<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-is-a-success-a-soft-landing-for-vikram-lander-a-giant-leap-for-indias-space-odyssey-628404">The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission</a> not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming&nbsp;the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-chinese-scientist-disputes-indias-chandrayaan-3-landing-on-moons-south-pole-640439">claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole</a>, and questioned the achievements of the mission.</p>

<p>Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How India-China space race is heating up?</strong></h2>

<p>Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to an Ernst &amp; Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies.</p>

<p>Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington,&nbsp;both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers.</p>

<p>India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has&nbsp;antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West.</p>

<p>"If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg.&nbsp;</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>"China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said.</p>

<p>Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy.</p>

<p>"Politically, India is in a much better place," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-air-force-shares-first-look-of-indias-isro-gaganyaan-astronauts-642235">A recent video shared by Indian Air Force</a> led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January.</p>

<h2><strong>What else is working for India?</strong></h2>

<p>For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology.</p>

<p>At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-poverty-is-showing-up-at-mexico-us-border-in-the-form-of-thousands-of-chinese-migrants-642051">post-Covid China</a> led by Xi Jinping.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing.</p>

<p>Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-india-and-china-compare-in-space-capabilities-veteran-aerospace-expert-shares-analysis-489127">How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis</a></strong></p>

<p>The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion.</p>

<p>India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches.</p>

<p>"There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia."</p>

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The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing.

The soft-landing of the Vikram lander of India's Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission not just gave the world's most populous nation the distinction of becoming the first nation to land near Moon's south pole, it also set the dice of space rivalry rolling in China National Space Administration's headquarters in Beijing. While going to sleep on the lunar surface, the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover have revitalised Chinese ambitions to further the gap between itself and a fast growing Indian space programme. Chinese scientist Ouyang Ziyuan, lauded as the father of China’s lunar exploration programme, earlier this week claimed the Chandrayaan-3 landing site is nowhere close to the pole, and questioned the achievements of the mission. Ziyuan claimed that "the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is not at the lunar south pole, not in the lunar south pole region, nor is it near the lunar south pole region." But Chandrayaan-3 went much further south than any other lunar mission in the past, it has been established. How India-China space race is heating up? Let's start with basic data and where the demand is stemming from. According to an Ernst & Young projection, in the next two years, the space economy will grow to $600 billion from $447 billion in 2020. Meanwhile, the demand for high-speed internet (sourced from satellites) has resulted in launch of private satellites as a prosperous revenue-making exercise for space enterprises and agencies. Elon Musk's SpaceX is a serious player in the private satellite launch space, alongside the state-owned space agencies of Russia and China. But due to war in Ukraine and Beijing’s trade tensions with Washington, both Moscow and Beijing are now off limits to many would-be customers. India is turning out to be the safest choice for private satellite launches amid ongoing geopolitical tumult that has antagonised Beijing and Moscow in the West. "If SpaceX is full, busy or expensive, you have to look elsewhere – and you can’t look at China," Dallas Kasaboski, principal analyst with Northern Sky Research, a space research and consulting firm was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. Also read | How the money is influencing a new space race with India’s boom and Russia’s crunch "China can’t work with North America and the US drives the majority of demand," Kasaboski said. Besides, India's space sector is currently riding on the success of its showpiece event of the twenty-first century so far; a soft-landing near Moon's south pole. The country has established its footprint where nobody else has gone before, following which, the profile of Indian Space Research Organisation expanded its influence beyond the length and breadth of the world's fifth biggest economy. "Politically, India is in a much better place," he said. Meanwhile, India is also gearing up for its ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for 2024. A recent video shared by Indian Air Force led to speculations if the personnel shown were the country's coveted astronauts, throwing open another wave of optimism on social media across India. ISRO's space expedition to study the Sun with Aditya L-1 is already on track to reach its destination at Lagrange Point 1 in the first week of January. What else is working for India? For many satellite operators in the West, often, the Chinese rockets are not deemed good options amid concerns related to Beijing gaining access to Western technology. At the same time, if the reports in public domain are to go by, Indian private space companies are doing exceedingly well, whereas China's iSpace, which was incorporated in 2016 often and touted as Asia's first private space company, is struggling due to a number of factors that have impacted post-Covid China led by Xi Jinping. Also watch | China's Tiangong space station faces equipment delay from India × At the same time, the country's launches also cost less than SpaceX, Moscow and Beijing. Besides, developing India's space sector remains on top of the agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "Make in India" campaign, which aims to position India as a top destination for technological innovation. In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government eased rules for private sector satellite and rocket companies and allowed them to carry out independent space activities instead of being solely the suppliers to ISRO. Also read | How India and China compare in space capabilities, veteran aerospace expert shares analysis The reforms meant that startups can also access ISRO’s facilities, such as launchpads and laboratories. By 2025, the value of India’s satellite launch services, according to a Bloomberg report, could almost double to $1 billion. India also remains a popular choice for cost-efficient launches. "There aren’t many players that have a large-capacity launch vehicle that’s cheap," Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics, which is operated by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "And that’s not China or Russia." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How success of India's Chandrayaan-3 is fuelling Delhi-Beijing space race

<p>Kazakhstan has unveiled an&nbsp;initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Kazakh is the official language of this former Soviet republic in Central Asia, Russian is also recognised and widely spoken among its approximately 20 million residents.</p>

<p>Culture Minister Aida Balayeva revealed that the proposed media law outlines a shift to increase the presence of the state language in television and radio content from 50 per cent to 70 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-to-hold-referendum-on-construction-of-first-ever-nuclear-plant-631755">Kazakhstan to hold referendum on construction of first-ever nuclear plant</a></strong></p>

<p>The legislation is currently under discussion among lawmakers and is expected to gain approval from the parliament, which is perceived as loyal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.</p>

<p>The Kazakh culture minister further explained that this transition will occur gradually, with a 5 per cent annual increase starting in 2025, in line with government efforts to promote the Kazakh language since the Soviet Union's dissolution three decades ago.</p>

<p>Despite a significant ethnic Russian population of about 15 per cent, Kazakhstan maintains strong political, economic, and military ties with Moscow due to their shared border.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism &amp; disorder charges for protests</strong></p>

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<p>However, Kazakhstan has also been actively strengthening relationships with Western nations and China, particularly since the beginning of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Kazakhstan's neighbouring country, Kyrgyzstan, where the Russian language holds official status, similar legislation was passed earlier this year, mandating fluency in Kyrgyz for civil servants and requiring 60 per cent of the media content to be produced in the local language.</p>

