<p>Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the fees and health surcharge paid by visa applicants, including Indians, towards the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by the state, will significantly rise. This increase aims to meet the country's public sector wage increase.</p>

<p>Sunak confirmed a hike of 5 to 7 percent across various public sectors, such as for teachers, police, and junior doctors. However, he emphasised that the government would not borrow more money or increase taxes to fund these raises due to concerns about inflation.</p>

<p>"If we're going to prioritise paying public sector workers more, that money has to come from somewhere else because I'm not prepared to put up people's taxes and I don't think it would be responsible or right to borrow more because that would just make inflation worse," Sunak told reporters at a Downing Street press conference.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>"So, what we have done are two things to find this money. The first is, we are going to increase the charges that we have for migrants who are coming to this country when they apply for visas and indeed something called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is the levy that they pay to access the NHS," he said.</p>

<p>"All of those fees are going to go up and that will raise over GBP 1 billion, so across the board visa application fees are going to go up significantly and similarly for the IHS."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Govt departments to reprioritise spending</strong></h2>

<p>As a second measure to cover the higher wage bill, government departments will be asked to reprioritise their spending.&nbsp;This does not entail job cuts or reductions in services but rather a shift in focus towards different priorities, Sunk said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>The Conservative party government led by Rishi Sunak has faced significant pressure and disputes over public sector pay, resulting in strikes across schools and hospitals.</p>

<p>Junior doctors in England, for instance, initiated a five-day strike on Thursday after their demand for a 35 per cent pay increase was rejected.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>Sunak declared that his wage offer was final and that further industrial action would not alter the decision.</p>

<p>"There will be no more talks on pay. We will not negotiate again on this year's settlements and no amount of strikes will change our decision. Instead, the settlement we've reached today gives us a fair way to end the strikes. A fair deal for workers and a fair deal for the British taxpayer," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the fees and health surcharge paid by visa applicants, including Indians, towards the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by the state, will significantly rise.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the fees and health surcharge paid by visa applicants, including Indians, towards the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which is funded by the state, will significantly rise. This increase aims to meet the country's public sector wage increase. Sunak confirmed a hike of 5 to 7 percent across various public sectors, such as for teachers, police, and junior doctors. However, he emphasised that the government would not borrow more money or increase taxes to fund these raises due to concerns about inflation. "If we're going to prioritise paying public sector workers more, that money has to come from somewhere else because I'm not prepared to put up people's taxes and I don't think it would be responsible or right to borrow more because that would just make inflation worse," Sunak told reporters at a Downing Street press conference. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki "So, what we have done are two things to find this money. The first is, we are going to increase the charges that we have for migrants who are coming to this country when they apply for visas and indeed something called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is the levy that they pay to access the NHS," he said. "All of those fees are going to go up and that will raise over GBP 1 billion, so across the board visa application fees are going to go up significantly and similarly for the IHS." Govt departments to reprioritise spending As a second measure to cover the higher wage bill, government departments will be asked to reprioritise their spending. This does not entail job cuts or reductions in services but rather a shift in focus towards different priorities, Sunk said. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect The Conservative party government led by Rishi Sunak has faced significant pressure and disputes over public sector pay, resulting in strikes across schools and hospitals. Junior doctors in England, for instance, initiated a five-day strike on Thursday after their demand for a 35 per cent pay increase was rejected. Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × Sunak declared that his wage offer was final and that further industrial action would not alter the decision. "There will be no more talks on pay. We will not negotiate again on this year's settlements and no amount of strikes will change our decision. Instead, the settlement we've reached today gives us a fair way to end the strikes. A fair deal for workers and a fair deal for the British taxpayer," he 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. ×

Rishi Sunak announces increase in UK visa fees, health surcharge

<p>The Screen Actors Guild, a Los Angeles-based union representing 160,000 Hollywood actors, on Thursday (July 13) called a strike action, initiating the largest shutdown in Hollywood in the past four decades. Following the strike, notable stars Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt left the premiere of <em>Oppenheimer</em>, confirmed its director Christopher Nolan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This strike aims to exert pressure on studios and streaming giants to address various concerns, including a more equitable distribution of profits and improved working conditions for performers.</p>

