Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship. <o:p></o:p>

The ship, which had left Dubai few days ago, was bound for the port of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq and it was carrying cars and other cargo.

<o:p></o:p>

According to the AFP report, captain Nizar Qaddoura, the firm’s operations manager, said that 16 crew members were rescued till now while 11 survivors made it into life rafts. The Iranian authorities said all but one member of the cargo ship was rescued by the rescue forces.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/everything-we-know-about-the-new-covid-19-variant-found-in-israel-463112">Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel</a>

The authorities also said two Iranian rescue vessels were present at the scene of the accident and that meteorologists reported wind speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, according to Reuters.<o:p></o:p>

"Twenty-nine crew members have so far been saved, and rescue operations are continuing to find another team member," an official from Iran's Bushehr Province told IRNA.

<o:p></o:p>

Although the reason is not clear yet, the company said the turbulent waters due to bad weather resulted in the capsizing. The crew mainly comprised of individuals from India, Pakistan, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia.&nbsp;

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-to-get-us-stingers-javelin-anti-armour-systems-is-it-a-gamechanger-463142" hreflang="en">Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?</a>

The incident took place around 30 miles (50 km) off the coast of Asaluyeh in Southern Iran, according to the IRNA news agency. They further reported that the authorities faced a lot of challenges while conduction the rescue operation due to stormy weather.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;First cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen unveiled in France</o:p>

&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship.

Dubai-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Company confirmed on Thursday that one of their ships capsized off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf and that Iranian authorities had sent a vessel to rescue the 30 crew members abroad the ship. The ship, which had left Dubai few days ago, was bound for the port of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq and it was carrying cars and other cargo. According to the AFP report, captain Nizar Qaddoura, the firm’s operations manager, said that 16 crew members were rescued till now while 11 survivors made it into life rafts. The Iranian authorities said all but one member of the cargo ship was rescued by the rescue forces. Also read | Everything we know about the new COVID-19 variant found in Israel The authorities also said two Iranian rescue vessels were present at the scene of the accident and that meteorologists reported wind speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, according to Reuters. "Twenty-nine crew members have so far been saved, and rescue operations are continuing to find another team member," an official from Iran's Bushehr Province told IRNA. Although the reason is not clear yet, the company said the turbulent waters due to bad weather resulted in the capsizing. The crew mainly comprised of individuals from India, Pakistan, Uganda, Sudan, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Also read | Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger? The incident took place around 30 miles (50 km) off the coast of Asaluyeh in Southern Iran, according to the IRNA news agency. They further reported that the authorities faced a lot of challenges while conduction the rescue operation due to stormy weather. Watch | First cargo ship powered by liquid hydrogen unveiled in France (With inputs from agencies)

UAE cargo ship carrying 30 crew members sinks off Iran coast

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless.

One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose.

Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all.&nbsp;

The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they?&nbsp;

Scientists think that they are stars!

Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet.

How are exoplanets discovered?

Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found?

We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky.

As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there.

Even before we had sophisticated technology at hand, we have been keen to look at the skies to uncover its secrets. As tech developed, we realised that what we could see was just a fraction of what was out there. We continued to gaze into the space nonetheless. One of main thrusts of our skywatching has been to find exoplanets, and some that would possibly harbour life! But everything doesn't always go according to plan and our observations sometimes are not that accurate. That's life we suppose. Astronomers have 'lost' three exoplanets. This means that these three space objects, previously considered to be exoplanets are not planets at all. The objects Kepler-854b, Kepler-840b, and Kepler-699b have appeared to be too big to be exoplanets. So what are they? Scientists think that they are stars! Another object, Kepler-747b is considered to be a borderline case to qualify as a planet. How are exoplanets discovered? Planets may be notoriously hard to spot as, unlike stars, they do not emit their own light. So how are they found? We can spot the light coming from a star. When a planet comes in between the star and us, there is a slight decrease or 'dip' in the light caught by our sophisticated lenses pointed at the sky. As the tech is advancing, we are making use of newer techniques to accurately find exoplanets.

Three exoplanets have been 'lost', here's what's the deal

Existential crisis isn't new. The pandemic-era isolations have had us through such ordeals a lot. But when a global authority points finger at an inanimate object and says (not literally) 'You, are not what you are'. For a human, such a thing may be a one-way ticket to depression-land, but since the object in question here can't speak, there's no such problem. At least we think so.

