<p>The political uproar over a non-peer reviewed research paper by a faculty member of India's Ashoka University took a turnaround after the university distanced itself from the paper. The research paper that questioned the integrity of India's election process 'has not yet completed a critical review process and has not been published in an academic journal', said the privately-owned university located outside Delhi in the northern town of Sonipat in Haryana state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the paper say?</strong></h2>

<p>The research paper by Sabyasachi Das, an assistant professor of economics at the university, claimed 'targeted electoral discrimination' in India's election process in recent years.</p>

<p>"I compile several new datasets and present evidence that is consistent with electoral manipulation in closely contested constituencies and is less supportive of the precise control hypothesis," the abstract of the 50-page research paper said.</p>

<p>"Manipulation appears to take the form of targeted electoral discrimination against India's largest minority group - Muslims, partly facilitated by weak monitoring by election observers. The results present a worrying development for the future of democracy."</p>

<p>The research paper, titled 'Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy', made overarching claims by citing narrow-margin wins by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as a pattern of discontinuity.</p>

<p>The BJP, "due to its superior electoral machine, was able to precisely predict and affect win margins," it claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election</strong></p>

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<p>"In view of the depletion of trust in electoral processes across the globe and the exceptional integrity of India’s electoral institution in its past, the paper presents a worrying development with potentially far-reaching consequences for the world’s largest democracy," the paper said.</p>

<h2><strong>Political uproar</strong></h2>

<p>The research paper triggered a political debate in New Delhi with leaders from India's principal opposition party Congress and the ruling&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) throwing in their weight.</p>

<p>Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor said the research paper's findings were "hugely troubling". "If the Election Commission and/or the Government of India have answers available to refute these arguments, they should provide them in detail. The evidence presented does not lend itself to political attacks on a serious scholar. E.g. the discrepancy in vote tallies needs to be explained, since it can't be wished away," Tharoor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>BJP lawmaker Nishikant Dubey termed the research paper "half-baked".</p>

<p>"It is fine to differ with the BJP on matters of policy, but this is taking it too far. How can someone in the name of half-baked research discredit India’s vibrant poll process? How can any university allow it? Answers needed -- this is not good enough a response," Dubey said.</p>

<h2><strong>Ashoka University's clarification</strong></h2>

<p>After the paper led to a political uproar, Ashoka University came out to distance itself from it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Ashoka University is dismayed by the speculation and debate around a recent paper by one of its faculty members and the university's position on its contents," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>"As a matter of record, Ashoka University is focused on excellence in teaching and research across multiple disciplines, with a vision to build India's finest university, create social impact and contribute to nation-building. The University encourages its 160-plus faculty to carry out research, but does not direct or approve specific research projects by individual faculty members. Ashoka values research that is critically peer-reviewed and published in reputed journals," the statement read.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-33-academicians-demand-removal-of-names-from-rationalised-ncert-textbooks-604808">India: 33 academicians demand removal of names from 'rationalised' NCERT textbooks</a></strong></p>

<p>"Social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their individual capacity does not reflect the stand of the University," it added.&nbsp;</p>

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The political uproar over a non-peer reviewed research paper by a faculty member of India's Ashoka University took a turnaround after the university distanced itself from the paper.

The political uproar over a non-peer reviewed research paper by a faculty member of India's Ashoka University took a turnaround after the university distanced itself from the paper. The research paper that questioned the integrity of India's election process 'has not yet completed a critical review process and has not been published in an academic journal', said the privately-owned university located outside Delhi in the northern town of Sonipat in Haryana state. What did the paper say? The research paper by Sabyasachi Das, an assistant professor of economics at the university, claimed 'targeted electoral discrimination' in India's election process in recent years. "I compile several new datasets and present evidence that is consistent with electoral manipulation in closely contested constituencies and is less supportive of the precise control hypothesis," the abstract of the 50-page research paper said. "Manipulation appears to take the form of targeted electoral discrimination against India's largest minority group - Muslims, partly facilitated by weak monitoring by election observers. The results present a worrying development for the future of democracy." The research paper, titled 'Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy', made overarching claims by citing narrow-margin wins by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party as a pattern of discontinuity. The BJP, "due to its superior electoral machine, was able to precisely predict and affect win margins," it claimed. Also watch | Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election × "In view of the depletion of trust in electoral processes across the globe and the exceptional integrity of India’s electoral institution in its past, the paper presents a worrying development with potentially far-reaching consequences for the world’s largest democracy," the paper said. Political uproar The research paper triggered a political debate in New Delhi with leaders from India's principal opposition party Congress and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) throwing in their weight. Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor said the research paper's findings were "hugely troubling". "If the Election Commission and/or the Government of India have answers available to refute these arguments, they should provide them in detail. The evidence presented does not lend itself to political attacks on a serious scholar. E.g. the discrepancy in vote tallies needs to be explained, since it can't be wished away," Tharoor wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. BJP lawmaker Nishikant Dubey termed the research paper "half-baked". "It is fine to differ with the BJP on matters of policy, but this is taking it too far. How can someone in the name of half-baked research discredit India’s vibrant poll process? How can any university allow it? Answers needed -- this is not good enough a response," Dubey said. Ashoka University's clarification After the paper led to a political uproar, Ashoka University came out to distance itself from it. "Ashoka University is dismayed by the speculation and debate around a recent paper by one of its faculty members and the university's position on its contents," it said in a statement. "As a matter of record, Ashoka University is focused on excellence in teaching and research across multiple disciplines, with a vision to build India's finest university, create social impact and contribute to nation-building. The University encourages its 160-plus faculty to carry out research, but does not direct or approve specific research projects by individual faculty members. Ashoka values research that is critically peer-reviewed and published in reputed journals," the statement read. Also read | India: 33 academicians demand removal of names from 'rationalised' NCERT textbooks "Social media activity or public activism by Ashoka faculty, students or staff in their individual capacity does not reflect the stand of the University," it 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.

