<p>San Francisco-based e-cigarette maker Juul Labs reached an unspecified amount of settlement with about 10,000 plaintiffs covering more than 5,000 cases in the state of California.&nbsp;Juul did not disclose the amount as part of the settlement. The company has obtained equity investment to fund it, a spokesperson was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Reuters in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/e-cigarettes-linked-with-impaired-blood-vessel-function-reveals-new-research-532520">E-cigarettes not safe, make blood vessels permeable, impair function, reveals new research</a></strong></p>

<p>Philip Federico, a lawyer representing 60 school districts in the United States in the litigation against Juul, was quoted as saying by Reuters that the&nbsp;settlement is a "tremendous victory for school districts burdened by the vaping epidemic", adding that funds from it will allow school districts to recover the costs of combating the epidemic.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-the-environmental-impact-of-disposable-vapes-539163">WION Climate Tracker: The environmental impact of disposable vapes</a></strong></p>

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<p>Partly owned by Altria Group Inc (MO.N), Juul had in September agreed to pay $438.5 million to settle claims by 34 U.S. states and territories that it downplayed its products' risks and targeted underage buyers.</p>

<p>In November, Juul said it had secured an investment from some of its early investors that will keep the e-cigarette maker in business, also planning to lay off about 400 people and reducing operating budget by 30 per cent&nbsp;to 40 per cent.</p>

<p>The company's e-cigarettes were briefly banned in the United States&nbsp;in late June, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that it had failed to show that the sale of its products would be appropriate for public health.</p>

<p>However, following an appeal, the health regulator put the ban on hold and agreed to an additional review of Juul's marketing application.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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San Francisco-based e-cigarette maker Juul Labs reached an unspecified amount of settlement with about 10,000 plaintiffs covering more than 5,000 cases in the state of California.

San Francisco-based e-cigarette maker Juul Labs reached an unspecified amount of settlement with about 10,000 plaintiffs covering more than 5,000 cases in the state of California. Juul did not disclose the amount as part of the settlement. The company has obtained equity investment to fund it, a spokesperson was quoted as saying by Reuters in a statement. ALSO READ - E-cigarettes not safe, make blood vessels permeable, impair function, reveals new research Philip Federico, a lawyer representing 60 school districts in the United States in the litigation against Juul, was quoted as saying by Reuters that the settlement is a "tremendous victory for school districts burdened by the vaping epidemic", adding that funds from it will allow school districts to recover the costs of combating the epidemic. WATCH - WION Climate Tracker: The environmental impact of disposable vapes × Partly owned by Altria Group Inc (MO.N), Juul had in September agreed to pay $438.5 million to settle claims by 34 U.S. states and territories that it downplayed its products' risks and targeted underage buyers. In November, Juul said it had secured an investment from some of its early investors that will keep the e-cigarette maker in business, also planning to lay off about 400 people and reducing operating budget by 30 per cent to 40 per cent. The company's e-cigarettes were briefly banned in the United States in late June, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that it had failed to show that the sale of its products would be appropriate for public health. However, following an appeal, the health regulator put the ban on hold and agreed to an additional review of Juul's marketing application. (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.

E-cigarette maker Juul settles 5,000 cases in California for undisclosed amount

<p>Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock defeated Republican football star Herschel Walker in Georgia’s Senate runoff election, handing President Joe Biden a crucial win and a senate majority. In other news, Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud by a New York jury on Tuesday. Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin today in what is expected to be weeks of political significance amid results from two state elections recently held.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more</strong><b>:</b></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/incumbent-democratic-senator-raphael-warnock-wins-key-georgia-runoff-540744">Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock wins key Georgia runoff</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/07/316299-senator.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock has defeated Republican football star Herschel Walker in Georgia’s Senate runoff election, NBC News projects, handing President Joe Biden and his party a key win. With Warnock’s win, the Democrats now have the majority of 51 seats in the Senate.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-organization-found-guilty-of-tax-fraud-540726"><strong>Trump Organisation found guilty of tax fraud</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/07/316305-untitled-design-2022-11-16t091522311.png?imwidth=1920" />Former US president Donald Trump's family business, Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud by a New York jury on Tuesday. This has dealt a blow to Trump's possible ambition to eye White House again in 2024 polls.</p>

<p>The organisation was found guilty on all nine counts, prosecutors said in a statement. This has marked the first time it had ever been convicted.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentinas-vice-president-cristina-fernandez-sentenced-to-6-years-in-1bn-graft-case-540737"><strong>Argentina's Vice President Cristina Fernández sentenced to 6 years in $1bn graft case</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/07/316295-arge.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernández was sentenced to six years in prison and barred from holding any public office after she was found guilty of her involvement in a fraud scheme that embezzled $1 billion through public works projects during her presidency.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliaments-winter-session-to-begin-today-here-are-the-issues-that-matter-540748"><strong>Indian parliament's winter session to begin today: Here are the issues that matter</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/07/316307-untitled-design.jpg?imwidth=1920" />Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin on December 7.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to interact with media persons on the first day of the session, according to a Lok Sabha secretariat release on Tuesday. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will take over as ex-officio chairperson of Rajya Sabha, with multiple welcome notes from the Prime Minister, senior ministers and opposition members expected as per parliamentary convention in-place.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-critical-nature-talks-open-un-chief-says-humanity-has-become-a-weapon-of-mass-destruction-540741"><strong>As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/07/316297-new-wion.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>In Canada, a high stake biodiversity talk starts today. touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.&nbsp;At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawsuit-against-saudi-prince-over-khashoggi-murder-dismissed-in-us-540730"><strong>Lawsuit against Saudi prince over Khashoggi murder dismissed in US</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/02/02/237917-untitled-design-5.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>A lawsuit against Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was dismissed by a US judge on Tuesday (December 6). The civil suit was filed by Khashoggi's widow Hatice Cengiz and Khashoggi's&nbsp;activist group DAWN.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock defeated Republican football star Herschel Walker in Georgia’s Senate runoff election, handing President Joe Biden a crucial win and a senate majority.

Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock defeated Republican football star Herschel Walker in Georgia’s Senate runoff election, handing President Joe Biden a crucial win and a senate majority. In other news, Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud by a New York jury on Tuesday. Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin today in what is expected to be weeks of political significance amid results from two state elections recently held. Click on the headlines to read more: Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock wins key Georgia runoff Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock has defeated Republican football star Herschel Walker in Georgia’s Senate runoff election, NBC News projects, handing President Joe Biden and his party a key win. With Warnock’s win, the Democrats now have the majority of 51 seats in the Senate. Trump Organisation found guilty of tax fraud Former US president Donald Trump's family business, Trump Organization was found guilty of tax fraud by a New York jury on Tuesday. This has dealt a blow to Trump's possible ambition to eye White House again in 2024 polls. The organisation was found guilty on all nine counts, prosecutors said in a statement. This has marked the first time it had ever been convicted. Argentina's Vice President Cristina Fernández sentenced to 6 years in $1bn graft case Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernández was sentenced to six years in prison and barred from holding any public office after she was found guilty of her involvement in a fraud scheme that embezzled $1 billion through public works projects during her presidency. Indian parliament's winter session to begin today: Here are the issues that matter Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin on December 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to interact with media persons on the first day of the session, according to a Lok Sabha secretariat release on Tuesday. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will take over as ex-officio chairperson of Rajya Sabha, with multiple welcome notes from the Prime Minister, senior ministers and opposition members expected as per parliamentary convention in-place. As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction' In Canada, a high stake biodiversity talk starts today. touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction." Lawsuit against Saudi prince over Khashoggi murder dismissed in US A lawsuit against Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, was dismissed by a US judge on Tuesday (December 6). The civil suit was filed by Khashoggi's widow Hatice Cengiz and Khashoggi's activist group DAWN.

Morning news brief: No lawsuit against Saudi leader, Argentine VP sentence in corruption scandal and more

<p>Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin on December 7.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to interact with media persons on the first day of the session, according to a Lok Sabha secretariat release on Tuesday. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will take over as ex-officio chairperson of Rajya Sabha, with multiple welcome notes from the Prime Minister, senior ministers and opposition members expected as per parliamentary convention in-place.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;and several senior Congress leaders who are walking in the <em>Bharat Jodo Yatra</em> are unlikely to attend the session.</p>

<p><strong>What are the issues that will dominate the session?</strong></p>

<p>The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, price rise and unemployment are some of the issues that are expected to dominate the parliament session starting on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The results from Delhi Municipal Corporation elections, that will be clear by the time parliament convenes, will add further momentum to the political trajectory of the administrative prudence that parliament sessions are expected to show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The results of the assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh,&nbsp;to be out on December 8, are also likely to play out during the start of the session.</p>

<p><strong>Women's quota bill</strong>: While Odisha-based Biju Janata Dal (BJD)&nbsp;demanded passage of the women's reservation bill, the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction sought a population control bill. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;leader Sanjay Singh demanded a discussion on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and a law ensuring the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on farm produce.</p>

<p><strong>17 sittings, 16 bills</strong>: The winter session will have 17 sittings over 23 days before it concludes on December 29. The government plans to bring 16 new bills during the session.</p>

<p><strong>All party meeting before parliament session</strong></p>

<p>More than 30 parties on Tuesday attended a meeting convened by the central government, during which the Congress and the TMC raised the issue of alleged misuse of investigating agencies, which was backed by the AAP, NCP and several other parties.</p>

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Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin on December 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to interact with media persons on the first day of the session, according to a Lok Sabha secretariat release on Tuesday.

Indian parliament's winter session is set to begin on December 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to interact with media persons on the first day of the session, according to a Lok Sabha secretariat release on Tuesday. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar will take over as ex-officio chairperson of Rajya Sabha, with multiple welcome notes from the Prime Minister, senior ministers and opposition members expected as per parliamentary convention in-place. Rahul Gandhi and several senior Congress leaders who are walking in the Bharat Jodo Yatra are unlikely to attend the session. What are the issues that will dominate the session? The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, price rise and unemployment are some of the issues that are expected to dominate the parliament session starting on Wednesday. The results from Delhi Municipal Corporation elections, that will be clear by the time parliament convenes, will add further momentum to the political trajectory of the administrative prudence that parliament sessions are expected to show. The results of the assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, to be out on December 8, are also likely to play out during the start of the session. Women's quota bill: While Odisha-based Biju Janata Dal (BJD) demanded passage of the women's reservation bill, the Shiv Sena's Shinde faction sought a population control bill. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh demanded a discussion on the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) and a law ensuring the Minimum Support Price (MSP) on farm produce. 17 sittings, 16 bills: The winter session will have 17 sittings over 23 days before it concludes on December 29. The government plans to bring 16 new bills during the session. All party meeting before parliament session More than 30 parties on Tuesday attended a meeting convened by the central government, during which the Congress and the TMC raised the issue of alleged misuse of investigating agencies, which was backed by the AAP, NCP and several other parties. 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.

