<p>A San Francisco federal court found a former Twitter manager guilty of spying for Saudi Arabia and finally sentenced him to 3.5 years in&nbsp;prison.&nbsp;Ahmad Abouammo was employed by Twitter between 2013 and 2015, during which time he reportedly used his position as a media partnerships manager for the Middle East and North Africa to access personal information of users critical of the Saudi government and passed it to Saudi officials.</p>

<p><strong>What did Abouammo do?</strong></p>

<p>Abouammo reportedly received a $42,000 watch as a gift from a Saudi official, as well as two $100,000 wire transfers starting as early as 2014. In exchange, he looked up information on two Twitter users, including phone numbers and birth dates. After leaving the company in 2015, Abouammo continued to attempt to influence Twitter to verify Saudi accounts or remove posts highlighted by the Saudi government, according to testimony from an FBI agent in San Francisco court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-lawmakers-want-antitrust-probe-into-elon-musks-alarming-steps-as-twitter-owner-535253">US lawmakers want antitrust probe into Elon Musk's 'alarming steps' as Twitter owner</a></strong></p>

<p>Prosecutors in the case&nbsp;had argued that Bader Al-Asaker, a close adviser to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recruited Abouammo to use his insider knowledge to access Twitter accounts and dig up personal information about Saudi dissidents.</p>

<p>Those accounts allegedly included @mujtahidd, a pseudonym for a political agitator who gained millions of Twitter followers in the Arab Spring uprisings by accusing the Saudi royal family of corruption and other misdeeds.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eight-online-influencers-charged-with-stock-fraud-twitter-discord-used-to-manipulate-stocks-543286">Eight online influencers charged with stock fraud; Twitter &amp; Discord used to manipulate stocks</a></strong></p>

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<p>Abouammo was also convicted of wire fraud and honest services fraud, money laundering and a conspiracy charge.</p>

<p>Ali Alzabarah, a former colleague of Abouammo also accused of accessing Twitter accounts on behalf of Saudi Arabia, left the US before being charged. Al-Asaker, Saudi's crown prince and Twitter are not among the defendants.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company, which is 16.9 per cent owned by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund are reportedly&nbsp;second largest investor in Twitter&nbsp;following Elon Musk’s takeover of the company. The US officials are reportedly contemplating an investigation to probe if users' data can be compromised by individuals based out of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>


A San Francisco federal court found a former Twitter manager guilty of spying for Saudi Arabia and finally sentenced him to 3.5 years in prison. Ahmad Abouammo was employed by Twitter between 2013 and 2015, during which time he reportedly used his position as a media partnerships manager for the Middle East and North Africa to access personal information of users critical of the Saudi government and passed it to Saudi officials.

A San Francisco federal court found a former Twitter manager guilty of spying for Saudi Arabia and finally sentenced him to 3.5 years in prison. Ahmad Abouammo was employed by Twitter between 2013 and 2015, during which time he reportedly used his position as a media partnerships manager for the Middle East and North Africa to access personal information of users critical of the Saudi government and passed it to Saudi officials. What did Abouammo do? Abouammo reportedly received a $42,000 watch as a gift from a Saudi official, as well as two $100,000 wire transfers starting as early as 2014. In exchange, he looked up information on two Twitter users, including phone numbers and birth dates. After leaving the company in 2015, Abouammo continued to attempt to influence Twitter to verify Saudi accounts or remove posts highlighted by the Saudi government, according to testimony from an FBI agent in San Francisco court. ALSO READ | US lawmakers want antitrust probe into Elon Musk's 'alarming steps' as Twitter owner Prosecutors in the case had argued that Bader Al-Asaker, a close adviser to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, recruited Abouammo to use his insider knowledge to access Twitter accounts and dig up personal information about Saudi dissidents. Those accounts allegedly included @mujtahidd, a pseudonym for a political agitator who gained millions of Twitter followers in the Arab Spring uprisings by accusing the Saudi royal family of corruption and other misdeeds. WATCH | Eight online influencers charged with stock fraud; Twitter & Discord used to manipulate stocks × Abouammo was also convicted of wire fraud and honest services fraud, money laundering and a conspiracy charge. Ali Alzabarah, a former colleague of Abouammo also accused of accessing Twitter accounts on behalf of Saudi Arabia, left the US before being charged. Al-Asaker, Saudi's crown prince and Twitter are not among the defendants. Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company, which is 16.9 per cent owned by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund are reportedly second largest investor in Twitter following Elon Musk’s takeover of the company. The US officials are reportedly contemplating an investigation to probe if users' data can be compromised by individuals based out of Saudi Arabia. (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-Twitter manager gets over 3 years in prison for spying for Saudi Arabia

<p>The Ethiopian civil war's tragedy hit home for World Health Organisation's head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus this week. The WHO chief&nbsp;on Wednesday nearly cancelled an official event because he was "not in a good shape" after hearing&nbsp;that his uncle was "murdered" in&nbsp;the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Dr Tedros has been a vocal critic of Ethiopian government's role in the conflict that according to the US estimates, has "killed hundreds of thousands" and displaced millions.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Ethiopian government opposed Tedros' second term as head of World Health Organisation and accused him of trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for the rebel forces. Dr Tedros has denied the charges.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ethiopia-civil-war-meta-sued-for-2-billion-over-hateful-content-542899">Ethiopia civil war: Meta sued for $2 billion over 'hateful content'</a></strong></p>

<p>"I hope that this (peace) agreement will hold and this madness will stop but it's a very difficult moment for me," Tedros told reporters, adding that more than 50 other people had been killed in the same incident. The Ethiopian government and regional forces from Tigray agreed in November to cease hostilities last month in a major breakthrough.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-military-gains-control-of-strategic-city-in-tigray-amid-ongoing-conflict-526458">Ethiopian military gains control of strategic city in Tigray amid ongoing conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked for details of the incident on the sidelines of the event, Tedros said that his younger uncle whom he grew up with had been killed by Eritrean soldiers in a village in Tigray. He declined to give the location because he said he feared the village would face retaliation.</p>

<p>The loss follows&nbsp;the killing of his cousin last year in Tigray when a church was blown up, he said, without giving further details.</p>

<p>However, troops from Eritrea, to the north, and forces from the neighbouring Ethiopian region of Amhara, to the south, who fought alongside Ethiopia's military in Tigray were not party to the ceasefire.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopias-pm-vows-to-ensure-peace-in-tigray-pledges-to-honestly-implement-ceasefire-534652">Ethiopia's PM vows to ensure peace in Tigray, pledges to 'honestly' implement ceasefire</a></strong></p>

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<p>Witnesses and aid workers in the northern region told Reuters that despite the truce, Eritrean forces have been looting towns, arresting and killing civilians in the towns they still control across the region.</p>

<p>The US government estimated that as many as 500,000 people have been killed in the conflict that erupted in 2020 between Ethiopian government and rebels from the northern Tigray region.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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The Ethiopian civil war's tragedy hit home for World Health Organisation's head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus this week. The WHO chief on Wednesday nearly cancelled an official event because he was "not in a good shape" after hearing that his uncle was "murdered" in the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian civil war's tragedy hit home for World Health Organisation's head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus this week. The WHO chief on Wednesday nearly cancelled an official event because he was "not in a good shape" after hearing that his uncle was "murdered" in the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Dr Tedros has been a vocal critic of Ethiopian government's role in the conflict that according to the US estimates, has "killed hundreds of thousands" and displaced millions. Earlier, the Ethiopian government opposed Tedros' second term as head of World Health Organisation and accused him of trying to procure arms and diplomatic backing for the rebel forces. Dr Tedros has denied the charges. ALSO READ | Ethiopia civil war: Meta sued for $2 billion over 'hateful content' "I hope that this (peace) agreement will hold and this madness will stop but it's a very difficult moment for me," Tedros told reporters, adding that more than 50 other people had been killed in the same incident. The Ethiopian government and regional forces from Tigray agreed in November to cease hostilities last month in a major breakthrough. ALSO READ | Ethiopian military gains control of strategic city in Tigray amid ongoing conflict When asked for details of the incident on the sidelines of the event, Tedros said that his younger uncle whom he grew up with had been killed by Eritrean soldiers in a village in Tigray. He declined to give the location because he said he feared the village would face retaliation. The loss follows the killing of his cousin last year in Tigray when a church was blown up, he said, without giving further details. However, troops from Eritrea, to the north, and forces from the neighbouring Ethiopian region of Amhara, to the south, who fought alongside Ethiopia's military in Tigray were not party to the ceasefire. WATCH | Ethiopia's PM vows to ensure peace in Tigray, pledges to 'honestly' implement ceasefire × Witnesses and aid workers in the northern region told Reuters that despite the truce, Eritrean forces have been looting towns, arresting and killing civilians in the towns they still control across the region. The US government estimated that as many as 500,000 people have been killed in the conflict that erupted in 2020 between Ethiopian government and rebels from the northern Tigray region. (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.

