<p>As people globally&nbsp;started coming to terms with their locked-down reality during the beginning of the Covid pandemic,&nbsp;visuals of military trucks in Italy keeping the deceased struck the world, alerting it about the havoc the contagion virus was set to create in the months to follow all over the world.</p>

<p><img alt="Military trucks in Bergamo, Italy in March 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7dce2df-2ddb-4443-ba7e-250c3db24028" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-18T110605.278.png" /></p>

<p><em>An Italian Army truck is parked on March 26, 2020 inside the Monumental Cemetery of Bergamo, Lombardy, to load coffins of victims of the coronavirus | AFP</em></p>

<p>Now through a&nbsp;study from Italy's Bergamo, from where these visuals were reported, it has emerged that&nbsp;Neanderthal genes inherited by some individuals are the reason&nbsp;why some individuals developed life-threatening forms of COVID-19.</p>

<p>Early in the pandemic, it was evident that several risk factors, including advanced age, played a role.</p>

<p>Scientists also suspected genetic predisposition, as younger family members&nbsp;often exhibited similar disease severity.</p>

<h2><strong>Genes and Covid: What's the link?</strong></h2>

<p>Researchers at Milan's Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research spent the last few years analysing DNA variations and COVID-19.</p>

<p>Their study, which had a base of nearly 10,000 Bergamo residents, identified genes linked to severe respiratory illness, including three inherited from Neanderthals.</p>

<p>The Italian study discovered that those carrying the Neanderthal haplotype were twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from Covid&nbsp;and three times more likely to be hospitalised in intensive care with ventilator support.</p>

<p>A haplotype refers&nbsp;to a set of DNA variants along a single chromosome that tend&nbsp;to be inherited together.</p>

<p>However, it remains unknown whether this haplotype is more prevalent in Bergamo than in other Italian or European regions or other parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection?</strong></p>

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<p>Epidemiologists are still uncertain about the factors contributing to northern Italy's high death toll, including age, air pollution, and the virus's early and undetected presence.</p>

<p>Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute said that this study highlights a significant section of the human genome associated with the risk of contracting and developing severe Covid, <em>Wall Street Journal</em> reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the study find out?</strong></h2>

<p>The study found that in Bergamo, 33 per cent of those with severe Covid had the Neanderthal haplotype, while it was less common in mild or asymptomatic cases. Approximately 2 per cent&nbsp;of European and Asian genomes inherit Neanderthal genes, which have been linked to susceptibility to various diseases.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/genes-from-extinct-human-cousins-increase-risk-for-severe-covid-19-study-331670">Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>This Italian research adds to the growing evidence that a cluster of Neanderthal genes increases the risk of severe Covid.</p>

<p>A study in the journal Nature in September 2020 initially proposed a genomic segment from Neanderthals linked to severe Covid, carried by around 16 per cent of Europeans and 50 per cent&nbsp;of South Asian people. In South Asia, particularly in India, the second wave of Covid in April-May 2021 wreaked havoc, with more than 100,000 cases being reported daily for consecutive days.</p>

<p>The Neanderthal haplotype is virtually absent in Africa, possibly contributing, along with factors like a younger population, to the lower incidence of severe cases in Africa compared to regions with better healthcare systems.</p>

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As people globally started coming to terms with their locked-down reality during the beginning of the Covid pandemic, visuals of military trucks in Italy keeping the deceased struck the world, alerting it about the havoc the contagion virus was set to create in the months to follow all over the world.

As people globally started coming to terms with their locked-down reality during the beginning of the Covid pandemic, visuals of military trucks in Italy keeping the deceased struck the world, alerting it about the havoc the contagion virus was set to create in the months to follow all over the world. An Italian Army truck is parked on March 26, 2020 inside the Monumental Cemetery of Bergamo, Lombardy, to load coffins of victims of the coronavirus | AFP Now through a study from Italy's Bergamo, from where these visuals were reported, it has emerged that Neanderthal genes inherited by some individuals are the reason why some individuals developed life-threatening forms of COVID-19. Early in the pandemic, it was evident that several risk factors, including advanced age, played a role. Scientists also suspected genetic predisposition, as younger family members often exhibited similar disease severity. Genes and Covid: What's the link? Researchers at Milan's Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research spent the last few years analysing DNA variations and COVID-19. Their study, which had a base of nearly 10,000 Bergamo residents, identified genes linked to severe respiratory illness, including three inherited from Neanderthals. The Italian study discovered that those carrying the Neanderthal haplotype were twice as likely to develop severe pneumonia from Covid and three times more likely to be hospitalised in intensive care with ventilator support. A haplotype refers to a set of DNA variants along a single chromosome that tend to be inherited together. However, it remains unknown whether this haplotype is more prevalent in Bergamo than in other Italian or European regions or other parts of the world. Also watch | What causes asymptomatic COVID-19 infection? × Epidemiologists are still uncertain about the factors contributing to northern Italy's high death toll, including age, air pollution, and the virus's early and undetected presence. Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute said that this study highlights a significant section of the human genome associated with the risk of contracting and developing severe Covid, Wall Street Journal reported. What did the study find out? The study found that in Bergamo, 33 per cent of those with severe Covid had the Neanderthal haplotype, while it was less common in mild or asymptomatic cases. Approximately 2 per cent of European and Asian genomes inherit Neanderthal genes, which have been linked to susceptibility to various diseases. Also read | Genes from extinct human cousins increase risk for severe COVID-19: Study This Italian research adds to the growing evidence that a cluster of Neanderthal genes increases the risk of severe Covid. A study in the journal Nature in September 2020 initially proposed a genomic segment from Neanderthals linked to severe Covid, carried by around 16 per cent of Europeans and 50 per cent of South Asian people. In South Asia, particularly in India, the second wave of Covid in April-May 2021 wreaked havoc, with more than 100,000 cases being reported daily for consecutive days. The Neanderthal haplotype is virtually absent in Africa, possibly contributing, along with factors like a younger population, to the lower incidence of severe cases in Africa compared to regions with better healthcare systems. 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.

People with one particular line of gene  more susceptible to severe Covid: Study

<p>The adoption and its absolute relation to the identity of an individual is not just the theme of hit Korean film 'Return to Seoul'.&nbsp;South Korea stands as the world's leading source of intercountry adoptees, surpassing all nations in foreign adoptions.</p>

<p>In response to widespread allegations of corruption and misconduct, South Korea initiated its first official government investigation into its adoption industry last year. Following the launch of this investigation, while its results are yet to be out, a number of adoptees have opened up about the struggles to configure their own identities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-truth-commission-launches-probe-into-foreign-adoptions-541353">South Korea’s truth commission launches probe into foreign adoptions</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, approximately 200,000 children have been sent abroad, mainly to the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Despite government efforts to promote domestic adoptions, South Korean families have traditionally been hesitant to adopt. In the post-Korean War decades, when the country faced poverty, limited medical services, and meagre welfare budgets, the imperative was to find overseas adoptive homes for orphaned, abandoned, or disabled children.</p>

<h2><strong>Problems with South Korea's adoption industry</strong></h2>

<p>While many children reportedly&nbsp;found caring homes abroad, South Korea's rapid promotion of overseas adoptions inadvertently led to deep-rooted industry issues, including profit-driven adoption firms falsifying or concealing documents to increase the pool of adoptable children.</p>

<p>Unwed mothers often felt coerced into abandoning their infants, sometimes before birth, with limited follow-up on children's well-being in their new homes, reports in the New York Times and NPR point out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The roots of South Korea's "baby export" business lie in xenophobia and prejudice, with biracial children born to American soldiers and Korean women facing a grim choice: overseas adoption or life in poverty and shame.</p>

