsuits found that TEPCO was guilty, adding, "I can't understand why the criminal court is the odd one out." On March 11 2011, a massive tsunami swamped the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant after a 9.0-magnitude undersea earthquake. Three of the nuclear plant's reactors suffered meltdowns following which a huge amount of radiation into the surrounding communities and the sea, causing tens of thousands of residents to lose their homes. Earlier during trials, prosecutors demanded five-year prison sentences for each executive. They argued that TEPCO could have prevented the disaster had the plant installed sufficient safety measures before the tsunami. A total of 18,500 people were reported to be dead or missing due to the tsunami, but there have been no records of people being directly killed by the nuclear accident, the news agency AFP reported on Wednesday. The criminal case had been in the spotlight after a separate verdict in July last year in a civil case involving the above three former TEPCO executives and another former executive. These four were ordered to pay $101 billion for failing to prevent the disaster. (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.

Fukushima nuclear disaster: Tokyo court upholds acquittal of ex-TEPCO executives

As many as 113 companies across the world have laid off employees since the beginning of this year with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/microsoft-to-start-laying-off-employees-from-today-report-553642">Microsoft Corporation becoming the latest to do so</a>. Microsoft said it would&nbsp;cut 10,000 jobs by the end of third quarter of fiscal 2023.&nbsp;The layoffs will result in a charge of $1.2 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2023, the software giant added.&nbsp;

Not just in technology, companies (some of them from India and the United States as well) in other sectors have also laid off their employees since this year started, according to data published by Layoffs.fyi

Here's a list of some of the companies:&nbsp;

&gt; Go Mechanic: A car repair startup in India- Go Mechanic will layoff 70 per cent of its workforce. In a LinkedIn post, Go Mechanic's cofounder Amit Bhasin said, "We made errors in judgement as we followed growth at all costs, including in regard to financial reporting, which we deeply regret." Bhasin said the restructuring is going to be painful, adding a third-party firm will be carrying out an audit of the business.&nbsp;

&gt; Unity Software: Unity Software — a video game software development company based in San Francisco, United States, said that it would lay off 284 employees. The company said that some of the employees losing their jobs might be hired for other positions if they apply for openings, the Wall Street Journal reported. Unity Software's chief executive officer (CEO) John Riccitiello told the business newspaper that the company was dealing very specifically with overlap and a handful of projects are going in the closet. In June last year, the company had cut around 225 jobs.&nbsp;

&gt; ShareChat: Indian social media platform ShareChat — which is backed by Twitter, and Google, has laid off 20 per cent of its workforce because of uncertain market conditions. ShareChat has around 2,300 employees and the layoff would affect 500 people, news agency IANS reported citing other media reports. The company has announced a financial package for those affected by the layoff. "We are taking a very difficult decision today to part ways with around 20 per cent of our talented FTEs (full-time employees) to ensure the financial health and longevity of our company in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment," Ankush Sachdeva, the co-founder and CEO of the company, said in a note to the employees.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/software-developer-wins-top-jobs-of-2023-despite-massive-layoffs-report-551055">'Software developer' wins top jobs of 2023, despite massive layoffs: Report</a>

&gt; LendingClub: San Francisco-based financial services company LendingClub announced on January 12 that it laid off 14% of its workforce, or 225 employees, expecting the job cuts to result in savings of nearly $25 million to $30 million this year. On January 25, LendingClub will report fourth quarter and full-year 2022 earnings. A report by the news agency Reuters last week said the company expects revenue to be between $260 million and $263 million and a net income in the range of $21 million and $24 million for the fourth quarter.

&gt; Ola: As many as 200 employees from Indian multinational ridesharing company Ola were fired as part of a restructuring exercise. The layoffs constitute 10 per cent of its 2,000-strong engineer workforce "as part of a larger restructuring exercise towards its electric dream". Ola said it plans to hire 5,000 engineers as it doubles down on new engineering verticals across streams.&nbsp;

&gt; Flexport: American supply chain software startup Flexport is laying off 20% of its workforce or 640 employees. A memo by co-chief executive officers (CEOs) Dave Clark and Ryan Peterson said, "We are overall in a good position but are not immune to the macroeconomic downturn that has impacted businesses around the world. Our customers have been impacted by these challenging conditions, resulting in a reduction to our volume forecasts through 2023." CNBC reported on January 11 that the memo added that lower volumes, combined with improved efficiencies as a result of new organizational and operational structures, meant it was overstaffed in a variety of roles.&nbsp;

&gt; Dunzo: Quick-grocery delivery provider in India — Dunzo announced on Monday (January 16) that it has laid off three per cent of its workforce amidst cost-cutting measures. The company's co-founder and CEO Kabeer Biswas told IANS they were looking at team structures and network design to build efficiency into our teams. "We had to part ways with 3 per cent of our team strength. Whatever the numbers, these are people who chose to build their careers with Dunzo, and it is sad to have talented colleagues leave us," Biswas said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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As many as 113 companies across the world have laid off employees since the beginning of this year with Microsoft Corporation becoming the latest to do so. Microsoft said it would cut 10,000 jobs by the end of third quarter of fiscal 2023.

