<p>Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global Inc has suspended its plans to launch in Britain and continental Europe, The Telegraph reported on Monday, against the backdrop of a regulatory backlash at home over data privacy.</p>

<p>Staff working on the planned launches have been told that they face possible redundancy and Didi has stopped hiring in Britain, pulling the launch plans for at least a year, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We continue to explore additional new markets, liaising with relevant stakeholders in each and being thoughtful about when to introduce our services," a Didi spokesperson said, without mentioning the UK launch plans.</p>

<p>"As soon as we have any more news on additional new markets, we look forward to sharing."</p>

<p>Chinese companies have been caught in a pincer with increasing U.S. scrutiny on one side and a domestic regulatory crackdown on the country's massive internet sector.</p>

<p>The move has rattled tech giants in the country and Didi is under a cybersecurity review, as China revamps its policy towards privacy and data security to ensure secure storage of user data.</p>

<p>Didi which listed its shares in New York in June after raising $4.4 billion in an initial public offering, is looking to expand its international business with recent launches in South Africa, Ecuador and Kazakhstan.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global Inc has suspended its plans to launch in Britain and continental Europe, The Telegraph reported on Monday, against the backdrop of a regulatory backlash at home over data privacy.

Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global Inc has suspended its plans to launch in Britain and continental Europe, The Telegraph reported on Monday, against the backdrop of a regulatory backlash at home over data privacy. Staff working on the planned launches have been told that they face possible redundancy and Didi has stopped hiring in Britain, pulling the launch plans for at least a year, according to the report. "We continue to explore additional new markets, liaising with relevant stakeholders in each and being thoughtful about when to introduce our services," a Didi spokesperson said, without mentioning the UK launch plans. "As soon as we have any more news on additional new markets, we look forward to sharing." Chinese companies have been caught in a pincer with increasing U.S. scrutiny on one side and a domestic regulatory crackdown on the country's massive internet sector. The move has rattled tech giants in the country and Didi is under a cybersecurity review, as China revamps its policy towards privacy and data security to ensure secure storage of user data. Didi which listed its shares in New York in June after raising $4.4 billion in an initial public offering, is looking to expand its international business with recent launches in South Africa, Ecuador and Kazakhstan.

Didi suspends UK launch plans amid China crackdown on tech firms - Telegraph

<p>German police are probing an attempted murder after member of university showed symptoms of poisoning.</p>

<p>Darmstadt's Chief Prosecutor Robert Hartmann said that investigation was based on the fact that a substance was found in several foods which can be harmful and even lethal."</p>

<p>He said that authorities knew which substance was administered but the name couldn't be disclosed in order to not hamper the investigation.</p>

<p>A sign posted on a glass door on the university campus warned "all members of Darmstadt Technical University" that "drinks and water containers" at the Materials and Earth Sciences department had been "tampered with."</p>

<p>"As a precautionary measure we advise against the consumption of food and drinks left on university grounds in the coming days," the warning sign read.</p>

<p>According to local media, some of the seven people affected suffered from "serious poisoning" on Monday afternoon (August 23) which led to discomfort and discolourations of fingers and feet.</p>

<p>A 30-year-old student assistant was doing "much better" on Tuesday after his life was in danger a day earlier, according to "Hessenschau."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


German police are probing an attempted murder after member of university showed symptoms of poisoning. Darmstadt's Chief Prosecutor Robert Hartmann said that investigation was based on the fact that a substance was found in several foods which can be harmful and even lethal.