The object is a potato (or not!). A couple in New Zealand dug a mammoth of a 'potato'. It weighed more than 7 kilograms. Usually, couple of sacks full of potatoes weigh this much. So naturally, Colin Craig-Brown and his wife Donna thought that way was clear for their names to be immortalised as diggers of world's biggest potato.

The potato was dug up last August and it certainly tasted like one, as per Colin who has been quoted in media reports.

So began the work of sending photos and paperwork to get their names etched in Guinness Book of World Records over a potato.

Both aspirations described above did not come to fruition. Colin and Donna could not get their names immortalised and that thing was Not a potato (That's what Guinness said!).

“Dear Colin,” said Guinness Book of World Records in an e-mail (as reported by The Guardian), “sadly the specimen is not a potato and is in fact the tuber of a type of gourd. For this reason we do unfortunately have to disqualify the application.”

Colin has since kept the 'potato' in his fridge and as quoted by The Guardian, he greets it 'Good day' every morning.

Existential crisis isn't new. The pandemic-era isolations have had us through such ordeals a lot. But when a global authority points finger at an inanimate object and says (not literally) 'You, are not what you are'.

Existential crisis isn't new. The pandemic-era isolations have had us through such ordeals a lot. But when a global authority points finger at an inanimate object and says (not literally) 'You, are not what you are'. For a human, such a thing may be a one-way ticket to depression-land, but since the object in question here can't speak, there's no such problem. At least we think so. The object is a potato (or not!). A couple in New Zealand dug a mammoth of a 'potato'. It weighed more than 7 kilograms. Usually, couple of sacks full of potatoes weigh this much. So naturally, Colin Craig-Brown and his wife Donna thought that way was clear for their names to be immortalised as diggers of world's biggest potato. The potato was dug up last August and it certainly tasted like one, as per Colin who has been quoted in media reports. So began the work of sending photos and paperwork to get their names etched in Guinness Book of World Records over a potato. Both aspirations described above did not come to fruition. Colin and Donna could not get their names immortalised and that thing was Not a potato (That's what Guinness said!). “Dear Colin,” said Guinness Book of World Records in an e-mail (as reported by The Guardian), “sadly the specimen is not a potato and is in fact the tuber of a type of gourd. For this reason we do unfortunately have to disqualify the application.” Colin has since kept the 'potato' in his fridge and as quoted by The Guardian, he greets it 'Good day' every morning.

Couple finds biggest 'potato', Guinness World Records says nope, not a potato

Ukraine and Russia have reportedly made 'significant progress' on "tentative 15-point peace plan including a ceasefire and Russian withdrawal". In other news, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake has jolted Japan. A tsunami warning has been issued. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-significant-progress-made-on-15-point-peace-plan-report-462944">Ukraine war- Significant progress made on 15-point peace plan: Report</a> 
 
The deal reportedly involves Ukraine giving up on its plan to join NATO and ensuring that it does not host foreign military bases.

<img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5702044e-b994-41f0-8ad9-00a38ad79a96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukraine.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/73-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-japan-tsunami-warning-issues-462946">7.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan, tsunami warning issued</a> 
 
Fukushima is home to a large nuclear power plant where a 2011 earthquake caused a severe disaster.

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e09c829-d962-4bd3-a154-2c47d7701556" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-uk-iranian-nationals-held-in-tehran-for-fix-years-on-espionage-charges-released-462939">Two UK-Iranian nationals held in Tehran for six years on espionage charges released</a> 
Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after the UK 'settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran'.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-is-the-western-press-asking-same-agenda-driven-motivated-questions-462899">'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions?</a> 
 
The sort of questions asked during the press briefing of Jen Psaki raises serious concerns on the credibility of the western journalists, who seemed to be peddling motivated and agenda-driven questions surrounding the conflict, instead of raising genuine questions on what is being done to de-escalate the tension

<img alt="Western" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a29dee7f-276c-42f9-9099-f27e93f60ee8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Western.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-scraps-covid-19-quarantine-for-international-travellers-462920">Vietnam scraps COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers</a> 
 
The Vietnamese government said that the changes will be implemented immediately and the foreign visitors will just have to provide a negative COVID-19 test on arrival.

