World Health Organization chief Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on Saturday (August 19) hailed India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat as an upcoming hub of traditional medicine.

"I believe that a few years from now Gujarat will be the mecca of traditional medicine. It is unique and it is very important," Ghebreyesus told Press Trust of India at the G20 health ministers' meeting in Gujarat's state capital Gandhinagar in western India.

Earlier, India unveiled the 'Global Initiative on Digital Health, a WHO Managed Network' at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir convention in Ghebreyesus' presence.

The WHO chief described the Global Initiative on Digital Health as an integrative step that will lead to equity in healthcare.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Unlocking the power of Traditional Medicine

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"It will amplify our efforts with the incorporation of tools, such as AI while giving due importance to ethics, policy, and governance. GIDH will ensure that no one is left behind," PTI quoted Ghebreyesus as saying.

<h2>Covid still a global threat: Dr Tedros</h2>

Ghebreyesus said that while Covid&nbsp;is no longer a global health emergency, it still remains a 'global health threat' and a new variant is already under the radar of many countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-for-china-to-step-up-fight-against-mpox-who-report-627090">Need for China to step up fight against mpox: WHO report</a>

"Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it remains a global health threat. WHO has recently classified a new variant with a large number of mutations. BA.2.86 variant is under monitoring at present, highlighting once again the need for all countries to maintain surveillance," he said.

<h2>Focus on ‘Pandemic Accord’: Dr Tedros</h2>

The WHO chief asked all the representatives of the countries present in Gandhinagar&nbsp;to accelerate the process of finalising the ‘Pandemic Accord’ so that it can be adopted in the World Health Assembly scheduled to be held next year.

"COVID-19 has taught us all an important lesson that when health is at risk everything is at risk. The world is learning the painful lessons of the pandemic," he added.

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World Health Organization chief Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on Saturday (August 19) hailed India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat as an upcoming hub of traditional medicine.

World Health Organization chief Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus on Saturday (August 19) hailed India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state Gujarat as an upcoming hub of traditional medicine. "I believe that a few years from now Gujarat will be the mecca of traditional medicine. It is unique and it is very important," Ghebreyesus told Press Trust of India at the G20 health ministers' meeting in Gujarat's state capital Gandhinagar in western India. Earlier, India unveiled the 'Global Initiative on Digital Health, a WHO Managed Network' at Gandhinagar's Mahatma Mandir convention in Ghebreyesus' presence. The WHO chief described the Global Initiative on Digital Health as an integrative step that will lead to equity in healthcare. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Unlocking the power of Traditional Medicine × "It will amplify our efforts with the incorporation of tools, such as AI while giving due importance to ethics, policy, and governance. GIDH will ensure that no one is left behind," PTI quoted Ghebreyesus as saying. Covid still a global threat: Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that while Covid is no longer a global health emergency, it still remains a 'global health threat' and a new variant is already under the radar of many countries. Also read | Need for China to step up fight against mpox: WHO report "Although COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, it remains a global health threat. WHO has recently classified a new variant with a large number of mutations. BA.2.86 variant is under monitoring at present, highlighting once again the need for all countries to maintain surveillance," he said. Focus on ‘Pandemic Accord’: Dr Tedros The WHO chief asked all the representatives of the countries present in Gandhinagar to accelerate the process of finalising the ‘Pandemic Accord’ so that it can be adopted in the World Health Assembly scheduled to be held next year. "COVID-19 has taught us all an important lesson that when health is at risk everything is at risk. The world is learning the painful lessons of the pandemic," he added. 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 chief hails PM Modi's home state Gujarat as future's 'Mecca of traditional medicine'

Amid rising show of support by the locals in Niger's capital Niamey for the military junta that took over the country last month, a delegation from the West African ECOWAS bloc arrived in Niger on Saturday, August 19.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed to find a peaceful solution rather than a military one despite posturing to the contrary the same day and the day before.&nbsp;

Led by former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar, the delegation arrived in the capital early afternoon, a day after ECOWAS military chiefs expressed their readiness to intervene and reinstate the ousted president.

The ECOWAS&nbsp;has agreed to activate a "standby force" as a final measure to restore democracy in Niger following the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26.

However, the organisation said it prefers for dialogue to resolve the crisis.

Shortly after the coup at the end of July, an earlier ECOWAS delegation, led by Abubakar&nbsp;attempted unsuccessfully to meet both the ousted President Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-crisis-no-signs-of-opposition-to-junta-as-deadline-to-reverse-coup-ends-622918">Niger crisis: No signs of opposition to junta as deadline to reverse coup ends</a>

According to a source cited by the AFP, the ECOWAS&nbsp;intends to convey a strong message to the army officers and meet with Bazoum, who has been held with his family at the president's official residence since the coup.

ECOWAS Chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a warning to Niamey on Friday, stating that there would be "serious consequences" if the new regime allows Bazoum's health to deteriorate, as reported by an EU official.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-for-action-west-african-leaders-threaten-intervention-in-niger-if-coup-is-not-reversed-in-a-week-620831">'It's time for action': West African leaders threaten intervention in Niger if coup is not reversed in a week</a>

On Saturday, thousands of people gathered outside the main stadium in Niamey to register as volunteer fighters or offer assistance in case the Niger junta needs support against potential military intervention from neighbouring countries.

Also watch |&nbsp;Niger Crisis: ECOWAS decides an undisclosed 'D-day' for Niger intervention

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Some parents even brought their children to sign up, while enthusiastic groups of youth chanted in favour of the junta and against both ECOWAS and France, the country's former colonial ruler.

"We came here to enlist as soldiers. Many people around the country, our brothers our sisters, went out to call for soldiers. We are here since the morning. We want to thank our president (junta leader) for what he is doing right now,"&nbsp;Mohamed Djibou, a volunteer, can be heard as telling an AFP crew in a video interview.&nbsp; 
 
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Amid rising show of support by the locals in Niger's capital Niamey for the military junta that took over the country last month, a delegation from the West African ECOWAS bloc arrived in Niger on Saturday, August 19.