German police are probing an attempted murder after member of university showed symptoms of poisoning. Darmstadt's Chief Prosecutor Robert Hartmann said that investigation was based on the fact that a substance was found in several foods which can be harmful and even lethal." He said that authorities knew which substance was administered but the name couldn't be disclosed in order to not hamper the investigation. A sign posted on a glass door on the university campus warned "all members of Darmstadt Technical University" that "drinks and water containers" at the Materials and Earth Sciences department had been "tampered with." "As a precautionary measure we advise against the consumption of food and drinks left on university grounds in the coming days," the warning sign read. According to local media, some of the seven people affected suffered from "serious poisoning" on Monday afternoon (August 23) which led to discomfort and discolourations of fingers and feet. A 30-year-old student assistant was doing "much better" on Tuesday after his life was in danger a day earlier, according to "Hessenschau." (With inputs from agencies)

German police probe attempted murder after poisoning attack at university

<p>The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70. The vaccination would begin in mid-September.</p>

<p>For booster shots, vaccines from AstraZeneca, Johnson &amp; Johnson or Pfizer will be used, said the ministry in a statement.</p>

<p>The information differs from remarks on Tuesday by Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who had said vulnerable people and over 80-year-olds would receive an additional jab of the Pfizer.</p>

<p>Rapid spread of the Delta variant and research suggesting diminishing effectiveness of vaccines over time has led to many countries planning booster vaccine drives.</p>

<p>Sinovac's Coronavac vaccine, which was used for many elderly people in Brazil because it was the earliest available in large quantities, is not part of the plans outlined for the booster shots.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dont-worry-about-covid-22-here-are-misconceptions-about-it-408319">Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it</a></strong></p>

<p>The extra shots will be administered to those with vulnerable immune systems 28 days after their second dose. For those 70 and over, the ministry stipulated a six-month interval before applying a booster shot.</p>

<p>Also starting next month, the gap between the first and second shots of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will fall to eight weeks from 12 weeks for all those vaccinated in Brazil.</p>

<p>Brazil has had more than 20.6 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 575,000 fatalities due to the virus.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70.

The brazillian health ministry said on Wednesday that the country will give Covid-19 booster shots to people with compromised immune system and those over the age of 70. The vaccination would begin in mid-September. For booster shots, vaccines from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer will be used, said the ministry in a statement. The information differs from remarks on Tuesday by Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga, who had said vulnerable people and over 80-year-olds would receive an additional jab of the Pfizer. Rapid spread of the Delta variant and research suggesting diminishing effectiveness of vaccines over time has led to many countries planning booster vaccine drives. Sinovac's Coronavac vaccine, which was used for many elderly people in Brazil because it was the earliest available in large quantities, is not part of the plans outlined for the booster shots. Also Read | Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it The extra shots will be administered to those with vulnerable immune systems 28 days after their second dose. For those 70 and over, the ministry stipulated a six-month interval before applying a booster shot. Also starting next month, the gap between the first and second shots of Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will fall to eight weeks from 12 weeks for all those vaccinated in Brazil. Brazil has had more than 20.6 million confirmed coronavirus infections and more than 575,000 fatalities due to the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil plans booster Covid vaccine drive

<p>Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill.</p>

<p>An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A competing hypothesis that the virus leaked from a specialised virology lab in Wuhan was deemed "extremely unlikely".</p>

<p>But in their comments in the scientific journal Nature, the scientists said that mission was intended as a "first step in a process that has stalled."</p>

<p>"The search for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is at a critical juncture," they wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The window of opportunity for conducting this crucial enquiry is closing fast."</p>

<p>As evidence disappears or becomes corrupted tracing the biological trail back to earliest pocket of the disease becomes more difficult.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dont-worry-about-covid-22-here-are-misconceptions-about-it-408319">Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it</a></strong></p>

<p>The statement has come less than two weeks after WHO urged China to hand over information on the earliest Covid-19 cases. This was done in order to revive the probe.</p>

<p>This should include Covid data for 174 infections identified in December 2019 that China failed to share during the initial investigation, the WHO experts said.</p>

<p>WHO investigators said "it was agreed" at the time that a second phase of research would fill in this gap.</p>

<p>But China pushed back against the WHO request earlier this month, saying the January investigation should suffice and that calls for further data were motivated by politics, not science.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill. An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal.