<img alt="Vietnam" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="48214c94-7f93-47f1-b8b4-95e8f0bb09f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Vietnam.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-china-sets-up-temporary-facilities-mass-testing-462967">Omicron alert: China sets up temporary facilities, mass testing</a> 
 
China has been hit hard with the Omicron wave as experts have warned it is the "stealth Omicron" also known as BA.2 which has been spreading rapidly.&nbsp;

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1a4cd9a-00cb-4f9c-89b2-cb3cdd2fcce4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eu-india-south-africa-reach-compromise-on-covid-vaccine-ip-waiver-text-462969">US, EU, India, South Africa reach compromise on COVID vaccine IP waiver text</a> 
 
The document authorizes use of 'patented subject matter required for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the right holder to the extent necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic'

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20000-civilians-have-escaped-mariupol-through-humanitarian-corridor-in-private-cars-462901">20,000 civilians escape Mariupol through humanitarian corridor in private cars</a> 
 
The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials.

<img alt="Mariupol" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6135bf4b-5a68-4b5e-9832-5f2bb215efa9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mariupol.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-access-to-several-local-websites-amid-ukraine-war-462909">Russia blocks access to several local websites amid Ukraine war</a> 
 
Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor had earlier blocked access to Instagram over controversial hate speech row with Facebook's Meta.

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ee8c99d-bf2e-4162-86cf-3b9348a91573" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia_0.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/couple-finds-biggest-potato-guinness-world-records-says-its-not-a-potato-462958">Couple finds biggest 'potato', Guinness World Records says Nope, not a potato</a> 
 
The 'potato' was dug up last August and it certainly tasted like one, said the farmer who dug it up.&nbsp;

<img alt="Potato" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9ff6c7a2-a05c-44cd-ad0b-3224071b6cd6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Potato.png" />

&nbsp;

Ukraine and Russia have reportedly made 'significant progress' on "tentative 15-point peace plan including a ceasefire and Russian withdrawal". In other news, a 7.

Ukraine and Russia have reportedly made 'significant progress' on "tentative 15-point peace plan including a ceasefire and Russian withdrawal". In other news, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake has jolted Japan. A tsunami warning has been issued. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News brief. Ukraine war- Significant progress made on 15-point peace plan: Report The deal reportedly involves Ukraine giving up on its plan to join NATO and ensuring that it does not host foreign military bases. 7.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan, tsunami warning issued Fukushima is home to a large nuclear power plant where a 2011 earthquake caused a severe disaster. Two UK-Iranian nationals held in Tehran for six years on espionage charges released Zaghari-Ratcliffe was permitted to travel to the airport alongside British officials after the UK 'settled a debt of $530 million to Tehran'. 'Give Ukraine weapons': Is the western press asking same, agenda-driven, motivated questions? The sort of questions asked during the press briefing of Jen Psaki raises serious concerns on the credibility of the western journalists, who seemed to be peddling motivated and agenda-driven questions surrounding the conflict, instead of raising genuine questions on what is being done to de-escalate the tension Vietnam scraps COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers The Vietnamese government said that the changes will be implemented immediately and the foreign visitors will just have to provide a negative COVID-19 test on arrival. Omicron alert: China sets up temporary facilities, mass testing China has been hit hard with the Omicron wave as experts have warned it is the "stealth Omicron" also known as BA.2 which has been spreading rapidly. US, EU, India, South Africa reach compromise on COVID vaccine IP waiver text The document authorizes use of 'patented subject matter required for the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the right holder to the extent necessary to address the COVID-19 pandemic' 20,000 civilians escape Mariupol through humanitarian corridor in private cars The residents of the port city were trapped without electricity and running water for the past two weeks due to heavy shelling from the Russian forces and were in need of urgent evacuation, according to the Ukrainian officials. Russia blocks access to several local websites amid Ukraine war Russian state communications regulator Roskomnadzor had earlier blocked access to Instagram over controversial hate speech row with Facebook's Meta. Couple finds biggest 'potato', Guinness World Records says Nope, not a potato The 'potato' was dug up last August and it certainly tasted like one, said the farmer who dug it up.

Top 10 world news: Ukraine update, Japan earthquake, and more

"There is a lot going on (about electric vehicles)," was Mahua Acharya's conclusion at her opening remarks during a session in WION Climate Summit. The Managing Director and CEO of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) had a lot to talk about electric vehicles and their ecosystem.

The session titled 'Beyond mobility' was moderated by WION's Jasper Reid.&nbsp;

Acharya opined that there was a lot of discussion going on in India when it came to electric vehicles. This discussion, she said, circled around batteries of the electric vehicles, pollution and the issue of charging stations (Are there enough?).