Indian parliament's winter session to begin today: Here are the issues that matter

<p>Call of Duty gained a fresh lease of life on Wednesday after Microsoft&nbsp;entered into a 10-year commitment to bring the gaming title&nbsp;to Nintendo platforms, the chief executive officer of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, said in a post on Twitter on Wednesday. The development will bring the popular gaming title from Activision Blizzard to Nintento game consoles.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I'm also pleased to confirm that Microsoft has committed to continue to offer Call of Duty on <a href="https://twitter.com/Steam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Steam</a> simultaneously to Xbox after we have closed the merger with Activision Blizzard King. <a href="https://twitter.com/ATVI_AB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATVI_AB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/valvesoftware?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ValveSoftware</a></p>
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) <a href="https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1600342467727224832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The announcement comes after Microsoft’s planned $69 billion acquisition of the “Call of Duty” maker raised concern among regulators that the deal could stifle competition, with rival Sony Group Corp criticising the deal and even calling for a regulatory veto.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-uk-watchdog-pauses-microsofts-acquisition-of-activision-516596">Gravitas: UK watchdog pauses Microsoft's acquisition of Activision</a></strong></p>

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<p>Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted: "Our acquisition will bring Call of Duty to more gamers and more platforms than ever before … Any day @Sony wants to sit down and talk, we’ll be happy to hammer out a 10-year deal for PlayStation as well."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our acquisition will bring Call of Duty to more gamers and more platforms than ever before. That's good for competition and good for consumers. Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/Nintendo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Nintendo</a>. Any day <a href="https://twitter.com/Sony?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sony</a> wants to sit down and talk, we'll be happy to hammer out a 10-year deal for PlayStation as well. <a href="https://t.co/m1IQxdeo6n">https://t.co/m1IQxdeo6n</a></p>
— Brad Smith (@BradSmi) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradSmi/status/1600346773914259458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier this year, Sony’s gaming chief Jim Ryan called an offer by Microsoft to keep the “Call of Duty” series on PlayStation for three years after the current agreement “inadequate”.</p>

<p>“I think this is an attempt by Microsoft to pressure Sony into signing a deal with Activision and to make it easier for Microsoft to finish and close the deal with Activision,” said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy.</p>

<p>"It’s basically good PR for Microsoft."</p>

<p>Microsoft competes with Sony and Nintendo in the global video game industry, which saw strong growth in recent years with people spending more time at home because of the coronavirus pandemic. The inquisition of the popular first-person shooter series</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Call of Duty gained a fresh lease of life on Wednesday after Microsoft entered into a 10-year commitment to bring the gaming title to Nintendo platforms, the chief executive officer of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, said in a post on Twitter on Wednesday.

Call of Duty gained a fresh lease of life on Wednesday after Microsoft entered into a 10-year commitment to bring the gaming title to Nintendo platforms, the chief executive officer of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, said in a post on Twitter on Wednesday. The development will bring the popular gaming title from Activision Blizzard to Nintento game consoles. I'm also pleased to confirm that Microsoft has committed to continue to offer Call of Duty on @Steam simultaneously to Xbox after we have closed the merger with Activision Blizzard King. @ATVI_AB @ValveSoftware — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) December 7, 2022 × The announcement comes after Microsoft’s planned $69 billion acquisition of the “Call of Duty” maker raised concern among regulators that the deal could stifle competition, with rival Sony Group Corp criticising the deal and even calling for a regulatory veto. WATCH - Gravitas: UK watchdog pauses Microsoft's acquisition of Activision × Microsoft President Brad Smith tweeted: "Our acquisition will bring Call of Duty to more gamers and more platforms than ever before … Any day @Sony wants to sit down and talk, we’ll be happy to hammer out a 10-year deal for PlayStation as well." Our acquisition will bring Call of Duty to more gamers and more platforms than ever before. That's good for competition and good for consumers. Thank you @Nintendo. Any day @Sony wants to sit down and talk, we'll be happy to hammer out a 10-year deal for PlayStation as well. https://t.co/m1IQxdeo6n — Brad Smith (@BradSmi) December 7, 2022 × Earlier this year, Sony’s gaming chief Jim Ryan called an offer by Microsoft to keep the “Call of Duty” series on PlayStation for three years after the current agreement “inadequate”. “I think this is an attempt by Microsoft to pressure Sony into signing a deal with Activision and to make it easier for Microsoft to finish and close the deal with Activision,” said Serkan Toto, founder of the Kantan Games consultancy. "It’s basically good PR for Microsoft." Microsoft competes with Sony and Nintendo in the global video game industry, which saw strong growth in recent years with people spending more time at home because of the coronavirus pandemic. The inquisition of the popular first-person shooter series (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.

Microsoft finalises 10-year deal for bringing Call of Duty to Nintendo platform

<p>India&nbsp;asked Alphabet-owned Google&nbsp;to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.&nbsp;The letter was reportedly sent last week to Alphabet Inc's Google India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It asked the company to immediately drop all advertising, direct or surrogate, from betting platforms such as&nbsp;Fairplay, PariMatch, Betway in search results and YouTube, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/offshore-betting-sites-are-ending-up-with-fatter-pockets-amid-sparse-regulations-in-india-528819">Offshore betting sites are ending up with fatter pockets amid sparse regulations in India</a></strong></p>

<p>On December 4, reports claimed that Prime Minister's Office (PMO) overruled a proposal to only regulate games of skill and leave out games of chance. India is expected to bring regulation of online gaming to all real-money games in the immediate future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“After our last advisory on 3rd October, TV channels and OTT (Over-the-top) players stopped showing surrogate ads of online betting firms, but it was brought to our notice that many such ads are running on YouTube and Google. We have asked Google to stop this immediately," a senior ministry official&nbsp;was quoted as saying by Livemint.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-india-regulate-online-gaming-433968">Gravitas: Will India regulate online gaming?</a></strong></p>

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<p>In September, a government panel stated in a draft report that India should create a regulatory body to classify online games as based on skill or chance, introduce rules to block prohibited formats and take a stricter stance on gambling websites.</p>

<p>India is concerned that many citizens are getting addicted to or losing money to online betting companies that are operating on the technicality of not having servers or a physical presence in India, an official told Livemint.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Online betting is banned in many Indian states.</p>

<p>According to estimates by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) published in the report, overall,&nbsp;₹5,000 crore is being deposited in the accounts of multiple agents of betting&nbsp; companies in India every month. But there is no clarity on where this money is going or how it’s being used, the lobby group claims.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India asked Alphabet-owned Google to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