Scientists charged by the United Nations warned on Wednesday that the search for the origins of the Covid pandemic was at a standstill. An initial report by the World Health Organization (WHO) team based on a January mission to Wuhan, China -- ground zero of the global pandemic -- concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus probably jumped from bats to humans via an intermediate animal. A competing hypothesis that the virus leaked from a specialised virology lab in Wuhan was deemed "extremely unlikely". But in their comments in the scientific journal Nature, the scientists said that mission was intended as a "first step in a process that has stalled." "The search for the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is at a critical juncture," they wrote. "The window of opportunity for conducting this crucial enquiry is closing fast." As evidence disappears or becomes corrupted tracing the biological trail back to earliest pocket of the disease becomes more difficult. Also Read | Don't worry about Covid-22: Here are misconceptions about it The statement has come less than two weeks after WHO urged China to hand over information on the earliest Covid-19 cases. This was done in order to revive the probe. This should include Covid data for 174 infections identified in December 2019 that China failed to share during the initial investigation, the WHO experts said. WHO investigators said "it was agreed" at the time that a second phase of research would fill in this gap. But China pushed back against the WHO request earlier this month, saying the January investigation should suffice and that calls for further data were motivated by politics, not science. (With inputs from agencies)

Urgent search for Covid origins has 'stalled', say WHO experts

<p>Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi.</p>

<p>"Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war.</p>

<p>"We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-100-afghan-evacuees-may-have-ties-with-islamic-state-reports-408262">Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14.</p>

<p>Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported.</p>

<p>The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men.</p>

<p>"After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted.</p>

<p>Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban.</p>

<p>The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out.</p>

<p>Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans.

Two US congressmen revealed on Tuesday (local time) that they violated official orders against travel to Kabul. The two congressmen, Democratic Seth Moulton and Republican Peter Meijer are Iraq war veterans. The revelation elicited an angry reaction from Democratic leader of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi. "Today with @RepMeijer I visited Kabul airport to conduct oversight on the evacuation," said Moulton. The two men are veterans of the Iraq war. "We did this visit in secret to reduce risks and impact on the mission and we insisted on leaving in a plane that was not full, in a seat designated for crew so that we didn’t take a seat from someone else," Moulton continued on Twitter late Tuesday. Also Read | Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports Kabul airport is still witnessing scenes of chaos as huge crowds are trying to board the flights going out of Afghanistan. More than 80,000 people have been evacuated since August 14. Time is running out to save the rest, with an August 31 deadline set by US President Joe Biden looming, and the Taliban saying they will refuse to extend it. The two representatives flew to the Middle East on their own and then traveled on a military plane from a US-allied country to Kabul, all without coordinating with US diplomats or military command, American media reported. The goal of the operation was to push Biden to extend the August 31 evacuation cutoff date, according to the two men. "After talking with commanders on the ground and seeing the situation here, it is obvious that because we started the evacuation so late, that no matter what we do, we won’t get everyone out on time, even by September 11," Moulton tweeted. Biden said Tuesday during a press conference that the United States would meet the August 31 deadline but stressed that meeting that cutoff would depend on cooperation from the Taliban. The United States deployed fresh troops to help with evacuations. But that 6,000-plus contingent, as well as hundreds of US officials, 600 Afghan troops and the equipment, will have to be flown out. Despite the harrowing scenes at Kabul airport, the Taliban have ruled out any extension to next Tuesday's deadline to pull out foreign troops, describing it as "a red line." (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers violate orders, travel to Kabul during airlift

<p>Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.</p>

<p>Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations.</p>

<p>Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation.</p>

<p>Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations.</p>

<p>"Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet.</p>

<p>Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account.</p>

<p>Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received.</p>

<p>He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities.</p>

<p>The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water.

Huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile made no impact on this year's floods in Sudan, a Sudanese official was quoted as saying by Reuters. Sudan had taken costly precautions in the absence of any deal to regulate the flow of water. Sudan and Egypt are downstream of the USD 5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and these countries have spent years in tense negotiations. Sudan has said the dam could have a positive effect on flooding during the rainy season, and hoped to benefit from electricity production, but has complained of a lack of information from Ethiopia on the dam's operation. Sudan and Egypt had demanded Ethiopia hold off on a second round of filling the dam before a binding agreement was signed regulating its operation and mandating the sharing of data Sudan feels is necessary to maintain its own dams and water stations. "Despite the unilateral filling of the Renaissance Dam ... the dam had no effect on this year's floods, but the lack of information exchange before filling forced Sudan to make costly precautions with significant economic and social impact," said Irrigation Minister Yasir Abbas in a tweet. Ethiopia sees the dam as key to its development and says that it is considering interests of Sudan and Egypt into account. Abbas said that after the dam reached a particular level on July 20, it let out as much water as it received. He noted that for the first time Sudan was able to utilize its own dams to lower the intensity of the yearly floods, which have historically devastated riverside farming communities. The UN said earlier this year almost 70,000 people were affected by the rainy season across Sudan, the bulk of them in River Nile state, which lies downstream after the White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum. (With inputs from agencies)

No impact of Ethiopian dam on floods this year, says Sudan

<p>Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule.</p>

<p>That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online.</p>

<p>Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia.</p>

<p>The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Leipzig?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Leipzig</a> mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ <a href="https://t.co/nafutTTXqP">pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP</a></p>
— Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosaMania/status/1428983082724569097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him.</p>

<p>Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.</p>


Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone.

Times change, but they changed VERY quickly for Afghanistan. It was anticipated that Taliban would recapture power after USA's hasty retreat but the pace of it has surprised everyone. The deposed Afghan president himself is in UAE and thousands of Afghans have escaped the country fearing the Taliban rule. That the government has collapsed is a known fact, but what are all the ministers doing now is not common knowledge. A former Afghan minister being seen delivering pizzas is hence creating a lot of buzz online. Photos of Afghanistan's former information and technology minister Syed Ahmad Shah Saadat in an orange shirt and on a bicycle did rounds on social media on Wednesday. The photos reportedly were taken when he was delivering pizza in Germany. Some of the images were tweeted by Al Jazeera Arabia. The pics were reportedly clicked by a local journalist Vor ein paar Tagen lernte ich einen Mann kennen, der behauptete, vor zwei Jahren afghanischer Kommunikationsminister gewesen zu sein. Ich fragte, was er in #Leipzig mache. „Ich fahre für Lieferando Essen aus.“ pic.twitter.com/nafutTTXqP — Josa Mania-Schlegel (@JosaMania) August 21, 2021 × It was reported that Saadat himself confirmed to Sky News that the images doing rounds were of him. Reportedly an Oxford graduate, Saadat joined Ashraf Ghani's cabinet in 2018. He served for two years before quitting. He then arrived in Germany in 2020.

Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report

<p>Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord&nbsp;Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic".</p>

<p>"There is no government...People are panicking, they are running for their lives. Everyone wants to come out of Kabul and different cities," he said.</p>

<p>With surprising speed, Taliban took control of&nbsp;Afghanistan on August 15, following&nbsp;pullout of US troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Massoud asserted that resistance to Taliban rule had already started, with Panjshir Valley being at the core of the resistance.</p>

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<p>Panjshir Valley lies north of Kabul and is famed for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-panjshir-valley-a-graveyard-for-invaders-408018">being extremely hard to conquer</a>. Taliban forces have surrounded it but they have not been able to enter and are calling for negotiations.</p>

<p>Massoud warned that if a political solution is not found, the resistance will not remain limited to Panjshir Valley and will spread to entire country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-panjshir-valley-a-graveyard-for-invaders-408018"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders</strong></a></p>

<p>He said that the younger generation, women and civil society were already part of the resistance.</p>

<p>He was dismissive of Taliban's recent statements about their new rule being different than the last one.</p>

<p>"At the moment they have not shown if they are different than the old Taliban," he said.</p>

<p>Taliban's previous rule was marked by their hardcore religious views and opposition to women's rights.</p>


Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic".