As many as 113 companies across the world have laid off employees since the beginning of this year with Microsoft Corporation becoming the latest to do so. Microsoft said it would cut 10,000 jobs by the end of third quarter of fiscal 2023. The layoffs will result in a charge of $1.2 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2023, the software giant added. Not just in technology, companies (some of them from India and the United States as well) in other sectors have also laid off their employees since this year started, according to data published by Layoffs.fyi Here's a list of some of the companies: > Go Mechanic: A car repair startup in India- Go Mechanic will layoff 70 per cent of its workforce. In a LinkedIn post, Go Mechanic's cofounder Amit Bhasin said, "We made errors in judgement as we followed growth at all costs, including in regard to financial reporting, which we deeply regret." Bhasin said the restructuring is going to be painful, adding a third-party firm will be carrying out an audit of the business. > Unity Software: Unity Software — a video game software development company based in San Francisco, United States, said that it would lay off 284 employees. The company said that some of the employees losing their jobs might be hired for other positions if they apply for openings, the Wall Street Journal reported. Unity Software's chief executive officer (CEO) John Riccitiello told the business newspaper that the company was dealing very specifically with overlap and a handful of projects are going in the closet. In June last year, the company had cut around 225 jobs. > ShareChat: Indian social media platform ShareChat — which is backed by Twitter, and Google, has laid off 20 per cent of its workforce because of uncertain market conditions. ShareChat has around 2,300 employees and the layoff would affect 500 people, news agency IANS reported citing other media reports. The company has announced a financial package for those affected by the layoff. "We are taking a very difficult decision today to part ways with around 20 per cent of our talented FTEs (full-time employees) to ensure the financial health and longevity of our company in the current uncertain macroeconomic environment," Ankush Sachdeva, the co-founder and CEO of the company, said in a note to the employees. ALSO READ | 'Software developer' wins top jobs of 2023, despite massive layoffs: Report > LendingClub: San Francisco-based financial services company LendingClub announced on January 12 that it laid off 14% of its workforce, or 225 employees, expecting the job cuts to result in savings of nearly $25 million to $30 million this year. On January 25, LendingClub will report fourth quarter and full-year 2022 earnings. A report by the news agency Reuters last week said the company expects revenue to be between $260 million and $263 million and a net income in the range of $21 million and $24 million for the fourth quarter. > Ola: As many as 200 employees from Indian multinational ridesharing company Ola were fired as part of a restructuring exercise. The layoffs constitute 10 per cent of its 2,000-strong engineer workforce "as part of a larger restructuring exercise towards its electric dream". Ola said it plans to hire 5,000 engineers as it doubles down on new engineering verticals across streams. > Flexport: American supply chain software startup Flexport is laying off 20% of its workforce or 640 employees. A memo by co-chief executive officers (CEOs) Dave Clark and Ryan Peterson said, "We are overall in a good position but are not immune to the macroeconomic downturn that has impacted businesses around the world. Our customers have been impacted by these challenging conditions, resulting in a reduction to our volume forecasts through 2023." CNBC reported on January 11 that the memo added that lower volumes, combined with improved efficiencies as a result of new organizational and operational structures, meant it was overstaffed in a variety of roles. > Dunzo: Quick-grocery delivery provider in India — Dunzo announced on Monday (January 16) that it has laid off three per cent of its workforce amidst cost-cutting measures. The company's co-founder and CEO Kabeer Biswas told IANS they were looking at team structures and network design to build efficiency into our teams. "We had to part ways with 3 per cent of our team strength. Whatever the numbers, these are people who chose to build their careers with Dunzo, and it is sad to have talented colleagues leave us," Biswas 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.

Explained: With Microsoft latest to lay off staff, here's why mass firings are becoming the norm  

American porn actor Ron Jeremy, who was indicted on rape and other sex charges, was on Tuesday (January 17) declared mentally incompetent to stand trial in Los Angeles for these sex crimes. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ronald S Harris said in a hearing that after reviewing reports from both prosecutors and Jeremy's defence it was ascertained that he is in “incurable neurocognitive decline” from which he is unlikely to recover, reported news agency Associated Press. Jeremy, 69, was arrested in 2020 and has been in prison since then.&nbsp;

Who is Ron Jeremy?

Ronald Hyatt, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-porn-star-ron-jeremy-charged-with-multiple-rapes-and-assaults-408405">who goes by the name of Ron Jeremy</a>, is a porn&nbsp;actor who has appeared in more than 1,700 X-rated films since the 1970s. With his trademark moustache, Jeremy — nicknamed "Hedgehog" has been one of the most prominent actors in the adult entertainment industry for decades. He also became a pop culture icon by the means of music videos, reality shows and public appearances.&nbsp;

What are the charges against him?

Jeremy was first charged in June 2020 for raping four women. A report by The Los Angeles Times on January 6 said that as this case ballooned, several women came forward claiming that he had&nbsp;been abusing women for decades. Later in August 2021, Jeremy was indicted on more than 30 counts of sexual assault involving 21 women and girls aged 15 to 51 for more than two decades.&nbsp;

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, these counts include 12 of forcible rape, seven of forcible oral copulation, six of sexual battery, and two of penetration while the victim was asleep or unconscious, a report by news agency Reuters said. The office added that these alleged offences took place at bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles, during a photo shoot and also at Jeremy's residence. Ahead of the trial, the 69-year-old was ordered to undergo psychiatric exams.&nbsp;

Citing an email, the Los Angeles Times report said mental health experts for both prosecution and defence found the porn actor mentally incapacitated, with little chance of recovery. "As a result of the agreement of the experts, the defendant will be declared incompetent to stand trial... his prognosis for improvement is not good," Los Angeles County deputy district attorney Paul Thompson said in the email. "If he does not improve, we will not be able to try him for his crimes. Because criminal proceedings are suspended as long as he is incompetent, we also cannot get a guilty plea from him or discuss other measures to get justice for the victims in this case," he added.&nbsp;

In March last year, Attorney Stuart Goldfarb, who represents Jeremy, told the court he visited his client in a holding cell before a court hearing. "He was unable to determine who I was," Goldfarb said.&nbsp;

Jeremy denies all wrongdoing

Ron Jeremy has denied all charges against him, When he was charged in 2020, Attorney Stuart Goldfarb denied the allegations levelled and insisted that his client was not a rapist. "Ron -- over the years, because of who he is -- has essentially been a paramour to over 4,000 women. And to allege that he is a rapist is beyond... I mean, women throw themselves at him," Goldfarb said, a report by news agency AFP on Tuesday said.&nbsp;

What happens next?

With Ron Jeremy declared mentally incompetent to stand trial, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said on Tuesday that a hearing on whether to place the adult film actor in a state hospital will take place on February 7.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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American porn actor Ron Jeremy, who was indicted on rape and other sex charges, was on Tuesday (January 17) declared mentally incompetent to stand trial in Los Angeles for these sex crimes.

American porn actor Ron Jeremy, who was indicted on rape and other sex charges, was on Tuesday (January 17) declared mentally incompetent to stand trial in Los Angeles for these sex crimes. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ronald S Harris said in a hearing that after reviewing reports from both prosecutors and Jeremy's defence it was ascertained that he is in “incurable neurocognitive decline” from which he is unlikely to recover, reported news agency Associated Press. Jeremy, 69, was arrested in 2020 and has been in prison since then. Who is Ron Jeremy? Ronald Hyatt, who goes by the name of Ron Jeremy, is a porn actor who has appeared in more than 1,700 X-rated films since the 1970s. With his trademark moustache, Jeremy — nicknamed "Hedgehog" has been one of the most prominent actors in the adult entertainment industry for decades. He also became a pop culture icon by the means of music videos, reality shows and public appearances. What are the charges against him? Jeremy was first charged in June 2020 for raping four women. A report by The Los Angeles Times on January 6 said that as this case ballooned, several women came forward claiming that he had been abusing women for decades. Later in August 2021, Jeremy was indicted on more than 30 counts of sexual assault involving 21 women and girls aged 15 to 51 for more than two decades. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, these counts include 12 of forcible rape, seven of forcible oral copulation, six of sexual battery, and two of penetration while the victim was asleep or unconscious, a report by news agency Reuters said. The office added that these alleged offences took place at bars and nightclubs in Los Angeles, during a photo shoot and also at Jeremy's residence. Ahead of the trial, the 69-year-old was ordered to undergo psychiatric exams. Citing an email, the Los Angeles Times report said mental health experts for both prosecution and defence found the porn actor mentally incapacitated, with little chance of recovery. "As a result of the agreement of the experts, the defendant will be declared incompetent to stand trial... his prognosis for improvement is not good," Los Angeles County deputy district attorney Paul Thompson said in the email. "If he does not improve, we will not be able to try him for his crimes. Because criminal proceedings are suspended as long as he is incompetent, we also cannot get a guilty plea from him or discuss other measures to get justice for the victims in this case," he added. In March last year, Attorney Stuart Goldfarb, who represents Jeremy, told the court he visited his client in a holding cell before a court hearing. "He was unable to determine who I was," Goldfarb said. Jeremy denies all wrongdoing Ron Jeremy has denied all charges against him, When he was charged in 2020, Attorney Stuart Goldfarb denied the allegations levelled and insisted that his client was not a rapist. "Ron -- over the years, because of who he is -- has essentially been a paramour to over 4,000 women. And to allege that he is a rapist is beyond... I mean, women throw themselves at him," Goldfarb said, a report by news agency AFP on Tuesday said. What happens next? With Ron Jeremy declared mentally incompetent to stand trial, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said on Tuesday that a hearing on whether to place the adult film actor in a state hospital will take place on February 7. (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: Who is porn actor Ron Jeremy? Why he'll not be tried for rape?

