<p>Before the US President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation's venue in San Francisco, the city removed thousands of homeless people from encampments near the summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2022, San Francisco's homeless population reached approximately 7,750 individuals, with 57 per cent residing outside officially sanctioned shelters, according to the&nbsp;official figures. Furthermore, drug abuse remains rampant, notably in San Francisco's UN Plaza, situated just 1.6km (1 mile) from the Moscone Centre, the venue of the APEC summit.</p>

<p>Notably, this area reported more overdoses annually from 2018 to 2022 than any other block anywhere in the city.</p>

<p>Despite efforts to clear unhoused individuals from the vicinity of the upcoming summit, homeless individuals remained present on Tuesday, a day before Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping met during the summit.</p>

<p>California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential future presidential contender who met Xi during a visit to Beijing in October, acknowledged the perception of addressing homelessness in preparation for the APEC summit.</p>

<p>"I know folks say, 'Oh, they’re just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town.' That’s true because it’s true," Newsom said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-xi-jinping-snubbed-at-apec-after-free-tibet-free-uyghur-banner-goes-up-in-air-659037">Video: Xi Jinping snubbed at APEC after 'Free Tibet, Free Uyghur' banner goes up in air</a></strong></p>

<p>The governor, however, insisted the removals were part of the broader "Clean California" project that has moved some 3,300 encampments since 2021.</p>

<p>More world leaders are visiting&nbsp;San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week than at any time since 1945 when 50 world dignitaries met to establish the United Nations, South China Morning Post reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit</strong></p>

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<p>Thousands&nbsp;of California Highway Patrol personnel are lining the streets of San Francisco’s downtown area and metal barricades stretch for several blocks to help with pedestrian management.</p>

<p>The city’s homelessness and supportive housing department said in a statement that it is not&nbsp;expanding its shelter capacity during the APEC summit&nbsp;but would allocate funding for 300 new beds due to winter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Before the US President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation's venue in San Francisco, the city removed thousands of homeless people from encampments near the summit.

Before the US President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping at Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation's venue in San Francisco, the city removed thousands of homeless people from encampments near the summit. In 2022, San Francisco's homeless population reached approximately 7,750 individuals, with 57 per cent residing outside officially sanctioned shelters, according to the official figures. Furthermore, drug abuse remains rampant, notably in San Francisco's UN Plaza, situated just 1.6km (1 mile) from the Moscone Centre, the venue of the APEC summit. Notably, this area reported more overdoses annually from 2018 to 2022 than any other block anywhere in the city. Despite efforts to clear unhoused individuals from the vicinity of the upcoming summit, homeless individuals remained present on Tuesday, a day before Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping met during the summit. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential future presidential contender who met Xi during a visit to Beijing in October, acknowledged the perception of addressing homelessness in preparation for the APEC summit. "I know folks say, 'Oh, they’re just cleaning up this place because all these fancy leaders are coming into town.' That’s true because it’s true," Newsom said. Also read | Video: Xi Jinping snubbed at APEC after 'Free Tibet, Free Uyghur' banner goes up in air The governor, however, insisted the removals were part of the broader "Clean California" project that has moved some 3,300 encampments since 2021. More world leaders are visiting San Francisco for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this week than at any time since 1945 when 50 world dignitaries met to establish the United Nations, South China Morning Post reported. Also watch | APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit × Thousands of California Highway Patrol personnel are lining the streets of San Francisco’s downtown area and metal barricades stretch for several blocks to help with pedestrian management. The city’s homelessness and supportive housing department said in a statement that it is not expanding its shelter capacity during the APEC summit but would allocate funding for 300 new beds due to winter. (With inputs from agencies)

San Francisco APEC summit: Homeless people lose sky as roof after 'clean up' efforts

<p>The first recorded use of a phrase related to a dog being a human's best friend is by Frederick the Great of Prussia in the 18th century. But for several millennia, dogs have accompanied humankind's progress through thick and thin. According to ancient Indian scriptures, the victorious Pandava king Yudhishthira refused to enter heaven without the dog who had accompanied him, his brothers and their wife Draupadi till the gates of heaven.</p>

<p>Keeping the age-old maxim of dogs being the epitome of loyalty, a tiny canine was found alive by the side of her owner's body, 10 weeks after the pair went missing in the Colorado mountains.</p>

<p>The duo, Rich Moore (71) and his Jack Russell terrier Finney went missing on August 19 after a planned hike to Colorado's Blackhead peak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hachiko-worlds-most-loyal-dog-turns-100-hachikos-loyal-echoes-acrioss-generations-wion-656798">Hachiko: World's most loyal dog turns 100 | Hachiko's loyal echoes acrioss generations | WION</a></strong></p>

<p>Blackhead is a rugged peak that rises to the east of the town of Pagosa Springs in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado in the United States.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>After the duo went missing, the rescue teams launched a mission in the area between the Blackhead Peak and the spot where Moore's car was parked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A hunter found Moore's body on October 30, Sky News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moore's loyal dog Finney was found by his dead body. She had lost half her body weight and is expected to have survived by hunting small animals such as mice while avoiding predators such as mountain lions, coyotes and bears, according to Delinda VanneBrightyn from Taos Search and Rescue team.</p>

<p>"If that dog could talk it would be an amazing story," she said. "We probably could not even believe the story the dog would tell."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The story of Hachiko: The faithful dog</strong></p>

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<p>Finney was taken to a veterinarian and is currently with Moore's family, according to the local police.</p>

<p>VanneBrightyn said they were very glad to return Finney to the family "because they have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog", Sky News reported.</p>

<p>Finney’s resilience will likely be a comfort to Moore’s family as they navigate the grieving process, VanneBrightyn further noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The first recorded use of a phrase related to a dog being a human's best friend is by Frederick the Great of Prussia in the 18th century. But for several millennia, dogs have accompanied humankind's progress through thick and thin.

