Climate change is real and if not arrested, will wreak havoc worldwide. If polar ice caps melt, the sea levels will rise and coastal cities and even many of those situated inland risk permanent flooding.

Data gathered by a location intelligence provider Gamma has revealed that around three million homes in the UK risk flooding by 2050. Gamma has released a map and a few images that are sure to scare those who live in the area.

The data has come to light just a week before COP26 climate summit in Glasgow where world leaders will gather to decide on measures to take to arrest global warming.

Three million houses in the country equals 1 in every 10 houses that will be flooded, as per data presented by Gamma. For some cities and districts the ratio is worse.

A third of all buildings in Great Yarmouth risk getting flooded in next 29 years.

In case of Portsmouth one in five buildings risk getting flooded over the same time period.

Flooding isn't the only cause of worry for the Brits. Climate change may cause hotter, drier summers that may lead to uneven cracking of building material that may prove problematic to structures.

Climate change is real and if not arrested, will wreak havoc worldwide. If polar ice caps melt, the sea levels will rise and coastal cities and even many of those situated inland risk permanent flooding.

Climate change is real and if not arrested, will wreak havoc worldwide. If polar ice caps melt, the sea levels will rise and coastal cities and even many of those situated inland risk permanent flooding. Data gathered by a location intelligence provider Gamma has revealed that around three million homes in the UK risk flooding by 2050. Gamma has released a map and a few images that are sure to scare those who live in the area. The data has come to light just a week before COP26 climate summit in Glasgow where world leaders will gather to decide on measures to take to arrest global warming. Three million houses in the country equals 1 in every 10 houses that will be flooded, as per data presented by Gamma. For some cities and districts the ratio is worse. A third of all buildings in Great Yarmouth risk getting flooded in next 29 years. In case of Portsmouth one in five buildings risk getting flooded over the same time period. Flooding isn't the only cause of worry for the Brits. Climate change may cause hotter, drier summers that may lead to uneven cracking of building material that may prove problematic to structures.

UK: Three million homes at risk of flooding due to climate change

Amid allegations of an extortion attempt by NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede and others in connection with the cruise drugs case in which actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan is arrested, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in an affidavit submitted before a special court here on Monday said Wankhede and other officers have an impeccable service record.

Earlier in the day, the federal anti-drug agency and Wankhede filed affidavits before the special court, designated to hear cases related to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, against the allegations of extortion attempts levelled against them.

In the affidavits, the anti-drugs agency and Wankhede sought the court to pass an order saying no court should take cognizance of the affidavit prepared by the independent witness, Prabhakar Sail.

As per the NCB and its zonal director, the allegations made by Sail were only an attempt to create hurdles and scuttle the investigation into the case.

"It is emphatically stated that the NCB, as an organisation and/or its officers, the zonal director, who has an impeccable service record, replete with honesty and integrity, has no interest whatsoever as falsely alleged in the purported affidavit (of the witness)," the anti-drug agency said.

"The NCB headed by its zonal director and its team was working tirelessly with the sole objective to eradicate the drug menace in the city of Mumbai and act in compliance with the aims and object of this stringent enactment (NDPS Act), to make the city drug free," it added.

The agency further said that at such a stage, the witness's claims was an attempt to tamper with and obstruct an ongoing investigation and hence stringent action ought to be taken against the witness.

It added that the affidavit/application was filed by the agency in the interest of justice and to avoid an independent and reputed agency from being defamed and tarnished by unscrupulous elements who intend to further their own vested interests.

Special Judge V V Patil disposed of the applications and refused to pass any blanket order.

On Sunday, Prabhakar Sail, an independent witness in the case, in a statement to the media, claimed that Rs 25 crore was demanded by an official of the NCB and other persons, including absconding witness K P Gosavi, to let off Aryan Khan in the drugs case.

Sail told media persons that he had overheard Gosavi telling one Sam D'Souza over the phone about a demand of Rs 25 crore and "to settle at Rs 18 crore as they have to give Rs eight crore to Sameer Wankhede".

Sail had said he would soon release evidence to support his claim.

Aryan Khan and 19 others have been arrested so far in the case. Aryan is presently lodged at the Arthur Road prison.

Amid allegations of an extortion attempt by NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede and others in connection with the cruise drugs case in which actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan is arrested, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in an affidavit submitted before a special court here on Monday said Wankhede and other officers have an impeccable service record.