Amid rising show of support by the locals in Niger's capital Niamey for the military junta that took over the country last month, a delegation from the West African ECOWAS bloc arrived in Niger on Saturday, August 19. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed to find a peaceful solution rather than a military one despite posturing to the contrary the same day and the day before. Led by former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar, the delegation arrived in the capital early afternoon, a day after ECOWAS military chiefs expressed their readiness to intervene and reinstate the ousted president. The ECOWAS has agreed to activate a "standby force" as a final measure to restore democracy in Niger following the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26. However, the organisation said it prefers for dialogue to resolve the crisis. Shortly after the coup at the end of July, an earlier ECOWAS delegation, led by Abubakar attempted unsuccessfully to meet both the ousted President Bazoum and the coup leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani. Also read | Niger crisis: No signs of opposition to junta as deadline to reverse coup ends According to a source cited by the AFP, the ECOWAS intends to convey a strong message to the army officers and meet with Bazoum, who has been held with his family at the president's official residence since the coup. ECOWAS Chair and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a warning to Niamey on Friday, stating that there would be "serious consequences" if the new regime allows Bazoum's health to deteriorate, as reported by an EU official. Also read | 'It's time for action': West African leaders threaten intervention in Niger if coup is not reversed in a week On Saturday, thousands of people gathered outside the main stadium in Niamey to register as volunteer fighters or offer assistance in case the Niger junta needs support against potential military intervention from neighbouring countries. Also watch | Niger Crisis: ECOWAS decides an undisclosed 'D-day' for Niger intervention × Some parents even brought their children to sign up, while enthusiastic groups of youth chanted in favour of the junta and against both ECOWAS and France, the country's former colonial ruler. "We came here to enlist as soldiers. Many people around the country, our brothers our sisters, went out to call for soldiers. We are here since the morning. We want to thank our president (junta leader) for what he is doing right now," Mohamed Djibou, a volunteer, can be heard as telling an AFP crew in a video interview. 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.

West African leaders reach coup-hit Niger amid rising show of support for junta by locals

Donald Trump, the former US President and top&nbsp;hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, Trump would have a one-on-one interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Trump claims a strong support from his core group of Republican support-base. But his presidential bid has been overshadowed by an array of criminal cases and the distinction of him being the most indicted former president in the US history.

<h2>Why Trump intends to skip Republican Party primary debate?</h2>

Trump has expressed his inclination to potentially skip the Fox News debate event in Milwaukee due to his concerns about sharing the stage with lower-polling rivals.

On his Truth Social account, Trump posted, "I hold a lead of over 50 points against the runner-up, whoever that may be. Reagan and others didn't do it. People are familiar with my exceptional record, one of the best ever. So why should I participate in the debate?"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-widens-lead-over-desantis-with-record-54-per-cent-support-even-as-legal-challenges-mount-621349">Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount</a>

While the exact timing of Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson is yet to be determined, but the New York Times reported that it will coincide with the Republican primary debate on Wednesday, August 26.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Regardless of his physical presence, Donald Trump will remain open to criticism from opponents in relation to&nbsp;the four criminal and three civil trials he is currently facing.

These legal battles span the periods before, during, and after his presidency and are associated with a number&nbsp;of scandals.

Fox News host Bret Baier remarked, "All the candidates have been continuously questioned about the courtroom proceedings across the nation. Therefore, whether he attends or not, he will be a topic in this debate."

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Donald Trump indicted in 4th case | Will this hamper Trump's Presidential bid?

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Baier's comment reflects&nbsp;the sentiment that Trump's presence or absence won't diminish the attention on him during the debate.

The Republican National Committee has informed Donald Trump that he must make a final decision by Monday if he wishes to secure a spot on the stage.

The Fox News team is reportedly working on two stages for the Grand Old Party (GOP) debate. One, if Trump ends up attending and other if he does not.&nbsp;

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Donald Trump, the former US President and top hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate.

Donald Trump, the former US President and top hopeful to claim Republican nomination for a tenure in the White House during upcoming US presidential elections, will reportedly skip the initial Republican primary debate. Instead, Trump would have a one-on-one interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Trump claims a strong support from his core group of Republican support-base. But his presidential bid has been overshadowed by an array of criminal cases and the distinction of him being the most indicted former president in the US history. Why Trump intends to skip Republican Party primary debate? Trump has expressed his inclination to potentially skip the Fox News debate event in Milwaukee due to his concerns about sharing the stage with lower-polling rivals. On his Truth Social account, Trump posted, "I hold a lead of over 50 points against the runner-up, whoever that may be. Reagan and others didn't do it. People are familiar with my exceptional record, one of the best ever. So why should I participate in the debate?" Also read | Trump widens lead over DeSantis with record 54% support even as legal challenges mount While the exact timing of Trump's interview with Tucker Carlson is yet to be determined, but the New York Times reported that it will coincide with the Republican primary debate on Wednesday, August 26. What does it mean? Regardless of his physical presence, Donald Trump will remain open to criticism from opponents in relation to the four criminal and three civil trials he is currently facing. These legal battles span the periods before, during, and after his presidency and are associated with a number of scandals. Fox News host Bret Baier remarked, "All the candidates have been continuously questioned about the courtroom proceedings across the nation. Therefore, whether he attends or not, he will be a topic in this debate." Also watch | Gravitas: Donald Trump indicted in 4th case | Will this hamper Trump's Presidential bid? × Baier's comment reflects the sentiment that Trump's presence or absence won't diminish the attention on him during the debate. The Republican National Committee has informed Donald Trump that he must make a final decision by Monday if he wishes to secure a spot on the stage. The Fox News team is reportedly working on two stages for the Grand Old Party (GOP) debate. One, if Trump ends up attending and other if he does not. 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.

'Why should I participate': Trump chooses Tucker Carlson over Republican primary debate, says report

Pakistan's former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested on Saturday. Since May 9, this is the third time that Qureshi has been arrested by Pakistani authorities. Qureshi serves as vice-chairman of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Qureshi from his residence in capital Islamabad on Saturday (August 19) and booked him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, in a case pertaining to a diplomatic cypher.

Qureshi's arrest came just hours after he said while addressing a press conference that the PTI will challenge any delay in Pakistan's national elections.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi is described as a close aide to cricketer-turned-politician who himself remains arrested since earlier this month after a court convicted him in the Toshakhana case related to illegal selling of state gifts during his prime ministerial tenure.

<h2>What is Shah Mehmood Qureshi accused of?</h2>

According to the FIR, on March 7, 2022, the then-foreign secretary received a cipher dispatched from Washington. It said that a conclusion of a case registered with the FIA’s counter-terrorism department on Oct 5, 2022, transpired that former prime minister Imran Khan, ex-foreign minister Qureshi and their other associates "are involved in the communication of information contained in [the] secret classified document … to unauthorised persons (ie public at large)," Pakistan's Dawn publication reported.

The FIR registered by the FIA accused Imran, Qureshi and their associates of sharing the information contained in the cipher "by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security."