The first recorded use of a phrase related to a dog being a human's best friend is by Frederick the Great of Prussia in the 18th century. But for several millennia, dogs have accompanied humankind's progress through thick and thin. According to ancient Indian scriptures, the victorious Pandava king Yudhishthira refused to enter heaven without the dog who had accompanied him, his brothers and their wife Draupadi till the gates of heaven. Keeping the age-old maxim of dogs being the epitome of loyalty, a tiny canine was found alive by the side of her owner's body, 10 weeks after the pair went missing in the Colorado mountains. The duo, Rich Moore (71) and his Jack Russell terrier Finney went missing on August 19 after a planned hike to Colorado's Blackhead peak. Also read | Hachiko: World's most loyal dog turns 100 | Hachiko's loyal echoes acrioss generations | WION Blackhead is a rugged peak that rises to the east of the town of Pagosa Springs in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado in the United States. What happened? After the duo went missing, the rescue teams launched a mission in the area between the Blackhead Peak and the spot where Moore's car was parked. A hunter found Moore's body on October 30, Sky News reported. Moore's loyal dog Finney was found by his dead body. She had lost half her body weight and is expected to have survived by hunting small animals such as mice while avoiding predators such as mountain lions, coyotes and bears, according to Delinda VanneBrightyn from Taos Search and Rescue team. "If that dog could talk it would be an amazing story," she said. "We probably could not even believe the story the dog would tell." Also watch | Gravitas: The story of Hachiko: The faithful dog × Finney was taken to a veterinarian and is currently with Moore's family, according to the local police. VanneBrightyn said they were very glad to return Finney to the family "because they have lost their loved one, but they still have this wonderful, loyal dog", Sky News reported. Finney’s resilience will likely be a comfort to Moore’s family as they navigate the grieving process, VanneBrightyn further noted. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Hiker's loyal dog found alive near his body weeks after death on trail

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping's arrival at the venue of the APEC Summit in San Francisco was marked by significant shows of resistance. A banner at the venue that went up in the air over the Moscone Centre, the site of the APEC Summit,&nbsp;read: ‘End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur’.</p>

<p>The banner called for an end to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party that Xi Jinping currently helms, as well as for the independence of&nbsp;Hong Kong, Tibet and freedom for Uyghur people who reside in the Xinjiang province of China.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nov 14th, the day Xi Jinping is supposed to arrives in San Francisco United States, In the sky above APEC venue floated a banner that read " End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur ”. <a href="https://t.co/fLkseh05EU">pic.twitter.com/fLkseh05EU</a></p>
— MH香草（新號） (@MH8487466639845) <a href="https://twitter.com/MH8487466639845/status/1724637834097869144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet the Chinese leader Xi on Wednesday morning (US time) hours before his attendance at the annual summit of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit</strong></p>

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<p>So far in 2023, Xi has avoided travelling to the countries with which Beijing is currently going through a phase of difficult ties. This includes the G20 summit in New Delhi which Xi avoided in the wake of continuous standoff between the troops of two Asian powers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).</p>

<p>This is only Xi's third visit outside China, after visits to Russia and South Africa.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-china-chip-wars-biden-administration-imposes-new-curbs-on-chip-exports-to-china-651149">US-China chip war: Biden administration imposes new curbs on exports to China</a></strong></p>

<p>Xi's US visit comes amid heightened chip wars between Beijing and Washington and the self-ruled island of Taiwan's overwhelming dominance at that, which China territorially claims as its own.</p>

<h2><strong>'China has concentration camps'</strong></h2>

<p>But it's not all about resistance to the policies of Xi Jinping's Chinese Communist Party. According to reports, a large number of people of Chinese descent gathered outside the downtown hotel where Xi was expected to stay, with protesters as well as the CCP supporters playing patriotic music.</p>

<p>A Chinese woman held a placard asking Beijing's authorities to return her "husband's life". Another man held a sign that claimed that "China has concentration camps."</p>

<p>Over a thousand people are expected to congregate at the Moscone Centre with a focus on the US President Joe Biden's meeting with his Chinese counterpart.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese leader Xi Jinping's arrival at the venue of the APEC Summit in San Francisco was marked by significant shows of resistance. A banner at the venue that went up in the air over the Moscone Centre, the site of the APEC Summit, read: ‘End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur’.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's arrival at the venue of the APEC Summit in San Francisco was marked by significant shows of resistance. A banner at the venue that went up in the air over the Moscone Centre, the site of the APEC Summit, read: ‘End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur’. The banner called for an end to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party that Xi Jinping currently helms, as well as for the independence of Hong Kong, Tibet and freedom for Uyghur people who reside in the Xinjiang province of China. Nov 14th, the day Xi Jinping is supposed to arrives in San Francisco United States, In the sky above APEC venue floated a banner that read " End CCP, Free China, Free HK, Free Tibet, Free Uyghur ”. pic.twitter.com/fLkseh05EU — MH香草（新號） (@MH8487466639845) November 15, 2023 × Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet the Chinese leader Xi on Wednesday morning (US time) hours before his attendance at the annual summit of the 21-member Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping. Also watch | APEC Summit: What is APEC? What to expect from the summit × So far in 2023, Xi has avoided travelling to the countries with which Beijing is currently going through a phase of difficult ties. This includes the G20 summit in New Delhi which Xi avoided in the wake of continuous standoff between the troops of two Asian powers along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This is only Xi's third visit outside China, after visits to Russia and South Africa. Also read | US-China chip war: Biden administration imposes new curbs on exports to China Xi's US visit comes amid heightened chip wars between Beijing and Washington and the self-ruled island of Taiwan's overwhelming dominance at that, which China territorially claims as its own. 'China has concentration camps' But it's not all about resistance to the policies of Xi Jinping's Chinese Communist Party. According to reports, a large number of people of Chinese descent gathered outside the downtown hotel where Xi was expected to stay, with protesters as well as the CCP supporters playing patriotic music. A Chinese woman held a placard asking Beijing's authorities to return her "husband's life". Another man held a sign that claimed that "China has concentration camps." Over a thousand people are expected to congregate at the Moscone Centre with a focus on the US President Joe Biden's meeting with his Chinese counterpart. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Angry crowds asking for a free Tibet and more greet Xi Jinping in San Francisco

<p>How life began on Earth is a question that has kept scientists curious for centuries. There are theories that claim life started because the meteors brought life-sustaining materials&nbsp;to Earth. Other theories claim life emerged due to a wave of volcanic eruptions which&nbsp;occurred 4.5 billion years ago.</p>

<p>Amid these hypotheses, a new study has now claimed that the oldest continents in our Milky Way galaxy may have emerged five billion years before Earth's.&nbsp;The study, thereby, has given rise to the speculation that there could be multiple worlds in the Milky Way housing alien life.</p>

<p>The study was published in the journal&nbsp;Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the researchers find?</strong></h2>

<p>Jane Greaves, the Cardiff University astronomer who carried out the study, found that two exoplanets' continents may have come four to five billion years before the Earth's.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-was-more-charming-for-aliens-when-dinosaurs-existed-657525">Earth was more charming for aliens when dinosaurs existed, suggests study</a></strong></p>