<p>As a result of the strike, approximately 160,000 actors will participate in picket lines, aligning themselves with a separate strike led by writers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Failed last-minute negotiations</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The strike announcement follows the breakdown of last-minute discussions between the union (officially known as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA) and major studios.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>Despite efforts to reach a resolution, the two parties were unable to find common ground, prompting the Screen Actors Guild to take decisive action.</p>

<p>The actors participating in the strike are seeking improved pay and working conditions from streaming services. Additionally, they are demanding assurances that artificial intelligence and computer-generated faces and voices will not be utilised as replacements for human actors.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>During a press conference in California, the executive director and chief negotiator of the union described the strike as "an instrument of last resort."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>He expressed that they had no other option but to take this course of action due to the circumstances.</p>

<h2><strong>Failed negotiations lead to strike&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following the breakdown of talks on Wednesday, the negotiating committee of the union unanimously voted to recommend the strike action.</p>

<p>In a statement quoted by Deadline, SAG-AFTRA said, "SAG-AFTRA’s Television/Theatrical/Streaming contracts have expired without a successor agreement. After more than four weeks of bargaining, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) — the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery — remains unwilling to offer a fair deal on the key issues that are essential to SAG-AFTRA members."</p>

<p>“SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision."</p>

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The Screen Actors Guild, a Los Angeles-based union representing 160,000 Hollywood actors, on Thursday (July 13) called a strike action, initiating the largest shutdown in Hollywood in the past four decades.

The Screen Actors Guild, a Los Angeles-based union representing 160,000 Hollywood actors, on Thursday (July 13) called a strike action, initiating the largest shutdown in Hollywood in the past four decades. Following the strike, notable stars Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt left the premiere of Oppenheimer, confirmed its director Christopher Nolan. This strike aims to exert pressure on studios and streaming giants to address various concerns, including a more equitable distribution of profits and improved working conditions for performers. As a result of the strike, approximately 160,000 actors will participate in picket lines, aligning themselves with a separate strike led by writers. Failed last-minute negotiations The strike announcement follows the breakdown of last-minute discussions between the union (officially known as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, or SAG-AFTRA) and major studios. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki Despite efforts to reach a resolution, the two parties were unable to find common ground, prompting the Screen Actors Guild to take decisive action. The actors participating in the strike are seeking improved pay and working conditions from streaming services. Additionally, they are demanding assurances that artificial intelligence and computer-generated faces and voices will not be utilised as replacements for human actors. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect During a press conference in California, the executive director and chief negotiator of the union described the strike as "an instrument of last resort." Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × He expressed that they had no other option but to take this course of action due to the circumstances. Failed negotiations lead to strike Following the breakdown of talks on Wednesday, the negotiating committee of the union unanimously voted to recommend the strike action. In a statement quoted by Deadline, SAG-AFTRA said, "SAG-AFTRA’s Television/Theatrical/Streaming contracts have expired without a successor agreement. After more than four weeks of bargaining, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) — the entity that represents major studios and streamers, including Amazon, Apple, Disney, NBCUniversal, Netflix, Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery — remains unwilling to offer a fair deal on the key issues that are essential to SAG-AFTRA members." “SAG-AFTRA negotiated in good faith and was eager to reach a deal that sufficiently addressed performer needs, but the AMPTP’s responses to the union’s most important proposals have been insulting and disrespectful of our massive contributions to this industry," SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher said. "The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us. Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal. We have no choice but to move forward in unity, and on behalf of our membership, with a strike recommendation to our National Board. The board will discuss the issue this morning and will make its decision." 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. ×

Hollywood actors’ union goes on strike, Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt leave 'Oppenheimer' premiere