Ethiopia civil war: WHO chief Dr Tedros’ uncle ‘murdered’ in ongoing Tigray conflict

<p>Netflix opens up 'Meghan and Harry' with the formal British royals decked up like their contemporaries. In sharp jet blue overcoats, the Sussexes are shown performing choreographed hugs with school kids for the grand pretence of 'modern monarchy' despite the in-built contradiction between modernity and monarchy when placed next to each other. As Meghan Markle hints about her moments of self-harm citing what she was going through while she and Harry were pregnant with their first child, the documentary appears to be moving on to the path of addressing some&nbsp;tough questions: exploitation, racism, subjugation and generational trauma associated with all of these.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the next frame, with an overlaying drone shot of Buckingham Palace, a former worshipping place of slavery, Harry says, "I feel as though being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation..." There is a brief pause in Harry's speech at 'exploitation'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-netflixs-harry-meghan-is-facing-criticism-542817">Gravitas: Why Netflix's Harry &amp; Meghan is facing criticism</a></strong></p>

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<p>To a second-generation Indian person born after the dissolution of British India into present-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Harry's specific emphasis on 'exploitation' was triggering. It appeared as if the impossible was happening on the canvas of a globalised entertainment platform. Was Harry going to address the colonial exploits of his ancestors and its legacy in the non-European nations of 'Empire'? Extreme poverty, low life expectancy or anything remotely similar to the real 'commonwealth' legacy which is anything but glorious?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alas! Harry's completion of his sentence after "exploitation" laid out the charter of documentary for the rest of its episodes as a glorified Public Relations exercise that it was going to be.</p>

<p>"I feel as though being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation (Harry takes a pause)..."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...And bribery that happens within our media," he said.</p>

<p>Harry's exploitation pause is emblematic of British moral bankruptcy when it comes to addressing every prevailing matter under the sun&nbsp;but Britain's imperial past. To pop culture, the portrayal of British tabloidism and the Royal family's perceived mistreatment of Meghan and Harry may be held as important if not significant. But to history, their current Netflix outing is a futile exercise in self-glorification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Harry's failure to address, if not apologise, for Britain's colonial crimes was another leaf off the book of royal ignorance for the roots of their royalty, Meghan's failure to address the same represents a moment in history when generational trauma about colonial exploits is being brushed under the carpet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meghan said that during the time she played Rachel Zane in NBC's 'Suits', she would visit India in hiatus. "I was writing op-eds about&nbsp;self-worth and about being biracial and volunteer work." Doesn't being biracial consist of a fundamental understanding of generational subjugation by colonialism?&nbsp;</p>

<p>To societies where an individual's self worth is derived as much personally as it is from family members and generations before them, Meghan Markle's&nbsp;depiction of self-worth alongside an intentional ignorance of colonialism represents a revelatory moment of disappointment in today's hyper-connected world.</p>

<p>Given the outsized role Britain played in disseminating racism around the world with its colonialism and slavery exploits, even a six-episodes long exercise for ‘setting the record straight’ – without any apologetic reckoning for Britain’s colonial past – is a royal PR effort dead at arrival.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>

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Netflix opens up 'Meghan and Harry' with the formal British royals decked up like their contemporaries. In sharp jet blue overcoats, the Sussexes are shown performing choreographed hugs with school kids for the grand pretence of 'modern monarchy' despite the in-built contradiction between modernity and monarchy when placed next to each other.

Netflix opens up 'Meghan and Harry' with the formal British royals decked up like their contemporaries. In sharp jet blue overcoats, the Sussexes are shown performing choreographed hugs with school kids for the grand pretence of 'modern monarchy' despite the in-built contradiction between modernity and monarchy when placed next to each other. As Meghan Markle hints about her moments of self-harm citing what she was going through while she and Harry were pregnant with their first child, the documentary appears to be moving on to the path of addressing some tough questions: exploitation, racism, subjugation and generational trauma associated with all of these. In the next frame, with an overlaying drone shot of Buckingham Palace, a former worshipping place of slavery, Harry says, "I feel as though being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation..." There is a brief pause in Harry's speech at 'exploitation'. WATCH | Gravitas: Why Netflix's Harry & Meghan is facing criticism × To a second-generation Indian person born after the dissolution of British India into present-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Harry's specific emphasis on 'exploitation' was triggering. It appeared as if the impossible was happening on the canvas of a globalised entertainment platform. Was Harry going to address the colonial exploits of his ancestors and its legacy in the non-European nations of 'Empire'? Extreme poverty, low life expectancy or anything remotely similar to the real 'commonwealth' legacy which is anything but glorious? Alas! Harry's completion of his sentence after "exploitation" laid out the charter of documentary for the rest of its episodes as a glorified Public Relations exercise that it was going to be. "I feel as though being part of this family, it is my duty to uncover this exploitation (Harry takes a pause)..." "...And bribery that happens within our media," he said. Harry's exploitation pause is emblematic of British moral bankruptcy when it comes to addressing every prevailing matter under the sun but Britain's imperial past. To pop culture, the portrayal of British tabloidism and the Royal family's perceived mistreatment of Meghan and Harry may be held as important if not significant. But to history, their current Netflix outing is a futile exercise in self-glorification. If Harry's failure to address, if not apologise, for Britain's colonial crimes was another leaf off the book of royal ignorance for the roots of their royalty, Meghan's failure to address the same represents a moment in history when generational trauma about colonial exploits is being brushed under the carpet. Meghan said that during the time she played Rachel Zane in NBC's 'Suits', she would visit India in hiatus. "I was writing op-eds about self-worth and about being biracial and volunteer work." Doesn't being biracial consist of a fundamental understanding of generational subjugation by colonialism? To societies where an individual's self worth is derived as much personally as it is from family members and generations before them, Meghan Markle's depiction of self-worth alongside an intentional ignorance of colonialism represents a revelatory moment of disappointment in today's hyper-connected world. Given the outsized role Britain played in disseminating racism around the world with its colonialism and slavery exploits, even a six-episodes long exercise for ‘setting the record straight’ – without any apologetic reckoning for Britain’s colonial past – is a royal PR effort dead at arrival. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Harry & Meghan documentary: Netflix voyage without colonial reckoning is a PR exercise dead on arrival

<p>Police in Bangladesh arrested Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka. As head of the country's largest Islamist party, Rahman had vowed to join anti-government protests led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to oust the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.</p>

<p>A number of Jamaat-e-Islami members were convicted of committing war crimes during Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 by the International Crimes Tribunal in 2009. Later, five of its top leaders were hanged between 2013 and 2016 for committing war crimes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-to-go-to-polls-in-jan-2024-sheikh-hasina-seeks-fifth-term-541217">Bangladesh to go to polls in Jan 2024, announces Sheikh Hasina, seeking her fifth term</a></strong></p>