While these points found their way into discussions being held by the public, manufacturers had other concerns, she said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-climate-summit-climate-change-can-deprive-us-from-basic-needs-warns-sudhir-chaudhary-462548">WION Climate Summit: Climate Change can deprive us from basic needs, warns Sudhir Chaudhary</a>

According to Mahua Acharya, the manufacturers were wondering where would the steady supply for components come from.

Acharya noted that on federal level, India's central government was actively making efforts to popularise use of electric vehicles (EVs). This included measures like subsidising EVs.

All in all this is a "very aggressive period for electric vehicles," opined Mahua Acharya.

She made an observation that while "legacy" automotive players in the market were making moves to enter the electric vehicle market, there were a number of new players as well.

"That is quite encouraging to see," she said.

"There is a lot going on (about electric vehicles)," was Mahua Acharya's conclusion at her opening remarks during a session in WION Climate Summit. The Managing Director and CEO of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) had a lot to talk about electric vehicles and their ecosystem.

"There is a lot going on (about electric vehicles)," was Mahua Acharya's conclusion at her opening remarks during a session in WION Climate Summit. The Managing Director and CEO of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) had a lot to talk about electric vehicles and their ecosystem. The session titled 'Beyond mobility' was moderated by WION's Jasper Reid. Acharya opined that there was a lot of discussion going on in India when it came to electric vehicles. This discussion, she said, circled around batteries of the electric vehicles, pollution and the issue of charging stations (Are there enough?). While these points found their way into discussions being held by the public, manufacturers had other concerns, she said. Also Read | WION Climate Summit: Climate Change can deprive us from basic needs, warns Sudhir Chaudhary According to Mahua Acharya, the manufacturers were wondering where would the steady supply for components come from. Acharya noted that on federal level, India's central government was actively making efforts to popularise use of electric vehicles (EVs). This included measures like subsidising EVs. All in all this is a "very aggressive period for electric vehicles," opined Mahua Acharya. She made an observation that while "legacy" automotive players in the market were making moves to enter the electric vehicle market, there were a number of new players as well. "That is quite encouraging to see," she said.

WION Climate Summit | Very aggressive period for electric vehicles, says Mahua Acharya

Ugo Astuto, European Union envoy to India put forth a unique approach to think about dependence on fossil fuels. He was a keynote speaker in WION's Climate Summit. In his speech, he made a reference to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"War has returned to Europe," he said. He stated 'unjustified Russian aggression as the reason behind the situation.

He noted that fuel prices had shot up post Russian invasion.&nbsp;

"Russian aggression on Ukraine is another reason we have to reduce dependence on fossil fuels," he said.

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In his address at the summit. Astuto said that though the world had pressing issues like the pandemic and Ukraine conflict to focus on, we 'don't have the luxury of not talking about climate'.

He said that Climate Change was a "global challenge" that needed a multilateral response.

"We need to act fast and act now," he said.

While noting that no one conference can fully solve the issue of Climate Change, he said that COP26 summit was a step towards reaching goals of Paris agreement.

He mentioned a number of areas in which the European Union was partnering with India. These included efforts to transition towards cleaner sources of energy, the International Solar Alliance and more.

Ugo Astuto, European Union envoy to India put forth a unique approach to think about dependence on fossil fuels. He was a keynote speaker in WION's Climate Summit.

Ugo Astuto, European Union envoy to India put forth a unique approach to think about dependence on fossil fuels. He was a keynote speaker in WION's Climate Summit. In his speech, he made a reference to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "War has returned to Europe," he said. He stated 'unjustified Russian aggression as the reason behind the situation. He noted that fuel prices had shot up post Russian invasion. "Russian aggression on Ukraine is another reason we have to reduce dependence on fossil fuels," he said. × In his address at the summit. Astuto said that though the world had pressing issues like the pandemic and Ukraine conflict to focus on, we 'don't have the luxury of not talking about climate'. He said that Climate Change was a "global challenge" that needed a multilateral response. "We need to act fast and act now," he said. While noting that no one conference can fully solve the issue of Climate Change, he said that COP26 summit was a step towards reaching goals of Paris agreement. He mentioned a number of areas in which the European Union was partnering with India. These included efforts to transition towards cleaner sources of energy, the International Solar Alliance and more.