<p>In a shocking incident in Brussels, Belgium, a Thai Twitch streamer named Ppim became the target of a racist slur while streaming an "IRL" (In Real Life) session. The streamer was confronted by a group of individuals who deliberately greeted her in "Chinese" and made racial comments, aiming to mock her based on her Asian ethnicity.</p>

<p>Ppim was live-streaming on Twitch in Brussels when the distressing incident occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As she was walking in Brussels, a few miscreants approached her and used the phrase "Ni hao," typically associated with the Chinese language, with the clear intent to ridicule her. Unwilling to tolerate such behavior, Ppim immediately addressed the miscreants on her live stream.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>She courageously confronted them saying she was not from China, and urged them to educate themselves about different cultures and ethnicities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A derogatory racial remark directed at Ppim provoked her anger leading to a swift response.&nbsp;In a video capturing the incident, Ppim can be seen confronting the individuals who had used the phrase "Ni hao" in a disrespectful manner.</p>

<p>In a strong and assertive tone, she expressed her frustration, and said that she does not hail from China but rather from Thailand.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>Her passionate reaction seen in the video clearly shows her refusal to tolerate such offensive behaviour.</p>

<p>"Ni hao. F**k you. I am not from China. I am from Thailand man. You f**king educate. Not everybody is from China. F**k you. You f**king bi*ch," Ppim can be seen&nbsp;saying in the video.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Twitch streamer live-streaming racism she experienced in Belgium. <a href="https://t.co/PeAuaeJPKf">pic.twitter.com/PeAuaeJPKf</a></p>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1679438401479774209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In addition to the racial slur, the video footage also revealed a disturbing moment when one of the men made an inappropriate attempt to touch Ppim, further compounding the distressing nature of the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>This incident, in a broader sense, sheds light on the persisting issue of racial discrimination faced by individuals of Asian descent.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, as racial abuses continue to plague various aspects of society.&nbsp;</p>

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In a shocking incident in Brussels, Belgium, a Thai Twitch streamer named Ppim became the target of a racist slur while streaming an "IRL" (In Real Life) session.

In a shocking incident in Brussels, Belgium, a Thai Twitch streamer named Ppim became the target of a racist slur while streaming an "IRL" (In Real Life) session. The streamer was confronted by a group of individuals who deliberately greeted her in "Chinese" and made racial comments, aiming to mock her based on her Asian ethnicity. Ppim was live-streaming on Twitch in Brussels when the distressing incident occurred. As she was walking in Brussels, a few miscreants approached her and used the phrase "Ni hao," typically associated with the Chinese language, with the clear intent to ridicule her. Unwilling to tolerate such behavior, Ppim immediately addressed the miscreants on her live stream. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki She courageously confronted them saying she was not from China, and urged them to educate themselves about different cultures and ethnicities. A derogatory racial remark directed at Ppim provoked her anger leading to a swift response. In a video capturing the incident, Ppim can be seen confronting the individuals who had used the phrase "Ni hao" in a disrespectful manner. In a strong and assertive tone, she expressed her frustration, and said that she does not hail from China but rather from Thailand. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect Her passionate reaction seen in the video clearly shows her refusal to tolerate such offensive behaviour. "Ni hao. F**k you. I am not from China. I am from Thailand man. You f**king educate. Not everybody is from China. F**k you. You f**king bi*ch," Ppim can be seen saying in the video. Twitch streamer live-streaming racism she experienced in Belgium. pic.twitter.com/PeAuaeJPKf — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) July 13, 2023 × In addition to the racial slur, the video footage also revealed a disturbing moment when one of the men made an inappropriate attempt to touch Ppim, further compounding the distressing nature of the incident. Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × This incident, in a broader sense, sheds light on the persisting issue of racial discrimination faced by individuals of Asian descent. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, as racial abuses continue to plague various aspects of society. 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. ×

WATCH | Thai Twitch streamer subjected to racist abuse in Belgium, confronts miscreants on live stream

