At least 140 weapons were surrendered at different locations across Manipur after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made an appeal to the residents during his recent visit to the state, the police said on Friday.

The surrendered weapons included SLR 29, Carbine, AK, INSAS Rifle, INSAS LMG, .303 Rifle, 9mm pistol, .32 pistol, M16 rifle, smoke gun and tear gas, local made pistol, stengun, modified rifle, JVP and a grenade launcher, reported ANI citing Manipur police.

The police said that the situation now is normal in most parts of the state and that the curfew has been relaxed for 12 hours (from 5 am to 5 pm) in Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur; eight hours (between 8 am and 4 pm) in Jiribam; seven hours (between 5 am and 12 pm in Thoubal and Kakching; 10 hours (between 5 am and 3 pm) in Churachandpur and Chandel; eight hours (from 6 am to 2 pm) in Tengnoupal; 11 hours (from 6 am to 5 pm) in Kangpokpi; and 12 hours (from 6 am to 6 pm in Pherzawl.

"There is no curfew in Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul and Kamjong," the police added.

This came after Amit Shah addressed a press conference in the capital city of Imphal on the conclusion of his four-day visit to Manipur and made an appeal to all the people to maintain peace, promote harmony, hold discussions, and surrender their weapons to the police.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Those who have arms should surrender them at the earliest. 
 
Anyone found spreading unrest in Manipur will be dealt with strictly. <a href="https://t.co/QmAncU9WXm">pic.twitter.com/QmAncU9WXm</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1664220788139098114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

He threatened strict action against the ones possessing weapons during a combing operation by the police.

He paid condolences to the families of the ones who lost their lives in the violence-torn state and also appealed to the people to not pay heed to rumours.

"The violence between two groups started in Manipur on April 29 after a decision given by the court. For the last six years, Manipur has been free from bandh, blockade, curfew and violence and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the double-engine government of Manipur has achieved unprecedented progress in all parameters of development in the state," he said.

He added that the past six years have been the years of development and peace in Manipur.

"A number of initiatives have been taken including opening central institutions in the region, strengthening the infrastructure, bringing industrial investment, making Manipur education and sports hub of the Northeast by smoothly running the educational institutions," Shah had said on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least 140 weapons were surrendered at different locations across Manipur after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made an appeal to the residents during his recent visit to the state, the police said on Friday.

At least 140 weapons were surrendered at different locations across Manipur after Union Home Minister Amit Shah made an appeal to the residents during his recent visit to the state, the police said on Friday. The surrendered weapons included SLR 29, Carbine, AK, INSAS Rifle, INSAS LMG, .303 Rifle, 9mm pistol, .32 pistol, M16 rifle, smoke gun and tear gas, local made pistol, stengun, modified rifle, JVP and a grenade launcher, reported ANI citing Manipur police. The police said that the situation now is normal in most parts of the state and that the curfew has been relaxed for 12 hours (from 5 am to 5 pm) in Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur; eight hours (between 8 am and 4 pm) in Jiribam; seven hours (between 5 am and 12 pm in Thoubal and Kakching; 10 hours (between 5 am and 3 pm) in Churachandpur and Chandel; eight hours (from 6 am to 2 pm) in Tengnoupal; 11 hours (from 6 am to 5 pm) in Kangpokpi; and 12 hours (from 6 am to 6 pm in Pherzawl. "There is no curfew in Tamenglong, Noney, Senapati, Ukhrul and Kamjong," the police added. This came after Amit Shah addressed a press conference in the capital city of Imphal on the conclusion of his four-day visit to Manipur and made an appeal to all the people to maintain peace, promote harmony, hold discussions, and surrender their weapons to the police. Those who have arms should surrender them at the earliest. Anyone found spreading unrest in Manipur will be dealt with strictly. pic.twitter.com/QmAncU9WXm — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 1, 2023 × He threatened strict action against the ones possessing weapons during a combing operation by the police. He paid condolences to the families of the ones who lost their lives in the violence-torn state and also appealed to the people to not pay heed to rumours. "The violence between two groups started in Manipur on April 29 after a decision given by the court. For the last six years, Manipur has been free from bandh, blockade, curfew and violence and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister N Biren Singh, the double-engine government of Manipur has achieved unprecedented progress in all parameters of development in the state," he said. He added that the past six years have been the years of development and peace in Manipur. "A number of initiatives have been taken including opening central institutions in the region, strengthening the infrastructure, bringing industrial investment, making Manipur education and sports hub of the Northeast by smoothly running the educational institutions," Shah had said on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

After Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s appeal, 140 weapons surrendered in Manipur, say cops

World Health Organization released a statement on Friday informing that Tanzania has declared an end of the deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, the cases o which were first reported in the month of March this year.

