<p>Twenty one unnamed islands in India's Andaman and Nicobar island groups in the Bay of Bengal will be named after 21 men of Indian armed forces decorated with Param Vir Chakra, the country's highest military decoration, meaning the 'wheel of the ultimate brave'. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the ceremony to name the islands on January 23, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose marked as 'Parakram Diwas', literally meaning the Bravery Day.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also unveil the model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji to be built on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, formerly known as Ross Islands.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/countering-china-the-strategic-importance-of-andaman-and-nicobar-188190">Countering China: The strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2018, Ross islands, Neil island and Havelock island were renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.</p>

<p>"Giving due respect to the real-life heroes of the country has always been accorded highest priority by the Prime Minister," an official statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-to-conduct-joint-exercise-with-us-warships-strong-strategic-signal-to-china-314679">Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China?</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Going ahead with this spirit, it has now been decided to name the 21 largest unnamed islands of the island group after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. The largest unnamed island will be named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, the second largest unnamed island will be named after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, and so on. This step will be an everlasting tribute to our heroes, several of whom had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation," the statement added.</p>

<p>The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration. It is awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. The award is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy".</p>

<p>The unnamed Andaman and Nicobar islands will be named after the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, as following: Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) &nbsp;Karam Singh, MM; 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane; Nayak Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Capt GS Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH. Abdul Hamid; Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiar Singh; 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (then RifleMan) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav.</p>

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Twenty one unnamed islands in India's Andaman and Nicobar island groups in the Bay of Bengal will be named after 21 men of Indian armed forces decorated with Param Vir Chakra, the country's highest military decoration, meaning the 'wheel of the ultimate brave'.

Twenty one unnamed islands in India's Andaman and Nicobar island groups in the Bay of Bengal will be named after 21 men of Indian armed forces decorated with Param Vir Chakra, the country's highest military decoration, meaning the 'wheel of the ultimate brave'. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the ceremony to name the islands on January 23, the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose marked as 'Parakram Diwas', literally meaning the Bravery Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also unveil the model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji to be built on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, formerly known as Ross Islands. ALSO READ | Countering China: The strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar In 2018, Ross islands, Neil island and Havelock island were renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively. "Giving due respect to the real-life heroes of the country has always been accorded highest priority by the Prime Minister," an official statement said. ALSO WATCH | Indian navy to conduct joint exercise with US warships; Strong strategic signal to China? × "Going ahead with this spirit, it has now been decided to name the 21 largest unnamed islands of the island group after 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees. The largest unnamed island will be named after the first Param Vir Chakra awardee, the second largest unnamed island will be named after the second Param Vir Chakra awardee, and so on. This step will be an everlasting tribute to our heroes, several of whom had made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation," the statement added. The Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration. It is awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime. The award is granted for "most conspicuous bravery in the presence of the enemy". The unnamed Andaman and Nicobar islands will be named after the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees, as following: Major Somnath Sharma; Subedar and Hony Captain (then Lance Naik) Karam Singh, MM; 2nd Lt. Rama Raghoba Rane; Nayak Jadunath Singh; Company Havildar Major Piru Singh; Capt GS Salaria; Lieutenant Colonel (then Major) Dhan Singh Thapa; Subedar Joginder Singh; Major Shaitan Singh; CQMH. Abdul Hamid; Lt Col Ardeshir Burzorji Tarapore; Lance Naik Albert Ekka; Major Hoshiar Singh; 2nd Lt. Arun Khetrapal; Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon; Major Ramaswamy Parameswaran; Naib Subedar Bana Singh; Captain Vikram Batra; Lt Manoj Kumar Pandey; Subedar Major (then RifleMan) Sanjay Kumar; and Subedar Major Retd (Hony Captain) Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav. 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 to name 21 islands of Andaman Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra awardees

<p>The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy.</p>

<p>"It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy,"&nbsp;Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-india-hold-sixth-round-of-free-trade-agreement-talks-542415">WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks</a></strong></p>

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<p>"As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement,"&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/britains-sunak-tells-pm-modi-that-excited-about-what-our-two-great-democracies-can-achieve-528949">'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi</a></strong></p>

<p>A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said.</p>

<p>"Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK&nbsp;companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Six rounds of FTA talks done so far</strong></p>

<p>The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said.</p>

<p>According to official UK&nbsp;government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss</strong></p>

<p>London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”.</p>

<p>"Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said.</p>

<p>"The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords.

The negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement between Britain and India are "well advanced", United Kingdom's Foreign Office Minister for South Asia, Lord Tariq Ahmed said in a parliamentary debate in London's House of Lords. Ahmed added that the next round of FTA talks between New Delhi and London will commence very soon, with his fellow parliamentarians raising India's ambitious economic profile and New Delhi's G20 presidency as determinant factors to ensure an FTA deal. Successive governments led by various Prime Ministers in Britain have asserted in the past that India being one of the world’s biggest economies is central to Britain's foreign policy. "It is true that, as we set up and strengthen this relationship, the United Kingdom’s relationship with India is central to U.K. foreign policy," Ahmad asserted in the House of Lords, repeating Britain's stance on elevated New Delhi-London ties. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: UK, India hold sixth round of free trade agreement talks × "As one of the world’s biggest and fastest-growing economies, India is a key partner to the UK. We are also looking at lowering non-tariff barriers on medical devices to benefit British exporters, and are well advanced in our negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement," he said. Ahmad was responding to the debate entitled 'The Importance of the Relationship Between the United Kingdom and India' in the House of Lords on Thursday, tabled by British Indian peer Baroness Sandy Verma. ALSO READ | 'Excited about what our two great democracies can achieve', Rishi Sunak tells PM Modi A strong trade deal with India could boost the U.K. economy by billions of pounds over the long term, helping families across the country, he said. "Cutting red tape and high tariffs could also make it easier and cheaper for UK companies to sell in India, driving growth and supporting jobs,” he added. Six rounds of FTA talks done so far The minister said that so far India and the UK have completed six rounds of talks. In a statement of assurance, he said that as a mark of mutual agreement between New Delhi and London, the two sides are assuring that the FTA deal is not rushed but properly thought through. "I assure them that we are working those through specifically, but it was very much by mutual agreement to ensure that the trade deal signed is not rushed but properly thought through, and that all chapters are discussed in an exhaustive manner so that we reach a deal that is of mutual benefit to both countries and their peoples,” the Minister said. According to official UK government data, India-U.K. bilateral trade currently stands at around 29.6 billion pounds a year (36.67 billion dollars). UK-India FTA talks: From Johnson to Sunak via Truss London and New Delhi formally launched Free Trade Agreement talks in January 2022, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was at the helm of affairs. The talks began after years of backchannel negotiations between the two sides, The Times reported. Johnson set Diwali as the deadline for a Free Trade Agreement with India. The initial deadline could not be honoured for unspecified reasons amid political uncertainty with frequent changes in the 10, Downing Street officeholders. The current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak committed to working "at pace" towards an FTA that does not “sacrifice quality for speed” after the Diwali deadline was missed. Lord Karan Bilimoria spoke of the need for large prime ministerial delegations to India and called on Prime Minister Sunak to lead one “as soon as possible”. "Today India has the presidency of the G20. Today India has a vision to become, in the next 25 years, the second-largest economy in the world with a GDP of $32 billion," he said. "The Indian express has left the station. It is now the fastest train in the world—the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The UK must be its closest and most trusted friend and partner in the decades ahead," he added. (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.

UK says FTA talks with India ‘well advanced’, seventh round soon

<p>Two female students of an elite Lahore school accused of assaulting a fellow student were granted bail on Friday by a local court. The visuals of assault at the elite Scarsdale American International School went viral on social media, angering people in Pakistan and beyond.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bail petition filed on behalf of accused girls in the court of sessions judge, Lahore, claimed that the complaint against the girls seen assaulting another girl in the viral video, was lodged with "malafide intentions".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-american-boy-chokes-after-being-bullied-in-school-as-video-goes-viral-479927">Indian-American boy chokes after being bullied in school as video goes viral</a></strong></p>

<p>"The petitioners have been involved in a false, baseless and fabricated case, just to humiliate the respect and honor," it read further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video was reportedly circulating on social media since Friday. It showed a girl student holding another, pushing her head against the floor while pulling her hair. The girl shown being bullied in the viral video is asked to apologise amid a series of profane comments. Other clips of the incident show that more people were involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A &nbsp;social media post attributed to the victim's father said that the girls seen bullying his daughter in the viral video were "forcing her (his daughter) to do drugs for a long time". The victim's father alleged that his daughter made the video of the girls doing drugs that eventually made way to the father of one of the girls seen assaulting his daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unity-day-standing-against-bullying-422403">Unity Day: Standing against bullying</a></strong></p>

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<p>"So these girls are beating her out of revenge," it was said.</p>

<p>The school where the incident reportedly took place said that it has a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to such acts of bullying. After outcry on social media, the school condemned the incident and said that it works to ensure the "highest priority to school culture and will uphold the values of respect and compassion".</p>

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Two female students of an elite Lahore school accused of assaulting a fellow student were granted bail on Friday by a local court. The visuals of assault at the elite Scarsdale American International School went viral on social media, angering people in Pakistan and beyond.

Two female students of an elite Lahore school accused of assaulting a fellow student were granted bail on Friday by a local court. The visuals of assault at the elite Scarsdale American International School went viral on social media, angering people in Pakistan and beyond. A bail petition filed on behalf of accused girls in the court of sessions judge, Lahore, claimed that the complaint against the girls seen assaulting another girl in the viral video, was lodged with "malafide intentions". ALSO READ | Indian-American boy chokes after being bullied in school as video goes viral "The petitioners have been involved in a false, baseless and fabricated case, just to humiliate the respect and honor," it read further. The video was reportedly circulating on social media since Friday. It showed a girl student holding another, pushing her head against the floor while pulling her hair. The girl shown being bullied in the viral video is asked to apologise amid a series of profane comments. Other clips of the incident show that more people were involved. A social media post attributed to the victim's father said that the girls seen bullying his daughter in the viral video were "forcing her (his daughter) to do drugs for a long time". The victim's father alleged that his daughter made the video of the girls doing drugs that eventually made way to the father of one of the girls seen assaulting his daughter. ALSO WATCH | Unity Day: Standing against bullying × "So these girls are beating her out of revenge," it was said. The school where the incident reportedly took place said that it has a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to such acts of bullying. After outcry on social media, the school condemned the incident and said that it works to ensure the "highest priority to school culture and will uphold the values of respect and compassion". 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.