<p>"If life on another planet had a five-billion-year head start, it could potentially host life more evolved than us," Greaves wrote in the study.</p>

<h2><strong>How was the study conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>Continents on Earth were formed due to movement of tectonic plates. This occurs because the rocks of the tectonic plates floats over the molten magma. The molten magma remains in that state because of the heat from radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium.</p>

<p>Cardiff University's Greaves analysed levels of uranium present in nearby stars. She then combined the data with the ages of stars measured from the Gaia satellite.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Aliens in Mexico? Sensational claim on aliens</strong></p>

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<p>She then configured the timeframe that the analysed stars were in when they became hot enough for the first emergence of tectonic plates there. Greaves discovered that the first continents were formed near Sun-like stars a few billion years before Earth's tectonic plates first emerged.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The study on potentially habitable planets is important for space missions of the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Greaves expects that her work will be a stepping stone for future work that will analyse more such planets.</p>


How life began on Earth is a question that has kept scientists curious for centuries. There are theories that claim life started because the meteors brought life-sustaining materials to Earth.

How life began on Earth is a question that has kept scientists curious for centuries. There are theories that claim life started because the meteors brought life-sustaining materials to Earth. Other theories claim life emerged due to a wave of volcanic eruptions which occurred 4.5 billion years ago. Amid these hypotheses, a new study has now claimed that the oldest continents in our Milky Way galaxy may have emerged five billion years before Earth's. The study, thereby, has given rise to the speculation that there could be multiple worlds in the Milky Way housing alien life. The study was published in the journal Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society. What did the researchers find? Jane Greaves, the Cardiff University astronomer who carried out the study, found that two exoplanets' continents may have come four to five billion years before the Earth's. Also read | Earth was more charming for aliens when dinosaurs existed, suggests study "If life on another planet had a five-billion-year head start, it could potentially host life more evolved than us," Greaves wrote in the study. How was the study conducted? Continents on Earth were formed due to movement of tectonic plates. This occurs because the rocks of the tectonic plates floats over the molten magma. The molten magma remains in that state because of the heat from radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium. Cardiff University's Greaves analysed levels of uranium present in nearby stars. She then combined the data with the ages of stars measured from the Gaia satellite. Also watch | Aliens in Mexico? Sensational claim on aliens × She then configured the timeframe that the analysed stars were in when they became hot enough for the first emergence of tectonic plates there. Greaves discovered that the first continents were formed near Sun-like stars a few billion years before Earth's tectonic plates first emerged. What does it mean? The study on potentially habitable planets is important for space missions of the future. Greaves expects that her work will be a stepping stone for future work that will analyse more such planets.

Two exoplanets in the Milky Way had continents 5 billion years before Earth did

<p>Russia's Duma, the country's equivalent of a parliament, on Wednesday (Nov 15) moved towards the approval of its largest-ever federal budget since the disintegration of Soviet Union. The projection denotes a whopping 25 per cent increase in spending for 2024 with focus on defence.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The proposed budget signals a historic shift&nbsp;as defence expenditures are expected to surpass social spending ahead of the upcoming presidential election in March. The robust budget is facilitated by Russia's ability to withstand sanctions due to sustained revenue from oil exports, despite being shunned in the West.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/how-the-money-is-influencing-a-new-space-race-with-indias-boom-and-russias-crunch-628286">How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Experts cited in the western media viewed it as a strategic move aimed at addressing conflicts in Ukraine and preparing for potential military confrontations with the West and called it&nbsp;a comprehensive remilitarisation of Russian society.</p>

<p>"This amounts to the wholesale remilitarisation of Russian society," Richard Connolly, an expert on Russia’s military and economy at the Royal United Services Institute in London told Associated Press.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia 2024 annual budget: Specific proposals</strong></h2>

<p>The draft budget outlines an expected expenditure of 36.66 trillion rubles (approximately $411 billion) in 2024, with a forecasted budget deficit of 0.8 per cent of Russia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Russia to increase spending in 2024</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, a significant portion of the budget is yet to be disclosed, reflecting the budgetary spending that could have been proposed towards Moscow's war-effort in Ukraine that began in February 2022 and is continuing since.</p>

<p>Approximately 39 per cent of federal spending in 2024 is allocated to defence and law enforcement, according to independent business journalists Farida Rustamova and Maksim Tovkaylo, Associated Press reported.</p>

<p>Besides, Russia's Central Bank, expecting 4.5 per cent inflation in 2024, has raised key interest rates to 15 per cent to counter inflationary pressures.</p>

<p>Russia's move towards a record federal budget signals a specific focus on defence amid potential economic challenges they may pose in the long term.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia's Duma, the country's equivalent of a parliament, on Wednesday (Nov 15) moved towards the approval of its largest-ever federal budget since the disintegration of Soviet Union.

Russia's Duma, the country's equivalent of a parliament, on Wednesday (Nov 15) moved towards the approval of its largest-ever federal budget since the disintegration of Soviet Union. The projection denotes a whopping 25 per cent increase in spending for 2024 with focus on defence. What does it mean? The proposed budget signals a historic shift as defence expenditures are expected to surpass social spending ahead of the upcoming presidential election in March. The robust budget is facilitated by Russia's ability to withstand sanctions due to sustained revenue from oil exports, despite being shunned in the West. Also read | How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch Experts cited in the western media viewed it as a strategic move aimed at addressing conflicts in Ukraine and preparing for potential military confrontations with the West and called it a comprehensive remilitarisation of Russian society. "This amounts to the wholesale remilitarisation of Russian society," Richard Connolly, an expert on Russia’s military and economy at the Royal United Services Institute in London told Associated Press. Russia 2024 annual budget: Specific proposals The draft budget outlines an expected expenditure of 36.66 trillion rubles (approximately $411 billion) in 2024, with a forecasted budget deficit of 0.8 per cent of Russia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Also watch | Russia to increase spending in 2024 × Notably, a significant portion of the budget is yet to be disclosed, reflecting the budgetary spending that could have been proposed towards Moscow's war-effort in Ukraine that began in February 2022 and is continuing since. Approximately 39 per cent of federal spending in 2024 is allocated to defence and law enforcement, according to independent business journalists Farida Rustamova and Maksim Tovkaylo, Associated Press reported. Besides, Russia's Central Bank, expecting 4.5 per cent inflation in 2024, has raised key interest rates to 15 per cent to counter inflationary pressures. Russia's move towards a record federal budget signals a specific focus on defence amid potential economic challenges they may pose in the long term. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin trumps West's sanctions as Moscow proposes largest-ever federal budget with defence focus