<h2><strong>Hasn't there been a call for reforms?</strong></h2>

<p>Yes, reforms have occurred in South Korea to prevent malpractices in its adoption industry.</p>

<p>In recent decades, South Korea has taken steps to reform adoption practices, offering more support to single mothers and requiring court approval for overseas adoptions. Nonetheless, numerous accusations from earlier years remained uninvestigated.</p>

<p>The push for accountability has been led by returning adoptees partnering with a new generation of advocates and politicians willing to confront this once-taboo legacy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;South Koreans to drop the traditional method of calculating age</strong></p>

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<p>A number of adoptee initiatives and guest houses have sprung up in Seoul that support the Korean children adopted abroad and the ones who visit the country of their origin.</p>

<p>Despite economic improvements, South Korea continued to promote adoption, culminating in liberalised intercountry adoptions in the 1980s, ostensibly for "emigration and private diplomacy."</p>

<p>In 1985, 8,837 South Korean children were sent abroad for adoption, 6,021 of them to the United States, according to the New York Times.</p>

<p>For each baby, adoption agencies collected a $3,000 to $4,000 “facilitating fee” from the adoptive family, as well as airfare and a separate $1,450 adoption fee, according to internal government documents from the national archives, cited by the New York Times.</p>

<p>This led to the international labels of "baby exporter" and "mail-order babies" that persist today.</p>

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The adoption and its absolute relation to the identity of an individual is not just the theme of hit Korean film 'Return to Seoul'. South Korea stands as the world's leading source of intercountry adoptees, surpassing all nations in foreign adoptions.

The adoption and its absolute relation to the identity of an individual is not just the theme of hit Korean film 'Return to Seoul'. South Korea stands as the world's leading source of intercountry adoptees, surpassing all nations in foreign adoptions. In response to widespread allegations of corruption and misconduct, South Korea initiated its first official government investigation into its adoption industry last year. Following the launch of this investigation, while its results are yet to be out, a number of adoptees have opened up about the struggles to configure their own identities. Also read | South Korea’s truth commission launches probe into foreign adoptions Since the conclusion of the Korean War in 1953, approximately 200,000 children have been sent abroad, mainly to the United States and Europe. Despite government efforts to promote domestic adoptions, South Korean families have traditionally been hesitant to adopt. In the post-Korean War decades, when the country faced poverty, limited medical services, and meagre welfare budgets, the imperative was to find overseas adoptive homes for orphaned, abandoned, or disabled children. Problems with South Korea's adoption industry While many children reportedly found caring homes abroad, South Korea's rapid promotion of overseas adoptions inadvertently led to deep-rooted industry issues, including profit-driven adoption firms falsifying or concealing documents to increase the pool of adoptable children. Unwed mothers often felt coerced into abandoning their infants, sometimes before birth, with limited follow-up on children's well-being in their new homes, reports in the New York Times and NPR point out. The roots of South Korea's "baby export" business lie in xenophobia and prejudice, with biracial children born to American soldiers and Korean women facing a grim choice: overseas adoption or life in poverty and shame. Hasn't there been a call for reforms? Yes, reforms have occurred in South Korea to prevent malpractices in its adoption industry. In recent decades, South Korea has taken steps to reform adoption practices, offering more support to single mothers and requiring court approval for overseas adoptions. Nonetheless, numerous accusations from earlier years remained uninvestigated. The push for accountability has been led by returning adoptees partnering with a new generation of advocates and politicians willing to confront this once-taboo legacy. Also watch | South Koreans to drop the traditional method of calculating age × A number of adoptee initiatives and guest houses have sprung up in Seoul that support the Korean children adopted abroad and the ones who visit the country of their origin. Despite economic improvements, South Korea continued to promote adoption, culminating in liberalised intercountry adoptions in the 1980s, ostensibly for "emigration and private diplomacy." In 1985, 8,837 South Korean children were sent abroad for adoption, 6,021 of them to the United States, according to the New York Times. For each baby, adoption agencies collected a $3,000 to $4,000 “facilitating fee” from the adoptive family, as well as airfare and a separate $1,450 adoption fee, according to internal government documents from the national archives, cited by the New York Times. This led to the international labels of "baby exporter" and "mail-order babies" that persist today. 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.

South Korea confronts its dark past as the West's 'baby exporter'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of 'special military operations' in Ukraine coincided with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia in February 2022. Two months later, Khan was ousted from power after a no-trust-vote which the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf leader in a <a href="https://x.com/sidhant/status/1509571970903719938?s=20">purported <em>faux pas</em> during a television address</a> claimed was orchestrated at the US' behest. Later, the new Pakistani government under&nbsp;Shehbaz Sharif secretly sent weapons to Ukraine in exchange for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, the money Pakistan desperately needed to stay afloat.</p>

<p>The above sequence of events, reflecting a behind-the-scenes manoeuvring between Washington and Rawalpindi are connected, according to an investigative report by The Intercept. It was basically a 'bullets for bailout' arrangement.</p>

<p>Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistani army's headquarters, a short distance away from the capital Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a></strong></p>

<p>The Intercept report cited two sources with knowledge of the arrangement and access to internal Pakistani and American government documents to confirm the arrangement between the US and Pakistan, with Islamabad's authority deeply embedded within its military-intelligence nexus to take such strategic calls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report claims that ahead of Imran Khan's ouster from power, the US State Department diplomats privately expressed anger to their Pakistani counterparts over what they called Pakistan’s "aggressively neutral" stance on the Ukraine war under Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Reports: Pakistan steps up arms supply to Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>They warned of dire consequences if Khan remained in power and promised "all would be forgiven" if he were removed.</p>