<p>In other former Soviet Central Asian countries — the Stans — such as Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Russian language lacks official status but is still commonly used by residents and officials.</p>

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Kazakhstan has unveiled an initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Kazakhstan has unveiled an initiative to prioritise the use of the Kazakh language over Russian in its media, amid increasing concerns over Moscow's influence in the former Soviet Republic since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022. While Kazakh is the official language of this former Soviet republic in Central Asia, Russian is also recognised and widely spoken among its approximately 20 million residents. Culture Minister Aida Balayeva revealed that the proposed media law outlines a shift to increase the presence of the state language in television and radio content from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. Also read | Kazakhstan to hold referendum on construction of first-ever nuclear plant The legislation is currently under discussion among lawmakers and is expected to gain approval from the parliament, which is perceived as loyal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Kazakh culture minister further explained that this transition will occur gradually, with a 5 per cent annual increase starting in 2025, in line with government efforts to promote the Kazakh language since the Soviet Union's dissolution three decades ago. Despite a significant ethnic Russian population of about 15 per cent, Kazakhstan maintains strong political, economic, and military ties with Moscow due to their shared border. Also watch | Kazakhstan is holding more than 460 people on terrorism & disorder charges for protests × However, Kazakhstan has also been actively strengthening relationships with Western nations and China, particularly since the beginning of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine. In Kazakhstan's neighbouring country, Kyrgyzstan, where the Russian language holds official status, similar legislation was passed earlier this year, mandating fluency in Kyrgyz for civil servants and requiring 60 per cent of the media content to be produced in the local language. In other former Soviet Central Asian countries — the Stans — such as Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Russian language lacks official status but is still commonly used by residents and officials. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow losing influence in Central Asia? After Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan mulls limiting use of Russian language

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis."</p>

<p>In a joint op-ed published in The Times, these leaders, who represent Brothers of Italy and the UK's Conservative Party respectively, affirmed their collaborative efforts to prevent the entry of thousands of migrants into Europe through Italy and their onward journey to the UK.</p>

<h2><strong>'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today'</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak and Meloni expressed their pride in the shared leadership of Italy and the UK, highlighting the alignment of their perspectives and goals across various areas, positioning both nations as close allies in Europe.</p>

<p>"We are proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together, because in this, and many other areas, our perspectives and our goals are the same. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today," the two leaders wrote in The Times.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK PM Rishi Sunak and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni call for tougher EU action on migration</strong></p>

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<p>Sunak and Meloni characterised migration as a "moral," "humanitarian," and "European crisis" which they said has already claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals this year alone. The two leaders stressed the immediate need for action and underscored their commitment to seeking comprehensive, enduring solutions to address the world's most pressing global challenges.</p>

<p>This op-ed follows the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, held on Thursday, where discussions, or the lack thereof, concerning migration led to tensions between Madrid, London and Rome.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Failing to persuade Spain to prioritise migration on the main agenda, Sunak organised a meeting on the summit's sidelines with Italy, the Netherlands, France, Albania, and the European Commission, resulting in the agreement on an "eight-point plan" aimed at addressing the migration issue.</p>

<p>"Together, the UK and Italy are seeking serious, long-term solutions to the greatest global challenges we face. That’s why we will be putting the focus on illegal migration at today’s summit, and why we’re determined to do whatever it takes to stop the criminal gangs, to end this moral and humanitarian crisis once and for all and to restore legality in migration," they wrote.</p>

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her British counterpart, Rishi Sunak, jointly issued a call to address undocumented migration, and asked other European nations to match the sense of urgency purportedly demonstrated by London and Rome tackling what they describe as a "moral and humanitarian crisis." In a joint op-ed published in The Times, these leaders, who represent Brothers of Italy and the UK's Conservative Party respectively, affirmed their collaborative efforts to prevent the entry of thousands of migrants into Europe through Italy and their onward journey to the UK. 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today' Sunak and Meloni expressed their pride in the shared leadership of Italy and the UK, highlighting the alignment of their perspectives and goals across various areas, positioning both nations as close allies in Europe. "We are proud that Italy and the UK are leading on this together, because in this, and many other areas, our perspectives and our goals are the same. In fact, we are two of the closest friends in Europe today," the two leaders wrote in The Times. Also watch | UK PM Rishi Sunak and Italy PM Giorgia Meloni call for tougher EU action on migration × Sunak and Meloni characterised migration as a "moral," "humanitarian," and "European crisis" which they said has already claimed the lives of over 2,000 individuals this year alone. The two leaders stressed the immediate need for action and underscored their commitment to seeking comprehensive, enduring solutions to address the world's most pressing global challenges. This op-ed follows the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, held on Thursday, where discussions, or the lack thereof, concerning migration led to tensions between Madrid, London and Rome. Failing to persuade Spain to prioritise migration on the main agenda, Sunak organised a meeting on the summit's sidelines with Italy, the Netherlands, France, Albania, and the European Commission, resulting in the agreement on an "eight-point plan" aimed at addressing the migration issue. "Together, the UK and Italy are seeking serious, long-term solutions to the greatest global challenges we face. That’s why we will be putting the focus on illegal migration at today’s summit, and why we’re determined to do whatever it takes to stop the criminal gangs, to end this moral and humanitarian crisis once and for all and to restore legality in migration," they wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rishi Sunak and Giorgia Meloni: 'We are two of the closest friends in Europe today'

<p>The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in Iran for her criticism of the country's regime twenty-five years ago in 1998.</p>

<p>Mohammadi's name became synonymous with the battle for human rights in Iran, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahsa-al-aminis-death-one-year-on-top-points-636479">West Asia's first feminist uprising</a> broke out last year following the death of Mahsa Amini whilst in the custody of the country's notorious morality police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-human-rights-activist-narges-mohammadi-gets-nobel-peace-prize-643284">Nobel Peace Prize 2023 goes to Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi</a></strong></p>

<p>In awarding the prize to Mohammadi, the Nobel Committee said it "recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who in the preceding year have demonstrated against the theocratic regimes’ policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women."</p>