India asked Alphabet-owned Google to stop displaying surrogate ads of overseas betting companies, a report by Mint newspaper claimed on Wednesday. The report cited a person aware of the development in the ministry of information and broadcasting, currently headed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur. The letter was reportedly sent last week to Alphabet Inc's Google India. It asked the company to immediately drop all advertising, direct or surrogate, from betting platforms such as Fairplay, PariMatch, Betway in search results and YouTube, the report said. ALSO READ - Offshore betting sites are ending up with fatter pockets amid sparse regulations in India On December 4, reports claimed that Prime Minister's Office (PMO) overruled a proposal to only regulate games of skill and leave out games of chance. India is expected to bring regulation of online gaming to all real-money games in the immediate future. “After our last advisory on 3rd October, TV channels and OTT (Over-the-top) players stopped showing surrogate ads of online betting firms, but it was brought to our notice that many such ads are running on YouTube and Google. We have asked Google to stop this immediately," a senior ministry official was quoted as saying by Livemint. WATCH - Gravitas: Will India regulate online gaming? × In September, a government panel stated in a draft report that India should create a regulatory body to classify online games as based on skill or chance, introduce rules to block prohibited formats and take a stricter stance on gambling websites. India is concerned that many citizens are getting addicted to or losing money to online betting companies that are operating on the technicality of not having servers or a physical presence in India, an official told Livemint. Online betting is banned in many Indian states. According to estimates by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) published in the report, overall, ₹5,000 crore is being deposited in the accounts of multiple agents of betting companies in India every month. But there is no clarity on where this money is going or how it’s being used, the lobby group claims. (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 tells Google to stop direct or surrogate online advertisements from betting platforms

<p>The revenue intelligence arm of India's&nbsp;finance ministry&nbsp;stalled the export of 27,000 Vivo phones from India worth $15 million to the neighbouring countries. Guaongzhou-headquartered smartphone major has mis-declared the device models and their market values, according to Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, following which it was stopped from shipping the devices from India to markets in its vicinity such as Thailand and Gulf nations.</p>

<p>A Bloomberg report further quoted an industry lobby group – the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) – calling the government agency’s actions 'unfortunate'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-firm-vivo-accused-of-tax-evasion-in-india-495267">Chinese firm Vivo accused of tax evasion in India</a></strong></p>

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<p>“We request your kind and urgent intervention to stop this unfortunate course of action,” ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo wrote to the finance ministry. “Such unwarranted actions by enforcement agencies will diffuse the drive and motivation to encourage electronics manufacturing and exports from India.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-ed-raids-chinese-smartphone-firm-vivos-offices-money-laundering-suspected-495161">As India's ED raids Chinese smartphone firm Vivo's offices, Beijing says hopes for a 'fair' investigation</a></strong></p>

<p>The current export tussle&nbsp;comes shortly after the government’s increased scrutiny of Chinese companies including SAIC’s MG Motor, Xiaomi, ZTE, Oppo and others.</p>

<p>The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and&nbsp;Customs (CBIC) has registered cases against 43 mobile and equipment manufacturing companies between 2019 and 2022.</p>

<p>Vivo exported its first batch of India-made smartphones in early November to markets such as Saudi Arabia and Thailand. But reports say that stalling of export&nbsp;could hurt&nbsp;Vivo’s future in the world’s second-biggest smartphone market, where the company is already under scrutiny.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India, in recent years, has ramped up efforts to boost home-grown supply chains from both domestic and foreign firms alike.&nbsp;India expects to&nbsp;export&nbsp;electronics products worth $120 billion by the end of March 2026.</p>

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The revenue intelligence arm of India's finance ministry stalled the export of 27,000 Vivo phones from India worth $15 million to the neighbouring countries. Guaongzhou-headquartered smartphone major has mis-declared the device models and their market values, according to Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, following which it was stopped from shipping the devices from India to markets in its vicinity such as Thailand and Gulf nations.

The revenue intelligence arm of India's finance ministry stalled the export of 27,000 Vivo phones from India worth $15 million to the neighbouring countries. Guaongzhou-headquartered smartphone major has mis-declared the device models and their market values, according to Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, following which it was stopped from shipping the devices from India to markets in its vicinity such as Thailand and Gulf nations. A Bloomberg report further quoted an industry lobby group – the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) – calling the government agency’s actions 'unfortunate'. WATCH - Chinese firm Vivo accused of tax evasion in India × “We request your kind and urgent intervention to stop this unfortunate course of action,” ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo wrote to the finance ministry. “Such unwarranted actions by enforcement agencies will diffuse the drive and motivation to encourage electronics manufacturing and exports from India.” ALSO READ - As India's ED raids Chinese smartphone firm Vivo's offices, Beijing says hopes for a 'fair' investigation The current export tussle comes shortly after the government’s increased scrutiny of Chinese companies including SAIC’s MG Motor, Xiaomi, ZTE, Oppo and others. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has registered cases against 43 mobile and equipment manufacturing companies between 2019 and 2022. Vivo exported its first batch of India-made smartphones in early November to markets such as Saudi Arabia and Thailand. But reports say that stalling of export could hurt Vivo’s future in the world’s second-biggest smartphone market, where the company is already under scrutiny. India, in recent years, has ramped up efforts to boost home-grown supply chains from both domestic and foreign firms alike. India expects to export electronics products worth $120 billion by the end of March 2026. 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 stalls export of 27,000 Vivo phones worth $15 million amid tax evasion probe