Lahore school girls, seen bullying in viral video, granted bail

<p>A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spike achieved the milestone on December 7, 2022, when Guinness World Records (GWR) certified him as the oldest living dog in the world at the age of 23 years and 7 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spike's pet-parent Rita Kimball has had him for nearly 14 years, after he was found abandoned in the parking lot of a grocery store in 2009, CNN reported.</p>

<p>"He had been shaved up his back, had blood stains around his neck from a chain or rope, and looked pretty rough," Kimball said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-here-are-the-winners-of-international-dog-photography-awards-2022-551867">In pics | Here are the winners of International Dog Photography Awards 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>After a grocery store clerk told her the dog had been there for three days, Kimball took the then 10-year-old pooch home to her farm.</p>

<p>"Spike jumped right in and sat on the seat, as if he knew where we were going. It was meant to be," Kimball said in an official statement.</p>

<p>Kimaball named him Spike after being inspired by the big, aggressive dog from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trending-on-wion-researchers-say-dogs-tail-are-only-a-communication-tool-549132">Trending on WION: Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Spike was a name for a large dog. My guy was small, but he had the attitude of a big dog," Kimball's official statement adds.</p>

<p>A Guinness World Records statement says that Spike, who weighs just 12.9 pounds, has "survived multiple attacks” from other animals and managed to "come back stronger each time."</p>

<p>Kimball said that she first realised Spike had a shot at becoming world's oldest dog when she heard 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon talking about a former record holder, toy fox terrier Pebbles, who died in October 2022.</p>

<p>Now, Spike is regarded in their family as a bit of a celebrity, Kimball is reported to have said, adding that the elderly dog, who is nearly blind and hard of hearing, prefers spending time with people he knows and visiting the animals on her farm.</p>

<p>According to Guinness World Record, the longest-lived dog reliably recorded was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, who died in 1939 aged 29 years and five days.</p>

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A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year.

A Chihauhua mix from the US state of Ohio, named Spike, has been named the world's oldest living dog by Guinness World Records (GWR). Spike was born in November 1999, and entered the woofy twenty third year of life last year. Spike achieved the milestone on December 7, 2022, when Guinness World Records (GWR) certified him as the oldest living dog in the world at the age of 23 years and 7 days. Spike's pet-parent Rita Kimball has had him for nearly 14 years, after he was found abandoned in the parking lot of a grocery store in 2009, CNN reported. "He had been shaved up his back, had blood stains around his neck from a chain or rope, and looked pretty rough," Kimball said. ALSO READ | In pics | Here are the winners of International Dog Photography Awards 2022 After a grocery store clerk told her the dog had been there for three days, Kimball took the then 10-year-old pooch home to her farm. "Spike jumped right in and sat on the seat, as if he knew where we were going. It was meant to be," Kimball said in an official statement. Kimaball named him Spike after being inspired by the big, aggressive dog from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons, reports said. ALSO WATCH | Trending on WION: Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool × "Spike was a name for a large dog. My guy was small, but he had the attitude of a big dog," Kimball's official statement adds. A Guinness World Records statement says that Spike, who weighs just 12.9 pounds, has "survived multiple attacks” from other animals and managed to "come back stronger each time." Kimball said that she first realised Spike had a shot at becoming world's oldest dog when she heard 'The Tonight Show' host Jimmy Fallon talking about a former record holder, toy fox terrier Pebbles, who died in October 2022. Now, Spike is regarded in their family as a bit of a celebrity, Kimball is reported to have said, adding that the elderly dog, who is nearly blind and hard of hearing, prefers spending time with people he knows and visiting the animals on her farm. According to Guinness World Record, the longest-lived dog reliably recorded was an Australian cattle dog called Bluey, who died in 1939 aged 29 years and five days. 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.

At over 23, Spike becomes world's oldest living dog

<p>Over thirty Chinese doctoral students were made to sign an agreement pledging their loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before reaching Sweden to pursue their higher studies. Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter published a report last week citing the documents it obtained. The paper stated that nearly three dozen students signed letters before travelling to Sweden.</p>

<p>The doctoral candidates made their way to Sweden's reputed Lund University through the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) run by China's Ministry of Education. The scholarship council supports international exchange with other universities worldwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-chinese-students-made-to-sign-loyalty-pledges-to-ccp-before-going-to-sweden-554732">Report: Chinese students made to sign ‘loyalty pledges' to CCP before going to Sweden</a></strong></p>

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<p>The report by Swedish paper said that the doctoral students were also made to sign an allegiance letter saying that they will "serve the interests of the regime" and "never participate in activities that go against the will of the authorities".</p>