WION Climate Summit | Russian invasion reason to reduce fossil fuel dependence: EU envoy

Longtime Starbucks chief Howard Schultz will return to the helm of the global coffee shop chain, the company announced Wednesday, serving as interim CEO while the company searches for a new leader amid a growing unionization drive.

Kevin Johnson, who has led the coffee giant since 2017, plans to retire next month, the company said, adding it expects to name a new CEO by the fall.&nbsp;

Schultz, 68, who first joined the company in 1982, grew Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee chain into a global juggernaut in two earlier stints as chief executive.&nbsp;

He also flirted with running for the US presidency in 2020, but ultimately opted against seeking office. His real-time wealth was valued at $4 billion on Wednesday, according to a Forbes list of the richest people in the world.

"When you love something, you have a deep sense of responsibility to help when called," Schultz said. "Although I did not plan to return to Starbucks, I know the company must transform once again to meet a new and exciting future where all of our stakeholders mutually flourish."&nbsp;

Shares of the coffee chain rocketed higher Wednesday, even as union leaders expressed misgivings about Schultz.

'Reputational risk'

With more than 34,000 stores worldwide, Starbucks reported a record $29.1 billion in annual revenues last year but has struggled of late to manage rising costs amid a tight labor market and supply chain problems.

Besides inflation, which is a headwind challenging companies throughout the economy, Starbucks is confronting a growing wave of unionization campaigns that has spread to more than 100 US stores after workers at two upstate New York cafes voted to form a union in December.

Johnson, 61, told the board a year ago that he was considering retiring in the wake of the upheaval of the pandemic, calling the decision "a natural bookend to my 13 years with the company," according to the company press release.

Starbucks said it had enlisted recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates in "continuous CEO succession planning" since 2021. Johnson plans to work as a consultant to the company through September.

The union movement poses challenges for the chain, which has been viewed as a worker-friendly company by many political progressives in the United States given its stance on gay marriage, race relations, the environment and other issues.

But Starbucks' tactics to discourage workers from unionization poses "reputational risk," shareholder activists argued in a letter sent to Johnson and Starbucks Chair Mellody Hobson ahead of the company's annual meeting later Wednesday.

Highlighting "alleged retaliatory termination and continued captive audience meetings," the shareholder group urged Starbucks to "publicly commit to a global policy of neutrality," said Trillium Asset Management, Parnassus Investments and other Starbucks shareholders who manage some $3.4 trillion in assets.

Looking externally

News of Schultz' return drew a cool response from Starbucks Workers United, which referred to the executive as a "leader in Starbucks' anti-union campaign," and urged him "to put union-busting behind him."

Ahead of the union vote, Schultz visited Buffalo in November to try to persuade workers against voting for the group.

In a letter to workers titled "From Buffalo with love," Schultz highlighted Starbucks' benefits for workers, including health care and free college tuition, saying he was "saddened and concerned" that workers felt outside representation was needed.

But staff at two Buffalo cafes voted with Starbucks Workers United on December 9. Since then, additional Buffalo-area shops have also voted with the group, along with a cafe in Mesa, Arizona, while employees at dozens more are working to form a union.

Equity analysts at investment firm Cowen said they were "a bit surprised" that Starbucks was searching for external CEO candidates, naming a number of high-ranking executives who could have taken over.

"We note a strong internal bench, but believe unionization publicity could be a factor pushing the company to look externally," Cowen said in a note.

Shares of Starbucks jumped 5.4 percent to $87.61 in afternoon trading.

Longtime Starbucks chief Howard Schultz will return to the helm of the global coffee shop chain, the company announced Wednesday, serving as interim CEO while the company searches for a new leader amid a growing unionization drive.