India's Ashoka University distances itself from disputed paper that questioned integrity of India's elections

<p>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged the surging cases of Leprosy in the Florida state. The development came as a new reports suggested that Florida's central area may have become an "endemic location" for the infectious disease.</p>

<h2><strong>Florida Leprosy surge: How many cases?</strong></h2>

<p>As many as 159 new cases of Leprosy were detected in the United States in 2020, overlapping with the time when Covid became a pandemic and wreaked havoc in and beyond the United States. Florida reportedly topped the chart as state with most Leprosy cases. Nearly a fifth of all Leprosy cases in Florida were reported in the state's central region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elsewhere, in the south-eastern side of the United States, the number of Leprosy cases have more than doubled over the last decade, according to the CDC.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Of Africa: Leprosy patients find a new haven</strong></p>

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<p>"Whereas Leprosy in the United States previously affected persons who had immigrated from Leprosy-endemic areas, [about] 34 per cent&nbsp;of new case patients during 2015–20 appeared to have locally acquired the disease," the CDC said.</p>

<h2><strong>Leprosy an 'endemic' in south-eastern United States</strong></h2>

<p>The US CDC said that the data adds up to the "mounting epidemiological evidence supporting Leprosy as an endemic in the south-eastern United States".</p>

<p>Overall, the number of reported Leprosy cases fell in the United States between 2019 and 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The increase in central Florida, however, emerges as the latest cause for concern.</p>

<p>"Travel to this area, even in the absence of other risk factors, should prompt consideration of Leprosy in the appropriate clinical context," the CDC said.</p>

<h2><strong>How dangerous is Leprosy?</strong></h2>

<p>Leprosy can lead to serious disabilities, including nervous damage, if not treated in time. It spreads through moisture droplets passed through the breathable air. Armadillos are known to be the carriers of the disease.</p>

<p>The CDC cited the case of a 54-year-old man from central Florida. The man had not traveled domestically or internationally, had not had "prolonged contact with immigrants from Leprosy-endemic countries", and had denied exposure to armadillos, which are known to carry the disease.</p>

<p>"The absence of traditional risk factors in many recent cases of Leprosy in Florida, coupled with the high proportion of residents, like our patient, who spend a great deal of time outdoors, supports the investigation into environmental reservoirs as a potential source of transmission," the CDC said.</p>

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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged the surging cases of Leprosy in the Florida state. The development came as a new reports suggested that Florida's central area may have become an "endemic location" for the infectious disease.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flagged the surging cases of Leprosy in the Florida state. The development came as a new reports suggested that Florida's central area may have become an "endemic location" for the infectious disease. Florida Leprosy surge: How many cases? As many as 159 new cases of Leprosy were detected in the United States in 2020, overlapping with the time when Covid became a pandemic and wreaked havoc in and beyond the United States. Florida reportedly topped the chart as state with most Leprosy cases. Nearly a fifth of all Leprosy cases in Florida were reported in the state's central region. Elsewhere, in the south-eastern side of the United States, the number of Leprosy cases have more than doubled over the last decade, according to the CDC. Also watch | World Of Africa: Leprosy patients find a new haven × "Whereas Leprosy in the United States previously affected persons who had immigrated from Leprosy-endemic areas, [about] 34 per cent of new case patients during 2015–20 appeared to have locally acquired the disease," the CDC said. Leprosy an 'endemic' in south-eastern United States The US CDC said that the data adds up to the "mounting epidemiological evidence supporting Leprosy as an endemic in the south-eastern United States". Overall, the number of reported Leprosy cases fell in the United States between 2019 and 2020. The increase in central Florida, however, emerges as the latest cause for concern. "Travel to this area, even in the absence of other risk factors, should prompt consideration of Leprosy in the appropriate clinical context," the CDC said. How dangerous is Leprosy? Leprosy can lead to serious disabilities, including nervous damage, if not treated in time. It spreads through moisture droplets passed through the breathable air. Armadillos are known to be the carriers of the disease. The CDC cited the case of a 54-year-old man from central Florida. The man had not traveled domestically or internationally, had not had "prolonged contact with immigrants from Leprosy-endemic countries", and had denied exposure to armadillos, which are known to carry the disease. "The absence of traditional risk factors in many recent cases of Leprosy in Florida, coupled with the high proportion of residents, like our patient, who spend a great deal of time outdoors, supports the investigation into environmental reservoirs as a potential source of transmission," the CDC 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.

US: Florida sees surge in leprosy, health agency raises alarm on 'locally acquired' cases

<p>Typhoon Khanun wreaked havoc in Japan, with most rampage from winds being reported in the popular tourist destination Okinawa. Over 200,000 households have no&nbsp;electricity while one person is reportedly dead and 25 others were injured.</p>

<p>The slow-moving typhoon is moving northwest at 15 kph (9.3 mph), posing a higher risk of damage as it remains in the area for a longer duration.</p>

<p>The storm has flipped cars in parking lots, and has flooded the streets, disrupted phone and internet connections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 951 flights were cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday, while 35 ferry lines suspended operations, Japan’s transport ministry said.</p>

<p>The power outages affected more than 34 per cent of households in Okinawa and also impacted areas in Kagoshima prefecture, Reuters reported.</p>

<p>Major courier companies Yamato Holdings and SG Holdings’ Sagawa Express halted all parcel deliveries to Okinawa from other areas in Japan due to transport disruption.</p>

<h2><strong>China to be impacted next?</strong></h2>

<p>The typhoon is expected to move towards China's Zhejiang and Fujian provinces and then potentially head towards Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island, authorities announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a precaution, authorities began evacuating nearly 700,000 people from Okinawa.</p>

<p>Typhoon Khanun hits Okinawa during peak tourist season.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/doksuris-aftermath-and-typhoon-khanuns-threat-ravage-chinas-provinces-621273">Doksuri's aftermath and Typhoon Khanun's threat ravage China's provinces</a></strong></p>

<p>While Okinawa is frequently hit by typhoons, it typically experiences them later in the year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the current storm coincides with the peak summer tourist season, affecting the area's bustling travel industry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Okinawa also hosts a significant portion of US forces in Japan. The personnel on Kadena Air Base have been urged to take necessary precautions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Typhoon Doksuri: At least 11 killed and 27 missing as heavy rain pelts Beijing</strong></p>

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<p>Typhoon Khanun's arrival follows Typhoon Doksuri, which recently struck northern China, causing severe damage and affecting rice production in the Philippines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Typhoon Khanun wreaked havoc in Japan, with most rampage from winds being reported in the popular tourist destination Okinawa. Over 200,000 households have no electricity while one person is reportedly dead and 25 others were injured.

Typhoon Khanun wreaked havoc in Japan, with most rampage from winds being reported in the popular tourist destination Okinawa. Over 200,000 households have no electricity while one person is reportedly dead and 25 others were injured. The slow-moving typhoon is moving northwest at 15 kph (9.3 mph), posing a higher risk of damage as it remains in the area for a longer duration. The storm has flipped cars in parking lots, and has flooded the streets, disrupted phone and internet connections. A total of 951 flights were cancelled on Tuesday and Wednesday, while 35 ferry lines suspended operations, Japan’s transport ministry said. The power outages affected more than 34 per cent of households in Okinawa and also impacted areas in Kagoshima prefecture, Reuters reported. Major courier companies Yamato Holdings and SG Holdings’ Sagawa Express halted all parcel deliveries to Okinawa from other areas in Japan due to transport disruption. China to be impacted next? The typhoon is expected to move towards China's Zhejiang and Fujian provinces and then potentially head towards Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island, authorities announced. As a precaution, authorities began evacuating nearly 700,000 people from Okinawa. Typhoon Khanun hits Okinawa during peak tourist season. Also read | Doksuri's aftermath and Typhoon Khanun's threat ravage China's provinces While Okinawa is frequently hit by typhoons, it typically experiences them later in the year. However, the current storm coincides with the peak summer tourist season, affecting the area's bustling travel industry. Okinawa also hosts a significant portion of US forces in Japan. The personnel on Kadena Air Base have been urged to take necessary precautions. Also watch | Typhoon Doksuri: At least 11 killed and 27 missing as heavy rain pelts Beijing × Typhoon Khanun's arrival follows Typhoon Doksuri, which recently struck northern China, causing severe damage and affecting rice production in the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Millions affected as Typhoon Khanun wreaks havoc in Japan, to head towards China

