<p>Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the party, the paramilitary forces were apparently vying for Imran Khan's “abduction” from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court. On 9 May, following Imran Khan's arrest, there were mass demonstrations across Pakistan which resulted in the killing of PTI workers while several others were injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI said that there was “false, absurd, and baseless propaganda” carried out against the party in connection with the violent clashes that broke out on the day Imran Khan was arrested.&nbsp;While claiming that the party has a clean track record for the last 27 years of its history, PTI said it adheres to the laws of the land and democratic principles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further added that the party sticks to peaceful processes and does not resort to violence in politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PTI claimed&nbsp;that even when on 3 November 2022 when an assassination attempt was carried out against Imran Khan while he was giving a speech in Wazirabad, Punjab, the party did not do anything that would have incited violence in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-result-2023-pheu-thai-and-move-forward-party-stun-military-loyalists-592442">Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists</a></p>

<p>The PTI demanded a thorough inquiry into any intentional attempts to cause mayhem during peaceful rallies by Imran Khan's supporters. It called on to investigate the shootings of people. The PTI urged for the creation of a high-level commission made up of Supreme Court justices to look into what happened on 9 May. It claimed that charges should be brought against those responsible for the killings of civilians during the protests that followed Imran Khan's detention.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-2023-erdogan-takes-an-early-lead-reports-suggest-country-headed-for-may-28-runoffs-592441">Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs</a></p>

<p>The PTI pledged to identify all authorities responsible for violence on PTI demonstrators, including the interior minister and interim chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PTI condemns internet ban</strong></h2>

<p>The PTI strongly condemned the government’s recent ban on internet and social media access throughout the country, viewing it as an attempt to suppress the truth.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>The party demanded an immediate restoration of internet connectivity.</p>

<h2><strong>Calls for conducting provincial elections&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The PTI questioned the legal and constitutional validity of the caretaker government in Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s deadline of May 14 for elections in the province. It asserted that the failure to hold elections in Punjab today, in accordance with constitutional and Supreme Court orders, constituted a severe infringement upon the constitution.</p>

<p>Imran Khan is likely to appear before the Lahore High Court today, 15 May. This is in relation to the cases against him for incidents of violence that erupted after his arrest last week.</p>

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Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party said it will file FIRs against the Punjab Rangers and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in relation to the high drama that followed on 9 May when the country witnessed violent protests following the arrest of the former prime minister. According to the party, the paramilitary forces were apparently vying for Imran Khan's “abduction” from the grounds of the Islamabad High Court. On 9 May, following Imran Khan's arrest, there were mass demonstrations across Pakistan which resulted in the killing of PTI workers while several others were injured. PTI said that there was “false, absurd, and baseless propaganda” carried out against the party in connection with the violent clashes that broke out on the day Imran Khan was arrested. While claiming that the party has a clean track record for the last 27 years of its history, PTI said it adheres to the laws of the land and democratic principles. It further added that the party sticks to peaceful processes and does not resort to violence in politics. PTI claimed that even when on 3 November 2022 when an assassination attempt was carried out against Imran Khan while he was giving a speech in Wazirabad, Punjab, the party did not do anything that would have incited violence in the country. Also Read | Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists The PTI demanded a thorough inquiry into any intentional attempts to cause mayhem during peaceful rallies by Imran Khan's supporters. It called on to investigate the shootings of people. The PTI urged for the creation of a high-level commission made up of Supreme Court justices to look into what happened on 9 May. It claimed that charges should be brought against those responsible for the killings of civilians during the protests that followed Imran Khan's detention. Also Read | Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs The PTI pledged to identify all authorities responsible for violence on PTI demonstrators, including the interior minister and interim chief ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI condemns internet ban The PTI strongly condemned the government’s recent ban on internet and social media access throughout the country, viewing it as an attempt to suppress the truth. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × The party demanded an immediate restoration of internet connectivity. Calls for conducting provincial elections The PTI questioned the legal and constitutional validity of the caretaker government in Punjab, referring to the Supreme Court’s deadline of May 14 for elections in the province. It asserted that the failure to hold elections in Punjab today, in accordance with constitutional and Supreme Court orders, constituted a severe infringement upon the constitution. Imran Khan is likely to appear before the Lahore High Court today, 15 May. This is in relation to the cases against him for incidents of violence that erupted after his arrest last week. 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. ×

PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May

<p>To tighten its sovereignty claim over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea amid the rising threat of China in the region, the Philippines has placed five navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reported Reuters.</p>

<p>As per the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is tasked to oversee the enforcement of laws within Philippine waters, as many as five buoys carrying the national flag of the country were set up in five key areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The buoys are placed within a 200-mile (322-km) zone. It encompasses Whitsun Reef. In March 2021, an incident in the Whitsun Reef sparked tensions between the Philippines and China. This occurred when hundreds of Chinese vessels entered the reef, which is a part of the Spratly Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-file-firs-against-rangers-nab-over-imrans-abduction-on-9-may-592450">PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May</a></p>

<p>The buoys were set up from 10 May to 12 May by the Philippines. Speaking over this latest development, the coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said, "This move highlights the Philippines' unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contribute to the safety of maritime trade," reported Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Dispute over Spratly Islands</strong></h2>

<p>Spratly Islands dispute is the site of a territorial dispute involving the two countries in the South China Sea.</p>

<p>It is a group of more than 100 small islands, reefs, and atolls located in the maritime region between the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-killed-in-tractor-trailer-van-crash-in-northern-mexico-592444">At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico</a></p>

<p>The main issue in the Spratly Islands dispute revolves around competing territorial claims by these countries. The countries claim various portions or all of the islands and the surrounding waters based on historical, geographical, and legal arguments.</p>

<p>This comes as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is vying to improve the country's relationship with the United States, China's staunch enemy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>Efforts to resolve the dispute have been made through diplomatic channels and international negotiations. However, progress has been limited. The situation remains unresolved. As per reports, there have been some construction and other militarisation activities on the islands, further heightening tensions in the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Navigational buoys set up last year</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first time when navigational buoys are installed in the region. Last May, a total of five buoys were set up on four of the Spratly's islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No comments have been so far from Chinese or the Philippines authorities.&nbsp;</p>

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To tighten its sovereignty claim over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea amid the rising threat of China in the region, the Philippines has placed five navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reported Reuters.