Ahmad Wali Massoud, the brother of the legendary anti-Taliban warlord Ahmad Shah Massoud, said on Wednesday that resistance would not die in Afghanistan. Speaking exclusively with WION, Massoud described the situation in Afghanistan as "chaotic". "There is no government...People are panicking, they are running for their lives. Everyone wants to come out of Kabul and different cities," he said. With surprising speed, Taliban took control of Afghanistan on August 15, following pullout of US troops. However, Massoud asserted that resistance to Taliban rule had already started, with Panjshir Valley being at the core of the resistance. × Panjshir Valley lies north of Kabul and is famed for being extremely hard to conquer. Taliban forces have surrounded it but they have not been able to enter and are calling for negotiations. Massoud warned that if a political solution is not found, the resistance will not remain limited to Panjshir Valley and will spread to entire country. Also Read | Panjshir Valley: A graveyard for invaders He said that the younger generation, women and civil society were already part of the resistance. He was dismissive of Taliban's recent statements about their new rule being different than the last one. "At the moment they have not shown if they are different than the old Taliban," he said. Taliban's previous rule was marked by their hardcore religious views and opposition to women's rights.

Exclusive: Resistance will not die in Afghanistan, says late anti-Taliban leader's brother

<p>You're out the whole day, you come home and eat some spicy Chicken curry. Your plate also has a chutney. After dinner, just before bed, you have a glass of milk spiced up with a blend that does NOT make it spicy but a delightful drink. And when you are just about to hit the bed, you read some food critic saying that Indian cuisine is based on 'one spice'. And you lose your sleep laughing incredulously.</p>

<p>Indian food can make encyclopedias sweat if they try to describe each and every dish. And the spices may require volumes with their literally thousands of combinations.</p>

<p>But Gene Weingarten, a food critic did not think so. In his article in Washington Post, Weingarten said that entire Indian cuisine was based on 'one spice'. He said that Indian food was just 'curry'.</p>

<p>This most definitely set social media on fire. Weingarten was accused of being ignorant and even racist. Washington DC-based lawyer Rabia O'chaudry reminded Weingarten that Indians put 8 spices just in the morning Omlette.</p>

<p>"You are a absolute idiot @geneweingarten. We even put 8 spices in our omelets," she tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You are a absolute idiot <a href="https://twitter.com/geneweingarten?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@geneweingarten</a>. We even put 8 spices in our omelets. <a href="https://t.co/DD83aqkJZF">https://t.co/DD83aqkJZF</a></p>
— rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) <a href="https://twitter.com/rabiasquared/status/1429838570496446468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>New Jersey Governor Phill Murphy called Indian cuisine "A symphony of spices and flavor as diverse as the country itself".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian food is wonderfully, deliciously unique. A symphony of spices and flavor as diverse as the country itself. And if you want to taste the best Indian food in the United States – come to New Jersey. <a href="https://t.co/A1NdStwZna">https://t.co/A1NdStwZna</a></p>
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/GovMurphy/status/1429981346122829827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weingarten had it coming from celebrities as well. Here's what Salman Rushdie said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I just heard about <a href="https://twitter.com/geneweingarten?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@geneweingarten</a> for the first time in my life. What he doesn’t know about indian food would fill an encyclopedia. I plan never to hear about him again.</p>
— Salman Rushdie (@SalmanRushdie) <a href="https://twitter.com/SalmanRushdie/status/1430187738624626689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Padma Lakshmi had the choicest words for Weingarten as well.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What in the white nonsense™️ is this? <a href="https://t.co/ciPed2v5EK">pic.twitter.com/ciPed2v5EK</a></p>
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) <a href="https://twitter.com/PadmaLakshmi/status/1429832223319072768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>It is not known whether all this pressure or an epiphany caused it. But Weingarten apologised. Washington Post published a clarification as well.</p>