<p>Considered far-right radical, the organisation's fronts in India and Sri Lanka have been flagged as security threats in South Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami has been banned from contesting elections since 2012. Previously, the Jamaat was a major ally of the right-of-centre main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and their coalition ruled the country between 2001-2006.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asia-diary-bangladesh-on-the-boil-542476">South Asia Diary | Bangladesh on the boil</a></strong></p>

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<p>"This is just another episode of the unjust oppression continuing against the party for the last 15 years," Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat-e-Islami's publicity secretary, told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh's current political climate</strong></p>

<p>The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), country's principal opposition party, has demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down and for a caretaker government to conduct free and fair elections. The opposition alleges that the past two general elections in 2014 and 2018 were rigged and that they do not trust Hasina administration's conduct and if will hold fair elections. Jamaat and several left-leaning and centrist parties have supported BNP's demands. They also announced they would hold protests jointly with the BNP.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/541823">Bangladesh: Opposition stages massive protest against PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka</a></strong></p>

<p>The BNP has also demanded the release of&nbsp;Khaleda Zia, the 76-year-old party head and two-time prime minister who has been in jail since being convicted on two counts of corruption in 2018. Protests sparked by an ongoing economic crisis, which has seen power cuts and fuel price hikes, have erupted across the country in recent months.</p>

<p>Fifteen foreign embassies, including Washington's envoy in Dhaka, as well as the United Nations have expressed concerns over the political climate in Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia.</p>

<p>Bangladesh will hold its next general election in the first week of January in 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of Awami League had announced.&nbsp;</p>

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Police in Bangladesh arrested Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka. As head of the country's largest Islamist party, Rahman had vowed to join anti-government protests led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to oust the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Police in Bangladesh arrested Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Shafiqur Rahman in Dhaka. As head of the country's largest Islamist party, Rahman had vowed to join anti-government protests led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to oust the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A number of Jamaat-e-Islami members were convicted of committing war crimes during Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 by the International Crimes Tribunal in 2009. Later, five of its top leaders were hanged between 2013 and 2016 for committing war crimes. ALSO READ | Bangladesh to go to polls in Jan 2024, announces Sheikh Hasina, seeking her fifth term Considered far-right radical, the organisation's fronts in India and Sri Lanka have been flagged as security threats in South Asia. In Bangladesh, Jamaat-e-Islami has been banned from contesting elections since 2012. Previously, the Jamaat was a major ally of the right-of-centre main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and their coalition ruled the country between 2001-2006. WATCH | South Asia Diary | Bangladesh on the boil × "This is just another episode of the unjust oppression continuing against the party for the last 15 years," Matiur Rahman Akand, Jamaat-e-Islami's publicity secretary, told AFP. Bangladesh's current political climate The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), country's principal opposition party, has demanded that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down and for a caretaker government to conduct free and fair elections. The opposition alleges that the past two general elections in 2014 and 2018 were rigged and that they do not trust Hasina administration's conduct and if will hold fair elections. Jamaat and several left-leaning and centrist parties have supported BNP's demands. They also announced they would hold protests jointly with the BNP. ALSO READ | Bangladesh: Opposition stages massive protest against PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka The BNP has also demanded the release of Khaleda Zia, the 76-year-old party head and two-time prime minister who has been in jail since being convicted on two counts of corruption in 2018. Protests sparked by an ongoing economic crisis, which has seen power cuts and fuel price hikes, have erupted across the country in recent months. Fifteen foreign embassies, including Washington's envoy in Dhaka, as well as the United Nations have expressed concerns over the political climate in Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. Bangladesh will hold its next general election in the first week of January in 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the leader of Awami League had announced. 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.

Bangladesh political unrest: Police arrest radical Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman

<p>India doubled down on pushing reforms in the United Nations and proposed NORMS, or New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism, even as it reprimanded Pakistan and China on the issue of terrorism.</p>

<p>Presiding over the UN Security Council open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism', India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar without naming Pakistan, called out credentials of a country that harboured Osama bin Laden, the terror chief. Jaishankar also said that&nbsp;"multilateral platforms are being misused to justify and protect perpetrators", reflecting China's continued blocking of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With a focus on 'Call for Change' in the functional apparatus of multilateral bodies such as the United Nations Security Council, India said that there is a need for 'New Orientation for Reformed Multilateral Systems' (NORMS) to determine a global order that best reflects contemporary realities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar said that the debate on equitable representation and increase in UNSC membership has 'meandered aimlessly' over last three decades while&nbsp; "the real world" has changed dramatically.</p>

<p><strong>Multilateral platforms misused to protect terror perpetrators</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;
<p>India said that even as the world is coming together with a more collective response to address the challenge of terrorism, "multilateral platforms are being misused to justify and protect perpetrators", reflecting India's multilateral security challenge related to the continued protection of Pakistan-harboured and sponsored terrorists finding multilateral refuge among the Chinese diplomats.</p>
</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-justification-of-any-act-of-terrorism-says-s-jaishankar-at-unga-519427">'No justification of any act of terrorism,' says S Jaishankar</a></strong></p>

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<p>China has blocked the UN listing of a number of Pakistan-based terrorists, including Sajid Mir, Abdul Rauf, Abdul Makki and Shahid Mahmood this year.</p>

<p>Following his address, Jaishankar also tore down Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's assertion that adding new permanent members 'will add to the paralysis on the working of UNSC'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar pointed out Pakistan's credentials of hosting Osama Bin Laden and "attacking a neighbouring parliament", while referring to 2001 attack on Indian parliament by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: EAM Jaishankar tears down Pakistani FM Bilawal Bhutto after he rakes Kashmir at UNSC; Says don't justify "state sponsership of cross border terrorism.." as he lists Islamabad's "credentials" of hosting Osama bin Laden, role in Indian Parliament attack. <a href="https://t.co/7ZlaEQMICQ">pic.twitter.com/7ZlaEQMICQ</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1603092297134243840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>'Much of the world believed that their interests did not matter'</strong></p>

<p>Addressing the "knock-on effects" of conflict situations, India emphasised on the need for a "more broad-based global governance".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Recent concerns over food, fertiliser and fuel security were not adequately articulated in the highest councils of decision making. Much of the world was therefore led to believe that their interests did not matter. We cannot let that happen again," S. Jaishankar said, after pointing out the change in old world order as reflected by the way "many vulnerable nations of the Global South got their first (COVID-19) vaccines from beyond their traditional sources".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'No piecemeal changes will be accepted'</strong></p>

<p>Reflecting on the debates on UNSC reforms since the last three decades, Jaishankar said that the world has "nothing to show" in terms of reforms in multilateral institutions.&nbsp;India called for transforming the current moment of crisis into a moment of multilateralism.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/yearender-2022-a-year-of-s-jaishankars-undiplomatic-replies-that-laid-out-indias-foreign-policy-542080">Yearender 2022: A year of S. Jaishankar’s (un)diplomatic replies that laid out India’s foreign policy</a></strong></p>

<p>"This is creating an intense sense of frustration among the wider membership. Attempts to propose piecemeal changes will not be accepted by them as an alternative," S. Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India took over the presidency of UN Security Council on December 1, in the final month of its two-year stint as a non-permanent member in the council.</p>

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<p>"Reform is the need of the day. And I am confident that the Global South especially shares India’s determination to persevere," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;</p>


India doubled down on pushing reforms in the United Nations and proposed NORMS, or New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism, even as it reprimanded Pakistan and China on the issue of terrorism.