Amid allegations of an extortion attempt by NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede and others in connection with the cruise drugs case in which actor Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan is arrested, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in an affidavit submitted before a special court here on Monday said Wankhede and other officers have an impeccable service record. Earlier in the day, the federal anti-drug agency and Wankhede filed affidavits before the special court, designated to hear cases related to the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, against the allegations of extortion attempts levelled against them. In the affidavits, the anti-drugs agency and Wankhede sought the court to pass an order saying no court should take cognizance of the affidavit prepared by the independent witness, Prabhakar Sail. As per the NCB and its zonal director, the allegations made by Sail were only an attempt to create hurdles and scuttle the investigation into the case. "It is emphatically stated that the NCB, as an organisation and/or its officers, the zonal director, who has an impeccable service record, replete with honesty and integrity, has no interest whatsoever as falsely alleged in the purported affidavit (of the witness)," the anti-drug agency said. "The NCB headed by its zonal director and its team was working tirelessly with the sole objective to eradicate the drug menace in the city of Mumbai and act in compliance with the aims and object of this stringent enactment (NDPS Act), to make the city drug free," it added. The agency further said that at such a stage, the witness's claims was an attempt to tamper with and obstruct an ongoing investigation and hence stringent action ought to be taken against the witness. It added that the affidavit/application was filed by the agency in the interest of justice and to avoid an independent and reputed agency from being defamed and tarnished by unscrupulous elements who intend to further their own vested interests. Special Judge V V Patil disposed of the applications and refused to pass any blanket order. On Sunday, Prabhakar Sail, an independent witness in the case, in a statement to the media, claimed that Rs 25 crore was demanded by an official of the NCB and other persons, including absconding witness K P Gosavi, to let off Aryan Khan in the drugs case. Sail told media persons that he had overheard Gosavi telling one Sam D'Souza over the phone about a demand of Rs 25 crore and "to settle at Rs 18 crore as they have to give Rs eight crore to Sameer Wankhede". Sail had said he would soon release evidence to support his claim. Aryan Khan and 19 others have been arrested so far in the case. Aryan is presently lodged at the Arthur Road prison.

India's Narcotics Control Bureau backs top officer Sameer Wankhede in court amid controversy

&nbsp;Pointing out that over 100 crore doses of Covishield have been supplied in India and many other countries, Serum Institute of India on Monday sought regular marketing approval for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently authorized for emergency use in the country, official sources said.

The application sent to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) by Prakash Kumar Singh, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII) comes just a couple of days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with domestic COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers.

If the DCGI grants regular marketing authorisation, Covishied will be the second vaccine in the world to receive such approval. Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has received full US FDA approval for use in individuals 16 years of age and older.

The cumulative COVID-19 vaccines administered in the country has exceeded 102.27 crore. Of all the vaccine doses administered, around 90 per cent are Covishield and close to 10 per cent are Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Less than one per cent of the doses given are Sputnik V.

The Pune-based SII has submitted the final phase 2/3 clinical study report of India with its application for grant of regular market authorization for Covishield, an official source said.

According to the application by Singh, the firm has already submitted phase-3 clinical study results of 24,244 subjects from the UK, Brazil and South Africa on June 8, 2021, to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).

Also, phase-3 clinical study results of 32,379 subjects from the US, Chile and Peru were submitted on July 9.

"In addition to the successful completion of our phase 2/3 clinical study in India, till now more than 100 crore doses of our Covishield has been administered to people in our country and worldwide.

"Such a large-scale vaccination with our Covishield vaccine and containment of COVID-19 infection is in itself a testimony to the safety and efficacy of Covishield," the official source quoted Singh as having stated in the application.

Singh thanked the DCGI office and Subject Expert Committee for granting restricted emergency use approval to Covishield on January 3, because of which, he said, the vaccine played a crucial role in the pandemic control and has been the mainstay of India's Covid inoculation drive.

"It is a matter of pride for us that we have been a part of the world's largest vaccination drive under the dynamic and visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji," Singh is learnt to have said in the application.

Under the kind guidance of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Team Government of India and leadership of CEO Adar C Poonawalla, Team Serum Institute of India has been working relentlessly to manufacture and supply Covishield vaccine for making the world's largest Covid vaccination drive successful, he said.

"In line with our prime minister's clarion call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we have made our country Aatmanirbhar for COVID-19 vaccine. In view of the above-mentioned facts, we request for your kind approval for regular market authorization of Covishield," Singh is learnt to have written in the application.

Pointing out that over 100 crore doses of Covishield have been supplied in India and many other countries, Serum Institute of India on Monday sought regular marketing approval for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently authorized for emergency use in the country, official sources said.