At least 68 people were killed after a passenger airplane with 72 people on board crashed near Pokhara International Airport in Nepal on Sunday (January 15), making it the worst aviation disaster in the country in 30 years. As the war in Ukraine continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the "special military operation'' was showing a positive trend, adding that Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar. In Afghanistan, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan said that overturning restrictions against women is not a priority- weeks after it passed two orders- banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups. 
&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-passenger-airplane-with-72-on-board-crashes-552768">Nepal’s worst air crash in 30 years: 68 killed as passenger plane with 72 onboard crashes near Pokhara</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/15/325682-nepal-crash-2.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 68&nbsp;people were killed after a&nbsp;passenger airplane with 72 people on board&nbsp;crashed near Pokhara International Airport in Nepal on Sunday (January 15) minutes before&nbsp;its scheduled landing, reported AFP. The officially declared death toll stands&nbsp;at 68 currently. It was a Yeti Airlines flight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-special-military-operation-in-ukraine-showing-positive-trend-552863">Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/15/325704-untitled-design-2023-01-15t173806266.png?imwidth=1920" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a positive trend is visible in the special military operation in Ukraine and that the Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar.&nbsp;Putin said, "The dynamic is positive. Everything is developing within the framework of the plan of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. And I hope that our fighters will please us even more with the results of their combat."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-say-overturning-restrictions-against-afghan-women-not-a-priority-report-552865">Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/15/325705-000334x72l.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

After taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban imposed several restrictions on females including restricting their freedom of movement, barring girls from attending secondary schools, excluding women from most areas of the workforce and also banning them from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. Weeks back,&nbsp;the group passed two orders- banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/africa/dr-congo-five-killed-15-injured-in-bombing-in-church-ugandan-militant-group-likely-behind-attack-report-552894">DR Congo | Five killed, 15 injured in bombing in church; Ugandan militant group likely behind attack: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/15/325723-0009dl68n.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

A spokesperson of the army told the news agency Reuters the attack was likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)- a Ugandan militant group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in 2019.&nbsp;The ADF has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-yoon-reaches-uae-seeks-arm-sales-552839">South Korean President Yoon reaches UAE, seeks arm sales</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/15/325696-south-korea.png?imwidth=1920" />

Yoon's visit comes when South Korea engages in multibillion-dollar commercial transactions and stationing special forces soldiers to guard the UAE. It is a plan that garnered criticism under his liberal predecessor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uks-nhs-and-genomics-england-to-use-using-genome-sequencing-to-identify-rare-diseases-in-babies-552835">UK's NHS and Genomics England to use genome sequencing to identify rare diseases in babies</a>

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Professor Matt Brown, the Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England has predicted that very soon parents will be able to have it checked if their baby is at a higher risk of illnesses. He said that for this, parents could have their children’s genetic code read by the NHS.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-in-israel-against-netanyahu-decries-government-of-shame-552831">Thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu, decry ‘government of shame’</a>

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The Israeli media reported that the rally saw the participation of 80,000 people, quoting police sources. This is the biggest protest since the new government of Netanyahu came to power in Israel in late December.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-eight-killed-in-roadside-bombing-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-552848">Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility</a>

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The blast occurred in Hiran district's Buloburde city. A local police commander Abdullahi Mohamud said the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building, a report by the news agency AFP said on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-record-odi-victory-rohit-and-company-defeat-sri-lanka-by-a-mammoth-317-runs-lankans-collapse-at-73-552909">India's record ODI victory: Rohit and company defeat Sri Lanka by a mammoth 317 runs, Lankans collapse at 73</a>

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Team India secured a historic victory in the third and final match of their series against Sri Lanka, defeating the team by 317 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. This broke the previous record for the largest victory by runs in ODIs, which was held by New Zealand with a 290 run win against Ireland in 2008.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/folk-singer-nira-chhantyal-among-68-passengers-killed-in-tragic-nepal-plane-crash-552915">Folk singer Nira Chhantyal among 68 passengers killed in tragic Nepal plane crash</a>

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Nepal's folk singer Nira Chhantyal died along with 67 other passengers in the tragic plane crash that took place near Pokhara International Airport on Sunday.&nbsp;The sad news of her demise was confirmed by her sister Heera Chantyal Sherchan. Chhantyal was headed to Pokhara to attend an event which was being organised to mark the festival of Magh Sankranti.&nbsp;

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At least 68 people were killed after a passenger airplane with 72 people on board crashed near Pokhara International Airport in Nepal on Sunday (January 15), making it the worst aviation disaster in the country in 30 years.