India doubled down on pushing reforms in the United Nations and proposed NORMS, or New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism, even as it reprimanded Pakistan and China on the issue of terrorism. Presiding over the UN Security Council open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security: New Orientation for Reformed Multilateralism', India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar without naming Pakistan, called out credentials of a country that harboured Osama bin Laden, the terror chief. Jaishankar also said that "multilateral platforms are being misused to justify and protect perpetrators", reflecting China's continued blocking of UN sanctions on Pakistan-based terrorists. With a focus on 'Call for Change' in the functional apparatus of multilateral bodies such as the United Nations Security Council, India said that there is a need for 'New Orientation for Reformed Multilateral Systems' (NORMS) to determine a global order that best reflects contemporary realities. Jaishankar said that the debate on equitable representation and increase in UNSC membership has 'meandered aimlessly' over last three decades while "the real world" has changed dramatically. Multilateral platforms misused to protect terror perpetrators India said that even as the world is coming together with a more collective response to address the challenge of terrorism, "multilateral platforms are being misused to justify and protect perpetrators", reflecting India's multilateral security challenge related to the continued protection of Pakistan-harboured and sponsored terrorists finding multilateral refuge among the Chinese diplomats. WATCH | 'No justification of any act of terrorism,' says S Jaishankar × China has blocked the UN listing of a number of Pakistan-based terrorists, including Sajid Mir, Abdul Rauf, Abdul Makki and Shahid Mahmood this year. Following his address, Jaishankar also tore down Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto's assertion that adding new permanent members 'will add to the paralysis on the working of UNSC'. Jaishankar pointed out Pakistan's credentials of hosting Osama Bin Laden and "attacking a neighbouring parliament", while referring to 2001 attack on Indian parliament by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. Watch: EAM Jaishankar tears down Pakistani FM Bilawal Bhutto after he rakes Kashmir at UNSC; Says don't justify "state sponsership of cross border terrorism.." as he lists Islamabad's "credentials" of hosting Osama bin Laden, role in Indian Parliament attack. pic.twitter.com/7ZlaEQMICQ — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) December 14, 2022 × 'Much of the world believed that their interests did not matter' Addressing the "knock-on effects" of conflict situations, India emphasised on the need for a "more broad-based global governance". "Recent concerns over food, fertiliser and fuel security were not adequately articulated in the highest councils of decision making. Much of the world was therefore led to believe that their interests did not matter. We cannot let that happen again," S. Jaishankar said, after pointing out the change in old world order as reflected by the way "many vulnerable nations of the Global South got their first (COVID-19) vaccines from beyond their traditional sources". 'No piecemeal changes will be accepted' Reflecting on the debates on UNSC reforms since the last three decades, Jaishankar said that the world has "nothing to show" in terms of reforms in multilateral institutions. India called for transforming the current moment of crisis into a moment of multilateralism. ALSO READ | Yearender 2022: A year of S. Jaishankar’s (un)diplomatic replies that laid out India’s foreign policy "This is creating an intense sense of frustration among the wider membership. Attempts to propose piecemeal changes will not be accepted by them as an alternative," S. Jaishankar said. India took over the presidency of UN Security Council on December 1, in the final month of its two-year stint as a non-permanent member in the council. 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. "Reform is the need of the day. And I am confident that the Global South especially shares India’s determination to persevere," Jaishankar said.

At UN, Jaishankar reprimands Pak, China on terrorism, lays out India's 'NORMS' for reforms

<p>Pakistan's economic turmoil stoked by International Monetary Fund's loan trance and devaluation of Pakistani rupee has hit a new low. Pakistan's finance minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar admitted on Wednesday that the country is facing a massive shortage of US dollars amid "market abuses" of foreign currency within Pakistan. At the same time, Islamabad is seeking Saudi Arabia's financial assistance alongside the passage of $1.18bn in IMF loans.</p>

<p>The country recently struggled to pay the salaries to staff of some of its missions abroad, citing "fiscal crunch" and "shortage of dollars".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Up to four months of dues were left unpaid to Pakistan’s missions abroad, which were eventually released on December 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>We don't have luxuries like England, US: Pakistan finance minister</strong></p>

<p>Pakistan finance minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that central banks around the world including England, Bangladesh and India have intervened in the market and disbursed billions of dollars, a luxury which Pakistan does not have.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-business-news-pakistan-gdp-growth-to-slip-from-5-to-3-amid-floods-515286">WION Business News: Pakistan GDP growth to slip from 5% to 3% amid floods</a></strong></p>

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<p>"We have to make sure market-abuses must be checked,"&nbsp;he said. "I think that the multilaterals have to understand — we are neither the Bank of England nor the US Federal Reserves. We have foreign exchange constraints."</p>

<p>Pakistan's Current Account recorded a deficit of 2.3bn in Sep 2022, according to data published by State Bank of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Positive vibes from Saudi' on financial help: Pakistan finance minister</strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan finance minister reiterated that the country is seeking financial help from Saudi Arabia that will include doubling the current deferred oil payment facility given by Riyadh to $2.4 billion per year.</p>

<p>“I have discussed both things (financial help and oil facilities) with the Saudi finance minister, and there are positive vibes from there. They said they will support us,” Dar told Pakistani media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pakistan forex reserves at record low</strong></p>

<p>Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell another $784 million to a precarious level of $6.715 billion as of December 2, 2022, data released by the central bank showed last Thursday. This is the lowest level of forex reserves since January 2019.</p>

<p>Pakistan entered a $6bn IMF credit line programme in 2019, which was increased to $7bn earlier this year. The IMF so far has not approved the release of $1.18bn in credit for 2022, further burdening the already crumbling economic health of Pakistan.</p>

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Pakistan's economic turmoil stoked by International Monetary Fund's loan trance and devaluation of Pakistani rupee has hit a new low. Pakistan's finance minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar admitted on Wednesday that the country is facing a massive shortage of US dollars amid "market abuses" of foreign currency within Pakistan.

Pakistan's economic turmoil stoked by International Monetary Fund's loan trance and devaluation of Pakistani rupee has hit a new low. Pakistan's finance minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar admitted on Wednesday that the country is facing a massive shortage of US dollars amid "market abuses" of foreign currency within Pakistan. At the same time, Islamabad is seeking Saudi Arabia's financial assistance alongside the passage of $1.18bn in IMF loans. The country recently struggled to pay the salaries to staff of some of its missions abroad, citing "fiscal crunch" and "shortage of dollars". Up to four months of dues were left unpaid to Pakistan’s missions abroad, which were eventually released on December 14. We don't have luxuries like England, US: Pakistan finance minister Pakistan finance minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that central banks around the world including England, Bangladesh and India have intervened in the market and disbursed billions of dollars, a luxury which Pakistan does not have. WATCH | WION Business News: Pakistan GDP growth to slip from 5% to 3% amid floods × "We have to make sure market-abuses must be checked," he said. "I think that the multilaterals have to understand — we are neither the Bank of England nor the US Federal Reserves. We have foreign exchange constraints." Pakistan's Current Account recorded a deficit of 2.3bn in Sep 2022, according to data published by State Bank of Pakistan. 'Positive vibes from Saudi' on financial help: Pakistan finance minister Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan finance minister reiterated that the country is seeking financial help from Saudi Arabia that will include doubling the current deferred oil payment facility given by Riyadh to $2.4 billion per year. “I have discussed both things (financial help and oil facilities) with the Saudi finance minister, and there are positive vibes from there. They said they will support us,” Dar told Pakistani media. Pakistan forex reserves at record low Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves fell another $784 million to a precarious level of $6.715 billion as of December 2, 2022, data released by the central bank showed last Thursday. This is the lowest level of forex reserves since January 2019. Pakistan entered a $6bn IMF credit line programme in 2019, which was increased to $7bn earlier this year. The IMF so far has not approved the release of $1.18bn in credit for 2022, further burdening the already crumbling economic health of Pakistan. 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.