<p>UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A vote calling for the ceasefire in Gaza was defeated with 293 votes against 168. But soon after the vote, eight of Starmer's frontbenchers resigned from the frontbench after supporting the vote in favour of the ceasefire.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-adopts-resolution-for-humanitarian-pauses-in-gaza-659066">UNSC adopts resolution for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>According to reports in the British media, the Labour MPs were ordered to abstain on the vote and were told instead to back Starmer’s position calling for longer "humanitarian pauses", a call later on Nov 15 made in a UN Security Council resolution as well — rather than a ceasefire. The vote was initiated by the Scottish National Party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But all the Labour MPs did not abstain. A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for the ceasefire going against the whip issued.</p>

<h2><strong>Who all quit their frontbench roles?</strong></h2>

<p>Phillips, Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi and Paula Barker quit their frontbench roles on Wednesday night after voting for the amendment and defying the whip.</p>

<p>Mary Foy, Angela Rayner’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), and Dan Carden, another PPS, have also left the frontbench.</p>

<p>Rachel Hopkins, Sarah Owen, Naz Shah, and Andy Slaughter were sacked by the Labour leader after the vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As votes closed, Starmer said he regretted that party colleagues had not backed his position.</p>

<p>"Alongside leaders around the world, I have called throughout for adherence to international law, for humanitarian pauses to allow access for aid, food, water, utilities and medicine, and have expressed our concerns at the scale of civilian casualties."</p>

<p>He added: "Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UN general assembly adopts resolution calling for 'humanitarian truce' in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>The initial calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza raised in the immediate aftermath of Israel's retaliatory action after the attack by Hamas on October 7 have now been replaced by the steps to ensure "humanitarian pauses".</p>

<p>That is, the fighting in Gaza is now routinely stopped at unannounced schedules to ensure the passage of food, fuel and medicines to the civilian population living in the line of fire in one of the world's most densely populated regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Hamas conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.

UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza. A vote calling for the ceasefire in Gaza was defeated with 293 votes against 168. But soon after the vote, eight of Starmer's frontbenchers resigned from the frontbench after supporting the vote in favour of the ceasefire. Also read | UNSC adopts resolution for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza According to reports in the British media, the Labour MPs were ordered to abstain on the vote and were told instead to back Starmer’s position calling for longer "humanitarian pauses", a call later on Nov 15 made in a UN Security Council resolution as well — rather than a ceasefire. The vote was initiated by the Scottish National Party. But all the Labour MPs did not abstain. A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for the ceasefire going against the whip issued. Who all quit their frontbench roles? Phillips, Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi and Paula Barker quit their frontbench roles on Wednesday night after voting for the amendment and defying the whip. Mary Foy, Angela Rayner’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), and Dan Carden, another PPS, have also left the frontbench. Rachel Hopkins, Sarah Owen, Naz Shah, and Andy Slaughter were sacked by the Labour leader after the vote. As votes closed, Starmer said he regretted that party colleagues had not backed his position. "Alongside leaders around the world, I have called throughout for adherence to international law, for humanitarian pauses to allow access for aid, food, water, utilities and medicine, and have expressed our concerns at the scale of civilian casualties." He added: "Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands." Also watch | UN general assembly adopts resolution calling for 'humanitarian truce' in Gaza × The initial calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza raised in the immediate aftermath of Israel's retaliatory action after the attack by Hamas on October 7 have now been replaced by the steps to ensure "humanitarian pauses". That is, the fighting in Gaza is now routinely stopped at unannounced schedules to ensure the passage of food, fuel and medicines to the civilian population living in the line of fire in one of the world's most densely populated regions. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Hamas conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

UK Labour Party loses big in Gaza's humanitarian pause vs ceasefire bout as MPs quit front bench

<p>The mutual distrust between India and China&nbsp;keeps the Line of Actual Control between two Asian powers&nbsp;prone to "sudden flare-ups of violence", with consequences that could reach far beyond the region, a global think tank has concluded in its latest report.&nbsp;The report also notes that a return to the times when boundary issue was shelved to let India-China bilateral ties get stronger "seems improbable in the short term".</p>

<p>New Delhi and Beijing, however, could begin demarcating the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the middle sector of their de-facto boundary as a confidence-building measure to de-escalate the tensions along the unresolved border between them, International Crisis Group recommended in its report titled 'Thin Ice in the Himalayas: Handling the India-China Border Dispute'.</p>

<h2><b>China's LAC incursions tripled since Xi Jinping came to&nbsp;power</b></h2>

<p>The number of Chinese incursions into Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) tripled since Xi Jinping took over the corridors of power in 2013, the report points out while citing a dataset from November 2012 to November 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-and-china-ramp-up-engagements-to-prevent-escalation-during-brutal-winters-657765">India and China ramp up engagements to prevent escalation during brutal winters</a></strong></p>

<p>But notably, those incursions have been relatively low in "scale and intensity" in the Middle Sector of India-China boundary,&nbsp;which is comprised on Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states on the Indian side and Tibet in China.</p>

<p>"The number of transgressions by the Chinese troops in the last decade has been quite high in the western and eastern sectors compared to the least-disputed middle sector. So, the delineation of the border in the middle sector is the low-hanging fruit that both sides could pursue," Praveen Donthi, Senior India Analyst at International Crisis Group told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why clarification of LAC in Middle Sector is a 'low hanging fruit'?</strong></h2>

<p>Notably in September 2000, after years of relative peace along the Line of Actual Control, Beijing under President Jiang Zemin and India under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had started the process of clarifying the Line of Actual Control in the backdrop of India's nuclear tests two years prior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Donthi points out that when maps were exchanged between the two Asian powers to share their understanding of the Line of Actual Control, they began with the middle sector despite significant differences over Barahoti region of Uttarakhand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The number of transgressions by the Chinese troops in the last decade has been quite high in the western and eastern sectors compared to the least-disputed middle sector. So, the delineation of the border in the middle sector is the low-hanging fruit that both sides could pursue," Donthi added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is China's military preparing for an air offensive? Photos of build-up along India's LAC</strong></p>

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<p>The progress to clarify the LAC&nbsp;finally came to halt in 2002. Three years later, during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to New Delhi, the two sides agreed to a negotiation process over boundary issues but failed to move forward to the next phase: resolving the dispute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Galwan incident in June 2020, which led to the first boundary dispute-related deaths in 45 years, India maintains that restoration to pre-April 2020 status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control is integral to normalisation of its ties with Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India insists China must pull back its troops and military facilities to their pre-April 2020 positions in the Western Sector.</p>