At least 68 people were killed after a passenger airplane with 72 people on board crashed near Pokhara International Airport in Nepal on Sunday (January 15), making it the worst aviation disaster in the country in 30 years. As the war in Ukraine continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the "special military operation'' was showing a positive trend, adding that Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar. In Afghanistan, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan said that overturning restrictions against women is not a priority- weeks after it passed two orders- banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups. Click on the headlines to read more: Nepal’s worst air crash in 30 years: 68 killed as passenger plane with 72 onboard crashes near Pokhara At least 68 people were killed after a passenger airplane with 72 people on board crashed near Pokhara International Airport in Nepal on Sunday (January 15) minutes before its scheduled landing, reported AFP. The officially declared death toll stands at 68 currently. It was a Yeti Airlines flight. Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend Russian President Vladimir Putin said that a positive trend is visible in the special military operation in Ukraine and that the Russian soldiers will deliver more results after an attack on Soledar. Putin said, "The dynamic is positive. Everything is developing within the framework of the plan of the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff. And I hope that our fighters will please us even more with the results of their combat." Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority: Report After taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban imposed several restrictions on females including restricting their freedom of movement, barring girls from attending secondary schools, excluding women from most areas of the workforce and also banning them from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. Weeks back, the group passed two orders- banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups. DR Congo | Five killed, 15 injured in bombing in church; Ugandan militant group likely behind attack: Report A spokesperson of the army told the news agency Reuters the attack was likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)- a Ugandan militant group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in 2019. The ADF has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. South Korean President Yoon reaches UAE, seeks arm sales Yoon's visit comes when South Korea engages in multibillion-dollar commercial transactions and stationing special forces soldiers to guard the UAE. It is a plan that garnered criticism under his liberal predecessor. UK's NHS and Genomics England to use genome sequencing to identify rare diseases in babies Professor Matt Brown, the Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England has predicted that very soon parents will be able to have it checked if their baby is at a higher risk of illnesses. He said that for this, parents could have their children’s genetic code read by the NHS. Thousands protest in Israel against Netanyahu, decry ‘government of shame’ The Israeli media reported that the rally saw the participation of 80,000 people, quoting police sources. This is the biggest protest since the new government of Netanyahu came to power in Israel in late December. Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility The blast occurred in Hiran district's Buloburde city. A local police commander Abdullahi Mohamud said the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building, a report by the news agency AFP said on Sunday. India's record ODI victory: Rohit and company defeat Sri Lanka by a mammoth 317 runs, Lankans collapse at 73 Team India secured a historic victory in the third and final match of their series against Sri Lanka, defeating the team by 317 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. This broke the previous record for the largest victory by runs in ODIs, which was held by New Zealand with a 290 run win against Ireland in 2008. Folk singer Nira Chhantyal among 68 passengers killed in tragic Nepal plane crash Nepal's folk singer Nira Chhantyal died along with 67 other passengers in the tragic plane crash that took place near Pokhara International Airport on Sunday. The sad news of her demise was confirmed by her sister Heera Chantyal Sherchan. Chhantyal was headed to Pokhara to attend an event which was being organised to mark the festival of Magh Sankranti.

Top 10 world news: Pokhara air crash Nepal's worst aviation disaster in three decades & more

At least five people were killed and 15 others were injured on Sunday (January 15) in a suspected militant bombing during a church service in DR Congo's Kasindi in North Kivu- which is on the border with Uganda. A spokesperson of the army told the news agency Reuters that the attack was most likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)- a Ugandan militant group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in 2019. "Despite the security measures put in place, the first indications show that it is the ADF which is behind this bomb attack," army spokesperson Anthony Mualushay told the news agency.

The ADF has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. DR Congo's communications ministry, meanwhile said an investigation is underway to detect the origin of the attack.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dr-congo-military-court-upholds-nine-execution-orders-in-connection-with-the-murder-of-two-chinese-gold-miners-547158">DR Congo military court upholds nine execution orders in connection with the murder of two Chinese gold miners</a>

Alain Kitsa, a resident of Kasindi, told Reuters "I just came back from the scene, where I saw the bodies of children on the ground," and described the atmosphere in the city as tense. If the news about ADF behind the bombing is confirmed, this would be the first time the militant group targeted Kasindi since 2014, according to local administrator Charles Omeonga who told the news agency the estimated death toll in the bombing was at least 10.&nbsp;

The ADF has been accused of killing thousands of civilians in the Central African country along with carrying out bombings in Uganda. For the last two years, the militaries of Congo and Uganda have launched a joint operation to target the ADF in North Kivu and the neighbouring Ituri province, a report by the news agency AFP said.&nbsp;

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidcio37mhFJOdI" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The bomb attack on Sunday comes after more than 60 people were killed in Ituri province in a week. On January 8, a teacher belonging to the Lendu community was killed, triggering reprisal attacks from the CODECO militia, which claims to represent the ethnic group. Following the teachers killing, the militia killed at least 24 civilians in attacks on several different villages in the&nbsp;Djugu territory, AFP reported on Saturday (January 14) citing local civil society representatives and humanitarian workers. A CODECO leader told AFP attacks were to "avenge the death" of the teacher, whom he said was killed by Zaire militants.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-eight-killed-in-roadside-bombing-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-552848">Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility</a>

Meanwhile, in another African nation Somalia, eight people were killed in a roadside bombing in Hiran district's Buloburde city on Saturday. The Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for this attack. A local police commander told AFP on Sunday that the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building in Buloburde, adding that among the casualties, five were killed on the spot while three died overnight in a hospital. On the same day, two separate incidents were reported in Somalia for which the Al Shabaab claimed responsibility.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five people were killed and 15 others were injured on Sunday (January 15) in a suspected militant bombing during a church service in DR Congo's Kasindi in North Kivu- which is on the border with Uganda.

At least five people were killed and 15 others were injured on Sunday (January 15) in a suspected militant bombing during a church service in DR Congo's Kasindi in North Kivu- which is on the border with Uganda. A spokesperson of the army told the news agency Reuters that the attack was most likely carried out by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)- a Ugandan militant group that pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in 2019. "Despite the security measures put in place, the first indications show that it is the ADF which is behind this bomb attack," army spokesperson Anthony Mualushay told the news agency. The ADF has not yet claimed responsibility for the attack. DR Congo's communications ministry, meanwhile said an investigation is underway to detect the origin of the attack. ALSO READ | DR Congo military court upholds nine execution orders in connection with the murder of two Chinese gold miners Alain Kitsa, a resident of Kasindi, told Reuters "I just came back from the scene, where I saw the bodies of children on the ground," and described the atmosphere in the city as tense. If the news about ADF behind the bombing is confirmed, this would be the first time the militant group targeted Kasindi since 2014, according to local administrator Charles Omeonga who told the news agency the estimated death toll in the bombing was at least 10. The ADF has been accused of killing thousands of civilians in the Central African country along with carrying out bombings in Uganda. For the last two years, the militaries of Congo and Uganda have launched a joint operation to target the ADF in North Kivu and the neighbouring Ituri province, a report by the news agency AFP said. The bomb attack on Sunday comes after more than 60 people were killed in Ituri province in a week. On January 8, a teacher belonging to the Lendu community was killed, triggering reprisal attacks from the CODECO militia, which claims to represent the ethnic group. Following the teachers killing, the militia killed at least 24 civilians in attacks on several different villages in the Djugu territory, AFP reported on Saturday (January 14) citing local civil society representatives and humanitarian workers. A CODECO leader told AFP attacks were to "avenge the death" of the teacher, whom he said was killed by Zaire militants. ALSO READ | Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility Meanwhile, in another African nation Somalia, eight people were killed in a roadside bombing in Hiran district's Buloburde city on Saturday. The Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for this attack. A local police commander told AFP on Sunday that the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building in Buloburde, adding that among the casualties, five were killed on the spot while three died overnight in a hospital. On the same day, two separate incidents were reported in Somalia for which the Al Shabaab claimed responsibility. (With inputs from agencies)