<p>Artificial Intelligence could cut workload of radiologists in searching routine scans for breast cancer signs, a large study in Sweden suggested on Wednesday. The interim results were promising, but the authors cautioned that more research is needed before using AI for broader breast cancer screening.</p>

<p>What would the latest AI breakthrough mean for the human workforce engaged in the radiology and related medical works, remains unclear.</p>

<p>In 2020, over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths were attributed to breast cancer, according to World Health Organization.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How the study was conducted?</strong></h2>

<p>The medical community has been repeatedly asserting since long that regular screening is crucial for early cancer detection.</p>

<p>The current study involved 80,000 mammograms from four sites in southwest Sweden between April 2021 and July last year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/artificial-intelligence-could-replace-80-of-jobs-in-next-few-years-590634">Artificial intelligence could replace 80% of jobs 'in next few years'</a></strong></p>

<p>The AI-supported system predicted 20 per cent more cancers, reducing the workload for radiologists by 44 per cent, as only one person was needed to read the scans instead of two.</p>

<h2><strong>What next?</strong></h2>

<p>Despite the promising results, the study's lead author said that more time and research are needed before implementing AI in mammography screening. The trial will assess AI's impact on reducing interval cancers, detected between routine screenings, over the next two years.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How AI and Automation will impact jobs in the future</strong></p>

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<p>"The greatest potential of AI right now is that it could allow radiologists to be less burdened by the excessive amount of reading," Kristina Lang, a radiologist at Sweden's Lund University and lead author of the study.</p>

<p>It will take two more years before the trial can say whether using AI leads to a reduction in what are called interval cancers, which are detected between routine screenings, the researchers have cautioned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Artificial Intelligence could cut workload of radiologists in searching routine scans for breast cancer signs, a large study in Sweden suggested on Wednesday. The interim results were promising, but the authors cautioned that more research is needed before using AI for broader breast cancer screening.

Artificial Intelligence could cut workload of radiologists in searching routine scans for breast cancer signs, a large study in Sweden suggested on Wednesday. The interim results were promising, but the authors cautioned that more research is needed before using AI for broader breast cancer screening. What would the latest AI breakthrough mean for the human workforce engaged in the radiology and related medical works, remains unclear. In 2020, over 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths were attributed to breast cancer, according to World Health Organization. How the study was conducted? The medical community has been repeatedly asserting since long that regular screening is crucial for early cancer detection. The current study involved 80,000 mammograms from four sites in southwest Sweden between April 2021 and July last year. Also read | Artificial intelligence could replace 80% of jobs 'in next few years' The AI-supported system predicted 20 per cent more cancers, reducing the workload for radiologists by 44 per cent, as only one person was needed to read the scans instead of two. What next? Despite the promising results, the study's lead author said that more time and research are needed before implementing AI in mammography screening. The trial will assess AI's impact on reducing interval cancers, detected between routine screenings, over the next two years. Also watch | How AI and Automation will impact jobs in the future × "The greatest potential of AI right now is that it could allow radiologists to be less burdened by the excessive amount of reading," Kristina Lang, a radiologist at Sweden's Lund University and lead author of the study. It will take two more years before the trial can say whether using AI leads to a reduction in what are called interval cancers, which are detected between routine screenings, the researchers have cautioned. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

AI can now read breast cancer scans. What it means for jobs in radiology?

<p>The incessant rain in and around China's capital Beijing has so far killed at least 20 people and an unspecified number of people remain missing at the time of filing this report. During the ongoing spell of disastrous rainfall in the region, the visuals showing dramatic moments from the flood have gone viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the viral videos show the visuals of flood in western Beijing recorded from a high-speed train.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are many mountainous areas in Mentougou District in the west of Beijing, and heavy rains have brought huge floods."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-at-least-two-killed-amid-torrential-rains-and-floods-in-beijing-thousands-evacuated-621085">Roads turn into rivers as torrential rains and floods slam Beijing</a></strong><br />
<br />
"Beijing Daxing Airport is downstream of it," a user by the handle 'Trip In China' posted on 'X', the rebranded version of Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The flood in western Beijing seen on the high-speed train.<br />
There are many mountainous areas in Mentougou District in the west of Beijing, and heavy rains have brought huge floods.<br />
Beijing Daxing Airport is downstream of it. <a href="https://t.co/7dhnDxMIcz">pic.twitter.com/7dhnDxMIcz</a></p>
— Sharing Travel (@TripInChina) <a href="https://twitter.com/TripInChina/status/1686220076012421121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>People reacted with expressions of shock to the visuals of rampaging floods in and around the Chinese capital.</p>

<p>"Shocking to see. There are so many low lying areas around the world and when you get a years rain in a few days, nothing can stop it. The intensity of natural disasters are definitely getting worse," wrote a user.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another video showed gripping moments after a person's car got flipped over by the flash flood.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bridge collapsed, cars washed down, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flood</a> near <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Beijing</a>’s west fifth ring road, today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chinanews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chinanews</a> <a href="https://t.co/uFItoqljpQ">pic.twitter.com/uFItoqljpQ</a></p>
— Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng 曾錚真言 (@jenniferzeng97) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferzeng97/status/1686071406658797580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Thousands of people were evacuated to shelters in schools and other public buildings in suburban Beijing and in the nearby cities of Tianjin and Zhuozhou, Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The severity of the flood has taken Beijing residents by shock and surprise this year. The Chinese capital usually has dry summers but this year, Beijing witnessed a stretch of record-breaking heat.<br />
<br />
Storm Doksuri has been causing widespread flooding and has led to chaos across northern China.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The incessant rain in and around China's capital Beijing has so far killed at least 20 people and an unspecified number of people remain missing at the time of filing this report.