<p>The developments in Pakistan after April 2022, the month when Khan was ousted from power, have put the South Asian nation among the ones who ended up assisting Ukraine's war effort against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the secret arms supply to Ukraine, an IMF bailout was reportedly arranged for Pakistan at the US' behest, which allowed Islamabad to postpone -- if not prevent -- the economic catastrophe.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Analysts cited by The Intercept said that Pakistani democracy may arguably be a casualty of war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"Pakistani democracy may ultimately be a casualty of Ukraine’s counteroffensive," Arif Rafiq, a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute and specialist on Pakistan, was quoted as saying by The Intercept.</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistan dismisses report&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In response to media inquiries, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reportedly rubbished the investigative report as "baseless and fabricated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, “IMF Standby Arrangement for Pakistan was successfully negotiated between Pakistan and the IMF to implement difficult but essential economic reforms. Giving any other colour to these negotiations is disingenuous. Pakistan maintains a policy of strict neutrality in the dispute between Ukraine and Russia and in that context, does not provide any arms and ammunition to them. Pakistan’s defense exports are always accompanied by strict end user requirements.”</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of 'special military operations' in Ukraine coincided with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia in February 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of 'special military operations' in Ukraine coincided with former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia in February 2022. Two months later, Khan was ousted from power after a no-trust-vote which the Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf leader in a purported faux pas during a television address claimed was orchestrated at the US' behest. Later, the new Pakistani government under Shehbaz Sharif secretly sent weapons to Ukraine in exchange for a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, the money Pakistan desperately needed to stay afloat. The above sequence of events, reflecting a behind-the-scenes manoeuvring between Washington and Rawalpindi are connected, according to an investigative report by The Intercept. It was basically a 'bullets for bailout' arrangement. Rawalpindi is home to the Pakistani army's headquarters, a short distance away from the capital Islamabad. Also read | Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? The Intercept report cited two sources with knowledge of the arrangement and access to internal Pakistani and American government documents to confirm the arrangement between the US and Pakistan, with Islamabad's authority deeply embedded within its military-intelligence nexus to take such strategic calls. The report claims that ahead of Imran Khan's ouster from power, the US State Department diplomats privately expressed anger to their Pakistani counterparts over what they called Pakistan’s "aggressively neutral" stance on the Ukraine war under Khan. Also watch | Reports: Pakistan steps up arms supply to Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War × They warned of dire consequences if Khan remained in power and promised "all would be forgiven" if he were removed. The developments in Pakistan after April 2022, the month when Khan was ousted from power, have put the South Asian nation among the ones who ended up assisting Ukraine's war effort against Russia. Following the secret arms supply to Ukraine, an IMF bailout was reportedly arranged for Pakistan at the US' behest, which allowed Islamabad to postpone -- if not prevent -- the economic catastrophe. What does it mean? Analysts cited by The Intercept said that Pakistani democracy may arguably be a casualty of war in Ukraine. "Pakistani democracy may ultimately be a casualty of Ukraine’s counteroffensive," Arif Rafiq, a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute and specialist on Pakistan, was quoted as saying by The Intercept. Pakistan dismisses report In response to media inquiries, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reportedly rubbished the investigative report as "baseless and fabricated." She said, “IMF Standby Arrangement for Pakistan was successfully negotiated between Pakistan and the IMF to implement difficult but essential economic reforms. Giving any other colour to these negotiations is disingenuous. Pakistan maintains a policy of strict neutrality in the dispute between Ukraine and Russia and in that context, does not provide any arms and ammunition to them. Pakistan’s defense exports are always accompanied by strict end user requirements.” 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.

'Everything will be forgiven': How the US got Pakistan's support for Ukraine after aiding Imran Khan's ouster

<p>A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official.</p>

<p>Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country.</p>

<p>"The bus came into collision with a lorry," Chauke said, and added that the crash took place around 1600 UTC, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the mine, near Musina, which is close to the border with Zimbabwe.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;At least 31 killed after Jade mine landslide in Myanmar</strong></p>

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<p>Details surrounding the cause of the collision are not yet known.</p>

<p>The Venetia mine is the largest diamond mine in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of South Africa's annual diamond production, and employing more than 4,300 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/perus-deadliest-mining-accident-in-more-than-two-decades-claims-27-lives-590039">Peru's deadliest mining accident in more than two decades claims 27 lives</a></strong></p>

<p>South Africa ranks highly when it comes to road infrastructure on the African continent, however it also has a questionable road safety record.</p>

<p>Each year thousands of people are killed on the country's roads.</p>

<p>South Africa's Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said in May that 12,436 people were killed on the country's roads between January 2022 and December of the same year.</p>

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A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official. Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country.

A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official. Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country. "The bus came into collision with a lorry," Chauke said, and added that the crash took place around 1600 UTC, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the mine, near Musina, which is close to the border with Zimbabwe. Also watch | At least 31 killed after Jade mine landslide in Myanmar × Details surrounding the cause of the collision are not yet known. The Venetia mine is the largest diamond mine in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of South Africa's annual diamond production, and employing more than 4,300 people. Also read | Peru's deadliest mining accident in more than two decades claims 27 lives South Africa ranks highly when it comes to road infrastructure on the African continent, however it also has a questionable road safety record. Each year thousands of people are killed on the country's roads. South Africa's Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said in May that 12,436 people were killed on the country's roads between January 2022 and December of the same year. 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.

South Africa bus crash kills at least 20 mine staff: Reports

<p>Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly&nbsp;of the global&nbsp;organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as&nbsp;deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNGA has its plates full with several other issues. In Africa, two recent coups in Gabon and Niger, and natural calamities in Libya and Morocco, have given rise to new security challenges for the impoverished region -- most of which was previously colonised by France. In West Asia, the restoration of Iran-Saudi Arabia ties have emerged as a hope for stability, resulting in a semblance of cessation of civil war in Yemen where the Shia and Sunni powerhouses fought through their proxies since the 2010s. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the regions where democracies are fragile, authoritarian or quasi-authoritarian governments reign supreme, and are seen as impoverished zones of human distress, with the UN often sought after as the last mile hope for redressal.</p>

<p>In WION's extensive reportage on state of women's rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, women being denied education rights often <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-ask-oic-to-restore-freedom-to-study-work-558153">call upon</a> international community to not 'abandon' their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">cause</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In short, the 78th UNGA is being anticipated with hope in the parts of the world combating conventional warfare, natural calamities and authoritarian rules.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNGA 78th session: What is the agenda?</strong></h2>

<p>The 78th session, according to the United Nations, "marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track".</p>

<p>The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;UN General Assembly 2023: Zelensky expected to attend UN meet | What to expect at the meet? | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Agreed upon in 2015, They are: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals.</p>

<p>The United Nations said in an official readout that the world leaders will gather in New York to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.”</p>

<h2><strong>How stalled Security Council reforms&nbsp; hamper achievement of&nbsp;SDGs</strong></h2>

<p>For the countries of Global South, the principal challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been a non-reformed UN Security Council and facets of multilateral funding for development projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reflective-of-the-world-of-1940s-brazils-president-lula-calls-for-reforms-in-un-security-council-634710">'Reflective of the world of 1940s': Brazil President Lula calls for reforms in UN Security Council</a></strong></p>

<p>Since its inception, only five countries are the permanent members of the UN Security Council. While the United States, United Kingdom and France are permanent UNSC members since 1945, erstwhile Soviet Union's spot was given to Russian Federation after the dissolution of USSR. In October 1971, the Republic of China (present-day Taiwan) was displaced from the membership of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council by a vote of the UN General Assembly and got replaced by communist China (People's Republic of China).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-sets-the-tone-for-un-security-council-reforms-before-hosting-g20-leaders-631947">Indian PM Modi sets the tone for UN Security Council reforms before hosting G20 leaders</a></strong></p>

<p>The effect of a non-reformed UN Security Council looms large on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.</p>

<p>"When Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015, the UN reported that 60 million people across the world were impacted by violent conflicts that are unresolved on the agenda of the UN Security Council. In December 2022, that number had risen to 314 million," Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations told WION.</p>

<p>"The broader priority for reforming the UN Security Council is the linkage between peace, security, and development. This is committed by world leaders when they adopted Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. Every ongoing unresolved conflict on the UN Security Council’s agenda has a very negative impact on implementing Agenda 2030 which is the only framework agreed to by all states to take the world forward by eradicating poverty and sustaining development," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION reported last week how <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinas-smokescreen-tricks-the-world-against-reforms-at-un-security-council-635950">China's smokescreen, in the lieu of undocumented informal Inter Governmental Negotiations</a>, have been stalling the reforms of the UN Security Council, actively, at least since 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ambassador Mukerji added that China is acting in concert with the other four permanent members. "But the difference in the inter-governmental negotiations is that it is only China that has openly called for "consensus" on the reforms of the Security Council."</p>

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Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly of the global organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea.