<p><strong>Families back home&nbsp;used as bargaining chip: Report</strong></p>

<p>The report said that the families of doctoral candidates in Sweden too may be part of the allegiance agreement. If the students fail to honour the postulations of the allegiance documents, their families back home in China could find themselves in "financial debt to the state".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-claims-80-of-population-infected-by-covid-19-554725">China claims 80 per cent of population infected by COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, the family members were purportedly made to sign a contract making them liable for damages if the doctoral candidates enrolled in Sweden do not complete their education. The guarantor of the student is not allowed to leave China for a long duration of time while the student is studying abroad.</p>

<p><strong>How the matter came to light?</strong></p>

<p>The issue came to light after a Chinese student at Sweden's Lund University was told to not continue his education due to his poor academic performance. The student then became worried and said that the decision would result in problems for his family back home.</p>

<p>After the incident, Lund University reportedly asked another student at the school for their documents and found that they also had the same letters from the Chinese government with them.</p>

<p>Reports about the letters started to spread, and other Swedish universities began checking their students’ documents soon after. Some of the universities named in the report include Karolinska Institute, Uppsala University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.</p>

<p>"There are uncertainties, for example what is meant by going against the interests of the Chinese state," said Bob Harris, vice chancellor for research studies at the Karolinska Institute, one of Sweden’s top universities that regularly admits over 30 Chinese students through Chinese government's scholarship scheme.</p>

<p>"For the time being we have decided not to admit more research students via CSC," he stated.</p>

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Over thirty Chinese doctoral students were made to sign an agreement pledging their loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before reaching Sweden to pursue their higher studies.

Over thirty Chinese doctoral students were made to sign an agreement pledging their loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) before reaching Sweden to pursue their higher studies. Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter published a report last week citing the documents it obtained. The paper stated that nearly three dozen students signed letters before travelling to Sweden. The doctoral candidates made their way to Sweden's reputed Lund University through the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) run by China's Ministry of Education. The scholarship council supports international exchange with other universities worldwide. ALSO WATCH | Report: Chinese students made to sign ‘loyalty pledges' to CCP before going to Sweden × The report by Swedish paper said that the doctoral students were also made to sign an allegiance letter saying that they will "serve the interests of the regime" and "never participate in activities that go against the will of the authorities". Families back home used as bargaining chip: Report The report said that the families of doctoral candidates in Sweden too may be part of the allegiance agreement. If the students fail to honour the postulations of the allegiance documents, their families back home in China could find themselves in "financial debt to the state". ALSO READ | China claims 80 per cent of population infected by COVID-19 Furthermore, the family members were purportedly made to sign a contract making them liable for damages if the doctoral candidates enrolled in Sweden do not complete their education. The guarantor of the student is not allowed to leave China for a long duration of time while the student is studying abroad. How the matter came to light? The issue came to light after a Chinese student at Sweden's Lund University was told to not continue his education due to his poor academic performance. The student then became worried and said that the decision would result in problems for his family back home. After the incident, Lund University reportedly asked another student at the school for their documents and found that they also had the same letters from the Chinese government with them. Reports about the letters started to spread, and other Swedish universities began checking their students’ documents soon after. Some of the universities named in the report include Karolinska Institute, Uppsala University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. "There are uncertainties, for example what is meant by going against the interests of the Chinese state," said Bob Harris, vice chancellor for research studies at the Karolinska Institute, one of Sweden’s top universities that regularly admits over 30 Chinese students through Chinese government's scholarship scheme. "For the time being we have decided not to admit more research students via CSC," he stated. 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 students signed 'allegiance pledge' to CCP before going to Sweden: Report

The big billionaire loss of fortune | In pics

<p>Meta-owned Instagram launched the ‘Quiet Mode’ to discourage people from consistently being on the app. Targeted at teenagers, the ‘Quiet Mode’ will ensure that once enabled, they do not receive any notifications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once a user enables the Quiet Mode, the profile activity status will change to 'In Quiet Mode' for the followers. If someone sends a Direct Message while the user is 'In Quiet Mode', Instagram will send an auto-reply (just like the automated reply that are sent by WhatsApp Business users).</p>

<p>Instagram said that one can easily customize&nbsp;the 'Quiet Mode' hours to fit an individual's schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/free-the-nipple-meta-to-lift-breast-images-ban-rule-in-facebook-instagram-553960">‘Free the nipple’: Meta to lift breast images ban rule in Facebook, Instagram&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"Anyone can use ‘Quiet mode’, but we’ll prompt teens to do so when they spend a specific amount of time on Instagram late at night," Instagram said in a blog post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where will the Quiet Mode be available?</strong></p>

<p>Instagram said that the ‘Quiet mode’ will be available to everyone in the US, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand today. The platform hopes to bring it to more countries soon.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-your-favorite-social-networking-site-many-now-prefer-instagram-over-facebook--149458">What is your favorite social networking site: Many now prefer Instagram over Facebook</a></strong></p>

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<p>Instagram also came up with other features. This includes new ways to manage recommendations and supporting teens’ experience with updated parental supervision tools.</p>