<p>On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014. The significant geopolitical statement came less than two months after an explosion tore through the Crimean bridge in what was perceived in the west as a major breakthrough for the Ukrainian defences against Russia’s ongoing offence in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video of Putin's trip on the restored Crimean bridge <a href="https://t.co/6etxUd0rAU">pic.twitter.com/6etxUd0rAU</a></p>
— ₦₳V𝚜𝚝é𝚟𝚊 🇷🇺 ᴢ (@Navsteva) <a href="https://twitter.com/Navsteva/status/1599776685766758400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The destruction&nbsp;of&nbsp;Crimean Bridge on October 8 was hailed by Ukrainian authorities as ‘a birthday gift to Putin’, as visuals of burning vehicles and scorched sections of the bridge surfaced on social media.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-tank-ablaze-at-bridge-in-crimea-russian-news-agency-says-523506">Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe</a></strong></p>

<p>The 12-mile (19 km) road and rail bridge was personally opened by Putin in 2018.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crimea-bridge-partially-destroyed-after-blast-russian-authorities-say-will-be-repaired-soon-523609">Crimea bridge partially destroyed after blast; Russian authorities say will be repaired soon</a></strong></p>

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<p>Putin was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. He was shown on state television behind the wheel of a Mercedes, asking questions about where the attack took place.</p>

<p>"We are driving on the right hand side," Putin said, as he drove across the bridge. "The left side of the bridge, as I understand it, is in working condition, but nevertheless it needs to be completed. It still suffered a little, we need to bring it to an ideal state."</p>

<p>Putin also walked along parts of the bridge, Europe's largest, to inspect sections that showed the impact of the October 8 attack on it.</p>

<p>Ukraine never claimed responsibility for the bombing of the bridge on the morning of Oct. 8, a day after Putin's 70th birthday. Russia's Federal Security Service said the attack was organised by Ukrainian military intelligence.<br />
The explosion wrecked one section of the road bridge, temporarily halting traffic across the Kerch Strait. The blast also destroyed several fuel tankers on a train heading towards the annexed Crimean peninsula from neighbouring southern Russia.</p>

<p>Russia in 2014 claimed administrative control of Crimea. Ukraine has vowed to return Crimea, which relies on the bridge for crucial supplies.</p>

<p>Putin's ally Arkady Rotenberg's company built the vast structure, which is Europe's longest bridge. Putin has long lauded the project, saying at one point that Russian Tsars and Soviet leaders had dreamed of building it but never did.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014.

On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014. The significant geopolitical statement came less than two months after an explosion tore through the Crimean bridge in what was perceived in the west as a major breakthrough for the Ukrainian defences against Russia’s ongoing offence in Ukraine. Video of Putin's trip on the restored Crimean bridge pic.twitter.com/6etxUd0rAU — ₦₳V𝚜𝚝é𝚟𝚊 🇷🇺 ᴢ (@Navsteva) December 5, 2022 × The destruction of Crimean Bridge on October 8 was hailed by Ukrainian authorities as ‘a birthday gift to Putin’, as visuals of burning vehicles and scorched sections of the bridge surfaced on social media. ALSO READ - Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe The 12-mile (19 km) road and rail bridge was personally opened by Putin in 2018. WATCH - Crimea bridge partially destroyed after blast; Russian authorities say will be repaired soon × Putin was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. He was shown on state television behind the wheel of a Mercedes, asking questions about where the attack took place. "We are driving on the right hand side," Putin said, as he drove across the bridge. "The left side of the bridge, as I understand it, is in working condition, but nevertheless it needs to be completed. It still suffered a little, we need to bring it to an ideal state." Putin also walked along parts of the bridge, Europe's largest, to inspect sections that showed the impact of the October 8 attack on it. Ukraine never claimed responsibility for the bombing of the bridge on the morning of Oct. 8, a day after Putin's 70th birthday. Russia's Federal Security Service said the attack was organised by Ukrainian military intelligence. The explosion wrecked one section of the road bridge, temporarily halting traffic across the Kerch Strait. The blast also destroyed several fuel tankers on a train heading towards the annexed Crimean peninsula from neighbouring southern Russia. Russia in 2014 claimed administrative control of Crimea. Ukraine has vowed to return Crimea, which relies on the bridge for crucial supplies. Putin's ally Arkady Rotenberg's company built the vast structure, which is Europe's longest bridge. Putin has long lauded the project, saying at one point that Russian Tsars and Soviet leaders had dreamed of building it but never did. (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.

Putin walks along Crimean bridge destroyed as 'birthday gift' in October

<p>The US Supreme Court on Monday appeared to rule that a Colorado-based Christian web designer has right to refuse to provide services for same-sex marriages. The final decision in the matter is yet to be delivered after Monday’s fierce two and a half hour debate in the US Supreme Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Colorado's Anti-Discrimination Act bars businesses open to the public from denying goods or services to people because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and certain other characteristics.</p>

<p><strong>Colorado’s Rights Vs Discrimination row:&nbsp;What is the matter all about?</strong></p>

<p>The case, 303 Creative Vs. Elenis, is about a Colorado-based website designer named Lorie Smith asserting her right to deny her services to same-sex couples, citing allegiance to her Christian faith. However, Colorado’s public accommodations law forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supreme-court-debates-web-designers-anti-gay-marriage-stance-540412">US Supreme Court debates web designer's anti-gay marriage stance</a></strong></p>

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<p>Lower courts in the US have ruled in the state of Colorado’s favour so far. But the concerned website designer has put her case up in front of the US top court asking for the reversal of the binding observations of the lower courts. The US Supreme Court’s final decision is expected next year.</p>

<p><strong>What did the Justices say?</strong></p>

<p>Justice Ketanji Brown posed a hypothetical story to assert the tricky nature of the hearing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brown said that a photographer in a mall wants to take old time photos of Christmas scenes from the 1940s and 1950s and in those scenes, he only wants to take photos of white children and not kids of colour. “Would that photographer be allowed to do that?,” Justice Brown asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second Justice Elena Kagan said that she had a hard time picturing how a state could require hypothetically, a web designer, like Smith, to create all kinds of wedding websites.</p>