After the events of May 9, 2023, when ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters&nbsp;attacked symbols of country's powerful military while demonstrating against Khan's arrest in a graft case, multiple top leaders of Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) either left the party or switched loyalties to a different political side.&nbsp;

But Shah Mehmood Qureshi remains one among a handful of leaders who still held the fort of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khan's absence.

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Pakistan's former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested on Saturday. Since May 9, this is the third time that Qureshi has been arrested by Pakistani authorities.

Pakistan's former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested on Saturday. Since May 9, this is the third time that Qureshi has been arrested by Pakistani authorities. Qureshi serves as vice-chairman of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested Qureshi from his residence in capital Islamabad on Saturday (August 19) and booked him under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, in a case pertaining to a diplomatic cypher. Qureshi's arrest came just hours after he said while addressing a press conference that the PTI will challenge any delay in Pakistan's national elections. Shah Mehmood Qureshi is described as a close aide to cricketer-turned-politician who himself remains arrested since earlier this month after a court convicted him in the Toshakhana case related to illegal selling of state gifts during his prime ministerial tenure. What is Shah Mehmood Qureshi accused of? According to the FIR, on March 7, 2022, the then-foreign secretary received a cipher dispatched from Washington. It said that a conclusion of a case registered with the FIA’s counter-terrorism department on Oct 5, 2022, transpired that former prime minister Imran Khan, ex-foreign minister Qureshi and their other associates "are involved in the communication of information contained in [the] secret classified document … to unauthorised persons (ie public at large)," Pakistan's Dawn publication reported. The FIR registered by the FIA accused Imran, Qureshi and their associates of sharing the information contained in the cipher "by twisting the facts to achieve their ulterior motives and personal gains in a manner prejudicial to the interests of state security." After the events of May 9, 2023, when ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's supporters attacked symbols of country's powerful military while demonstrating against Khan's arrest in a graft case, multiple top leaders of Khan's Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) either left the party or switched loyalties to a different political side. But Shah Mehmood Qureshi remains one among a handful of leaders who still held the fort of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khan's absence. 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.

Pakistan's ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrested

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Sweden in what is his first trip since Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine.&nbsp;

"Olena and I arrived in Sweden," Zelensky said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while&nbsp;referring to his wife. He said he will hold talks focused on "partnership, defence cooperation, EU integration, and common Euro-Atlantic security."

"I thank all Swedes who support Ukraine."

<h2>Why Zelensky is in Sweden?</h2>

Sweden has a robust defence industry and despite its purported symbolisms of peace advocacy groups in and beyond capital Stockholm, has been a key supplier of weaponry to the countries in many parts of the world.&nbsp;

Zelensky's visit comes amid reports that all of the Archer self-propelled howitzers donated by Sweden will soon be delivered to Ukraine.

During his visit, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Swedish government officials in Harpsund, located about 120 kilometers west of Stockholm. Additionally, he will have an audience with Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at a palace in the area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-nato-membership-approval-soon-white-house-613275">Sweden's NATO membership approval soon: White House</a>

Sweden, in a departure from its long-standing military non-alignment policy, has provided support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by supplying weapons and aid.

The nation has also applied for NATO membership and is awaiting approval to join the alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;Explained - Why Turkiye agreed to approve Sweden's NATO bid

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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited top military leaders in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border.

During the visit, Putin was briefed by Valery Gerasimov, the commander overseeing Moscow's operations in Ukraine, and other high-ranking military officials at the headquarters of Russia's Southern Military District.

The details of Putin's visit were not confirmed, but footage from state media suggested the meeting took place at night, with Gerasimov welcoming Putin and leading him into a building. The meeting itself remained undisclosed to the public.

Ukraine has reported progress in its counteroffensive efforts, reclaiming the village of Urozhaine in the eastern Donetsk region.

The leader of the Russian battalion defending Urozhaine admitted that his troops could not achieve victory against Ukraine and called for a "front freeze."

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Sweden in what is his first trip since Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine. "Olena and I arrived in Sweden," Zelensky said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while referring to his wife.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Sweden in what is his first trip since Russia launched its offensive on Ukraine. "Olena and I arrived in Sweden," Zelensky said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while referring to his wife. He said he will hold talks focused on "partnership, defence cooperation, EU integration, and common Euro-Atlantic security." "I thank all Swedes who support Ukraine." Why Zelensky is in Sweden? Sweden has a robust defence industry and despite its purported symbolisms of peace advocacy groups in and beyond capital Stockholm, has been a key supplier of weaponry to the countries in many parts of the world. Zelensky's visit comes amid reports that all of the Archer self-propelled howitzers donated by Sweden will soon be delivered to Ukraine. During his visit, Zelensky is scheduled to meet with Swedish government officials in Harpsund, located about 120 kilometers west of Stockholm. Additionally, he will have an audience with Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at a palace in the area. Also read | Sweden's NATO membership approval soon: White House Sweden, in a departure from its long-standing military non-alignment policy, has provided support to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia by supplying weapons and aid. The nation has also applied for NATO membership and is awaiting approval to join the alliance. Also read | Explained - Why Turkiye agreed to approve Sweden's NATO bid × Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently visited top military leaders in the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, near the Ukrainian border. During the visit, Putin was briefed by Valery Gerasimov, the commander overseeing Moscow's operations in Ukraine, and other high-ranking military officials at the headquarters of Russia's Southern Military District. The details of Putin's visit were not confirmed, but footage from state media suggested the meeting took place at night, with Gerasimov welcoming Putin and leading him into a building. The meeting itself remained undisclosed to the public. Ukraine has reported progress in its counteroffensive efforts, reclaiming the village of Urozhaine in the eastern Donetsk region. The leader of the Russian battalion defending Urozhaine admitted that his troops could not achieve victory against Ukraine and called for a "front freeze." 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.

Zelensky visits NATO-aspirant Sweden with focus on 'EU integration'

The Joe Biden administration in the United States has come on the same page as the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the supposed exclusion of anti-whaling launguage in the crucial Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.&nbsp;

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) includes a dozen countries in the Indo-Pacific region -- Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- that cumulatively represent 40 per cent of the global GDP. The framework focuses on the notions of Connected, Resilient, Clean and Fair economy paradigms in the region.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pulls-out-of-trade-talks-with-us-led-indo-pacific-group-514781">India pulls out of trade talks with US led Indo-Pacific group</a>

Tokyo says hunting and eating whales are part of its culture.&nbsp;

A number of coastal communities in Japan have hunted whales for centuries but consumption only became widespread after World War II when other food was available in lesser quantities.