<p><strong>Expansion of recommended posts</strong></p>

<p>While users can already hide comments and DMs containing specific words, Instagram has now expanded the feature to apply to recommended posts that one sees across Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Add a word or list of words, emojis or hashtags that you want to avoid – like ‘fitness’ or ‘recipes’ – and we’ll work to no longer recommend content with those words in the caption or the hashtag,” Instagram said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One can access this feature in the ‘Hidden Words’ section of Privacy settings.</p>

<p><strong>Parental supervision tools</strong></p>

<p>Instagram, under its 'Family Centre and supervision tools' feature, said that it will maker it easier for the parents to stay "more aware of the choices their teens make".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If their teen updates a setting, parents will receive a notification so they can talk to their teen about the change. Parents can now also view accounts their teen has blocked," Instagram said.</p>

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Meta-owned Instagram launched the ‘Quiet Mode’ to discourage people from consistently being on the app. Targeted at teenagers, the ‘Quiet Mode’ will ensure that once enabled, they do not receive any notifications.

Meta-owned Instagram launched the ‘Quiet Mode’ to discourage people from consistently being on the app. Targeted at teenagers, the ‘Quiet Mode’ will ensure that once enabled, they do not receive any notifications. Once a user enables the Quiet Mode, the profile activity status will change to 'In Quiet Mode' for the followers. If someone sends a Direct Message while the user is 'In Quiet Mode', Instagram will send an auto-reply (just like the automated reply that are sent by WhatsApp Business users). Instagram said that one can easily customize the 'Quiet Mode' hours to fit an individual's schedule. ALSO READ | ‘Free the nipple’: Meta to lift breast images ban rule in Facebook, Instagram "Anyone can use ‘Quiet mode’, but we’ll prompt teens to do so when they spend a specific amount of time on Instagram late at night," Instagram said in a blog post. Where will the Quiet Mode be available? Instagram said that the ‘Quiet mode’ will be available to everyone in the US, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand today. The platform hopes to bring it to more countries soon. ALSO WATCH | What is your favorite social networking site: Many now prefer Instagram over Facebook × Instagram also came up with other features. This includes new ways to manage recommendations and supporting teens’ experience with updated parental supervision tools. Expansion of recommended posts While users can already hide comments and DMs containing specific words, Instagram has now expanded the feature to apply to recommended posts that one sees across Instagram. “Add a word or list of words, emojis or hashtags that you want to avoid – like ‘fitness’ or ‘recipes’ – and we’ll work to no longer recommend content with those words in the caption or the hashtag,” Instagram said. One can access this feature in the ‘Hidden Words’ section of Privacy settings. Parental supervision tools Instagram, under its 'Family Centre and supervision tools' feature, said that it will maker it easier for the parents to stay "more aware of the choices their teens make". "If their teen updates a setting, parents will receive a notification so they can talk to their teen about the change. Parents can now also view accounts their teen has blocked," Instagram 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.

Instagram rolls out ‘Quiet Mode’, enhances parental supervision for teens

<p>The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly. The lantern was placed at Sanxia Square in Chongqing, a city of 30 million, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.</p>

<p>"The rabbit has thick eyebrows and looks like a man with a serious expression. Is this a festive rabbit?,"&nbsp;a user is reported to have said on messaging app WeChat.</p>

<p>Another WeChat user reportedly wrote: "It looks like a rabbit goblin."</p>

<p>In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-chinas-chun-yun-the-largest-annual-migration-in-the-world-550353">Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world?</a></strong></p>

<p>"Internet users say that the rabbit lantern at the square is too embarrassing. After the complaint, we got someone to demolish it," the Sangxia Square Commercial District Management Committee told local media outlet Hongxin News, BBC reported.</p>

<p>But on the other side of the same coin of arguments, some people said it was not necessary to remove the lantern saying that it looked like a traditional rabbit.</p>

<p>In Chinese culture, the rabbit is considered a gentle animal.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-40-day-lunar-new-year-migration-begins-amid-surging-covid-550307">China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid</a></strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, reports emerged saying there was backlash against one of the special stamps for the Year of the Rabbit, released by China Post earlier this month.</p>

<p>The stamp features a blue rabbit with red eyes which has a pen and a piece of paper. People on the internet, however, called it "evil", "scary" and "monstrous", reports said.</p>

<p>But according to local media, the polarising China Post stamp was sold out on the first day of sales itself.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly.

The world of trends created within the universe of the internet never stops surprising. This time, a giant rabbit lantern was torn down in south-west China after internet users complained that it was too ugly. The lantern was placed at Sanxia Square in Chongqing, a city of 30 million, to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year. "The rabbit has thick eyebrows and looks like a man with a serious expression. Is this a festive rabbit?," a user is reported to have said on messaging app WeChat. Another WeChat user reportedly wrote: "It looks like a rabbit goblin." In the Chinese zodiac, 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit. ALSO READ | Explained: What is China's ‘chun yun’, the largest annual migration in the world? "Internet users say that the rabbit lantern at the square is too embarrassing. After the complaint, we got someone to demolish it," the Sangxia Square Commercial District Management Committee told local media outlet Hongxin News, BBC reported. But on the other side of the same coin of arguments, some people said it was not necessary to remove the lantern saying that it looked like a traditional rabbit. In Chinese culture, the rabbit is considered a gentle animal. ALSO WATCH | China: 40-day Lunar New Year migration begins amid surging Covid × Earlier this month, reports emerged saying there was backlash against one of the special stamps for the Year of the Rabbit, released by China Post earlier this month. The stamp features a blue rabbit with red eyes which has a pen and a piece of paper. People on the internet, however, called it "evil", "scary" and "monstrous", reports said. But according to local media, the polarising China Post stamp was sold out on the first day of sales itself. (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.