DR Congo | Five killed, 15 injured in church bombing; Ugandan militant group likely behind attack: Report

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (January 14) that overturning restrictions against women is not a priority,&nbsp;weeks after it passed two orders banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups. The Taliban said that it would not permit any acts which violate Islamic law and the concerns regarding the restrictions will be dealt with according to the established rule of the Islamic Emirate in the country, a report by Khama Press said on Sunday. In a statement, the Taliban's chief spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said the Taliban tries to regulate all matters "in accordance with the Islamic Sharia and the ruling government cannot allow act against the Sharia" in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Mujahid also asked Afghanistan's partners and international aid organisations to understand the religious demands in the country and avoid tying humanitarian aid to politics, the Khama Press report added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/oic-to-send-delegation-to-afghanistan-to-discuss-womens-rights-552543">OIC to send delegation to Afghanistan to discuss women’s rights with Taliban</a>

After taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban imposed several restrictions on females including restricting their freedom of movement, barring girls from attending secondary schools, colleges and universities, excluding women from most areas of the workforce and also banning them from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. The latest two orders of the administration to suspend university education and ban working for aid groups have only worsened the situation for women in the country.&nbsp;

Global governments and rights groups have severely condemned the restrictions, urging the Taliban to reverse them. However, the Islamic Emirate remains defiant.&nbsp;

On Friday, the United States pushed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a resolution to reverse the ban on Afghan women working for aid groups or attending universities and high schools. The council held a meeting on this day to discuss the decisions taken by the Taliban, and a group of diplomats told the news agency Reuters that the US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the security council that given the gravity of the situation, it should unanimously adopt a resolution to condemn the bans and call for an immediate reversal.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?'</a>

Before Friday's meeting, 11 UNSC members including the US, issued a joint statement urging the Taliban to reverse all oppressive measures against females.

Separately, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) executive director Catherine Russell described the Islamic Emirate's ban on women aid workers as both wrong and dangerous and pointed out that without them, lives will be lost, and children will die, Reuters reported. Russell said UNICEF was reviewing the impact of the ban on its work and as the situation evolves, it will have to make difficult decisions as to which activities can continue, and which must be suspended.

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The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (January 14) that overturning restrictions against women is not a priority, weeks after it passed two orders banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups.

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan said on Saturday (January 14) that overturning restrictions against women is not a priority, weeks after it passed two orders banning university education for women and banning women from working for aid groups. The Taliban said that it would not permit any acts which violate Islamic law and the concerns regarding the restrictions will be dealt with according to the established rule of the Islamic Emirate in the country, a report by Khama Press said on Sunday. In a statement, the Taliban's chief spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said the Taliban tries to regulate all matters "in accordance with the Islamic Sharia and the ruling government cannot allow act against the Sharia" in Afghanistan. Mujahid also asked Afghanistan's partners and international aid organisations to understand the religious demands in the country and avoid tying humanitarian aid to politics, the Khama Press report added. ALSO READ | OIC to send delegation to Afghanistan to discuss women’s rights with Taliban After taking over Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban imposed several restrictions on females including restricting their freedom of movement, barring girls from attending secondary schools, colleges and universities, excluding women from most areas of the workforce and also banning them from using parks, gyms and public bath houses. The latest two orders of the administration to suspend university education and ban working for aid groups have only worsened the situation for women in the country. Global governments and rights groups have severely condemned the restrictions, urging the Taliban to reverse them. However, the Islamic Emirate remains defiant. On Friday, the United States pushed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a resolution to reverse the ban on Afghan women working for aid groups or attending universities and high schools. The council held a meeting on this day to discuss the decisions taken by the Taliban, and a group of diplomats told the news agency Reuters that the US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the security council that given the gravity of the situation, it should unanimously adopt a resolution to condemn the bans and call for an immediate reversal. ALSO READ | Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?' Before Friday's meeting, 11 UNSC members including the US, issued a joint statement urging the Taliban to reverse all oppressive measures against females. Separately, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) executive director Catherine Russell described the Islamic Emirate's ban on women aid workers as both wrong and dangerous and pointed out that without them, lives will be lost, and children will die, Reuters reported. Russell said UNICEF was reviewing the impact of the ban on its work and as the situation evolves, it will have to make difficult decisions as to which activities can continue, and which must be suspended. 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.

Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority: Report

Eight people were killed in a roadside bombing in Central Somalia on Saturday (January 14) with the Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility for the attack. The blast occurred in Hiran district's Buloburde city. A local police commander Abdullahi Mohamud said the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building, a report by the news agency AFP said on Sunday. Mohamud said that five people were killed on the spot while three died overnight in a hospital. The police official further said the bomber had been planning to destroy Buloburde's main bridge before redirecting the attack to a civilian area.

According to witnesses, the blast damaged buildings and the main mosque in the city. "I saw the bodies of five people. Two were elders coming out of the mosque," Muhidin Sokorow, one of the witnesses told the news agency.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-kill-six-in-raid-on-somalia-village-they-recently-lost-549979">Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost</a>

Two separate incidents were reported in Somalia for which the Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility. Police officials said a car bomb detonated in Jalalaqsi, another town in Hiran, but only the attacker died. Another attack was foiled and the suspect, trying to flee a vehicle packed with explosives, was detained, the police added.&nbsp;

Somalia has witnessed several terror attacks in the past and the Al-Shabaab have been waging a bloody insurgency against the central government for 15 years. In recent months, the army and local militia have retaken swathes of territory in the centre of Somalia in an operation backed by US air strikes and a force from the African Union (AU). However, the insurgents have retaliated with bloody attacks.&nbsp;

On January 6, &nbsp;Al-Shabaab militants killed at least six people during a raid in Hilowle Gaab, a village in central Somalia they were pushed out of recently. The militants attacked the village during morning prayers at 5 am (0200 GMT) with car bombs. A spokesperson from the local militia told the news agency Reuters that a gunfight ensued during which the militants were repelled, adding the six casualties included soldiers and militiamen.