In July 2019, Japan resumed commercial whaling after leaving the International Whaling Commission (IWC).&nbsp;

<h2>Anti-whaling standoff in IPEF: What happened?</h2>

According to a report in the Financial Times, Tokyo had objected to Washington's purported inclusion of anti-whaling language in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. One Japanese official reportedly told the newspaper that Tokyo was prepared to abandon IPEF unless the US backed down.

Also watch |&nbsp;Quad Summit 2022: Joe Biden launches Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

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Had that happened, it would have dealt a massive blow to Washington and an economic framework purportedly aimed at providing an economic counterweight to China.

<h2>Anti-whaling language in IPEF: Why the US backed down?</h2>

A Washington-Tokyo diplomatic spat over anti-whaling language would have had geopolitical repercussions in the wake of Camp David tri-nation summit between the US, Japan and South Korea.

The US avoided bad diplomatic optics.

The International Whaling Commission imposed a suspension on commercial whaling 1986. Japan cites "scientific research" for its whaling activities within its exclusive economic zone.&nbsp;

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The Joe Biden administration in the United States has come on the same page as the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the supposed exclusion of anti-whaling launguage in the crucial Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

The Joe Biden administration in the United States has come on the same page as the Japanese government led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the supposed exclusion of anti-whaling launguage in the crucial Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) includes a dozen countries in the Indo-Pacific region -- Australia, Brunei, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- that cumulatively represent 40 per cent of the global GDP. The framework focuses on the notions of Connected, Resilient, Clean and Fair economy paradigms in the region. Also read | India pulls out of trade talks with US led Indo-Pacific group Tokyo says hunting and eating whales are part of its culture. A number of coastal communities in Japan have hunted whales for centuries but consumption only became widespread after World War II when other food was available in lesser quantities. In July 2019, Japan resumed commercial whaling after leaving the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Anti-whaling standoff in IPEF: What happened? According to a report in the Financial Times, Tokyo had objected to Washington's purported inclusion of anti-whaling language in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. One Japanese official reportedly told the newspaper that Tokyo was prepared to abandon IPEF unless the US backed down. Also watch | Quad Summit 2022: Joe Biden launches Indo-Pacific Economic Framework × Had that happened, it would have dealt a massive blow to Washington and an economic framework purportedly aimed at providing an economic counterweight to China. Anti-whaling language in IPEF: Why the US backed down? A Washington-Tokyo diplomatic spat over anti-whaling language would have had geopolitical repercussions in the wake of Camp David tri-nation summit between the US, Japan and South Korea. The US avoided bad diplomatic optics. The International Whaling Commission imposed a suspension on commercial whaling 1986. Japan cites "scientific research" for its whaling activities within its exclusive economic zone. 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 courts Japan by giving up anti-whaling language in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

A Timeline: Why Vladimir Putin’s Russia wants Ukraine? 

More than 18 months have passed since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. 
Russia, despite significant territorial gains, is refusing to back down. 
So why does Vladimir Putin’s Russia want Ukraine? The answer lies in history, and its intersection with changed realities of present. 


The region mostly consistent with present-day Ukraine, Belarus, and parts of Russia, was ruled by Grand Prince Volodimer. In Russian, it was Vladimir. In Ukrainian, it was called Volodymyr. See the coincidental cast from past more than a millennium later. These are the names of Russian and Ukrainian leaders at present. 

A lot changed during centuries that followed 

For most of these centuries until 20th century — except for a brief period in 16th century and pre-first world war years — Ukraine remained mostly within Moscow’s territorial sphere of influence. 

In the 17th century, the Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great, shipped Russians to Ukraine to populate the region with ethnic Russians. The Ukrainian language was banned from schools and official dispatches. In 1930, Russian leader Joseph Stalin facilitated a famine in Ukraine in which millions of Ukrainians were killed in Ukraine’s east. The East of Ukraine was then populated with ethnic Russians. 

Pro-Russia sentiment in parts of Ukraine 

The east of Ukraine, which now forms internationally-unrecognised states of Donetsk and Luhansk (Donbas), at different points of time in history was consciously populated with ethnic Russians at Moscow’s command. As ethnic Russians scattered across Ukraine from the country’s East, they took with them the ‘shared Russian heritage’ as well as pro-Moscow sentiment. 

 Ukraine was part of Soviet Union in 20th century 

After Moscow, Kyiv was the most powerful capital among all 15 Soviet Republics in the 20th century. It had a flourishing defence industry, productive farmlands and hosted significant chunk of Soviet nuclear arsenal. 

Ukraine became independent in 1991 and so did Russia with the collapse of Soviet Union. Ukraine, in 1994, gave up the nuclear warheads it inherited from Soviet Union. In exchange, Russia promised to respect Ukrainian sovereignty under Budapest Agreement signed in December 1994. 

President Yanukovych, deemed a pro-Russian Ukrainian leader, rejected a trade deal with the European Union which would have brought Ukraine quite within the EU umbrella. Instead, Yanukovych took a $15 billion economic bailout from Russia. 

Feb 2014: Yanukovych’s government toppled 

In February 2014, Yanukovych fled to Russia. Petro Poroshenko became president in elections held in May 2014. But many in Ukraine’s Russian-speaking east, in the Donbas region, wanted Yanukovych to hold on to power in Kyiv. 

In Feb-March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea. In March 2014, a Moscow-led referendum declared Crimea as part of Russia. Historically, the region of Crimea, in 1954, was transferred by Moscow to the erstwhile Ukrainian Soviet Republic to ‘strengthen Soviet brotherhood’. Crimea chose to stay with Ukraine even after the USSR’s dissolution. Many in Russia wanted Crimea to join Russia instead. 

April 2014: Separatists launch offensive in Donbas region


Russian soldiers joined separatists in Donbas region


As Kyiv began its all-out operations to eliminate the separatists from Donbas region in the second half of 2014, Russian military intervened. Later, after many rounds of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the West, Minsk Agreements were signed late in September 2014. 

Under Minsk Agreements, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, withdrawal of their troops and elections in the separatist-held Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Minsk Agreements remain unimplemented since 2014. Moscow justifies war in Ukraine partly because Minsk agreements were never implemented by Kyiv. 

Putin wants US-led NATO to stop expanding and opposes any signs of Ukraine joining the US-led military alliance saying it will bring the NATO to Russian borders. Ukraine wants to join NATO but Putin wants NATO to exclude each of the former Soviet states from its expansionist radar.   

Putin announced a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine in February 2022, and invaded the region for Ukraine’s purported ‘demilitarisation and denazification’. More than 18 months on, the war continues with no signs of cessation of violence from either side. 

Why does Vladimir Putin’s Russia want Ukraine? The answer lies in history, and its intersection with changed realities of present.

