<p>Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is sold out within hours of its rollout. In total, 45,000 NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) were released on the Polygon blockchain, each priced at $99. This means that a total of $4.45 million have been raised from Trump NFT sales.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Donald Trump teased a "major announcement" on his Truth Social account. Many wondered if this major announcement was going to be about his presidential run. But the news turned out to be a signature Donald Trump moment of surprise: a Trump-themed NFT collection.</p>

<p>"My official Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is here!" he posted on Thursday. &nbsp;In past, Trump has described the NFT sales art as "very much like a baseball card, but hopefully much more exciting".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-unveils-nfts-showing-himself-as-cowboy-astronaut-and-more-543518">Trump unveils NFTs showing himself as cowboy, astronaut and more</a></strong></p>

<p>According to OpenSea data, all Trump Digital Trading Cards were sold out within 12 hours.</p>

<p>After buying a Trump NFT, a buyer enters&nbsp;into a contest to win a number of prizes, including a one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump. Those who purchase over 45 of the cards automatically get to meet the former president at a gala dinner in Florida. So far, 202 people have more than 45 of the NFTs in their digital wallet, according to Dune data cited by CNET.</p>

<p><strong>Where will money from Trump's NFT sale go?</strong></p>

<p>NFT INT, the company behind the collection, claims on its website that the money raised won't be used in Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. It further adds that NFT INT is not owned by Donald Trump or any of his organisations. Trump has only licensed his name and image for the project.</p>

<p><strong>What are NFTs?</strong></p>

<p>NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, are tokens on a blockchain that prove ownership of a digital asset. They are to digital goods what a deed is to a house. The first NFT collections date back to 2017, but the market exploded last year as a powerful wave of speculation drove prices up to stunning levels.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/i-will-very-very-very-probably-do-it-again-donald-trump-plans-to-run-for-presidency-in-2024-531118">'I will very, very, very probably do it again,' Donald Trump plans to run for presidency in 2024</a></strong></p>

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<p>The most famous collection, The Bored Ape Yacht Club, launched at around $250 and peaked in price earlier this year at $400,000 a pop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the global economic uncertainty and astronomical crash in the cryptocurrency market have thrown the NFT excitement off the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trading volume on OpenSea, the biggest market for such wares, hit $250 million last month, compared with $2.5 billion in May.&nbsp;</p>

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Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is sold out within hours of its rollout. In total, 45,000 NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) were released on the Polygon blockchain, each priced at $99.

Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is sold out within hours of its rollout. In total, 45,000 NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) were released on the Polygon blockchain, each priced at $99. This means that a total of $4.45 million have been raised from Trump NFT sales. Earlier this week, Donald Trump teased a "major announcement" on his Truth Social account. Many wondered if this major announcement was going to be about his presidential run. But the news turned out to be a signature Donald Trump moment of surprise: a Trump-themed NFT collection. "My official Donald Trump Digital Trading Card collection is here!" he posted on Thursday. In past, Trump has described the NFT sales art as "very much like a baseball card, but hopefully much more exciting". ALSO READ | Trump unveils NFTs showing himself as cowboy, astronaut and more According to OpenSea data, all Trump Digital Trading Cards were sold out within 12 hours. After buying a Trump NFT, a buyer enters into a contest to win a number of prizes, including a one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump. Those who purchase over 45 of the cards automatically get to meet the former president at a gala dinner in Florida. So far, 202 people have more than 45 of the NFTs in their digital wallet, according to Dune data cited by CNET. Where will money from Trump's NFT sale go? NFT INT, the company behind the collection, claims on its website that the money raised won't be used in Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. It further adds that NFT INT is not owned by Donald Trump or any of his organisations. Trump has only licensed his name and image for the project. What are NFTs? NFTs, or nonfungible tokens, are tokens on a blockchain that prove ownership of a digital asset. They are to digital goods what a deed is to a house. The first NFT collections date back to 2017, but the market exploded last year as a powerful wave of speculation drove prices up to stunning levels. WATCH | 'I will very, very, very probably do it again,' Donald Trump plans to run for presidency in 2024 × The most famous collection, The Bored Ape Yacht Club, launched at around $250 and peaked in price earlier this year at $400,000 a pop. However, the global economic uncertainty and astronomical crash in the cryptocurrency market have thrown the NFT excitement off the ground. Trading volume on OpenSea, the biggest market for such wares, hit $250 million last month, compared with $2.5 billion in May. 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.

Donald Trump NFTs a wild hit, sold-out within hours of rollout

<p>Days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-pushes-for-trade-in-rupee-532702">Gravitas: India pushes for trade in rupee</a></strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What does it mean?</strong></p>

<p>It means that Sri Lankan citizens can now hold $10,000 (INR 8,26,823) in physical form. This also means that Sri Lankans and Indians can use Indian rupees instead of US dollars for international transactions with each other. The Indian government since July this year, has been looking to bring countries that are short of dollars, into its rupee settlement mechanism.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/rupee-settlement-will-help-india-trade-with-russia-iran-and-south-asian-neighbours-experts-496677">Rupee settlement will help India trade with Russia, Iran and S Asian neighbours</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Special rupee accounts for international transactions between designated countries are called Vostro accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why Sri Lanka is keen to trade in INR?</strong></p>

<p>This is because designating INR as a legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much-needed liquidity support to help it tide over its economic crisis amid inadequate availability of the US dollar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a foreign currency (in Sri Lanka's case the INR), the country's economy is more likely to prevent further intensification of the balance of payments crisis when the investors begin selling off in domestic currency.</p>

<p><strong>India's efforts for Rupee's internationalisation?</strong></p>

<p>So far, India's central bank has given approval to banks to open 12 Vostro accounts for trade in rupees with Russia. Six other accounts, including five for trade with Sri Lanka and one for trade with Mauritius, have also been authorised, a Reserve Bank of India document cited by Economic Times showed. Countries such as Tajikistan, Cuba, Luxembourg and Sudan, too, reportedly are in talks about using the rupee settlement mechanism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's finance ministry has also asked the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to begin an awareness campaign to sensitise stakeholders about the rupee trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Reserve Bank of India in July had notified the new mechanism for settling international trade in the rupee. This was aimed at not just reducing the rupee against the dollar but also internationalising the Indian currency.</p>

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Days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts.

