<p>Australian defence minister Richard Marles announced that all hope of finding survivors from the military helicopter that crashed over the weekend has been lost. At the same time, Canberra will ground its fleet of over three dozen&nbsp;Taipan helicopters until the investigation into the crash is concluded by the authorities.</p>

<h2><strong>Australia helicopter crash: Focus shifts from search and rescue to recovery</strong></h2>

<p>While the authorities were initially hopeful about finding survivors from the crash, the discovery of debris confirmed the tragic fate of the four crew members.</p>

<p>The helicopter was participating in the Talisman Sabre exercise, an extensive event involving 30,000 military personnel from various nations, such as&nbsp;Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queensland-military-helicopter-crash-four-missing-after-incident-620437">Australia: Four missing after military helicopter crash in Queensland, debris found</a></strong></p>

<p>The crash reportedly&nbsp;occurred near the Whitsunday Islands during a night time operation, resulting in a catastrophic impact.</p>

<p>The Australian defence minister Marles informed reporters that the focus has now shifted from search and rescue to recovery.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Australia: Four feared dead following military helicopter crash</strong></p>

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<p>Multiple militaries, along with the police, joined forces to search for the crew of the MRH-90 Taipan, which went down in subtropical waters off Australia's northeast coast on Friday night.</p>

<p>As investigations into the crash will continue.</p>

<h2><strong>Australia grounds Taipan helicopters fleet</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia's fleet of over 40 Taipan helicopters, scheduled for retirement by the end of 2024, will remain grounded until a better understanding of the incident is gained, it was announced.</p>

<p>Past complaints regarding the European-made Taipans' maintenance and spare parts issues were mentioned by Australian officials.</p>

<p>Chief of Defence Angus Campbell pledged to spare no effort in recovering the bodies and wreckage.</p>

<p>However, the search has been hindered by strong currents and tidal movements in the area, it has emerged</p>

<p>Despite the challenges, the use of sonar equipment and specialist divers will aid in the ongoing efforts to&nbsp;</p>

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Australian defence minister Richard Marles announced that all hope of finding survivors from the military helicopter that crashed over the weekend has been lost.

Australian defence minister Richard Marles announced that all hope of finding survivors from the military helicopter that crashed over the weekend has been lost. At the same time, Canberra will ground its fleet of over three dozen Taipan helicopters until the investigation into the crash is concluded by the authorities. Australia helicopter crash: Focus shifts from search and rescue to recovery While the authorities were initially hopeful about finding survivors from the crash, the discovery of debris confirmed the tragic fate of the four crew members. The helicopter was participating in the Talisman Sabre exercise, an extensive event involving 30,000 military personnel from various nations, such as Fiji, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, the United Kingdom, Canada and Germany. Also read | Australia: Four missing after military helicopter crash in Queensland, debris found The crash reportedly occurred near the Whitsunday Islands during a night time operation, resulting in a catastrophic impact. The Australian defence minister Marles informed reporters that the focus has now shifted from search and rescue to recovery. Also watch | Australia: Four feared dead following military helicopter crash × Multiple militaries, along with the police, joined forces to search for the crew of the MRH-90 Taipan, which went down in subtropical waters off Australia's northeast coast on Friday night. As investigations into the crash will continue. Australia grounds Taipan helicopters fleet Meanwhile, Australia's fleet of over 40 Taipan helicopters, scheduled for retirement by the end of 2024, will remain grounded until a better understanding of the incident is gained, it was announced. Past complaints regarding the European-made Taipans' maintenance and spare parts issues were mentioned by Australian officials. Chief of Defence Angus Campbell pledged to spare no effort in recovering the bodies and wreckage. However, the search has been hindered by strong currents and tidal movements in the area, it has emerged Despite the challenges, the use of sonar equipment and specialist divers will aid in the ongoing efforts to 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.

Australia to ground fleet of Taipan helicopters after military drill crash leaves 4 dead

<p>Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited the Western Theatre Command headquarters in China's Sichuan province on Monday.&nbsp;The Western Theatre Command is responsible for securing China's boundaries with India, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).</p>

<p>In Sichuan, he was inspecting the air force of the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), ahead of China's Army Day on August 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Xi stressed the need to enhance military preparedness and ensure airspace security by thoroughly carrying out regular air defence. While referring to the Communist Party's sense of control over military affairs, Xi said that the party&nbsp;must maintain leadership over the armed forces in ideological, political, and organisational terms.</p>

<p>Senior military official He Weidong took part in the inspection.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Of the five theatre commands in China, the Western Theatre Command is assigned to take care of mountainous/high-altitude offensive and defensive campaigns, and related mobilisation endeavours on the India-China Line of Actual Control front.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/china-challenge-comparative-capabilities-of-the-pla-western-theatre-command-604346">Remembering Galwan and the China Challenge: Capabilities of the PLA Western Theatre Command</a></strong></p>

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<p>For the past three years, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, such as quadcopter drones for functions such as delivering food and water to the PLA men, has increased. These UAVs increasingly perform intelligence and surveillance operations, acquiring targets, and engaging in swarm tactics to disengage enemy lines.</p>

<p>The Chinese leader's latest visit underlines the technological advancements undertaken by Beijing and the subsequent furtherance of the same in the immediate future.&nbsp;</p>

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Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited the Western Theatre Command headquarters in China's Sichuan province on Monday. The Western Theatre Command is responsible for securing China's boundaries with India, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping visited the Western Theatre Command headquarters in China's Sichuan province on Monday. The Western Theatre Command is responsible for securing China's boundaries with India, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. Xi is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). In Sichuan, he was inspecting the air force of the Western Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), ahead of China's Army Day on August 1. Xi stressed the need to enhance military preparedness and ensure airspace security by thoroughly carrying out regular air defence. While referring to the Communist Party's sense of control over military affairs, Xi said that the party must maintain leadership over the armed forces in ideological, political, and organisational terms. Senior military official He Weidong took part in the inspection. What does it mean? Of the five theatre commands in China, the Western Theatre Command is assigned to take care of mountainous/high-altitude offensive and defensive campaigns, and related mobilisation endeavours on the India-China Line of Actual Control front. Also read | Remembering Galwan and the China Challenge: Capabilities of the PLA Western Theatre Command × × For the past three years, the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, such as quadcopter drones for functions such as delivering food and water to the PLA men, has increased. These UAVs increasingly perform intelligence and surveillance operations, acquiring targets, and engaging in swarm tactics to disengage enemy lines. The Chinese leader's latest visit underlines the technological advancements undertaken by Beijing and the subsequent furtherance of the same in the immediate future. 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's Xi examines Western Theatre Command with focus on 'air defence'