A total of nine cases, out of which eight were confirmed and one was probable, were recorded in the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever between 16 March to 30 April 2023, as per WHO. Among the confirmed cases, three had recovered. The virus had claimed the lives of six in the East African country.

The cases were reported from the Bukoba district, Kagera region.&nbsp;

Tanzania declared the end of the deadly virus outbreak after the last confirmed case of Marburg in the country tested negative on April 19, setting off the mandatory 42-day countdown to make the announcement, said WHO. &nbsp;

This was the first such outbreak in the country with a population of almost 62 million.

The Marburg virus is an extremely dangerous microbe that causes severe fever, which is often accompanied by organ failure and bleeding. This microbe is a part of the filoviridae family which also includes Ebola.&nbsp;

<h2>Marburg virus origin and earlier outbreaks</h2>

The uncommon virus was first discovered in 1967 after it simultaneously caused disease outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Seven people had died while conducting research on monkeys. Previous Marburg virus outbreaks and isolated cases have been reported in different countries of Africa, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

Two Marburg deaths were reported in Ghana in July 2022, along with the first cases in West Africa. In September, the outbreak was deemed to be over by the authorities. There have been past outbreaks and isolated cases in other countries of Africa as well, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.

<h2>Human-to-human transmission of the Marburg virus</h2>

Human-to-human transmission of the Marburg virus is possible through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. The contagion can spread in animals when they come in close proximity. The African fruit bat is considered the natural host of the Marburg virus disease, which carries it but doesn’t fall sick from it. The reason why the government of Equatorial Guinea has implemented lockdown and quarantine measures in the affected areas.

<h2>Treatment and cure of Ebola-like sickness</h2>

So far, no vaccines or anti-viral treatments have been approved to treat the Marburg virus infections. However, the World Health Organization says that rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids results in increased chances of survival of an infected individual.

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

World Health Organization released a statement on Friday informing that Tanzania has declared an end of the deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, the cases o which were first reported in the month of March this year.

World Health Organization released a statement on Friday informing that Tanzania has declared an end of the deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, the cases o which were first reported in the month of March this year. A total of nine cases, out of which eight were confirmed and one was probable, were recorded in the outbreak of haemorrhagic fever between 16 March to 30 April 2023, as per WHO. Among the confirmed cases, three had recovered. The virus had claimed the lives of six in the East African country. The cases were reported from the Bukoba district, Kagera region. Tanzania declared the end of the deadly virus outbreak after the last confirmed case of Marburg in the country tested negative on April 19, setting off the mandatory 42-day countdown to make the announcement, said WHO. This was the first such outbreak in the country with a population of almost 62 million. The Marburg virus is an extremely dangerous microbe that causes severe fever, which is often accompanied by organ failure and bleeding. This microbe is a part of the filoviridae family which also includes Ebola. Marburg virus origin and earlier outbreaks The uncommon virus was first discovered in 1967 after it simultaneously caused disease outbreaks in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Seven people had died while conducting research on monkeys. Previous Marburg virus outbreaks and isolated cases have been reported in different countries of Africa, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Two Marburg deaths were reported in Ghana in July 2022, along with the first cases in West Africa. In September, the outbreak was deemed to be over by the authorities. There have been past outbreaks and isolated cases in other countries of Africa as well, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda. Human-to-human transmission of the Marburg virus Human-to-human transmission of the Marburg virus is possible through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. The contagion can spread in animals when they come in close proximity. The African fruit bat is considered the natural host of the Marburg virus disease, which carries it but doesn’t fall sick from it. The reason why the government of Equatorial Guinea has implemented lockdown and quarantine measures in the affected areas. Treatment and cure of Ebola-like sickness So far, no vaccines or anti-viral treatments have been approved to treat the Marburg virus infections. However, the World Health Organization says that rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids results in increased chances of survival of an infected individual. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanzania declares end of deadly Marburg virus outbreak, says WHO

In a move to underline the revolutionary aspects and risks of artificial intelligence, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on Wednesday, delivered a speech to parliament that was partly written by the AI chatbot ChatGPT.