<p>Physical altercations broke out in the Kosovo Parliament and water was thrown on Prime Minister Albin Kurti after a heated three-day debate around an audio recording involving a member of the ruling party and an official from the Serb-majority north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kosovo's opposition has long criticised PM Kurti for his handling of tensions in the northern region, which has strained relations with the US and the European Union, Kosovo's longtime Western allies.</p>

<h2><strong>Unrest in the Northern region</strong></h2>

<p>The situation in the north of Kosovo has been particularly volatile since ethnic Albanian mayors assumed office in the region following the April elections. The Serbs boycotted these elections, demanding the implementation of a decade-old agreement granting them greater autonomy.</p>

<h2><strong>Parliament brawl</strong></h2>

<p>A video from inside the parliament captured the moment on Thursday (July 13) when an opposition party member threw water at Prime Minister Kurti and his deputy.</p>

<p>The confrontation quickly escalated as lawmakers from both the opposition and governing coalition rushed toward the podium where the ministers were seated.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>During the brawl, Kurti was pushed away from his MPs and bodyguards as the lawmakers attacked each other. Eventually, the police intervened to restore order.</p>

<p>The Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, condemned the violence and delayed the session for two hours.&nbsp;"What happened at Kosovo parliament is unacceptable and use of violence in punishable," the speaker said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Audio recording sparks debate</strong></h2>

<p>The parliamentary debate was sparked by the release of an audio conversation between the chairwoman of Kurti's party, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, and the former Serb lawmaker, Slavko Simic.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>The audio, recorded in June last year, had&nbsp;Kusari mentioning a phone conversation with a sanctioned Serbian official of Serb ethnicity named Milan Radojcic.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Chaos erupted in Kosovo's parliament after an opposition party lawmaker sprayed water at Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his deputy <a href="https://t.co/Tbblg4htXu">https://t.co/Tbblg4htXu</a> <a href="https://t.co/jQajLBnoe9">pic.twitter.com/jQajLBnoe9</a></p>
— Reuters (@Reuters) <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1679594044396109824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Radojcic is sanctioned by the US for his alleged involvement in organised crime and corrupt activities.</p>

<h2><strong>Efforts to lower tensions</strong></h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Prime Minister Kurti announced an agreement with the European Union to reduce the police presence in the northern region and implement other measures to de-escalate tensions.</p>

<p>Notably, the clash in parliament followed clashes between NATO peacekeeping soldiers and Serb protesters on May 29, which resulted in injuries to 93 soldiers and 52 Serbs, some of them&nbsp;wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>While ethnic Albanians constitute 90 per cent&nbsp;of Kosovo's population, Serbs account for about 5 per cent. Despite the majority Albanian population, Kosovo has historical significance for Serbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Serb-Albanian issue is rooted in ethnic divisions and cultural differences. It has attracted significant international attention with the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) being engaged in facilitating dialogue and promoting reconciliation between the two sides.</p>

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Physical altercations broke out in the Kosovo Parliament and water was thrown on Prime Minister Albin Kurti after a heated three-day debate around an audio recording involving a member of the ruling party and an official from the Serb-majority north.