Two days before this raid, at least 35 people were killed, including eight members of a single family, and 40 more wounded in twin car bombings in the Mahas district in Hiran. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-killed-several-others-injured-in-car-bombings-in-central-somalia-549310">And on October 29 last year</a>, more than 100 people were killed in two car bombings in two car bombings in the capital city of Mogadishu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight people were killed in a roadside bombing in Central Somalia on Saturday (January 14) with the Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility for the attack. The blast occurred in Hiran district's Buloburde city.

Eight people were killed in a roadside bombing in Central Somalia on Saturday (January 14) with the Al-Shabaab claiming responsibility for the attack. The blast occurred in Hiran district's Buloburde city. A local police commander Abdullahi Mohamud said the bomber detonated a car laden with explosives near an administrative building, a report by the news agency AFP said on Sunday. Mohamud said that five people were killed on the spot while three died overnight in a hospital. The police official further said the bomber had been planning to destroy Buloburde's main bridge before redirecting the attack to a civilian area. According to witnesses, the blast damaged buildings and the main mosque in the city. "I saw the bodies of five people. Two were elders coming out of the mosque," Muhidin Sokorow, one of the witnesses told the news agency. ALSO READ | Al-Shabaab kill six in raid on Somalia village they recently lost Two separate incidents were reported in Somalia for which the Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility. Police officials said a car bomb detonated in Jalalaqsi, another town in Hiran, but only the attacker died. Another attack was foiled and the suspect, trying to flee a vehicle packed with explosives, was detained, the police added. Somalia has witnessed several terror attacks in the past and the Al-Shabaab have been waging a bloody insurgency against the central government for 15 years. In recent months, the army and local militia have retaken swathes of territory in the centre of Somalia in an operation backed by US air strikes and a force from the African Union (AU). However, the insurgents have retaliated with bloody attacks. On January 6, Al-Shabaab militants killed at least six people during a raid in Hilowle Gaab, a village in central Somalia they were pushed out of recently. The militants attacked the village during morning prayers at 5 am (0200 GMT) with car bombs. A spokesperson from the local militia told the news agency Reuters that a gunfight ensued during which the militants were repelled, adding the six casualties included soldiers and militiamen. Two days before this raid, at least 35 people were killed, including eight members of a single family, and 40 more wounded in twin car bombings in the Mahas district in Hiran. And on October 29 last year, more than 100 people were killed in two car bombings in two car bombings in the capital city of Mogadishu. (With inputs from agencies)

Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility

Fifty women were abducted by suspected Jihadists in northern Burkina Faso. People familiar with the developments told the news agency AFP on Sunday (January 15) that roughly 40 women were abducted about a dozen kilometres southeast of the Arbinda town on Thursday and about 20 others were abducted on Friday to the north of the town, with some escaping in the meantime. Local officials who confirmed these abductions said the army and its civilian authorities carried out unsuccessful sweeps of the area.&nbsp;

Two Arbinda residents divulged details about the abductions. One resident told AFP on Sunday that on Thursday, the women got together with their carts to go and gather leaves and wild fruits in the bush as there was nothing left to eat.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-eight-killed-in-roadside-bombing-al-shabaab-claims-responsibility-552848">Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility</a>

Another resident, a male, said that when the women did not come back on Thursday evening, "we thought that their carts had had a problem. But three survivors came back to tell us what happened." This resident said that on Friday, eight kilometres north of Arbinda, about 20 women who were not informed of the first abduction, were in turn taken. "In both groups, some women managed to escape and returned to the village on foot. We believe that the kidnappers took them to their bases," he added.&nbsp; 
The commune of Arbinda is located in the Sahel region of northern Burkina Faso, an area under blockade by jihadist groups and with limited food supplies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/africa/dr-congo-five-killed-15-injured-in-bombing-in-church-ugandan-militant-group-likely-behind-attack-report-552894">DR Congo | Five killed, 15 injured in bombing in church; Ugandan militant group likely behind attack: Report</a>

These abductions come after nine people were killed in a mosque attack in Goulgountou village of Sahel on Wednesday when suspected jihadists arrived on motorcycles and herded worshippers inside (mosque). "They separated the women, children and elderly and then made sermons to try to convince worshippers of abandoning their form of faith," a witness told AFP, adding "A discussion even started up with the imam, and because he refused he was executed." Eight other worshippers in the mosque, who were mainly community leaders, were killed.&nbsp;

And in November last year, at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-14-killed-in-two-attacks-in-burkina-faso-536740">14 people were killed in two separate attacks by jihadist groups</a> in Burkina Faso's north.&nbsp;

Since 2015, the country has been battling a jihadist offensive in which thousands of civilians and security forces personnel have been killed and around two million people have been displaced.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Fifty women were abducted by suspected Jihadists in northern Burkina Faso. People familiar with the developments told the news agency AFP on Sunday (January 15) that roughly 40 women were abducted about a dozen kilometres southeast of the Arbinda town on Thursday and about 20 others were abducted on Friday to the north of the town, with some escaping in the meantime.

Fifty women were abducted by suspected Jihadists in northern Burkina Faso. People familiar with the developments told the news agency AFP on Sunday (January 15) that roughly 40 women were abducted about a dozen kilometres southeast of the Arbinda town on Thursday and about 20 others were abducted on Friday to the north of the town, with some escaping in the meantime. Local officials who confirmed these abductions said the army and its civilian authorities carried out unsuccessful sweeps of the area. Two Arbinda residents divulged details about the abductions. One resident told AFP on Sunday that on Thursday, the women got together with their carts to go and gather leaves and wild fruits in the bush as there was nothing left to eat. ALSO READ | Somalia: Eight killed in roadside bombing, Al-Shabaab claims responsibility Another resident, a male, said that when the women did not come back on Thursday evening, "we thought that their carts had had a problem. But three survivors came back to tell us what happened." This resident said that on Friday, eight kilometres north of Arbinda, about 20 women who were not informed of the first abduction, were in turn taken. "In both groups, some women managed to escape and returned to the village on foot. We believe that the kidnappers took them to their bases," he added. The commune of Arbinda is located in the Sahel region of northern Burkina Faso, an area under blockade by jihadist groups and with limited food supplies. ALSO READ | DR Congo | Five killed, 15 injured in bombing in church; Ugandan militant group likely behind attack: Report These abductions come after nine people were killed in a mosque attack in Goulgountou village of Sahel on Wednesday when suspected jihadists arrived on motorcycles and herded worshippers inside (mosque). "They separated the women, children and elderly and then made sermons to try to convince worshippers of abandoning their form of faith," a witness told AFP, adding "A discussion even started up with the imam, and because he refused he was executed." Eight other worshippers in the mosque, who were mainly community leaders, were killed. And in November last year, at least 14 people were killed in two separate attacks by jihadist groups in Burkina Faso's north. Since 2015, the country has been battling a jihadist offensive in which thousands of civilians and security forces personnel have been killed and around two million people have been displaced. (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.