<p>So far, the two militaries have pulled troops, equipment and weapons systems and torn down structures at Patrol Point 14 in the Galwan Valley on the northern shore of Pangong Lake, PP17A near Gogra post and PP15 in Hot Springs area. In each of these locations, agreed buffer zones now physically separate the two militaries.</p>

<p>But disengagement remains incomplete as the two armies continue to face each other at Depsang and Demchok even after twenty rounds of Corps Commander-level talks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Donthi points out that while India would like to see the restoration of the pre-April 2020 status quo, "China seems unwilling", leading to an impasse.</p>

<p>"Due to the forward deployment and building of infrastructure by both sides, it might be difficult to demilitarise the border and restore the status quo ante due to the deepening of distrust to a magnitude not seen since the war of 1962. However, due to the high cost of escalation and the fear of a two-front war on both sides, Beijing and New Delhi would rather find a way out of this deadlock," Donthi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 50,000 Indian troops remain stationed along the LAC in the Western sector. In Leh, the administrative capital of India's Ladakh which shares boundary with China&nbsp;in the Western Sector, additional troops have been stationed along with three Indian Army divisions traditionally based there.</p>

<p>China has kept over 50,000 troops close to the western sector of the Line of Actual Control since the 2020 clashes and constructed facilities that allow for up to 120,000 soldiers to stay within 100 km of the LAC.</p>


The mutual distrust between India and China keeps the Line of Actual Control between two Asian powers prone to "sudden flare-ups of violence", with consequences that could reach far beyond the region, a global think tank has concluded in its latest report.

The mutual distrust between India and China keeps the Line of Actual Control between two Asian powers prone to "sudden flare-ups of violence", with consequences that could reach far beyond the region, a global think tank has concluded in its latest report. The report also notes that a return to the times when boundary issue was shelved to let India-China bilateral ties get stronger "seems improbable in the short term". New Delhi and Beijing, however, could begin demarcating the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the middle sector of their de-facto boundary as a confidence-building measure to de-escalate the tensions along the unresolved border between them, International Crisis Group recommended in its report titled 'Thin Ice in the Himalayas: Handling the India-China Border Dispute'. China's LAC incursions tripled since Xi Jinping came to power The number of Chinese incursions into Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) tripled since Xi Jinping took over the corridors of power in 2013, the report points out while citing a dataset from November 2012 to November 2022. Also read | India and China ramp up engagements to prevent escalation during brutal winters But notably, those incursions have been relatively low in "scale and intensity" in the Middle Sector of India-China boundary, which is comprised on Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand states on the Indian side and Tibet in China. "The number of transgressions by the Chinese troops in the last decade has been quite high in the western and eastern sectors compared to the least-disputed middle sector. So, the delineation of the border in the middle sector is the low-hanging fruit that both sides could pursue," Praveen Donthi, Senior India Analyst at International Crisis Group told WION. Why clarification of LAC in Middle Sector is a 'low hanging fruit'? Notably in September 2000, after years of relative peace along the Line of Actual Control, Beijing under President Jiang Zemin and India under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had started the process of clarifying the Line of Actual Control in the backdrop of India's nuclear tests two years prior. Donthi points out that when maps were exchanged between the two Asian powers to share their understanding of the Line of Actual Control, they began with the middle sector despite significant differences over Barahoti region of Uttarakhand. "The number of transgressions by the Chinese troops in the last decade has been quite high in the western and eastern sectors compared to the least-disputed middle sector. So, the delineation of the border in the middle sector is the low-hanging fruit that both sides could pursue," Donthi added. Also watch | Gravitas: Is China's military preparing for an air offensive? Photos of build-up along India's LAC × The progress to clarify the LAC finally came to halt in 2002. Three years later, during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to New Delhi, the two sides agreed to a negotiation process over boundary issues but failed to move forward to the next phase: resolving the dispute. After Galwan incident in June 2020, which led to the first boundary dispute-related deaths in 45 years, India maintains that restoration to pre-April 2020 status quo ante along the Line of Actual Control is integral to normalisation of its ties with Beijing. India insists China must pull back its troops and military facilities to their pre-April 2020 positions in the Western Sector. So far, the two militaries have pulled troops, equipment and weapons systems and torn down structures at Patrol Point 14 in the Galwan Valley on the northern shore of Pangong Lake, PP17A near Gogra post and PP15 in Hot Springs area. In each of these locations, agreed buffer zones now physically separate the two militaries. But disengagement remains incomplete as the two armies continue to face each other at Depsang and Demchok even after twenty rounds of Corps Commander-level talks. Donthi points out that while India would like to see the restoration of the pre-April 2020 status quo, "China seems unwilling", leading to an impasse. "Due to the forward deployment and building of infrastructure by both sides, it might be difficult to demilitarise the border and restore the status quo ante due to the deepening of distrust to a magnitude not seen since the war of 1962. However, due to the high cost of escalation and the fear of a two-front war on both sides, Beijing and New Delhi would rather find a way out of this deadlock," Donthi added. More than 50,000 Indian troops remain stationed along the LAC in the Western sector. In Leh, the administrative capital of India's Ladakh which shares boundary with China in the Western Sector, additional troops have been stationed along with three Indian Army divisions traditionally based there. China has kept over 50,000 troops close to the western sector of the Line of Actual Control since the 2020 clashes and constructed facilities that allow for up to 120,000 soldiers to stay within 100 km of the LAC.