Physical altercations broke out in the Kosovo Parliament and water was thrown on Prime Minister Albin Kurti after a heated three-day debate around an audio recording involving a member of the ruling party and an official from the Serb-majority north. Kosovo's opposition has long criticised PM Kurti for his handling of tensions in the northern region, which has strained relations with the US and the European Union, Kosovo's longtime Western allies. Unrest in the Northern region The situation in the north of Kosovo has been particularly volatile since ethnic Albanian mayors assumed office in the region following the April elections. The Serbs boycotted these elections, demanding the implementation of a decade-old agreement granting them greater autonomy. Parliament brawl A video from inside the parliament captured the moment on Thursday (July 13) when an opposition party member threw water at Prime Minister Kurti and his deputy. The confrontation quickly escalated as lawmakers from both the opposition and governing coalition rushed toward the podium where the ministers were seated. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki During the brawl, Kurti was pushed away from his MPs and bodyguards as the lawmakers attacked each other. Eventually, the police intervened to restore order. The Speaker of the Parliament, Glauk Konjufca, condemned the violence and delayed the session for two hours. "What happened at Kosovo parliament is unacceptable and use of violence in punishable," the speaker said. Audio recording sparks debate The parliamentary debate was sparked by the release of an audio conversation between the chairwoman of Kurti's party, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, and the former Serb lawmaker, Slavko Simic. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect The audio, recorded in June last year, had Kusari mentioning a phone conversation with a sanctioned Serbian official of Serb ethnicity named Milan Radojcic. Chaos erupted in Kosovo's parliament after an opposition party lawmaker sprayed water at Prime Minister Albin Kurti and his deputy https://t.co/Tbblg4htXu pic.twitter.com/jQajLBnoe9 — Reuters (@Reuters) July 13, 2023 × Radojcic is sanctioned by the US for his alleged involvement in organised crime and corrupt activities. Efforts to lower tensions On Wednesday, Prime Minister Kurti announced an agreement with the European Union to reduce the police presence in the northern region and implement other measures to de-escalate tensions. Notably, the clash in parliament followed clashes between NATO peacekeeping soldiers and Serb protesters on May 29, which resulted in injuries to 93 soldiers and 52 Serbs, some of them wounded. Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × While ethnic Albanians constitute 90 per cent of Kosovo's population, Serbs account for about 5 per cent. Despite the majority Albanian population, Kosovo has historical significance for Serbs. The Serb-Albanian issue is rooted in ethnic divisions and cultural differences. It has attracted significant international attention with the United Nations (UN) and European Union (EU) being engaged in facilitating dialogue and promoting reconciliation between the two sides. 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. ×

VIDEO: Fistfights erupt, water thrown on Kosovo PM, as heated debate over audio recording turns chaotic

<p>A US federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission's request that it order Microsoft (MSFT.O) to temporarily hold off on closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O), according to a court filing.</p>

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A US federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission's request that it order Microsoft (MSFT.O) to temporarily hold off on closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.

A US federal court rejected the Federal Trade Commission's request that it order Microsoft (MSFT.O) to temporarily hold off on closing its $69 billion purchase of "Call of Duty" maker Activision Blizzard (ATVI.O), according to a court filing. 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 court rejects FTC request to pause $69bn Microsoft deal for Activision

<p>The World Health Organization has said that aspartame, the non-sugar sweetener used in many soft drinks, is classified as "possibly" carcinogenic to humans. The WHO statement stated that the classification is done based on limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, specifically for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have released assessments regarding the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-will-join-nato-putin-has-lost-the-war-biden-in-helsinki-615245">Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki</a></p>

<p>"IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer). There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer," the WHO statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cocaine-at-white-house-secret-service-ends-probe-without-identifying-suspect-615229">Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect</a></p>

<p>"JECFA’s risk assessments determine the probability of a specific type of harm, i.e. cancer, to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure," WHO added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No reason to change acceptable daily intake</strong></h2>

<p>JECFA concluded that the available data did not provide sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The committee therefore reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day. For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>"IARC classifications reflect the strength of scientific evidence as to whether an agent can cause cancer in humans, but they do not reflect the risk of developing cancer at a given exposure level," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Need for further research</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Moez Sanaa, WHO’s Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition Unit, said: “We need better studies with longer follow-up and repeated dietary questionnaires in existing cohorts. We need randomized controlled trials, including studies of mechanistic pathways relevant to insulin regulation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, particularly as related to carcinogenicity.”</p>

<p>IARC and WHO will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to conduct further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects.&nbsp;</p>

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The World Health Organization has said that aspartame, the non-sugar sweetener used in many soft drinks, is classified as "possibly" carcinogenic to humans. The WHO statement stated that the classification is done based on limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, specifically for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer.