Days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka, reports have emerged saying banks from India's neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts. Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region. WATCH | Gravitas: India pushes for trade in rupee × What does it mean? It means that Sri Lankan citizens can now hold $10,000 (INR 8,26,823) in physical form. This also means that Sri Lankans and Indians can use Indian rupees instead of US dollars for international transactions with each other. The Indian government since July this year, has been looking to bring countries that are short of dollars, into its rupee settlement mechanism. ALSO READ | Rupee settlement will help India trade with Russia, Iran and S Asian neighbours Special rupee accounts for international transactions between designated countries are called Vostro accounts. Why Sri Lanka is keen to trade in INR? This is because designating INR as a legal currency in Sri Lanka will provide the country with much-needed liquidity support to help it tide over its economic crisis amid inadequate availability of the US dollar. With a foreign currency (in Sri Lanka's case the INR), the country's economy is more likely to prevent further intensification of the balance of payments crisis when the investors begin selling off in domestic currency. India's efforts for Rupee's internationalisation? So far, India's central bank has given approval to banks to open 12 Vostro accounts for trade in rupees with Russia. Six other accounts, including five for trade with Sri Lanka and one for trade with Mauritius, have also been authorised, a Reserve Bank of India document cited by Economic Times showed. Countries such as Tajikistan, Cuba, Luxembourg and Sudan, too, reportedly are in talks about using the rupee settlement mechanism. India's finance ministry has also asked the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to begin an awareness campaign to sensitise stakeholders about the rupee trade. The Reserve Bank of India in July had notified the new mechanism for settling international trade in the rupee. This was aimed at not just reducing the rupee against the dollar but also internationalising the Indian currency. 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.

Sri Lanka to use Indian rupee for international trade, more countries aim to follow

<p>Traces of suspected cocaine, a Class A drug in the United Kingdom,&nbsp;were found at Chevening House, the grace-and-favour home of Liz Truss when she was the UK foreign secretary.</p>

<p>Chevening House is a 115-room mansion, traditionally granted to the foreign secretary, and its upkeep is funded by a trust established by an act of parliament. A grace-and-favour home refers to a residential property designated for a democratically elected government's senior official or minister during their time in office.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liz-truss-says-i-am-not-a-quitter-as-calls-for-her-resignation-grow-in-uk-526823">Liz Truss says 'I am not a quitter' as clamour for her resignation mounts in UK</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a report in The Guardian, staff found a "white powder" after summer parties at Chevening House, which also had&nbsp;Truss' political allies in attendance.&nbsp;Members of staff found traces of a white powder on two occasions towards the end of the Tory leadership contest. They were allegedly discovered following gatherings that Truss hosted for her allies over the weekends of August 19-21 and September 2-4.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Liz Truss has clarified that the claims were "categorically untrue".</p>

<p>“If there were evidence that this alleged activity had occurred during her use of Chevening, Ms Truss would have expected to have been informed and for the relevant authorities to have properly investigated the matter," a spokesperson for Liz Truss said in an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A staff member told The Guardian that they had tested the powder using a swab that changes colour when it comes into contact with cocaine.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-police-concludes-partygate-scandal-with-126-fines-480874">UK police concludes partygate scandal investigation with 126 fines</a></strong></p>

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<p>Earlier in April 2021, in one of the Downing Street parties that constituted the wildly consequential "partygate" scandal, it was reported that cleaning staff at 10 Downing Street found deposits of white powder in bathrooms and on a table in the offices. There was no conclusive investigation into the claim.</p>

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Traces of suspected cocaine, a Class A drug in the United Kingdom, were found at Chevening House, the grace-and-favour home of Liz Truss when she was the UK foreign secretary.

Traces of suspected cocaine, a Class A drug in the United Kingdom, were found at Chevening House, the grace-and-favour home of Liz Truss when she was the UK foreign secretary. Chevening House is a 115-room mansion, traditionally granted to the foreign secretary, and its upkeep is funded by a trust established by an act of parliament. A grace-and-favour home refers to a residential property designated for a democratically elected government's senior official or minister during their time in office. ALSO READ | Liz Truss says 'I am not a quitter' as clamour for her resignation mounts in UK According to a report in The Guardian, staff found a "white powder" after summer parties at Chevening House, which also had Truss' political allies in attendance. Members of staff found traces of a white powder on two occasions towards the end of the Tory leadership contest. They were allegedly discovered following gatherings that Truss hosted for her allies over the weekends of August 19-21 and September 2-4. A spokesperson for Liz Truss has clarified that the claims were "categorically untrue". “If there were evidence that this alleged activity had occurred during her use of Chevening, Ms Truss would have expected to have been informed and for the relevant authorities to have properly investigated the matter," a spokesperson for Liz Truss said in an official statement. A staff member told The Guardian that they had tested the powder using a swab that changes colour when it comes into contact with cocaine. WATCH | UK police concludes partygate scandal investigation with 126 fines × Earlier in April 2021, in one of the Downing Street parties that constituted the wildly consequential "partygate" scandal, it was reported that cleaning staff at 10 Downing Street found deposits of white powder in bathrooms and on a table in the offices. There was no conclusive investigation into the claim. 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.

'Traces of suspected cocaine' found at Liz Truss' former official residence

<p>In a sharp response that stunned Pakistani diplomatic quarters from New York to Islamabad, India's Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar evoked former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's 'snakes in the backyard' analogy to point out that the world sees Pakistan as "epicentre" of terrorism.</p>

<p>Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing journalists at the UN Security Council's sidelines after presiding over the council's signature event, 'Global Counterterrorism Approach: Challenges and Way Forward'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a joint news conference in 2011 with the then Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Hillary Clinton had said: "You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours," referring to Pakistan's undeclared policy of harbouring and exporting terrorism to neighbouring India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-jaishankar-counters-pakistan-china-with-facts-543516">Gravitas: Jaishankar counters Pakistan &amp; China with facts</a></strong></p>

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<p>Jaishankar was responding to a question in New York on Thursday on Pakistan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar's recent allegation that "no country had used terrorism better than India".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-un-jaishankar-lays-out-indias-norms-for-multilateral-reforms-543141">At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms</a></strong></p>

<p>"I read the reports on what minister Hina Rabbani Khar said. And I was reminded, more than a decade ago, if my memory serves me right. Hillary Clinton was visiting Pakistan. And Hina Rabbani Khar was a minister at that time," Jaishankar said while responding to a question on Khar's recent statements about a dossier against India.</p>

<p>"Standing next to her, Hillary Clinton actually said that if you have snakes in your backyard, you can't expect them to bite only your neighbours. Eventually, they will bite the people who keep them in the backyard. But as you know, Pakistan is not great at taking good advice. You see what's happening there," he said.</p>

<p><strong>The world is not stupid: Jaishankar on state sponsors of terror</strong></p>

<p>Jaishankar, while underlining that the world is not "stupid" to not understand Pakistan's policy of state-sponsored terrorism, said that Islamabad&nbsp;should clean up its act and try to be a good neighbour. Purportedly asked by a Pakistani journalist when will&nbsp;South Asia "stop facing terrorism from New Delhi and Kabul", Jaishankar said that "you are asking the wrong minister when you say how long will we do this?"</p>

<p>"Because it is the ministers of Pakistan who will tell you how long Pakistan intends to practice terrorism," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>"In terms of what they are saying, the truth is everybody, the world today, sees them as the epicentre of terrorism," he said.</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, the world is not stupid, the world is not forgetful. And the world does increasingly call out countries and organisations and people who indulge in terrorism."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan reporter: How long South Asia will see terrorism from New Delhi, Kabul, Pakistan, how long they will be at war<br />
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India's EAM Jaishankar: You are asking the wrong minister..It is the minister of Pakistan who will tell you how long Pak intends to practice terrorism<br />
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Watch: <a href="https://t.co/yrwyd3nS1P">pic.twitter.com/yrwyd3nS1P</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1603449245176324097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"By taking that debate elsewhere, you are not going to hide it. You are&nbsp;not going to confuse anybody anymore. People have figured it out. So my advice is please clean up your act. Please try to be a good neighbour."</p>

<p>"Please try and contribute to what the rest of the world is trying to do today, which is economic growth, and progress and development," Jaishankar said.</p>

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In a sharp response that stunned Pakistani diplomatic quarters from New York to Islamabad, India's Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar evoked former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's 'snakes in the backyard' analogy to point out that the world sees Pakistan as "epicentre" of terrorism.