Leaders of 193 United Nations member states have started landing in New York to attend the 78th General Assembly of the global organisation. The UN is convening amid the second year of war in Ukraine and post-pandemic recovery of global economy affected by that conflict, as well as deteriorating discourse of women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran, and China's expansionist belligerence with India and in the South China Sea. UNGA has its plates full with several other issues. In Africa, two recent coups in Gabon and Niger, and natural calamities in Libya and Morocco, have given rise to new security challenges for the impoverished region -- most of which was previously colonised by France. In West Asia, the restoration of Iran-Saudi Arabia ties have emerged as a hope for stability, resulting in a semblance of cessation of civil war in Yemen where the Shia and Sunni powerhouses fought through their proxies since the 2010s. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West In the regions where democracies are fragile, authoritarian or quasi-authoritarian governments reign supreme, and are seen as impoverished zones of human distress, with the UN often sought after as the last mile hope for redressal. In WION's extensive reportage on state of women's rights in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, women being denied education rights often call upon international community to not 'abandon' their cause. In short, the 78th UNGA is being anticipated with hope in the parts of the world combating conventional warfare, natural calamities and authoritarian rules. UNGA 78th session: What is the agenda? The 78th session, according to the United Nations, "marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track". The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of seventeen interlinked objectives designed to serve as a "shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future". Also watch | UN General Assembly 2023: Zelensky expected to attend UN meet | What to expect at the meet? | WION × Agreed upon in 2015, They are: No poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, life below water, life on land, peace, justice, and strong institutions, and partnerships for the goals. The United Nations said in an official readout that the world leaders will gather in New York to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all.” How stalled Security Council reforms hamper achievement of SDGs For the countries of Global South, the principal challenge in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals has been a non-reformed UN Security Council and facets of multilateral funding for development projects. Also read | 'Reflective of the world of 1940s': Brazil President Lula calls for reforms in UN Security Council Since its inception, only five countries are the permanent members of the UN Security Council. While the United States, United Kingdom and France are permanent UNSC members since 1945, erstwhile Soviet Union's spot was given to Russian Federation after the dissolution of USSR. In October 1971, the Republic of China (present-day Taiwan) was displaced from the membership of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council by a vote of the UN General Assembly and got replaced by communist China (People's Republic of China). Also read | Indian PM Modi sets the tone for UN Security Council reforms before hosting G20 leaders The effect of a non-reformed UN Security Council looms large on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. "When Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development was adopted in September 2015, the UN reported that 60 million people across the world were impacted by violent conflicts that are unresolved on the agenda of the UN Security Council. In December 2022, that number had risen to 314 million," Ambassador Asoke Mukerji, Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations told WION. "The broader priority for reforming the UN Security Council is the linkage between peace, security, and development. This is committed by world leaders when they adopted Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development. Every ongoing unresolved conflict on the UN Security Council’s agenda has a very negative impact on implementing Agenda 2030 which is the only framework agreed to by all states to take the world forward by eradicating poverty and sustaining development," he added. WION reported last week how China's smokescreen, in the lieu of undocumented informal Inter Governmental Negotiations, have been stalling the reforms of the UN Security Council, actively, at least since 2016. Ambassador Mukerji added that China is acting in concert with the other four permanent members. "But the difference in the inter-governmental negotiations is that it is only China that has openly called for "consensus" on the reforms of the Security Council." 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.

UN General Assembly 2023: What is stalling the progress of Sustainable Development Goals | Explained

<p>An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17&nbsp;after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said.</p>

<p>The pilot was being treated at a local medical centre, but the plane itself, which has a unit cost of almost $90 million, couldn’t be found as of Sunday evening, a spokeswoman from Joint Base Charleston said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Initial reports claimed that the fighter jet could very well be flying during the immediate minutes following the pilot's ejection. It is yet not clear if the fighter jet is still flying in the air or has met a tragic crash.</p>

<p>"Emergency response teams are trying to locate the plane," said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton, Wall Street Journal reported.</p>

<p>The jet was assigned to a Marine Corps training squadron. The Joint Base sent a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking the public to call the base if they found the aircraft.</p>

<p>"Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion," it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’re working with <a href="https://twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MCASBeaufortSC</a> to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600.</p>
— Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamCharleston/status/1703523385475534968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Marine Corps said it was gathering information on the matter and would be conducting an investigation.</p>

<p>There remains a possibility that the fighter jet could have ended up in the water.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that such an event has occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 1989, a MiG-23 traveled over 900 kilometers through Europe after its pilot ejected, eventually crashing in Belgium.</p>

<p>Responding to the development, local congressperson Nancy Mace wrote on X: "Now that I got that out of the way. How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device, and we're asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?"</p>

<p>The F-35 Lightning II stands out as one of the most secretive fighter jets available, excelling in its capacity to function within hostile airspace with minimal risk. This remarkable attribute predominantly hinges on its stealth capabilities.</p>

<p>In contrast to common misconceptions, stealth doesn't render an aircraft completely invisible. Rather, it intricately complicates an adversary's ability to identify, track, or target the aircraft through a blend of design, tactics, and cutting-edge technology.</p>

<p>Despite its substantial dimensions, spanning 51 feet in length and 35 feet in width, the F-35 isn't a small aircraft. Its design, however, is strategically oriented toward redirecting radar energy away from its point of origin.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17 after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said.

An advanced Marine Corps F-35B fighter jet in the United States went missing on September 17 after a "mishap" forced a pilot to eject near the Charleston area of South Carolina state, the service said. The pilot was being treated at a local medical centre, but the plane itself, which has a unit cost of almost $90 million, couldn’t be found as of Sunday evening, a spokeswoman from Joint Base Charleston said. Initial reports claimed that the fighter jet could very well be flying during the immediate minutes following the pilot's ejection. It is yet not clear if the fighter jet is still flying in the air or has met a tragic crash. "Emergency response teams are trying to locate the plane," said Senior Master Sgt. Heather Stanton, Wall Street Journal reported. The jet was assigned to a Marine Corps training squadron. The Joint Base sent a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, asking the public to call the base if they found the aircraft. "Based on the jet’s last-known position and in coordination with the FAA, we are focusing our attention north of JB Charleston, around Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion," it added. We’re working with @MCASBeaufortSC to locate an F-35 that was involved in a mishap this afternoon. The pilot ejected safely. If you have any information that may help our recovery teams locate the F-35, please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 843-963-3600. — Joint Base Charleston (@TeamCharleston) September 17, 2023 × The Marine Corps said it was gathering information on the matter and would be conducting an investigation. There remains a possibility that the fighter jet could have ended up in the water. This is not the first time that such an event has occurred. In 1989, a MiG-23 traveled over 900 kilometers through Europe after its pilot ejected, eventually crashing in Belgium. Responding to the development, local congressperson Nancy Mace wrote on X: "Now that I got that out of the way. How in the hell do you lose an F-35? How is there not a tracking device, and we're asking the public to what, find a jet and turn it in?" The F-35 Lightning II stands out as one of the most secretive fighter jets available, excelling in its capacity to function within hostile airspace with minimal risk. This remarkable attribute predominantly hinges on its stealth capabilities. In contrast to common misconceptions, stealth doesn't render an aircraft completely invisible. Rather, it intricately complicates an adversary's ability to identify, track, or target the aircraft through a blend of design, tactics, and cutting-edge technology. Despite its substantial dimensions, spanning 51 feet in length and 35 feet in width, the F-35 isn't a small aircraft. Its design, however, is strategically oriented toward redirecting radar energy away from its point of origin. 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.