With uncertain Saudi help and IMF loan, Pakistan's economic woes hit new low

<p>Meta Platforms enabled violent and hateful posts from Ethiopia to flourish on Facebook that further inflamed the country's bloody civil war, accused a new lawsuit filed against Mark Zuckerberg-owned technology conglomerate.</p>

<p>The lawsuit was filed in Kenya on Tuesday by two Ethiopian researchers and Kenyan rights group the Katiba Institute. The lawsuit against Meta alleged that Facebook's recommendations systems amplified violent posts in Ethiopia, including various posts of violent natures that preceded the murder of the father of one of the researchers.</p>

<p>The lawsuit described Facebook posts published in October 2021 that used ethnic slurs to refer to the father of plaintiff Abrham Meareg.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopias-pm-vows-to-ensure-peace-in-tigray-pledges-to-honestly-implement-ceasefire-534652">Ethiopia's PM vows to ensure peace in Tigray, pledges to 'honestly' implement ceasefire</a></strong></p>

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<p>The posts shared the elderly&nbsp;man's address and called for his death. Abrham Mearag, one of the plaintiffs,&nbsp;reported them to Facebook, but the company declined to remove them promptly or in some cases at all, the lawsuit alleged.</p>

<p><strong>Lawsuit demands $2 billion in ‘restitution funds’</strong></p>

<p>It further said that the company failed to exercise reasonable care in training its algorithms to identify dangerous posts and in hiring staff to police the content for the languages covered by its Nairobi-based regional moderation hub.</p>

<p>Meta spokesperson Erin McPike said that hate speech and incitement to violence were against the rules of Facebook and Instagram.</p>

<p>"We invest heavily in teams and technology to help us find and remove this content," McPike added. "We employ staff with local knowledge and expertise and continue to develop our capabilities to catch violating content in the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia."</p>

<p>The plaintiffs have reportedly asked a Nairobi court to order Meta to take "emergency steps to demote violent content" by increasing moderation staff in Nairobi and creating "restitution funds of about $2 billion for victims of violence incited on Facebook".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-military-gains-control-of-strategic-city-in-tigray-amid-ongoing-conflict-526458">Ethiopian military gains control of strategic city in Tigray amid ongoing conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>Meta has faced similar accusations related to the promotion of ethnic violence on its platforms, including in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Cambodia. The company has acknowledged being "too slow" to act in Myanmar and other conflicts.</p>

<p>The US government estimated that as many as 500,000 people have been killed in the conflict that erupted in 2020 between Ethiopian government and rebels from the northern Tigray region.</p>

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Meta Platforms enabled violent and hateful posts from Ethiopia to flourish on Facebook that further inflamed the country's bloody civil war, accused a new lawsuit filed against Mark Zuckerberg-owned technology conglomerate.

Meta Platforms enabled violent and hateful posts from Ethiopia to flourish on Facebook that further inflamed the country's bloody civil war, accused a new lawsuit filed against Mark Zuckerberg-owned technology conglomerate. The lawsuit was filed in Kenya on Tuesday by two Ethiopian researchers and Kenyan rights group the Katiba Institute. The lawsuit against Meta alleged that Facebook's recommendations systems amplified violent posts in Ethiopia, including various posts of violent natures that preceded the murder of the father of one of the researchers. The lawsuit described Facebook posts published in October 2021 that used ethnic slurs to refer to the father of plaintiff Abrham Meareg. WATCH | Ethiopia's PM vows to ensure peace in Tigray, pledges to 'honestly' implement ceasefire × The posts shared the elderly man's address and called for his death. Abrham Mearag, one of the plaintiffs, reported them to Facebook, but the company declined to remove them promptly or in some cases at all, the lawsuit alleged. Lawsuit demands $2 billion in ‘restitution funds’ It further said that the company failed to exercise reasonable care in training its algorithms to identify dangerous posts and in hiring staff to police the content for the languages covered by its Nairobi-based regional moderation hub. Meta spokesperson Erin McPike said that hate speech and incitement to violence were against the rules of Facebook and Instagram. "We invest heavily in teams and technology to help us find and remove this content," McPike added. "We employ staff with local knowledge and expertise and continue to develop our capabilities to catch violating content in the most widely spoken languages in Ethiopia." The plaintiffs have reportedly asked a Nairobi court to order Meta to take "emergency steps to demote violent content" by increasing moderation staff in Nairobi and creating "restitution funds of about $2 billion for victims of violence incited on Facebook". ALSO READ | Ethiopian military gains control of strategic city in Tigray amid ongoing conflict Meta has faced similar accusations related to the promotion of ethnic violence on its platforms, including in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Cambodia. The company has acknowledged being "too slow" to act in Myanmar and other conflicts. The US government estimated that as many as 500,000 people have been killed in the conflict that erupted in 2020 between Ethiopian government and rebels from the northern Tigray region. 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.

Ethiopia civil war: Meta sued for $2 billion over 'hateful content'

<p>The Chinese military blamed the Indian troops for 'illegally' crossing the Line of Actual Control and “obstructing" Chinese border patrol troops leading to the stand-off between the two armies on December 9. According to a statement by a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command spokesman, the Chinese troops “were obstructed by the Indian army who illegally crossed the Line (of Actual Control)". “Our response measures were professional, standard, and forceful, and stabilized the situation on the ground. At present, China and India have disengaged," he added according to AFP.</p>

<p>The clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector on December 9 has evoked strong political reactions in India. Amid the opposition's demand for a 'stern' response to China, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the parliament that while China unilaterally attempted to change the status quo along the LAC, the timely intervention by the Indian troops shunned away the Chinese PLA. Beijing said on Tuesday that the situation was stable along the unresolved border with India, adding the two sides "maintained unobstructed dialogue on the border issue through diplomatic and military channels."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force launched active combat patrols over Arunachal Pradesh after detecting "enhanced Chinese air activity", reports said. Fighter jets had to be scrambled "two-three times" in recent weeks to thwart China, they revealed.</p>

<p>The proceedings at the Indian parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha (House of the people) were adjourned till mid-day on Tuesday amid constant demand by opposition to respond to the gravity of the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Arunachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>Following the opposition's demands and adjournment notices to address the matter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a statement in Lok Sabha on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's timely intervention shunned away PLA: Defence Minister</strong></p>

<p>Singh said that&nbsp;China attempted to "unilaterally change the status quo", against which Indian troops responded with a befitting reply. "No Indian soldier lost its life and timely intervention of Indian military commanders shunned away the PLA troops," Rajnath Singh said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it," Rajnath Singh added further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Clashes broke out between both sides along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal's Yangste area of the Tawang sector on December 9. Soldiers from both sides sustained injuries as they exchanged barbs with each other.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/several-indian-soldiers-injured-in-clashes-with-chinese-army-in-arunchal-pradesh-report-542383">Indian soldiers clash with Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh, injuries on both sides</a></strong></p>

<p>The face-off reportedly led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides. At least Indian six soldiers were injured in the clash and were brought to Guwahati for treatment, as per reports by the news agency PTI.</p>

<p><strong>The situation is 'stable': Chinese foreign ministry</strong></p>

<p>Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin did not comment on the reported&nbsp;clash from Tuesday. He told reporters "as far as we understand, the China-India border situation is stable overall," referring to the unresolved border between India and China, officially referred to as the Line of Actual Control due to its perilous nature.</p>

<p>"Both sides have throughout maintained unobstructed dialogue on the border issue through diplomatic and military channels, it is hoped that the Indian side will advance in the same direction as China," he added.</p>

<p>Beijing urged New Delhi to "earnestly implement the important consensus reached by both leaders, strictly abide by the spirit of the agreements and accords signed by both sides, together uphold the peace and tranquillity of the China-India border region."</p>