<p>Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals.</p>

<p>In Niger's capital Niamey, the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards.</p>

<p>President Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another in Niger since its independence from the French in 1960. Now his captors have suspended the country's constitution and installed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state.</p>

<p>Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel, a land belt that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).</p>

<p>The coup leaders have warned regional and Western powers against military intervention to reinstate the democratically-elected president.</p>

<h2><strong>Baghdad, Iraq</strong></h2>

<p>Baghdad and Kuwait city over the weekend pledged to work towards resolving issues dating back to Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of the oil-rich country.</p>

<p>The disputes over the maritime border demarcation and joint oilfields top the bilateral agenda for potential resolution.</p>

<p>"We discussed the pending issues between the two sides and we also discussed ways to protect the good relations between the two countries and develop them," Iraqi foreign minster Fuad Hussein said at a joint press conference with Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah.</p>

<h2><strong>Buenos Aires, Argentina</strong></h2>

<p>The International Monetary Fund reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina to unlock about $7.5 billion and complete the fifth and sixth reviews of the struggling country's $44 billion loan programme.</p>

<p>The agreement, which still needs IMF Executive Board approval, eases some programme requirements because a devastating drought has created a "very challenging" economic environment in Argentina.</p>

<h2><strong>Bangui, Central Africa Region</strong></h2>

<p>Central African Republic is voting on a constitutional referendum on Sunday which, if it passes, could remove a presidential term limit and allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to run for a third term in 2025.</p>

<p>Touadera was first elected in 2016 for a five-year term and won reelection in 2020 for what was supposed to be his final term in office.</p>

<p>The new constitution would allow him to run for a fresh seven-year mandate, and the number of terms he or another candidate could run for president would be unlimited.</p>

<h2><strong>Phnom Penh, Cambodia</strong></h2>

<p>Beijing's maritime expansion edged to its intended goal in southeast Asia's Cambodia as Phnom Penh announced that work is almost complete on a naval base that the West fears is intended for Chinese military use.</p>

<p>US officials suspect the Ream Naval Base is being redeveloped for use by China, a close ally of Cambodia.</p>

<h2><strong>Paris, France</strong></h2>

<p>This week, the Olympic clock on July 26 showed that exactly one year from now the world will be in the middle of its 33rd Olympic Games.</p>

<p>During a ceremony held at Paris 2024’s "Pulse" headquarters, International Olympic Committee's President Thomas Bach symbolically presented invitations to the presidents and representatives of the NOCs of Greece, as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and of the host countries of recent and upcoming Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, as well as the IOC’s Refugee Olympic Team.</p>

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Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. In Niger's capital Niamey, the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards.

Hello and Welcome. This is The Capitals. In Niger's capital Niamey, the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by his own presidential guards. President Bazoum was the first elected leader to succeed another in Niger since its independence from the French in 1960. Now his captors have suspended the country's constitution and installed Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani as head of state. Niger is a key part of the African region known as the Sahel, a land belt that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. Niger is the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA). The coup leaders have warned regional and Western powers against military intervention to reinstate the democratically-elected president. Baghdad, Iraq Baghdad and Kuwait city over the weekend pledged to work towards resolving issues dating back to Saddam Hussein’s 1990 invasion of the oil-rich country. The disputes over the maritime border demarcation and joint oilfields top the bilateral agenda for potential resolution. "We discussed the pending issues between the two sides and we also discussed ways to protect the good relations between the two countries and develop them," Iraqi foreign minster Fuad Hussein said at a joint press conference with Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah. Buenos Aires, Argentina The International Monetary Fund reached a staff-level agreement with Argentina to unlock about $7.5 billion and complete the fifth and sixth reviews of the struggling country's $44 billion loan programme. The agreement, which still needs IMF Executive Board approval, eases some programme requirements because a devastating drought has created a "very challenging" economic environment in Argentina. Bangui, Central Africa Region Central African Republic is voting on a constitutional referendum on Sunday which, if it passes, could remove a presidential term limit and allow President Faustin-Archange Touadera to run for a third term in 2025. Touadera was first elected in 2016 for a five-year term and won reelection in 2020 for what was supposed to be his final term in office. The new constitution would allow him to run for a fresh seven-year mandate, and the number of terms he or another candidate could run for president would be unlimited. Phnom Penh, Cambodia Beijing's maritime expansion edged to its intended goal in southeast Asia's Cambodia as Phnom Penh announced that work is almost complete on a naval base that the West fears is intended for Chinese military use. US officials suspect the Ream Naval Base is being redeveloped for use by China, a close ally of Cambodia. Paris, France This week, the Olympic clock on July 26 showed that exactly one year from now the world will be in the middle of its 33rd Olympic Games. During a ceremony held at Paris 2024’s "Pulse" headquarters, International Olympic Committee's President Thomas Bach symbolically presented invitations to the presidents and representatives of the NOCs of Greece, as the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and of the host countries of recent and upcoming Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games, as well as the IOC’s Refugee Olympic Team. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Capitals: Coup in Niger capital Niamey, Baghdad's bid for peace with Kuwait city, and more

<p>Bhutan's Tiger population has increased by 27 per cent since its last count in 2015. The numbers were announced on International Tiger Day and reflected the success of Tiger conservation efforts in the South Asian Himalayan landlocked nation situated between China and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bhutan's Minister of&nbsp;Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr Tandi Dorji made the announcement, following the culmination of Bhutan's National Tiger Survey 2021-22, which the Department of Forests and Park Services led with support from Bhutan for Life, Bhutan Foundation, Bhutan Trust for Environmental Conservation, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Programme, and World Wide Fund for Nature.</p>