US: F-35B fighter jet goes missing after pilot safely ejects

<p>It has been a year since Iranian woman of Kurdish descent was killed in the custody of Iran's morality police after the 23-year-old was arrested for defying the country's stringent hijab law. In India, Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are surrounded by Indian armed forces in an ongoing gunfight that has been ongoing for the fourth straight day. There are updates from Latin America's world of drugs that you must know before you start your day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahsa-al-aminis-death-one-year-on-top-points-636479"><strong>Mahsa Al Amini's death, one year on: Top points</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/16/380022-untitled-design-2023-09-16t092559854.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>On the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, Iranians both at home and abroad observed the occasion. Activists expressed concerns about a renewed crackdown aimed at preventing a resurgence of the protests that had shaken major cities the previous year.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-encounter-in-kashmirs-anantnag-enters-fourth-day-1-terrorist-gunned-down-in-baramulla-636478?utm_source=izooto&amp;utm_medium=push_notifications&amp;utm_campaign=Kashmir"><strong>India: Encounter in Kashmir’s Anantnag enters fourth day, 1 terrorist gunned down in Baramulla</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/16/380027-u7khrk.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The ongoing encounter between terrorists and Indian security forces in the Anantnag district of the Kashmir region entered its fourth day Saturday (Sept 16).<br />
<br />
So far, four security personnel have been martyred in the ongoing operation, launched with the quest to neutralise two to three terrorists holed up in a cave atop a hill in the Gadul forest of Kokernag.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-of-women-sexually-exploited-by-un-staff-struggling-to-raise-children-636463"><strong>Hundreds of women sexually exploited by UN staff struggling to raise children</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/16/380019-106521-20120123.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Hundreds of women and girls around the world are struggling to raise children fathered by UN peacekeepers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A recent CNN report has shed light on how UN staffers go to several disaster-hit nations to help the local population, end up making sexual relationships with local women or teen girls, and then simply abandon them before moving to another nation.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-drug-lord-el-chapos-son-ovidio-guzman-extradited-to-us-636460"><strong>Mexican drug lord El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman extradited to US</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/09/16/380017-2023-09-16t001402z2lynxmpej8f005rtroptp4mexico-violence-sinaloa.JPG?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Ovidio Guzman, the son of Mexican drug lord El Chapo, has been extradited to the United States where he is wanted for fentanyl trafficking charges, Mexican and American authorities said on Friday (September 15). In a statement, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Ovidio's extradition was the latest step in US efforts to attack "every aspect" of the drug trafficking operations run by the Sinaloa Cartel long associated with the Guzman family.</p>

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It has been a year since Iranian woman of Kurdish descent was killed in the custody of Iran's morality police after the 23-year-old was arrested for defying the country's stringent hijab law.

It has been a year since Iranian woman of Kurdish descent was killed in the custody of Iran's morality police after the 23-year-old was arrested for defying the country's stringent hijab law. In India, Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are surrounded by Indian armed forces in an ongoing gunfight that has been ongoing for the fourth straight day. There are updates from Latin America's world of drugs that you must know before you start your day. Click on the headlines to read more: Mahsa Al Amini's death, one year on: Top points On the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death in police custody, Iranians both at home and abroad observed the occasion. Activists expressed concerns about a renewed crackdown aimed at preventing a resurgence of the protests that had shaken major cities the previous year. India: Encounter in Kashmir’s Anantnag enters fourth day, 1 terrorist gunned down in Baramulla The ongoing encounter between terrorists and Indian security forces in the Anantnag district of the Kashmir region entered its fourth day Saturday (Sept 16). So far, four security personnel have been martyred in the ongoing operation, launched with the quest to neutralise two to three terrorists holed up in a cave atop a hill in the Gadul forest of Kokernag. Hundreds of women sexually exploited by UN staff struggling to raise children Hundreds of women and girls around the world are struggling to raise children fathered by UN peacekeepers. A recent CNN report has shed light on how UN staffers go to several disaster-hit nations to help the local population, end up making sexual relationships with local women or teen girls, and then simply abandon them before moving to another nation. Mexican drug lord El Chapo's son Ovidio Guzman extradited to US Ovidio Guzman, the son of Mexican drug lord El Chapo, has been extradited to the United States where he is wanted for fentanyl trafficking charges, Mexican and American authorities said on Friday (September 15). In a statement, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said Ovidio's extradition was the latest step in US efforts to attack "every aspect" of the drug trafficking operations run by the Sinaloa Cartel long associated with the Guzman family. 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.

Morning brief: UN staff accused of sexual assault; anniversary of Mahsa Al-Amini's custodial death in Iran

<p>A dog-fox hybrid has been found. Yes, this time it's for real. We are not referring to the two animals who become great friends in the film 'Fox and the Hound'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Brazil, a recent discovery has unveiled what is being described as the world's first dog-fox hybrid, the first known crossbreed between these two species.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This unusual canine came to light in 2021 after a car accident, prompting its urgent transfer to a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The veterinarians were perplexed due to its distinctive traits, resembling neither a fully wild nor a domestic animal.</p>

<h2><strong>How the animal was different?</strong></h2>

<p>Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist, remarked that the black, pointy-eared creature exhibited "unusual" behaviours.</p>

<p>"It was not as docile as a dog, but it also lacked the aggressiveness expected of a wild canid when handled," Ferrari told The Telegraph.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/8-dog-breeds-that-can-go-extinct-soon-1686912174803">Eight Dog breeds that can go extinct soon</a></strong></p>

<p>The researchers then conducted a series of tests to configure the animal's genetic composition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their findings, published last month in the journal <em>Animals</em>, confirmed it as a hybrid between&nbsp;a pampas fox, native to South America, and a domestic dog of unknown breed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This groundbreaking revelation presents the first documented case of hybridisation between these two species.</p>

<h2><b>But the hybrid creature passed away recently</b></h2>

<p>Dubbed a "dogxim," combining "dog" with the Portuguese name for the pampas fox, the hybrid sadly passed away earlier this year from unspecified causes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hybridisation, whether natural or human-induced, occurs in approximately 10 per cent of animal species, typically among closely related ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool</strong></p>

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<p>Notable examples of human-created hybrids include mules (cross between donkeys and horses) and ligers (a mix of lions and tigers). In the wild, interbreeding is observed in deer and elk species.</p>

<p>It's worth noting that the development of hybrids can potentially harm wild populations by facilitating the transmission of diseases across species. However, most artificially produced hybrids are infertile.</p>

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A dog-fox hybrid has been found. Yes, this time it's for real. We are not referring to the two animals who become great friends in the film 'Fox and the Hound'. In Brazil, a recent discovery has unveiled what is being described as the world's first dog-fox hybrid, the first known crossbreed between these two species.

A dog-fox hybrid has been found. Yes, this time it's for real. We are not referring to the two animals who become great friends in the film 'Fox and the Hound'. In Brazil, a recent discovery has unveiled what is being described as the world's first dog-fox hybrid, the first known crossbreed between these two species. This unusual canine came to light in 2021 after a car accident, prompting its urgent transfer to a hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. The veterinarians were perplexed due to its distinctive traits, resembling neither a fully wild nor a domestic animal. How the animal was different? Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist, remarked that the black, pointy-eared creature exhibited "unusual" behaviours. "It was not as docile as a dog, but it also lacked the aggressiveness expected of a wild canid when handled," Ferrari told The Telegraph. Also read | Eight Dog breeds that can go extinct soon The researchers then conducted a series of tests to configure the animal's genetic composition. Their findings, published last month in the journal Animals, confirmed it as a hybrid between a pampas fox, native to South America, and a domestic dog of unknown breed. This groundbreaking revelation presents the first documented case of hybridisation between these two species. But the hybrid creature passed away recently Dubbed a "dogxim," combining "dog" with the Portuguese name for the pampas fox, the hybrid sadly passed away earlier this year from unspecified causes. Hybridisation, whether natural or human-induced, occurs in approximately 10 per cent of animal species, typically among closely related ones. Also watch | Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool × Notable examples of human-created hybrids include mules (cross between donkeys and horses) and ligers (a mix of lions and tigers). In the wild, interbreeding is observed in deer and elk species. It's worth noting that the development of hybrids can potentially harm wild populations by facilitating the transmission of diseases across species. However, most artificially produced hybrids are infertile. 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.