In a sharp response that stunned Pakistani diplomatic quarters from New York to Islamabad, India's Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar evoked former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's 'snakes in the backyard' analogy to point out that the world sees Pakistan as "epicentre" of terrorism. Jaishankar made the remarks while addressing journalists at the UN Security Council's sidelines after presiding over the council's signature event, 'Global Counterterrorism Approach: Challenges and Way Forward'. At a joint news conference in 2011 with the then Pakistan foreign minister Hina Rabbani Khar, Hillary Clinton had said: "You can't keep snakes in your backyard and expect them only to bite your neighbours," referring to Pakistan's undeclared policy of harbouring and exporting terrorism to neighbouring India. WATCH | Gravitas: Jaishankar counters Pakistan & China with facts × Jaishankar was responding to a question in New York on Thursday on Pakistan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar's recent allegation that "no country had used terrorism better than India". ALSO READ | At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms "I read the reports on what minister Hina Rabbani Khar said. And I was reminded, more than a decade ago, if my memory serves me right. Hillary Clinton was visiting Pakistan. And Hina Rabbani Khar was a minister at that time," Jaishankar said while responding to a question on Khar's recent statements about a dossier against India. "Standing next to her, Hillary Clinton actually said that if you have snakes in your backyard, you can't expect them to bite only your neighbours. Eventually, they will bite the people who keep them in the backyard. But as you know, Pakistan is not great at taking good advice. You see what's happening there," he said. The world is not stupid: Jaishankar on state sponsors of terror Jaishankar, while underlining that the world is not "stupid" to not understand Pakistan's policy of state-sponsored terrorism, said that Islamabad should clean up its act and try to be a good neighbour. Purportedly asked by a Pakistani journalist when will South Asia "stop facing terrorism from New Delhi and Kabul", Jaishankar said that "you are asking the wrong minister when you say how long will we do this?" "Because it is the ministers of Pakistan who will tell you how long Pakistan intends to practice terrorism," Jaishankar said. "In terms of what they are saying, the truth is everybody, the world today, sees them as the epicentre of terrorism," he said. "At the end of the day, the world is not stupid, the world is not forgetful. And the world does increasingly call out countries and organisations and people who indulge in terrorism." Pakistan reporter: How long South Asia will see terrorism from New Delhi, Kabul, Pakistan, how long they will be at war India's EAM Jaishankar: You are asking the wrong minister..It is the minister of Pakistan who will tell you how long Pak intends to practice terrorism Watch: pic.twitter.com/yrwyd3nS1P — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 15, 2022 × "By taking that debate elsewhere, you are not going to hide it. You are not going to confuse anybody anymore. People have figured it out. So my advice is please clean up your act. Please try to be a good neighbour." "Please try and contribute to what the rest of the world is trying to do today, which is economic growth, and progress and development," Jaishankar 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.

India's Jaishankar evokes Hillary Clinton's 'snake' analogy to slam Pakistan on terror

<p>The United States on Thursday banned 36 Chinese companies from importing components from the United States as part of the country's new export rules. The banned Chinese companies also include Yangtze Memory Technologies and Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment, two of China's biggest chipmakers.&nbsp;There are 19 other "major" Chinese players in the artificial intelligence chip sector on the US&nbsp;trade blacklist, in a significant&nbsp;crackdown on China's chip industry.</p>

<p>The US added these 36 China-headquartered companies to the Entity List of its Department of Commerce, following the exact suit it had taken up while banning telecom giant Huawei in May 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFnL98CZQ0w">US President Joe Biden blacklists Chinese top chip maker YMTC and 21 other AI firms</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The US Department of Commerce statement said that 21 of the 36 newly listed firms were working on artificial intelligence technology projects for China’s military. While seven "have demonstrable direct ties" to the development of hypersonic airplanes, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, as well as the software&nbsp;models' damage caused by weapons.</p>

<p><strong>What does being in the US Entity List mean?</strong></p>

<p>For the firms added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List, it means that U.S. companies can no longer sell goods to them without obtaining a permit. These permits are then difficult to obtain and make the business infeasible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why did the US ban Chinese firms?</strong></p>

<p>This is one among a series of moves that the US policymakers have been taking amid 'growing national security concerns'.</p>

<p>Alan Estevez, the under secretary of commerce for industry and security who led the charge on the new export rules, said in a statement that the new rules are in furtherance from the rules issued on Oct. 7 that only banned the sale of high-tech chip technology to Chinese companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mulling-expanding-chinese-tech-ban-to-quantum-computing-527337">US mulling expanding Chinese tech ban to quantum computing</a></strong></p>

<p>“Today we are building on the actions we took in October to protect U.S. national security by severely restricting (China’s) ability to leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses,” Estevez said.</p>

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The United States on Thursday banned 36 Chinese companies from importing components from the United States as part of the country's new export rules. The banned Chinese companies also include Yangtze Memory Technologies and Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment, two of China's biggest chipmakers.

The United States on Thursday banned 36 Chinese companies from importing components from the United States as part of the country's new export rules. The banned Chinese companies also include Yangtze Memory Technologies and Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment, two of China's biggest chipmakers. There are 19 other "major" Chinese players in the artificial intelligence chip sector on the US trade blacklist, in a significant crackdown on China's chip industry. The US added these 36 China-headquartered companies to the Entity List of its Department of Commerce, following the exact suit it had taken up while banning telecom giant Huawei in May 2019. WATCH | US President Joe Biden blacklists Chinese top chip maker YMTC and 21 other AI firms × The US Department of Commerce statement said that 21 of the 36 newly listed firms were working on artificial intelligence technology projects for China’s military. While seven "have demonstrable direct ties" to the development of hypersonic airplanes, hypersonic weapons and ballistic missiles, as well as the software models' damage caused by weapons. What does being in the US Entity List mean? For the firms added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List, it means that U.S. companies can no longer sell goods to them without obtaining a permit. These permits are then difficult to obtain and make the business infeasible. Why did the US ban Chinese firms? This is one among a series of moves that the US policymakers have been taking amid 'growing national security concerns'. Alan Estevez, the under secretary of commerce for industry and security who led the charge on the new export rules, said in a statement that the new rules are in furtherance from the rules issued on Oct. 7 that only banned the sale of high-tech chip technology to Chinese companies. ALSO READ - US mulling expanding Chinese tech ban to quantum computing “Today we are building on the actions we took in October to protect U.S. national security by severely restricting (China’s) ability to leverage artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and other powerful, commercially available technologies for military modernization and human rights abuses,” Estevez said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US-China chip war: Washington imposes trade ban on 21 Chinese chipmakers