<h2><strong>How many tigers are there in Bhutan?</strong></h2>

<p>The total number of tigers in Bhutan is up by 27 per cent, from 96 in 2015 to 131 in 2021-2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This conservation success is a result of increased law enforcement, community-based tiger conservation programs, and habitat improvement," World Wide Fund for Nature said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Tiger population rising at 5% annually</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, in India, home to two-thirds of the world's tigers, the rise in tiger population accounts for an annual increase of six&nbsp;per cent with an average total of 3,682 tigers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is a significant achievement and an indication of a very healthy ecosystem. It also underlines Bhutan’s commitment to biodiversity conservation," Chimi Rinzin, Country Director, WWF-Bhutan, said in an official statement.</p>

<p>Major interventions in the last decade to help the wild tiger population include increased law enforcement, community-based tiger conservation programs, habitat improvement, and human-wildlife conflict management interventions.</p>

<p>Dechen Dorji, Senior Director of Asia, Wildlife Conservation, WWF-US&nbsp;said: "This announcement marks another enormous milestone in tiger conservation efforts globally. Tigers are instrumental in maintaining the healthy forests, rivers, and streams we all depend upon, and Bhutan’s conservation success gives us hope. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of countries and organisations, we are witnessing one of the most successful wild tiger recovery stories in recent history. The report serves as a call to action for continued efforts to protect tigers and their habitats for future generations."</p>

<p>Bhutan will also host a conference on Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes in 2024 in collaboration with a coalition of major tiger conservation Non-Government Organisations and Inter-Governmental Organisations.&nbsp;</p>

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Bhutan's Tiger population has increased by 27 per cent since its last count in 2015. The numbers were announced on International Tiger Day and reflected the success of Tiger conservation efforts in the South Asian Himalayan landlocked nation situated between China and India.

Bhutan's Tiger population has increased by 27 per cent since its last count in 2015. The numbers were announced on International Tiger Day and reflected the success of Tiger conservation efforts in the South Asian Himalayan landlocked nation situated between China and India. Bhutan's Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Dr Tandi Dorji made the announcement, following the culmination of Bhutan's National Tiger Survey 2021-22, which the Department of Forests and Park Services led with support from Bhutan for Life, Bhutan Foundation, Bhutan Trust for Environmental Conservation, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Development Programme, and World Wide Fund for Nature. How many tigers are there in Bhutan? The total number of tigers in Bhutan is up by 27 per cent, from 96 in 2015 to 131 in 2021-2022. "This conservation success is a result of increased law enforcement, community-based tiger conservation programs, and habitat improvement," World Wide Fund for Nature said in an official statement. Also watch | Tiger population rising at 5% annually × Meanwhile, in India, home to two-thirds of the world's tigers, the rise in tiger population accounts for an annual increase of six per cent with an average total of 3,682 tigers. "This is a significant achievement and an indication of a very healthy ecosystem. It also underlines Bhutan’s commitment to biodiversity conservation," Chimi Rinzin, Country Director, WWF-Bhutan, said in an official statement. Major interventions in the last decade to help the wild tiger population include increased law enforcement, community-based tiger conservation programs, habitat improvement, and human-wildlife conflict management interventions. Dechen Dorji, Senior Director of Asia, Wildlife Conservation, WWF-US said: "This announcement marks another enormous milestone in tiger conservation efforts globally. Tigers are instrumental in maintaining the healthy forests, rivers, and streams we all depend upon, and Bhutan’s conservation success gives us hope. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of countries and organisations, we are witnessing one of the most successful wild tiger recovery stories in recent history. The report serves as a call to action for continued efforts to protect tigers and their habitats for future generations." Bhutan will also host a conference on Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes in 2024 in collaboration with a coalition of major tiger conservation Non-Government Organisations and Inter-Governmental Organisations. 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.

Bhutan's roaring success in tiger conservation steals the spotlight, numbers register a huge jump

<p>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>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal woes and a potential Patriot Legal Defense Fund</strong></h2>

<p>The fund is likely to be named the Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc., New York Times reported.</p>

<p>It will be reportedly overseen by two individuals namely, Michael Glassner, a longstanding political adviser to Trump, and Lynne Patton, another former Trump aide who worked in both the Trump Organisation and his administration.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal defence fund: What will it cover?</strong></h2>

<p>The absolute extent of coverage for the legal defence fund remains uncertain. But&nbsp;it is being reported that it is not intended to cover Trump's personal legal bills, as his political action committee (PAC), Save America, has been responsible for those costs.</p>

<h2><strong>How much is Trump's legal defence cost?</strong></h2>

<p>It reportedly amounted to over $40 million in legal fees for him and several witnesses during the first half of 2023. The fee is expected to further mount in the coming months.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Trump remains defiant over legal woes</strong></p>

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<p>According to Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump cited in the US media, the US&nbsp;Justice Department has allegedly targeted innocent individuals linked to the former president, and the legal defence fund aims to support these individuals against what they perceive as unlawful harassment.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's 'Save America' in focus</strong></h2>

<p>One of the investigations focuses on Trump's Political Action Committee, Save America. It has drawn the attention of special counsel Jack Smith, who has convened at least two grand juries to look into Trump, his allies, and advisors.</p>

<p>Smith's team has raised questions about payments to certain lawyers representing witnesses and whether Trump's aides and Republicans knew about his electoral defeat but continued to raise funds based on purported&nbsp;claims of voter fraud.</p>

<p>Save America was created to hold more than $100 million raised by Trump shortly after the November 2020 presidential election, with a purported claim that he needed his supporters' help to combat alleged widespread voter fraud.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump's legal defence fund: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The creation of the legal defence fund could eliminate some financial burden on Save America, as it previously sought a refund of the $60 million it had transferred to a pro-Trump super PAC late last year, New York Times reported.</p>

<p>In a recent fund-raiser for a group assisting those connected to the January 6 riot and their families, Trump expressed his intention to contribute.</p>

<p>Trump has not shown enthusiasm in past&nbsp;to establish such a fund in the past. He has&nbsp;often asserted that only guilty individuals require legal defence funds.</p>

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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.