World's first fox-dog hybrid has passed away

<p>In yet another accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country's solar mission&nbsp;began collecting scientific data, the space agency announced on Monday, September 18.</p>

<p>The ambitious first mission to study the Sun was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation on September 2nd, 2023. The Aditya L1 mission will reach Lagrange Point 1 near the Sun, travelling for four months, from where it will study various celestial phenomena.</p>

<p>Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system - the Sun and Earth - produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These points are used by spacecraft as ‘parking spots’ in space to remain in a fixed position with minimal fuel consumption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Its top&nbsp;aim is to study solar winds, which can cause disturbance on Earth and are commonly seen as "auroras".</p>

<h2><strong>Aditya L1 space mission: About the scientific data and instruments involved</strong></h2>

<p>The Supra Thermal &amp; Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument is part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/as-moon-probe-chandrayaan-3-falls-asleep-sun-probe-aditya-l1-is-awake-and-kicking-631923">As moon probe Chandrayaan-3 falls asleep, Sun probe Aditya-L1 is awake and kicking</a></strong></p>

<p>STEPS consists of six sensors, each oriented in different directions and capable of measuring supra-thermal and energetic ions spanning different energy units.</p>

<p>These measurements are carried out using both low and high-energy particle spectrometers, ISRO said.</p>

<h2><strong>What data gathered from solar mission means for the ISRO</strong></h2>

<p>The data gathered during Earth's orbits aids scientists in analysing particle behaviour around our planet, particularly within Earth's magnetic field, according to an official ISRO readout.</p>

<p>STEPS was activated on September 10, 2023, at a distance of&nbsp;50,000 km from Earth, equivalent to more than eight&nbsp;times the Earth's radius.</p>

<p>After completing essential instrument health checks, data collection continued until the spacecraft moved further than 50,000 km from Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>STEPS feature: How Aditya L-1 solar mission is faring so far?</strong></h2>

<p>All STEPS units are operating within normal parameters, ISRO said.</p>

<p>These STEPS measurements will persist throughout the cruise phase of the Aditya-L1 mission as it progresses toward the Sun-Earth L1 point and will continue once the spacecraft reaches its intended orbit.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Aditya-L1: India successfully launches its first mission of the Sun</strong></p>

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<p>Data gathered around L1 will offer insights into the origin, acceleration, and related features&nbsp;of the solar wind and space weather phenomena.</p>

<p>STEPS was developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) with support from the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad.</p>

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In yet another accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country's solar mission began collecting scientific data, the space agency announced on Monday, September 18.

In yet another accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country's solar mission began collecting scientific data, the space agency announced on Monday, September 18. The ambitious first mission to study the Sun was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation on September 2nd, 2023. The Aditya L1 mission will reach Lagrange Point 1 near the Sun, travelling for four months, from where it will study various celestial phenomena. Lagrange Points are positions in space where the gravitational forces of a two-body system - the Sun and Earth - produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion. These points are used by spacecraft as ‘parking spots’ in space to remain in a fixed position with minimal fuel consumption. Its top aim is to study solar winds, which can cause disturbance on Earth and are commonly seen as "auroras". Aditya L1 space mission: About the scientific data and instruments involved The Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument is part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload. Also read | As moon probe Chandrayaan-3 falls asleep, Sun probe Aditya-L1 is awake and kicking STEPS consists of six sensors, each oriented in different directions and capable of measuring supra-thermal and energetic ions spanning different energy units. These measurements are carried out using both low and high-energy particle spectrometers, ISRO said. What data gathered from solar mission means for the ISRO The data gathered during Earth's orbits aids scientists in analysing particle behaviour around our planet, particularly within Earth's magnetic field, according to an official ISRO readout. STEPS was activated on September 10, 2023, at a distance of 50,000 km from Earth, equivalent to more than eight times the Earth's radius. After completing essential instrument health checks, data collection continued until the spacecraft moved further than 50,000 km from Earth. STEPS feature: How Aditya L-1 solar mission is faring so far? All STEPS units are operating within normal parameters, ISRO said. These STEPS measurements will persist throughout the cruise phase of the Aditya-L1 mission as it progresses toward the Sun-Earth L1 point and will continue once the spacecraft reaches its intended orbit. Also watch | Aditya-L1: India successfully launches its first mission of the Sun × Data gathered around L1 will offer insights into the origin, acceleration, and related features of the solar wind and space weather phenomena. STEPS was developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) with support from the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad. 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.

India's Aditya L1 mission to study Sun strikes major landmark with collection of scientific data

<p>Diversity of viewpoints spurs innovation, a <a href="https://hbr.org/2013/12/how-diversity-can-drive-innovation">groundbreaking</a> Harvard research in 2013 had concluded. Since then, reports as well as anecdotal insights have pointed out to a pattern of international investors rejecting the composition of proposed directors at shareholders' meetings that do not include women.</p>

<p>But that's just one small part of the world where equal opportunities for all have emerged as one defining circle in a range of concentric circles of a&nbsp;social sphere.</p>

<p>In many parts of the world, women continue to struggle for equal opportunities.</p>

<p>This week two vastly different stories from two different capitals of the world underscored the growing gap between striving towards ideal and running&nbsp;away from the same on the front of women's rights.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tokyo, Japan</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Tokyo | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5e2d2da7-ceb0-47e9-b986-b18710833c4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T192220.229.png" /></p>

<p><em>This photo taken on December 17, 2022 shows people walking past autumn leaves along a tree-lined street at the centre of the Hongo campus at the University of Tokyo, also known as Todai, in Tokyo | AFP</em><br />
<br />
The education board of Japanese capital&nbsp;announced&nbsp;scrapping of its gender quota for all admissions of full-time public high school students.</p>

<p>The new rules will come in effect starting from the spring of 2024.</p>

<p>The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education had been&nbsp;the last board in Japan with a quota for ensuring an equal gender ratio for men and women.</p>

<p>Tokyo, like the rest of prefectures in Japan, will begin passing the individuals based on grades-based ranking. Earlier, the qualification criteria for men and women was being criticised due to significant gap of marks required for people of two genders.</p>

<p>The move is deemed as a reflection of a growing awareness of sexual diversity in Japan. This is because, to avail the benefits of gender quota, one had to specify their gender.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Transgender or nonbinary people in Japan long complained of psychological distress when forced to specify a gender they did not identify with.</p>

<h2><strong>Tehran, Iran</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in her support in front of the Iranian embassy in Brussels | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a52a350-726a-403e-b07c-c871505d77d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-09-17T191724.442.png" /></p>

<p><em>A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in her support in front of the Iranian embassy in Brussels | AFP</em></p>

<p>A 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, originally from Iran's Kurdistan province,&nbsp;was coming out of a metro station in Tehran in September 2023 when she was detained by country's morality police, who accused her of violating country's mandatory hijab rules.</p>

<p>Amini was put in a van and taken to a so-called re-education centre where women are "trained" to dress properly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amini was seen collapsing in that government facility, following which she died at a hospital days later.</p>