<p>Malaysia's northeastern Terengganu state will punish women for donning men's clothing and conceiving out-of-wedlock pregnancies. The state also outlawed 'witchcraft and sorcery'. The move has drawn the ire of human rights activists in South-East Asia. The laws that were passed by the Terengganu state assembly earlier this month make legislative provisions for punishments by a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,134), a three-year jail term and six lashes, or any combination of the three.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as 14 rights groups, including the All Women’s Action Society, said the legislative changes&nbsp;violate the right to freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination.</p>

<p>Terengganu&nbsp;is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia,&nbsp;focused on Islamic fundamentalism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-authorities-raid-lgbt-halloween-party-detain-attendees-for-cross-dressing-529574">Malaysian authorities raid LGBT Halloween party; detain attendees for cross-dressing</a></strong></p>

<p>The new law in the Malaysian state follows a similar move by neighbouring Indonesia, which outlawed extramarital sex and raised the penalty for abortions. The bill, which became law&nbsp;last week, also adds limitations to how much people can criticise Indonesia's&nbsp;public institutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Fundamentalism in Malaysia hitting country's economic standing?</strong></p>

<p>While Malaysia appeared to pick up economic momentum by investing diplomatic capital and financial apparatus into landmark G20 summit last month as well as multiple investors' summits this year, so far global funds have pulled up over $1.2 billion from the domestic bond market in 2022 amid concerns related&nbsp;to fundamentalism driven by political instability in the Southeast Asian country, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p><strong>New laws for 'well-being' of Muslims</strong></p>

<p>The new laws would better protect “the well-being of Muslims,” state-run Bernama news agency&nbsp;cited state religious official Satiful Bahari Mamat as saying. He added that the prohibition on women behaving like men was enacted because existing laws only dealt with men acting like women.</p>

<p>“Because in the past, there might not have been much of this issue (women acting like men),” he told the state news agency. “But we see now that ‘pengkid’ (tomboy or lesbian) cases and the like are becoming more widespread, so the state government intends to curb this issue.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/malaysia-activist-maryam-lee-raises-voice-against-hijab-even-after-being-a-muslim-329309">Malaysia: Activist Maryam Lee raises voice against Hijab even after being a Muslim</a></strong></p>

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<p>Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, or PAS as it’s known, won the most seats of any single party in last month’s general election. It has been a proponent&nbsp;of transforming Malaysia into an Islamic state, and has pushed the parliament to allow it to implement strict Islamic laws in the states it controls.</p>

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Malaysia's northeastern Terengganu state will punish women for donning men's clothing and conceiving out-of-wedlock pregnancies. The state also outlawed 'witchcraft and sorcery'.

Malaysia's northeastern Terengganu state will punish women for donning men's clothing and conceiving out-of-wedlock pregnancies. The state also outlawed 'witchcraft and sorcery'. The move has drawn the ire of human rights activists in South-East Asia. The laws that were passed by the Terengganu state assembly earlier this month make legislative provisions for punishments by a fine of up to 5,000 ringgit ($1,134), a three-year jail term and six lashes, or any combination of the three. As many as 14 rights groups, including the All Women’s Action Society, said the legislative changes violate the right to freedom of expression, equality and non-discrimination. Terengganu is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, focused on Islamic fundamentalism. ALSO READ | Malaysian authorities raid LGBT Halloween party; detain attendees for cross-dressing The new law in the Malaysian state follows a similar move by neighbouring Indonesia, which outlawed extramarital sex and raised the penalty for abortions. The bill, which became law last week, also adds limitations to how much people can criticise Indonesia's public institutions. Fundamentalism in Malaysia hitting country's economic standing? While Malaysia appeared to pick up economic momentum by investing diplomatic capital and financial apparatus into landmark G20 summit last month as well as multiple investors' summits this year, so far global funds have pulled up over $1.2 billion from the domestic bond market in 2022 amid concerns related to fundamentalism driven by political instability in the Southeast Asian country, Bloomberg reported. New laws for 'well-being' of Muslims The new laws would better protect “the well-being of Muslims,” state-run Bernama news agency cited state religious official Satiful Bahari Mamat as saying. He added that the prohibition on women behaving like men was enacted because existing laws only dealt with men acting like women. “Because in the past, there might not have been much of this issue (women acting like men),” he told the state news agency. “But we see now that ‘pengkid’ (tomboy or lesbian) cases and the like are becoming more widespread, so the state government intends to curb this issue.” WATCH | Malaysia: Activist Maryam Lee raises voice against Hijab even after being a Muslim × Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, or PAS as it’s known, won the most seats of any single party in last month’s general election. It has been a proponent of transforming Malaysia into an Islamic state, and has pushed the parliament to allow it to implement strict Islamic laws in the states it controls. 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.

New Malaysian state law to punish women for wearing men's clothing

<p>The United Nations on Thursday said that it will begin aiding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other war-affected people in Ukraine with cryptocurrency. The aid initiative with crypto-based facilitation is a "first-of-its-kind blockchain payment solution" for digital cash distribution anywhere in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How will cryptocurrency be distributed to IDPs?</strong></p>

<p>The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will transfer USD Coin (USDC), a cryptocurrency pinned to the US dollar and considered a stablecoin, to displaced Ukrainian people.</p>

<p><b>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/binance-braces-for-challenging-period-after-record-19bn-outflows-542921">Binance braces for 'challenging period' after record $1.9bn outflows</a></b></p>

<p>The transfer will be received by displaced individuals in their 'Vibrant' digital wallet. The recipients will then be able to exchange it for cash at about 4500 MoneyGram locations in war-affected Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/charities-use-cryptocurrency-to-send-aid-to-venezuela-220620">Charities use cryptocurrency to send aid to Venezuela</a></strong></p>

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<p>The project will be run by UNHCR in collaboration with the UN International Computing Centre (UNICC), the technology solutions provider of the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Which Ukrainian cities will receive cryptocurrency aid?</strong></p>

<p>As of present, the UN will distribute aid via USD coin cryptocurrency in Kyiv, Lviv, and Vinnytsia cities. It will then expand to other towns and cities in Ukraine.</p>

<p><strong>When will cryptocurrency aid be distributed in Ukraine?</strong></p>

<p>The UN said that it has extensively tested the cryptocurrency aid solution extensively tested over the last six months and is "expected to be expanded to reach more war-affected people inside Ukraine as well as refugees from Ukraine in early 2023", according to an official statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Will crypto-based aid be expanded elsewhere too?</strong></p>

<p>The United Nations in an official statement depicted the USD Coin cryptocurrency transfer to Ukrainians displaced by war as a "pilot phase" of the crypto-based aid project. "The pilot phase of the project is designed specifically for Ukraine but can be adapted worldwide," the statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said.&nbsp;</p>

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The United Nations on Thursday said that it will begin aiding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other war-affected people in Ukraine with cryptocurrency. The aid initiative with crypto-based facilitation is a "first-of-its-kind blockchain payment solution" for digital cash distribution anywhere in the world.