The nocturnally empowered journalist in me often gets up late in the night to search a hashtag on Twitter, now called 'X' — #TomorrowsPapersToday — to get a sense of the headlines dominating the frontpage of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.&nbsp;

For nearly a month now, I am often left staring at my smartphone in a short-lived moment of cluelessness. I unlock my phone and among the dozens of apps that stare back, the blue-bird logo of X's predecessor Twitter no longer exists.&nbsp;

Twitter's becoming of 'X' &nbsp;rings a bell and finally I am able to complete my micro-blogging needs on 'X'.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tweet-your-last-one-because-on-musks-rebranded-twitter-you-will-post-an-x-618733">Twitter became 'X' in July 2023</a>. With that, its billionaire owner Elon Musk replaced its blue bird logo with an interim fan-made "𝕏" logo.

The erstwhile Twitter bird was actually the company’s second logo and replaced its earlier 'Larry the Bird' logo used between 2010 and 2012.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today we say goodbye to this great blue bird 
 
This logo was designed in 2012 by a team of three. <a href="https://twitter.com/toddwaterbury?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@toddwaterbury</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/angyche?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@angyche</a> and myself, 
 
The logo was designed to be simple, balanced, and legible at very small sizes, almost like a lowercase "e", a 🧵 <a href="https://t.co/pogZnorRko">pic.twitter.com/pogZnorRko</a>
— martin grasser (@martingrasser) <a href="https://twitter.com/martingrasser/status/1683266038602010624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Twitter bird was borne out of Larry's blue silhouette itself. So one did not miss Larry exactly. It felt Larry never left.

But in July 2023, Larry, and almost all signs of him left the microblogging world of internet at a purported whim of the platform's new billionaire owner.&nbsp;

So for this Delhi-based journalist and millions of others, &nbsp;the Twitter bird was more than just a logo.&nbsp;

It also symbolised the prominence of erstwhile Twitter's micro-blogging service, which for many years was the only game in town.

Our posts on the platform were tweets, the sound of a bird.

Several hundred million tweets a day formed the orchestra of the global town-square.&nbsp;

Some tweets, like that iconic Ellen DeGeneres selfie from the Oscars, became a moment to be drafted in the history of pop culture. (And isn't it ironic that a painting of the Oscar selfie, which arguably lit the selfie culture revolution torch, is among memorabilia that Musk seeks to sell in order to make money for Twitter, I mean X?) 
&nbsp;<img alt="Ellen DeGeneres tweet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d8236b17-2ab0-47e6-9d1c-7cae0a999a4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-17T183715.375.png" />

The selfie from the Academy Awards 2014 tweeted by Ellen DeGeneres became the most retweeted tweet at the time | X

See, calling the platform Twitter is almost like muscle memory.

For me, it's always going to be Twitter.

Whatever its commercial value, Twitter was the first platform to enable global conversations. Anyone could connect to anyone by tagging their handles.

In a world where facts are no more sacred and comment is still free yet can cost you your life, Twitter became the sounding board of views, political slugfest arena, consumer complaint register, emergency alert notice and much else, all rolled into one. Heck, at one point it was even a terrorist recruitment platform for Islamic State and its ilk.

There were good-bad-ugly sides of this expressionist musical on the global town-square.

Donald Trump's rants, Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan's obsessive tweet initial counts (one wonders will he change them with X posts from T-(insert number) earlier.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The tweets we called it. They are now the posts. The expressions with no musical of a tweet. 
&nbsp;<img alt="Amitabh Bachchan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4bd2c0ca-a1cf-467f-9e73-34c270d3f54a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-08-17T184153.092.png" />

Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan garnered fame on social media for his obsessive count of tweets | @SrBachchan/Reuters

Twitter is not the same without tweets.

It'll probably never be the same in future either, as Musk thinks Larry has grown up, and it's time for the bird to leave the nest, so that the billionaire can build the house for his everything app: X.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The nocturnally empowered journalist in me often gets up late in the night to search a hashtag on Twitter, now called 'X' — #TomorrowsPapersToday — to get a sense of the headlines dominating the frontpage of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The nocturnally empowered journalist in me often gets up late in the night to search a hashtag on Twitter, now called 'X' — #TomorrowsPapersToday — to get a sense of the headlines dominating the frontpage of newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. For nearly a month now, I am often left staring at my smartphone in a short-lived moment of cluelessness. I unlock my phone and among the dozens of apps that stare back, the blue-bird logo of X's predecessor Twitter no longer exists. Twitter's becoming of 'X' rings a bell and finally I am able to complete my micro-blogging needs on 'X'. Twitter became 'X' in July 2023. With that, its billionaire owner Elon Musk replaced its blue bird logo with an interim fan-made "𝕏" logo. The erstwhile Twitter bird was actually the company’s second logo and replaced its earlier 'Larry the Bird' logo used between 2010 and 2012. Today we say goodbye to this great blue bird This logo was designed in 2012 by a team of three. @toddwaterbury, @angyche and myself, The logo was designed to be simple, balanced, and legible at very small sizes, almost like a lowercase "e", a 🧵 pic.twitter.com/pogZnorRko — martin grasser (@martingrasser) July 24, 2023 × The Twitter bird was borne out of Larry's blue silhouette itself. So one did not miss Larry exactly. It felt Larry never left. But in July 2023, Larry, and almost all signs of him left the microblogging world of internet at a purported whim of the platform's new billionaire owner. So for this Delhi-based journalist and millions of others, the Twitter bird was more than just a logo. It also symbolised the prominence of erstwhile Twitter's micro-blogging service, which for many years was the only game in town. Our posts on the platform were tweets, the sound of a bird. Several hundred million tweets a day formed the orchestra of the global town-square. Some tweets, like that iconic Ellen DeGeneres selfie from the Oscars, became a moment to be drafted in the history of pop culture. (And isn't it ironic that a painting of the Oscar selfie, which arguably lit the selfie culture revolution torch, is among memorabilia that Musk seeks to sell in order to make money for Twitter, I mean X?) The selfie from the Academy Awards 2014 tweeted by Ellen DeGeneres became the most retweeted tweet at the time | X See, calling the platform Twitter is almost like muscle memory. For me, it's always going to be Twitter. Whatever its commercial value, Twitter was the first platform to enable global conversations. Anyone could connect to anyone by tagging their handles. In a world where facts are no more sacred and comment is still free yet can cost you your life, Twitter became the sounding board of views, political slugfest arena, consumer complaint register, emergency alert notice and much else, all rolled into one. Heck, at one point it was even a terrorist recruitment platform for Islamic State and its ilk. There were good-bad-ugly sides of this expressionist musical on the global town-square. Donald Trump's rants, Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan's obsessive tweet initial counts (one wonders will he change them with X posts from T-(insert number) earlier. The tweets we called it. They are now the posts. The expressions with no musical of a tweet. Indian acting legend Amitabh Bachchan garnered fame on social media for his obsessive count of tweets | @SrBachchan/Reuters Twitter is not the same without tweets. It'll probably never be the same in future either, as Musk thinks Larry has grown up, and it's time for the bird to leave the nest, so that the billionaire can build the house for his everything app: X. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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.