<p>"From start to finish plus the illo, the column was about what a whining infantile ignorant d---head I am. I should have named a single Indian dish, not the whole cuisine, &amp; I do see how that broad-brush was insulting. Apologies.(Also, yes, curries are spice blends, not spices.)" he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">From start to finish plus the illo, the column was about what a whining infantile ignorant d---head I am. I should have named a single Indian dish, not the whole cuisine, &amp; I do see how that broad-brush was insulting. Apologies.(Also, yes, curries are spice blends, not spices.)</p>
— Gene Weingarten (@geneweingarten) <a href="https://twitter.com/geneweingarten/status/1429889354902671363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Though it's worth noting that Gene Weingarten had previously tweeted "...I take nothing back". The tweet has since been deleted.</p>


You're out the whole day, you come home and eat some spicy Chicken curry. Your plate also has a chutney. After dinner, just before bed, you have a glass of milk spiced up with a blend that does NOT make it spicy but a delightful drink.

You're out the whole day, you come home and eat some spicy Chicken curry. Your plate also has a chutney. After dinner, just before bed, you have a glass of milk spiced up with a blend that does NOT make it spicy but a delightful drink. And when you are just about to hit the bed, you read some food critic saying that Indian cuisine is based on 'one spice'. And you lose your sleep laughing incredulously. Indian food can make encyclopedias sweat if they try to describe each and every dish. And the spices may require volumes with their literally thousands of combinations. But Gene Weingarten, a food critic did not think so. In his article in Washington Post, Weingarten said that entire Indian cuisine was based on 'one spice'. He said that Indian food was just 'curry'. This most definitely set social media on fire. Weingarten was accused of being ignorant and even racist. Washington DC-based lawyer Rabia O'chaudry reminded Weingarten that Indians put 8 spices just in the morning Omlette. "You are a absolute idiot @geneweingarten. We even put 8 spices in our omelets," she tweeted. You are a absolute idiot @geneweingarten. We even put 8 spices in our omelets. https://t.co/DD83aqkJZF — rabia O'chaudry (@rabiasquared) August 23, 2021 × New Jersey Governor Phill Murphy called Indian cuisine "A symphony of spices and flavor as diverse as the country itself". Indian food is wonderfully, deliciously unique. A symphony of spices and flavor as diverse as the country itself. And if you want to taste the best Indian food in the United States – come to New Jersey. https://t.co/A1NdStwZna — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 24, 2021 × Weingarten had it coming from celebrities as well. Here's what Salman Rushdie said. I just heard about @geneweingarten for the first time in my life. What he doesn’t know about indian food would fill an encyclopedia. I plan never to hear about him again. — Salman Rushdie (@SalmanRushdie) August 24, 2021 × Padma Lakshmi had the choicest words for Weingarten as well. What in the white nonsense™️ is this? pic.twitter.com/ciPed2v5EK — Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) August 23, 2021 × It is not known whether all this pressure or an epiphany caused it. But Weingarten apologised. Washington Post published a clarification as well. "From start to finish plus the illo, the column was about what a whining infantile ignorant d---head I am. I should have named a single Indian dish, not the whole cuisine, & I do see how that broad-brush was insulting. Apologies.(Also, yes, curries are spice blends, not spices.)" he tweeted. From start to finish plus the illo, the column was about what a whining infantile ignorant d---head I am. I should have named a single Indian dish, not the whole cuisine, & I do see how that broad-brush was insulting. Apologies.(Also, yes, curries are spice blends, not spices.) — Gene Weingarten (@geneweingarten) August 23, 2021 × Though it's worth noting that Gene Weingarten had previously tweeted "...I take nothing back". The tweet has since been deleted.