To tighten its sovereignty claim over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea amid the rising threat of China in the region, the Philippines has placed five navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), reported Reuters. As per the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is tasked to oversee the enforcement of laws within Philippine waters, as many as five buoys carrying the national flag of the country were set up in five key areas. The buoys are placed within a 200-mile (322-km) zone. It encompasses Whitsun Reef. In March 2021, an incident in the Whitsun Reef sparked tensions between the Philippines and China. This occurred when hundreds of Chinese vessels entered the reef, which is a part of the Spratly Islands. Also Read | PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May The buoys were set up from 10 May to 12 May by the Philippines. Speaking over this latest development, the coast guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said, "This move highlights the Philippines' unwavering resolve to protect its maritime borders and resources and contribute to the safety of maritime trade," reported Reuters. Dispute over Spratly Islands Spratly Islands dispute is the site of a territorial dispute involving the two countries in the South China Sea. It is a group of more than 100 small islands, reefs, and atolls located in the maritime region between the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. Also Read | At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico The main issue in the Spratly Islands dispute revolves around competing territorial claims by these countries. The countries claim various portions or all of the islands and the surrounding waters based on historical, geographical, and legal arguments. This comes as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is vying to improve the country's relationship with the United States, China's staunch enemy. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × Efforts to resolve the dispute have been made through diplomatic channels and international negotiations. However, progress has been limited. The situation remains unresolved. As per reports, there have been some construction and other militarisation activities on the islands, further heightening tensions in the region. Navigational buoys set up last year This is not the first time when navigational buoys are installed in the region. Last May, a total of five buoys were set up on four of the Spratly's islands. No comments have been so far from Chinese or the Philippines authorities. 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. ×

In show of power over disputed Spratly islands, Philippines sets up buoys in South China Sea

<p>In a tragic incident on Sunday, a tractor trailer and a van collided killing 26 people on a highway in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, according to local police, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two vehicles collided and caught fire about 30 minutes outside of Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, according to the Tamaulipas public security ministry.</p>

<p>When the police arrived on the scene of the collision, they discovered the tractor trailer had left and was not to be seen at the site of the crash.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-election-result-2023-pheu-thai-and-move-forward-party-stun-military-loyalists-592442">Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists</a></p>

<p>According to a source at the Tamaulipas prosecutors' office cited by Reuters, it was unclear to investigators whether the truck's driver fled the scene or died in the collision. Meanwhile, children were among the van's passengers. The van was purportedly from a private transportation company, the source claimed.</p>

<p>According to the source, all of the deceased victims are believed to be Mexicans. This had been ascertained as the authorities found national IDs at the scene.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-elections-2023-erdogan-takes-an-early-lead-reports-suggest-country-headed-for-may-28-runoffs-592441">Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs</a></p>

<p>About two weeks ago another incident took place where at least 18 died and 33 were injured in a tourist bus accident in western Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The harrowing incident occurred when the bus carrying the tourists plunged into a ravine on Saturday night. It was traveling between Tepic, the state capital, and Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, as per the prosecutor's office in Nayarit, the region where the tragedy took place.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>The civil protection officer Pedro Nunez said the bus was carrying tourists on a 220-kilometre trip from Guadalajara in the nearby state of Jalisco to the seaside resort area of Guayabitos in Nayarit when it went off the road. Nunez added that all the passengers onboard the crashed tourist bus were Mexican nationals.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>


In a tragic incident on Sunday, a tractor trailer and a van collided killing 26 people on a highway in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, according to local police, reported Reuters.

In a tragic incident on Sunday, a tractor trailer and a van collided killing 26 people on a highway in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, according to local police, reported Reuters. The two vehicles collided and caught fire about 30 minutes outside of Ciudad Victoria, the state capital, according to the Tamaulipas public security ministry. When the police arrived on the scene of the collision, they discovered the tractor trailer had left and was not to be seen at the site of the crash. Also Read | Thailand election result 2023: Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party stun military loyalists According to a source at the Tamaulipas prosecutors' office cited by Reuters, it was unclear to investigators whether the truck's driver fled the scene or died in the collision. Meanwhile, children were among the van's passengers. The van was purportedly from a private transportation company, the source claimed. According to the source, all of the deceased victims are believed to be Mexicans. This had been ascertained as the authorities found national IDs at the scene. Also Read | Turkey Elections 2023 | Erdogan takes an early lead; reports suggest country headed for May 28 runoffs About two weeks ago another incident took place where at least 18 died and 33 were injured in a tourist bus accident in western Mexico. The harrowing incident occurred when the bus carrying the tourists plunged into a ravine on Saturday night. It was traveling between Tepic, the state capital, and Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, as per the prosecutor's office in Nayarit, the region where the tragedy took place. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × The civil protection officer Pedro Nunez said the bus was carrying tourists on a 220-kilometre trip from Guadalajara in the nearby state of Jalisco to the seaside resort area of Guayabitos in Nayarit when it went off the road. Nunez added that all the passengers onboard the crashed tourist bus were Mexican nationals. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico

<p>The book <em>Guess What? </em>by renowned Australian author Mem Fox is banned under Florida's controversial "Parental Rights in Education" bill, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law by opponents of state governor Ron DeSantis.</p>

<p>The book was banned in the Jacksonville county of Duval. As per the bill, Duval Schools prohibit the distribution of “any picture, photograph, drawing … of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-file-firs-against-rangers-nab-over-imrans-abduction-on-9-may-592450">PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are the 'objectionable' content in the book?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Mem Fox is the author of Australia’s highest-selling children’s book, <em>Possum Magic</em>. Her book <em>Guess What? </em>contains illustrations of its lead character, a witch called Daisy O’Grady. The book has illustrations by Vivienne Goodman wherein O’Grady is depicted taking a bath. To the county that banned it, the illustration appeared pornographic.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-killed-in-tractor-trailer-van-crash-in-northern-mexico-592444">At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico</a></p>

<p>Commenting on the issue, Mem Fox's agent said in a statement, “We have nothing to say on this issue. Duval County is a county of 997,000 people in Florida. It is not important.”</p>

<p>Apart from Mem Fox's book <em>Guess What?</em>, many other books have also been banned in Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to PEN America, which stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide, as many as 565 books were banned in Florida since 2021 under the controversial legislation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>One of the directions given to Florida schools was to “empty libraries and cover classroom bookshelves," reported The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Books of many renowned authors have been removed from school libraries and classrooms. Those includes big names such as Booker prize winners Margaret Atwood and Arundhati Roy, and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In order to not randomly let the books leave the school libraries, teachers in Duval and Manatee counties are asked to review every book before they are banned and taken away from the classrooms, PEN America said.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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The book Guess What? by renowned Australian author Mem Fox is banned under Florida's controversial "Parental Rights in Education" bill, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law by opponents of state governor Ron DeSantis.