India-China LAC tensions: Despite potential 'sudden flare-ups of violence' this could be a first step to peace

<p>Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) cadre Mohammed Muzamil and his associate Naeemur Rahman were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Punjab province's Sialkot district. According to initial reports, the police in Pakistan's Punjab has branded the incident as an aftermath of a fake land dispute case.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆<br />
Lashkar e Toiba cadre Md. Muzamil and his associate Naeemur Rahman shot dead by Unknown Gunmen at Khokhran chowk, Pasrur tehsil, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sialkot?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sialkot</a>. A third one is ritical. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> police has hushed up the incident under a fake land dispute case. <a href="https://t.co/GLUCjo15SP">pic.twitter.com/GLUCjo15SP</a></p>
— Nepal Correspondence (@NepCorres) <a href="https://twitter.com/NepCorres/status/1724472118803386458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>WION is waiting for more details to emerge and could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. More information will be added soon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) cadre Mohammed Muzamil and his associate Naeemur Rahman were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Punjab province's Sialkot district. According to initial reports, the police in Pakistan's Punjab has branded the incident as an aftermath of a fake land dispute case.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) cadre Mohammed Muzamil and his associate Naeemur Rahman were shot dead by unknown gunmen in Pakistan's Punjab province's Sialkot district. According to initial reports, the police in Pakistan's Punjab has branded the incident as an aftermath of a fake land dispute case. 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 Lashkar e Toiba cadre Md. Muzamil and his associate Naeemur Rahman shot dead by Unknown Gunmen at Khokhran chowk, Pasrur tehsil, #Sialkot. A third one is ritical. #Punjab #Pakistan police has hushed up the incident under a fake land dispute case. pic.twitter.com/GLUCjo15SP — Nepal Correspondence (@NepCorres) November 14, 2023 × WION is waiting for more details to emerge and could not immediately verify the authenticity of the video. More information will be added soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Lashkar-e-Taiba hit hard as another terrorist, aide shot dead in Pakistan's Sialkot

<p>In a startling revelation, it has been reported that a senior Ukrainian military officer, deeply entrenched within the country’s intelligence network, played a pivotal role in the bombing of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a joint investigation by The Washington Post and German publication Der Spiegel, Roman Chervinsky, a decorated 48-year-old colonel with ties to Ukraine’s special operations forces, served as the coordinator for the covert operation, overseeing logistics and support for a six-person team that carried out the attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on September 26, 2022.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Chervinsky's involvement shows a direct connection between Ukraine’s military and security leadership and the act of sabotage that has triggered multiple criminal investigations across Europe and beyond.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-two-ukrainians-blew-up-nord-stream-pipelines-german-media-595393">At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media</a></strong></p>

<p>The bombing, deemed a dangerous attack on Europe’s energy infrastructure by &nbsp;the US and Western officials, resulted in massive leaks and disrupted gas supply links as winter approached.</p>

<p>According to Washington Post, contrary to initial assumptions, Chervinsky did not act independently. He reportedly received orders from higher-ranking Ukrainian officials, ultimately reporting to Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s highest-ranking military officer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nord Stream sabotage</strong></h2>

<p>The Nord Stream attack targeted crucial civilian infrastructure designed to provide energy to millions in Europe.</p>

<p>While Gazprom, the Russian state-owned gas conglomerate, holds the majority stake in Nord Stream, Western energy companies, including those from Germany, France, and the Netherlands, are partners with significant investments in the project. Ukraine had long expressed grievances that Nord Stream would allow Russia to bypass its pipes, depriving Kyiv of substantial transit revenue.</p>

<h2><strong>Chervinsky's reaction</strong></h2>

<p>Chervinsky, through his lawyer, has vehemently denied any involvement in the pipeline sabotage, dismissing the accusations as 'baseless'.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The Nord stream mystery deepens, here's a special report</strong></p>

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<p>"All speculations about my involvement in the attack on Nord Stream are being spread by Russian propaganda without any basis," Chervinsky was quoted as saying by the Washington Post.</p>

<p>He is currently detained on charges of abusing his power in a separate incident. Chervinsky claims his arrest is politically motivated, alleging retribution for criticising President Zelensky and accusing one of his aides of spying for Russia.</p>

<p>Chervinsky’s controversial history includes overseeing a plan in 2020 to lure fighters for Russia’s Wagner mercenary group into Belarus and planning operations to eliminate pro-Russian separatist leaders in Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>


In a startling revelation, it has been reported that a senior Ukrainian military officer, deeply entrenched within the country’s intelligence network, played a pivotal role in the bombing of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines last year.

In a startling revelation, it has been reported that a senior Ukrainian military officer, deeply entrenched within the country’s intelligence network, played a pivotal role in the bombing of the Nord Stream natural gas pipelines last year. According to a joint investigation by The Washington Post and German publication Der Spiegel, Roman Chervinsky, a decorated 48-year-old colonel with ties to Ukraine’s special operations forces, served as the coordinator for the covert operation, overseeing logistics and support for a six-person team that carried out the attack on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on September 26, 2022. What does it mean? Chervinsky's involvement shows a direct connection between Ukraine’s military and security leadership and the act of sabotage that has triggered multiple criminal investigations across Europe and beyond. Also read | At least two Ukrainians blew up Nord Stream pipelines: German media The bombing, deemed a dangerous attack on Europe’s energy infrastructure by the US and Western officials, resulted in massive leaks and disrupted gas supply links as winter approached. According to Washington Post, contrary to initial assumptions, Chervinsky did not act independently. He reportedly received orders from higher-ranking Ukrainian officials, ultimately reporting to Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s highest-ranking military officer. Nord Stream sabotage The Nord Stream attack targeted crucial civilian infrastructure designed to provide energy to millions in Europe. While Gazprom, the Russian state-owned gas conglomerate, holds the majority stake in Nord Stream, Western energy companies, including those from Germany, France, and the Netherlands, are partners with significant investments in the project. Ukraine had long expressed grievances that Nord Stream would allow Russia to bypass its pipes, depriving Kyiv of substantial transit revenue. Chervinsky's reaction Chervinsky, through his lawyer, has vehemently denied any involvement in the pipeline sabotage, dismissing the accusations as 'baseless'. Also watch | The Nord stream mystery deepens, here's a special report × "All speculations about my involvement in the attack on Nord Stream are being spread by Russian propaganda without any basis," Chervinsky was quoted as saying by the Washington Post. He is currently detained on charges of abusing his power in a separate incident. Chervinsky claims his arrest is politically motivated, alleging retribution for criticising President Zelensky and accusing one of his aides of spying for Russia. Chervinsky’s controversial history includes overseeing a plan in 2020 to lure fighters for Russia’s Wagner mercenary group into Belarus and planning operations to eliminate pro-Russian separatist leaders in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage

<p>Our two nostrils operate somewhat independently and possess their own distinct sense of smell, a recent study has claimed. The discovery reflects on the intricacies of the brain and how the sensory information, such as that of smell, is processed by our neural network.</p>