US columnist lands in soup for saying Indian food is based on just 'one spice'

<p>Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet. There will be no escape.</p>

<p>But an ex-NASA scientist has come up with a whacky theory that is being talked about in amused tones.</p>

<p>The scientist wants to expand the radius of Earth's rotational path around the Sun. And he suggests making use of asteroids and 'stealing' energy from Jupiter!</p>

<p>David Holz, Ph.D. says that if his suggestions are actually implemented, Earth may remain habitable for 5 billion years more! This to become reality would need considerable technological advancement</p>

<p>Holz has explained his idea in his new academic paper and the paper has been published by NASA, University of California, and University of Michigan professors</p>

<p>The title of the paper is “Astronomical engineering: a strategy for modifying planetary orbits".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-post-columnist-says-indian-food-is-based-on-just-one-spice-408241">Washington Post columnist says Indian food is based on just 'one spice'</a></strong></p>

<p>He has also made a tweet about his idea.</p>

<p>"Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years." he says in his tweet</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years. <a href="https://t.co/lidW1ebaoD">pic.twitter.com/lidW1ebaoD</a></p>
— David Holz (@DavidSHolz) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidSHolz/status/1425003555442757632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is not Holz's first ambitious suggestion to solve a global problem. In February 2020, he proposed floating nation-sized solar panels high in air so that sun rays will be blocked and Earth's temperature can be adjusted manually.</p>


Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet.

Sun is a source that sustains all life on Earth. But there will come a time when the Sun will begin to run out of the fuel a billion years from now. At this time, Sun will expand in size and literally burn our planet. There will be no escape. But an ex-NASA scientist has come up with a whacky theory that is being talked about in amused tones. The scientist wants to expand the radius of Earth's rotational path around the Sun. And he suggests making use of asteroids and 'stealing' energy from Jupiter! David Holz, Ph.D. says that if his suggestions are actually implemented, Earth may remain habitable for 5 billion years more! This to become reality would need considerable technological advancement Holz has explained his idea in his new academic paper and the paper has been published by NASA, University of California, and University of Michigan professors The title of the paper is “Astronomical engineering: a strategy for modifying planetary orbits". Also Read | Washington Post columnist says Indian food is based on just 'one spice' He has also made a tweet about his idea. "Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years." he says in his tweet Earth burns in a billion years when the sun expands. UNLESS we steal energy from Jupiter to gradually expand Earth's orbit! We can *actually* do this by diverting a large asteroid (0.01% the size of the moon) to pass between Earth and Jupiter every 6000(!) years. pic.twitter.com/lidW1ebaoD — David Holz (@DavidSHolz) August 10, 2021 × This is not Holz's first ambitious suggestion to solve a global problem. In February 2020, he proposed floating nation-sized solar panels high in air so that sun rays will be blocked and Earth's temperature can be adjusted manually.

Ex-NASA scientist's Earth-saving idea involves stealing energy from Jupiter

<p>The world of diplomacy is filled with the usual diplomatic tussle. The sparring diplomats try tricks in their games of one-upmanship. But addling with abilities of rival diplomats with spycraft and equipment? Well, such things don't come out in public when they are actually happening.</p>

<p>The latest intrigue is about the so-called 'Havana Syndrome', back in the news due to delay in US Vice-President Kamala Harris' flight from Singapore to Vietnam. On Wednesday, Harris' flight was delayed for three hours after reports that someone in Vietnam suffered from Havana Syndrome.</p>

<p><strong>What is the Havana Syndrome?</strong></p>

<p>The first case was observed in 2016 when a US intelligence agent in US embassy in Havana complained of vertigo, ear pain, tinnitus. As per report in Politico, the doctor said that the agent had inner ear damage likely caused due to projected energy device.</p>

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<p>Diplomats and their families in Cuba complained of complained of nosebleeds, migraines and nausea.</p>

<p>They said that the complaints started after experiencing piercing sounds at night</p>