<p>“A gay couple walks in and says, I’d like the standard website, everything standard, but I want something in addition to that, I want the homepage, the website, to say ‘God blesses this union,’ and Ms. Smith says this is a problem,” Kagan said, according to a US Supreme Court brief. “I don’t know, I think that is kind of different.”</p>

<p><b>What is the overall tilt of the US top court's opinion?</b></p>

<p>The conservative justices indicated support for Smith's view that businesses offering creative services like web design are protected by the US&nbsp;Constitution's First Amendment guarantee against government abridgment of free speech from being forced to express messages through their work that they oppose. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority.</p>

<p>Public accommodations laws exist in many states, banning discrimination in areas such as housing, hotels, retail businesses, restaurants and educational institutions.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/roe-vs-wade-reversed-us-supreme-court-ends-constitutional-right-to-abortion-491416">Roe vs Wade reversed, US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion</a></strong></p>

<p>The case gives the Supreme Court's conservatives another chance to exert their power following major recent rulings curbing abortion rights and expanding gun and religious rights.</p>

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The US Supreme Court on Monday appeared to rule that a Colorado-based Christian web designer has right to refuse to provide services for same-sex marriages. The final decision in the matter is yet to be delivered after Monday’s fierce two and a half hour debate in the US Supreme Court.

The US Supreme Court on Monday appeared to rule that a Colorado-based Christian web designer has right to refuse to provide services for same-sex marriages. The final decision in the matter is yet to be delivered after Monday’s fierce two and a half hour debate in the US Supreme Court. Colorado's Anti-Discrimination Act bars businesses open to the public from denying goods or services to people because of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and certain other characteristics. Colorado’s Rights Vs Discrimination row: What is the matter all about? The case, 303 Creative Vs. Elenis, is about a Colorado-based website designer named Lorie Smith asserting her right to deny her services to same-sex couples, citing allegiance to her Christian faith. However, Colorado’s public accommodations law forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation. WATCH - US Supreme Court debates web designer's anti-gay marriage stance × Lower courts in the US have ruled in the state of Colorado’s favour so far. But the concerned website designer has put her case up in front of the US top court asking for the reversal of the binding observations of the lower courts. The US Supreme Court’s final decision is expected next year. What did the Justices say? Justice Ketanji Brown posed a hypothetical story to assert the tricky nature of the hearing. Brown said that a photographer in a mall wants to take old time photos of Christmas scenes from the 1940s and 1950s and in those scenes, he only wants to take photos of white children and not kids of colour. “Would that photographer be allowed to do that?,” Justice Brown asked. The second Justice Elena Kagan said that she had a hard time picturing how a state could require hypothetically, a web designer, like Smith, to create all kinds of wedding websites. “A gay couple walks in and says, I’d like the standard website, everything standard, but I want something in addition to that, I want the homepage, the website, to say ‘God blesses this union,’ and Ms. Smith says this is a problem,” Kagan said, according to a US Supreme Court brief. “I don’t know, I think that is kind of different.” What is the overall tilt of the US top court's opinion? The conservative justices indicated support for Smith's view that businesses offering creative services like web design are protected by the US Constitution's First Amendment guarantee against government abridgment of free speech from being forced to express messages through their work that they oppose. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority. Public accommodations laws exist in many states, banning discrimination in areas such as housing, hotels, retail businesses, restaurants and educational institutions. ALSO READ - Roe vs Wade reversed, US Supreme Court ends constitutional right to abortion The case gives the Supreme Court's conservatives another chance to exert their power following major recent rulings curbing abortion rights and expanding gun and religious rights. 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 Supreme Court looks to favour web designer's anti-gay marriage stance

<p>Japan on Monday confirmed 47,621 new COVID-19 cases, down from 88,752 on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Capital Tokyo reported 5,388 new cases, down from 10,454 on Sunday.</p>

<p>The decline in COVID-19 cases on a day-to-day basis is reportedly sharp because of less tests conducted over the weekend, multiple Tokyo-based papers reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official figures said that 117 people lost their lives to Covid-related sickness on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/japan-reopens-for-tourists-after-two-and-a-half-years-of-covid-19-restrictions-524437">Japan reopens for tourists after two-and-a-half years of Covid restrictions</a></strong></p>

<p>Japan last week entered the eighth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. This reportedly marks a period where "high-risk behaviours" should be controlled based on the "judgement of each individual", according to Japan Medical Association.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-wants-further-probe-into-covid-19-origins-374525">Japan wants further probe into COVID-19 origins</a></strong></p>

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<p>"As medical resources are limited, a sharp increase in COVID-19 patients would put a strain on the health care system," Satoshi Kamayachi, an executive board member of Japan Medical Association, said at a press conference.</p>

<p>At the same time, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that lapses in strategies to tackle COVID-19 this year continue to create the perfect conditions for a deadly new variant to emerge. “Gaps in testing and vaccination are continuing to create the perfect conditions for a new variant of concern to emerge that could cause significant mortality,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Japan's October household spending rose by a real 1.2 per cent for the fifth consecutive month after people spent more on travelling after the government lifted Covid-related restrictions and introduced a subsidy program to revive domestic tourism, government data showed on Tuesday.</p>

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Japan on Monday confirmed 47,621 new COVID-19 cases, down from 88,752 on Sunday. Capital Tokyo reported 5,388 new cases, down from 10,454 on Sunday. The decline in COVID-19 cases on a day-to-day basis is reportedly sharp because of less tests conducted over the weekend, multiple Tokyo-based papers reported.