Chinese city takes down rabbit lantern as internet finds it ‘ugly’

<p>Veteran actor&nbsp;Alec Baldwin of&nbsp;&nbsp;'The Hunt For Red October' fame has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case of a fatal film-set shooting in October 2021. Apart from Baldwin, film Rust's armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was also charged with involuntary manslaughter that had killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza.</p>

<p>Baldwin was reportedly&nbsp;rehearsing a scene for director Joel Souza's film 'Rust' when the shooting incident took place at a ranch near Sante Fe, New Mexico in October 2021.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/alec-baldwin-shooting-accident-whats-the-latest-426206">Alec Baldwin shooting accident: What's the latest?</a></strong></p>

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<p>The charges would be filed against Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed&nbsp;by the end January 2023,&nbsp;Santa Fe's District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced in a statement.</p>

<p>"Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter," the statement read. "I have determined that there is sufficient evidence."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-alec-baldwin-sues-rust-crew-to-clear-his-name-in-fatal-set-shooting-533500">Alec Baldwin sues ‘Rust’ crew for damages, ‘clearing his name’ in fatal set shooting</a></strong></p>

<p>"On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice," she said.</p>

<p>If convicted, both Baldwin and Guitierrez Reed face up&nbsp;to 18 months in jail and a $5,000&nbsp;fine. They will be tried by a jury, prosecutors said.</p>

<p>After the shooting, Baldwin had said the gun had misfired. He added that he did not pull the trigger on the gun and he was not aware that it was loaded.</p>

<p>"I don't know what happened on that set. I don't know how that bullet arrived in that gun. I don't know," he said in December 2021.</p>

<p>In October, the 64-year-old actor and the film's production company reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount with the family of Hutchins, the deceased cinematographer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It came after the cinematographer's husband, Matthew, filed a wrongful death lawsuit which claimed violations of industry safety standards.</p>

<p>"All of us believe Halyna's death was a terrible accident," &nbsp;Hutchins said in a statement at the time. "I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame."</p>

<p>Film's production was scheduled to resume this year. It remains unclear if the film's schedule will be resumed any time soon.&nbsp;</p>

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Veteran actor Alec Baldwin of 'The Hunt For Red October' fame has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case of a fatal film-set shooting in October 2021.

Veteran actor Alec Baldwin of 'The Hunt For Red October' fame has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case of a fatal film-set shooting in October 2021. Apart from Baldwin, film Rust's armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed was also charged with involuntary manslaughter that had killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. Baldwin was reportedly rehearsing a scene for director Joel Souza's film 'Rust' when the shooting incident took place at a ranch near Sante Fe, New Mexico in October 2021. ALSO WATCH | Alec Baldwin shooting accident: What's the latest? × The charges would be filed against Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez Reed by the end January 2023, Santa Fe's District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies announced in a statement. "Actor and producer Alec Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each be charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter," the statement read. "I have determined that there is sufficient evidence." ALSO READ | Alec Baldwin sues ‘Rust’ crew for damages, ‘clearing his name’ in fatal set shooting "On my watch, no one is above the law, and everyone deserves justice," she said. If convicted, both Baldwin and Guitierrez Reed face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. They will be tried by a jury, prosecutors said. After the shooting, Baldwin had said the gun had misfired. He added that he did not pull the trigger on the gun and he was not aware that it was loaded. "I don't know what happened on that set. I don't know how that bullet arrived in that gun. I don't know," he said in December 2021. In October, the 64-year-old actor and the film's production company reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount with the family of Hutchins, the deceased cinematographer. It came after the cinematographer's husband, Matthew, filed a wrongful death lawsuit which claimed violations of industry safety standards. "All of us believe Halyna's death was a terrible accident," Hutchins said in a statement at the time. "I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame." Film's production was scheduled to resume this year. It remains unclear if the film's schedule will be resumed any time soon. 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.

Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter over deadly shooting on 'Rust' sets

<p>Bilquis Mir, known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, has added one more feather in her cap. Bilquis, a&nbsp;water sports champion of Kayaking &amp; Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley has become the first woman from India to be a jury member at the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.</p>

<p>Bilquis Mir is a former water sports champion and trainer from Srinagar who has represented the country at dozens of National and International water sports championships. Bilquis started her journey on the world-famous Srinagar's Dal Lake at the age of six. &nbsp;</p>

<p>'It's a proud moment not only for me but the whole country that India will be a part of the upcoming jury at the Olympics in 2024. It's a dream come true, I started my sports career at the age of six and&nbsp;finally, we are there, India is there. Everyone has a dream of reaching there and I will be the first woman to be there from my country,'' said Bilquis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/stage-set-for-indias-first-election-open-debate-shashi-tharoor-accepts-rajeev-chandrasekhars-challenge-708857">Stage set for India's first election 'Open Debate'? Shashi Tharoor accepts Rajeev Chandrasekhar's challenge</a></p>