Fifty women abducted by suspected Jihadists in northern Burkina Faso: Report

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (January 14) that the G7 summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May should show a strong will on Russia's offensive in Ukraine while pointing out that the aggression in Kyiv is not only a European problem but also a challenge to the very rules and principles of the international community. Speaking to reporters following Friday's Japan-United States summit, Prime Minister Kishida said, "As a result, (of ongoing dialogue with other partners) we were able to reaffirm our commitment that the G7 will unite and work together to safeguard the international order based on the rule of law. In our coordination in the run-up to the Hiroshima summit, the greatest issue was, needless to say, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which will soon mark one year since the start," news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-hails-kishida-for-scrapping-japans-pacifist-defence-strategy-552485">Joe Biden hails PM Kishida for scrapping Japan’s pacifist defence strategy</a>

"I pointed out that the aggression against Ukraine is not only a European problem but also a challenge to the very rules and principles of the international community and agreed with the heads of state and government that the G7 Hiroshima summit should demonstrate a strong will to uphold the international order based on the rule of law," Kishida said, adding, the leaders confirmed they would continue tough sanctions against Moscow and strong support for Ukraine.&nbsp;

He also stressed the importance of standing up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying if a unilateral change to the status quo went unchallenged, the same would happen elsewhere, including in Asia — an apparent reference to China's vow to reunite with self-governed Taiwan, by force if necessary, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Japanese Prime Minister, who is in Washington on the last stop of a tour of G7 industrial powers and has been seeking to bolster long-standing alliances, met United States President Joe Biden for a bilateral meeting and the two leaders issued a joint statement which said that any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and justifiable in any way.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-alleges-russia-cancelled-prisoner-exchange-at-the-last-minute-552731">Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute</a>

Hitting back, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused Fumio Kishida of shameful subservience to the US and suggested that Japanese Prime Minister should ritually disembowel himself. A prominent ally of President Vladimir Putin, Medvedev said the nuclear statement showed "paranoia" towards Moscow and "betrayed the memory of hundreds of thousands of Japanese who were burned in the nuclear fire of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" — in a reference to the US dropping atomic bombs on these two Japanese cities in 1945. Medvedev said that rather than demanding repentance for this, Kishida showed that he was "just a service attendant for the Americans". Kishida made no mention of these comments by the former Russian President.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (January 14) that the G7 summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May should show a strong will on Russia's offensive in Ukraine while pointing out that the aggression in Kyiv is not only a European problem but also a challenge to the very rules and principles of the international community.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday (January 14) that the G7 summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May should show a strong will on Russia's offensive in Ukraine while pointing out that the aggression in Kyiv is not only a European problem but also a challenge to the very rules and principles of the international community. Speaking to reporters following Friday's Japan-United States summit, Prime Minister Kishida said, "As a result, (of ongoing dialogue with other partners) we were able to reaffirm our commitment that the G7 will unite and work together to safeguard the international order based on the rule of law. In our coordination in the run-up to the Hiroshima summit, the greatest issue was, needless to say, the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which will soon mark one year since the start," news agency Reuters reported. ALSO READ | Joe Biden hails PM Kishida for scrapping Japan’s pacifist defence strategy "I pointed out that the aggression against Ukraine is not only a European problem but also a challenge to the very rules and principles of the international community and agreed with the heads of state and government that the G7 Hiroshima summit should demonstrate a strong will to uphold the international order based on the rule of law," Kishida said, adding, the leaders confirmed they would continue tough sanctions against Moscow and strong support for Ukraine. He also stressed the importance of standing up to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying if a unilateral change to the status quo went unchallenged, the same would happen elsewhere, including in Asia — an apparent reference to China's vow to reunite with self-governed Taiwan, by force if necessary, Reuters reported. The Japanese Prime Minister, who is in Washington on the last stop of a tour of G7 industrial powers and has been seeking to bolster long-standing alliances, met United States President Joe Biden for a bilateral meeting and the two leaders issued a joint statement which said that any use of a nuclear weapon by Russia in Ukraine would be an act of hostility against humanity and justifiable in any way. ALSO READ | Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute Hitting back, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev accused Fumio Kishida of shameful subservience to the US and suggested that Japanese Prime Minister should ritually disembowel himself. A prominent ally of President Vladimir Putin, Medvedev said the nuclear statement showed "paranoia" towards Moscow and "betrayed the memory of hundreds of thousands of Japanese who were burned in the nuclear fire of Hiroshima and Nagasaki" — in a reference to the US dropping atomic bombs on these two Japanese cities in 1945. Medvedev said that rather than demanding repentance for this, Kishida showed that he was "just a service attendant for the Americans". Kishida made no mention of these comments by the former Russian President. (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.

G7 should show strong will against Russia’s offensive in Ukraine: Japan PM Kishida

With China on Saturday (January 14) releasing data about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-around-60000-deaths-related-to-covid-19-in-one-month-552616">almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in one month</a> (between December 8, 2022, and January 12 this year), the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged Beijing to share more information about the virus. According to a statement issued on Saturday, WHO's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus with China's health minister Ma Xiaowei about the pandemic situation in the country. "Chinese officials provided information to WHO and in a press conference on a range of topics, including outpatient clinics, hospitalizations, patients requiring emergency treatment and critical care, and hospital deaths related to Covid-19 infection," the statement said.

"WHO is analysing this information (the Covid-related deaths), which covers early December 2022 to 12 January 2023, and allows for a better understanding of the epidemiological situation and the impact of this wave in China," the statement added.

The WHO requested Beijing that such type of information continued to be shared with it and the public. The United Nations health agency said it will continue to work with China &nbsp;providing technical advice and support, and engaging on analysing the situation." On the call (with China's NHC director Ma Xiaowei), Tedros also reiterated the importance of China’s deeper cooperation and transparency on understanding the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in carrying out the recommendations detailed in the report of the Strategic Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens," Saturday's statement added.&nbsp;

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On Saturday, an official from China's National Health Commission said that 59,938 patients died due to Covid between December 8, 2022, and January 12 this year, the first major toll released&nbsp;after the government scrapped the zero-Covid policy. Before Saturday's announcement, only a few dozen virus-related deaths were reported by authorities, despite crematoriums and hospitals across China being full to the brim. The Chinese government has faced global backlash for underreporting deaths due to the virus.&nbsp;

A report by news agency AFP on Saturday said that this figure referred to deaths only recorded at medical facilities and the total toll is likely to be higher. Jiao Yahui, head of the bureau of medical administration under the NHC told reporters that these 59,938 deaths included 5,503 deaths caused by respiratory failure directly due to Covid and &nbsp;54,435 deaths caused by underlying diseases combined with the virus. Of the patients who died, 90.1% were aged 65 and older.