<p>Mohammadi is currently spending her 13th spell in an Iranian jail.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in Iranian morality police’s custody, triggering political demonstrations against Iran’s regime.<br />
<br />
The motto adopted by the demonstrators – “Woman – Life – Freedom” – suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi. <a href="https://t.co/rAGzcaqmWy">pic.twitter.com/rAGzcaqmWy</a></p>
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1710219088532795883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In May 2016, she was sentenced in Tehran to 16 years in prison for her role in running "a human rights movement that campaigns for the abolition of death penalty".</p>

<p>While imprisoned at Tehran's&nbsp;Evin prison, the 51-year-old mother of two became the 2023 Nobel peace laureate "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all" on October 6.</p>

<p>The Norwegian Nobel Committee described Mohammadi's struggle for human rights in Iran as an uphill battle that has "come with tremendous personal costs".</p>

<p>"This is a mother who has spent more time in the notorious Evin prison than with her two children and husband," Ali Vaez, Director of Iran Project and Senior Adviser to the President of Crisis Group told WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Located in the Evin neighbourhood of the Iranian capital&nbsp;Tehran, the facility has been the primary site for imprisoning Iran's political prisoners since 1972, before and after the Islamic Revolution.</p>

<p><img alt="Evin Prison's main entrance in 2008 | Wikimedia Commons" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eff4e754-4487-4a2f-a4c4-9642f2f95c69" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-06T203359.444.png" /></p>

<p><em>Evin Prison's main entrance in 2008 | Wikimedia Commons</em></p>

<p>Tehran has been accused of keeping the Evin Prison as a&nbsp;site of "serious human rights abuses" against political dissidents and critics of the regime.</p>

<p>"Narges' persistence to pursue her principled fight for women's rights in Iran in the face of formidable pressure is truly remarkable. She is the one Iranian activist who no one can blame for any missteps in her long and remarkable career," added Vaez.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Narges Mohammadi as Nobel laureate: Implications for Tehran's regime</strong></h2>

<p>Narges Mohammedi had been the vice president of Defenders of Human Rights Center, which remains shut down since December 2008 after being banned by Tehran. The rights organisation was headed by 2003 Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi.&nbsp;<img alt="Shirin Ebadi won Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4642b5c-730e-4fb2-a387-c04c0cee3eb7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-06T204027.901.png" /></p>

<p><em>Shirin Ebadi won Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Ebadi, who has lived in exile in London since 2009, was the first Muslim woman and the first Iranian to receive the award.</p>

<p>While the recognition of Narges' struggles for women's rights with the coveted Nobel increases the political cost of repression for the Iranian regime, it is unlikely to dissuade Tehran from pursuing what amounts to gender apartheid, Vaez said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Another Iranian woman won the Nobel prize 20 years ago but the regime remains unchanged and unreformed," Vaez added, while referring to Ebadi winning Nobel Peace Prize in 2003.</p>

<p>"The prize is, however, bound to energise Iranian women to continue their fight for their rights and dignity," said Vaez.</p>

<p>Iranian women experience discrimination in law and in practice particularly in relation to marriage, divorce and custody issues.</p>

<p>Post-1979 compulsory hijab laws affect virtually every aspect of women’s public life in Iran. Women's access to&nbsp;employment, education, social benefits and proper health care&nbsp;depends on complying with compulsory hijab laws, which are routinely enforced through a web of rules and arbitrary interpretation by state agents, such as the morality police.</p>

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The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in Iran for her criticism of the country's regime twenty-five years ago in 1998.

The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was arrested for the first time in Iran for her criticism of the country's regime twenty-five years ago in 1998. Mohammadi's name became synonymous with the battle for human rights in Iran, where West Asia's first feminist uprising broke out last year following the death of Mahsa Amini whilst in the custody of the country's notorious morality police. Also read | Nobel Peace Prize 2023 goes to Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi In awarding the prize to Mohammadi, the Nobel Committee said it "recognises the hundreds of thousands of people who in the preceding year have demonstrated against the theocratic regimes’ policies of discrimination and oppression targeting women." Mohammadi is currently spending her 13th spell in an Iranian jail. In September 2022, Mahsa Jina Amini was killed in Iranian morality police’s custody, triggering political demonstrations against Iran’s regime. The motto adopted by the demonstrators – “Woman – Life – Freedom” – suitably expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi. pic.twitter.com/rAGzcaqmWy — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 6, 2023 × In May 2016, she was sentenced in Tehran to 16 years in prison for her role in running "a human rights movement that campaigns for the abolition of death penalty". While imprisoned at Tehran's Evin prison, the 51-year-old mother of two became the 2023 Nobel peace laureate "for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all" on October 6. The Norwegian Nobel Committee described Mohammadi's struggle for human rights in Iran as an uphill battle that has "come with tremendous personal costs". "This is a mother who has spent more time in the notorious Evin prison than with her two children and husband," Ali Vaez, Director of Iran Project and Senior Adviser to the President of Crisis Group told WION. Located in the Evin neighbourhood of the Iranian capital Tehran, the facility has been the primary site for imprisoning Iran's political prisoners since 1972, before and after the Islamic Revolution. Evin Prison's main entrance in 2008 | Wikimedia Commons Tehran has been accused of keeping the Evin Prison as a site of "serious human rights abuses" against political dissidents and critics of the regime. "Narges' persistence to pursue her principled fight for women's rights in Iran in the face of formidable pressure is truly remarkable. She is the one Iranian activist who no one can blame for any missteps in her long and remarkable career," added Vaez. Narges Mohammadi as Nobel laureate: Implications for Tehran's regime Narges Mohammedi had been the vice president of Defenders of Human Rights Center, which remains shut down since December 2008 after being banned by Tehran. The rights organisation was headed by 2003 Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi. Shirin Ebadi won Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 | AFP Ebadi, who has lived in exile in London since 2009, was the first Muslim woman and the first Iranian to receive the award. While the recognition of Narges' struggles for women's rights with the coveted Nobel increases the political cost of repression for the Iranian regime, it is unlikely to dissuade Tehran from pursuing what amounts to gender apartheid, Vaez said. "Another Iranian woman won the Nobel prize 20 years ago but the regime remains unchanged and unreformed," Vaez added, while referring to Ebadi winning Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. "The prize is, however, bound to energise Iranian women to continue their fight for their rights and dignity," said Vaez. Iranian women experience discrimination in law and in practice particularly in relation to marriage, divorce and custody issues. Post-1979 compulsory hijab laws affect virtually every aspect of women’s public life in Iran. Women's access to employment, education, social benefits and proper health care depends on complying with compulsory hijab laws, which are routinely enforced through a web of rules and arbitrary interpretation by state agents, such as the morality police. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Women, Life, Freedom — Will Nobel Peace Prize to Iran's Narges Mohammadi energise struggle for women's rights?