"What I have just read here is not from me. Or any other human for that matter,"&nbsp; Frederiksen suddenly said part-way into her speech to legislators, explaining it was written by ChatGPT.&nbsp;

"Even if it didn't always hit the nail on the head, both in terms of the details of the government's work programme and punctuation... it is both fascinating and terrifying what it is capable of,"&nbsp;the leader added.

The part of Frederiksen's speech framed by ChatGPT contained sentences like: "It has been an honour and a challenge to lead a broad government in the last parliamentary year."

"We have worked hard to co-operate across parties and ensure a strong and sustainable future for Denmark," and "We have taken steps to combat climate change and ensure a fairer and more inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities," were the other sentences written by ChatGPT.

"Although we have faced challenges and resistance along the way, I am proud of what we have achieved together in the last parliamentary year."

<h2>EU, US to release draft code of conduct on AI ‘within weeks’</h2>

European Union and the United States on Wednesday said they expect a draft code of conduct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be released “within weeks”, adding that they are hopeful fellow democracies and like-minded nations will subscribe to it.&nbsp;

The voluntary code “would be open to all like-minded countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after having discussions with EU officials in Sweden.

“There’s almost always a gap when new technologies emerge,” Blinken said, adding that there was time “for governments and institutions to figure out how to legislate or regulate.”

European Commission Vice President and tech chief Margrethe Vestager said the draft could be drawn up within weeks. She said, “We think it’s really important that citizens can see that democracies can deliver.” She voiced hope “to do that in the broadest possible circle, with our friends in Canada, in the UK, in Japan, in India, bringing as many onboard as possible.”

<h2>ChatGPT-maker OpenAI cites ‘existential threat’ in call for AI regulation</h2>

Asserting that an International Atomic Energy Agency equivalent would be required to safeguard humanity from the risks posed by fast-developing Artificial Intelligence, the makers of ChatGPT — OpenAI, have called for the regulation of 'superintelligent' AIs.

OpenAI co-founders Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever and the chief executive, Sam Altman, in a note published on the company's website, asked for an international regulator to begin working on ways to “inspect systems, require audits, test for compliance with safety standards, and place restrictions on degrees of deployment and levels of security” in order to reduce the “existential risk” such systems could pose.

“It’s conceivable that within the next 10 years, AI systems will exceed expert skill level in most domains, and carry out as much productive activity as one of today’s largest corporations,” the note read.&nbsp;

“In terms of both potential upsides and downsides, superintelligence will be more powerful than other technologies humanity has had to contend with in the past. We can have a dramatically more prosperous future, but we have to manage risk to get there. Given the possibility of existential risk, we can’t just be reactive.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a move to underline the revolutionary aspects and risks of artificial intelligence, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on Wednesday, delivered a speech to parliament that was partly written by the AI chatbot ChatGPT.

In a move to underline the revolutionary aspects and risks of artificial intelligence, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, on Wednesday, delivered a speech to parliament that was partly written by the AI chatbot ChatGPT. "What I have just read here is not from me. Or any other human for that matter," Frederiksen suddenly said part-way into her speech to legislators, explaining it was written by ChatGPT. "Even if it didn't always hit the nail on the head, both in terms of the details of the government's work programme and punctuation... it is both fascinating and terrifying what it is capable of," the leader added. The part of Frederiksen's speech framed by ChatGPT contained sentences like: "It has been an honour and a challenge to lead a broad government in the last parliamentary year." "We have worked hard to co-operate across parties and ensure a strong and sustainable future for Denmark," and "We have taken steps to combat climate change and ensure a fairer and more inclusive society where all citizens have equal opportunities," were the other sentences written by ChatGPT. "Although we have faced challenges and resistance along the way, I am proud of what we have achieved together in the last parliamentary year." EU, US to release draft code of conduct on AI ‘within weeks’ European Union and the United States on Wednesday said they expect a draft code of conduct on Artificial Intelligence (AI) might be released “within weeks”, adding that they are hopeful fellow democracies and like-minded nations will subscribe to it. The voluntary code “would be open to all like-minded countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said after having discussions with EU officials in Sweden. “There’s almost always a gap when new technologies emerge,” Blinken said, adding that there was time “for governments and institutions to figure out how to legislate or regulate.” European Commission Vice President and tech chief Margrethe Vestager said the draft could be drawn up within weeks. She said, “We think it’s really important that citizens can see that democracies can deliver.” She voiced hope “to do that in the broadest possible circle, with our friends in Canada, in the UK, in Japan, in India, bringing as many onboard as possible.” ChatGPT-maker OpenAI cites ‘existential threat’ in call for AI regulation Asserting that an International Atomic Energy Agency equivalent would be required to safeguard humanity from the risks posed by fast-developing Artificial Intelligence, the makers of ChatGPT — OpenAI, have called for the regulation of 'superintelligent' AIs. OpenAI co-founders Greg Brockman, Ilya Sutskever and the chief executive, Sam Altman, in a note published on the company's website, asked for an international regulator to begin working on ways to “inspect systems, require audits, test for compliance with safety standards, and place restrictions on degrees of deployment and levels of security” in order to reduce the “existential risk” such systems could pose. “It’s conceivable that within the next 10 years, AI systems will exceed expert skill level in most domains, and carry out as much productive activity as one of today’s largest corporations,” the note read. “In terms of both potential upsides and downsides, superintelligence will be more powerful than other technologies humanity has had to contend with in the past. We can have a dramatically more prosperous future, but we have to manage risk to get there. Given the possibility of existential risk, we can’t just be reactive.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivers speech partly written by ChatGPT