The book Guess What? by renowned Australian author Mem Fox is banned under Florida's controversial "Parental Rights in Education" bill, commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law by opponents of state governor Ron DeSantis. The book was banned in the Jacksonville county of Duval. As per the bill, Duval Schools prohibit the distribution of “any picture, photograph, drawing … of a person or portion of the human body which depicts nudity or sexual conduct, sexual excitement, sexual battery, bestiality, or sadomasochistic abuse and which is harmful to minors." Also Read | PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May What are the 'objectionable' content in the book? Mem Fox is the author of Australia’s highest-selling children’s book, Possum Magic. Her book Guess What? contains illustrations of its lead character, a witch called Daisy O’Grady. The book has illustrations by Vivienne Goodman wherein O’Grady is depicted taking a bath. To the county that banned it, the illustration appeared pornographic. Also Read | At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico Commenting on the issue, Mem Fox's agent said in a statement, “We have nothing to say on this issue. Duval County is a county of 997,000 people in Florida. It is not important.” Apart from Mem Fox's book Guess What?, many other books have also been banned in Florida. According to PEN America, which stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide, as many as 565 books were banned in Florida since 2021 under the controversial legislation. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × One of the directions given to Florida schools was to “empty libraries and cover classroom bookshelves," reported The Guardian. Books of many renowned authors have been removed from school libraries and classrooms. Those includes big names such as Booker prize winners Margaret Atwood and Arundhati Roy, and Nobel laureate Toni Morrison. In order to not randomly let the books leave the school libraries, teachers in Duval and Manatee counties are asked to review every book before they are banned and taken away from the classrooms, PEN America said. (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. ×

Florida governor Ron DeSantis' bill bans Mem Fox's book Guess What? as 'pornographic'

<p>A Canadian minister has flagged there could be a presence of more 'Chinese outposts' in the country, as per Reuters.&nbsp;Months after the Canadian police said they were looking into whether two community centres in Montreal were being used to intimidate Canadians of Chinese origin, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told a Canadian TV station on Sunday that there may be more of these facilities operating in the country.</p>

<p>Chinese police outposts are often under the radar by the authorities in countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, or the US for allegedly instilling fear into Chinese citizens living overseas and stomping its control to throttle criticism of the ruling Communist Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-file-firs-against-rangers-nab-over-imrans-abduction-on-9-may-592450">PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May</a></p>

<p>All of these countries have opened investigations into these allegations. Canada adds to the list with its apprehensions over the presence of these police outposts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with CTV’s Question Period Marco Mendicino said,&nbsp;"I am confident that the [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] have taken concrete action to disrupt any foreign interference in relation to those so-called police stations, and that if new police stations are popping up and so on, that they will continue to take decisive action going forward."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-26-killed-in-tractor-trailer-van-crash-in-northern-mexico-592444">At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico</a></p>

<p>These Chinese outpost facilities are allegedly run under the directions of China in locations outside its mainland territory.&nbsp;Though Chinese people running these establishments claim that these outposts are to cater to the issues faced by the Chinese community living in the country, it is still unclear as to what purposes these outposts really serve.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per a few reports, these facilities are intimidating Chinese activists living abroad who speak out against the CCP led by Chinese President Xi Jinping.</p>

<p>It's important to note that the establishment of Chinese outposts is a complex geopolitical issue, often subject to territorial disputes, criticism, and concerns from other countries in the regions where they are located.</p>

<p>In Canada, the police in the month of March said they were investigating the centres&nbsp;in Montreal. This month, the Canadian press reported that these centres&nbsp;were operating normally. This is despite the fact that the statements by the minister that all of these 'secret' stations in Canada have been closed down. As far as China is concerned, the country has refuted all claims made in connection to these police outposts.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Showdown over diplomat&nbsp;expulsion &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China expelled a Canadian diplomat on 9 May. This came after claims of Chinese diplomats targeting a Canadian MP for his anti-Beijing stances. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said earlier that she will consider expelling Chinese diplomats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead</strong></p>

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<p>A Canadian intelligence report had indicated that one of these Chinese diplomats tried to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker's relatives living in Hong Kong.&nbsp;As per reports, a Chinese diplomat is allegedly involved in targeting the Canadian lawmaker and his family for his anti-China stance. China criticised Canada for mulling over the options of expelling Chinese diplomats.&nbsp;</p>

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A Canadian minister has flagged there could be a presence of more 'Chinese outposts' in the country, as per Reuters. Months after the Canadian police said they were looking into whether two community centres in Montreal were being used to intimidate Canadians of Chinese origin, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told a Canadian TV station on Sunday that there may be more of these facilities operating in the country.

A Canadian minister has flagged there could be a presence of more 'Chinese outposts' in the country, as per Reuters. Months after the Canadian police said they were looking into whether two community centres in Montreal were being used to intimidate Canadians of Chinese origin, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino told a Canadian TV station on Sunday that there may be more of these facilities operating in the country. Chinese police outposts are often under the radar by the authorities in countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, or the US for allegedly instilling fear into Chinese citizens living overseas and stomping its control to throttle criticism of the ruling Communist Party. Also Read | PTI to file FIRs against Rangers, NAB over Imran’s ‘abduction’ on 9 May All of these countries have opened investigations into these allegations. Canada adds to the list with its apprehensions over the presence of these police outposts. In an interview with CTV’s Question Period Marco Mendicino said, "I am confident that the [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] have taken concrete action to disrupt any foreign interference in relation to those so-called police stations, and that if new police stations are popping up and so on, that they will continue to take decisive action going forward." Also Read | At least 26 killed as tractor trailer and van collide in northern Mexico These Chinese outpost facilities are allegedly run under the directions of China in locations outside its mainland territory. Though Chinese people running these establishments claim that these outposts are to cater to the issues faced by the Chinese community living in the country, it is still unclear as to what purposes these outposts really serve. As per a few reports, these facilities are intimidating Chinese activists living abroad who speak out against the CCP led by Chinese President Xi Jinping. It's important to note that the establishment of Chinese outposts is a complex geopolitical issue, often subject to territorial disputes, criticism, and concerns from other countries in the regions where they are located. In Canada, the police in the month of March said they were investigating the centres in Montreal. This month, the Canadian press reported that these centres were operating normally. This is despite the fact that the statements by the minister that all of these 'secret' stations in Canada have been closed down. As far as China is concerned, the country has refuted all claims made in connection to these police outposts. Showdown over diplomat expulsion China expelled a Canadian diplomat on 9 May. This came after claims of Chinese diplomats targeting a Canadian MP for his anti-Beijing stances. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said earlier that she will consider expelling Chinese diplomats. Watch | Turkey Election 2023: Preliminary numbers show President Erdogan in the lead × A Canadian intelligence report had indicated that one of these Chinese diplomats tried to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker's relatives living in Hong Kong. As per reports, a Chinese diplomat is allegedly involved in targeting the Canadian lawmaker and his family for his anti-China stance. China criticised Canada for mulling over the options of expelling Chinese diplomats. 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. ×

Canadian minister flags potential presence of more 'Chinese outposts' in country

10 Top Small-Scale Business Ideas in India

Starting a breakfast joint is a great business idea. But before you start, you need to understand the local market and competition. 