<p>The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed the appointment of Bilquis Mir in a letter sent to the Jammu and Kashmir government. Bilquis has represented the country multiple times, including as the coach for the women's canoeing team. She was also the only Indian woman and the first from Jammu and Kashmir to be appointed as a jury member at the 19th Asian Games held at Hangzhou in China.</p>

<p>''It was not easy to excel at the International level, being a Kashmiri girl and starting from Dal Lake when there is no awareness about water sports, especially for girls. But I believe never give up on your dreams and keep going and trust yourself. Nobody can stop you from achieving your goal. I want to see my UT and country on the world map, and I want to see more girls like Bilquis represent the country. '' said Bilquis Mir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bilquis was bestowed with an award by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. She has also been the recipient of the Devi Award.</p>


Bilquis Mir, known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, has added one more feather in her cap. Bilquis, a water sports champion of Kayaking & Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley has become the first woman from India to be a jury member at the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

Bilquis Mir, known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, has added one more feather in her cap. Bilquis, a water sports champion of Kayaking & Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley has become the first woman from India to be a jury member at the forthcoming Summer Olympics in Paris. Bilquis Mir is a former water sports champion and trainer from Srinagar who has represented the country at dozens of National and International water sports championships. Bilquis started her journey on the world-famous Srinagar's Dal Lake at the age of six. 'It's a proud moment not only for me but the whole country that India will be a part of the upcoming jury at the Olympics in 2024. It's a dream come true, I started my sports career at the age of six and finally, we are there, India is there. Everyone has a dream of reaching there and I will be the first woman to be there from my country,'' said Bilquis. Also read: Stage set for India's first election 'Open Debate'? Shashi Tharoor accepts Rajeev Chandrasekhar's challenge The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed the appointment of Bilquis Mir in a letter sent to the Jammu and Kashmir government. Bilquis has represented the country multiple times, including as the coach for the women's canoeing team. She was also the only Indian woman and the first from Jammu and Kashmir to be appointed as a jury member at the 19th Asian Games held at Hangzhou in China. ''It was not easy to excel at the International level, being a Kashmiri girl and starting from Dal Lake when there is no awareness about water sports, especially for girls. But I believe never give up on your dreams and keep going and trust yourself. Nobody can stop you from achieving your goal. I want to see my UT and country on the world map, and I want to see more girls like Bilquis represent the country. '' said Bilquis Mir. Bilquis was bestowed with an award by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. She has also been the recipient of the Devi Award.

Google joins layoff spree, slashes 12,000 jobs across world, offers 16 weeks’ severance pay

<p>Hong Kong will lift the isolation order that required people infected with Covid to isolate themselves. The order, seen as part of government's approach to revive the economy, will be implemented starting January 30.&nbsp;Thereby, to control the spread of COVID-19, Hong Kong will only have the mask mandate in place, city's leader John Lee clarified in an address to lawmakers on Thursday.</p>

<p>As part of China's moving away from the stringent zero Covid policy, Hong Kong, too, gave up other restrictions in December. For most of the pandemic over the last three years, Hong Kong has aligned itself with China’s "zero-Covid"&nbsp;strategy, requiring those who tested positive to undergo isolation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports suggest that many residents once had to be sent to hospitals or government-run quarantine facilities even when their symptoms were mild.</p>

<p>The city’s government is planning to end mandatory mask wearing in March or April, Ming Pao outlet reported, citing people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-economy-grows-3-in-2022-hit-by-covid-restrictions-553375">Hit by Covid restrictions, China's economy grew just 3% in 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>Lee said the city has a "very sound barrier of immunity" and Covid will be managed like any other upper respiratory disease.</p>

<p>"Our understanding of COVID-19 and how to deal with it has been greatly enhanced," Lee said. "As a result, the government’s management approach will have to change."</p>

<p>“As most infected persons only suffer mild symptoms, the government should shift from a clear-cut, mandatory approach to one that allows residents to make their own decisions and take their own responsibilities when we manage the pandemic,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-hong-kong-residents-are-rushing-to-get-covid-19-vaccination-549835">Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Hong Kong is also planning an aggressive campaign to display its strengths by holding a series of events.</p>

<p>Economists estimate that Hong Kong's economy lost $27 billion in potential growth due to restrictions put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

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Hong Kong will lift the isolation order that required people infected with Covid to isolate themselves. The order, seen as part of government's approach to revive the economy, will be implemented starting January 30.