In what comes as a bombshell development, shocking details about disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have emerged. The latest files obtained by DailyMail.com claim that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, met with Epstein in the year 2010.&nbsp;

This was when the sexual offender was under house arrest.

The tainted financier's private calendars from March 2010 unveiled that he would accommodate the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Ferguson, to his schedule.

As per reports, at that time Epstein still had five months of house arrest left for admitting to committing the crime of soliciting a minor for prostitution.

He served 13-month imprisonment for the offence and was further designated as a registered sex offender.

Epstein told his assistant: 'Duchess anytime'.

Following DailyMail.com's examination of Epstein's files, the publication noted that the famous names and world leaders who were previously not linked to him also featured in his emails and calendar entries.

Photos shared by Epstein's driver and housekeeper in February and March 2010 show Fergie and Andrew visiting the financier's New York mansion.

The report raises fresh concerns over the nature of Epstein's relationship with Sarah Ferguson, also known by the nickname Fergie.

The Epstein files suggest that the American financer knew intimate details about Fergie and Andrew's finances and boasted about it in front of JP Morgan.

<h2>Epstein blackmailing Gates</h2>

Earlier this week, a Wall Street Journal report claimed that Gates met Antonova around 2009 when she was in her 20s and they engaged in a romantic relationship. The two were involved while Gates was still married to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates.

In a YouTube video from the same year, Antonova recounted playing in a tournament with Gates. “I didn’t beat him [Gates] but I tried to kick him with my leg," said Antonova.&nbsp;

Epstein met Antonova three years later in 2013 and paid for her to attend software coding school. She was looking for financial backers for a bridge academy and Boris Nikolic, a top adviser to Gates at the time, pointed her to Epstein.&nbsp;

Later, in 2017, Epstein, who had learned about the affair, brazenly emailed Gates and requested reimbursement for the course. It was an implicit yet subtle threat from Epstein that he knew about Gates' business.&nbsp;

“The tone of the message was that Epstein knew about the affair and could expose it, the people said,” the Journal reported, adding that a Gates spokesperson said that the Microsoft founder “had no financial dealings with Epstein.”

Antonova told the Journal that she did meet Epstein but did not know who he was at the time, thinking he was just a “successful businessman" who "wanted to help”. &nbsp;

“Epstein agreed to pay, and he paid directly to the school,” she added. “Nothing was exchanged. I don’t know why he did that."

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In what comes as a bombshell development, shocking details about disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have emerged. The latest files obtained by DailyMail.com claim that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, met with Epstein in the year 2010.