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. Trump's legal woes and a potential Patriot Legal Defense Fund The fund is likely to be named the Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc., New York Times reported. It will be reportedly overseen by two individuals namely, Michael Glassner, a longstanding political adviser to Trump, and Lynne Patton, another former Trump aide who worked in both the Trump Organisation and his administration. Trump's legal defence fund: What will it cover? The absolute extent of coverage for the legal defence fund remains uncertain. But it is being reported that it is not intended to cover Trump's personal legal bills, as his political action committee (PAC), Save America, has been responsible for those costs. How much is Trump's legal defence cost? It reportedly amounted to over $40 million in legal fees for him and several witnesses during the first half of 2023. The fee is expected to further mount in the coming months. Also watch | Trump remains defiant over legal woes × According to Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump cited in the US media, the US Justice Department has allegedly targeted innocent individuals linked to the former president, and the legal defence fund aims to support these individuals against what they perceive as unlawful harassment. Trump's 'Save America' in focus One of the investigations focuses on Trump's Political Action Committee, Save America. It has drawn the attention of special counsel Jack Smith, who has convened at least two grand juries to look into Trump, his allies, and advisors. Smith's team has raised questions about payments to certain lawyers representing witnesses and whether Trump's aides and Republicans knew about his electoral defeat but continued to raise funds based on purported claims of voter fraud. Save America was created to hold more than $100 million raised by Trump shortly after the November 2020 presidential election, with a purported claim that he needed his supporters' help to combat alleged widespread voter fraud. Trump's legal defence fund: What does it mean? The creation of the legal defence fund could eliminate some financial burden on Save America, as it previously sought a refund of the $60 million it had transferred to a pro-Trump super PAC late last year, New York Times reported. In a recent fund-raiser for a group assisting those connected to the January 6 riot and their families, Trump expressed his intention to contribute. Trump has not shown enthusiasm in past to establish such a fund in the past. He has often asserted that only guilty individuals require legal defence funds. 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.

Trump's courtroom woes force him to create legal defence fund amid 2024 race to White House

<p>West African nations imposed economic and travel sanctions on Niger's new military leaders on Sunday, threatening intervention if they fail to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week.</p>

<p>Otherwise, the bloc said it would take "all measures" to restore constitutional order.</p>

<p>"Such measures may include the use of force for this effect," it said in a statement, adding that&nbsp;Economic Community of West African States&nbsp;(ECOWAS) defence chiefs were to meet on Sunday.</p>

<p>"No more time for us to send a warning signal… It’s time for action",&nbsp;Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria and ECOWAS chairman was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Coup d'état in Niger: Military detains Niger's President Bazoum</strong></p>

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<p>Last year, the bloc agreed to create a regional security force to intervene against jihadists and prevent military coups, but details on the force and its funding have not been outlined.</p>

<p>The development came shortly after Niger's military leaders issued a stern warning against any armed intervention.</p>

<h2><strong>Coup in Niger</strong></h2>

<p>Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, receives significant official development assistance amounting to close to $2 billion annually, as reported by the World Bank. It also holds strategic importance as a security partner for France and the United States, who utilise the nation as a base to combat Islamist insurgency in the broader Sahel region of West and Central Africa.</p>

<p>For the first time, West African leaders are considering a military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted when General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself the new head of state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-coup-in-niger-capital-niamey-baghdads-bid-for-peace-with-kuwait-city-and-more-620827">The Capitals: Coup in Niger capital Niamey, Baghdad's bid for peace with Kuwait city, and more</a></strong></p>

<p>The coup in Niger, unfolding since Wednesday, has drawn widespread condemnation from neighbouring countries and international partners, including the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and former colonial power France.</p>

<p>They have all refused to recognise the new leaders led by General Abdourahamane Tiani.</p>

<p>Apart from its political and security significance, Niger is also the world's seventh-largest producer of uranium, a radioactive metal used for nuclear energy and nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>Several countries, including the United States, France, Italy, and Germany, have deployed troops to Niger for military training and missions against Islamist insurgents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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West African nations imposed economic and travel sanctions on Niger's new military leaders on Sunday, threatening intervention if they fail to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week.

West African nations imposed economic and travel sanctions on Niger's new military leaders on Sunday, threatening intervention if they fail to reinstate ousted President Mohammed Bazoum within a week. Otherwise, the bloc said it would take "all measures" to restore constitutional order. "Such measures may include the use of force for this effect," it said in a statement, adding that Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) defence chiefs were to meet on Sunday. "No more time for us to send a warning signal… It’s time for action", Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria and ECOWAS chairman was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Also watch | Coup d'état in Niger: Military detains Niger's President Bazoum × Last year, the bloc agreed to create a regional security force to intervene against jihadists and prevent military coups, but details on the force and its funding have not been outlined. The development came shortly after Niger's military leaders issued a stern warning against any armed intervention. Coup in Niger Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, receives significant official development assistance amounting to close to $2 billion annually, as reported by the World Bank. It also holds strategic importance as a security partner for France and the United States, who utilise the nation as a base to combat Islamist insurgency in the broader Sahel region of West and Central Africa. For the first time, West African leaders are considering a military intervention to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted when General Abdourahamane Tiani declared himself the new head of state. Also read | The Capitals: Coup in Niger capital Niamey, Baghdad's bid for peace with Kuwait city, and more The coup in Niger, unfolding since Wednesday, has drawn widespread condemnation from neighbouring countries and international partners, including the United States, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and former colonial power France. They have all refused to recognise the new leaders led by General Abdourahamane Tiani. Apart from its political and security significance, Niger is also the world's seventh-largest producer of uranium, a radioactive metal used for nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. Several countries, including the United States, France, Italy, and Germany, have deployed troops to Niger for military training and missions against Islamist insurgents. (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.