Pointing out that over 100 crore doses of Covishield have been supplied in India and many other countries, Serum Institute of India on Monday sought regular marketing approval for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is currently authorized for emergency use in the country, official sources said. The application sent to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) by Prakash Kumar Singh, Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India (SII) comes just a couple of days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with domestic COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. If the DCGI grants regular marketing authorisation, Covishied will be the second vaccine in the world to receive such approval. Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine has received full US FDA approval for use in individuals 16 years of age and older. The cumulative COVID-19 vaccines administered in the country has exceeded 102.27 crore. Of all the vaccine doses administered, around 90 per cent are Covishield and close to 10 per cent are Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Less than one per cent of the doses given are Sputnik V. The Pune-based SII has submitted the final phase 2/3 clinical study report of India with its application for grant of regular market authorization for Covishield, an official source said. According to the application by Singh, the firm has already submitted phase-3 clinical study results of 24,244 subjects from the UK, Brazil and South Africa on June 8, 2021, to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Also, phase-3 clinical study results of 32,379 subjects from the US, Chile and Peru were submitted on July 9. "In addition to the successful completion of our phase 2/3 clinical study in India, till now more than 100 crore doses of our Covishield has been administered to people in our country and worldwide. "Such a large-scale vaccination with our Covishield vaccine and containment of COVID-19 infection is in itself a testimony to the safety and efficacy of Covishield," the official source quoted Singh as having stated in the application. Singh thanked the DCGI office and Subject Expert Committee for granting restricted emergency use approval to Covishield on January 3, because of which, he said, the vaccine played a crucial role in the pandemic control and has been the mainstay of India's Covid inoculation drive. "It is a matter of pride for us that we have been a part of the world's largest vaccination drive under the dynamic and visionary leadership of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji," Singh is learnt to have said in the application. Under the kind guidance of Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Team Government of India and leadership of CEO Adar C Poonawalla, Team Serum Institute of India has been working relentlessly to manufacture and supply Covishield vaccine for making the world's largest Covid vaccination drive successful, he said. "In line with our prime minister's clarion call of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, we have made our country Aatmanirbhar for COVID-19 vaccine. In view of the above-mentioned facts, we request for your kind approval for regular market authorization of Covishield," Singh is learnt to have written in the application.

Serum Institute of India seeks regular marketing authorisation from DCGI for Covishield

A former Saudi Arabian top spy has made sensational allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman calling him a 'psychopath' and a 'killer'. The former spymaster also alleged that the crown prince dispatched a team of mercenaries to kill him while living in exile in Canada.

Saad Aljabri, a former top spy and interlocutor between Saudi Arabia's intelligence services and Western governments alleged that he was targeted after he fled the country following a 2017 power grab by the crown prince.

Aljabri was being interviewed on US broadcaster CBS News' "60 Minutes"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-aims-of-net-zero-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-2060-423376">Saudi Arabia aims of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060</a>

A friend at a Middle Eastern intelligence service, he said, warned that he could face a fate similar to that of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who investigations have alleged was murdered by a Riyadh-linked death squad after visiting the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

"The warning I received, don't be in a proximity of any Saudi mission in Canada. Don't go to the consulate. Don't go to the embassy... You are on the top of the list," Aljabri told "60 minutes".

He said the team arrived in Canada in October 2018 -- only to be deported when they lied to customs officials and were found to be carrying suspicious items.

AFP was unable to independently verify Aljabri's claims, and requests for comment to the Canadian foreign ministry went unanswered.

But Canadian officials told "60 Minutes" they were "aware of incidents in which foreign actors have attempted to... threaten... those living in Canada," describing the threats as "completely unacceptable."

Aljabri said the group was made up of members of a group named in investigations as the "Tiger Squad" -- a shadow team of paid killers set up by Prince Mohammed specialising in "extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture," according to a 2019 legal complaint filed by the former spy.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/older-than-stonehenge-and-pyramids-of-giza-camel-carvings-in-saudi-arabia-date-back-8000-years-413296">Older than Stonehenge and Pyramids of Giza? Camel carvings in Saudi Arabia date back 8,000 years</a>

He said the group was part of a pattern of despotic behaviour by the crown prince, who was once hailed as a reformer but has ruthlessly purged opponents since becoming the heir-apparent.

Aljabri also said two of his eight children had been detained by Saudi authorities in retaliation for his fleeing the kingdom.&nbsp;

"I am here to sound the alarm about a psychopath, killer, in the Middle East with infinite resources, who poses threat to his people, to the Americans and to the planet," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former Saudi Arabian top spy has made sensational allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman calling him a 'psychopath' and a 'killer'. The former spymaster also alleged that the crown prince dispatched a team of mercenaries to kill him while living in exile in Canada.