More and more people are becoming health-conscious. You can offer a range of options like fresh juice, smoothies and other healthy snacks.


If you have a passion for fashion and the skills to create customised clothing, you can choose a tailoring business. Define your goals. Decide a pricing strategy.

Online retail businesses can get you buyers pretty quickly. The opportunities in the e-commerce space are vast, and there is always room for innovation and growth.



The Olsen sisters have worked in several iconic children's movies such as The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley, Passport to Paris, and Double, Double, Toil and Trouble. Currently, they’re working in the fashion industry and have their own line, Elizabeth and James.


Teach people how to cook different types of food. This can include cooking classes for specific cuisines, cooking techniques, or special diets. It would be great if you decide on your own niche.

Do you enjoy working with children and have a passion for childcare? Obtain the necessary licenses and permits to start a daycare in your area.  

Decide which types of dance classes you want to offer, such as ballet, jazz, hip-hop, salsa, or ballroom. 

Provide professional photography services to clients for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and more. Purchase high-quality photography equipment. 


You can become a yoga instructor if you want to share your passion for yoga with others while also making a living. The first step to starting this business is to get certified.

<p>In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.45 billion) from the southern Kerala coast and detained a suspected Pakistani national,&nbsp;the anti-drug agency said on Saturday.</p>

<p>The retrieved bags, the suspected Pakistani national, the speed boat, and some other goods seized from the "mother ship" were taken at Mattancherry Wharf in Kochi and given to NCB for further action.</p>

<p>This major operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Navy and the NCB officials. The Indian authorities were alerted after receiving a tip-off, which led to the identification of a vessel that was intercepted by the Indian Navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p>The suspected Pakistani was apprehended during the "Operation Samudragupt". The NCB has now made three big drug trafficking-related seizures in the last 18 months, all involving the southern route.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operation Samudragupt was launched in January 2022 to combat maritime trafficking of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. Launched by NCB director general Satya Narayan Pradhan, Operation Samudragupt is headed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, deputy director general (Ops).</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-scorching-may-heat-to-affect-tens-of-millions-592150">India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat heat for tens of millions</a></p>

<p>According to a senior officer, ongoing intelligence gathering and analysis allowed for the identification of a very likely path that the mother ship would travel in order to distribute contraband.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy received the information, and a ship of the Indian Navy was stationed nearby.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents</strong></p>

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<p>"A total of 134 sacks of suspected methamphetamine was recovered from the ship and one person [who] is suspected to be a Pakistani national was detained, who was on a speed boat and contraband was loaded on it," said an official.</p>

<p>There have been several recent drug busts in India related to crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice".</p>

<p>In one major seizure in January 2022, the NCB and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the coast of Gujarat and seized approximately 300 kg of crystal meth. In another significant bust, the NCB earlier seized over 300 kg of crystal meth in Hyderabad and arrested several individuals. Authorities in India have been working to crack down on the trade and use of the drug through increased enforcement and awareness campaigns.</p>

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In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.

In India's largest drug bust so far, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated approximately 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine or crystal meth worth around 12,000 crore rupees (approx $1.45 billion) from the southern Kerala coast and detained a suspected Pakistani national, the anti-drug agency said on Saturday. The retrieved bags, the suspected Pakistani national, the speed boat, and some other goods seized from the "mother ship" were taken at Mattancherry Wharf in Kochi and given to NCB for further action. This major operation was conducted jointly by the Indian Navy and the NCB officials. The Indian authorities were alerted after receiving a tip-off, which led to the identification of a vessel that was intercepted by the Indian Navy. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? The suspected Pakistani was apprehended during the "Operation Samudragupt". The NCB has now made three big drug trafficking-related seizures in the last 18 months, all involving the southern route. Operation Samudragupt was launched in January 2022 to combat maritime trafficking of heroin and other drugs in the Indian Ocean region. Launched by NCB director general Satya Narayan Pradhan, Operation Samudragupt is headed by Sanjay Kumar Singh, deputy director general (Ops). Also Read | India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat heat for tens of millions According to a senior officer, ongoing intelligence gathering and analysis allowed for the identification of a very likely path that the mother ship would travel in order to distribute contraband. The Indian Navy received the information, and a ship of the Indian Navy was stationed nearby. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × "A total of 134 sacks of suspected methamphetamine was recovered from the ship and one person [who] is suspected to be a Pakistani national was detained, who was on a speed boat and contraband was loaded on it," said an official. There have been several recent drug busts in India related to crystal methamphetamine, also known as "ice". In one major seizure in January 2022, the NCB and the Indian Coast Guard intercepted a vessel off the coast of Gujarat and seized approximately 300 kg of crystal meth. In another significant bust, the NCB earlier seized over 300 kg of crystal meth in Hyderabad and arrested several individuals. Authorities in India have been working to crack down on the trade and use of the drug through increased enforcement and awareness campaigns. 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. ×

In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held

<p>For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail. According to experts who spoke with Straits Times, this might truly be a game-changer in the upcoming presidential elections, which are expected to be in September 2023. A legislation was passed in March to permit Singaporeans living abroad to vote by mail. Earlier, they had to go to polling sites in certain locations to cast their ballots, which meant that some people were unable to do so in 2020, when Covid-related travel restrictions were effective worldwide.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p><strong>What will be the implications of these election rules revisions for the 2023 Presidential Election?</strong></p>

<p>Elections Department (ELD) revealed that 4,794 of the 6,570 overseas voters who were registered to vote at the most recent general election in Singapore in 2020 actually cast their ballots.</p>

<p>Only 10 overseas voting locations, in "countries or cities where there is a significant number of Singaporeans," were available for voters to cast ballots, according to ELD's website. Shanghai, Dubai, Canberra, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York are among the cities where the stations are situated.</p>

<p>Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>It is hard to predict precisely how much the turnout rate would rise because the great majority of overseas Singaporeans are not registered voters, according to assistant professor of constitutional law Benjamin Joshua Ong of Singapore Management University (SMU).</p>