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<p>The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a number of proposals on Wednesday (Oct 4) at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester ranging from raising the smoking age by one year every year to lifetime imprisonment for sadistic sexual crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most significant points emerged to be the full-life terms for "sexual and sadistic murders". The British PM described some crimes as "so heinous," that those who commit these crimes should spend the rest of their lives in prison.</p>

<p>"So I can confirm that we will legislate for sexual and sadistic murderers to carry a full life term with no prospect of release," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Man is a man and a woman is a woman'</strong></p>

<p>Sunak further said it should not be "controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships."</p>

<p>"We shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be, they can't. A man is a man and a woman is a woman, that's just common sense," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The annual Tory conference is akin to the National Executive meets conducted annually in India by the country's principal political parties; Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-believed-narayana-murthy-was-helping-rishi-sunak-to-become-uk-pm-reveals-new-book-636519">Boris Johnson 'believed' Narayana Murthy was helping Rishi Sunak to become UK PM, claims new book</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>'Smoke free generation'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Calling for a "smoke free generation", Sunak said that his government plans to raise the smoking age in the United Kingdom by one year every year. This implies that tobacco will never be legally sold to children aged 14 or less.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So I propose that in future we raise the smoking age by one year every year, that means a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they and their generation can grow up smoke-free," Sunak said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak faces pressure over tax cuts, HS2 rail link</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Small boat crossings are 'the evil': Rishi Sunak</strong></h2>

<p>Referring to the issue of illegal migration, which routinely occurs why English Channel crossings via small boats, the British Prime Minister said that his government's policies are focused to curb such forms of entries into the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>"It is non-negotiable that you, the British people, decide who comes here and not criminal gangs," he said, adding that they have a moral obligation to defeat "this evil, and we will."</p>

<p>Small boat crossings are for the first time down 20 per cent this year, he noted.</p>

<p>"Entry into Europe is up. We are by no means where we want to be but don't let anyone tell you we aren't making progress. We are and we will get there."</p>

<p>Touching on the controversial Rwanda plan – sending illegal migrants to third countries – Sunak backed the plan, saying it will bring a decline in English Channel crossings.</p>

<p>"Now I'm confident that once flights start going regularly to Rwanda, the boats will stop coming."</p>

<p>According to official data, a record 45,756 migrants crossed the Channel to the UK in 2022. &nbsp;</p>

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The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a number of proposals on Wednesday (Oct 4) at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester ranging from raising the smoking age by one year every year to lifetime imprisonment for sadistic sexual crimes.

The British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a number of proposals on Wednesday (Oct 4) at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester ranging from raising the smoking age by one year every year to lifetime imprisonment for sadistic sexual crimes. One of the most significant points emerged to be the full-life terms for "sexual and sadistic murders". The British PM described some crimes as "so heinous," that those who commit these crimes should spend the rest of their lives in prison. "So I can confirm that we will legislate for sexual and sadistic murderers to carry a full life term with no prospect of release," he added. 'Man is a man and a woman is a woman' Sunak further said it should not be "controversial for parents to know what their children are being taught in school about relationships." "We shouldn't get bullied into believing that people can be any sex they want to be, they can't. A man is a man and a woman is a woman, that's just common sense," he said. The annual Tory conference is akin to the National Executive meets conducted annually in India by the country's principal political parties; Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress. Also read | Boris Johnson 'believed' Narayana Murthy was helping Rishi Sunak to become UK PM, claims new book 'Smoke free generation' Calling for a "smoke free generation", Sunak said that his government plans to raise the smoking age in the United Kingdom by one year every year. This implies that tobacco will never be legally sold to children aged 14 or less. "So I propose that in future we raise the smoking age by one year every year, that means a 14-year-old today will never legally be sold a cigarette and that they and their generation can grow up smoke-free," Sunak said. Also watch | UK: PM Rishi Sunak faces pressure over tax cuts, HS2 rail link × Small boat crossings are 'the evil': Rishi Sunak Referring to the issue of illegal migration, which routinely occurs why English Channel crossings via small boats, the British Prime Minister said that his government's policies are focused to curb such forms of entries into the United Kingdom. "It is non-negotiable that you, the British people, decide who comes here and not criminal gangs," he said, adding that they have a moral obligation to defeat "this evil, and we will." Small boat crossings are for the first time down 20 per cent this year, he noted. "Entry into Europe is up. We are by no means where we want to be but don't let anyone tell you we aren't making progress. We are and we will get there." Touching on the controversial Rwanda plan – sending illegal migrants to third countries – Sunak backed the plan, saying it will bring a decline in English Channel crossings. "Now I'm confident that once flights start going regularly to Rwanda, the boats will stop coming." According to official data, a record 45,756 migrants crossed the Channel to the UK in 2022. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rishi Sunak announces jail without parole for sadistic sexual crimes

<p>The Taliban government of Afghanistan slammed Pakistan's purported plan to expel "foreigners" Islamabad had said were illegally living in the country, and asked its neighbour to reconsider its decision.</p>

<p>The Taliban interim administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also rejected the allegations that Afghans are involved in terror activities in Pakistan.</p>

<p>“The behaviour of Pakistan against Afghan refugees is unacceptable. The Pakistani side should reconsider its plan. Afghan refugees are not involved in Pakistan's security problems. As long as they leave Pakistan voluntarily, that country should tolerate them," Mujahid said on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan's emphasis on 'illegal immigrants'</strong></h2>

<p>Pakistan has announced a one-month ultimatum for all the "illegal immigrants" to leave the country.</p>

<p>Addressing a news conference in the capital Islamabad, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government is giving a deadline to all foreigners living illegally to leave the country by November 1.</p>

<p>After the deadline, he said, all the illegal immigrants will be deported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/to-coup-or-not-coup-pakistan-armys-options-after-imran-khans-mini-intifada-592986">To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada'</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Balochistan caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said that after the deadline ends, the government will confiscate the properties and businesses of illegal foreigners.</p>

<p>State-run Associated Press of Pakistan earlier reported that out of a total of 1.1 million foreigners who are posing a serious threat to national security, all illegal residents will be expelled from the country in the first phase.</p>