'It's time for action': West African leaders threaten intervention in Niger if coup is not reversed in a week

<p>The past few weeks have been difficult&nbsp;for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This writer has been in touch with Gulnoor for the past few weeks. She is rarely upbeat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But something changed when Gulnoor was asked if Afghanistan had 'transformed' under Taliban's rule, as claimed in an article in<em> The Telegraph </em>authored by Tobias Ellwood, a Member of Parliament representing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party.<br />
<img alt="Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8dc47fa-a623-4a32-9550-d90a8ab79d4b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-22T204521.422.png" /></p>

<p><em>Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters</em></p>

<p>Ellwood, in an article published earlier this week -&nbsp;'Is it time we did business with Taliban' – argued that the UK must reopen its embassy in Afghanistan given the 'relative peace' brought about by the South Asian nation's new rulers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-say-overturning-restrictions-against-afghan-women-not-a-priority-report-552865">Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority</a></strong></p>

<p>Ellwood, who published his piece after a recent visit to Afghanistan, was widely criticised, especially for sidelining the repression of women's rights in Afghanistan. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gulnoor sent out a mildly graphic video over a messenger app that showed an authoritative man in a traditional Pashtoon outfit uprooting the hair of a youngster, supposedly because his hairstyle was not in accordance with what has come to be known as 'new rules', a euphemism among educated Afghans for the Shariah-based arbitrary rules imposed by Afghanistan's Taliban's rulers since they took control of the country two years ago.</p>

<p><br />
<img alt="Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="62c6e23f-d6d0-4f3d-bb93-26564e732258" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-07-22T203427.363.png" /><br />
<br />
<em>Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny</em></p>

<p>"You can see how transformed the situation in Afghanistan has become," Gulnoor said in a subsequent voice message while referring to the man being beaten up in the video.<br />
<br />
"Nothing is positive for us women. I don't know what he [Ellwood] saw that made him believe that the new rulers have transformed the country. Nothing is transformed. Nothing is right here," Gulnoor added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Women need freedom not just peace'</strong></h2>

<p>Ellwood further argued that the Taliban is now issuing work permits across sectors, a claim refuted by a number of Afghan women that WION reached out to.</p>

<p>"Battlefields are now cotton fields full of working men and women," Ellwood added while referring to his recent Afghanistan visit and the purported sense of 'relative peace' he witnessed there.</p>

<p>"Yes, now our country is at peace," Zareena, 24, told WION from a Kabul suburb. "But women of Afghanistan don't just need peace. They need to go to schools, attend university and get jobs," she added, referring to a series of repression of women's rights in Afghanistan that the Taliban have deployed almost as a way to assert their theological authority.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-afghan-women-fear-for-life-as-taliban-ban-male-doctors-from-treating-them-551218">Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them</a></strong><br />
<br />
In Afghanistan's warred-out terrain ridden with signs of years of conflict in the country's recent history, there are thousands of single-women households who lost their men to war. Before the Taliban's takeover of power, the women worked in cities to provide for their households. Not any longer.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>Referring to the Taliban's ban on beauty salons in Afghanistan, Zareena added: "When a woman [previously] working at a salon would hear that her workplace is closed, it is akin to killing her. Because that salon gave her money with which she bought food for herself and her children."</p>

<p>"We do not want just peace. We want freedom. We want to work."</p>

<p>After massive backlash, Tobias Ellwood has backtracked on his latest comments on the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan. Ellwood has&nbsp;admitted that he "got it wrong" and has deleted a video filmed in Afghanistan, in which he praised the Taliban.</p>

<p><em>(Names have been changed in the story to protect identities.)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The past few weeks have been difficult for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers.

The past few weeks have been difficult for Gulnoor (28), a school administrator in a city in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. Last month, in the school where Gulnoor is employed, she witnessed a tearful farewell of grade six girls, beyond which the girls in Afghanistan are not allowed to study due to 'new rules' imposed by the country's Taliban rulers. This writer has been in touch with Gulnoor for the past few weeks. She is rarely upbeat. But something changed when Gulnoor was asked if Afghanistan had 'transformed' under Taliban's rule, as claimed in an article in The Telegraph authored by Tobias Ellwood, a Member of Parliament representing UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party. Tobias Ellwood, chairman of UK House of Commons defence select committee | Reuters Ellwood, in an article published earlier this week - 'Is it time we did business with Taliban' – argued that the UK must reopen its embassy in Afghanistan given the 'relative peace' brought about by the South Asian nation's new rulers. Also read | Taliban say overturning restrictions against Afghan women, not a priority Ellwood, who published his piece after a recent visit to Afghanistan, was widely criticised, especially for sidelining the repression of women's rights in Afghanistan. Gulnoor sent out a mildly graphic video over a messenger app that showed an authoritative man in a traditional Pashtoon outfit uprooting the hair of a youngster, supposedly because his hairstyle was not in accordance with what has come to be known as 'new rules', a euphemism among educated Afghans for the Shariah-based arbitrary rules imposed by Afghanistan's Taliban's rulers since they took control of the country two years ago. Screengrab of a video shared by Gulnoor that she attributed as an evidence to Taliban's tyranny "You can see how transformed the situation in Afghanistan has become," Gulnoor said in a subsequent voice message while referring to the man being beaten up in the video. "Nothing is positive for us women. I don't know what he [Ellwood] saw that made him believe that the new rulers have transformed the country. Nothing is transformed. Nothing is right here," Gulnoor added. 'Women need freedom not just peace' Ellwood further argued that the Taliban is now issuing work permits across sectors, a claim refuted by a number of Afghan women that WION reached out to. "Battlefields are now cotton fields full of working men and women," Ellwood added while referring to his recent Afghanistan visit and the purported sense of 'relative peace' he witnessed there. "Yes, now our country is at peace," Zareena, 24, told WION from a Kabul suburb. "But women of Afghanistan don't just need peace. They need to go to schools, attend university and get jobs," she added, referring to a series of repression of women's rights in Afghanistan that the Taliban have deployed almost as a way to assert their theological authority. Also read | Exclusive | Afghan women fear for life as Taliban ban male doctors from treating them In Afghanistan's warred-out terrain ridden with signs of years of conflict in the country's recent history, there are thousands of single-women households who lost their men to war. Before the Taliban's takeover of power, the women worked in cities to provide for their households. Not any longer. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × Referring to the Taliban's ban on beauty salons in Afghanistan, Zareena added: "When a woman [previously] working at a salon would hear that her workplace is closed, it is akin to killing her. Because that salon gave her money with which she bought food for herself and her children." "We do not want just peace. We want freedom. We want to work." After massive backlash, Tobias Ellwood has backtracked on his latest comments on the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan. Ellwood has admitted that he "got it wrong" and has deleted a video filmed in Afghanistan, in which he praised the Taliban. (Names have been changed in the story to protect identities.) 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.