<p>Indian parliamentarians had moved adjournment notices in both houses of the parliament&nbsp;on Tuesday.&nbsp;While Manish Tewari gave&nbsp;a notice in the lower house, Lok Sabha;&nbsp;Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Syed Nasir Hussain gave similar adjournment notices in the upper house, Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was quoted by PTI as saying: "Again our Indian Army soldiers have been provoked by the Chinese. Our jawans fought in a resolute manner and a few of them have been injured too."</p>

<p>The Congress party also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged the government to convey intolerance to Chinese infiltration attempts in a 'stern tone'.</p>

<p>"There is news of a clash between the soldiers of India and China in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The time has come for the government to leave its wavering attitude and explain to China in a stern tone that its act will not be tolerated," Congress's official Twitter handle INC India stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-clash-border-tensions-escalate-faceoff-leads-to-minor-injuries-to-a-few-personnel-542455">India-China Clash: LAC&nbsp;tensions escalate, faceoff leads to minor injuries to a few personnel</a></strong></p>

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<p>In another tweet, Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his earlier comments related to the LAC standoff between India and China in Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to PM Modi's clarification pertaining to alleged Chinese intrusion, Congress said, "If this mistake had not been made. If China was not afraid of taking the name of China, today it would not have had the capacity to raise its eyes towards our country. Occupying our land, coming to our land and fighting with our soldiers is a distant thing. There's still time... don't be afraid!"</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said, "Our youth are the pride of the country. I salute his bravery and pray to God for his speedy recovery."</p>

<p>The said incident reportedly took place on December 9 in the Yangtse area in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Around 200 Chinese soldiers tried to transgress the LAC, but the Indian troops contested the PLA attempts in a "firm and resolute manner", officers said.</p>

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The Chinese military blamed the Indian troops for 'illegally' crossing the Line of Actual Control and “obstructing" Chinese border patrol troops leading to the stand-off between the two armies on December 9.

The Chinese military blamed the Indian troops for 'illegally' crossing the Line of Actual Control and “obstructing" Chinese border patrol troops leading to the stand-off between the two armies on December 9. According to a statement by a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Western Theatre Command spokesman, the Chinese troops “were obstructed by the Indian army who illegally crossed the Line (of Actual Control)". “Our response measures were professional, standard, and forceful, and stabilized the situation on the ground. At present, China and India have disengaged," he added according to AFP. The clash between Indian and Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control in northeastern India's Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang Sector on December 9 has evoked strong political reactions in India. Amid the opposition's demand for a 'stern' response to China, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in the parliament that while China unilaterally attempted to change the status quo along the LAC, the timely intervention by the Indian troops shunned away the Chinese PLA. Beijing said on Tuesday that the situation was stable along the unresolved border with India, adding the two sides "maintained unobstructed dialogue on the border issue through diplomatic and military channels." Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force launched active combat patrols over Arunachal Pradesh after detecting "enhanced Chinese air activity", reports said. Fighter jets had to be scrambled "two-three times" in recent weeks to thwart China, they revealed. The proceedings at the Indian parliament's lower house, Lok Sabha (House of the people) were adjourned till mid-day on Tuesday amid constant demand by opposition to respond to the gravity of the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Arunachal Pradesh. Following the opposition's demands and adjournment notices to address the matter, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gave a statement in Lok Sabha on Tuesday. India's timely intervention shunned away PLA: Defence Minister Singh said that China attempted to "unilaterally change the status quo", against which Indian troops responded with a befitting reply. "No Indian soldier lost its life and timely intervention of Indian military commanders shunned away the PLA troops," Rajnath Singh said. "Our troops bravely stopped PLA from encroaching upon our territory and forced them to go back to their post," he added. "This matter has also been taken up with China through diplomatic channels. I want to assure the House that our forces are committed to guard our borders and ready to thwart any attempt that will be made to challenge it," Rajnath Singh added further. Clashes broke out between both sides along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal's Yangste area of the Tawang sector on December 9. Soldiers from both sides sustained injuries as they exchanged barbs with each other. ALSO READ | Indian soldiers clash with Chinese Army in Arunachal Pradesh, injuries on both sides The face-off reportedly led to minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides. At least Indian six soldiers were injured in the clash and were brought to Guwahati for treatment, as per reports by the news agency PTI. The situation is 'stable': Chinese foreign ministry Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin did not comment on the reported clash from Tuesday. He told reporters "as far as we understand, the China-India border situation is stable overall," referring to the unresolved border between India and China, officially referred to as the Line of Actual Control due to its perilous nature. "Both sides have throughout maintained unobstructed dialogue on the border issue through diplomatic and military channels, it is hoped that the Indian side will advance in the same direction as China," he added. Beijing urged New Delhi to "earnestly implement the important consensus reached by both leaders, strictly abide by the spirit of the agreements and accords signed by both sides, together uphold the peace and tranquillity of the China-India border region." Indian parliamentarians had moved adjournment notices in both houses of the parliament on Tuesday. While Manish Tewari gave a notice in the lower house, Lok Sabha; Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Syed Nasir Hussain gave similar adjournment notices in the upper house, Rajya Sabha. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge was quoted by PTI as saying: "Again our Indian Army soldiers have been provoked by the Chinese. Our jawans fought in a resolute manner and a few of them have been injured too." The Congress party also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged the government to convey intolerance to Chinese infiltration attempts in a 'stern tone'. "There is news of a clash between the soldiers of India and China in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. The time has come for the government to leave its wavering attitude and explain to China in a stern tone that its act will not be tolerated," Congress's official Twitter handle INC India stated. WATCH | India-China Clash: LAC tensions escalate, faceoff leads to minor injuries to a few personnel × In another tweet, Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his earlier comments related to the LAC standoff between India and China in Ladakh. Referring to PM Modi's clarification pertaining to alleged Chinese intrusion, Congress said, "If this mistake had not been made. If China was not afraid of taking the name of China, today it would not have had the capacity to raise its eyes towards our country. Occupying our land, coming to our land and fighting with our soldiers is a distant thing. There's still time... don't be afraid!" Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said, "Our youth are the pride of the country. I salute his bravery and pray to God for his speedy recovery." The said incident reportedly took place on December 9 in the Yangtse area in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Around 200 Chinese soldiers tried to transgress the LAC, but the Indian troops contested the PLA attempts in a "firm and resolute manner", officers 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.

Tawang skirmish: Chinese army alleges Indian troops 'illegally' crossed LAC

<p>Apple has finally caught up with India's fifth generation leap of smartphone connectivity. On Tuesday, the company announced that it has enabled 5G cellular support for new iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE and iPhone 12 lineups in India.</p>

<p><strong>How to access 5G on Apple iPhone?</strong></p>

<p>Apple is supporting 5G connection on its iPhone 12 devices or later, with Reliance Jio and Airtel cellular connections. The company identifies both Airtel and Reliance Jio as its "carrier partners" in India. Users need to update their device to iOS 16.2. The update also comes with other myriad of features, such as improved encryption for iCloud data, live activities on the Home Screen, and a new karaoke feature for Apple Music .</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-pressing-mobile-manufacturers-to-release-5g-updates-524464">Indian government pressing mobile manufacturers to release 5G updates</a></strong></p>

<p>Last month, Apple enabled 5G in India in the iOS 16 Beta software programme week for a selected few iPhone users in the country on a trial basis. The selected few users with Airtel and Reliance Jio connections were able to try out the 5G.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/5g-in-india-all-important-questions-answered-tech-it-out-500193">5G in India: All important questions answered | Tech It Out</a></strong></p>

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<p>Apple worked closely with its "carrier partners in India to bring the best 5G experience to iPhone users as soon as network validation and testing for quality and performance is completed".</p>

<p><b>India's 5G rollout and Apple's software upgrades</b></p>

<p>India is rolling out 5G in a phased manner, starting with key metro cities. Smartphone majors, including Apple, Samsung and Oneplus-owner BBK Electronics, are working towards ensuring the availability of 5G on their devices.</p>

<p>Apple said that iPhone users will be able to experience "super-fast downloads and uploads, better streaming, and real-time connectivity with 5G to help them stay in touch, share, and enjoy the content".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The support for 5G on iPhone has now extended to over 250 carrier partners in over 70 markets around the world, with expanded support for standalone networks.</p>

<p>As more and more smartphone majors prioritise software upgrades, early adoption of 5G in India in underway.</p>

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Apple has finally caught up with India's fifth generation leap of smartphone connectivity. On Tuesday, the company announced that it has enabled 5G cellular support for new iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE and iPhone 12 lineups in India.