A former Saudi Arabian top spy has made sensational allegations against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman calling him a 'psychopath' and a 'killer'. The former spymaster also alleged that the crown prince dispatched a team of mercenaries to kill him while living in exile in Canada. Saad Aljabri, a former top spy and interlocutor between Saudi Arabia's intelligence services and Western governments alleged that he was targeted after he fled the country following a 2017 power grab by the crown prince. Aljabri was being interviewed on US broadcaster CBS News' "60 Minutes" Also Read | Saudi Arabia aims of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 A friend at a Middle Eastern intelligence service, he said, warned that he could face a fate similar to that of Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who investigations have alleged was murdered by a Riyadh-linked death squad after visiting the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul in 2018. "The warning I received, don't be in a proximity of any Saudi mission in Canada. Don't go to the consulate. Don't go to the embassy... You are on the top of the list," Aljabri told "60 minutes". He said the team arrived in Canada in October 2018 -- only to be deported when they lied to customs officials and were found to be carrying suspicious items. AFP was unable to independently verify Aljabri's claims, and requests for comment to the Canadian foreign ministry went unanswered. But Canadian officials told "60 Minutes" they were "aware of incidents in which foreign actors have attempted to... threaten... those living in Canada," describing the threats as "completely unacceptable." Aljabri said the group was made up of members of a group named in investigations as the "Tiger Squad" -- a shadow team of paid killers set up by Prince Mohammed specialising in "extrajudicial killings, rape, and torture," according to a 2019 legal complaint filed by the former spy. Also Read | Older than Stonehenge and Pyramids of Giza? Camel carvings in Saudi Arabia date back 8,000 years He said the group was part of a pattern of despotic behaviour by the crown prince, who was once hailed as a reformer but has ruthlessly purged opponents since becoming the heir-apparent. Aljabri also said two of his eight children had been detained by Saudi authorities in retaliation for his fleeing the kingdom. "I am here to sound the alarm about a psychopath, killer, in the Middle East with infinite resources, who poses threat to his people, to the Americans and to the planet," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 'psychopath' and 'killer': Ex-spy

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government on Sunday yielded to pressure from proscribed hardline group and released more than 350 of its workers. The government said that the cases against others from Tehereek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) would be withdrawn by Wednesday.

"We have released 350 TLP workers up to now and we are still waiting to open both sides Road of Muridke as per the decision with TLP," Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed tweeted.

The Imran Khan government is also working on a plan to release TLP`s jailed chief Saad Rizvi, Dawn newspaper reported.

The release of TLP workers has come after the group warned on Sunday that it will stage a sit-in in Muridke near Lahore and then move to Islamabad on Tuesday evening.

"The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait," said a statement issued by the proscribed group`s leadership council on Sunday.

Hundreds of TLP workers took to the streets throughout the country to exert pressure on the government for the release of its chief, Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi.

"No one will go home until the entire TLP leadership, including chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, comes to the container and makes an announcement," said the statement. "Even if a member of the council says go home without Saad Rizvi, you may shoot that leader too," it added.

Rasheed Ahmad earlier on Sunday had said all the cases against the protestors of TLP will be dropped by Wednesday.

This announcement was made after an eight-hour-long meeting between the arrested Saad Rizvi and the Imran Khan government, ARY News reported.Rasheed had said the ban on TLP will also be reviewed in the days to come.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government on Sunday yielded to pressure from proscribed hardline group and released more than 350 of its workers. The government said that the cases against others from Tehereek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) would be withdrawn by Wednesday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan government on Sunday yielded to pressure from proscribed hardline group and released more than 350 of its workers. The government said that the cases against others from Tehereek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) would be withdrawn by Wednesday. "We have released 350 TLP workers up to now and we are still waiting to open both sides Road of Muridke as per the decision with TLP," Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed tweeted. The Imran Khan government is also working on a plan to release TLP`s jailed chief Saad Rizvi, Dawn newspaper reported. The release of TLP workers has come after the group warned on Sunday that it will stage a sit-in in Muridke near Lahore and then move to Islamabad on Tuesday evening. "The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait," said a statement issued by the proscribed group`s leadership council on Sunday. Hundreds of TLP workers took to the streets throughout the country to exert pressure on the government for the release of its chief, Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi. "No one will go home until the entire TLP leadership, including chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, comes to the container and makes an announcement," said the statement. "Even if a member of the council says go home without Saad Rizvi, you may shoot that leader too," it added. Rasheed Ahmad earlier on Sunday had said all the cases against the protestors of TLP will be dropped by Wednesday. This announcement was made after an eight-hour-long meeting between the arrested Saad Rizvi and the Imran Khan government, ARY News reported.Rasheed had said the ban on TLP will also be reviewed in the days to come. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan yields to hardline Islamist group TLP, releases 350 workers

For all the technological advancements, our world still relies on fossil fuels. Though there is growing awareness about the limited deposits and pollution caused by traditional fuels, the world economy is still too dependent on fossil fuel ecosystems.