In what comes as a bombshell development, shocking details about disgraced paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have emerged. The latest files obtained by DailyMail.com claim that the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, met with Epstein in the year 2010. This was when the sexual offender was under house arrest. The tainted financier's private calendars from March 2010 unveiled that he would accommodate the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, Ferguson, to his schedule. As per reports, at that time Epstein still had five months of house arrest left for admitting to committing the crime of soliciting a minor for prostitution. He served 13-month imprisonment for the offence and was further designated as a registered sex offender. Epstein told his assistant: 'Duchess anytime'. Following DailyMail.com's examination of Epstein's files, the publication noted that the famous names and world leaders who were previously not linked to him also featured in his emails and calendar entries. Photos shared by Epstein's driver and housekeeper in February and March 2010 show Fergie and Andrew visiting the financier's New York mansion. The report raises fresh concerns over the nature of Epstein's relationship with Sarah Ferguson, also known by the nickname Fergie. The Epstein files suggest that the American financer knew intimate details about Fergie and Andrew's finances and boasted about it in front of JP Morgan. Epstein blackmailing Gates Earlier this week, a Wall Street Journal report claimed that Gates met Antonova around 2009 when she was in her 20s and they engaged in a romantic relationship. The two were involved while Gates was still married to his then-wife, Melinda French Gates. In a YouTube video from the same year, Antonova recounted playing in a tournament with Gates. “I didn’t beat him [Gates] but I tried to kick him with my leg," said Antonova. Epstein met Antonova three years later in 2013 and paid for her to attend software coding school. She was looking for financial backers for a bridge academy and Boris Nikolic, a top adviser to Gates at the time, pointed her to Epstein. Later, in 2017, Epstein, who had learned about the affair, brazenly emailed Gates and requested reimbursement for the course. It was an implicit yet subtle threat from Epstein that he knew about Gates' business. “The tone of the message was that Epstein knew about the affair and could expose it, the people said,” the Journal reported, adding that a Gates spokesperson said that the Microsoft founder “had no financial dealings with Epstein.” Antonova told the Journal that she did meet Epstein but did not know who he was at the time, thinking he was just a “successful businessman" who "wanted to help”. “Epstein agreed to pay, and he paid directly to the school,” she added. “Nothing was exchanged. I don’t know why he did that." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jeffrey Epstein's files reveal close ties to Duchess of York, calendar indicates meetings

To keep the power system of the country running amid soaring temperatures, Vietnam's capital city Hanoi has turned some street lights off partially to keep the national power system running.

The record rise in temperature has triggered a surge in the demand for air conditioning in some parts of the Southeast Asian nation.

As per local media reports, two-thirds of street lights were turned off after 11 pm, following which the parks in the city descended into total darkness.

The weather officials issued a warning that the country could be hit by a heatwave in the month of June.

Following the warning, several cities cut back on public lighting after state utility company Vietnam Electricity (EVN) said rising public demand for air conditioning could burden the national grid further.

"It's so harsh and hot outside that people have to wear protective clothing to cool down and not get burned," Reuters quoted Hanoi resident Tran Van Hung, 67, as saying on Monday (May 29).

"I am worried about a power shortage, which may badly impact us during the hot summer," Hanoi resident Do Tung Duong said while on a walk in the dim city centre.

Another resident, Vu Thi Hoa, told AFP she agreed with the measure to cut public lighting.

"We should turn off unnecessary electric equipment, especially the lights. It feels hotter if there are too many lights on," she said.

"We need power for fans and air conditioners. It will be terrible if there is a power cut."

In response to EVN's calls for power saving, Hanoi Public Lighting Company HAPULICO reduced the city's street lights.

Although some cuts are made to street lights every year, "the power saving scheme is in a wider area this year, covering 70 per cent of the city's public lighting system," HAPULICO deputy director Le Trung Kien told local media.

"We still ensure enough lighting for traffic, security and order."&nbsp;

The cuts may last until the end of August, said HAPULICO.

<h2>Vietnam reports record high temperatures of 44.1 degrees</h2>

Vietnam's northern and central regions are experiencing a heat wave, which has caused temperatures in some locations to reach a record 44.1 degree&nbsp;Celsius.

Low pressure advancing from the west and the Foehn effect are the reasons for the extreme temperatures over the past three days. The Fohn effect is a meteorological change from wet and cold conditions on one side of a mountain to warmer and drier conditions on the other side. There have been 39 to 43-degree temperature readings in about 15 different places.

The highest temperature was 42 degrees in the northwestern Son La Province and 43 degrees in the north-central Nghe An Province.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

To keep the power system of the country running amid soaring temperatures, Vietnam's capital city Hanoi has turned some street lights off partially to keep the national power system running.