The incessant rain in and around China's capital Beijing has so far killed at least 20 people and an unspecified number of people remain missing at the time of filing this report. During the ongoing spell of disastrous rainfall in the region, the visuals showing dramatic moments from the flood have gone viral on social media. One of the viral videos show the visuals of flood in western Beijing recorded from a high-speed train. "There are many mountainous areas in Mentougou District in the west of Beijing, and heavy rains have brought huge floods." Also read | Roads turn into rivers as torrential rains and floods slam Beijing "Beijing Daxing Airport is downstream of it," a user by the handle 'Trip In China' posted on 'X', the rebranded version of Twitter. The flood in western Beijing seen on the high-speed train. There are many mountainous areas in Mentougou District in the west of Beijing, and heavy rains have brought huge floods. Beijing Daxing Airport is downstream of it. pic.twitter.com/7dhnDxMIcz — Sharing Travel (@TripInChina) August 1, 2023 × People reacted with expressions of shock to the visuals of rampaging floods in and around the Chinese capital. "Shocking to see. There are so many low lying areas around the world and when you get a years rain in a few days, nothing can stop it. The intensity of natural disasters are definitely getting worse," wrote a user. Another video showed gripping moments after a person's car got flipped over by the flash flood. Bridge collapsed, cars washed down, #flood near #Beijing’s west fifth ring road, today. #CCP #China #Chinanews pic.twitter.com/uFItoqljpQ — Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng 曾錚真言 (@jenniferzeng97) July 31, 2023 × Thousands of people were evacuated to shelters in schools and other public buildings in suburban Beijing and in the nearby cities of Tianjin and Zhuozhou, Associated Press reported. The severity of the flood has taken Beijing residents by shock and surprise this year. The Chinese capital usually has dry summers but this year, Beijing witnessed a stretch of record-breaking heat. Storm Doksuri has been causing widespread flooding and has led to chaos across northern China. 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 | Floods in China flip cars, submerge Chinese capital's roads

<p>Scientists have announced the discovery of the oldest species of swimming jellyfish in 505-million-year-old fossils from Burgess Shale in Canada, known for its well-preserved specimens. The new species, named <em>Burgessomedusa phasmiformis</em>, had a bell-shaped body up to 20cm high and around 90 short tentacles for capturing sizable prey.</p>

<p>The first human ancestors appeared between five million and seven million years ago. This means that these jellyfishes existed about 500 million years before first human beings began walking on their to legs in Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jellyfish belong to the medusozoans subgroup of cnidaria phylum and are 95 per cent water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jellyfish rarely fossilise due to dominant water content and subsequent decay after they die. Jellyfish's evolutionary history has been studied mainly through microscopic fossilised larval stages and molecular studies from living jellyfish, given the rarity of their fossils.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-year-old-boy-loses-life-after-getting-stung-by-box-jellyfish-at-australian-beach-457334">14-year-old boy loses life after getting stung by box jellyfish at Australian beach</a></strong></p>

<p>Thereby, the fossils of jellyfish from the late 1980s and early 1990s are being deemed remarkable.</p>

<p>It took many years for paleontologists to pin down a formal description of the fossils. These findings were finally published on Tuesday, August 1, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B.</p>

<p>Dr Jean-Bernard Caron, a curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum, expressed surprise at the delicate animals found in rock layers on mountain tops.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: U.S. storm brings jellyfish ashore</strong></p>

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<p>"Finding such incredibly delicate animals preserved in rock layers on top of these mountains is such a wondrous discovery," Dr Caron was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Caron added that this finding contributes another remarkable lineage of animals to the Burgess Shale, providing insights into the evolution of life on Earth.</p>

<p>Joe Moysiuk, a co-author and paleontology student at the University of Toronto told The Guardian that the challenge of pinning down jellyfish in the Cambrian fossil record despite their early existence was remarkable.</p>

<p>The discovery of <em>Burgessomedusa phasmiformis</em> reveals a more complex Cambrian food chain than previously believed, confirming that these jellyfish were indeed swimming in that era, according to Moysiuk.</p>

<h2><strong>Where these 'ancient seafloor communities' were buried?</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 182 fossils of <em>Burgessomedusa</em>&nbsp;were reportedly uncovered in a particular Canadian spot called the Raymond Quarry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fossils were not detected for a long time.</p>

<p>"Is it that they tended to live high in the water column, out of reach from the mud flows that buried these ancient seafloor communities?" Moysiuk was quoted as asking in Smithsonian magazine.</p>

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Scientists have announced the discovery of the oldest species of swimming jellyfish in 505-million-year-old fossils from Burgess Shale in Canada, known for its well-preserved specimens.

Scientists have announced the discovery of the oldest species of swimming jellyfish in 505-million-year-old fossils from Burgess Shale in Canada, known for its well-preserved specimens. The new species, named Burgessomedusa phasmiformis, had a bell-shaped body up to 20cm high and around 90 short tentacles for capturing sizable prey. The first human ancestors appeared between five million and seven million years ago. This means that these jellyfishes existed about 500 million years before first human beings began walking on their to legs in Africa. Jellyfish belong to the medusozoans subgroup of cnidaria phylum and are 95 per cent water. Jellyfish rarely fossilise due to dominant water content and subsequent decay after they die. Jellyfish's evolutionary history has been studied mainly through microscopic fossilised larval stages and molecular studies from living jellyfish, given the rarity of their fossils. Also read | 14-year-old boy loses life after getting stung by box jellyfish at Australian beach Thereby, the fossils of jellyfish from the late 1980s and early 1990s are being deemed remarkable. It took many years for paleontologists to pin down a formal description of the fossils. These findings were finally published on Tuesday, August 1, in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Dr Jean-Bernard Caron, a curator of invertebrate paleontology at the Royal Ontario Museum, expressed surprise at the delicate animals found in rock layers on mountain tops. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: U.S. storm brings jellyfish ashore × "Finding such incredibly delicate animals preserved in rock layers on top of these mountains is such a wondrous discovery," Dr Caron was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Dr Caron added that this finding contributes another remarkable lineage of animals to the Burgess Shale, providing insights into the evolution of life on Earth. Joe Moysiuk, a co-author and paleontology student at the University of Toronto told The Guardian that the challenge of pinning down jellyfish in the Cambrian fossil record despite their early existence was remarkable. The discovery of Burgessomedusa phasmiformis reveals a more complex Cambrian food chain than previously believed, confirming that these jellyfish were indeed swimming in that era, according to Moysiuk. Where these 'ancient seafloor communities' were buried? A total of 182 fossils of Burgessomedusa were reportedly uncovered in a particular Canadian spot called the Raymond Quarry. The fossils were not detected for a long time. "Is it that they tended to live high in the water column, out of reach from the mud flows that buried these ancient seafloor communities?" Moysiuk was quoted as asking in Smithsonian magazine. 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.