The United Nations on Thursday said that it will begin aiding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other war-affected people in Ukraine with cryptocurrency. The aid initiative with crypto-based facilitation is a "first-of-its-kind blockchain payment solution" for digital cash distribution anywhere in the world. How will cryptocurrency be distributed to IDPs? The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will transfer USD Coin (USDC), a cryptocurrency pinned to the US dollar and considered a stablecoin, to displaced Ukrainian people. ALSO READ | Binance braces for 'challenging period' after record $1.9bn outflows The transfer will be received by displaced individuals in their 'Vibrant' digital wallet. The recipients will then be able to exchange it for cash at about 4500 MoneyGram locations in war-affected Ukraine and elsewhere in the world. WATCH | Charities use cryptocurrency to send aid to Venezuela × The project will be run by UNHCR in collaboration with the UN International Computing Centre (UNICC), the technology solutions provider of the United Nations. Which Ukrainian cities will receive cryptocurrency aid? As of present, the UN will distribute aid via USD coin cryptocurrency in Kyiv, Lviv, and Vinnytsia cities. It will then expand to other towns and cities in Ukraine. When will cryptocurrency aid be distributed in Ukraine? The UN said that it has extensively tested the cryptocurrency aid solution extensively tested over the last six months and is "expected to be expanded to reach more war-affected people inside Ukraine as well as refugees from Ukraine in early 2023", according to an official statement. Will crypto-based aid be expanded elsewhere too? The United Nations in an official statement depicted the USD Coin cryptocurrency transfer to Ukrainians displaced by war as a "pilot phase" of the crypto-based aid project. "The pilot phase of the project is designed specifically for Ukraine but can be adapted worldwide," the statement by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 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.

UN to roll out aid in cryptocurrency for displaced Ukrainians

<p>The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Drugs Controller General of India said that&nbsp;WHO drew a premature link between the deaths of children in Gambia and the four India-made cough syrups which adversely impacted the image of the country's pharmaceutical products across the globe.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gambia-cough-syrup-deaths-after-whos-alert-indian-govts-crackdown-on-maiden-pharma-524790">Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma</a></strong></p>

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<p>As a matter of precaution, Indian health authorities had directed and subsequently implemented a production halt&nbsp;at Maiden Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant, after a WHO statement, now deemed 'premature', drew a link between the deaths of 69 children in Gambia with consumption of cough syrup made by New Delhi-headquartered company.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What did WHO allege?</strong></p>

<p>In a letter to the WHO dated December 13, India's drugs controller general, V.G. Somani, said that tests on samples of Maiden Pharma's products "have been found to be complying with specifications" and showed the samples were not contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.</p>

<p>Gambia's Medicines Control Agency is yet to pinpoint the exact cause of deaths. The primary medical reports cited by Gambia's police said that 69 children died of "acute kidney injury".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committee-to-who-information-on-killer-cough-syrups-inadequate-525793">India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate'</a></strong></p>

<p>The WHO's statement in October, linking the deaths to the cough syrup manufactured in India, caused "irreparable damage" to the country's supply chain of pharmaceutical products, Somani said in the Dec. 13 letter, addressed to Roderigo Gaspar, director, regulation and prequalification, at WHO.</p>

<p>The DCGI said India has been committed to rigorous monitoring and oversight to ensure that the highest standards of manufacture are maintained in the quality control of drugs and cosmetics.</p>

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The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria.

The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria. The Drugs Controller General of India said that WHO drew a premature link between the deaths of children in Gambia and the four India-made cough syrups which adversely impacted the image of the country's pharmaceutical products across the globe. WATCH | Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma × As a matter of precaution, Indian health authorities had directed and subsequently implemented a production halt at Maiden Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant, after a WHO statement, now deemed 'premature', drew a link between the deaths of 69 children in Gambia with consumption of cough syrup made by New Delhi-headquartered company. What did WHO allege? In a letter to the WHO dated December 13, India's drugs controller general, V.G. Somani, said that tests on samples of Maiden Pharma's products "have been found to be complying with specifications" and showed the samples were not contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. Gambia's Medicines Control Agency is yet to pinpoint the exact cause of deaths. The primary medical reports cited by Gambia's police said that 69 children died of "acute kidney injury". ALSO READ | India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate' The WHO's statement in October, linking the deaths to the cough syrup manufactured in India, caused "irreparable damage" to the country's supply chain of pharmaceutical products, Somani said in the Dec. 13 letter, addressed to Roderigo Gaspar, director, regulation and prequalification, at WHO. The DCGI said India has been committed to rigorous monitoring and oversight to ensure that the highest standards of manufacture are maintained in the quality control of drugs and cosmetics. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO drew 'premature link' between Gambia deaths and India-made cough syrups

<p>A crowd crush at a concert venue in London resulted in critical injuries to four people while in total eight people are reported to have suffered injuries on Thursday. Initial reports say that the 'distressing' crush&nbsp;occurred after thousands of people stormed into London's O2 Academy Brixton, forcing their entries into the venue&nbsp;at a performance of the Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake.</p>

<p>So far, there are no reports of any fatalities.</p>

<p>Videos shared by people on social media, reportedly from a health facility close to the concert event venue, showed&nbsp;hundreds of people pushing to get in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Detectives are investigating the circumstances which led to four people sustaining critical injuries," the London Metropolitan&nbsp;police was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p>Two "less seriously injured" people were treated at the scene while the eight others were taken to hospital by ambulance.</p>

<p>No arrests have been made, the Met noted.</p>

<p>"This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital," Commander Ade Adelekan said.</p>

<p>"A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added specialist officers will examine the scene and CCTV, but appealed to anyone with information to come forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Concert was cancelled shortly after stampede</strong></p>

<p>The concert was&nbsp;cancelled 10 minutes after Asake appeared on stage, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video on social media&nbsp;showed him going on stage to say: "They said outside is f****d up already. So we have to end the show. I don’t know why. It’s not me."</p>

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<p>Another man then came onto the stage to explain: "We have stopped the show because they breached the door. You have got 3,000 people have broken the door outside and because of security, police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you. This is nothing to do with us."</p>

<p><strong>Concert venue had issued a note of caution before</strong></p>

<p>Prior to the Asake concert, O2 Academy Brixton had issued a note of caution on social media. "When attending a show, please arrive in good time. Security measures are in place, including bag checks on arrival. Large bags - including rucksacks - are not allowed, so please make alternative arrangements," it wrote on social media," it had said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 Safety and Security 🚨<br />
<br />
When attending a show, please arrive in good time. Security measures are in place, including bag checks on arrival. Large bags - including rucksacks - are not allowed, so please make alternative arrangements.<br />
<br />
Please check our FAQs to find out more. <a href="https://t.co/tUwaG2VqKY">pic.twitter.com/tUwaG2VqKY</a></p>
— O2 Academy Brixton (@O2AcademyBrix) <a href="https://twitter.com/O2AcademyBrix/status/1603042296693407747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>No arrests have taken place so far. Investigators&nbsp;from specialist crime have launched an urgent investigation. Cordons remain in place at the O2 Academy.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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A crowd crush at a concert venue in London resulted in critical injuries to four people while in total eight people are reported to have suffered injuries on Thursday.