<p>“The right to vote is a constitutional right, and we should welcome efforts that make it easier to exercise this right. Of course, democracy is much more than just putting a piece of paper into a box every few years. But voting is a solemn ritual that reinforces a citizen’s ties to the democratic system.”</p>

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<p>National University of Singapore adjunct law professor Kevin Tan said the postal votes from overseas voters could matter in an election like the 2011 Presidential Election, where Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam edged out Dr. Tan Cheng Bock by 7,382 votes.</p>

<p>“Looking at it quantitatively, the overseas votes might have swung the election the other way because the margin was very, very slim,” he said. He also asserted that voting is a constitutional right and the modifications done by the ELD were long overdue.</p>

<p>The 56-year-old lawyer Benjamin Yap, a Singaporean living in Ho Chi Minh City will now be able to vote from overseas. “I have been away from Singapore for so long, but I still feel Singaporean at heart. I see my ability to exercise my right to vote as very much intrinsic to my status as a Singaporean,” said Mr Yap, who lives with his wife and their 15-year-old son. He is one of 185,800 Singaporeans living abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another first in the next election will be the establishment of special polling places on the nursing homes' grounds and the use of mobile polling teams to collect ballots from residents who are bedridden there.</p>

<p>The unique voting arrangements will be tested in nursing homes with more than 50 voters, according to the ELD. Over 2,000 voters will be reached, or roughly two-thirds of registered voters who are now living in nursing homes. This will involve 25 to 30 nursing facilities.</p>

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For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail.

For the first time ever, Singaporeans who are 21 years of age or older, residing overseas, and who are eligible to vote will be able to register and cast ballots by mail. According to experts who spoke with Straits Times, this might truly be a game-changer in the upcoming presidential elections, which are expected to be in September 2023. A legislation was passed in March to permit Singaporeans living abroad to vote by mail. Earlier, they had to go to polling sites in certain locations to cast their ballots, which meant that some people were unable to do so in 2020, when Covid-related travel restrictions were effective worldwide. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? What will be the implications of these election rules revisions for the 2023 Presidential Election? Elections Department (ELD) revealed that 4,794 of the 6,570 overseas voters who were registered to vote at the most recent general election in Singapore in 2020 actually cast their ballots. Only 10 overseas voting locations, in "countries or cities where there is a significant number of Singaporeans," were available for voters to cast ballots, according to ELD's website. Shanghai, Dubai, Canberra, London, Tokyo, Beijing, Washington, Hong Kong, San Francisco, and New York are among the cities where the stations are situated. Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held It is hard to predict precisely how much the turnout rate would rise because the great majority of overseas Singaporeans are not registered voters, according to assistant professor of constitutional law Benjamin Joshua Ong of Singapore Management University (SMU). “The right to vote is a constitutional right, and we should welcome efforts that make it easier to exercise this right. Of course, democracy is much more than just putting a piece of paper into a box every few years. But voting is a solemn ritual that reinforces a citizen’s ties to the democratic system.” Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × National University of Singapore adjunct law professor Kevin Tan said the postal votes from overseas voters could matter in an election like the 2011 Presidential Election, where Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam edged out Dr. Tan Cheng Bock by 7,382 votes. “Looking at it quantitatively, the overseas votes might have swung the election the other way because the margin was very, very slim,” he said. He also asserted that voting is a constitutional right and the modifications done by the ELD were long overdue. The 56-year-old lawyer Benjamin Yap, a Singaporean living in Ho Chi Minh City will now be able to vote from overseas. “I have been away from Singapore for so long, but I still feel Singaporean at heart. I see my ability to exercise my right to vote as very much intrinsic to my status as a Singaporean,” said Mr Yap, who lives with his wife and their 15-year-old son. He is one of 185,800 Singaporeans living abroad. Another first in the next election will be the establishment of special polling places on the nursing homes' grounds and the use of mobile polling teams to collect ballots from residents who are bedridden there. The unique voting arrangements will be tested in nursing homes with more than 50 voters, according to the ELD. Over 2,000 voters will be reached, or roughly two-thirds of registered voters who are now living in nursing homes. This will involve 25 to 30 nursing facilities. 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. ×

Overseas Singaporeans casting vote by post can be game-changer in presidential election: Experts

<p>Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.</p>

<p>Mocha struck between Cox's Bazar, where almost a million Rohingya refugees dwell in camps mostly made up of flimsy shelters, and Myanmar's Sittwe. Cyclone Mocha has gusts of up to 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p>Cyclone speeds are as high as 140 knots, or 259 kph, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre earlier. This is the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.</p>

<p>"Our camp houses, which are constructed with bamboo and tarpaulins, can be blown away in soft, light winds," the 28-year-old Mohammad Sayed told AFP from Nayapara refugee camp in Bangladesh.</p>

<p>"The schools, which are designated as cyclone shelters... are not strong shelters that can withstand the winds of a cyclone. We are scared."</p>

<p>Numerous people packed into trucks, automobiles, and tuk-tuks and left Sittwe on Saturday in search of higher ground inland after meteorologists issued a 3.5 m (11 ft) storm surge warning. "We are not OK because we didn't bring food and other things to cook," said 57-year-old Maung Win from Kyauktaw town.</p>

<p>"We can only wait to get food from people's donations."</p>

<p>Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>According to divisional commissioner Aminur Rahman, the Bangladeshi government relocated approximately 100,000 people from Chittagong and 190,000 from Cox's Bazar to safety on Saturday night. Residents in Yangon, the centre of commerce for Myanmar, reported on Sunday that they too received rain and fast winds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The landfall process of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Mocha" has commenced over north-west Myanmar coast.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CycloneMocha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CycloneMocha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeatherForecast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeatherForecast</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IMD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ndmaindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ndmaindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airnewsalerts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/moesgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moesgoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLvAsRCQwF">pic.twitter.com/uLvAsRCQwF</a></p>
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indiametdept/status/1657651209107542018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Authorities in Myanmar and Bangladesh are getting ready for a emergency response and are on high alert.&nbsp;The cyclone is expected to deliver torrential rain, which might cause landslips.</p>

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<p>According to Azizur Rahman, the head&nbsp;of Bangladesh's meteorological department, Cyclone Mocha is the storm that has struck Bangladesh with the greatest intensity since Cyclone Sidr. In November 2007, Sidr made landfall on Bangladesh's southern coast, killing over 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars' worth of damage.</p>

<p>Myanmar Airways International said that they have suspended all flights bound for Rakhine state until Monday.</p>

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Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees.