<p>The research has been published in Current Biology.</p>

<h2><strong>What does the study say?</strong></h2>

<p>The research builds upon previous research involving animals and humans, and suggests that our brains might possess the capability to process the input from each nostril separately while also managing to form a cohesive perception of a specific smell.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>To delve deeper into this phenomenon, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, the Barrow Neurological Institute, and Ohio State University collaborated with 10 epilepsy patients who had undergone brain electrode implantation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-nose-knows-exposure-to-certain-fragrances-during-sleep-can-help-your-brain-work-better-says-study-622112">The nose knows: Exposure to certain fragrances during sleep can help your brain work better, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>During the experiments, participants were exposed to three different scents, as well as a control of pure air, either through one nostril, the other, or both simultaneously.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, the subjects identified the smell and specified which nostril they used for detection—left, right, or both—while the researchers recorded brain responses through electrodes.</p>

<p>A number of startling observations emerged from the study.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the same scent was presented to each nostril individually, the resulting brain activity showed similar but not identical patterns, indicating a degree of independence.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;New research reveals that rats have the ability to imagine</strong></p>

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<p>Moreover, simultaneous exposure to scents through both nostrils produced two distinct bursts of brain activity, suggesting that nostrils may not always operate in sync with each other</p>

<p>The study also revealed that utilising both nostrils enhanced the identification of odours, and the process occurred more rapidly, implying the advantageous nature of two nostrils, akin to the benefits of having two eyes or ears.</p>

<p>The piriform cortex (PC) brain region is responsible for processing the sense of smell.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>As various senses are interconnected in terms of processing by our body's neural network, the meaning of these findings extend beyond the sense of smell, marking a new beginning towards curious horizons of the&nbsp;sensory processing in the brain.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Our two nostrils operate somewhat independently and possess their own distinct sense of smell, a recent study has claimed. The discovery reflects on the intricacies of the brain and how the sensory information, such as that of smell, is processed by our neural network.

Our two nostrils operate somewhat independently and possess their own distinct sense of smell, a recent study has claimed. The discovery reflects on the intricacies of the brain and how the sensory information, such as that of smell, is processed by our neural network. The research has been published in Current Biology. What does the study say? The research builds upon previous research involving animals and humans, and suggests that our brains might possess the capability to process the input from each nostril separately while also managing to form a cohesive perception of a specific smell. How the study was conducted? To delve deeper into this phenomenon, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, the Barrow Neurological Institute, and Ohio State University collaborated with 10 epilepsy patients who had undergone brain electrode implantation. Also read | The nose knows: Exposure to certain fragrances during sleep can help your brain work better, says study During the experiments, participants were exposed to three different scents, as well as a control of pure air, either through one nostril, the other, or both simultaneously. Subsequently, the subjects identified the smell and specified which nostril they used for detection—left, right, or both—while the researchers recorded brain responses through electrodes. A number of startling observations emerged from the study. When the same scent was presented to each nostril individually, the resulting brain activity showed similar but not identical patterns, indicating a degree of independence. Also watch | New research reveals that rats have the ability to imagine × Moreover, simultaneous exposure to scents through both nostrils produced two distinct bursts of brain activity, suggesting that nostrils may not always operate in sync with each other The study also revealed that utilising both nostrils enhanced the identification of odours, and the process occurred more rapidly, implying the advantageous nature of two nostrils, akin to the benefits of having two eyes or ears. The piriform cortex (PC) brain region is responsible for processing the sense of smell. What is the bottom line? As various senses are interconnected in terms of processing by our body's neural network, the meaning of these findings extend beyond the sense of smell, marking a new beginning towards curious horizons of the sensory processing in the brain. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists explain why humans have two nostrils and not just one

<p>When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket.</p>

<p>But the current Cricket World Cup season is different.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup.</p>

<p><img alt="Delhi Arun Jaitley Stadium spectators during Afg Vs Eng match | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b45d79f6-f1ee-4bd9-a1e7-f7a85268400e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T175532.201.png" /></p>

<p><em>A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's&nbsp;definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.<img alt="Ajay Jadeja being given handcrafted Afghan Carpet and Authentic Afghan Saffron by Afghanistan | X/@ACBOfficials" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55b064c9-4e1c-4a49-a722-d89bee32da77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T174103.061.png" /><em>Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with&nbsp;handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023&nbsp;| X/@ACBOfficials</em></p>

<h2><strong>Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes</strong></h2>

<p>Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores.</p>

<h2><strong>Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression</strong></h2>

<p>During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Afghan women's rights</a> under Taliban rule, I came in touch with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">a number of brave Afghan women</a> who continue to defy the regime in different ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team.</p>

<p>When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This time, more fireworks rose in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="28135807-3592-4747-b142-f5ce24434903" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T172556.254.png" /></p>

<p><em>Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION</em></p>

<p>"It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added.<img alt="Afghanistan cricket team greets spectators at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium on Oct 23, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b0a0524e-ff7b-41f6-989c-f1088e9830ed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173020.483.png" /></p>

<p><em>Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan&nbsp;during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory.<img alt="Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="94ac7895-91d7-4faf-92d5-effbd0c5a4fd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-11-13T173639.264.png" /> <em>Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP</em></p>

<p>That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">a former law student</a> forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>


When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage.