Scientists confirm jellyfish who existed about 500 million years before early human beings

<p>A light single-engine aircraft crashed and burst into flames on a major road in Nigeria's Lagos. The incident occurred in Oba Akran Ikeja area of the Lagos state at around 1:41 PM local time (12:41 PM, GMT) near a gas station and a major bank branch.</p>

<h2><strong>Lagos plane crash: People on board</strong></h2>

<p>The aircraft involved was a J4 30 type with a piston engine, carrying only the pilot and one passenger, according to a report in Nigeria's Vanguard news platform. As a result of the crash, motorists and commuters rushed to safety, causing traffic gridlock at the scene and surrounding roads.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plane-crashes-near-los-angeles-killing-three-onboard-621003">Plane crashes near Los Angeles killing three onboard</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a source cited by Vanguard from the air control tower, the aircraft operated by Air First Hospital and tour crashed from 1,500 feet after departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.</p>

<p>The aircraft was attempting an emergency landing but hit a light pole during the circuit.</p>

<p>Additionally, it was discovered that the aircraft had a fuel endurance of five hours.</p>

<h2><strong>Lagos activated its disaster response plan</strong></h2>

<p>The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was not fully informed about the incident, according to local media reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Nigerian capital's emergency management agency, however, was quick to activate its disaster response plan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Decoding the disasters: Nepal's troubled history of plane crashes</strong></p>

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<p>They reported that a helicopter crash-landed in front of the United Bank of Africa branch, with four occupants, including the pilot. All four were successfully rescued and taken to the hospital for further care.</p>

<p>The area was cordoned off and secured to prevent any secondary incidents, and emergency responders were present.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, airliner Air Peace's management clarified that the crashed aircraft did not belong to them.</p>

<p>According to their spokesperson, Stanley Oliseh, they do not operate helicopters and none of their aircraft were involved in the crash.</p>

<p>Air Peace's fleet consists of Boeing 777s, Embraer 195-E2s, ERJ-145s, Dornier 328, Airbus 320s, and Boeing 737s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is emphatically important people get their facts right before publishing. Members of the public are urged to disregard the tweet as it clearly misrepresents the Air Peace brand," the spokesperson said.</p>

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A light single-engine aircraft crashed and burst into flames on a major road in Nigeria's Lagos. The incident occurred in Oba Akran Ikeja area of the Lagos state at around 1:41 PM local time (12:41 PM, GMT) near a gas station and a major bank branch.

A light single-engine aircraft crashed and burst into flames on a major road in Nigeria's Lagos. The incident occurred in Oba Akran Ikeja area of the Lagos state at around 1:41 PM local time (12:41 PM, GMT) near a gas station and a major bank branch. Lagos plane crash: People on board The aircraft involved was a J4 30 type with a piston engine, carrying only the pilot and one passenger, according to a report in Nigeria's Vanguard news platform. As a result of the crash, motorists and commuters rushed to safety, causing traffic gridlock at the scene and surrounding roads. Also read | Plane crashes near Los Angeles killing three onboard According to a source cited by Vanguard from the air control tower, the aircraft operated by Air First Hospital and tour crashed from 1,500 feet after departing from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The aircraft was attempting an emergency landing but hit a light pole during the circuit. Additionally, it was discovered that the aircraft had a fuel endurance of five hours. Lagos activated its disaster response plan The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) was not fully informed about the incident, according to local media reports. But Nigerian capital's emergency management agency, however, was quick to activate its disaster response plan. Also watch | Decoding the disasters: Nepal's troubled history of plane crashes × They reported that a helicopter crash-landed in front of the United Bank of Africa branch, with four occupants, including the pilot. All four were successfully rescued and taken to the hospital for further care. The area was cordoned off and secured to prevent any secondary incidents, and emergency responders were present. Meanwhile, airliner Air Peace's management clarified that the crashed aircraft did not belong to them. According to their spokesperson, Stanley Oliseh, they do not operate helicopters and none of their aircraft were involved in the crash. Air Peace's fleet consists of Boeing 777s, Embraer 195-E2s, ERJ-145s, Dornier 328, Airbus 320s, and Boeing 737s. "It is emphatically important people get their facts right before publishing. Members of the public are urged to disregard the tweet as it clearly misrepresents the Air Peace brand," the spokesperson 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.

Nigeria: Aircraft crash forces Lagos to activate emergency response plan

<p>China said it did not obstruct discussions on tackling climate change at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings last week in India. The foreign ministry in Beijing said that accusations made by a European delegation are "completely inconsistent with facts".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Members of an unnamed European country's delegation had said that China and oil-rich Saudi Arabia had backed away from making emission control-specific commitments at the meeting.</p>

<p>The Group of 20 (G20) nations last week failed to agree on concrete targets to cut dangerous emissions. They released a statement that called out current emission-cutting measures as "insufficient" but did not address how to make for that insufficiency.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;What transpired between Indian PM Modi &amp; China’s Xi Jinping at Bali G20 meet eight months back?</strong></p>

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<p>The impasse on cutting emissions has been the latest in a string of inconclusive international conferences.</p>

<p>It came days after scientists again raised the alarm, saying human-induced climate change has played an "absolutely overwhelming" role in the extreme heatwaves that have swept across North America, Europe and China.</p>

<h2><strong>So what caused climate change agenda's washout in G20 meeting?</strong></h2>

<p>According to China, the washout on commitments to reduce emissions was caused by "geopolitical issues" that were purportedly brought up by other nations "for no reason".</p>

<p>China has declined to cut greenhouse gases despite accounting for more than half of global coal production. Beijing argues that its historical and per capita Carbon dioxide emissions are still less than those of Washington.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign ministry said the G20 should build political consensus among the members of G20 nations and "fully respect the different development stages and national conditions of countries".</p>

<p>China has said its emissions will peak by the end of this decade. It has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2060.</p>

<p>Beijing does not have any plans to begin cutting coal use until 2026.</p>

<p>The United States climate envoy John Kerry visited Beijing last month. His visit was focused on restoring trust between Beijing and Washington and building momentum for the COP28 climate talks in Dubai at the end of the year.</p>

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China said it did not obstruct discussions on tackling climate change at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings last week in India. The foreign ministry in Beijing said that accusations made by a European delegation are "completely inconsistent with facts".

China said it did not obstruct discussions on tackling climate change at the Group of 20 (G20) meetings last week in India. The foreign ministry in Beijing said that accusations made by a European delegation are "completely inconsistent with facts". Members of an unnamed European country's delegation had said that China and oil-rich Saudi Arabia had backed away from making emission control-specific commitments at the meeting. The Group of 20 (G20) nations last week failed to agree on concrete targets to cut dangerous emissions. They released a statement that called out current emission-cutting measures as "insufficient" but did not address how to make for that insufficiency. Also watch | What transpired between Indian PM Modi & China’s Xi Jinping at Bali G20 meet eight months back? × The impasse on cutting emissions has been the latest in a string of inconclusive international conferences. It came days after scientists again raised the alarm, saying human-induced climate change has played an "absolutely overwhelming" role in the extreme heatwaves that have swept across North America, Europe and China. So what caused climate change agenda's washout in G20 meeting? According to China, the washout on commitments to reduce emissions was caused by "geopolitical issues" that were purportedly brought up by other nations "for no reason". China has declined to cut greenhouse gases despite accounting for more than half of global coal production. Beijing argues that its historical and per capita Carbon dioxide emissions are still less than those of Washington. The foreign ministry said the G20 should build political consensus among the members of G20 nations and "fully respect the different development stages and national conditions of countries". China has said its emissions will peak by the end of this decade. It has pledged to become carbon-neutral by 2060. Beijing does not have any plans to begin cutting coal use until 2026. The United States climate envoy John Kerry visited Beijing last month. His visit was focused on restoring trust between Beijing and Washington and building momentum for the COP28 climate talks in Dubai at the end of the 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.