Longtime Starbucks chief Howard Schultz will return to the helm of the global coffee shop chain, the company announced Wednesday, serving as interim CEO while the company searches for a new leader amid a growing unionization drive. Kevin Johnson, who has led the coffee giant since 2017, plans to retire next month, the company said, adding it expects to name a new CEO by the fall. Schultz, 68, who first joined the company in 1982, grew Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee chain into a global juggernaut in two earlier stints as chief executive. He also flirted with running for the US presidency in 2020, but ultimately opted against seeking office. His real-time wealth was valued at $4 billion on Wednesday, according to a Forbes list of the richest people in the world. "When you love something, you have a deep sense of responsibility to help when called," Schultz said. "Although I did not plan to return to Starbucks, I know the company must transform once again to meet a new and exciting future where all of our stakeholders mutually flourish." Shares of the coffee chain rocketed higher Wednesday, even as union leaders expressed misgivings about Schultz. 'Reputational risk' With more than 34,000 stores worldwide, Starbucks reported a record $29.1 billion in annual revenues last year but has struggled of late to manage rising costs amid a tight labor market and supply chain problems. Besides inflation, which is a headwind challenging companies throughout the economy, Starbucks is confronting a growing wave of unionization campaigns that has spread to more than 100 US stores after workers at two upstate New York cafes voted to form a union in December. Johnson, 61, told the board a year ago that he was considering retiring in the wake of the upheaval of the pandemic, calling the decision "a natural bookend to my 13 years with the company," according to the company press release. Starbucks said it had enlisted recruitment firm Russell Reynolds Associates in "continuous CEO succession planning" since 2021. Johnson plans to work as a consultant to the company through September. The union movement poses challenges for the chain, which has been viewed as a worker-friendly company by many political progressives in the United States given its stance on gay marriage, race relations, the environment and other issues. But Starbucks' tactics to discourage workers from unionization poses "reputational risk," shareholder activists argued in a letter sent to Johnson and Starbucks Chair Mellody Hobson ahead of the company's annual meeting later Wednesday. Highlighting "alleged retaliatory termination and continued captive audience meetings," the shareholder group urged Starbucks to "publicly commit to a global policy of neutrality," said Trillium Asset Management, Parnassus Investments and other Starbucks shareholders who manage some $3.4 trillion in assets. Looking externally News of Schultz' return drew a cool response from Starbucks Workers United, which referred to the executive as a "leader in Starbucks' anti-union campaign," and urged him "to put union-busting behind him." Ahead of the union vote, Schultz visited Buffalo in November to try to persuade workers against voting for the group. In a letter to workers titled "From Buffalo with love," Schultz highlighted Starbucks' benefits for workers, including health care and free college tuition, saying he was "saddened and concerned" that workers felt outside representation was needed. But staff at two Buffalo cafes voted with Starbucks Workers United on December 9. Since then, additional Buffalo-area shops have also voted with the group, along with a cafe in Mesa, Arizona, while employees at dozens more are working to form a union. Equity analysts at investment firm Cowen said they were "a bit surprised" that Starbucks was searching for external CEO candidates, naming a number of high-ranking executives who could have taken over. "We note a strong internal bench, but believe unionization publicity could be a factor pushing the company to look externally," Cowen said in a note. Shares of Starbucks jumped 5.4 percent to $87.61 in afternoon trading.

Howard Schultz returns to Starbucks as interim leader, Johnson exits

Regulators in the US on Wednesday stripped the telecommunications license of Chinese state-owned Pacific Networks. This is the latest blow to Chinese businesses in a simmering confrontation between the US and China.

Washington had previously revoked the permits of China Telecom and China Unicom, and the Federal Communications Commission has now given 60 days to Pacific and its subsidiary ComNet to cut service.

"The companies' ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks," the FCC said in a statement, adding Beijing could monitor or disrupt US communications.

ComNet did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

The revocation of Pacific's operating authority comes as US President Joe Biden has pressed ahead with a strategy of confronting China broadly in line with that of his predecessor Donald Trump, whose approach sent tensions soaring.

Relations have been fraught between the world's two biggest economies on multiple fronts, including trade, human rights, Taiwan and the Covid-19 pandemic.

China Telecom is China's largest fixed-line operator, but it had faced trouble in the United States for years, particularly during Trump's presidency, as his administration repeatedly clashed with Beijing over trade.

The telecoms companies have fought back against the restrictions, with China Unicom saying in a statement in January that the FCC's decision was "without any justifiable grounds and without affording required due process."

(With inputs from agencies)

Regulators in the US on Wednesday stripped the telecommunications license of Chinese state-owned Pacific Networks. This is the latest blow to Chinese businesses in a simmering confrontation between the US and China.