Cyclone Mocha made landfall at the Bangladesh-Myanmar border on Sunday, according to Bangladesh's weather office. It is destroying trees and pouring torrential rain to the region threatening hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees. Mocha struck between Cox's Bazar, where almost a million Rohingya refugees dwell in camps mostly made up of flimsy shelters, and Myanmar's Sittwe. Cyclone Mocha has gusts of up to 195 kilometres (120 miles) per hour. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? Cyclone speeds are as high as 140 knots, or 259 kph, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Centre earlier. This is the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. "Our camp houses, which are constructed with bamboo and tarpaulins, can be blown away in soft, light winds," the 28-year-old Mohammad Sayed told AFP from Nayapara refugee camp in Bangladesh. "The schools, which are designated as cyclone shelters... are not strong shelters that can withstand the winds of a cyclone. We are scared." Numerous people packed into trucks, automobiles, and tuk-tuks and left Sittwe on Saturday in search of higher ground inland after meteorologists issued a 3.5 m (11 ft) storm surge warning. "We are not OK because we didn't bring food and other things to cook," said 57-year-old Maung Win from Kyauktaw town. "We can only wait to get food from people's donations." Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held According to divisional commissioner Aminur Rahman, the Bangladeshi government relocated approximately 100,000 people from Chittagong and 190,000 from Cox's Bazar to safety on Saturday night. Residents in Yangon, the centre of commerce for Myanmar, reported on Sunday that they too received rain and fast winds. The landfall process of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Mocha" has commenced over north-west Myanmar coast.#CycloneMocha #India #WeatherForecast #IMD @DDNewslive @ndmaindia @airnewsalerts @moesgoi pic.twitter.com/uLvAsRCQwF — India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 14, 2023 × Authorities in Myanmar and Bangladesh are getting ready for a emergency response and are on high alert. The cyclone is expected to deliver torrential rain, which might cause landslips. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × According to Azizur Rahman, the head of Bangladesh's meteorological department, Cyclone Mocha is the storm that has struck Bangladesh with the greatest intensity since Cyclone Sidr. In November 2007, Sidr made landfall on Bangladesh's southern coast, killing over 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars' worth of damage. Myanmar Airways International said that they have suspended all flights bound for Rakhine state until Monday. 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. ×

'Very severe' cyclone Mocha hits Myanmar-Bangladesh border, threatens Rohingya refugees in low-lying regions

<p>Newly-appointed Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino expressed her excitement to contribute to the platform's transformation and how owner Elon Musk's vision for a better future has motivated her.&nbsp;In a tweet on Saturday,&nbsp;Yaccarino wrote,&nbsp;"I've long been inspired by [Musk's] vision to create a brighter future. I'm excited to help bring this vision to Twitter and transform this business together!"</p>

<p>It was Yaccarino's first public statement since it was revealed on Thursday that she was in discussions to be the next CEO of Twitter. Musk, who has been Twitter's CEO since purchasing the company for $44 billion in October, made the announcement of her hiring on Friday.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p>Yaccarino affirmed her dedication to Twitter's future and stressed the need for feedback in creating Twitter 2.0. She will take over a social media site that has been struggling to recover from a decline in ad income and is drowning in problems and debt.</p>

<p>Since Musk purchased Twitter, advertisers have abandoned the service out of fear that their advertisements would be shown next to offensive content because the firm laid off over 80% of its workers. Earlier this year, Musk recognised the dramatic drop in Twitter's ad revenue.</p>

<p>The appointment of Yaccarino as Twitter's new CEO, according to Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, will allow him to spend more time working at the electric vehicle company.</p>

<p>Linda Yaccarino was advertising chief for Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal. She was responsible for driving revenue growth and overseeing advertising sales for all of NBCUniversal's properties, including broadcast, cable, and digital platforms.</p>

<p>Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>Prior to joining NBCUniversal, she worked at Turner Broadcasting System, where she held various positions, including Executive Vice President of Ad Sales and Marketing.</p>

<p>During her tenure at NBCUniversal, Yaccarino has been recognised as one of the most powerful women in media by Forbes and has been credited with helping to transform the company's advertising business by embracing new technologies and developing innovative ad formats.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents</strong></p>

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<p>She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the media industry.</p>

<p>Yaccarino is a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to market research company Sensor Tower, the top 50 Twitter advertisers&nbsp;spent a total of $83 million over the last two months, down from $102 million in the same period last year.</p>

<p>Insider Intelligence, a research group, slashed its prediction for Twitter's worldwide ad income this year by 37% to $2.98 billion this week. That would be a 28% decrease from Twitter's $4.14 billion in ad revenue for 2022.</p>

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Newly-appointed Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino expressed her excitement to contribute to the platform's transformation and how owner Elon Musk's vision for a better future has motivated her.

Newly-appointed Twitter CEO Linda Yaccarino expressed her excitement to contribute to the platform's transformation and how owner Elon Musk's vision for a better future has motivated her. In a tweet on Saturday, Yaccarino wrote, "I've long been inspired by [Musk's] vision to create a brighter future. I'm excited to help bring this vision to Twitter and transform this business together!" It was Yaccarino's first public statement since it was revealed on Thursday that she was in discussions to be the next CEO of Twitter. Musk, who has been Twitter's CEO since purchasing the company for $44 billion in October, made the announcement of her hiring on Friday. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? Yaccarino affirmed her dedication to Twitter's future and stressed the need for feedback in creating Twitter 2.0. She will take over a social media site that has been struggling to recover from a decline in ad income and is drowning in problems and debt. Since Musk purchased Twitter, advertisers have abandoned the service out of fear that their advertisements would be shown next to offensive content because the firm laid off over 80% of its workers. Earlier this year, Musk recognised the dramatic drop in Twitter's ad revenue. The appointment of Yaccarino as Twitter's new CEO, according to Musk, who is also the CEO of Tesla, will allow him to spend more time working at the electric vehicle company. Linda Yaccarino was advertising chief for Comcast Corp's NBCUniversal. She was responsible for driving revenue growth and overseeing advertising sales for all of NBCUniversal's properties, including broadcast, cable, and digital platforms. Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held Prior to joining NBCUniversal, she worked at Turner Broadcasting System, where she held various positions, including Executive Vice President of Ad Sales and Marketing. During her tenure at NBCUniversal, Yaccarino has been recognised as one of the most powerful women in media by Forbes and has been credited with helping to transform the company's advertising business by embracing new technologies and developing innovative ad formats. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the media industry. Yaccarino is a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Management. According to market research company Sensor Tower, the top 50 Twitter advertisers spent a total of $83 million over the last two months, down from $102 million in the same period last year. Insider Intelligence, a research group, slashed its prediction for Twitter's worldwide ad income this year by 37% to $2.98 billion this week. That would be a 28% decrease from Twitter's $4.14 billion in ad revenue for 2022. 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. ×