Twitter or X? Life without signs of Larry the bird is no longer the same

American alternative-rock band, the Killers, issued an apology following an incident at their recent show in Batumi, Georgia, a former Soviet Republic.&nbsp; 
 
During the performance, the band brought a Russian drummer on stage and referred to the audience as "brothers and sisters," a typical communist addressal,&nbsp;which elicited a negative response from the crowd.

The choice to invite a Russian musician on stage came at a sensitive time, given the ongoing tension between Georgia and Russia.

The strained relationship has been exacerbated by Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The ongoing war, the reports say, has&nbsp;led to&nbsp;an influx of Russian migrants to Georgia. These reports have been denied by the Russian side from time to time.

<h2>Clarification by The Killers</h2>

In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the Killers expressed regret over any offense caused, clarifying that their intention was never to upset anyone. They cited a longstanding tradition of inviting individuals to participate in drumming on stage as the reason behind their decision to include the Russian drummer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-first-probe-to-the-moon-launched-in-almost-50-years-624395">Russia launches first probe to the Moon in almost 50 years</a>

The phrase "brothers and sisters" used by band leader Brandon Flowers was intended to convey a sense of unity, but it was unfortunately misinterpreted by the audience.

Flowers had hoped to prevent any escalation of negative emotions, emphasising that he saw the concertgoers as part of a shared community.

"We recognise that a comment, meant to suggest that all of the Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters,’ could be misconstrued," the statement added.&nbsp;

Videos circulating on social media depicted disappointed fans leaving the venue and a chorus of boos directed at the band. This incident highlighted the deeply rooted pro-Ukrainian sentiment prevailing among the Georgian public.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

The Killers, a band that has achieved considerable success since its formation in Las Vegas during the early 2000s, acknowledged the potential for misinterpretation and emphasised their commitment to their music and fans.

Also watch |&nbsp;First flight from Russia to Georgia since 2019 lands to protests

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Despite the Grammy-nominated&nbsp;career of 'The Killers' and chart-topping hits, the incident in Georgia served as a reminder of the complex interplay between music, culture, and geopolitics.

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American alternative-rock band, the Killers, issued an apology following an incident at their recent show in Batumi, Georgia, a former Soviet Republic. During the performance, the band brought a Russian drummer on stage and referred to the audience as "brothers and sisters," a typical communist addressal, which elicited a negative response from the crowd.

American alternative-rock band, the Killers, issued an apology following an incident at their recent show in Batumi, Georgia, a former Soviet Republic. During the performance, the band brought a Russian drummer on stage and referred to the audience as "brothers and sisters," a typical communist addressal, which elicited a negative response from the crowd. The choice to invite a Russian musician on stage came at a sensitive time, given the ongoing tension between Georgia and Russia. The strained relationship has been exacerbated by Russia's offensive in Ukraine. The ongoing war, the reports say, has led to an influx of Russian migrants to Georgia. These reports have been denied by the Russian side from time to time. Clarification by The Killers In a statement posted on their Facebook page, the Killers expressed regret over any offense caused, clarifying that their intention was never to upset anyone. They cited a longstanding tradition of inviting individuals to participate in drumming on stage as the reason behind their decision to include the Russian drummer. Also read | Russia launches first probe to the Moon in almost 50 years The phrase "brothers and sisters" used by band leader Brandon Flowers was intended to convey a sense of unity, but it was unfortunately misinterpreted by the audience. Flowers had hoped to prevent any escalation of negative emotions, emphasising that he saw the concertgoers as part of a shared community. "We recognise that a comment, meant to suggest that all of the Killers’ audience and fans are ‘brothers and sisters,’ could be misconstrued," the statement added. Videos circulating on social media depicted disappointed fans leaving the venue and a chorus of boos directed at the band. This incident highlighted the deeply rooted pro-Ukrainian sentiment prevailing among the Georgian public. What does it mean? The Killers, a band that has achieved considerable success since its formation in Las Vegas during the early 2000s, acknowledged the potential for misinterpretation and emphasised their commitment to their music and fans. Also watch | First flight from Russia to Georgia since 2019 lands to protests × Despite the Grammy-nominated career of 'The Killers' and chart-topping hits, the incident in Georgia served as a reminder of the complex interplay between music, culture, and geopolitics. 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 Killers' apologise after calling Georgia crowd 'brothers and sisters'

In Pakistan, a mob of thousands attacked churches and Christian colonies over alleged blasphemy.

In West Africa, the supporters of Niger's military junta raised calls for mass mobilisation of citizens against a potential military action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mob-of-thousands-burns-churches-attacks-christian-colonies-sequence-of-events-626139">Pakistan: Mob of thousands burns churches, attacks Christian colonies | Sequence of events</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373611-pakistan.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
A charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday morning, where they ransacked several buildings and set multiple churches on fire over blasphemy allegations, locals and police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/niger-military-junta-supporters-raise-call-for-mass-mobilisation-as-military-action-looms-626099">Niger: Military junta supporters raise call for mass mobilisation as military action looms</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/13/372958-untitled-design-2023-08-13t233552802.png?imwidth=1920" /> 
 
Supporters of Nigerien military junta are raising calls for mass mobilisation of citizens against a potential military action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which favours restoration of Mohamed Bazoum, the president of Niger deposed toppled recently by the military junta.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cabinet-approves-funding-for-railways-e-buses-digital-india-key-points-626045">India: Cabinet approves funding for railways, e-buses, Digital India. Key points</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/22/368855-succession-2023-07-22t234856328.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
 
The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the&nbsp;Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-visit-hawaii-next-week-as-deadly-wildfires-claim-106-lives-626160">US President Biden to visit Hawaii next week as deadly wildfires claim 106 lives</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373627-president-joe-biden-and-first-lady-jill-biden-walk-across-news-photo-1677267243.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii on August 21, where deadly wildfires have been wreaking havoc for over a week.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-leader-calls-for-setting-global-ai-standards-ahead-of-meeting-with-biden-kishida-626167">South Korean leader calls for setting global AI standards ahead of meeting with Biden, Kishida</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373632-south-korean-leader-calls-for-setting-global-ai-standards-ahead-of-meeting-with-biden-kishida.png?imwidth=1920" />