<p>In the second phase, those with Afghan citizenship and in the third phase, those with proof of residence cards will be evicted.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan orders illegal Afghan nationals to leave country; November 1 given as deadline | WION Pulse</strong></p>

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<p>A plan for eviction of "illegally residing" Afghan refugees has also been approved “as the lot is involved in funding, facilitating and smuggling terrorists whereas 700,000 Afghans have not renewed their proof of residence in Pakistan.”</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan's plan to expel Afghan refugees: Reading between the lines</strong></h2>

<p>It is pertinent to note that Afghan refugees in Pakistan began arriving through its porous border after Islamabad's tactical and logistical support for Washington's proxy war against Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which ended up bolstering Taliban.</p>

<p>After 9/11 attack, the US invasion of Afghanistan led to more number of Afghan refugees into Pakistan. This time, Pakistan chose to directly assist the American war in Afghanistan, while the elements within its military-intelligence complex giving refuge to the fleeing Taliban militias into Pakistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>But after the Taliban retook power in Kabul, a spate of terrorist attacks across Pakistan have shaken the military-intelligence nexus of the country. The elections for civilian government have been postponed at least till the end of January, which many analysts have pointed out, are aimed at dealing with the question of refugees as well as that of the faltering Pakistani economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Pakistan's refugee expulsion plan is executed, it will be the biggest expulsion of refugees in the region in the recent history.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The Taliban government of Afghanistan slammed Pakistan's purported plan to expel "foreigners" Islamabad had said were illegally living in the country, and asked its neighbour to reconsider its decision.

The Taliban government of Afghanistan slammed Pakistan's purported plan to expel "foreigners" Islamabad had said were illegally living in the country, and asked its neighbour to reconsider its decision. The Taliban interim administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also rejected the allegations that Afghans are involved in terror activities in Pakistan. “The behaviour of Pakistan against Afghan refugees is unacceptable. The Pakistani side should reconsider its plan. Afghan refugees are not involved in Pakistan's security problems. As long as they leave Pakistan voluntarily, that country should tolerate them," Mujahid said on X. Pakistan's emphasis on 'illegal immigrants' Pakistan has announced a one-month ultimatum for all the "illegal immigrants" to leave the country. Addressing a news conference in the capital Islamabad, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the government is giving a deadline to all foreigners living illegally to leave the country by November 1. After the deadline, he said, all the illegal immigrants will be deported. Also read | To coup or not coup: Pakistan Army’s options after Imran Khan’s 'mini-intifada' On Wednesday, Balochistan caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said that after the deadline ends, the government will confiscate the properties and businesses of illegal foreigners. State-run Associated Press of Pakistan earlier reported that out of a total of 1.1 million foreigners who are posing a serious threat to national security, all illegal residents will be expelled from the country in the first phase. In the second phase, those with Afghan citizenship and in the third phase, those with proof of residence cards will be evicted. Also watch | Pakistan orders illegal Afghan nationals to leave country; November 1 given as deadline | WION Pulse × A plan for eviction of "illegally residing" Afghan refugees has also been approved “as the lot is involved in funding, facilitating and smuggling terrorists whereas 700,000 Afghans have not renewed their proof of residence in Pakistan.” Pakistan's plan to expel Afghan refugees: Reading between the lines It is pertinent to note that Afghan refugees in Pakistan began arriving through its porous border after Islamabad's tactical and logistical support for Washington's proxy war against Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, which ended up bolstering Taliban. After 9/11 attack, the US invasion of Afghanistan led to more number of Afghan refugees into Pakistan. This time, Pakistan chose to directly assist the American war in Afghanistan, while the elements within its military-intelligence complex giving refuge to the fleeing Taliban militias into Pakistan. But after the Taliban retook power in Kabul, a spate of terrorist attacks across Pakistan have shaken the military-intelligence nexus of the country. The elections for civilian government have been postponed at least till the end of January, which many analysts have pointed out, are aimed at dealing with the question of refugees as well as that of the faltering Pakistani economy. If Pakistan's refugee expulsion plan is executed, it will be the biggest expulsion of refugees in the region in the recent history. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban slam Pakistan over its plan to expel over a million Afghan refugees

<p>A woman in San Francisco sustained multiple injuries after a car struck her and trapped her under a self-driving&nbsp;vehicle.</p>

<p>The incident occurred on October 2, around 9:30 pm, local time. Authorities are searching for the driver responsible for the initial collision.</p>

<p>The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken to the hospital and is currently recovering from her multiple traumatic injuries, ABC News reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Cruise robotaxi in spotlight</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The self-driving car involved in the incident is a Cruise robotaxi. It's important to note that the car was unoccupied at the time of the accident. Cruise said that it is cooperating with the police investigation. The company also released a statement regarding the incident.</p>

<p>According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the woman was pinned beneath the autonomous vehicle.</p>

<p>"We believe that another vehicle that was not an autonomous vehicle may have been initially involved in the collision, but the vehicle or driver were not present at the scene during our investigation," the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch: How safe are Tesla's self-driving cars? | Tech It Out</strong></p>

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<p>Cruise mentioned that a human-driven vehicle struck the pedestrian, launching her in front of the AV.</p>

<p>The AV then braked to minimise the impact. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, according to the initial reports.</p>

<p>This incident is significant for Cruise, especially as the company is in the process of increasing its autonomous vehicles on California's roads.</p>

<article data-testid="prism-article-body">
<p>"Our heartfelt concern and focus is the wellbeing of the person who was injured and we are actively working with police to help identify the responsible driver," Cruise said.</p>
</article>

<p>Earlier in August, the California Public Utilities Commission approved Cruise's request to expand its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco. However, this is the second recent incident involving a Cruise robotaxi, with another of the company's cars colliding with a San Francisco fire truck on August 15.</p>

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A woman in San Francisco sustained multiple injuries after a car struck her and trapped her under a self-driving vehicle. The incident occurred on October 2, around 9:30 pm, local time.