But What if we could make fuel anywhere in the world without the need to extract anything from the ground? You would not need a tanker, nor would need to depend on long pipelines to carry fuel.

If all goes well a carbon transformation company, Twelve, will complete first phase of the project to convert carbon dioxide into usable jet fuel.&nbsp;

The company got a go-ahead from US Air Force in 2020 to work in this direction. They got a go ahead to demonstrate that their technology could indeed convert carbon dioxide to fuel.

Th project has already hit a milestone in August this year. The conversion of carbon dioxide has been found to be possible but preparations are now being made to check whether a large scale manufacture is available.

If this becomes a reality, it will be a major step ahead.

During Afghanistan war, it was found that more than 30 per cent of casualties came out of attacks on fuel and water convoys.

For all the technological advancements, our world still relies on fossil fuels. Though there is growing awareness about the limited deposits and pollution caused by traditional fuels, the world economy is still too dependent on fossil fuel ecosystems.

For all the technological advancements, our world still relies on fossil fuels. Though there is growing awareness about the limited deposits and pollution caused by traditional fuels, the world economy is still too dependent on fossil fuel ecosystems. But What if we could make fuel anywhere in the world without the need to extract anything from the ground? You would not need a tanker, nor would need to depend on long pipelines to carry fuel. If all goes well a carbon transformation company, Twelve, will complete first phase of the project to convert carbon dioxide into usable jet fuel. The company got a go-ahead from US Air Force in 2020 to work in this direction. They got a go ahead to demonstrate that their technology could indeed convert carbon dioxide to fuel. Th project has already hit a milestone in August this year. The conversion of carbon dioxide has been found to be possible but preparations are now being made to check whether a large scale manufacture is available. If this becomes a reality, it will be a major step ahead. During Afghanistan war, it was found that more than 30 per cent of casualties came out of attacks on fuel and water convoys.

Company gets nod in US to convert carbon dioxide into fuel 

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!.&nbsp;

Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine.

A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London.

Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana.

There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that.

Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws. A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!. Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine. A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana. There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that. Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

Giant owl, unseen for 150 years, spotted in wild

UK's National Police Chiefs’ Council said on Friday that almost 200 cases of drink spiking were reported to police forces across UK over past two months.&nbsp;

The council said that there were 198 confirmed cases of drink spiking. The cases included men and women but most of them involved young women.

Earlier, a figure of 140 was reported but it was revised after receiving more data.

NPCC said that the figure of 198 was arrived at on the basis of the data received from 40 police forces.

“We are working at pace with forces, law enforcement agencies such as the NCA [National Crime Agency] and other partners including the Home Office and universities to understand the scale of offending, establish any links between the allegations and ultimately bring any identified offenders to justice.” deputy chief constable Jason Harwin was quoted by The Guardian as saying.

Longstanding fears about the safety of women in public places have also come under renewed focus after the high-profile murder of a London woman by a rogue police officer earlier this year.

Students in dozens of university towns and cities have responded with plans to boycott nightlife venues&nbsp;

More than 163,000 have signed a petition urging the government to make it compulsory for nightclubs to thoroughly search guests on entry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

UK's National Police Chiefs’ Council said on Friday that almost 200 cases of drink spiking were reported to police forces across UK over past two months. The council said that there were 198 confirmed cases of drink spiking.

UK's National Police Chiefs’ Council said on Friday that almost 200 cases of drink spiking were reported to police forces across UK over past two months. The council said that there were 198 confirmed cases of drink spiking. The cases included men and women but most of them involved young women. Earlier, a figure of 140 was reported but it was revised after receiving more data. NPCC said that the figure of 198 was arrived at on the basis of the data received from 40 police forces. “We are working at pace with forces, law enforcement agencies such as the NCA [National Crime Agency] and other partners including the Home Office and universities to understand the scale of offending, establish any links between the allegations and ultimately bring any identified offenders to justice.” deputy chief constable Jason Harwin was quoted by The Guardian as saying. Longstanding fears about the safety of women in public places have also come under renewed focus after the high-profile murder of a London woman by a rogue police officer earlier this year. Students in dozens of university towns and cities have responded with plans to boycott nightlife venues More than 163,000 have signed a petition urging the government to make it compulsory for nightclubs to thoroughly search guests on entry. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Nearly 200 cases of drink spiking reported in last two months

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility.