Exclusive: Afghan women react to veiled attempts to legitimise Taliban's rule

<p>At least 10&nbsp;people were reported to be dead while 29&nbsp;others were injured after a hurricane stormed through a campsite in Mari El, over 750 km east of Moscow on Sunday (July 30), said the Russian&nbsp;Ministry of Emergency Situations</p>

<p>The death toll was later revised from the previously reported eight people in&nbsp;Mari El "due to the hurricane that took place the day before,"&nbsp;Yevgeny Maslov, mayor of the city of Yoshkar-Ola was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.<br />
<br />
Mari El is a Russian region located along the northern bank of the Volga River, and Yoshkar-Ola is its largest city.</p>

<p>The emergencies ministry said nearly 100 rescuers were clearing debris at a campsite near Lake Yalchik, and 29&nbsp;people had been injured.</p>

<p>Several hundred people had been camping on the shores of Lake Yalchik when the storm struck, the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Vacationers did not take into account the weather forecast,” it said on Telegram.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Russia's Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case into the incident that killed three children.</p>

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At least 10 people were reported to be dead while 29 others were injured after a hurricane stormed through a campsite in Mari El, over 750 km east of Moscow on Sunday (July 30), said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations The death toll was later revised from the previously reported eight people in Mari El "due to the hurricane that took place the day before," Yevgeny Maslov, mayor of the city of Yoshkar-Ola was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.

At least 10 people were reported to be dead while 29 others were injured after a hurricane stormed through a campsite in Mari El, over 750 km east of Moscow on Sunday (July 30), said the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations The death toll was later revised from the previously reported eight people in Mari El "due to the hurricane that took place the day before," Yevgeny Maslov, mayor of the city of Yoshkar-Ola was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Mari El is a Russian region located along the northern bank of the Volga River, and Yoshkar-Ola is its largest city. The emergencies ministry said nearly 100 rescuers were clearing debris at a campsite near Lake Yalchik, and 29 people had been injured. Several hundred people had been camping on the shores of Lake Yalchik when the storm struck, the ministry said. “Vacationers did not take into account the weather forecast,” it said on Telegram. Meanwhile, Russia's Investigative Committee said it had opened a criminal case into the incident that killed three children. 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.

Russia: Ten dead, several injured after hurricane storms through a campsite

<p>For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track.</p>

<p>For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months.</p>

<p>But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered.</p>

<p>"Women cannot even sit in the front chair of&nbsp;taxi," Zareena told WION.</p>

<p>"We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added.</p>

<p>Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals</strong></p>

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<p>The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone'</strong></h2>

<p>In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad.&nbsp;"They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them&nbsp;he's a driver and I am his passenger."</p>

<p>"Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning.<br />
<br />
"They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her."</p>

<p>"They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said.</p>

<p>"I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?"</p>

<p>"They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-why-is-the-world-neglecting-afghan-women-552725">Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?'</a></strong></p>

<p>Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the&nbsp;country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women."</p>

<p><em>(Names have been changed to protect identities)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar.

For youngsters on social media when they travel in a four-wheeler, an Instagram story or a Snapchat update consisting of a behind-the-wheel image may appear familiar. Gen-Z, their predecessor millennials and even the people from Gen-X often take to social media when they are behind or near the wheel, to show a fleeting world in front of the car's windshield sometimes accompanied by a particular music track. For Zareena, 24, who last year lost her right to attend university in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan's capital Kabul, a behind-the-steering-wheel Snapchat update while she was on Kabul's roads was a part of her life until August 2021. Not anymore. Afghan women in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan are not allowed to drive or travel in taxis without a male companion and they must be covered in burqa while travelling in a four-wheeler, WION can confirm. By the time Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued an official decree in May 2022 to women to hide their faces completely in public, they had already been following the same for the last eight months. But there has been scattered defiance of this ruling across Afghanistan as many women refuse to wear burqas and still walk the streets with their faces uncovered. "Women cannot even sit in the front chair of taxi," Zareena told WION. "We cannot travel alone in a taxi," she added. Zareena also showed WION the screenshots of those glittery Snapchat updates of a distant time in recent history. For innumerable youngsters of her age across the world – Afghanistan an exception – such social media updates still pretty much remain part of their lives. But not for Zareena. Also watch | Afghan women speak to WION from the ground: 'We want our freedoms back' | WION Originals × The Taliban strictly enforce the rule to bar women from driving themselves or travelling alone in a taxi. “Even when you are travelling with a male member, they ask at checkpoints who the female person is in the car,” said Zareena, who previously told WION that every aspect of her life – like millions of Afghan women – is controlled by the Taliban. 'Taliban men humiliate us if we travel alone' In May 2023, Gulnoor, 28, a school administrator in Afghanistan's Jalalabad, was returning home after attending a seminar. "I was travelling alone in an autorickshaw," Gulnoor told WION in a phone interview from Jalalabad. "They [Taliban] stopped the auto and asked me: 'What is your relation with this man?' I told them he's a driver and I am his passenger." "Don't you care about the teachings of Islam?", she was asked. The Taliban men called Gulnoor's father as people looked on. "She has been educated so that she doesn't have to be taken care of by a man. She can travel alone," Gulnoor's father told Taliban men over call. As people looked on, Gulnoor was eventually let go with a warning. "They told me we do not talk with women. 'We have spoken to your father. Now you can leave'. They slapped the autorickshaw driver twice and told him to not ferry a girl again unless there's a male member with her." "They humiliate us in public like this if we travel alone," Gulnoor said. "I asked them, if a girl is unmarried, from where will she get a husband? What about girls who don't have brothers or fathers? If there is no male member in a family, then what?" "They told me you know a lot. We don't want to talk to you. We have already spoken with your father." Also read | Exclusive: 'Why is the world neglecting Afghan women?' Referring to a series of repressive measures that the Taliban has enforced since storming into power, Zareena repeated how every aspect of women’s lives in Afghanistan is now controlled by the country’s hardline rulers: "We cannot sit alone in taxis. We cannot go to school. Now the Taliban closed down all beauty salons as well. They had already closed down picnic spots for women." (Names have been changed to protect identities) 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.