Japan on Monday confirmed 47,621 new COVID-19 cases, down from 88,752 on Sunday. Capital Tokyo reported 5,388 new cases, down from 10,454 on Sunday. The decline in COVID-19 cases on a day-to-day basis is reportedly sharp because of less tests conducted over the weekend, multiple Tokyo-based papers reported. The official figures said that 117 people lost their lives to Covid-related sickness on Monday. ALSO READ - Japan reopens for tourists after two-and-a-half years of Covid restrictions Japan last week entered the eighth wave of the coronavirus pandemic. This reportedly marks a period where "high-risk behaviours" should be controlled based on the "judgement of each individual", according to Japan Medical Association. WATCH - Japan wants further probe into COVID-19 origins × "As medical resources are limited, a sharp increase in COVID-19 patients would put a strain on the health care system," Satoshi Kamayachi, an executive board member of Japan Medical Association, said at a press conference. At the same time, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that lapses in strategies to tackle COVID-19 this year continue to create the perfect conditions for a deadly new variant to emerge. “Gaps in testing and vaccination are continuing to create the perfect conditions for a new variant of concern to emerge that could cause significant mortality,” he said. Meanwhile, Japan's October household spending rose by a real 1.2 per cent for the fifth consecutive month after people spent more on travelling after the government lifted Covid-related restrictions and introduced a subsidy program to revive domestic tourism, government data showed on Tuesday. 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.

Japan confirms over 47,000 new Covid cases as country battles eighth wave of pandemic

<p>The value of office spaces in London may drop dramatically in the next two to three years as&nbsp;work from home and downsizing of the company workforces get underway, investment bank Citi said this week.</p>

<p>In a note to clients on Monday rating office landlord giant Land Securities, Citi’s real estate analyst team&nbsp;said that "recessionary impacts on higher unemployment and continued work-from-home office shrinkage"&nbsp;will drive down office values in the U.K.’s capital by 38 per cent.</p>

<p>“We estimate historical levels of London office unemployment and a work-from-home estimate of 26 per cent&nbsp;of space loss spread over 15 years. This drives our vacancy rate estimates up 6 percentage points,” the team said in the note.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Land Securities has reportedly&nbsp;taken an approximate 60 per cent&nbsp;hit to the valuation of its retail property and will drop a further 17 per cent, Citi's forecast said. Reports said that it is a question of when, not if, the recession will impact the commercial property sector.</p>

<p>“Once the down cycle has been triggered – which we believe occurred when rates crossed into recession driving territory through and post the summer of this year – it then comes to the decision of how deep and for how long,” Aaron Guy, the team leader of Citi's analyst team that gave the estimate, was quoted as saying by&nbsp;<em>Market Watch.</em></p>

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<p>Guy added that office block landlords will have to decrease rents by 43 per cent&nbsp;over the next four years and in past economic cycles.</p>

<p>Responding to the rent decline, office blocks will have to sell for over 40 per cent&nbsp;below than current market values to make an “investible return” in a deal today, the note said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/part-time-jobs-skipped-meals-indian-students-in-uk-battle-to-stay-afloat-535104">Part-time jobs, skipped meals: Indian students in UK battle to stay afloat</a></strong></p>

<p>In the next decade, the team added that the commercial property sector could see a 32 per cent recovery in rent values as the “nature of a downturn” means some stimulus into the economy will put a time limit on rent declines.</p>

<p>“As we stand today, we would expect the length of the downturn to be tied in large part to how long it takes for inflation to decline,” Guy said.</p>

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The value of office spaces in London may drop dramatically in the next two to three years as work from home and downsizing of the company workforces get underway, investment bank Citi said this week.

The value of office spaces in London may drop dramatically in the next two to three years as work from home and downsizing of the company workforces get underway, investment bank Citi said this week. In a note to clients on Monday rating office landlord giant Land Securities, Citi’s real estate analyst team said that "recessionary impacts on higher unemployment and continued work-from-home office shrinkage" will drive down office values in the U.K.’s capital by 38 per cent. “We estimate historical levels of London office unemployment and a work-from-home estimate of 26 per cent of space loss spread over 15 years. This drives our vacancy rate estimates up 6 percentage points,” the team said in the note. Land Securities has reportedly taken an approximate 60 per cent hit to the valuation of its retail property and will drop a further 17 per cent, Citi's forecast said. Reports said that it is a question of when, not if, the recession will impact the commercial property sector. “Once the down cycle has been triggered – which we believe occurred when rates crossed into recession driving territory through and post the summer of this year – it then comes to the decision of how deep and for how long,” Aaron Guy, the team leader of Citi's analyst team that gave the estimate, was quoted as saying by Market Watch. × Guy added that office block landlords will have to decrease rents by 43 per cent over the next four years and in past economic cycles. Responding to the rent decline, office blocks will have to sell for over 40 per cent below than current market values to make an “investible return” in a deal today, the note said. ALSO READ - Part-time jobs, skipped meals: Indian students in UK battle to stay afloat In the next decade, the team added that the commercial property sector could see a 32 per cent recovery in rent values as the “nature of a downturn” means some stimulus into the economy will put a time limit on rent declines. “As we stand today, we would expect the length of the downturn to be tied in large part to how long it takes for inflation to decline,” Guy 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.

London office values to fall by 38 per cent in next 2-3 years: Report

<p>For assembly elections in India’s western state of Gujarat and northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the numbers are in and the verdict will be out on December 8. Prior to that, the informed guesswork on who will claim the power in these states concluded on the evening of December 5 in the form of Exit Polls.</p>

<p>While the most Exit Polls concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party will retain the power in both the states, they also asserted that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will gain significant vote share translating into enough number of seats required to claim the status of a national party.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-2022-as-servant-of-people-modi-seeks-another-bjp-term-536849">Gujarat Elections 2022: As 'servant of people', Modi seeks another BJP term</a></strong></p>

<p>The projections vary to as many as 21 seats and as few as 1 seat of 182 assembly seats in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p><strong>AAP may become national party on Dec 8</strong></p>

<p>Aam Aadmi Party requires just two seats to claim the National Party status in India and the Exit Poll projections make it imminent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Election Commission (EC), political parties are listed as “national party”, “state party” or “registered (unrecognised) party”. The conditions for being listed as a national or a state party are specified under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.</p>