South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul, Tokyo and Washington will enhance cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, quantum, space and other key critical and emerging technologies, and that the three countries will "work together to set global standards" in this regard.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-skilled-labour-shortage-grows-amid-anti-immigrant-push-626111">Germany's skilled labour shortage grows amid anti-immigrant push</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/25/354385-german.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
 
Germany's crisis of labour is getting worse as increasing number of companies across Europe's largest economy face staff shortages, according to a latest business survey by the Munich-based Ifo Institute released on August 16.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-ukrainian-captives-claim-they-were-brutally-tortured-by-russia-626049">Former Ukrainian captives claim they were brutally tortured by Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373560-russian-filtration-camps-ukraine-business-1240414662.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
&nbsp;

Ukrainian fighters earlier detained by Russia from the battlefield have shared horrifying accounts of their experience while in Russia’s detention facility in southwestern Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/after-mcdonalds-burger-king-removes-tomatoes-from-its-food-items-in-india-626097">After McDonald's, Burger King removes tomatoes from its food items in India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/11/04/115593-untitled-design-48.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
After Mcdonald's, another fast food giant, Burger King has scrapped tomatoes from its food item menus in India, claimed a Reuters report. As the price of the vegetable continues to remain sky-high, Burger King has quietly removed tomatoes from its wraps and burgers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-womens-world-cup-european-champions-england-upset-hosts-australia-to-set-up-final-clash-against-spain-626072">FIFA Women's World Cup: European champions England upset hosts Australia to set-up final clash against Spain</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373574-1-2023-08-16t171024875.jpg?imwidth=1920" /> 
European champions England will have a day with destiny on Sunday, August 20, as they will take on Spain in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. England led by Millie Bright got the better of co-hosts Australia 3-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday, August 16, to reach the final as they will look to add another trophy to their cabinet. Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo saw the European champions through to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-barbie-beats-the-dark-knight-to-becomes-warner-bros-top-domestic-hit-626164">Barbie beats The Dark Knight to become Warner Bros' top domestic hit</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/16/373630-barbie-the-dark-knight.png?imwidth=1920" />

Ever since it released, Greta Gerwig's fantasy comedy,&nbsp;Barbie, has surged past industry milestones. First, this Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling starrer&nbsp;became the highest-grossing movie of all time directed by a solo female director. Then it became the first $1 billion dollar film by a female director. Now, it has become Warner Bros' biggest film at the domestic market (United States), beating out Christopher Nolan's 2008 superhero film The Dark Knight. The Barbenheimer rivalry, it appears, continues. At the time of writing,&nbsp;Barbie's domestic box office haul is $537.5 million, surpassing The Dark Knight's $536 million. As the film approaches its fourth weekend, the ascent of Barbie at the box office is showing no signs of slowing down.

&nbsp;

In Pakistan, a mob of thousands attacked churches and Christian colonies over alleged blasphemy. In West Africa, the supporters of Niger's military junta raised calls for mass mobilisation of citizens against a potential military action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In Pakistan, a mob of thousands attacked churches and Christian colonies over alleged blasphemy. In West Africa, the supporters of Niger's military junta raised calls for mass mobilisation of citizens against a potential military action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Click on the headlines to read more: Pakistan: Mob of thousands burns churches, attacks Christian colonies | Sequence of events A charged mob of around 7,000 people stormed a Christian colony in the Jaranwala Tehsil of Faisalabad district on Wednesday morning, where they ransacked several buildings and set multiple churches on fire over blasphemy allegations, locals and police said. Niger: Military junta supporters raise call for mass mobilisation as military action looms Supporters of Nigerien military junta are raising calls for mass mobilisation of citizens against a potential military action by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) which favours restoration of Mohamed Bazoum, the president of Niger deposed toppled recently by the military junta. India: Cabinet approves funding for railways, e-buses, Digital India. Key points The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 16), approved a slew of decisions, including the Vishwakarma Yojana announced a day earlier by him in the Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Additionally, the cabinet announced the launch of the PM e-Bus Seva Scheme and allotted billions to Indian Railways and for the Digital India initiative. US President Biden to visit Hawaii next week as deadly wildfires claim 106 lives US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii on August 21, where deadly wildfires have been wreaking havoc for over a week. South Korean leader calls for setting global AI standards ahead of meeting with Biden, Kishida South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul, Tokyo and Washington will enhance cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, quantum, space and other key critical and emerging technologies, and that the three countries will "work together to set global standards" in this regard. Germany's skilled labour shortage grows amid anti-immigrant push Germany's crisis of labour is getting worse as increasing number of companies across Europe's largest economy face staff shortages, according to a latest business survey by the Munich-based Ifo Institute released on August 16. Former Ukrainian captives claim they were brutally tortured by Russia Ukrainian fighters earlier detained by Russia from the battlefield have shared horrifying accounts of their experience while in Russia’s detention facility in southwestern Russia. After McDonald's, Burger King removes tomatoes from its food items in India After Mcdonald's, another fast food giant, Burger King has scrapped tomatoes from its food item menus in India, claimed a Reuters report. As the price of the vegetable continues to remain sky-high, Burger King has quietly removed tomatoes from its wraps and burgers. FIFA Women's World Cup: European champions England upset hosts Australia to set-up final clash against Spain European champions England will have a day with destiny on Sunday, August 20, as they will take on Spain in the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. England led by Millie Bright got the better of co-hosts Australia 3-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday, August 16, to reach the final as they will look to add another trophy to their cabinet. Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo saw the European champions through to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Barbie beats The Dark Knight to become Warner Bros' top domestic hit Ever since it released, Greta Gerwig's fantasy comedy, Barbie, has surged past industry milestones. First, this Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling starrer became the highest-grossing movie of all time directed by a solo female director. Then it became the first $1 billion dollar film by a female director. Now, it has become Warner Bros' biggest film at the domestic market (United States), beating out Christopher Nolan's 2008 superhero film The Dark Knight. The Barbenheimer rivalry, it appears, continues. At the time of writing, Barbie's domestic box office haul is $537.5 million, surpassing The Dark Knight's $536 million. As the film approaches its fourth weekend, the ascent of Barbie at the box office is showing no signs of slowing down.