<p>Since then similar complaints have been reported from US officials in China, Russia and inside the United States.</p>

<p>In July the New Yorker reported that since President Joe Biden took office this year, about two dozen US intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria have reported problems similar to the Havana syndrome.</p>

<p>Are these piercing sounds natural? Or are they projected by agents of rival countries who want to impair abilities of US agents and diplomats is still being ascertained</p>

<p><strong>What exactly is causing the Havana Syndrome?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, the US appeared still unsure as to the exact cause of the syndrome.</p>

<p>The director of national intelligence said she had convened a meeting with top cabinet officials and other experts Friday to discuss the problem, which has led to unproven allegations that Russians or others used sonic or other high-intensity electronic devices to physically harm US diplomats in Cuba, China and other countries.</p>


The world of diplomacy is filled with the usual diplomatic tussle. The sparring diplomats try tricks in their games of one-upmanship. But addling with abilities of rival diplomats with spycraft and equipment?

The world of diplomacy is filled with the usual diplomatic tussle. The sparring diplomats try tricks in their games of one-upmanship. But addling with abilities of rival diplomats with spycraft and equipment? Well, such things don't come out in public when they are actually happening. The latest intrigue is about the so-called 'Havana Syndrome', back in the news due to delay in US Vice-President Kamala Harris' flight from Singapore to Vietnam. On Wednesday, Harris' flight was delayed for three hours after reports that someone in Vietnam suffered from Havana Syndrome. What is the Havana Syndrome? The first case was observed in 2016 when a US intelligence agent in US embassy in Havana complained of vertigo, ear pain, tinnitus. As per report in Politico, the doctor said that the agent had inner ear damage likely caused due to projected energy device. × Diplomats and their families in Cuba complained of complained of nosebleeds, migraines and nausea. They said that the complaints started after experiencing piercing sounds at night Since then similar complaints have been reported from US officials in China, Russia and inside the United States. In July the New Yorker reported that since President Joe Biden took office this year, about two dozen US intelligence officers, diplomats and other government officials in Austria have reported problems similar to the Havana syndrome. Are these piercing sounds natural? Or are they projected by agents of rival countries who want to impair abilities of US agents and diplomats is still being ascertained What exactly is causing the Havana Syndrome? Earlier this month, the US appeared still unsure as to the exact cause of the syndrome. The director of national intelligence said she had convened a meeting with top cabinet officials and other experts Friday to discuss the problem, which has led to unproven allegations that Russians or others used sonic or other high-intensity electronic devices to physically harm US diplomats in Cuba, China and other countries.

Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly?

<p>Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life.</p>

<p>Researchers say that adult offsprings of overweight women have high chances of developing bowel cancer than those children whose mothers were underweight or had healthy weight.</p>

<p>The research has been published in the journal Gut. The researchers analysed data collected from mothers who received prenatal care between 1959 and 1966 in Oakland, California. Information was obtained of there health six months before they became pregnant. The team of researchers tracked health of more than 18,000 children through 2019.</p>

<p>68 of the children developed bowel cancel in adulthood. Researchers found that the children who had overweight mothers had likelihood of 2.5 times more than those children with mothers who were not obese.</p>


Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life.

Obesity is linked to many illnesses. But a new research suggests that obesity in mothers while they were pregnant increases chances of bowel cancer in their children later in life. Researchers say that adult offsprings of overweight women have high chances of developing bowel cancer than those children whose mothers were underweight or had healthy weight. The research has been published in the journal Gut. The researchers analysed data collected from mothers who received prenatal care between 1959 and 1966 in Oakland, California. Information was obtained of there health six months before they became pregnant. The team of researchers tracked health of more than 18,000 children through 2019. 68 of the children developed bowel cancel in adulthood. Researchers found that the children who had overweight mothers had likelihood of 2.5 times more than those children with mothers who were not obese.

Mother's obesity linked with adulthood cancer in children: Study

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