Apple has finally caught up with India's fifth generation leap of smartphone connectivity. On Tuesday, the company announced that it has enabled 5G cellular support for new iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone SE and iPhone 12 lineups in India. How to access 5G on Apple iPhone? Apple is supporting 5G connection on its iPhone 12 devices or later, with Reliance Jio and Airtel cellular connections. The company identifies both Airtel and Reliance Jio as its "carrier partners" in India. Users need to update their device to iOS 16.2. The update also comes with other myriad of features, such as improved encryption for iCloud data, live activities on the Home Screen, and a new karaoke feature for Apple Music . ALSO READ | Indian government pressing mobile manufacturers to release 5G updates Last month, Apple enabled 5G in India in the iOS 16 Beta software programme week for a selected few iPhone users in the country on a trial basis. The selected few users with Airtel and Reliance Jio connections were able to try out the 5G. WATCH | 5G in India: All important questions answered | Tech It Out × Apple worked closely with its "carrier partners in India to bring the best 5G experience to iPhone users as soon as network validation and testing for quality and performance is completed". India's 5G rollout and Apple's software upgrades India is rolling out 5G in a phased manner, starting with key metro cities. Smartphone majors, including Apple, Samsung and Oneplus-owner BBK Electronics, are working towards ensuring the availability of 5G on their devices. Apple said that iPhone users will be able to experience "super-fast downloads and uploads, better streaming, and real-time connectivity with 5G to help them stay in touch, share, and enjoy the content". The support for 5G on iPhone has now extended to over 250 carrier partners in over 70 markets around the world, with expanded support for standalone networks. As more and more smartphone majors prioritise software upgrades, early adoption of 5G in India in underway. 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.

Apple rolls out 5G for iPhone 12 and above models in India

<p>Apple will soon allow alternative app stores on its devices. The move is part of Apple's sweeping overhaul aimed at complying with strict European Union requirements that will be implemented in 2024. The company is reportedly aiming for the changes to be ready as part of an update to next year’s iOS 17, which would be in line with the compliance requirements.</p>

<p>Apple's software engineering and services employees are reportedly engaged in a major push to open up "key elements of Apple's platforms", Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is Apple's play store-related overhaul all about?</strong></p>

<p>Apple's customers will now be able to download third-party softwares to their iPhones and iPads without using the company's app store. This will mean a move away from Apple's restrictions related to downloading the apps only from its app store and the &nbsp;up to 30 per cent commission it imposes on payments.</p>

<p><strong>Why is Apple allowing alternative app stores?</strong></p>

<p>The move is in response to the European Union laws that aim to give a level-playing field for third-party developers. Regulators and software maker firms have complained in the past that Apple and Google, two of the world's biggest smartphone app store providers, overwhelmingly dominate their position as gatekeepers.</p>

<p><strong>Where in the world users will be able to use alternative app stores?</strong></p>

<p>Currently, the development is limited for the Apple users in Europe. However, if similar laws to give level-playing fields to all software maker firms are passed elsewhere in the world, it could be marked as a significant precedent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-apple-switch-to-wireless-charging-in-eu-522423">Will Apple switch to wireless charging in EU?</a></strong></p>

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<p>Since in Europe, Apple will no more be able to claim up to 30 per cent commission from in-app payments, the shares of online dating app Bumble went up by 8.6 per cent, audio streaming service Spotify's shares climbed up to 9.7 per cent -- meaning that investors heaved a breath of sigh due to impending break from Apple's hefty commissions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apple generated about $95 billion in revenue from Europe during fiscal 2022. That revenue base is expected to take a hit when it makes the changes.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-markets-act-european-parliament-ratifies-landmark-tech-laws-494751">Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws</a></strong></p>

<p>The main new European law, the Digital Markets Act, will come into effect in the coming months. However, companies aren’t required to comply with all of the rules until 2024.</p>

<p>The laws apply to technology companies with market valuations of at least €75 billion ($80 billion) and a minimum of 45 million monthly users within the EU.</p>

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Apple will soon allow alternative app stores on its devices. The move is part of Apple's sweeping overhaul aimed at complying with strict European Union requirements that will be implemented in 2024.

Apple will soon allow alternative app stores on its devices. The move is part of Apple's sweeping overhaul aimed at complying with strict European Union requirements that will be implemented in 2024. The company is reportedly aiming for the changes to be ready as part of an update to next year’s iOS 17, which would be in line with the compliance requirements. Apple's software engineering and services employees are reportedly engaged in a major push to open up "key elements of Apple's platforms", Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. What is Apple's play store-related overhaul all about? Apple's customers will now be able to download third-party softwares to their iPhones and iPads without using the company's app store. This will mean a move away from Apple's restrictions related to downloading the apps only from its app store and the up to 30 per cent commission it imposes on payments. Why is Apple allowing alternative app stores? The move is in response to the European Union laws that aim to give a level-playing field for third-party developers. Regulators and software maker firms have complained in the past that Apple and Google, two of the world's biggest smartphone app store providers, overwhelmingly dominate their position as gatekeepers. Where in the world users will be able to use alternative app stores? Currently, the development is limited for the Apple users in Europe. However, if similar laws to give level-playing fields to all software maker firms are passed elsewhere in the world, it could be marked as a significant precedent. WATCH | Will Apple switch to wireless charging in EU? × Since in Europe, Apple will no more be able to claim up to 30 per cent commission from in-app payments, the shares of online dating app Bumble went up by 8.6 per cent, audio streaming service Spotify's shares climbed up to 9.7 per cent -- meaning that investors heaved a breath of sigh due to impending break from Apple's hefty commissions. Apple generated about $95 billion in revenue from Europe during fiscal 2022. That revenue base is expected to take a hit when it makes the changes. ALSO READ | Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws The main new European law, the Digital Markets Act, will come into effect in the coming months. However, companies aren’t required to comply with all of the rules until 2024. The laws apply to technology companies with market valuations of at least €75 billion ($80 billion) and a minimum of 45 million monthly users within the EU. 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.

Apple to allow third-party app stores in response to new EU laws

<p>The United States-Africa Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden began on December 13 and is scheduled to conclude&nbsp;on December 15. Heads of states from 49 African nations and the African Union have been invited to take part in the summit in which the US is pitching itself as a "better option" to African nations, reflecting Washington's concerns of the US' alternative that many African nations are increasingly finding in China.</p>

<p>Even before the summit officially began, the White House announced Biden’s support for the African Union becoming a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The US also named Johnnie Carson, a career diplomat, to serve as point person for implementing initiatives that come out of the summit.</p>

<p>White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan had on Monday said that the administration would commit to spending $55 billion in Africa over the next three years on "a wide range of sectors to tackle the core challenges of our time."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strategy-for-africa-focuses-on-democracy-economy-and-climate-505128">US strategy for Africa focuses on democracy, economy and climate</a></strong></p>

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<p>"If you compare what the United States is committing over the next three years to what any other country is committing, I think we stack up extremely favourably," Sullivan said.</p>

<p><strong>We are 'sincere' for African nations: China</strong></p>

<p>China’s ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, pushed back on Monday against the Chinese debt trap notion and said that China was "sincere"&nbsp;in approaching Africa as the vibrant emerging market of the future.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-aims-to-narrow-trust-gap-with-us-africa-leaders-summit-542110">Biden aims to narrow trust gap with US-Africa leaders summit</a></strong></p>