China blames unreasonable 'geopolitical issues' for G20 nations' failure to agree on emission cut targets

<p>The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has adviced airlines not to fly below FL 260 altitude while flying over Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan due to the current security situation, which involves terrorist elements&nbsp;—&nbsp;which Islamabad calls 'non-state actor groups'&nbsp;— possibly possessing anti-aviation weaponry, such as MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems)</p>

<p>FL260 conventionally refers to an altitude above 26,000 feet.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>While EASA's advisory is not mandatory, it still&nbsp;highlights a potential threat to civil aviation at altitudes below FL 260.</p>

<p>Pakistan's support of cross-border terrorism into India's Jammu and Kashmir continues to pose risks to civil aviation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistani-plane-enters-indian-airspace-due-to-heavy-rain-travels-120-km-before-reentering-pakistan-589993">Pakistani plane enters Indian airspace due to heavy rain, travels 120 km before reentering Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Air operators have been told by EASA to consider this information in their risk assessments, along with guidance from their national authority.</p>

<p>This is not the first time that such an advice has been issued.</p>

<p>Similar advisories were issued to French and German air operators over the last year. It had&nbsp;recommended all operators to "exercise extreme caution" when flying over the country and not to fly below 24,000 feet (7,300 metres).</p>

<p>Despite EASA's advisory, no specific threat of attack has been mentioned for flights into, out of, or within Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Taliban govt accuses Pakistan of providing airspace to US drones</strong></p>

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<p>The safety agency's role is to ensure safe air operations by formulating rules, standards, and guidance, certifying aircraft and equipment, and overseeing aviation organisations worldwide.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated&nbsp;that EASA's instructions are routine and that there has been no communication of any threat to European airlines from Pakistan's airspace.</p>

<p>The CAA spokesperson reassured that Pakistan's airspace is entirely safe for all types of commercial flights.</p>

<p>"Pakistan's airspace is completely safe for all types of commercial flights," a CAA spokesperson was quoted as saying in Pakistani media.</p>

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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has adviced airlines not to fly below FL 260 altitude while flying over Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan due to the current security situation, which involves terrorist elements — which Islamabad calls 'non-state actor groups' — possibly possessing anti-aviation weaponry, such as MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems) FL260 conventionally refers to an altitude above 26,000 feet.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has adviced airlines not to fly below FL 260 altitude while flying over Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan due to the current security situation, which involves terrorist elements — which Islamabad calls 'non-state actor groups' — possibly possessing anti-aviation weaponry, such as MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense Systems) FL260 conventionally refers to an altitude above 26,000 feet. What does it mean? While EASA's advisory is not mandatory, it still highlights a potential threat to civil aviation at altitudes below FL 260. Pakistan's support of cross-border terrorism into India's Jammu and Kashmir continues to pose risks to civil aviation. Also read | Pakistani plane enters Indian airspace due to heavy rain, travels 120 km before reentering Pakistan Air operators have been told by EASA to consider this information in their risk assessments, along with guidance from their national authority. This is not the first time that such an advice has been issued. Similar advisories were issued to French and German air operators over the last year. It had recommended all operators to "exercise extreme caution" when flying over the country and not to fly below 24,000 feet (7,300 metres). Despite EASA's advisory, no specific threat of attack has been mentioned for flights into, out of, or within Pakistan. Also watch | Taliban govt accuses Pakistan of providing airspace to US drones × The safety agency's role is to ensure safe air operations by formulating rules, standards, and guidance, certifying aircraft and equipment, and overseeing aviation organisations worldwide. Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stated that EASA's instructions are routine and that there has been no communication of any threat to European airlines from Pakistan's airspace. The CAA spokesperson reassured that Pakistan's airspace is entirely safe for all types of commercial flights. "Pakistan's airspace is completely safe for all types of commercial flights," a CAA spokesperson was quoted as saying in Pakistani media. 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.

European air safety agency cautions airlines while flying over Pakistan

<p>Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses.</p>

<p>The war zone in Ukraine remains tense as specter of nuclear war continues to threaten Kyiv, after a top Putin aide's comments highlighting Moscow's nuclear belligerence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-courtroom-woes-force-him-to-create-legal-defence-fund-amid-2024-race-to-white-house-620880"><strong>Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/28/369846-the-battle-for-kyiv-74.jpg?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-if-putins-top-aide-issues-ultimate-threat-620874"><strong>‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/21/340074-copy-of-untitled-4.png?imwidth=1920" /><br />
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again stirred the 'nuclear' conversation by stating that Moscow will have to use the atomic weapon if Kyiv's ongoing counter-offensive was a success.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blackmailing-uyghur-refugees-abroad-to-spy-for-it-claims-report-620877"><strong>China blackmailing Uyghur refugees living abroad to spy for it, claims report</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/05/31/355925-untitled-design-2023-05-31t235612701.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture and horrors of the concentration camps, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-violence-live-women-seen-in-sexual-assault-video-approach-supreme-court-620896"><strong>Manipur violence LIVE | Women seen in sexual assault video approach Supreme Court</strong></a></p>

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<p>Two women who were subjected to horrific sexual assault and violence in Manipur have knocked on the door of India's Supreme Court. The apex court and its bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday (July 31) will hear the petition.</p>

<p>WION will keep a track of the latest on crucial judicial hearing in New Delhi.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses.

Former US President Donald Trump's legal woes have forced him to create a defence fund, purportedly named 'Patriot Legal Defense Fund', to support his legal expenses. The war zone in Ukraine remains tense as specter of nuclear war continues to threaten Kyiv, after a top Putin aide's comments highlighting Moscow's nuclear belligerence. Click on the headlines to read more: Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House Former US President Donald Trump's team is in the process of establishing a legal defence fund to manage the whopping legal expenses stemming from a series of federal investigations and criminal indictments against him, multiple reports in the US media said on Monday. ‘Nuclear war if...': Putin's top aide issues ultimate threat Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has once again stirred the 'nuclear' conversation by stating that Moscow will have to use the atomic weapon if Kyiv's ongoing counter-offensive was a success. China blackmailing Uyghur refugees living abroad to spy for it, claims report After subjugating the Uyghur population in its backyard to torture and horrors of the concentration camps, China is now pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners, according to a BBC report. The publication claims that Beijing is using intimidating tactics by threatening families back home to get the foreign-living Uyghurs to do its surveillance job. Manipur violence LIVE | Women seen in sexual assault video approach Supreme Court Two women who were subjected to horrific sexual assault and violence in Manipur have knocked on the door of India's Supreme Court. The apex court and its bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday (July 31) will hear the petition. WION will keep a track of the latest on crucial judicial hearing in New Delhi. 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: Trump's mounting legal expenses, Putin aide's ultimate nuclear threat, and more