The high level delegation, led by the then Finance Minister and current advisor to the Prime Minister on finance Shaukat Tarin, Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior officials, had detailed deliberations with the IMF.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a>

However, the economic reform proposal and plan, which the delegation tabled in front of the IMF, did not convince them to resume the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

It was later revealed that the IMF would be issuing a statement, explaining how the fund's economic reform programme, which includes the $6 billion loan, can be revived.

Pakistan government officials maintain that the talks with the IMF are still on tract, expressing hopes that it would be making the announcement of resumption of the programme.

Pakistan was facilitated with the $6 billion bailout package in May 2019, when the country reached an agreement with the IMF after difficult negotiations.

The 39-month bailout programme puts strict bindings on Pakistan to ensure increased tax collection and economic reforms, review of which by the IMF is part of the mutual understanding.

The agreement demands reduction in domestic and external imbalance, removing hurdles in growth, increasing transparency and strengthening social spending.

The bailout agreement was put on hold in January 2020, when the Imran Khan led government refrained from increasing taxes on electricity and also add on more taxes.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-unending-economic-crisis-imran-govt-needs-516-billion-external-financing-over-two-year-period-422270">Pakistan's unending economic crisis: Imran govt needs $51.6 billion external financing over two year period</a>

As per sources, the IMF expects Pakistan to increase per unit per of electricity by at least 4.95 PKR and impose taxes worth 150 billion PKR.

On the other hand, Pakistan government maintains that increasing tarrifs and taxes would only increase inflation in the country, which is already damaging the government`s reputation as livelihood of locals is moving from bad to worse.

However, the IMF has reminded Pakistan of the terms and conditions, it had agreed in the original agreement of 2019, which was supported by its ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda for three years.

Inflation in Pakistan is taking a serious toll on the lives of the locals as the income of a household has fallen by at least 35 per cent while the cost of living under basic facilities of food and shelter has surged by 40 to 50 per cent.

The recent increase in fuel prices, followed by increase in per unit price of electricity and gas, has now started to damage the public support Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoyed.

Experts say that this damage may show its effects against the sitting government during the next general elections.

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility.

The Pakistani delegation that was in Washington since October 4 to attend annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has failed to convince the latter and secure an arrangement for resumption of a $6 billion extended loan facility. The high level delegation, led by the then Finance Minister and current advisor to the Prime Minister on finance Shaukat Tarin, Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior officials, had detailed deliberations with the IMF. Also Read | FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' However, the economic reform proposal and plan, which the delegation tabled in front of the IMF, did not convince them to resume the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). It was later revealed that the IMF would be issuing a statement, explaining how the fund's economic reform programme, which includes the $6 billion loan, can be revived. Pakistan government officials maintain that the talks with the IMF are still on tract, expressing hopes that it would be making the announcement of resumption of the programme. Pakistan was facilitated with the $6 billion bailout package in May 2019, when the country reached an agreement with the IMF after difficult negotiations. The 39-month bailout programme puts strict bindings on Pakistan to ensure increased tax collection and economic reforms, review of which by the IMF is part of the mutual understanding. The agreement demands reduction in domestic and external imbalance, removing hurdles in growth, increasing transparency and strengthening social spending. The bailout agreement was put on hold in January 2020, when the Imran Khan led government refrained from increasing taxes on electricity and also add on more taxes. Also Read | Pakistan's unending economic crisis: Imran govt needs $51.6 billion external financing over two year period As per sources, the IMF expects Pakistan to increase per unit per of electricity by at least 4.95 PKR and impose taxes worth 150 billion PKR. On the other hand, Pakistan government maintains that increasing tarrifs and taxes would only increase inflation in the country, which is already damaging the government`s reputation as livelihood of locals is moving from bad to worse. However, the IMF has reminded Pakistan of the terms and conditions, it had agreed in the original agreement of 2019, which was supported by its ambitious macroeconomic and structural reform agenda for three years. Inflation in Pakistan is taking a serious toll on the lives of the locals as the income of a household has fallen by at least 35 per cent while the cost of living under basic facilities of food and shelter has surged by 40 to 50 per cent. The recent increase in fuel prices, followed by increase in per unit price of electricity and gas, has now started to damage the public support Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoyed. Experts say that this damage may show its effects against the sitting government during the next general elections.

Pakistan fails to convince WB, IMF to resume $6 billion extended loan facility

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the bloc's allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism, not allowing their soil to be used against others, human rights, and providing safe passage for those who are willing to leave Afghanistan, reported local media.