<p>"We are not interested in the views of any other countries on China’s role in Africa,"&nbsp;Qin said.</p>

<p><b>Summit will not be about China but Africa: White House</b></p>

<p>When asked whether Biden administration officials would directly address the US concerns about Chinese involvement in Africa during the US-Africa summit,&nbsp;White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It’s not going to be about China," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added. "It’s going to be about Africa."</p>

<p>Officials said in the run-up to the meetings that while America can’t and won’t tell African countries to turn away from China, the administration is making it clear that allowing Chinese bases on their soil and using Chinese telecom systems could hurt the US&nbsp;military relations with them.</p>

<p>“We have a particular type of security and military and defence relationship with African partners, and that could be jeopardized if they were to have Chinese basing in their region just because of the type of exercises, the type of work, the type of collaboration and training that we do with them,” Chidi Blyden, the deputy assistant defense secretary for African affairs, told reporters last week.</p>

<p>Trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa was $44.9 billion last year, a 22 per cent increase from 2019. However, the US investments into the region fell by 5.3 per cent to $30.31 billion in 2021. Meanwhile, trade between Africa and China last year increased to $254 billion last year, up about 35 per cent on a year-on-year basis.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States-Africa Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden began on December 13 and is scheduled to conclude on December 15. Heads of states from 49 African nations and the African Union have been invited to take part in the summit in which the US is pitching itself as a "better option" to African nations, reflecting Washington's concerns of the US' alternative that many African nations are increasingly finding in China.

The United States-Africa Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden began on December 13 and is scheduled to conclude on December 15. Heads of states from 49 African nations and the African Union have been invited to take part in the summit in which the US is pitching itself as a "better option" to African nations, reflecting Washington's concerns of the US' alternative that many African nations are increasingly finding in China. Even before the summit officially began, the White House announced Biden’s support for the African Union becoming a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The US also named Johnnie Carson, a career diplomat, to serve as point person for implementing initiatives that come out of the summit. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan had on Monday said that the administration would commit to spending $55 billion in Africa over the next three years on "a wide range of sectors to tackle the core challenges of our time." WATCH | US strategy for Africa focuses on democracy, economy and climate × "If you compare what the United States is committing over the next three years to what any other country is committing, I think we stack up extremely favourably," Sullivan said. We are 'sincere' for African nations: China China’s ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, pushed back on Monday against the Chinese debt trap notion and said that China was "sincere" in approaching Africa as the vibrant emerging market of the future. ALSO READ | Biden aims to narrow trust gap with US-Africa leaders summit "We are not interested in the views of any other countries on China’s role in Africa," Qin said. Summit will not be about China but Africa: White House When asked whether Biden administration officials would directly address the US concerns about Chinese involvement in Africa during the US-Africa summit, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined. "It’s not going to be about China," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added. "It’s going to be about Africa." Officials said in the run-up to the meetings that while America can’t and won’t tell African countries to turn away from China, the administration is making it clear that allowing Chinese bases on their soil and using Chinese telecom systems could hurt the US military relations with them. “We have a particular type of security and military and defence relationship with African partners, and that could be jeopardized if they were to have Chinese basing in their region just because of the type of exercises, the type of work, the type of collaboration and training that we do with them,” Chidi Blyden, the deputy assistant defense secretary for African affairs, told reporters last week. Trade between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa was $44.9 billion last year, a 22 per cent increase from 2019. However, the US investments into the region fell by 5.3 per cent to $30.31 billion in 2021. Meanwhile, trade between Africa and China last year increased to $254 billion last year, up about 35 per cent on a year-on-year basis. (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.

With China as unstated focus, US-Africa summit begins in Washington

<p>Days after Indian and Chinese troops clashed&nbsp;in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, inflicting minor injuries on both sides of the conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for the de-escalation of tensions between India and China in the region.&nbsp;“We have seen these reports. We call for de-escalation and to ensure that the tensions along in that area do not grow,” the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing.</p>

<p>The Pentagon had on Wednesday slammed Chinese intrusion attempts in India's northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state's Tawang sector, saying that the move reflects the "growing trend by China to assert itself and to be provocative in areas directed towards US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">Tawang skirmish:&nbsp;Beijing calls situation 'stable' after troops PLA pushback</a></strong></p>

<p>Brigadier-General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, was responding to a question concerning the December 9 clash between Chinese and Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh state in which Indian troops&nbsp;thwarted PLA's intrusion attempts that would have changed the ground situation away from the established status quo between two sides.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indian-chinese-troops-clash-in-arunachals-tawang-sector-542463">Gravitas: Indian, Chinese troops clash in Arunachal's Tawang sector</a></strong></p>

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<p>Asked if the Pentagon was concerned that this clash could lead to a bigger military confrontation between India and China, the Pentagon said that the US Department of Defence is closely watching the developments along the Line of Actual Control, adding that China continues to "amass forces and build military infrastructure" alongside it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the security of our partners. And we fully support India's ongoing efforts to de-escalate this situation," Pentagon said.</p>

<p><strong>What happend on December 9 at India-China LAC?</strong></p>

<p>The Chinese troops attempted an intrusion into Tawang sector of northeast India's Arunachal Pradesh state on December 9. The two sides exchanged fisticuffs, following which a&nbsp;"firm and resolute" response from the Indian side pushed the Chinese away and the previously-established&nbsp;LAC status quo came back into place.&nbsp;The&nbsp;face-off led to "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides",&nbsp;Indian army's statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ties between India and China have plunged significantly following the&nbsp;fierce clash at Ladakh's Galwan valley in northernmost India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries in June 2020. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops that continues at two friction-points along the LAC in Ladakh, entered 20th month in December 2022.&nbsp;</p>

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Days after Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, inflicting minor injuries on both sides of the conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for the de-escalation of tensions between India and China in the region.

Days after Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, inflicting minor injuries on both sides of the conflict, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for the de-escalation of tensions between India and China in the region. “We have seen these reports. We call for de-escalation and to ensure that the tensions along in that area do not grow,” the UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a press briefing. The Pentagon had on Wednesday slammed Chinese intrusion attempts in India's northeastern Arunachal Pradesh state's Tawang sector, saying that the move reflects the "growing trend by China to assert itself and to be provocative in areas directed towards US allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific". ALSO READ | Tawang skirmish: Beijing calls situation 'stable' after troops PLA pushback Brigadier-General Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon Press Secretary, was responding to a question concerning the December 9 clash between Chinese and Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh state in which Indian troops thwarted PLA's intrusion attempts that would have changed the ground situation away from the established status quo between two sides. WATCH | Gravitas: Indian, Chinese troops clash in Arunachal's Tawang sector × Asked if the Pentagon was concerned that this clash could lead to a bigger military confrontation between India and China, the Pentagon said that the US Department of Defence is closely watching the developments along the Line of Actual Control, adding that China continues to "amass forces and build military infrastructure" alongside it. "We will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the security of our partners. And we fully support India's ongoing efforts to de-escalate this situation," Pentagon said. What happend on December 9 at India-China LAC? The Chinese troops attempted an intrusion into Tawang sector of northeast India's Arunachal Pradesh state on December 9. The two sides exchanged fisticuffs, following which a "firm and resolute" response from the Indian side pushed the Chinese away and the previously-established LAC status quo came back into place. The face-off led to "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides", Indian army's statement said. The ties between India and China have plunged significantly following the fierce clash at Ladakh's Galwan valley in northernmost India along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the two countries in June 2020. The standoff between Indian and Chinese troops that continues at two friction-points along the LAC in Ladakh, entered 20th month in December 2022. 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 clash: UN chief António Guterres appeals for de-escalation in tensions between India, China

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Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.