Hong Kong will lift the isolation order that required people infected with Covid to isolate themselves. The order, seen as part of government's approach to revive the economy, will be implemented starting January 30. Thereby, to control the spread of COVID-19, Hong Kong will only have the mask mandate in place, city's leader John Lee clarified in an address to lawmakers on Thursday. As part of China's moving away from the stringent zero Covid policy, Hong Kong, too, gave up other restrictions in December. For most of the pandemic over the last three years, Hong Kong has aligned itself with China’s "zero-Covid" strategy, requiring those who tested positive to undergo isolation. Reports suggest that many residents once had to be sent to hospitals or government-run quarantine facilities even when their symptoms were mild. The city’s government is planning to end mandatory mask wearing in March or April, Ming Pao outlet reported, citing people familiar with the matter. ALSO READ | Hit by Covid restrictions, China's economy grew just 3% in 2022 Lee said the city has a "very sound barrier of immunity" and Covid will be managed like any other upper respiratory disease. "Our understanding of COVID-19 and how to deal with it has been greatly enhanced," Lee said. "As a result, the government’s management approach will have to change." “As most infected persons only suffer mild symptoms, the government should shift from a clear-cut, mandatory approach to one that allows residents to make their own decisions and take their own responsibilities when we manage the pandemic,” he said. ALSO WATCH | Why Hong Kong residents are rushing to get Covid-19 vaccination? × Hong Kong is also planning an aggressive campaign to display its strengths by holding a series of events. Economists estimate that Hong Kong's economy lost $27 billion in potential growth due to restrictions put in place to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to axe isolation rule for Covid patients, to end mask-mandate next

<p>A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination. The industrial strength "surface protection" creates a transparent water-repellent layer that splashes back urine when it hits, news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p>The special spray-on liquid is being applied at nearly a dozen sites in London's Soho, a hub of entertainment and leisure consisting of a warren of bars, restaurants, theatres and other venues as well as residential apartments.</p>

<p>"It is very effective, the proof is in the pudding," local councillor Aicha Less told AFP, while demonstrating the transparent paint's splash-back ability with a bottle of water.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/londons-nightlife-scene-dormant-since-start-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-328835">London's nightlife scene dormant since start of the Coronavirus pandemic</a></strong></p>

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<p>Westminster City Council has launched the initiative following complaints from some of Soho's approximately 3,000 residents, as well as from workers and business operators.</p>

<p>"Obviously pee isn't very pleasant and our residents are very upset," Aicha Less added.</p>

<p>"They step out of their front door in the morning and just get the stench of urine," she added. Locals are "entitled to live in a clean, safe environment".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tales-of-the-citiessexy-and-rich-powerful-and-dirty-523">'Tales of the cities': Sexy and Rich, Powerful and Dirty</a></strong></p>

<p>The Westminster City Council took the idea after it was previously used by another local authority in Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contractors were seen erecting the signs at targeted sites saying they have been sprayed and the message: "This wall is not a urinal."</p>

<p>Westminster spends nearly £1 million (US$1.24 million) annually on street cleaning, which includes hosing down peed-on side streets. It hopes this new strategy will lower that bill.</p>

<p>"We'll see what impact it makes in, say, six months' time and if there is less of a stench in the air," said Less.</p>

<p><strong>About London's Soho</strong></p>

<p>The 0.6 sq km district in the heart of London&nbsp;boasts of more than 400 premises licensed to sell alcohol, around a quarter of them late into the night.</p>

<p>Westminster City Council is also looking at handing out more fines for public urination, a criminal offence that could cost offenders £50 (US$62) or £80.</p>

<p>It has also rolled out temporary urinal stands in various Soho locations from Thursday to Sunday, when the area is busiest.</p>

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A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination.

A central London district famous among tourists and locals for its nightlife is trying out a novel method to tackle the persistent problem of public urination. The authorities will now apply the so-called anti-pee paint at the spots of public urination. The industrial strength "surface protection" creates a transparent water-repellent layer that splashes back urine when it hits, news agency AFP reported. The special spray-on liquid is being applied at nearly a dozen sites in London's Soho, a hub of entertainment and leisure consisting of a warren of bars, restaurants, theatres and other venues as well as residential apartments. "It is very effective, the proof is in the pudding," local councillor Aicha Less told AFP, while demonstrating the transparent paint's splash-back ability with a bottle of water. ALSO WATCH | London's nightlife scene dormant since start of the Coronavirus pandemic × Westminster City Council has launched the initiative following complaints from some of Soho's approximately 3,000 residents, as well as from workers and business operators. "Obviously pee isn't very pleasant and our residents are very upset," Aicha Less added. "They step out of their front door in the morning and just get the stench of urine," she added. Locals are "entitled to live in a clean, safe environment". ALSO READ | 'Tales of the cities': Sexy and Rich, Powerful and Dirty The Westminster City Council took the idea after it was previously used by another local authority in Germany. Contractors were seen erecting the signs at targeted sites saying they have been sprayed and the message: "This wall is not a urinal." Westminster spends nearly £1 million (US$1.24 million) annually on street cleaning, which includes hosing down peed-on side streets. It hopes this new strategy will lower that bill. "We'll see what impact it makes in, say, six months' time and if there is less of a stench in the air," said Less. About London's Soho The 0.6 sq km district in the heart of London boasts of more than 400 premises licensed to sell alcohol, around a quarter of them late into the night. Westminster City Council is also looking at handing out more fines for public urination, a criminal offence that could cost offenders £50 (US$62) or £80. It has also rolled out temporary urinal stands in various Soho locations from Thursday to Sunday, when the area is busiest. 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.

London's Soho district gets pee-repellent paint on walls to deter public urination

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