A woman in San Francisco sustained multiple injuries after a car struck her and trapped her under a self-driving vehicle. The incident occurred on October 2, around 9:30 pm, local time. Authorities are searching for the driver responsible for the initial collision. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken to the hospital and is currently recovering from her multiple traumatic injuries, ABC News reported. Cruise robotaxi in spotlight The self-driving car involved in the incident is a Cruise robotaxi. It's important to note that the car was unoccupied at the time of the accident. Cruise said that it is cooperating with the police investigation. The company also released a statement regarding the incident. According to the San Francisco Fire Department, the woman was pinned beneath the autonomous vehicle. "We believe that another vehicle that was not an autonomous vehicle may have been initially involved in the collision, but the vehicle or driver were not present at the scene during our investigation," the San Francisco Police Department said in a statement. Also watch: How safe are Tesla's self-driving cars? | Tech It Out × Cruise mentioned that a human-driven vehicle struck the pedestrian, launching her in front of the AV. The AV then braked to minimise the impact. The driver of the other vehicle fled the scene, according to the initial reports. This incident is significant for Cruise, especially as the company is in the process of increasing its autonomous vehicles on California's roads. "Our heartfelt concern and focus is the wellbeing of the person who was injured and we are actively working with police to help identify the responsible driver," Cruise said. Earlier in August, the California Public Utilities Commission approved Cruise's request to expand its autonomous vehicles in San Francisco. However, this is the second recent incident involving a Cruise robotaxi, with another of the company's cars colliding with a San Francisco fire truck on August 15. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

San Francisco: Human-driven car hits woman pedestrian, pins her under self-driven taxi

<p>Singapore's vehicle quota system is running at an all-time high, following which, to own a car in the city-country, a buyer must bid for a certificate that now costs US$106,000 (over ₹88 lakh).</p>

<p>Singapore has a 10-year "certificate of entitlement" (COE) system, introduced in 1990, to control the number of vehicles in the small country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The city-country is home to nearly 6 million people.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Singapore's expensive city status elevated by COE system</strong></h2>

<p>The Certificate of Entitlement is offered through a bidding process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2020, when fewer people in Singapore were driving, the price of COEs dropped to about S$30,000.</p>

<p>A post-Covid increase in economic activity has led to more car purchases while the total number of vehicles on the road is capped at about 950,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The number of new COEs available also depends on how many older cars are deregistered.</p>

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

<p>Experts cited in the Singaporean media say that the skyrocketing price of the COEs as well as the cars puts the four-wheelers out of the reach of most middle-class Singaporeans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has also depleted the ability of Singapore residents into a purported "Singapore Dream" of upward social mobility, according to sociologist Tan Ern Ser</p>

<p>The median annual household salary in Singapore is S$121,188.</p>

<p>Singaporeans have been battling a persistent inflation and a slowing economy, and some are selling the cars they bought when COE prices were low to make a profit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/singapores-massive-anti-money-laundering-operation-cash-assets-seized-worth-700mn-10-arrested-626151">Singapore’s massive anti-money laundering operation: Cash, assets worth $700mn seized, 10 arrested</a></strong></p>

<p>"There is a need to lower one’s aspiration from achieving the 'good life' to settling with a 'good enough life'," Tan was quoted as saying by The Edge Malaysia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jason Guan, 40, an insurance agent and father of two, said he bought his first car, a Toyota Rush, for S$65,000 in 2008, including the price of the COE.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Car ownership in Singapore is an expensive luxury only few can afford</strong></p>

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<p>Now Guan lives without a car, focusing on other perks that Singapore offers for his family.</p>

<p>"As a family man, it doesn’t affect me much as Singapore still has a good and stable education system. In terms of security, it's still one of the safest countries," he was quoted as saying by the Malaysia-based publication.&nbsp;</p>

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Singapore's vehicle quota system is running at an all-time high, following which, to own a car in the city-country, a buyer must bid for a certificate that now costs US$106,000 (over ₹88 lakh).

Singapore's vehicle quota system is running at an all-time high, following which, to own a car in the city-country, a buyer must bid for a certificate that now costs US$106,000 (over ₹88 lakh). Singapore has a 10-year "certificate of entitlement" (COE) system, introduced in 1990, to control the number of vehicles in the small country. The city-country is home to nearly 6 million people. Singapore's expensive city status elevated by COE system The Certificate of Entitlement is offered through a bidding process. In 2020, when fewer people in Singapore were driving, the price of COEs dropped to about S$30,000. A post-Covid increase in economic activity has led to more car purchases while the total number of vehicles on the road is capped at about 950,000. The number of new COEs available also depends on how many older cars are deregistered. What does it mean? Experts cited in the Singaporean media say that the skyrocketing price of the COEs as well as the cars puts the four-wheelers out of the reach of most middle-class Singaporeans. This has also depleted the ability of Singapore residents into a purported "Singapore Dream" of upward social mobility, according to sociologist Tan Ern Ser The median annual household salary in Singapore is S$121,188. Singaporeans have been battling a persistent inflation and a slowing economy, and some are selling the cars they bought when COE prices were low to make a profit. Also read | Singapore’s massive anti-money laundering operation: Cash, assets worth $700mn seized, 10 arrested "There is a need to lower one’s aspiration from achieving the 'good life' to settling with a 'good enough life'," Tan was quoted as saying by The Edge Malaysia. Jason Guan, 40, an insurance agent and father of two, said he bought his first car, a Toyota Rush, for S$65,000 in 2008, including the price of the COE. Also watch | Car ownership in Singapore is an expensive luxury only few can afford × Now Guan lives without a car, focusing on other perks that Singapore offers for his family. "As a family man, it doesn’t affect me much as Singapore still has a good and stable education system. In terms of security, it's still one of the safest countries," he was quoted as saying by the Malaysia-based publication. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Singapore's 'Certificate of Entitlement' to own car now costs over $106,000, or more than two cars

<p>'Our beloved Afghanistan' is a radio programme created by journalist and women's right activist Mahbouba Seraj. The name of the programme has been the description of the life the 74-year-old has lived in a country where the peace has remained a contested affair and women's rights have been the first casualties of prolonged conflicts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seraj has been living in Afghanistan since 2003. Her work was recognised by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), a Norway-based independent research institution, which nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize 2023.</p>

<p>The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which chooses the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize each year, does not reveal who is nominated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But nominators, who range from politicians and former winners to think tanks, can reveal the identity of the person they have nominated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seraj is the co-founder of Afghan Women's Network, a non-profit that aims to build an Afghanistan in which women and men &nbsp;live in a justice and discrimination free society. She is the niece of reformist Afghan King Amanullah Khan, who won independence from Britain in 1919 and ruled until 1929.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She has been a journalist, humanitarian, and peace activist for over more than four decades.</p>