After holding NATO's defence ministers&nbsp;level, Stoltenberg emphasised that the withdrawal decision from Afghanistan was unanimous, adding the tragedy of the Afghan people afterwards is "heart-breaking", reported Khama Press.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-remains-bedrock-for-european-security-says-stoltenberg-amid-aukus-row-418607">NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row</a>

Underlining that NATO is trying to get people out of Afghanistan Stoltenberg said that the alliance is attempting to resettle those who left Afghanistan.

"We have had development in resettling those people in the past weeks," said Stoltenberg. The NATO chief's remarks came as there are still nearly 20,000 people waiting to be evacuated from Afghanistan.

But the mission had stalled and there are reports about its resumption in near future, the Khaama Press report said.&nbsp;

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the bloc's allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism, not allowing their soil to be used against others, human rights, and providing safe passage for those who are willing to leave Afghanistan, reported local media.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the bloc's allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism, not allowing their soil to be used against others, human rights, and providing safe passage for those who are willing to leave Afghanistan, reported local media. After holding NATO's defence ministers level, Stoltenberg emphasised that the withdrawal decision from Afghanistan was unanimous, adding the tragedy of the Afghan people afterwards is "heart-breaking", reported Khama Press. Also Read | NATO remains bedrock for European security, says Stoltenberg amid AUKUS row Underlining that NATO is trying to get people out of Afghanistan Stoltenberg said that the alliance is attempting to resettle those who left Afghanistan. "We have had development in resettling those people in the past weeks," said Stoltenberg. The NATO chief's remarks came as there are still nearly 20,000 people waiting to be evacuated from Afghanistan. But the mission had stalled and there are reports about its resumption in near future, the Khaama Press report said.

NATO holding Taliban accountable on counterterrorism, says chief Jens Stoltenberg

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday.

An array of US news outlets cited documents from former Facebook worker Frances Haugen, adding to a series of critical revelations already published based on information she provided.

Articles in the New York Times, Washington Post and elsewhere on Friday focused on how Facebook apparently intensified political division.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-pay-french-publishers-for-news-content-422671">Facebook to pay French publishers for news content</a>

Examples included an internal finding that 10 percent of political content viewed by US users in the days after the election perpetuated the falsehood that the vote had been rigged.

What has come to be known as the "Big Lie" has been repeated relentlessly by former President Donald Trump and enraged his supporters, who stormed the US Capital in a deadly attack on January 6.

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms banned Trump from their platforms for encouraging the violent effort to thwart the democratic process.

Revelations published Friday indicated that Facebook could have anticipated such trouble.

'Carol's journey'&nbsp;

The information was reportedly found in the thousands of internal documents Haugen provided to regulators at the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Haugen told US lawmakers early this month that the social media giant fuels division, harms children and urgently needs to be regulated, drawing pledges Congress would take up long-delayed action.

The testimony by Haugen has fueled one of Facebook's most serious crises yet, and prompted a denial from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said in a post on his account that her claim the company prioritizes profit over safety was "just not true."

A common theme in revelations is that Facebook knew about problems hurting users and society but chose, in large part, to ignore them.

Articles Friday referred to a report compiled by Facebook's own internal researchers titled "Carol's Journey to QAnon."

Facebook's security team in 2019 reportedly created a fake account for a "conservative mother from North Carolina" given the profile name Carol Smith.

The social network software quickly offered Smith a "barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content" including from the QAnon movement known for unfounded conspiracy theories, according to the researchers.

Defense&nbsp;

Faced with the mounting criticism, Facebook on Friday detailed anew steps it has taken to protect the election and keep the social network safe.

"Our comprehensive strategy to protect the US 2020 elections began years before the election cycle even began and was designed to last through the inauguration," Facebook vice president of integrity Guy Rosen said in a blog post.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-banned-on-twitter-and-fb-to-launch-his-own-social-network-422513">Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network</a>

"Responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them."

Facebook's tenacious efforts to fend off critics is not likely to appease elected officials openly calling for action against the tech giant.

More revelations from leaked documents appear in store, and a former member of Facebook's integrity team emerged Friday as another whistleblower.

The former employee reportedly told US regulators that Facebook dismissed controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as a "flash in the pan" and that managers undermined efforts to fight disinformation for fear of angering Trump or his fans.

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday.