In December last year, China narrowed the definition of Covid deaths by saying only those patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics. The WHO criticised the criteria and said the definition was too narrow.

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With China on Saturday (January 14) releasing data about almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in one month (between December 8, 2022, and January 12 this year), the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged Beijing to share more information about the virus.

With China on Saturday (January 14) releasing data about almost 60,000 Covid-related deaths in one month (between December 8, 2022, and January 12 this year), the World Health Organisation (WHO) urged Beijing to share more information about the virus. According to a statement issued on Saturday, WHO's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus with China's health minister Ma Xiaowei about the pandemic situation in the country. "Chinese officials provided information to WHO and in a press conference on a range of topics, including outpatient clinics, hospitalizations, patients requiring emergency treatment and critical care, and hospital deaths related to Covid-19 infection," the statement said. "WHO is analysing this information (the Covid-related deaths), which covers early December 2022 to 12 January 2023, and allows for a better understanding of the epidemiological situation and the impact of this wave in China," the statement added. The WHO requested Beijing that such type of information continued to be shared with it and the public. The United Nations health agency said it will continue to work with China providing technical advice and support, and engaging on analysing the situation." On the call (with China's NHC director Ma Xiaowei), Tedros also reiterated the importance of China’s deeper cooperation and transparency on understanding the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in carrying out the recommendations detailed in the report of the Strategic Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens," Saturday's statement added. ALSO READ | About 900 million in China infected with Covid: Chinese university study On Saturday, an official from China's National Health Commission said that 59,938 patients died due to Covid between December 8, 2022, and January 12 this year, the first major toll released after the government scrapped the zero-Covid policy. Before Saturday's announcement, only a few dozen virus-related deaths were reported by authorities, despite crematoriums and hospitals across China being full to the brim. The Chinese government has faced global backlash for underreporting deaths due to the virus. A report by news agency AFP on Saturday said that this figure referred to deaths only recorded at medical facilities and the total toll is likely to be higher. Jiao Yahui, head of the bureau of medical administration under the NHC told reporters that these 59,938 deaths included 5,503 deaths caused by respiratory failure directly due to Covid and 54,435 deaths caused by underlying diseases combined with the virus. Of the patients who died, 90.1% were aged 65 and older. In December last year, China narrowed the definition of Covid deaths by saying only those patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics. The WHO criticised the criteria and said the definition was too narrow. 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.

WHO urges China to share more Covid info after it reports huge spike in deaths

German authorities announced on Friday (January 13) that they will end the mandatory requirement to wear masks on long-distance trains and buses from February 2 as the Covid pandemic situation has stabilised in the country. With this, Spain is the only large European nation to maintain mask rules on such trains and public transport, with the government saying the rules would remain in place till at least March, a report by news agency AFP on Friday said.

The mask mandate (in long-distance trains and buses)&nbsp;in Germany, which had been imposed since the early days of the virus outbreak, was set to expire&nbsp;on April 7 but is now ending sooner. However, German health minister Karl Lauterbach on Friday encouraged people to continue wearing masks voluntarily "on the basis of personal responsibility."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-asks-china-arrivals-for-negative-covid-test-549730">Germany makes negative pre-departure Covid test report must for travellers from China</a>

Lauterbach said Covid should not be trivialised and warned of potential long-term impacts. He added that several factors. including a higher level of immunity in the public and a reduced chance of new mutations. contributed to the change in the policy. The health minister added the Covid situation was tense but manageable in hospitals.&nbsp;

Since the onset of the pandemic, Germany has reported more than 37.58 million cases and 163,425 deaths. Several states in the country have already relaxed mask rules in regional public transport. However, it is the central government's responsibility to change mask rules in the long-distance train and bus network.&nbsp;

Germany has scrapped the bulk of Covid restrictions which were imposed at the height of the virus outbreak. However, it is still one of the few countries in Europe to have a mask requirement. People must wear masks at doctors’ practices, while masks and negative tests are still required to enter hospitals and nursing homes in Germany, a report by the Associated Press on Friday said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-covid-committee-might-quiz-von-der-leyen-over-pfizer-vaccine-contract-551787">EU Covid committee might quiz von der Leyen about Pfizer vaccine contract</a>

Last month, the country's governing coalition had argued whether the remaining virus restrictions should be dropped after Christian Drosten, a top virologist,&nbsp;said that the pandemic is over. “We are experiencing the first endemic wave with SARS-COV 2 this winter; my assessment is that, with this, the pandemic is over,” Drosten told the Tagesspiegel, adding his only reservation would be a major new mutation which he did not expect at the moment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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German authorities announced on Friday (January 13) that they will end the mandatory requirement to wear masks on long-distance trains and buses from February 2 as the Covid pandemic situation has stabilised in the country.

German authorities announced on Friday (January 13) that they will end the mandatory requirement to wear masks on long-distance trains and buses from February 2 as the Covid pandemic situation has stabilised in the country. With this, Spain is the only large European nation to maintain mask rules on such trains and public transport, with the government saying the rules would remain in place till at least March, a report by news agency AFP on Friday said. The mask mandate (in long-distance trains and buses) in Germany, which had been imposed since the early days of the virus outbreak, was set to expire on April 7 but is now ending sooner. However, German health minister Karl Lauterbach on Friday encouraged people to continue wearing masks voluntarily "on the basis of personal responsibility." ALSO READ | Germany makes negative pre-departure Covid test report must for travellers from China Lauterbach said Covid should not be trivialised and warned of potential long-term impacts. He added that several factors. including a higher level of immunity in the public and a reduced chance of new mutations. contributed to the change in the policy. The health minister added the Covid situation was tense but manageable in hospitals. Since the onset of the pandemic, Germany has reported more than 37.58 million cases and 163,425 deaths. Several states in the country have already relaxed mask rules in regional public transport. However, it is the central government's responsibility to change mask rules in the long-distance train and bus network. Germany has scrapped the bulk of Covid restrictions which were imposed at the height of the virus outbreak. However, it is still one of the few countries in Europe to have a mask requirement. People must wear masks at doctors’ practices, while masks and negative tests are still required to enter hospitals and nursing homes in Germany, a report by the Associated Press on Friday said. ALSO READ | EU Covid committee might quiz von der Leyen about Pfizer vaccine contract Last month, the country's governing coalition had argued whether the remaining virus restrictions should be dropped after Christian Drosten, a top virologist, said that the pandemic is over. “We are experiencing the first endemic wave with SARS-COV 2 this winter; my assessment is that, with this, the pandemic is over,” Drosten told the Tagesspiegel, adding his only reservation would be a major new mutation which he did not expect at the moment. (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: Germany to end mask mandate in long-distance trains, buses from Feb 2

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