<p>To be a national party, according to India’s Election Commission’s rules,a party has to fulfil any of the three following conditions: they should win two per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states or it should poll six per cent of the total votes in an Assembly election. In addition, they must have four Lok Sabha seats and it should be recognised as a state party in at least four states.</p>

<p><strong>What does being a National Party mean in India?</strong></p>

<p>Once recognised as a national party, it is entitled to a reserved symbol for its candidates from across the country.</p>

<p>Besides, candidates are entitled to get dedicated broadcast slots on public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio during the general elections.</p>

<p>A ‘national party’ also gets the benefit of having a maximum of 40 ‘star campaigners’ during a general election. The ‘national party’ status also means a government bungalow in New Delhi for its national president and office space at a subsidised rate in the national capital.</p>

<p>At present, India’s Election Commission recognises eight outfits as national parties — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the National People’s Party (NPP).</p>


For assembly elections in India’s western state of Gujarat and northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the numbers are in and the verdict will be out on December 8. Prior to that, the informed guesswork on who will claim the power in these states concluded on the evening of December 5 in the form of Exit Polls.

For assembly elections in India’s western state of Gujarat and northern state of Himachal Pradesh, the numbers are in and the verdict will be out on December 8. Prior to that, the informed guesswork on who will claim the power in these states concluded on the evening of December 5 in the form of Exit Polls. While the most Exit Polls concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party will retain the power in both the states, they also asserted that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will gain significant vote share translating into enough number of seats required to claim the status of a national party. ALSO READ - Gujarat Elections 2022: As 'servant of people', Modi seeks another BJP term The projections vary to as many as 21 seats and as few as 1 seat of 182 assembly seats in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AAP may become national party on Dec 8 Aam Aadmi Party requires just two seats to claim the National Party status in India and the Exit Poll projections make it imminent. According to the Election Commission (EC), political parties are listed as “national party”, “state party” or “registered (unrecognised) party”. The conditions for being listed as a national or a state party are specified under the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. To be a national party, according to India’s Election Commission’s rules,a party has to fulfil any of the three following conditions: they should win two per cent of seats in the Lok Sabha from at least three different states or it should poll six per cent of the total votes in an Assembly election. In addition, they must have four Lok Sabha seats and it should be recognised as a state party in at least four states. What does being a National Party mean in India? Once recognised as a national party, it is entitled to a reserved symbol for its candidates from across the country. Besides, candidates are entitled to get dedicated broadcast slots on public broadcasters Doordarshan and All India Radio during the general elections. A ‘national party’ also gets the benefit of having a maximum of 40 ‘star campaigners’ during a general election. The ‘national party’ status also means a government bungalow in New Delhi for its national president and office space at a subsidised rate in the national capital. At present, India’s Election Commission recognises eight outfits as national parties — the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the National People’s Party (NPP).

On Dec 8, India may get its ninth national party

<p>A suspect from a refugee shelter in Germany was arrested for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl in a knife attack and seriously injuring another 13-year-old girl. The crime reportedly took place when the girls were walking to their school in Southern Germany's Illerkirchberg on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accused remains unnamed but has been limitedly identified as a 27-year-old asylum seeker from Eritrea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police say the suspect came out of a refugee shelter in the village of Illerkirchberg on Monday morning and attacked the girls. The older girl later died in hospital.</p>

<p>Officers searched a nearby building and found the accused&nbsp;with a knife they suspect was used in the attack. Two other men were also detained, DW News reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suspect is under police guard in hospital where he is reportedly being treated for an unspecified injury.</p>

<p>Germany's interior minister Nancy Faeser said the "terrible news" had shaken her and hoped that the injured girl would recover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I mourn the girl who was killed and sincerely hope that the injured girl will recover. My thoughts are with their families at this time. The police are investigating all the backgrounds with high pressure," Faeser wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, police urged the public not to use the incident to stoke suspicion of foreigners or asylum seekers. "Everything connected to this is completely unclear so far," police spokesman Wolfgang Juergens told reporters.</p>

<p>The 13-year-old girl is recovering from her injuries, which are not life threatening, local media reported.</p>

<p>Illerkirchberg is a small town with a population of less than 5,000 according to the 2015 census. Mayor Markus Haeussler said everyone in the town was in shock after Monday's knife attack.&nbsp;</p>

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A suspect from a refugee shelter in Germany was arrested for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl in a knife attack and seriously injuring another 13-year-old girl.

A suspect from a refugee shelter in Germany was arrested for allegedly killing a 14-year-old girl in a knife attack and seriously injuring another 13-year-old girl. The crime reportedly took place when the girls were walking to their school in Southern Germany's Illerkirchberg on Monday. The accused remains unnamed but has been limitedly identified as a 27-year-old asylum seeker from Eritrea. Police say the suspect came out of a refugee shelter in the village of Illerkirchberg on Monday morning and attacked the girls. The older girl later died in hospital. Officers searched a nearby building and found the accused with a knife they suspect was used in the attack. Two other men were also detained, DW News reported. The suspect is under police guard in hospital where he is reportedly being treated for an unspecified injury. Germany's interior minister Nancy Faeser said the "terrible news" had shaken her and hoped that the injured girl would recover. "I mourn the girl who was killed and sincerely hope that the injured girl will recover. My thoughts are with their families at this time. The police are investigating all the backgrounds with high pressure," Faeser wrote on Twitter. In a statement, police urged the public not to use the incident to stoke suspicion of foreigners or asylum seekers. "Everything connected to this is completely unclear so far," police spokesman Wolfgang Juergens told reporters. The 13-year-old girl is recovering from her injuries, which are not life threatening, local media reported. Illerkirchberg is a small town with a population of less than 5,000 according to the 2015 census. Mayor Markus Haeussler said everyone in the town was in shock after Monday's knife attack. 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.

Germany: Asylum-seeker arrested after schoolgirl killed in knife attack

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