A crowd crush at a concert venue in London resulted in critical injuries to four people while in total eight people are reported to have suffered injuries on Thursday. Initial reports say that the 'distressing' crush occurred after thousands of people stormed into London's O2 Academy Brixton, forcing their entries into the venue at a performance of the Nigerian Afrobeats singer and songwriter Asake. So far, there are no reports of any fatalities. Videos shared by people on social media, reportedly from a health facility close to the concert event venue, showed hundreds of people pushing to get in. "Detectives are investigating the circumstances which led to four people sustaining critical injuries," the London Metropolitan police was quoted as saying by AFP. Two "less seriously injured" people were treated at the scene while the eight others were taken to hospital by ambulance. No arrests have been made, the Met noted. "This is an extremely upsetting incident which has left four people critically ill in hospital," Commander Ade Adelekan said. "A police investigation has been launched, and it will be as thorough and as forensic as necessary to establish exactly what happened last night." He added specialist officers will examine the scene and CCTV, but appealed to anyone with information to come forward. Concert was cancelled shortly after stampede The concert was cancelled 10 minutes after Asake appeared on stage, The Guardian reported. A video on social media showed him going on stage to say: "They said outside is f****d up already. So we have to end the show. I don’t know why. It’s not me." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐌𝐫 𝐌$𝐧𝐞𝐲 (@asakemusic) × Another man then came onto the stage to explain: "We have stopped the show because they breached the door. You have got 3,000 people have broken the door outside and because of security, police have asked us to close the show. We apologise to you. This is nothing to do with us." Concert venue had issued a note of caution before Prior to the Asake concert, O2 Academy Brixton had issued a note of caution on social media. "When attending a show, please arrive in good time. Security measures are in place, including bag checks on arrival. Large bags - including rucksacks - are not allowed, so please make alternative arrangements," it wrote on social media," it had said. 🚨 Safety and Security 🚨 When attending a show, please arrive in good time. Security measures are in place, including bag checks on arrival. Large bags - including rucksacks - are not allowed, so please make alternative arrangements. Please check our FAQs to find out more. pic.twitter.com/tUwaG2VqKY — O2 Academy Brixton (@O2AcademyBrix) December 14, 2022 × No arrests have taken place so far. Investigators from specialist crime have launched an urgent investigation. Cordons remain in place at the O2 Academy. (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.

Four critically injured in 'distressing' crush at London concert venue

<p>The silent cry for Earth's stewardship echoed throughout 2022 during a number of international summits that had Climate Change as their central theme. That the Earth is heating, up to the point of becoming inhabitable is a geopolitical theme that the world has addressed over the years by throwing enough spotlight for urgent attention on the questions of climate change. The 22nd year of the 21st century continued the trend of addressing climate change as a geo-economic determinant of global existence. Yet the debate continues if addressing climate change also translated into redressing its underlying causes this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike Alok Sharma, president of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference last year, nobody held back their tears during showcase climate change summits this year. There were passionate speeches from the likes of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and there was ample space for the visibility of global north-global south divide on the issue of climate change funding. The year had its share of climate change summits of significance, consisting of a few with more than a few 'breakthroughs'. But in the series of climate change summits all through 2022, there was no episode of any conference whose parts and parcels were regarded with&nbsp;'landmark' or 'historic' prefixes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh: Breakthrough on new 'Loss and Damage' fund</strong></p>

<p>The UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) was hosted in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022. Widely held as the most significant Climate Change summit of the year, COP27 joint-statement agreed to provide "loss and damage" funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. Countries reaffirmed their commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels along with steps to promote climate technology solutions in developing countries.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wideangle-cop27-who-will-pay-for-climate-change-533102">WION Wideangle | COP27: Who will pay for climate change?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Money has long been available to cut carbon or help countries adapt to rising temperatures but there was nothing for those who had lost everything. While many like host Egypt hailed the 'Loss and Damages' funding, others depicted it as a 'missed opportunity' for failing to flag the peaking of Carbon emissions after 2025 and a follow-through on phase down of coal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>COP19 Panama City summit</strong></p>

<p>The 19th edition of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took place in November this year in Panama City. India proposed enhanced protection of Leith's Softshell Turtle to ensure prevention of its illegal trade. It listed Sea Cucumber as 'threatened' but Southern White Rhino's conservation status was downgraded.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildlife-summit-steps-up-to-protect-sharks-hunted-for-their-fins-535353">Global wildlife summit plans to grant 'protected' status to sharks hunted for their fins</a></strong></p>

<p>A total of 54 species of requiem sharks, 37 additional species of guitarfishes, six species of sea cucumber, and South American freshwater stingrays had their conservation status upgraded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CITES parties agreed to continue and expand efforts to reduce the persistent market demand that drives illegal trade, sharing responsibility for solving these challenges between both source and destination (market) countries.</p>

<p><strong>Bonn Climate Change Conference</strong></p>

<p>The Bonn Climate Change Conference was conducted in June 2022 with an aim to progress on important technical issues and prepare decisions for adoption at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh in November.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkgdw6wrjDg">Bonn Climate Conference: First major climate meet after Russia-Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>The conference laid the foundation for 'Loss and Damages' fund that was eventually established as one of the most significant highlights of the Sherm El-Sheikh's COP27 conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>COP15 Montreal summit</strong></p>

<p>With an aim to save Earth’s forests, oceans and species before it's too late, delegates from all over the world have gathered in Montreal, Canada, for the December 7-19 UN Biodiversity Conference.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop15-summit-rich-countries-oppose-creation-of-10bn-biodiversity-fund-542946">COP15 summit: Rich countries oppose creation of $10 billion biodiversity fund</a></strong></p>

<p>The deadlock remains, with a clear global north-south divide, on the question of annual $10 billion in special financial mechanisms to address biodiversity conservation. The draft pledge, however, aims to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030 by eliminating harmful fishing and agriculture subsidies and "tackling invasive species and reducing the use of pesticides".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The silent cry for Earth's stewardship echoed throughout 2022 during a number of international summits that had Climate Change as their central theme. That the Earth is heating, up to the point of becoming inhabitable is a geopolitical theme that the world has addressed over the years by throwing enough spotlight for urgent attention on the questions of climate change.