Top 10 world news: Christians under attack in Pakistan, India unveils funding for major infra push, and more

The altercations in Delhi Metro continue to be the part and parcel of Indian capital's frequent descriptions of commute. In yet another incident that unfolded on the Delhi Metro, two women were seen engaging in a heated argument over available standing space.&nbsp;

The altercation was captured on video by a fellow passenger, and the footage quickly gained widespread attention online, especially on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The video begins with visuals of an intense argument between two women, who are seen pushing each other and engaging in a heated exchange of words.&nbsp;

Their dispute escalates into a physical altercation. Towards the conclusion of the video, a third woman steps in and successfully mediates, bringing an end to the conflict.

Since its posting on August 15, the video has amassed a staggering 62,000 views, with the view count continuing to rise steadily.&nbsp;

Numerous viewers took the opportunity to leave comments following their viewing of the altercation on the Delhi Metro.

While a few advised the quarrelling individuals to travel in Mumbai's urban railway transport to 'get space', others wondered why authorities had not been acting up over repeated incidents of such verbal spats in Delhi Metro.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dmrc-says-filming-dance-videos-and-instagram-reels-banned-in-delhi-metro-572044">DMRC says filming dance videos and Instagram reels banned in Delhi Metro</a>

Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) took a lighthearted approach to enforcing regulations. The DMRC recently posted a clever advisory on social media, employing a well-known meme from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to convey its message.

Shared across the social media platform X, and on Instagram, the meme cleverly depicts a scene from an Avengers movie, where Chris Evans' Captain America engages in a brawl with HYDRA spies in pursuit of the Tesseract.

This memorable cinematic instance has been ingeniously repurposed by the DMRC to remind travellers not to engage in dancing or filming dance content inside metro carriages or on platforms. Such activities are perceived as disruptive and inconsiderate to fellow passengers.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
मेट्रो में Travel करें Trouble नहीं <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiMetro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiMetro</a> <a href="https://t.co/QKw54EZK7e">pic.twitter.com/QKw54EZK7e</a>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1691679948602491039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Delhi Metro is a Mass Rapid Transit system which serves India's capital Delhi and its adjoining satellite cities such as Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida and Bahadurgarh, in the National Capital Region of India.

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The altercations in Delhi Metro continue to be the part and parcel of Indian capital's frequent descriptions of commute. In yet another incident that unfolded on the Delhi Metro, two women were seen engaging in a heated argument over available standing space.

The altercations in Delhi Metro continue to be the part and parcel of Indian capital's frequent descriptions of commute. In yet another incident that unfolded on the Delhi Metro, two women were seen engaging in a heated argument over available standing space. The altercation was captured on video by a fellow passenger, and the footage quickly gained widespread attention online, especially on X, formerly known as Twitter. The video begins with visuals of an intense argument between two women, who are seen pushing each other and engaging in a heated exchange of words. Their dispute escalates into a physical altercation. Towards the conclusion of the video, a third woman steps in and successfully mediates, bringing an end to the conflict. Since its posting on August 15, the video has amassed a staggering 62,000 views, with the view count continuing to rise steadily. Numerous viewers took the opportunity to leave comments following their viewing of the altercation on the Delhi Metro. While a few advised the quarrelling individuals to travel in Mumbai's urban railway transport to 'get space', others wondered why authorities had not been acting up over repeated incidents of such verbal spats in Delhi Metro. Also read | DMRC says filming dance videos and Instagram reels banned in Delhi Metro Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) took a lighthearted approach to enforcing regulations. The DMRC recently posted a clever advisory on social media, employing a well-known meme from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to convey its message. Shared across the social media platform X, and on Instagram, the meme cleverly depicts a scene from an Avengers movie, where Chris Evans' Captain America engages in a brawl with HYDRA spies in pursuit of the Tesseract. This memorable cinematic instance has been ingeniously repurposed by the DMRC to remind travellers not to engage in dancing or filming dance content inside metro carriages or on platforms. Such activities are perceived as disruptive and inconsiderate to fellow passengers. मेट्रो में Travel करें Trouble नहीं #DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/QKw54EZK7e — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) August 16, 2023 × The Delhi Metro is a Mass Rapid Transit system which serves India's capital Delhi and its adjoining satellite cities such as Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida and Bahadurgarh, in the National Capital Region 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.

Two women get into a verbal spat in Delhi Metro, video goes viral; DMRC posts MCU meme

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck the Sola, Vanuatu region late on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. So far, there is no update on a Tsunami warning.

The quake was estimated at a depth of 193 km (119.92 miles), USGS added.&nbsp;

Vanuatu is a double chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands in the&nbsp;south-western Pacific Ocean.

The islands are volcanic and coral in origin.

They lie about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometres east of Australia. Around 65 of the islands are inhabited.

<h2>Why Vanuatu is prone to earthquakes?</h2>

Vanuatu is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a circle of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

This country faces an annual cyclone season, recurrent droughts, and floods, rendering it among the world's most susceptible nations to natural calamities.

According to the UK government's foreign travel advisory, the cyclone season in Vanuatu spans from November to May, posing a significant risk of potent winds, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding, landslides, and road closures.

Over 2,000 seismic events are recorded annually, with occasional larger earthquakes and tremors exceeding a magnitude of five.

Active volcanoes are situated on Tanna, Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, Vanua Lava, and Gaua islands.

Vanuatu confronts rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones that adversely impact its economy.

The island nation has submitted a draft UN resolution seeking advisory from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning legal obligations and consequences related to climate change-induced harm.

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An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck the Sola, Vanuatu region late on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. So far, there is no update on a Tsunami warning.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck the Sola, Vanuatu region late on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. So far, there is no update on a Tsunami warning. The quake was estimated at a depth of 193 km (119.92 miles), USGS added. Vanuatu is a double chain of 13 principal and many smaller islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. The islands are volcanic and coral in origin. They lie about 800 kilometres west of Fiji and nearly 1800 kilometres east of Australia. Around 65 of the islands are inhabited. Why Vanuatu is prone to earthquakes? Vanuatu is situated along the "Ring of Fire," a circle of seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This country faces an annual cyclone season, recurrent droughts, and floods, rendering it among the world's most susceptible nations to natural calamities. According to the UK government's foreign travel advisory, the cyclone season in Vanuatu spans from November to May, posing a significant risk of potent winds, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding, landslides, and road closures. Over 2,000 seismic events are recorded annually, with occasional larger earthquakes and tremors exceeding a magnitude of five. Active volcanoes are situated on Tanna, Ambae, Ambrym, Lopevi, Vanua Lava, and Gaua islands. Vanuatu confronts rising sea levels and intensifying cyclones that adversely impact its economy. The island nation has submitted a draft UN resolution seeking advisory from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning legal obligations and consequences related to climate change-induced harm. 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.

Vanuatu struck by strong earthquake in tsunami-sensitive region

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