Inspired by Musk, excited to transform Twitter: New CEO Linda Yaccarino

<p>SCO nations have adopted India's proposal for developing digital public infrastructure (DPI), according to Union Minister for Electronics &amp; Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. India continues to make significant strides aimed at expanding access to digital technologies and services like Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface, DigiLocker, and CoWin.&nbsp;Indian minister Vaishnaw chaired the meeting of ICT ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries on Saturday where they unanimously adopted India's proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They met today and unanimously adopted India’s proposal for developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as the right way for deploying digital technology among member states,” Vaishnaw said in a statement post chairing the meeting.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-voting-begins-will-rule-of-conservative-military-backed-pm-to-maintain-power-592156">Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?</a></p>

<p>The SCO grouping includes Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India. It also has four Observer States - Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. Moreover, the intra-governmental body also has six Dialogue Partners namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey.</p>

<p>According to Vaishnaw, DPI is crucial for ensuring that technology is made accessible to everybody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“There was also a need felt for interoperability between different systems being developed by the member states and the body recognized the need for setting up an organisation for setting common standards for interoperability of digital systems among member states,” he said.</p>

<p>According to information from the National Payments Cooperation of India, there were around 74 billion UPI transactions in 2022, totaling 125.94 trillion rupees. The UPI platform processed more than 38 billion transactions worth 71.54 trillion rupees in 2021. Also, 2.2 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have already been given through CoWin, India's Covid-19 vaccination app.</p>

<p>Also Read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-held-in-biggest-drug-bust-in-india-crystal-meth-worth-145-bn-seized-592189">In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held</a></p>

<p>“I would urge all fellow members of SCO to assess, evaluate and adopt India Stack and benefit from this digital public infrastructure,” Vaishnaw said.</p>

<p>India Stack refers to a set of digital infrastructure services that have been developed by the Indian government to facilitate the delivery of various services to citizens, businesses, and other organisations.</p>

<p>The core components of India Stack include Aadhaar, a biometric identification system that provides a unique identification number to every Indian citizen; e-KYC, which allows individuals and businesses to electronically verify their identity; and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is a real-time payment system that enables instant transactions between bank accounts.</p>

<p>Together, these components provide a digital foundation that can be leveraged by various organisations to offer a range of services, such as e-commerce, financial services and healthcare, among others.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents</strong></p>

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<p>The aim of India Stack is to create a more efficient and inclusive digital economy in India, while also reducing the cost and complexity of delivering services. The system has been credited with enabling greater financial inclusion and helping to bring more people into the formal economy.</p>

<p>According to a statement from the ministry, India also informed SCO members of its plans to invest $5 billion to provide broadband access to all 250,000 village councils and $3 billion to offer mobile coverage to villages in rural locations.</p>

<p>Kazim Rizvi, the founder of the Dialogue, a technological think tank, one of the main outputs of the India Stack is UPI, which has altered the country's payments system and increased the measure of financial inclusion by 5% compounded annual growth rate.</p>

<p>“The export of UPI to other countries has grown significantly, with the international arm of NPCI partnering with countries such as the UK, the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bhutan, Nepal, etc.,” Rizvi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The recent signature by SCO member states to adopt India’s proposal for developing digital public infrastructure as the way forward for deploying digital technologies in members is a significant recognition of India’s efforts towards having digitally inclusive growth at the global scale.”</p>

<p>India has already agreed to the implementation of UPI with more than a dozen other countries. The nation is now providing the technology to a number of nations as part of its G20 Presidency duties.&nbsp;Currently, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan accept BHIM UPI QR.</p>

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SCO nations have adopted India's proposal for developing digital public infrastructure (DPI), according to Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.

SCO nations have adopted India's proposal for developing digital public infrastructure (DPI), according to Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. India continues to make significant strides aimed at expanding access to digital technologies and services like Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface, DigiLocker, and CoWin. Indian minister Vaishnaw chaired the meeting of ICT ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries on Saturday where they unanimously adopted India's proposal. “They met today and unanimously adopted India’s proposal for developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as the right way for deploying digital technology among member states,” Vaishnaw said in a statement post chairing the meeting. Also Read | Thailand voting begins, will conservative military-backed PM maintain power? The SCO grouping includes Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and India. It also has four Observer States - Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia. Moreover, the intra-governmental body also has six Dialogue Partners namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. According to Vaishnaw, DPI is crucial for ensuring that technology is made accessible to everybody. “There was also a need felt for interoperability between different systems being developed by the member states and the body recognized the need for setting up an organisation for setting common standards for interoperability of digital systems among member states,” he said. According to information from the National Payments Cooperation of India, there were around 74 billion UPI transactions in 2022, totaling 125.94 trillion rupees. The UPI platform processed more than 38 billion transactions worth 71.54 trillion rupees in 2021. Also, 2.2 billion doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have already been given through CoWin, India's Covid-19 vaccination app. Also Read| In India's biggest drug bust, crystal meth worth $1.45bn seized from Kerala coast, Pakistani held “I would urge all fellow members of SCO to assess, evaluate and adopt India Stack and benefit from this digital public infrastructure,” Vaishnaw said. India Stack refers to a set of digital infrastructure services that have been developed by the Indian government to facilitate the delivery of various services to citizens, businesses, and other organisations. The core components of India Stack include Aadhaar, a biometric identification system that provides a unique identification number to every Indian citizen; e-KYC, which allows individuals and businesses to electronically verify their identity; and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which is a real-time payment system that enables instant transactions between bank accounts. Together, these components provide a digital foundation that can be leveraged by various organisations to offer a range of services, such as e-commerce, financial services and healthcare, among others. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × The aim of India Stack is to create a more efficient and inclusive digital economy in India, while also reducing the cost and complexity of delivering services. The system has been credited with enabling greater financial inclusion and helping to bring more people into the formal economy. According to a statement from the ministry, India also informed SCO members of its plans to invest $5 billion to provide broadband access to all 250,000 village councils and $3 billion to offer mobile coverage to villages in rural locations. Kazim Rizvi, the founder of the Dialogue, a technological think tank, one of the main outputs of the India Stack is UPI, which has altered the country's payments system and increased the measure of financial inclusion by 5% compounded annual growth rate. “The export of UPI to other countries has grown significantly, with the international arm of NPCI partnering with countries such as the UK, the UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Bhutan, Nepal, etc.,” Rizvi added. “The recent signature by SCO member states to adopt India’s proposal for developing digital public infrastructure as the way forward for deploying digital technologies in members is a significant recognition of India’s efforts towards having digitally inclusive growth at the global scale.” India has already agreed to the implementation of UPI with more than a dozen other countries. The nation is now providing the technology to a number of nations as part of its G20 Presidency duties. Currently, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Nepal, and Bhutan accept BHIM UPI QR. 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. ×