The World Health Organization has said that aspartame, the non-sugar sweetener used in many soft drinks, is classified as "possibly" carcinogenic to humans. The WHO statement stated that the classification is done based on limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans, specifically for hepatocellular carcinoma, a type of liver cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have released assessments regarding the health impacts of the non-sugar sweetener aspartame. Aspartame is an artificial sweetener widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s. Also Read | Ukraine 'will join NATO', Putin has 'lost the war': Biden in Helsinki "IARC classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) on the basis of limited evidence for cancer in humans (specifically, for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer). There was also limited evidence for cancer in experimental animals and limited evidence related to the possible mechanisms for causing cancer," the WHO statement read. Also Read | Cocaine at White House: Secret Service ends probe without finding suspect "JECFA’s risk assessments determine the probability of a specific type of harm, i.e. cancer, to occur under certain conditions and levels of exposure," WHO added. No reason to change acceptable daily intake JECFA concluded that the available data did not provide sufficient reason to change the previously established acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-40 mg/kg body weight for aspartame. "The committee therefore reaffirmed that it is safe for a person to consume within this limit per day. For example, with a can of diet soft drink containing 200 or 300 mg of aspartame, an adult weighing 70kg would need to consume more than 9–14 cans per day to exceed the acceptable daily intake, assuming no other intake from other food sources," the statement read. Watch | Russian general says top military brass betrayed soldiers fighting in Ukraine × "IARC classifications reflect the strength of scientific evidence as to whether an agent can cause cancer in humans, but they do not reflect the risk of developing cancer at a given exposure level," it added. Need for further research Dr Moez Sanaa, WHO’s Head of the Standards and Scientific Advice on Food and Nutrition Unit, said: “We need better studies with longer follow-up and repeated dietary questionnaires in existing cohorts. We need randomized controlled trials, including studies of mechanistic pathways relevant to insulin regulation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, particularly as related to carcinogenicity.” IARC and WHO will continue to monitor new evidence and encourage independent research groups to conduct further studies on the potential association between aspartame exposure and consumer health effects. 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 says sweetener aspartame can cause cancer, but maintains current intake guidelines

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine says its has downed 20 Russian drones | Delhi on flood alert

A sexual assaulter was acquitted of all charges after a judge said he was 'just lingering'. The Italian Court said it wasn't a crime since he touched the teenager for less than ten seconds. Has the Italian justice system gone rogue? Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Italy dismisses sexual assaulter with its 'ten-second rule'

Pakistan has finally sold its embassy building in Washington for $7.1 million. The dilapidated building was lying vacant since 2003 & had been labeled a 'security hazard'. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Pak sells Embassy building in Washington for $7.1 Million

Microsoft has claimed that China-based hackers recently compromised over 25 U.S. organisations & 2 govt agencies. Who were the victims? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Did China hack American govt accounts?

An Opposition Leader in jail has been forced to listen to one of Putin's speeches for 100 days. The Prison Guards say this will continue till 2025. Does Putin feel threatened by critics? Molly Gambhir tells you more

Gravitas: Prisoner forced to hear putin's speech for 100 days

Peaky Blinders: 10 Quotes That Will Leave You Speechless - Part II

You can change what you do, but you can't change what you want 

There's God, and then there are the Peaky Blinders. We own the ropes. Who’s going to hang us now, eh?

You're not a tough guy. You're just a bully, and no one likes a bully 

I don't need to prove anything to you or to myself. I just am 

I want to be a free man. Free to run my own show 

You can change your stars. I know you can 


I can always tell when people have no experience of war 

We're not in the habit of delivering bad news 

I'm the only one who knows what you've done, and worse than that, what you're gonna do 

You're always gonna be looking over your shoulder until you realise that you're the blade 

Peaky Blinders: 10 Unforgettable Quotes That Will Leave You Speechless - Part II

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