Regulators in the US on Wednesday stripped the telecommunications license of Chinese state-owned Pacific Networks. This is the latest blow to Chinese businesses in a simmering confrontation between the US and China. Washington had previously revoked the permits of China Telecom and China Unicom, and the Federal Communications Commission has now given 60 days to Pacific and its subsidiary ComNet to cut service. "The companies' ownership and control by the Chinese government raise significant national security and law enforcement risks," the FCC said in a statement, adding Beijing could monitor or disrupt US communications. ComNet did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The revocation of Pacific's operating authority comes as US President Joe Biden has pressed ahead with a strategy of confronting China broadly in line with that of his predecessor Donald Trump, whose approach sent tensions soaring. Relations have been fraught between the world's two biggest economies on multiple fronts, including trade, human rights, Taiwan and the Covid-19 pandemic. China Telecom is China's largest fixed-line operator, but it had faced trouble in the United States for years, particularly during Trump's presidency, as his administration repeatedly clashed with Beijing over trade. The telecoms companies have fought back against the restrictions, with China Unicom saying in a statement in January that the FCC's decision was "without any justifiable grounds and without affording required due process." (With inputs from agencies)

US cancels license of China-owned telecom company

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.&nbsp;

Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly.

"We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee".

He did not elaborate on the second issue.

"If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said.

More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord.

But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran.

The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018. Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly. "We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee". He did not elaborate on the second issue. "If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said. More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord. But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran. The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal

US Secret Service has released a report which says that men who identify as 'involuntary celibates' or 'incels' due to inability to form meaningful relationships with women constitute a rising threat to society.&nbsp;

The report, prepared by National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) was released on Tuesday. It also dwells on some common themes found in the history of men who resorted to violence against women.

A case study included a 2018 shooting at a Yoga class in Florida. 40-year-old gunman Scott Paul Beierle killed two women and wounded six. The report says that Beirle had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards girls and women.

“During his teen years, the attacker was accused of stalking his classmates and he wrote stories that centered around violent themes," siad Steve Driscoll, a lead research specialist at NTAC. He has been quoted by CBS.

Driscoll says that one of the stories written by Beierle went on for 81 pages. The story has the protagonist killing several girls before committing suicide. The female characters bore resemblance to Beierle's actual classmates.

The man was even arrested previously for groping women.

The report by US secret service said that though Beierle did not resort to any extremist ideology, his behaviour resembled those who identified as 'incels' or 'anti-feminist'.

US Secret Service has released a report which says that men who identify as 'involuntary celibates' or 'incels' due to inability to form meaningful relationships with women constitute a rising threat to society.

US Secret Service has released a report which says that men who identify as 'involuntary celibates' or 'incels' due to inability to form meaningful relationships with women constitute a rising threat to society. The report, prepared by National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) was released on Tuesday. It also dwells on some common themes found in the history of men who resorted to violence against women. A case study included a 2018 shooting at a Yoga class in Florida. 40-year-old gunman Scott Paul Beierle killed two women and wounded six. The report says that Beirle had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards girls and women. “During his teen years, the attacker was accused of stalking his classmates and he wrote stories that centered around violent themes," siad Steve Driscoll, a lead research specialist at NTAC. He has been quoted by CBS. Driscoll says that one of the stories written by Beierle went on for 81 pages. The story has the protagonist killing several girls before committing suicide. The female characters bore resemblance to Beierle's actual classmates. The man was even arrested previously for groping women. The report by US secret service said that though Beierle did not resort to any extremist ideology, his behaviour resembled those who identified as 'incels' or 'anti-feminist'.

US Secret Service says 'involuntary celebate' men are a rising threat

President Volodomyr Zelensky&nbsp;of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself.

In a remarkably direct appeal by a wartime leader to policymakers in Washington, Zelensky&nbsp;addressed lawmakers on a large screen in a movie theater-style auditorium under the Capitol, invoking the memories of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — when the United States came under attack — as he pleaded for support saying, “We need you right now.”

In remarks translated from Ukrainian, he said starkly: “I call on you to do more.”

Wearing a green T-shirt and seated next to a Ukrainian flag, Zelensky tailored his remarks to Americans and those who represent them, borrowing a phrase from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — “I have a dream” — as he asked for a no-fly zone over his country. “I have a need” to protect the sky, he said.

That request had little chance of being approved, given that it would thrust American pilots into direct confrontation with the Russians, and Zelensky&nbsp;quickly pivoted to something to which Republicans and Democrats have been far more receptive: asking for more weapons to enable his people to keep up the fight themselves.

He also asked lawmakers to get companies in their states and districts to send aid directly to Ukraine if they could.