The silent cry for Earth's stewardship echoed throughout 2022 during a number of international summits that had Climate Change as their central theme. That the Earth is heating, up to the point of becoming inhabitable is a geopolitical theme that the world has addressed over the years by throwing enough spotlight for urgent attention on the questions of climate change. The 22nd year of the 21st century continued the trend of addressing climate change as a geo-economic determinant of global existence. Yet the debate continues if addressing climate change also translated into redressing its underlying causes this year. Unlike Alok Sharma, president of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference last year, nobody held back their tears during showcase climate change summits this year. There were passionate speeches from the likes of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and there was ample space for the visibility of global north-global south divide on the issue of climate change funding. The year had its share of climate change summits of significance, consisting of a few with more than a few 'breakthroughs'. But in the series of climate change summits all through 2022, there was no episode of any conference whose parts and parcels were regarded with 'landmark' or 'historic' prefixes. COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh: Breakthrough on new 'Loss and Damage' fund The UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) was hosted in Egypt's Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022. Widely held as the most significant Climate Change summit of the year, COP27 joint-statement agreed to provide "loss and damage" funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. Countries reaffirmed their commitment to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels along with steps to promote climate technology solutions in developing countries. WATCH | WION Wideangle | COP27: Who will pay for climate change? × Money has long been available to cut carbon or help countries adapt to rising temperatures but there was nothing for those who had lost everything. While many like host Egypt hailed the 'Loss and Damages' funding, others depicted it as a 'missed opportunity' for failing to flag the peaking of Carbon emissions after 2025 and a follow-through on phase down of coal. COP19 Panama City summit The 19th edition of the Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took place in November this year in Panama City. India proposed enhanced protection of Leith's Softshell Turtle to ensure prevention of its illegal trade. It listed Sea Cucumber as 'threatened' but Southern White Rhino's conservation status was downgraded. ALSO READ | Global wildlife summit plans to grant 'protected' status to sharks hunted for their fins A total of 54 species of requiem sharks, 37 additional species of guitarfishes, six species of sea cucumber, and South American freshwater stingrays had their conservation status upgraded. CITES parties agreed to continue and expand efforts to reduce the persistent market demand that drives illegal trade, sharing responsibility for solving these challenges between both source and destination (market) countries. Bonn Climate Change Conference The Bonn Climate Change Conference was conducted in June 2022 with an aim to progress on important technical issues and prepare decisions for adoption at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm el-Sheikh in November. WATCH | Bonn Climate Conference: First major climate meet after Russia-Ukraine war The conference laid the foundation for 'Loss and Damages' fund that was eventually established as one of the most significant highlights of the Sherm El-Sheikh's COP27 conference. COP15 Montreal summit With an aim to save Earth’s forests, oceans and species before it's too late, delegates from all over the world have gathered in Montreal, Canada, for the December 7-19 UN Biodiversity Conference. ALSO READ | COP15 summit: Rich countries oppose creation of $10 billion biodiversity fund The deadlock remains, with a clear global north-south divide, on the question of annual $10 billion in special financial mechanisms to address biodiversity conservation. The draft pledge, however, aims to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030 by eliminating harmful fishing and agriculture subsidies and "tackling invasive species and reducing the use of pesticides". 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.

Did COPs of 2022 catch up with Earth's climate change runner?

<p>India's Ganges rejuvenation project was recognised as one among world's 10 most "ground-breaking" efforts for their role in restoring the natural ecosystems, according to a report released during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) this week. The Ganges Rejuvenation project was declared as a flagship World Restoration project and remains eligible to claim UN-backed promotion, advice or funding under the banner of United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).</p>

<p>Together, a total of ten flagships aim to restore more than 68 million hectares,&nbsp;an area bigger than Myanmar, France or Somalia,&nbsp;and create nearly 15 million jobs, the UN said.</p>

<p>"Transforming our relationship with nature is the key to reversing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, pollution and waste," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.</p>

<p>"These 10 inaugural World Restoration Flagships show that with political will, science and collaboration across borders, we can achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and forge a more sustainable future not only for the planet but also for those of us who call it home," Andersen said.</p>

<p><strong>Namami Gange initiative: What is Ganges river rejuvenation project all about?</strong></p>

<p>In the Ganges River Rejuvenation project, restoring the health of the Ganges is the focus of a major push to cut pollution, rebuild forest cover, and bring a wide range of benefits to the 520 million people living around its vast basin.</p>

<p>Climate change, population growth, industrialisation, and irrigation have degraded the Ganges along its 2,525-kilometre course from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>"Launched in 2014, the government-led Namami Gange initiative focuses on rejuvenating, protecting and conserving the Ganges and its tributaries, reforesting parts of the Ganges basin and promoting sustainable farming," a UN statement said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop15-summit-rich-countries-oppose-creation-of-10bn-biodiversity-fund-542946">COP15 summit: Rich countries oppose creation of $10 billion biodiversity fund</a></strong></p>

<p>The project also aims to revive key wildlife species, including river dolphins, softshell turtles, otters, and the Hilsa shad fish.</p>

<p>The initiative, with an investment of up to $4.25 billion so far, has the involvement of 230 organisations, with 1,500 km of river restored to date.</p>

<p>Additionally, there have been 30,000 hectares of afforestation so far, with a 2030 goal of 134,000 hectares, according to the UN.</p>

<p><strong>Other World Restoration Flagships</strong></p>

<p>The other inaugural World Restoration Flagships include the Trinational Atlantic Forest Pact, which aims to protect and restore the forest in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Restoration project which is safeguarding the world’s second-largest dugong population in Abu Dhabi.</p>

<p>The Great Green Wall for Restoration and Peace initiative to restore savannas, grasslands and farmlands across Africa, the Multi-Country Mountain Initiative based in Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Uganda and Rwanda, and the Small Island Developing States Restoration Drive focused on three small island developing states – Vanuatu, St Lucia and Comoros were also recognised.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-biodiversity-conference-kicks-off-in-montreal-540787">UN Biodiversity Conference kicks-off in Montreal</a></strong></p>

<p>The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative in Kazakhstan to restore the steppe, semi-desert and desert ecosystems, the Central American Dry Corridor, and Shan-Shui Initiative in China were the other projects on the list.</p>

<p>During the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) being held from December 7 to 19, about 20,000 delegates from across the world will negotiate an eight-year plan to preserve and restore biodiversity.</p>

<p>They will do so through the Convention on Biological Diversity, a treaty adopted for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and related issues.</p>

<p>COP15 aims to achieve a historic agreement to halt and reverse nature loss, on par with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's Ganges rejuvenation project was recognised as one among world's 10 most "ground-breaking" efforts for their role in restoring the natural ecosystems, according to a report released during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) this week.