Exclusive: No taxi rides for Afghan women without burqa and male companion

<p>For past many years, as temperatures edge to hit winter in norther India, the air quality in India's capital New Delhi and adjoining National Capital Region becomes either worse or at best one of the worst in the world. To combat the hazardous air quality during winters, the specified anti-pollution body has revised Graded Response Action Plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR &amp; Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken significant efforts to abate air pollution and strategically address the air pollution related challenges across different sectors in the region," an official readout stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The revision comes as authorities learn new lessons on air quality management 'based on the experience and learning of last year'.</p>

<h2><strong>Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR</strong></h2>

<p>In Delhi, the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) categorises adverse air quality into four stages:</p>

<p>Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300)<br />
Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400)<br />
Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450)<br />
Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI greater than 450)</p>

<p>The updated GRAP now suggests strict adherence to Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders regarding older diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-adjudged-worlds-most-polluted-city-in-world-534913">Air quality continues to worsen in Delhi, adjudged 'world’s most polluted city'</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, it proposes a ban on coal and firewood usage in eateries, restaurants, and hotels once the AQI crosses the 200 mark. Previously, this measure was implemented under Stage 2 (AQI above 300).</p>

<p>For Stage 2, the revised GRAP recommends rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots in the region.</p>

<p>Under Stage 3, states are required to impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and may suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5.</p>

<p>When the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles, will not be allowed to enter the city, with some exemptions for essential commodity transport and essential services.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Dispatch | India: Pollution choking New Delhi again, thick smog covers national capital</strong></p>

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<p>All other existing measures under different stages of GRAP will continue. Delhi and its neighboring areas often experience a layer of pungent haze during peak winters due to unfavorable meteorological conditions and stubble burning.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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For past many years, as temperatures edge to hit winter in norther India, the air quality in India's capital New Delhi and adjoining National Capital Region becomes either worse or at best one of the worst in the world.

For past many years, as temperatures edge to hit winter in norther India, the air quality in India's capital New Delhi and adjoining National Capital Region becomes either worse or at best one of the worst in the world. To combat the hazardous air quality during winters, the specified anti-pollution body has revised Graded Response Action Plan. "The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR & Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has taken significant efforts to abate air pollution and strategically address the air pollution related challenges across different sectors in the region," an official readout stated. The revision comes as authorities learn new lessons on air quality management 'based on the experience and learning of last year'. Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR In Delhi, the GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) categorises adverse air quality into four stages: Stage I - 'Poor' (AQI 201-300) Stage II - 'Very Poor' (AQI 301-400) Stage III - 'Severe' (AQI 401-450) Stage IV - 'Severe Plus' (AQI greater than 450) The updated GRAP now suggests strict adherence to Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal orders regarding older diesel and petrol vehicles under Stage 1. Also read | Air quality continues to worsen in Delhi, adjudged 'world’s most polluted city' Additionally, it proposes a ban on coal and firewood usage in eateries, restaurants, and hotels once the AQI crosses the 200 mark. Previously, this measure was implemented under Stage 2 (AQI above 300). For Stage 2, the revised GRAP recommends rigorous actions to combat air pollution at identified hotspots in the region. Under Stage 3, states are required to impose strict restrictions on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel four-wheelers in certain areas and may suspend physical classes in schools for primary grade children up to Class 5. When the AQI exceeds 450, four-wheelers registered outside Delhi, except for electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and BS-VI diesel vehicles, will not be allowed to enter the city, with some exemptions for essential commodity transport and essential services. Also watch | WION Dispatch | India: Pollution choking New Delhi again, thick smog covers national capital × All other existing measures under different stages of GRAP will continue. Delhi and its neighboring areas often experience a layer of pungent haze during peak winters due to unfavorable meteorological conditions and stubble burning. (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.

India's anti-pollution body revamps action-plan to combat air quality in Delhi-NCR

<p>A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said.</p>

<p>The incident marks the continuation of a number of similar&nbsp;incidents in the Bay Area that have stoked the exodus of businesses from inside and beyond California's Silicon Valley in recent times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Nye County Sheriff's Office in Nevada informed the San Mateo Police about the incident after a witness reported seeing the stabbing on Facebook. The witness provided the video and phone number of the man who posted the killing, which was traced back to an apartment complex in San Mateo.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-nine-people-shot-at-in-yet-another-targeted-shooting-incident-602856">San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the lead, investigators arrested the 39-year-old suspect, Mark Mechikoff, in San Jose.</p>

<p>San Mateo police stated that the motive for the stabbing is still under investigation.</p>

<p>Mechikoff heartlessly filmed the victim's final moments and posted the video on Facebook before fleeing the area, the police added.</p>

<h2><strong>Police conducted a door-to-door exhaustive search</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the arrest, police officers conducted an exhaustive search, spending nearly three hours going door to door in the vast apartment complex, until they found the victim's location in an apartment.</p>

<p>Although the suspect had fled the scene, the officers managed to apprehend him within two hours of locating the victim.</p>

<p>According to the police, Mechikoff was acquainted with the victim.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistan supporters</strong></p>

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<p>Based on court records, the suspect is charged with felony murder, and there are enhancements involved. He appeared in court for an initial hearing on Friday and is scheduled to appear again on August 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The San Mateo Police Department is urging anyone with information or security footage related to this homicide to come forward and assist with the investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>Elon Musk had reacted to rising crime rate in San Francisco</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, a number of Silicon Valley insiders, including X owner (formerly Twitter) Elon Musk, have flagged the rise in&nbsp;violent crimes in San Francisco.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Many people I know have been severely assaulted. Violent crime in SF is horrific and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately. Is the city taking stronger action to incarcerate repeat violent offenders," Elon Musk posted on X, Twitter's rebranded avatar, in April while&nbsp;calling on San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to take action.</p>

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A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said.