Zelensky, whose background is in the entertainment industry, wrapped up his 18-minute speech with a graphic and wrenching video showing images of his war-torn country, including bombs exploding in cities around Ukraine, and civilians bloodied and killed by Russian attacks.

He concluded by speaking in English, calling upon the United States to take up what he portrayed as an obligation, given its place on the world stage to intervene in the conflict.

“To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said, as members of Congress grew visibly emotional.

As he addressed them directly, lawmakers sat rapt in their seats. Some scribbled notes, taking down quotations from his address, and many sniffled back tears.

“There was a collective holding of the breath,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

President Volodomyr Zelensky of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself.

President Volodomyr Zelensky of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself. In a remarkably direct appeal by a wartime leader to policymakers in Washington, Zelensky addressed lawmakers on a large screen in a movie theater-style auditorium under the Capitol, invoking the memories of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — when the United States came under attack — as he pleaded for support saying, “We need you right now.” In remarks translated from Ukrainian, he said starkly: “I call on you to do more.” Wearing a green T-shirt and seated next to a Ukrainian flag, Zelensky tailored his remarks to Americans and those who represent them, borrowing a phrase from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — “I have a dream” — as he asked for a no-fly zone over his country. “I have a need” to protect the sky, he said. That request had little chance of being approved, given that it would thrust American pilots into direct confrontation with the Russians, and Zelensky quickly pivoted to something to which Republicans and Democrats have been far more receptive: asking for more weapons to enable his people to keep up the fight themselves. He also asked lawmakers to get companies in their states and districts to send aid directly to Ukraine if they could. Zelensky, whose background is in the entertainment industry, wrapped up his 18-minute speech with a graphic and wrenching video showing images of his war-torn country, including bombs exploding in cities around Ukraine, and civilians bloodied and killed by Russian attacks. He concluded by speaking in English, calling upon the United States to take up what he portrayed as an obligation, given its place on the world stage to intervene in the conflict. “To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said, as members of Congress grew visibly emotional. As he addressed them directly, lawmakers sat rapt in their seats. Some scribbled notes, taking down quotations from his address, and many sniffled back tears. “There was a collective holding of the breath,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

Zelensky delivers plea to Congress: 'I call on you to do more'

The Covid pandemic isn't over. But the signs suggest that the absolute worst may be behind us. However, this does NOT mean that we have to let our guard down as infections are still soaring in several parts of the world. A study may become a reminder for us to be wary of coronavirus and its most transmissible variant, Omicron.

The study which has been published online and has not yet been peer-reviewed says that Omicron variant may last longer on the surface than other variants.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/even-a-worm-can-make-decisions-says-a-study-461969">Even a worm can make decisions, says a study</a>

The study was conducted in Japan. It investigated to what extent there is difference in survivability of original Wuhan virus and its variants, particularly Omicron.

The study revealed that Omicron variant is able to survive on skin and on plastic much longer than original Wuhan virus. The study claims to be first one to include side-by-side comparison of the viruses.

It was found in the study that Omicron variant survived on plastic for 193.5 hours and on skin for 21.1 hours.

The preprint study has been published online on BioArxiv.

However, 'limitations' of this study are being discussed in media. The criticism focusses on the argument that a certain result obtained in laboratory cannot be fully reflective of real-world conditions.

The Covid pandemic isn't over. But the signs suggest that the absolute worst may be behind us. However, this does NOT mean that we have to let our guard down as infections are still soaring in several parts of the world.

The Covid pandemic isn't over. But the signs suggest that the absolute worst may be behind us. However, this does NOT mean that we have to let our guard down as infections are still soaring in several parts of the world. A study may become a reminder for us to be wary of coronavirus and its most transmissible variant, Omicron. The study which has been published online and has not yet been peer-reviewed says that Omicron variant may last longer on the surface than other variants. Also Read | Even a worm can make decisions, says a study The study was conducted in Japan. It investigated to what extent there is difference in survivability of original Wuhan virus and its variants, particularly Omicron. The study revealed that Omicron variant is able to survive on skin and on plastic much longer than original Wuhan virus. The study claims to be first one to include side-by-side comparison of the viruses. It was found in the study that Omicron variant survived on plastic for 193.5 hours and on skin for 21.1 hours. The preprint study has been published online on BioArxiv. However, 'limitations' of this study are being discussed in media. The criticism focusses on the argument that a certain result obtained in laboratory cannot be fully reflective of real-world conditions.

Omicron survives on surfaces longer, stay more infectious: Study

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