To keep the power system of the country running amid soaring temperatures, Vietnam's capital city Hanoi has turned some street lights off partially to keep the national power system running. The record rise in temperature has triggered a surge in the demand for air conditioning in some parts of the Southeast Asian nation. As per local media reports, two-thirds of street lights were turned off after 11 pm, following which the parks in the city descended into total darkness. The weather officials issued a warning that the country could be hit by a heatwave in the month of June. Following the warning, several cities cut back on public lighting after state utility company Vietnam Electricity (EVN) said rising public demand for air conditioning could burden the national grid further. "It's so harsh and hot outside that people have to wear protective clothing to cool down and not get burned," Reuters quoted Hanoi resident Tran Van Hung, 67, as saying on Monday (May 29). "I am worried about a power shortage, which may badly impact us during the hot summer," Hanoi resident Do Tung Duong said while on a walk in the dim city centre. Another resident, Vu Thi Hoa, told AFP she agreed with the measure to cut public lighting. "We should turn off unnecessary electric equipment, especially the lights. It feels hotter if there are too many lights on," she said. "We need power for fans and air conditioners. It will be terrible if there is a power cut." In response to EVN's calls for power saving, Hanoi Public Lighting Company HAPULICO reduced the city's street lights. Although some cuts are made to street lights every year, "the power saving scheme is in a wider area this year, covering 70 per cent of the city's public lighting system," HAPULICO deputy director Le Trung Kien told local media. "We still ensure enough lighting for traffic, security and order." The cuts may last until the end of August, said HAPULICO. Vietnam reports record high temperatures of 44.1 degrees Vietnam's northern and central regions are experiencing a heat wave, which has caused temperatures in some locations to reach a record 44.1 degree Celsius. Low pressure advancing from the west and the Foehn effect are the reasons for the extreme temperatures over the past three days. The Fohn effect is a meteorological change from wet and cold conditions on one side of a mountain to warmer and drier conditions on the other side. There have been 39 to 43-degree temperature readings in about 15 different places. The highest temperature was 42 degrees in the northwestern Son La Province and 43 degrees in the north-central Nghe An Province. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Vietnam heatwave: Hanoi turns off street lights to save electricity amid soaring temperatures

A federal appeals court ruling, on Tuesday, cleared the way for billionaire owners of the Purdue Pharma group, the Sacklers' settlement of all civil legal claims over playing a part in the company’s prescription opioids business.

The court ruling provides the owners of the company with the comprehensive shield that it has been requesting for years.

The family will have to pay up to $6 billion as a settlement amount to resolve accusations that OxyContin maker and its owners were behind the tainted US&nbsp;opioid epidemic and to deal with the unremitting ravages of the opioid crisis.

According to legal experts, the new ruling will close the doors on Purdue’s fiercely contested bankruptcy restructuring, which started nearly four years ago.&nbsp;

As per a New York Times report, Purdue Pharma would be revamped into a new commodity, named Knoa Pharma, which will make medicines for addiction reversal and treatment and will also continue to produce other drugs, including OxyContin.

“It’s time to put this bankruptcy behind us. Victims have been waiting for too long to recover,” New York Times quoted Ryan Hampton, an advocate for opioid victims who served as the co-chairman of the Purdue creditor’s committee, as saying.

He added: “The system is far from perfect, but the true injustice will be if this victims’ settlement is held up any longer.”

But others said the Sacklers had received a significant pass. “Bankruptcy was not meant to be an alternative justice system for powerful corporations and their superrich owners. But that is the effect and perception when courts read the law to provide extraordinary protections well beyond what Congress authorized,” said Melissa B. Jacoby, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Judge Eunice C. Lee of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit found that the bankruptcy code allows corporate owners, who haven’t filed for personal bankruptcy, to receive liability protection under certain circumstances.

“Bankruptcy is inherently a creature of competing interests, compromises, and less than perfect outcomes,” she wrote. “Because of these defining characteristics, total satisfaction of all that is owed, whether in money or in justice, rarely occurs.”

<h2>Purdue calls the decision 'a victory'</h2>

After the ruling was issued, Pudue released a statement calling the decision “a victory for Purdue’s creditors, including the states, local governments and victims who overwhelmingly support the plan of reorganization.”

“Our focus going forward is to deliver billions of dollars of value for victim compensation, opioid crisis abatement and overdose rescue medicines,” the statement continued. “Our creditors understand the plan is the best option to help those who need it most, the fairest and expeditious way to resolve the litigation and the only way to deliver billions of dollars in value specifically to fund opioid crisis abatement efforts.”