India's Ganges rejuvenation project was recognised as one among world's 10 most "ground-breaking" efforts for their role in restoring the natural ecosystems, according to a report released during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) this week. The Ganges Rejuvenation project was declared as a flagship World Restoration project and remains eligible to claim UN-backed promotion, advice or funding under the banner of United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). Together, a total of ten flagships aim to restore more than 68 million hectares, an area bigger than Myanmar, France or Somalia, and create nearly 15 million jobs, the UN said. "Transforming our relationship with nature is the key to reversing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, pollution and waste," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. "These 10 inaugural World Restoration Flagships show that with political will, science and collaboration across borders, we can achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and forge a more sustainable future not only for the planet but also for those of us who call it home," Andersen said. Namami Gange initiative: What is Ganges river rejuvenation project all about? In the Ganges River Rejuvenation project, restoring the health of the Ganges is the focus of a major push to cut pollution, rebuild forest cover, and bring a wide range of benefits to the 520 million people living around its vast basin. Climate change, population growth, industrialisation, and irrigation have degraded the Ganges along its 2,525-kilometre course from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. "Launched in 2014, the government-led Namami Gange initiative focuses on rejuvenating, protecting and conserving the Ganges and its tributaries, reforesting parts of the Ganges basin and promoting sustainable farming," a UN statement said. ALSO READ | COP15 summit: Rich countries oppose creation of $10 billion biodiversity fund The project also aims to revive key wildlife species, including river dolphins, softshell turtles, otters, and the Hilsa shad fish. The initiative, with an investment of up to $4.25 billion so far, has the involvement of 230 organisations, with 1,500 km of river restored to date. Additionally, there have been 30,000 hectares of afforestation so far, with a 2030 goal of 134,000 hectares, according to the UN. Other World Restoration Flagships The other inaugural World Restoration Flagships include the Trinational Atlantic Forest Pact, which aims to protect and restore the forest in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, and the Abu Dhabi Marine Restoration project which is safeguarding the world’s second-largest dugong population in Abu Dhabi. The Great Green Wall for Restoration and Peace initiative to restore savannas, grasslands and farmlands across Africa, the Multi-Country Mountain Initiative based in Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, Uganda and Rwanda, and the Small Island Developing States Restoration Drive focused on three small island developing states – Vanuatu, St Lucia and Comoros were also recognised. WATCH | UN Biodiversity Conference kicks-off in Montreal The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative in Kazakhstan to restore the steppe, semi-desert and desert ecosystems, the Central American Dry Corridor, and Shan-Shui Initiative in China were the other projects on the list. During the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) being held from December 7 to 19, about 20,000 delegates from across the world will negotiate an eight-year plan to preserve and restore biodiversity. They will do so through the Convention on Biological Diversity, a treaty adopted for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity and related issues. COP15 aims to achieve a historic agreement to halt and reverse nature loss, on par with the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. (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 'Namami Gange' among world's 10 most groundbreaking conservation efforts

<p>As India-China tensions flared up once again with skirmishes along Line of Actual Control in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, a video is doing the rounds online, purportedly showing a scuffle between the troops from two sides.</p>

<p>The video, showing a fierce fight, is from the Yangtze area of Arunachal Pradesh near the Line of Actual Control. The timeline is reported to be at least a year old. However, Yangtze falls in the same Tawang sector where the December 9 skirmish took place between the troops of two nuclear-armed Asian giants.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-clash-faceoff-between-indian-and-chinese-troops-in-arunachals-tawang-542815">India-China Clash: Faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal's Tawang</a></strong></p>

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<p>The video shows the Indian soldiers reversing efforts by Chinese troops to breach Indian defences at established positions. The Indian soldiers are seen violently clashing with and beating up Chinese soldiers who are trying to cross over.</p>

<p>"Hit them so hard, they won’t come back," an Indian troop member can be heard saying so in Punjabi.</p>

<p>"Hit them on the head... Give it back to them...Chase them away," they shout.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian soldiers are shown striking Chinese soldiers with batons and using fists to successfully prevent the Chinese from advancing.</p>

<p>The video has gone viral after the revelation of December 9 Tawang skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The viral video of India China face off is old. Yangtse area during this time of year is covered with snow. But video gives a fair insight of what is a face off. The audio in the video from Indian side is in Punjabi saying, "they won't be back again" (after the beating) <a href="https://t.co/ZYzKv9Flqw">pic.twitter.com/ZYzKv9Flqw</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1602725133617336325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In parliament this week, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed an effort by China to intrude into Indian territory in Tawang on December 9. "Chinese troops tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse, Tawang, and unilaterally change the status quo," Rajnath Singh said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pla-troops-tried-to-change-status-quo-in-tawang-says-rajnath-singh-542589">'PLA troops tried to change status quo in Tawang', says Rajnath Singh</a></strong></p>

<p>There was a physical fight between the two sides but Indian soldiers "compelled the Chinese soldiers to return to their posts", pushing back in a "firm and resolute manner", Rajnath Singh added.</p>

<p>He said there were "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides" and the two sides "immediately disengaged from the area".</p>

<p>The India-China ties began plunging to their lowest after the Galwan incident of June 2020. The standoff along Line of Actual Control (LAC) at two friction points continues despite months of multiple-rounds of Corps-Commander-level discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unresolved border between India and China runs for over 3400 kms and has at least 25 points of dispute, and is referred to as Line of Actual Control. Yangtse too is reported to be a repeated target by the Chinese for intrusion attempts.&nbsp;</p>

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As India-China tensions flared up once again with skirmishes along Line of Actual Control in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, a video is doing the rounds online, purportedly showing a scuffle between the troops from two sides.

As India-China tensions flared up once again with skirmishes along Line of Actual Control in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh in northeast India, a video is doing the rounds online, purportedly showing a scuffle between the troops from two sides. The video, showing a fierce fight, is from the Yangtze area of Arunachal Pradesh near the Line of Actual Control. The timeline is reported to be at least a year old. However, Yangtze falls in the same Tawang sector where the December 9 skirmish took place between the troops of two nuclear-armed Asian giants. WATCH | India-China Clash: Faceoff between Indian and Chinese troops in Arunachal's Tawang × The video shows the Indian soldiers reversing efforts by Chinese troops to breach Indian defences at established positions. The Indian soldiers are seen violently clashing with and beating up Chinese soldiers who are trying to cross over. "Hit them so hard, they won’t come back," an Indian troop member can be heard saying so in Punjabi. "Hit them on the head... Give it back to them...Chase them away," they shout. Indian soldiers are shown striking Chinese soldiers with batons and using fists to successfully prevent the Chinese from advancing. The video has gone viral after the revelation of December 9 Tawang skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops. The viral video of India China face off is old. Yangtse area during this time of year is covered with snow. But video gives a fair insight of what is a face off. The audio in the video from Indian side is in Punjabi saying, "they won't be back again" (after the beating) pic.twitter.com/ZYzKv9Flqw — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 13, 2022 × In parliament this week, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed an effort by China to intrude into Indian territory in Tawang on December 9. "Chinese troops tried to transgress the LAC in Yangtse, Tawang, and unilaterally change the status quo," Rajnath Singh said. WATCH | 'PLA troops tried to change status quo in Tawang', says Rajnath Singh There was a physical fight between the two sides but Indian soldiers "compelled the Chinese soldiers to return to their posts", pushing back in a "firm and resolute manner", Rajnath Singh added. He said there were "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides" and the two sides "immediately disengaged from the area". The India-China ties began plunging to their lowest after the Galwan incident of June 2020. The standoff along Line of Actual Control (LAC) at two friction points continues despite months of multiple-rounds of Corps-Commander-level discussions. The unresolved border between India and China runs for over 3400 kms and has at least 25 points of dispute, and is referred to as Line of Actual Control. Yangtse too is reported to be a repeated target by the Chinese for intrusion attempts. 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.

Tawang skirmish: Old video of an India-China clash goes viral

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