Leading the way for world: India's proposal for digital public infra adopted by SCO members

<p>Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Election officials anticipated a strong turnout when polls opened at 8 am Bangkok time (9 pm ET Saturday). In Thailand's bicameral system, 500 members of the House of Representatives will be chosen by the country's 52 million eligible voters in this year's election. Each voter casts two ballots: one for a local constituency representative and the other for their choice of party-list MPs, who represent the national party.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong> | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-hambantota-port-with-china-cant-be-used-for-war-sri-lankas-minister-nimal-siripala-de-silva-592152">Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lanka's minister Nimal Siripala de Silva</a></p>

<p>Due to the junta-era constitution's major influence over who can ultimately form a government, opposition parties must win by a sizeable margin.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential key players&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition Pheu Thai party, which has three candidates running for prime minister and is calling for raising the minimum wage, providing welfare cash handouts and keeping the military out of politics, is currently leading surveys.</p>

<p>It is a divisive political dynasty led by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the rich Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn, the 36-year-old youngest daughter of Thaksin, is running for prime minister. Srettha Thavisin, a 59-year-old real estate magnate who wants to concentrate on addressing economic disparity, supporting LGBTQ+ rights including same-sex marriage while bolstering the sluggish economy, is also a contender for Pheu Thai.</p>

<p>However, Move Forward, a party that is extremely well-liked among young Thais for its radical reform agenda, is another opposing force at work. Pita Limcharoenrat, 42, a Harvard alumnus with a background in business, is&nbsp; leading the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-scorching-may-heat-to-affect-tens-of-millions-592150">India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat for tens of millions</a></p>

<p>Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The country's elections are held every four years, with the last general election taking place in 2019.</p>

<p>The 2019 general election was the first held since the coup in 2014, which saw the military junta take control of the government. The election was seen as an opportunity for the country to return to civilian rule, but the results were controversial.</p>

<p>The pro-military Palang Pracharat Party won most seats in parliament after gathering enough support from coalition parties to form a government. But the opposition claimed that the election was rigged in favour of the military-backed party. There were also allegations of irregularities and voter intimidation.</p>

<p>Despite the controversy, the new government was formed with Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former military general who led the 2014 coup, as the prime minister. His government has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues, with several opposition leaders facing legal charges.</p>

<p>This time with the United Thai Nation, a new political party, Prayut is vying to reclaim the top post. It has been nine years that he has been in power.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Thailand 2020 protests&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 2020, Thailand saw a wave of pro-democracy protests that began in July and continued throughout the year. The protests were led by young people and student activists who were calling for political reforms and greater democracy.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents</strong></p>

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<p>The main demands of the protesters included the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power in a 2014 military coup and was appointed as prime minister after the 2019 election, as well as a new constitution, an end to the harassment of activists and journalists, and reforms to the monarchy.</p>

<p>The protests gained momentum and drew large crowds, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities. They were peaceful at first, but tensions escalated as the government cracked down on the demonstrators, using water cannons, tear gas, and arrests to disperse them.</p>

<p>The protests were also met with counter-protests by pro-monarchy groups, which led to clashes and violence in some cases.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues.

Voting for the Thailand elections has begun Sunday (May 14) and will determine the fate of the current government led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, which has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues. Election officials anticipated a strong turnout when polls opened at 8 am Bangkok time (9 pm ET Saturday). In Thailand's bicameral system, 500 members of the House of Representatives will be chosen by the country's 52 million eligible voters in this year's election. Each voter casts two ballots: one for a local constituency representative and the other for their choice of party-list MPs, who represent the national party. Also Read | Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lanka's minister Nimal Siripala de Silva Due to the junta-era constitution's major influence over who can ultimately form a government, opposition parties must win by a sizeable margin. Potential key players The opposition Pheu Thai party, which has three candidates running for prime minister and is calling for raising the minimum wage, providing welfare cash handouts and keeping the military out of politics, is currently leading surveys. It is a divisive political dynasty led by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the rich Shinawatra family. Paetongtarn, the 36-year-old youngest daughter of Thaksin, is running for prime minister. Srettha Thavisin, a 59-year-old real estate magnate who wants to concentrate on addressing economic disparity, supporting LGBTQ+ rights including same-sex marriage while bolstering the sluggish economy, is also a contender for Pheu Thai. However, Move Forward, a party that is extremely well-liked among young Thais for its radical reform agenda, is another opposing force at work. Pita Limcharoenrat, 42, a Harvard alumnus with a background in business, is leading the party. Also Read | India's scorching temperatures to turn the heat for tens of millions Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The country's elections are held every four years, with the last general election taking place in 2019. The 2019 general election was the first held since the coup in 2014, which saw the military junta take control of the government. The election was seen as an opportunity for the country to return to civilian rule, but the results were controversial. The pro-military Palang Pracharat Party won most seats in parliament after gathering enough support from coalition parties to form a government. But the opposition claimed that the election was rigged in favour of the military-backed party. There were also allegations of irregularities and voter intimidation. Despite the controversy, the new government was formed with Prayut Chan-o-cha, the former military general who led the 2014 coup, as the prime minister. His government has faced criticism for its handling of political dissent and human rights issues, with several opposition leaders facing legal charges. This time with the United Thai Nation, a new political party, Prayut is vying to reclaim the top post. It has been nine years that he has been in power. Thailand 2020 protests In 2020, Thailand saw a wave of pro-democracy protests that began in July and continued throughout the year. The protests were led by young people and student activists who were calling for political reforms and greater democracy. Watch | Mother's Day Special: Sarah Todd shares easy cooking tips for busy parents × The main demands of the protesters included the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who came to power in a 2014 military coup and was appointed as prime minister after the 2019 election, as well as a new constitution, an end to the harassment of activists and journalists, and reforms to the monarchy. The protests gained momentum and drew large crowds, particularly in Bangkok and other major cities. They were peaceful at first, but tensions escalated as the government cracked down on the demonstrators, using water cannons, tear gas, and arrests to disperse them. The protests were also met with counter-protests by pro-monarchy groups, which led to clashes and violence in some cases. (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. ×

Thailand voting begins. Will conservative military-backed PM maintain power?

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