The families issued a joint statement saying, “The Sackler families believe the long-awaited implementation of this resolution is critical to providing substantial resources for people and communities in need. We are pleased with the Court’s decision to allow the agreement to move forward and look forward to it taking effect as soon as possible.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A federal appeals court ruling, on Tuesday, cleared the way for billionaire owners of the Purdue Pharma group, the Sacklers' settlement of all civil legal claims over playing a part in the company’s prescription opioids business.

A federal appeals court ruling, on Tuesday, cleared the way for billionaire owners of the Purdue Pharma group, the Sacklers' settlement of all civil legal claims over playing a part in the company’s prescription opioids business. The court ruling provides the owners of the company with the comprehensive shield that it has been requesting for years. The family will have to pay up to $6 billion as a settlement amount to resolve accusations that OxyContin maker and its owners were behind the tainted US opioid epidemic and to deal with the unremitting ravages of the opioid crisis. According to legal experts, the new ruling will close the doors on Purdue’s fiercely contested bankruptcy restructuring, which started nearly four years ago. As per a New York Times report, Purdue Pharma would be revamped into a new commodity, named Knoa Pharma, which will make medicines for addiction reversal and treatment and will also continue to produce other drugs, including OxyContin. “It’s time to put this bankruptcy behind us. Victims have been waiting for too long to recover,” New York Times quoted Ryan Hampton, an advocate for opioid victims who served as the co-chairman of the Purdue creditor’s committee, as saying. He added: “The system is far from perfect, but the true injustice will be if this victims’ settlement is held up any longer.” But others said the Sacklers had received a significant pass. “Bankruptcy was not meant to be an alternative justice system for powerful corporations and their superrich owners. But that is the effect and perception when courts read the law to provide extraordinary protections well beyond what Congress authorized,” said Melissa B. Jacoby, a law professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Judge Eunice C. Lee of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit found that the bankruptcy code allows corporate owners, who haven’t filed for personal bankruptcy, to receive liability protection under certain circumstances. “Bankruptcy is inherently a creature of competing interests, compromises, and less than perfect outcomes,” she wrote. “Because of these defining characteristics, total satisfaction of all that is owed, whether in money or in justice, rarely occurs.” Purdue calls the decision 'a victory' After the ruling was issued, Pudue released a statement calling the decision “a victory for Purdue’s creditors, including the states, local governments and victims who overwhelmingly support the plan of reorganization.” “Our focus going forward is to deliver billions of dollars of value for victim compensation, opioid crisis abatement and overdose rescue medicines,” the statement continued. “Our creditors understand the plan is the best option to help those who need it most, the fairest and expeditious way to resolve the litigation and the only way to deliver billions of dollars in value specifically to fund opioid crisis abatement efforts.” The families issued a joint statement saying, “The Sackler families believe the long-awaited implementation of this resolution is critical to providing substantial resources for people and communities in need. We are pleased with the Court’s decision to allow the agreement to move forward and look forward to it taking effect as soon as possible.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Purdue Pharma's Sackler family to receive full immunity from opioid lawsuits, court rules

Elon Musk,&nbsp;on Tuesday, arrived in Beijing on an unannounced visit. This is his first trip to China in more than three years. He is expected to&nbsp;visit Tesla's Shanghai plant during his trip.&nbsp;

Musk met Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing after he landed, said the ministry.

Qin told Musk China was "committed to creating a better market-oriented, rule-of-law-based and internationalised business environment" for foreign enterprises, his ministry said on its website.

Musk in response said, "Tesla opposes 'decoupling and breaking chains', and is willing to continue to expand its business in China", according to the ministry's readout.

According to Beijing, on Tuesday, Qin and Musk discussed relations between China and the United States, with the Chinese foreign minister saying the two countries should "apply the brakes in a timely manner to avoid dangerous driving".

<h2>Musk's private jet lands in Beijing&nbsp;</h2>

As per a Reuters news agency witness, a private jet, which is used by Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk, landed in Beijing on Tuesday.

According to a flight aggregation website ADS-B Exchange, Musk’s private jet, a 2015 Gulfstream G650ER, was seen leaving Alaska before crossing over Japan and South Korea on Tuesday morning.

The jet with its identifying tail number could be seen at Beijing Capital International Airport on Tuesday, according to the Reuters witness.

After the United States, China is Tesla's second-largest market. The electric car company's Shanghai plant is its largest production hub.