<p>Since Taliban stormed into power in August 2021,&nbsp;women have been pushed to the margin in Kabul's rearranged power corridors, almost as a means of assertion of administrative authority of Afghanistan's new hardline rulers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION has exclusively reported during the moments of reckoning for&nbsp;Afghan women's rights when the hardline Islamist group went on to impose ban on women's education and right to work. The Taliban&nbsp;has also imposed severe restrictions on women’s appearances as well as their&nbsp;freedom of movement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive: Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a></strong><br />
<br />
The Taliban has also waged a brutal crackdown on dissent that has targeted human rights defenders, women activists and&nbsp;journalists.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-no-more-taxis-for-afghan-women-without-burqa-and-male-companion-620784">Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion</a></strong></p>

<p>Matiullah Wesa, the founder of women's education non-profit Pen Path, remains detained by Taliban since past seven months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How Seraj is working for women's rights in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan</strong></h2>

<p>Seraj has been able to convince the Taliban to allow her to continue some of her activities despite their restrictions on women.</p>

<p>Seraj has called for engagement with the Taliban’s internationally unrecognised government. Her stance on engaging with Taliban has attracted criticism from some Afghans.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Seraj hit slammed her critics by saying engagement with the Taliban is the only way to clear the devastating humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>"Do you have any other suggestions?" she was quoted as saying in February 2023 by <em>Radio Free Europe</em>. "Or do you want all of us to die here in Afghanistan?"<br />
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'Our beloved Afghanistan' is a radio programme created by journalist and women's right activist Mahbouba Seraj. The name of the programme has been the description of the life the 74-year-old has lived in a country where the peace has remained a contested affair and women's rights have been the first casualties of prolonged conflicts.

'Our beloved Afghanistan' is a radio programme created by journalist and women's right activist Mahbouba Seraj. The name of the programme has been the description of the life the 74-year-old has lived in a country where the peace has remained a contested affair and women's rights have been the first casualties of prolonged conflicts. Seraj has been living in Afghanistan since 2003. Her work was recognised by the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), a Norway-based independent research institution, which nominated her for the Nobel Peace Prize 2023. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which chooses the recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize each year, does not reveal who is nominated. But nominators, who range from politicians and former winners to think tanks, can reveal the identity of the person they have nominated. Seraj is the co-founder of Afghan Women's Network, a non-profit that aims to build an Afghanistan in which women and men live in a justice and discrimination free society. She is the niece of reformist Afghan King Amanullah Khan, who won independence from Britain in 1919 and ruled until 1929. She has been a journalist, humanitarian, and peace activist for over more than four decades. Since Taliban stormed into power in August 2021, women have been pushed to the margin in Kabul's rearranged power corridors, almost as a means of assertion of administrative authority of Afghanistan's new hardline rulers. WION has exclusively reported during the moments of reckoning for Afghan women's rights when the hardline Islamist group went on to impose ban on women's education and right to work. The Taliban has also imposed severe restrictions on women’s appearances as well as their freedom of movement. Also read | Exclusive: Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them The Taliban has also waged a brutal crackdown on dissent that has targeted human rights defenders, women activists and journalists. Also read | Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion Matiullah Wesa, the founder of women's education non-profit Pen Path, remains detained by Taliban since past seven months. How Seraj is working for women's rights in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan Seraj has been able to convince the Taliban to allow her to continue some of her activities despite their restrictions on women. Seraj has called for engagement with the Taliban’s internationally unrecognised government. Her stance on engaging with Taliban has attracted criticism from some Afghans. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Seraj hit slammed her critics by saying engagement with the Taliban is the only way to clear the devastating humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan. "Do you have any other suggestions?" she was quoted as saying in February 2023 by Radio Free Europe. "Or do you want all of us to die here in Afghanistan?" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Who is Mahbouba Seraj? Afghan woman activist nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

<p>The Indian embassy in Kuwait confirmed on Wednesday (Oct 4) that 34 Indian nurses&nbsp;and other medical staff detained by the authorities last month have been released. The development occurred after a coordinated effort between Indian mission in Kuwait City as well as Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, it said.</p>

<p>"Embassy is pleased to inform that the 34 Indian nurses/medical staff detained by authorities on 12 September have been released today based on Embassy’s intervention with all the concerned authorities in Kuwait. Hon’ble MoS Shri V Muraleedharan was personally monitoring the case," Indian embassy in Kuwait wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">34 Indian nurses/medical staff detained by authorities on 12 September have been released today based on the Indian Embassy’s intervention with all the concerned authorities in Kuwait. MoS V Muraleedharan <a href="https://twitter.com/VMBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VMBJP</a> was personally monitoring the case: Statement</p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1709584774166364377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Embassy is committed to render all possible assistance to Indian nationals in Kuwait for their welfare and safety," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian medical personnel in Kuwait: How were they detained?</strong></h2>

<p>A private clinic at Maliya in the Kuwait City was raided by the Kuwait Human Resources Committee last month that put nearly three dozen Indians in the prison.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-of-the-doctors-and-nurses-in-uk-came-from-india-says-study-623134">Most of the new doctors and nurses in UK came from India, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>They were allegedly charged of violation of the foreign residency laws in Kuwait, Malayalam Manorama reported.</p>

<p>According to the Kuwait Home Ministry, the nurses did not have relevant licences or required qualifications to work in Kuwait.</p>

<p>But the family members of the Kerala-based nurses told local media&nbsp;that they were qualified and had been working there with proper work visas and sponsorships.</p>

<p>Several of them were reportedly working in the same Kuwait clinic for the past three to 10 years in the same clinic.</p>

<p>People from Philippines, Egypt and Iran were also caught by the authorities on similar charges, it has been reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The Indian embassy in Kuwait confirmed on Wednesday (Oct 4) that 34 Indian nurses and other medical staff detained by the authorities last month have been released.