Facebook held back from doing all it could to stop users from being radicalized and US election misinformation from flooding the social network, according to media reports Friday. An array of US news outlets cited documents from former Facebook worker Frances Haugen, adding to a series of critical revelations already published based on information she provided. Articles in the New York Times, Washington Post and elsewhere on Friday focused on how Facebook apparently intensified political division. Also Read | Facebook to pay French publishers for news content Examples included an internal finding that 10 percent of political content viewed by US users in the days after the election perpetuated the falsehood that the vote had been rigged. What has come to be known as the "Big Lie" has been repeated relentlessly by former President Donald Trump and enraged his supporters, who stormed the US Capital in a deadly attack on January 6. Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms banned Trump from their platforms for encouraging the violent effort to thwart the democratic process. Revelations published Friday indicated that Facebook could have anticipated such trouble. 'Carol's journey' The information was reportedly found in the thousands of internal documents Haugen provided to regulators at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Haugen told US lawmakers early this month that the social media giant fuels division, harms children and urgently needs to be regulated, drawing pledges Congress would take up long-delayed action. The testimony by Haugen has fueled one of Facebook's most serious crises yet, and prompted a denial from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who said in a post on his account that her claim the company prioritizes profit over safety was "just not true." A common theme in revelations is that Facebook knew about problems hurting users and society but chose, in large part, to ignore them. Articles Friday referred to a report compiled by Facebook's own internal researchers titled "Carol's Journey to QAnon." Facebook's security team in 2019 reportedly created a fake account for a "conservative mother from North Carolina" given the profile name Carol Smith. The social network software quickly offered Smith a "barrage of extreme, conspiratorial and graphic content" including from the QAnon movement known for unfounded conspiracy theories, according to the researchers. Defense Faced with the mounting criticism, Facebook on Friday detailed anew steps it has taken to protect the election and keep the social network safe. "Our comprehensive strategy to protect the US 2020 elections began years before the election cycle even began and was designed to last through the inauguration," Facebook vice president of integrity Guy Rosen said in a blog post. Also Read | Donald Trump, banned on Twitter and FB, to launch his own social network "Responsibility for the insurrection itself falls squarely on the insurrectionists who broke the law and those who incited them." Facebook's tenacious efforts to fend off critics is not likely to appease elected officials openly calling for action against the tech giant. More revelations from leaked documents appear in store, and a former member of Facebook's integrity team emerged Friday as another whistleblower. The former employee reportedly told US regulators that Facebook dismissed controversy over Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election as a "flash in the pan" and that managers undermined efforts to fight disinformation for fear of angering Trump or his fans.

Rising tide of leaks threatens to inundate Facebook

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said.

Most of the new infections were reported in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city that has been under a strict lockdown for more than two months. Looser restrictions are in place in most of the rest of the country of 5 million.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-daily-covid-19-cases-fall-some-classrooms-to-reopen-422243">New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen</a>

The risks of a further spread from the case reported in Blenheim, in the north east of the South Island, remained low, health officials said, with the person likely in the late stage of infection.

So far, initial case interviews have identified a small number of close contacts, who have been contacted and are currently isolating with tests arranged," the health ministry said in a statement.

On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand will end its strict lockdown measures and restore more freedoms only when 90 per cent&nbsp;of its eligible population is fully vaccinated. As of Saturday, 70 per cent&nbsp;of those eligible were fully inoculated.

Once the poster child for stamping out COVID-19, New Zealand has been unable to beat an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19&nbsp;centred in Auckland, forcing Ardern to abandon her elimination strategy and switch to living with the virus.

The number of cases in the current outbreak reached 2,492 and New Zealand has recorded 28 coronavirus-related deaths so far in the pandemic.

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said.

New Zealand reported 104 new coronavirus infections on Saturday, including the first community case of the virus in the country's South Island in nearly a year, health officials said. Most of the new infections were reported in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city that has been under a strict lockdown for more than two months. Looser restrictions are in place in most of the rest of the country of 5 million. Also Read | New Zealand's daily COVID-19 cases fall, some classrooms to reopen The risks of a further spread from the case reported in Blenheim, in the north east of the South Island, remained low, health officials said, with the person likely in the late stage of infection. So far, initial case interviews have identified a small number of close contacts, who have been contacted and are currently isolating with tests arranged," the health ministry said in a statement. On Friday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that New Zealand will end its strict lockdown measures and restore more freedoms only when 90 per cent of its eligible population is fully vaccinated. As of Saturday, 70 per cent of those eligible were fully inoculated. Once the poster child for stamping out COVID-19, New Zealand has been unable to beat an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 centred in Auckland, forcing Ardern to abandon her elimination strategy and switch to living with the virus. The number of cases in the current outbreak reached 2,492 and New Zealand has recorded 28 coronavirus-related deaths so far in the pandemic.

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak spreads to South Island

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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