<p>Pakistan laid out the red carpet for visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng who is on a three-day trip to India's neighbour to commemorate 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project that New Delhi has often flagged as parts of it passes through India's Jammu and Kashmir under illegal Chinese and Pakistani occupation respectively.</p>

<p>The celebration will take place for the CPEC project despite the looming economic crisis that has gripped Pakistan due to increasing Chinese loans in the country.</p>

<p>During his Pakistan visit, Lifeng is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/economic-partnership-between-pakistan-and-china-stalled-report-585968">Economic partnership between Pakistan and China stalled: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of China’s faltering Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).</p>

<p>BRI is an ambitious international infrastructure investment programme launched by Beijing which aims to link Asia with Africa and Europe as a matter of revival of the ancient Silk Road. The project is facing roadblocks due to concerns related to China's territorial assertiveness and 'debt-trap' funding apparatus.</p>

<p>The effort, however, is pumped with billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects, including the construction of ports from Sri Lanka to West Africa, the paving of motorways from Papua New Guinea to Kenya, and the provision of power and telecoms infrastructure for people in Latin America and Southeast Asia.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Pakistan: Protests against CPEC continue in Gwadar, demand for Chinese to leave</b></p>

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<p>In 2019, Italy became the only major Western country and the only country from the G7 group of advanced economies to join the BRI. But over the weekend, Italy's defence minister said that joining China’s vast Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was an "atrocious" decision and the 21st century's Roman challenge is to leave the BRI without damaging ties with Beijing.</p>

<h2><strong>China-Pakistan ties and Lifeng's role</strong></h2>

<p>Reports in Pakistani media said that Lifeng has played a "prominent role" in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.</p>

<p>He was "instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan" while serving as chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, the Foreign Office had stated.</p>

<p>Pakistanis had hoped that the CPEC would turn the economic fortunes of the country. The country's deepening economic troubles have been partially blamed on CPEC's economic non-feasibility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The investment has only had debilitating impact on Pakistani economy amid Islamabad's fostering of terrorism.</p>

<p>"Security stands out as the core problem that hinders the realisation of Chinese goals," Azeem Khalid, assistant professor of international relations at COMSATS University Islamabad told AFP. He added, "This factor is the primary reason why CPEC has not reached its full functional potential yet."</p>

<p>Over the past many years, the CPEC projects have been attacked by militants, engineers have been abducted and protests have erupted from regionalists seeking independence from Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Pakistan laid out the red carpet for visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng who is on a three-day trip to India's neighbour to commemorate 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project that New Delhi has often flagged as parts of it passes through India's Jammu and Kashmir under illegal Chinese and Pakistani occupation respectively.

Pakistan laid out the red carpet for visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng who is on a three-day trip to India's neighbour to commemorate 10 years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a project that New Delhi has often flagged as parts of it passes through India's Jammu and Kashmir under illegal Chinese and Pakistani occupation respectively. The celebration will take place for the CPEC project despite the looming economic crisis that has gripped Pakistan due to increasing Chinese loans in the country. During his Pakistan visit, Lifeng is scheduled to hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi. Also read | Economic partnership between Pakistan and China stalled: Report The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of China’s faltering Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). BRI is an ambitious international infrastructure investment programme launched by Beijing which aims to link Asia with Africa and Europe as a matter of revival of the ancient Silk Road. The project is facing roadblocks due to concerns related to China's territorial assertiveness and 'debt-trap' funding apparatus. The effort, however, is pumped with billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects, including the construction of ports from Sri Lanka to West Africa, the paving of motorways from Papua New Guinea to Kenya, and the provision of power and telecoms infrastructure for people in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Also watch | Pakistan: Protests against CPEC continue in Gwadar, demand for Chinese to leave × In 2019, Italy became the only major Western country and the only country from the G7 group of advanced economies to join the BRI. But over the weekend, Italy's defence minister said that joining China’s vast Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was an "atrocious" decision and the 21st century's Roman challenge is to leave the BRI without damaging ties with Beijing. China-Pakistan ties and Lifeng's role Reports in Pakistani media said that Lifeng has played a "prominent role" in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative. He was "instrumental in the planning and execution of multiple CPEC projects in Pakistan" while serving as chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, the Foreign Office had stated. Pakistanis had hoped that the CPEC would turn the economic fortunes of the country. The country's deepening economic troubles have been partially blamed on CPEC's economic non-feasibility. The investment has only had debilitating impact on Pakistani economy amid Islamabad's fostering of terrorism. "Security stands out as the core problem that hinders the realisation of Chinese goals," Azeem Khalid, assistant professor of international relations at COMSATS University Islamabad told AFP. He added, "This factor is the primary reason why CPEC has not reached its full functional potential yet." Over the past many years, the CPEC projects have been attacked by militants, engineers have been abducted and protests have erupted from regionalists seeking independence from Islamabad. 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.

Chinese vice premier gets red carpet welcome in Pakistan to 'celebrate' troubled BRI project

<p>Western Africa's Niger is in global spotlight since last week's coup in capital Niamey when pro-West President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards. The coup in Uranium-rich Niger, which forms a key part of Africa's Sahel region -- a land belt that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea -- has drawn global condemnation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While a bloc of West African leaders has threatened 'intervention' if Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week, the French -- who were an imperial power in present-day Niger until 1960 -- have also warned of action in the country if "France and its interests" in Niger are attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The immediate attention goes to the investments the French and the European Union have made to equip Niger's military to fight jihadist violence in the region. But there is more to the story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Niger holds the world's seventh-largest Uranium deposits. In 2019 only, about 2,982 tonnes of uranium was produced by the two operating mines of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, the current Uranium production occurs from the open-pit operations of SOMAÏR (Société des Mines de l’Aïr), near the town of Arlit, about 1,100 km north of the capital Niamey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SOMAÏR is 63.4 per cent owned by French company Orano and 36.66 per cent owned by Sopamin (Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger), a Niger state-owned company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to data from the World Bank, uranium is Niger's second-largest export&nbsp;in monetary terms&nbsp;after gold.</p>

<h2><strong>Niger coup: What is the nuclear angle?</strong></h2>

<p>The military regime in Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has, banned the export of uranium to France, reports in multiple dailies from the region said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 50 per cent of the uranium ore extracted from Niger is used for fueling the French nuclear power plants. About 24 per cent of uranium imports in the European Union come from Niger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France derives 70 per cent of its electricity from nuclear energy, according to World Nuclear Association. The European Union as a whole derives about one-quarter of its electricity from nuclear energy. Half of the European Union's nuclear energy is produced just in France, according to World Nuclear News.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Leader of mercenary group, Prigozhin describes Niger coup as good news</strong></p>