When journalists watch sports, they are not safe from 'homerism', a journalism term used to define the practice of projecting a larger-than-life image of a home team during news coverage. One of the principles of sports journalism, we were told back at the University of Delhi, is to stay away from homerism as much as possible. Honest admission: Unlike my colleagues who cover sports, I cannot stay away from homerism. But then I do not cover sports. So there comes the liberty to be absolutely emotional and be personally invested in a game of cricket. But the current Cricket World Cup season is different. India is not the only team whose games are being watched with towering joy and optimism for their fiercely dominant wins. It has been Afghanistan's games as well that Indians have cheered on with as much enthusiasm as their home team this World Cup. A kid holds Afghanistan's flag now banned by Taliban alongside another kid wearing Indian cricket team's blue jersey at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium during Afghanistan's match against England on Oct 15, 2023 | AFP This is not just because India is 'home' to Afghan cricket due to country's cricket board's definitive support. But also because as the World Cup hosts, Indians saw Afghans as friends who matter especially against a shared foe such as Pakistan. Add to this the fact that Indian veteran cricketer Ajay Jadeja is the mentor of the Afghan side, and you get the picture.Indian cricket veteran Ajay Jadeja being conferred with handcrafted Afghan carpet and authentic Afghan Saffron alongside Sachin Tendulkar prior to Afghanistan's clash with Australia in Mumbai on Nov 7, 2023 | X/@ACBOfficials Afghan Cricket's rise from the ashes Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz used to be a cattle farmer till as recently as five years ago. Fazalhaq Farooqi, the left arm fast bowler, laboured building mud walls to buy his first professional cricket bat. Both Rashid Khan — the right arm leg spinner and Afghanistan cricket team's captain in T20I format — and the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi were once refugees in Pakistan. Having risen from the ashes of the hardships of their homeland, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's men managed to bring tearful joy to millions of their fellow Afghans living inside a nation ruled by repressive Taliban regime, as well as refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in foreign shores. Cricket's joy amid Taliban's repression During the course of last year, while reporting on discourse related to Afghan women's rights under Taliban rule, I came in touch with a number of brave Afghan women who continue to defy the regime in different ways. Every now and then, I reach out to them to report on Taliban's regressive decrees. But this World Cup season, we discussed cricket. Not during all the matches. But a flow of mutual congratulations remained constant every time India or Afghanistan won a match. A lot of times, while glued to TV screens and smartphones, we updated each other on unfavourable turns of the game for the team of the day. Throughout, we cheered for each other. Every time Afghanistan played a game under the flag now banned by Taliban, the mood inside Afghan drawing rooms was festive, they told me. Even Taliban officials blocked their calendars for the duration of Afghanistan's cricket contests. Contrast this with the worries expressed by the cricketers themselves as soon as Taliban took over Kabul two years ago, about the future of the game and the team. When Afghanistan beat England by 69 runs on October 15, fireworks erupted in the skies of Afghan capital Kabul. A week later on October 23, when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by eight wickets, Kabul was euphoric. This time, more fireworks rose in the air. Kabul's skyline on the night on October 23 when Afghanistan beat Pakistan by 8 wickets | WION "It was like Eid for us," Samim, 27, an Afghan studying Sociology in Austria, said while reflecting on the scenes of celebration back home in Jalalabad. "There were celebrations, there were parties. It was one of the rarest moments in our history when the whole nation was happy," Samim added. Afghanistan's players greet spectators after their 8-wicket win against Pakistan during 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup one-day international (ODI) match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 23, 2023 | AFP Admittedly, there were premature celebrations when Australia was 92-7 while chasing the massive target of 292 runs set by Afghanistan on November 7 in Mumbai's Wankhede stadium. That evening, the world witnessed one of the greatest batting performances of all time as Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 runs off just 128 balls, and single-handedly guided Australia to an improbable victory. Australia's Glenn Maxwell scored an unbeaten 201 run-innings against Afghanistan on November 7 | AFP That same evening, like millions of her fellow citizens, Zareena (name changed), a former law student forced to take a nursing course near Kabul — the only education women are allowed to have in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan — shed a few tears. But hardened by Taliban's regime that has turned her life upside down because she is born female, this was not a loss that could break her heart. Even in that loss, Afghanistan established their rise on the cricketing stage. The deserving consolation is their qualification in the Champions Trophy 2025. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

How 2023 Cricket World Cup became an Eid-like festival in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan

<p>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi may face arrest months after her husband and the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party was put behind bars after conviction in a corruption case and sentenced to three years in prison. The development comes ahead of gradually increasing decibels over election campaign towards National Elections scheduled for February 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bushra Bibi's potential arrest: What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports in the Pakistani media, Pakistan government's anti-corruption wing,&nbsp;National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and her close friend Farhat Shehzadi for questioning in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.</p>

<p>Bushra has been reportedly called for questioning in the case on Monday, Nov 13.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Al-Qadir Trust case about?</strong></h2>

<p>Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife are accused of obtaining billions of rupees and hundreds of kanals of land for legalising 50 billion Pakistani Rupees. This amount was purportedly identified and returned to Pakistan by the United Kingdom during Imran Khan's prime ministerial tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-islamabads-game-of-thrones-stacked-against-imran-khan-641534">The Capitals: Islamabad's game of thrones stacked against Imran Khan</a></strong></p>

<p>Bushra Bibi has been accused to transferring money from the Al-Qadir Trust row to the members of her extended family. Reports in Pakistani media claim that Bushra Bibi allegedly put 14 billion rupees in over 100 bank accounts across Pakistan and West Asia.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>According to sources cited by Pakistan's <em>The News International</em> publication, the National Accountability Bureau has received some new information that, if verified, will turn the 49-year-old from a "witness" to an "accused" and might get her arrested.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacts with WION</strong></p>

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<p>Besides, Imran Khan himself is facing a number of legal cases, including incitement to violence and terrorism and a myriad of corruption charges. The charges were levelled shortly after Imran Khan was ousted from power following a no-confidence-vote in Pakistan's National Assembly in April 2022.<br />
<br />
Islamabad's corridors of power dominated by the country's powerful army-intelligence nexus dubbed as the establishment then propped up Shehbaz Sharif as the country's prime minister. Brother of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz made way for caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on August 14, 2023.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi may face arrest months after her husband and the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party was put behind bars after conviction in a corruption case and sentenced to three years in prison.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi may face arrest months after her husband and the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party was put behind bars after conviction in a corruption case and sentenced to three years in prison. The development comes ahead of gradually increasing decibels over election campaign towards National Elections scheduled for February 2024. Bushra Bibi's potential arrest: What happened? According to reports in the Pakistani media, Pakistan government's anti-corruption wing, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi and her close friend Farhat Shehzadi for questioning in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. Bushra has been reportedly called for questioning in the case on Monday, Nov 13. What is Al-Qadir Trust case about? Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife are accused of obtaining billions of rupees and hundreds of kanals of land for legalising 50 billion Pakistani Rupees. This amount was purportedly identified and returned to Pakistan by the United Kingdom during Imran Khan's prime ministerial tenure. Also read | The Capitals: Islamabad's game of thrones stacked against Imran Khan Bushra Bibi has been accused to transferring money from the Al-Qadir Trust row to the members of her extended family. Reports in Pakistani media claim that Bushra Bibi allegedly put 14 billion rupees in over 100 bank accounts across Pakistan and West Asia. What does it mean? According to sources cited by Pakistan's The News International publication, the National Accountability Bureau has received some new information that, if verified, will turn the 49-year-old from a "witness" to an "accused" and might get her arrested. Also watch | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan interacts with WION × Besides, Imran Khan himself is facing a number of legal cases, including incitement to violence and terrorism and a myriad of corruption charges. The charges were levelled shortly after Imran Khan was ousted from power following a no-confidence-vote in Pakistan's National Assembly in April 2022. Islamabad's corridors of power dominated by the country's powerful army-intelligence nexus dubbed as the establishment then propped up Shehbaz Sharif as the country's prime minister. Brother of former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz made way for caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on August 14, 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Bushra bibi, former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's wife, may face arrest: Report

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