The Indian embassy in Kuwait confirmed on Wednesday (Oct 4) that 34 Indian nurses and other medical staff detained by the authorities last month have been released. The development occurred after a coordinated effort between Indian mission in Kuwait City as well as Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, it said. "Embassy is pleased to inform that the 34 Indian nurses/medical staff detained by authorities on 12 September have been released today based on Embassy’s intervention with all the concerned authorities in Kuwait. Hon’ble MoS Shri V Muraleedharan was personally monitoring the case," Indian embassy in Kuwait wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. 34 Indian nurses/medical staff detained by authorities on 12 September have been released today based on the Indian Embassy’s intervention with all the concerned authorities in Kuwait. MoS V Muraleedharan @VMBJP was personally monitoring the case: Statement — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 4, 2023 × "Embassy is committed to render all possible assistance to Indian nationals in Kuwait for their welfare and safety," it added. Indian medical personnel in Kuwait: How were they detained? A private clinic at Maliya in the Kuwait City was raided by the Kuwait Human Resources Committee last month that put nearly three dozen Indians in the prison. Also read | Most of the new doctors and nurses in UK came from India, says study They were allegedly charged of violation of the foreign residency laws in Kuwait, Malayalam Manorama reported. According to the Kuwait Home Ministry, the nurses did not have relevant licences or required qualifications to work in Kuwait. But the family members of the Kerala-based nurses told local media that they were qualified and had been working there with proper work visas and sponsorships. Several of them were reportedly working in the same Kuwait clinic for the past three to 10 years in the same clinic. People from Philippines, Egypt and Iran were also caught by the authorities on similar charges, it has been reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian medical personnel released from Kuwait after New Delhi's intervention

<p>A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Philippines on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The earthquake was reported in the Calayan town of the Cagayan province, state-run Philippine News Agency cited the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as saying.</p>

<p>The tremor, with its epicenter 22 kilometers (13 miles) northwest of Dalupiri Island, hit the region at around 11.35 a.m. (0335GMT).</p>

<p>There were no immediate reports of damage or loss of life.</p>

<p>Earlier in June, an&nbsp; earthquake shook parts of the Philippines, southwest of the capital Manila.</p>

<p>After that, a&nbsp;6.2 magnitude earthquake was felt last week on Thursday near Hukay, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) below the earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said.</p>

<p>Deep quakes are often widely felt but with less potential to cause major damage. Hukay is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Manila.</p>

<p>Earlier, two strong earthquakes of magnitudes 6.2 and 4.6 struck Nepal on Tuesday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported, adding that the tremors were felt across large parts of India.</p>

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A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Philippines on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. The earthquake was reported in the Calayan town of the Cagayan province, state-run Philippine News Agency cited the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as saying.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Philippines on Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. The earthquake was reported in the Calayan town of the Cagayan province, state-run Philippine News Agency cited the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology as saying. The tremor, with its epicenter 22 kilometers (13 miles) northwest of Dalupiri Island, hit the region at around 11.35 a.m. (0335GMT). There were no immediate reports of damage or loss of life. Earlier in June, an earthquake shook parts of the Philippines, southwest of the capital Manila. After that, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake was felt last week on Thursday near Hukay, about 120 kilometres (75 miles) below the earth's surface, the US Geological Survey said. Deep quakes are often widely felt but with less potential to cause major damage. Hukay is about 140 kilometers (87 miles) from Manila. Earlier, two strong earthquakes of magnitudes 6.2 and 4.6 struck Nepal on Tuesday, the National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported, adding that the tremors were felt across large parts of India. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Philippines hit by 6.1 magnitude earthquake, no reports of loss of life

<p>Hunter Biden, US President Joe Biden's son, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday (Oct 3) for three federal firearms charges following the collapse of his previous deal, potentially leading to a trial in 2024 while his father campaigns for re-election to the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against Hunter Biden</strong></h2>

<p>The charges against Hunter Biden stem from alleged false statements about his drug use when purchasing a gun in October 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-bidens-son-to-plead-not-guilty-to-charges-of-illegally-possessing-handgun-641945">US President Joe Biden's son Hunter to plead not guilty to charges of illegally possessing handgun</a></strong></p>

<p>While Hunter Biden's acknowledgement of his addiction to crack cocaine in 2018 is noted, his lawyer maintains he didn't break the law.</p>

<p>“President Trump and his MAGA allies” have forced “the Justice Department to ignore the law and deviate from its policies in cases like this one,” Hunter Biden's lawyer Lowell was quoted as saying by Associated Press in a reference to Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan.</p>

<h2><strong>Implications for Biden's run</strong></h2>

<p>The legal battle is expected to continue into 2024, with potential tax charges also looming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence lawyers argue for immunity protection, while the House Republicans aim to connect Hunter Biden's dealings to his father through an impeachment inquiry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Hunter Biden's lawyers accuse prosecutors of reneging on plea deal | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Republicans have been probing Hunter Biden for years since his father was Barack Obama’s vice president. While questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, no evidence has emerged so far to prove that Joe Biden, in his current or previous office, abused his role or accepted bribes, <em>Associated Press</em> reported.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour tax charges and would have also avoided prosecution on the gun charges had he stayed out of trouble for two years.</p>

<p>For Tuesday's hearing, Hunter Biden, who lives in the Los Angeles area, was denied "special treatment" and was not granted a virtual hearing.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Hunter Biden, US President Joe Biden's son, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday (Oct 3) for three federal firearms charges following the collapse of his previous deal, potentially leading to a trial in 2024 while his father campaigns for re-election to the White House.

Hunter Biden, US President Joe Biden's son, entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday (Oct 3) for three federal firearms charges following the collapse of his previous deal, potentially leading to a trial in 2024 while his father campaigns for re-election to the White House. Charges against Hunter Biden The charges against Hunter Biden stem from alleged false statements about his drug use when purchasing a gun in October 2018. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison. Also read | US President Joe Biden's son Hunter to plead not guilty to charges of illegally possessing handgun While Hunter Biden's acknowledgement of his addiction to crack cocaine in 2018 is noted, his lawyer maintains he didn't break the law. “President Trump and his MAGA allies” have forced “the Justice Department to ignore the law and deviate from its policies in cases like this one,” Hunter Biden's lawyer Lowell was quoted as saying by Associated Press in a reference to Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again slogan. Implications for Biden's run The legal battle is expected to continue into 2024, with potential tax charges also looming. Defence lawyers argue for immunity protection, while the House Republicans aim to connect Hunter Biden's dealings to his father through an impeachment inquiry. Also watch | US: Hunter Biden's lawyers accuse prosecutors of reneging on plea deal | World News | WION × Republicans have been probing Hunter Biden for years since his father was Barack Obama’s vice president. While questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden family’s international business, no evidence has emerged so far to prove that Joe Biden, in his current or previous office, abused his role or accepted bribes, Associated Press reported. Earlier this year, Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanour tax charges and would have also avoided prosecution on the gun charges had he stayed out of trouble for two years. For Tuesday's hearing, Hunter Biden, who lives in the Los Angeles area, was denied "special treatment" and was not granted a virtual hearing. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to charges of illegally possessing handgun

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