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<p>The French dependence on Niger for the supply of Uranium to power its nuclear plants holds significance in the wake of instability in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the eruption of a coup in Niamey leading to the cessation of uranium supply to France, added with a degree of anti-France sentiment in the country due to its contested history of colonial exploits in the region, has sent shockwaves both in Paris and Brussels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron said France will respond “immediately” to any violence against French interests.</p>

<p>The French government “will not tolerate any attack on France and its interests” in Niger, Macron said on July 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron, however, did not specify the exact French interests he was referring to.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell over the weekend said the bloc was suspending security cooperation and financial support for Niger and declared that it will not recognise the leaders of the “putsch” that ousted the democratically elected president.</p>

<p>"This unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation," Borrell said.</p>

<h2><strong>'Long Live Putin' and 'Down with France' slogans heard in Niamey</strong></h2>

<p>Thousands of people were seen demonstrating in front of the French embassy in Niamey where the crowds in front of the French embassy were reportedly shouting "Long live Putin" and "Down with France" slogans.</p>

<h2><strong>France is planning strikes in Niamey: Niger military</strong></h2>

<p>In an address on state television on July 31, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, one of the coup plotters, said that the ousted government had authorised France to carry out strikes in Niamey through a statement signed by Bazoum's foreign minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, acting as prime minister.</p>

<p>He, however, did not specify what kind of strikes were authorised by the ousted government and did not give any evidence to back up his assertion.</p>

<p>The French foreign ministry has neither confirmed nor denied the accusation. It said that Paris recognised only Bazoum as a legitimate authority in the West African country and was focused on protecting its own interests in the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Nuclear angle in Niger coup and backlash against French: What's the bottom line?</strong></h2>

<p>The presence of Uranium deposits in Niger and French dependence on the same for its energy needs further complicates the situation in poverty-stricken but resource-rich Niger. While the French and European Union have invested in previous years to boost Niger's military capabilities, the optics of anti-French demonstrations in Niamey do not direct to the success of those efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cessation of Uranium supply from Niger previously designated to the nuclear power plants in France and elsewhere in the European Union nations may threaten European energy security that Brussels tried hard not to let plummet even by the risks posed by the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The coup in Niger could do what Moscow's imposition of war in Ukraine could not: Decisively threaten two-thirds of the energy supply in France and a fourth of the energy supply in European Union.&nbsp;</p>

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Western Africa's Niger is in global spotlight since last week's coup in capital Niamey when pro-West President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards.

Western Africa's Niger is in global spotlight since last week's coup in capital Niamey when pro-West President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards. The coup in Uranium-rich Niger, which forms a key part of Africa's Sahel region -- a land belt that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea -- has drawn global condemnation. While a bloc of West African leaders has threatened 'intervention' if Mohamed Bazoum is not reinstated within a week, the French -- who were an imperial power in present-day Niger until 1960 -- have also warned of action in the country if "France and its interests" in Niger are attacked. The immediate attention goes to the investments the French and the European Union have made to equip Niger's military to fight jihadist violence in the region. But there is more to the story. Niger holds the world's seventh-largest Uranium deposits. In 2019 only, about 2,982 tonnes of uranium was produced by the two operating mines of the country. According to reports, the current Uranium production occurs from the open-pit operations of SOMAÏR (Société des Mines de l’Aïr), near the town of Arlit, about 1,100 km north of the capital Niamey. SOMAÏR is 63.4 per cent owned by French company Orano and 36.66 per cent owned by Sopamin (Société du Patrimoine des Mines du Niger), a Niger state-owned company. According to data from the World Bank, uranium is Niger's second-largest export in monetary terms after gold. Niger coup: What is the nuclear angle? The military regime in Niger, led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has, banned the export of uranium to France, reports in multiple dailies from the region said. Over 50 per cent of the uranium ore extracted from Niger is used for fueling the French nuclear power plants. About 24 per cent of uranium imports in the European Union come from Niger. France derives 70 per cent of its electricity from nuclear energy, according to World Nuclear Association. The European Union as a whole derives about one-quarter of its electricity from nuclear energy. Half of the European Union's nuclear energy is produced just in France, according to World Nuclear News. Also watch | Leader of mercenary group, Prigozhin describes Niger coup as good news × The French dependence on Niger for the supply of Uranium to power its nuclear plants holds significance in the wake of instability in the country. With the eruption of a coup in Niamey leading to the cessation of uranium supply to France, added with a degree of anti-France sentiment in the country due to its contested history of colonial exploits in the region, has sent shockwaves both in Paris and Brussels. Also read | 'It's time for action': West African leaders threaten intervention in Niger if coup is not reversed in a week French President Emmanuel Macron said France will respond “immediately” to any violence against French interests. The French government “will not tolerate any attack on France and its interests” in Niger, Macron said on July 30. Macron, however, did not specify the exact French interests he was referring to. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell over the weekend said the bloc was suspending security cooperation and financial support for Niger and declared that it will not recognise the leaders of the “putsch” that ousted the democratically elected president. "This unacceptable attack on the integrity of Niger’s republican institutions will not remain without consequences for the partnership and cooperation," Borrell said. 'Long Live Putin' and 'Down with France' slogans heard in Niamey Thousands of people were seen demonstrating in front of the French embassy in Niamey where the crowds in front of the French embassy were reportedly shouting "Long live Putin" and "Down with France" slogans. France is planning strikes in Niamey: Niger military In an address on state television on July 31, Colonel Amadou Abdramane, one of the coup plotters, said that the ousted government had authorised France to carry out strikes in Niamey through a statement signed by Bazoum's foreign minister, Hassoumi Massoudou, acting as prime minister. He, however, did not specify what kind of strikes were authorised by the ousted government and did not give any evidence to back up his assertion. The French foreign ministry has neither confirmed nor denied the accusation. It said that Paris recognised only Bazoum as a legitimate authority in the West African country and was focused on protecting its own interests in the country. Nuclear angle in Niger coup and backlash against French: What's the bottom line? The presence of Uranium deposits in Niger and French dependence on the same for its energy needs further complicates the situation in poverty-stricken but resource-rich Niger. While the French and European Union have invested in previous years to boost Niger's military capabilities, the optics of anti-French demonstrations in Niamey do not direct to the success of those efforts. The cessation of Uranium supply from Niger previously designated to the nuclear power plants in France and elsewhere in the European Union nations may threaten European energy security that Brussels tried hard not to let plummet even by the risks posed by the war in Ukraine. The coup in Niger could do what Moscow's imposition of war in Ukraine could not: Decisively threaten two-thirds of the energy supply in France and a fourth of the energy supply in European Union. 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.

Niger nuclear reserves: How the coup can throw Europe into a deep energy crisis

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