<p>Her parents countered the account of authorities who claimed that she died of a pre-existing condition and cited their daughter's previously non-existent head injury as sign of torture they said Amini faced in detention.</p>

<p>From a small protest right in front of the Tehran hospital where she breathed last, the public outrage on Mahsa Amini's custodial death snowballed into the biggest-ever challenge for country's rulers since the Islamic revolution of 1979. Protests spread across towns and cities of the nation, where people demanded scrapping of country's mandatory hijab rules and called for the ouster of the Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei</p>

<p>The street protests gradually died down earlier this year after ruthless repression on protesters.&nbsp;Rights organisations say more than 500 people were killed, including at least 70 minors while tens of thousands were detained in prisons across Iran.</p>

<p>A number of journalists remain imprisoned till date.</p>

<p>This week, as the world marked one year of Mahsa Amini's custodial death, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network&nbsp;said&nbsp;that female inmates on held protests at the Qarchak prison, about 62 km from Tehran.</p>

<p>The Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps&nbsp;meanwhile announced that a dual national was arrested over "attempts to organise riots and vandalism" in Karaj city west of the capital Tehran.</p>

<p>The authorities also&nbsp;Amini's family from holding a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of her death, confining her father under "house arrest", rights groups said.</p>

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Diversity of viewpoints spurs innovation, a groundbreaking Harvard research in 2013 had concluded. Since then, reports as well as anecdotal insights have pointed out to a pattern of international investors rejecting the composition of proposed directors at shareholders' meetings that do not include women.

Diversity of viewpoints spurs innovation, a groundbreaking Harvard research in 2013 had concluded. Since then, reports as well as anecdotal insights have pointed out to a pattern of international investors rejecting the composition of proposed directors at shareholders' meetings that do not include women. But that's just one small part of the world where equal opportunities for all have emerged as one defining circle in a range of concentric circles of a social sphere. In many parts of the world, women continue to struggle for equal opportunities. This week two vastly different stories from two different capitals of the world underscored the growing gap between striving towards ideal and running away from the same on the front of women's rights. Tokyo, Japan This photo taken on December 17, 2022 shows people walking past autumn leaves along a tree-lined street at the centre of the Hongo campus at the University of Tokyo, also known as Todai, in Tokyo | AFP The education board of Japanese capital announced scrapping of its gender quota for all admissions of full-time public high school students. The new rules will come in effect starting from the spring of 2024. The Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education had been the last board in Japan with a quota for ensuring an equal gender ratio for men and women. Tokyo, like the rest of prefectures in Japan, will begin passing the individuals based on grades-based ranking. Earlier, the qualification criteria for men and women was being criticised due to significant gap of marks required for people of two genders. The move is deemed as a reflection of a growing awareness of sexual diversity in Japan. This is because, to avail the benefits of gender quota, one had to specify their gender. Transgender or nonbinary people in Japan long complained of psychological distress when forced to specify a gender they did not identify with. Tehran, Iran A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in her support in front of the Iranian embassy in Brussels | AFP A 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, originally from Iran's Kurdistan province, was coming out of a metro station in Tehran in September 2023 when she was detained by country's morality police, who accused her of violating country's mandatory hijab rules. Amini was put in a van and taken to a so-called re-education centre where women are "trained" to dress properly. Amini was seen collapsing in that government facility, following which she died at a hospital days later. Her parents countered the account of authorities who claimed that she died of a pre-existing condition and cited their daughter's previously non-existent head injury as sign of torture they said Amini faced in detention. From a small protest right in front of the Tehran hospital where she breathed last, the public outrage on Mahsa Amini's custodial death snowballed into the biggest-ever challenge for country's rulers since the Islamic revolution of 1979. Protests spread across towns and cities of the nation, where people demanded scrapping of country's mandatory hijab rules and called for the ouster of the Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei The street protests gradually died down earlier this year after ruthless repression on protesters. Rights organisations say more than 500 people were killed, including at least 70 minors while tens of thousands were detained in prisons across Iran. A number of journalists remain imprisoned till date. This week, as the world marked one year of Mahsa Amini's custodial death, the Kurdistan Human Rights Network said that female inmates on held protests at the Qarchak prison, about 62 km from Tehran. The Iran Revolutionary Guards Corps meanwhile announced that a dual national was arrested over "attempts to organise riots and vandalism" in Karaj city west of the capital Tehran. The authorities also Amini's family from holding a ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of her death, confining her father under "house arrest", rights groups said. 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.

The Capitals: Tokyo and Tehran take women's rights in contrasting directions

<p>A recent series of sexual assault accusations and arrests within Hong Kong universities came to light after a social media platform operated by a 21-year-old student started providing&nbsp;a listening ear for those seeking to share their grievances. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This student, known as Hin Hin, is willing to take on "any kind of job" and handles various requests from his followers, often for a fee, either by completing tasks himself or connecting clients with others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, he provides a listening ear for those seeking to share their grievances, which led to the exposure of the university allegations.</p>

<p>Hin Hin's virtual business operates through an Instagram page called "Hin Hin Man Si Ok," a Cantonese translation&nbsp;of "Yorozuya," a term from the Japanese manga and anime series Gintama, meaning "house of 10,000 businesses."</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/9-anime-series-banned-in-china-1683541758545">Nine anime series banned in China</a></strong></p>

<p>"Back in high school, I did a lot of part-time jobs, but I still found life boring. I want to build a platform that can help people solve problems by connecting them with others who have the skills or resources," Hin Hin was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.</p>

<p>The business employs a free-pricing system and has received diverse requests, from cleaning apartments for HK$300 to providing wake-up calls at 6 am.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the sexual assault cases came to light?</strong></h2>

<p>Hin Hin received requests from three victims who had experienced sexual assaults at university orientation camps, and he helped them share their stories on his platform, without charging any fees.</p>

<p>These accusations raised public concern and resulted in the arrests of two suspects from the University of Hong Kong and Education University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hin Hin's Instagram page, managed solely by him, has garnered over 29,000 followers and more than 5,000 requests since its launch in December.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Japan installs its first LED illuminated manholes with anime motifs</strong></p>

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<p>A year into his venture, Hin Hin is reported to earn around HK$20,000 a month from about 40 clients, ranging from primary school students to middle-aged individuals, who seek his assistance daily.</p>

<p>According to reports in Hong Kong-based media, he occasionally waives fees, especially for those who need someone to talk to or seek emotional support.</p>

<p>For tasks he cannot undertake personally, he connects clients with others who can help. Common requests include finding lost items, hiring assistance, seeking like-minded friends or partners, and connecting with online item sellers.</p>

<p>However, he reportedly avoids requests involving personal disputes, crowdfunding, or illegal activities.</p>

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A recent series of sexual assault accusations and arrests within Hong Kong universities came to light after a social media platform operated by a 21-year-old student started providing a listening ear for those seeking to share their grievances.