A man from California's Bay Area, Mark Mechikoff, is facing a murder charge after allegedly stabbing a woman to death and sharing her "last moments" on Facebook, San Mateo Police said. The incident marks the continuation of a number of similar incidents in the Bay Area that have stoked the exodus of businesses from inside and beyond California's Silicon Valley in recent times. The Nye County Sheriff's Office in Nevada informed the San Mateo Police about the incident after a witness reported seeing the stabbing on Facebook. The witness provided the video and phone number of the man who posted the killing, which was traced back to an apartment complex in San Mateo. Also read | San Francisco: Nine people shot at in yet another 'targeted' shooting incident Following the lead, investigators arrested the 39-year-old suspect, Mark Mechikoff, in San Jose. San Mateo police stated that the motive for the stabbing is still under investigation. Mechikoff heartlessly filmed the victim's final moments and posted the video on Facebook before fleeing the area, the police added. Police conducted a door-to-door exhaustive search Prior to the arrest, police officers conducted an exhaustive search, spending nearly three hours going door to door in the vast apartment complex, until they found the victim's location in an apartment. Although the suspect had fled the scene, the officers managed to apprehend him within two hours of locating the victim. According to the police, Mechikoff was acquainted with the victim. Also watch | Indian consulate in San Francisco set on fire by Khalistan supporters × Based on court records, the suspect is charged with felony murder, and there are enhancements involved. He appeared in court for an initial hearing on Friday and is scheduled to appear again on August 4. The San Mateo Police Department is urging anyone with information or security footage related to this homicide to come forward and assist with the investigation. Elon Musk had reacted to rising crime rate in San Francisco Earlier, a number of Silicon Valley insiders, including X owner (formerly Twitter) Elon Musk, have flagged the rise in violent crimes in San Francisco. "Many people I know have been severely assaulted. Violent crime in SF is horrific and even if attackers are caught, they are often released immediately. Is the city taking stronger action to incarcerate repeat violent offenders," Elon Musk posted on X, Twitter's rebranded avatar, in April while calling on San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to take action. 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 man allegedly stabs woman, posts 'last moments' on Facebook

<p>The US officials are currently searching for Chinese malware hidden within the country's defence systems, which could potentially disrupt military communications and resupply operations, The New York Times reported. The report says that the top concern remains that this malicious code has been concealed by Beijing in networks controlling Washington's critical infrastructures, like power grids, communications systems, and water supplies that are vital for military bases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are worries that in the event of a conflict, hackers could exploit this malware to interfere with US military operations. The ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding Taiwan and China's assertive actions to expand its maritime boundaries in the Indo-Pacific, have raised further alarm over these cybersecurity threats.</p>

<h2><strong>Malware could be a 'ticking time bomb'</strong></h2>

<p>This purported discovery has led to growing apprehension among officials, as the malware could act as a "ticking time bomb" that would enable China to hinder deployments and resupply efforts in the event&nbsp;of a conventional conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/8-countries-having-highest-antichina-sentiment-1690544743234">8 Countries Having Highest Anti-China Sentiment</a></strong></p>

<p>Due to the shared infrastructure between military bases and civilian homes and businesses, other Americans could also be affected if such disruptions occur.</p>

<h2><strong>US-China tensions: Recent instances aggravate concerns</strong></h2>

<p>The reported hacking incidents and breaches by China-based hackers have been a matter of concern in recent times in and beyond Washington's power corridors.</p>

<p>For instance, the email account of the US Ambassador to China was hacked, and China-based hackers breached email accounts at various organisations, including the US federal agencies like the State Department and the Department of Commerce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has further underlined&nbsp;the sophistication of the hacking teams and the gravity of the cybersecurity challenges posed by China.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US-China trade tensions escalating</strong></p>

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<p>The FBI has consistently identified China as the most advanced among US adversaries in cyberspace, making cybersecurity a significant source of bilateral tension between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Indonesia, the hacking incidents were raised as a concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US officials have said that any action targeting the US government, companies, or American citizens is a serious matter that will be met with appropriate action and accountability.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The US officials are currently searching for Chinese malware hidden within the country's defence systems, which could potentially disrupt military communications and resupply operations, The New York Times reported.

The US officials are currently searching for Chinese malware hidden within the country's defence systems, which could potentially disrupt military communications and resupply operations, The New York Times reported. The report says that the top concern remains that this malicious code has been concealed by Beijing in networks controlling Washington's critical infrastructures, like power grids, communications systems, and water supplies that are vital for military bases. There are worries that in the event of a conflict, hackers could exploit this malware to interfere with US military operations. The ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly regarding Taiwan and China's assertive actions to expand its maritime boundaries in the Indo-Pacific, have raised further alarm over these cybersecurity threats. Malware could be a 'ticking time bomb' This purported discovery has led to growing apprehension among officials, as the malware could act as a "ticking time bomb" that would enable China to hinder deployments and resupply efforts in the event of a conventional conflict. Also read | 8 Countries Having Highest Anti-China Sentiment Due to the shared infrastructure between military bases and civilian homes and businesses, other Americans could also be affected if such disruptions occur. US-China tensions: Recent instances aggravate concerns The reported hacking incidents and breaches by China-based hackers have been a matter of concern in recent times in and beyond Washington's power corridors. For instance, the email account of the US Ambassador to China was hacked, and China-based hackers breached email accounts at various organisations, including the US federal agencies like the State Department and the Department of Commerce. This has further underlined the sophistication of the hacking teams and the gravity of the cybersecurity challenges posed by China. Also watch | US-China trade tensions escalating × The FBI has consistently identified China as the most advanced among US adversaries in cyberspace, making cybersecurity a significant source of bilateral tension between the two nations. During a meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Indonesia, the hacking incidents were raised as a concern. US officials have said that any action targeting the US government, companies, or American citizens is a serious matter that will be met with appropriate action and accountability. 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 accused of infiltrating US defence system with 'ticking time bomb' malware

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