A recent series of sexual assault accusations and arrests within Hong Kong universities came to light after a social media platform operated by a 21-year-old student started providing a listening ear for those seeking to share their grievances. This student, known as Hin Hin, is willing to take on "any kind of job" and handles various requests from his followers, often for a fee, either by completing tasks himself or connecting clients with others. Additionally, he provides a listening ear for those seeking to share their grievances, which led to the exposure of the university allegations. Hin Hin's virtual business operates through an Instagram page called "Hin Hin Man Si Ok," a Cantonese translation of "Yorozuya," a term from the Japanese manga and anime series Gintama, meaning "house of 10,000 businesses." Also read | Nine anime series banned in China "Back in high school, I did a lot of part-time jobs, but I still found life boring. I want to build a platform that can help people solve problems by connecting them with others who have the skills or resources," Hin Hin was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post. The business employs a free-pricing system and has received diverse requests, from cleaning apartments for HK$300 to providing wake-up calls at 6 am. How the sexual assault cases came to light? Hin Hin received requests from three victims who had experienced sexual assaults at university orientation camps, and he helped them share their stories on his platform, without charging any fees. These accusations raised public concern and resulted in the arrests of two suspects from the University of Hong Kong and Education University. Hin Hin's Instagram page, managed solely by him, has garnered over 29,000 followers and more than 5,000 requests since its launch in December. Also watch | Japan installs its first LED illuminated manholes with anime motifs × A year into his venture, Hin Hin is reported to earn around HK$20,000 a month from about 40 clients, ranging from primary school students to middle-aged individuals, who seek his assistance daily. According to reports in Hong Kong-based media, he occasionally waives fees, especially for those who need someone to talk to or seek emotional support. For tasks he cannot undertake personally, he connects clients with others who can help. Common requests include finding lost items, hiring assistance, seeking like-minded friends or partners, and connecting with online item sellers. However, he reportedly avoids requests involving personal disputes, crowdfunding, or illegal activities. 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.

Hong Kong: Anime-inspired online business exposes alleged sexual assault row

<p>On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Sunday, a commuter on the Delhi Metro train extended greetings to the former in Sanskrit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi had inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new Metro station ‘YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’.</p>

<p>After the inauguration, he took a ride on the Delhi Metro.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/narendra-modi-the-man-the-magic-the-myth-the-maestro-636726">Narendra Modi: The man, the magic, the myth, the maestro</a></strong></p>

<p>While the Prime Minister was travelling via the metro, his co-traveller greeted him by singing a birthday song in Sanskrit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<em>Janma-dinam-idham ayī prīya sakhe | shantanotu te sarvadā mudam || prārthayāmahe bhava shatāyushī | īshvaras-sadā tvām cha rakshatu || punya karmanā kīrtimārjaya | jīvanam tava bhavatu sārthakam</em> (Happy birthday to the dear one. May this birthday bring joy and prosperity to you. Praying to god for your long life. May god always protect you. May you walk on the path of noble deeds and your life be fulfilled),"&nbsp;she sang to PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Visuals showed PM Modi interacting with other passengers, who also took selfies and wished him a happy birthday.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also officially unveil Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), known as Yashobhoomi in Dwarka.</p>

<p>The nearly 2-kilometre-long ‘Yashobhoomi line’ of the Delhi Metro will connect Dwarka Sector 21 and India International Convention Centre.</p>

<p>"With the addition of this section, the total length of the Airport Express Line from New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 will become 24.9 km," the DMRC said in a statement.</p>

<p>From Sunday the Delhi Metro will also increase the operational speed of Metro trains on Airport Express Line from 90 to 120 km/hr reducing the travel time. The total journey from New Delhi to YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 will take about 21 minutes.</p>

<p>PM Modi also launched the 'Vishwakarma' scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi had announced that the government will soon launch a scheme for individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship.</p>

<p>His vision extends beyond providing financial assistance; it aims to preserve age-old traditions, culture, and the rich heritage embodied in local products, art, and crafts, the release said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi to inaugurate 'Yashobhoomi' convention centre in Delhi on his birthday</strong></p>

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<p>"PM Vishwakarma" will receive full funding from the Union Government, with an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore.</p>

<p>The scheme will register 'Vishwakarmas', who create using their hands and tools, at no cost through Common Services Centres, utilising the biometric-based 'PM Vishwakarma' portal. These artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, read the press release.</p>

<p>The PM Vishwakarma scheme will offer skill enhancement through both basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support, read the press release.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Birthday Wishes in Sanskrit, at Delhi Metro to Indian PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/wvp2Y4UcdI">pic.twitter.com/wvp2Y4UcdI</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1703304443075408079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>At its core, "PM Vishwakarma" seeks to bolster and nurture the 'Guru-Shishya parampara' (mentor-disciple tradition) and the family-based practice of traditional skills among 'Vishwakarma', who create using their hands and tools.&nbsp;</p>

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On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Sunday, a commuter on the Delhi Metro train extended greetings to the former in Sanskrit. PM Modi had inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new Metro station ‘YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’.

On the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday on Sunday, a commuter on the Delhi Metro train extended greetings to the former in Sanskrit. PM Modi had inaugurated the extension of the Delhi Airport Metro Express line from Dwarka Sector 21 to a new Metro station ‘YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25’. After the inauguration, he took a ride on the Delhi Metro. Also read | Narendra Modi: The man, the magic, the myth, the maestro While the Prime Minister was travelling via the metro, his co-traveller greeted him by singing a birthday song in Sanskrit. "Janma-dinam-idham ayī prīya sakhe | shantanotu te sarvadā mudam || prārthayāmahe bhava shatāyushī | īshvaras-sadā tvām cha rakshatu || punya karmanā kīrtimārjaya | jīvanam tava bhavatu sārthakam (Happy birthday to the dear one. May this birthday bring joy and prosperity to you. Praying to god for your long life. May god always protect you. May you walk on the path of noble deeds and your life be fulfilled)," she sang to PM Modi. Visuals showed PM Modi interacting with other passengers, who also took selfies and wished him a happy birthday. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also officially unveil Phase 1 of the India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC), known as Yashobhoomi in Dwarka. The nearly 2-kilometre-long ‘Yashobhoomi line’ of the Delhi Metro will connect Dwarka Sector 21 and India International Convention Centre. "With the addition of this section, the total length of the Airport Express Line from New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 will become 24.9 km," the DMRC said in a statement. From Sunday the Delhi Metro will also increase the operational speed of Metro trains on Airport Express Line from 90 to 120 km/hr reducing the travel time. The total journey from New Delhi to YashoBhoomi Dwarka Sector 25 will take about 21 minutes. PM Modi also launched the 'Vishwakarma' scheme for the benefit of traditional artisans. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi had announced that the government will soon launch a scheme for individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship. His vision extends beyond providing financial assistance; it aims to preserve age-old traditions, culture, and the rich heritage embodied in local products, art, and crafts, the release said. Also watch | PM Modi to inaugurate 'Yashobhoomi' convention centre in Delhi on his birthday × "PM Vishwakarma" will receive full funding from the Union Government, with an impressive allocation of Rs 13,000 crore. The scheme will register 'Vishwakarmas', who create using their hands and tools, at no cost through Common Services Centres, utilising the biometric-based 'PM Vishwakarma' portal. These artisans and craftspeople will receive recognition in the form of a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, read the press release. The PM Vishwakarma scheme will offer skill enhancement through both basic and advanced training, a toolkit incentive of Rs 15,000, collateral-free credit support up to Rs 1 lakh (first tranche) and Rs 2 lakh (second tranche) at a concessional interest rate of 5 per cent, incentives for digital transactions, and marketing support, read the press release. Birthday Wishes in Sanskrit, at Delhi Metro to Indian PM Modi pic.twitter.com/wvp2Y4UcdI — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 17, 2023 × At its core, "PM Vishwakarma" seeks to bolster and nurture the 'Guru-Shishya parampara' (mentor-disciple tradition) and the family-based practice of traditional skills among 'Vishwakarma', who create using their hands and tools. 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.

WATCH | PM Modi turns 73, Delhi Metro commuter extends birthday greetings in Sanskrit

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