Musk's visit to China would be the first after he took the internet by storm with his bizarre dance moves during a 2020 event at Tesla's plant in Shanghai.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> knows how to get down <a href="https://t.co/yIwcByxAuL">pic.twitter.com/yIwcByxAuL</a>
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) <a href="https://twitter.com/teslaownersSV/status/1632611010061430784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

This would also mark his first visit to the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

This also comes after Tesla is facing challenges including intense competition from Chinese automaker companies that are exporting their vehicles as demand in the world's largest auto market weakens.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Musk in a conversation with CNBC had said, "There are some constraints on our ability to expand in China." He added: "It's not a demand issue."

In the same interview, Musk said tensions between the United States and China "should be a concern for everyone."

<h2>Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble</h2>

Tesla has not yet entered India, the world's fifth-largest economy.&nbsp;

While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China.&nbsp;

In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one.&nbsp;

He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over."

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Elon Musk, on Tuesday, arrived in Beijing on an unannounced visit. This is his first trip to China in more than three years. He is expected to visit Tesla's Shanghai plant during his trip.

Elon Musk, on Tuesday, arrived in Beijing on an unannounced visit. This is his first trip to China in more than three years. He is expected to visit Tesla's Shanghai plant during his trip. Musk met Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Beijing after he landed, said the ministry. Qin told Musk China was "committed to creating a better market-oriented, rule-of-law-based and internationalised business environment" for foreign enterprises, his ministry said on its website. Musk in response said, "Tesla opposes 'decoupling and breaking chains', and is willing to continue to expand its business in China", according to the ministry's readout. According to Beijing, on Tuesday, Qin and Musk discussed relations between China and the United States, with the Chinese foreign minister saying the two countries should "apply the brakes in a timely manner to avoid dangerous driving". Musk's private jet lands in Beijing As per a Reuters news agency witness, a private jet, which is used by Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk, landed in Beijing on Tuesday. According to a flight aggregation website ADS-B Exchange, Musk’s private jet, a 2015 Gulfstream G650ER, was seen leaving Alaska before crossing over Japan and South Korea on Tuesday morning. The jet with its identifying tail number could be seen at Beijing Capital International Airport on Tuesday, according to the Reuters witness. After the United States, China is Tesla's second-largest market. The electric car company's Shanghai plant is its largest production hub. Musk's visit to China would be the first after he took the internet by storm with his bizarre dance moves during a 2020 event at Tesla's plant in Shanghai. .@elonmusk knows how to get down pic.twitter.com/yIwcByxAuL — Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) March 6, 2023 × This would also mark his first visit to the country since the COVID-19 pandemic. This also comes after Tesla is facing challenges including intense competition from Chinese automaker companies that are exporting their vehicles as demand in the world's largest auto market weakens. Earlier this month, Musk in a conversation with CNBC had said, "There are some constraints on our ability to expand in China." He added: "It's not a demand issue." In the same interview, Musk said tensions between the United States and China "should be a concern for everyone." Tesla's road to India and a Chinese stumble Tesla has not yet entered India, the world's fifth-largest economy. While Elon Musk has criticised what he said were India's high import taxes, India is averse to the idea of letting Tesla sell electric vehicles made in China. In April 2022, speaking at Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said that Tesla's proposition of "manufacturing in China and selling in India" cannot be an acceptable one. He said, "If Elon Musk is ready to manufacture in India, we have all the competencies and technology. Our request to him is to manufacture in India. India is a huge market, we have ports here. He could make in India and export all over." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tesla CEO Elon Musk lands in Beijing, meets Foreign Minister Qin Gang

On Monday, as many as eleven sports personalities, hailing from the north-eastern state of Manipur, which also includes some of the country's top Olympians, wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a four-day visit to the violence-hit state, urging him to take immediate action to restore "peace and normalcy" at the earliest in the state.

Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, who is among the ones to have signed the letter, has threatened to return the awards and medals if the Centre doesn't come up with a solution to the ongoing crisis as soon as possible.&nbsp;

The players have also further demanded to unblock the National Highway-2.

"The National Highway-2 has been blocked for weeks at several locations resulting in price rise of essential commodities... So, kindly unblock the highway at the earliest," is one of the eight demands mentioned in the letter.

The signatories to the letter include Padma Award winner weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian woman football team captain Bem Bem Devi and Boxer L Sarita Devi among others.

<h2>Amit Shah embarks on visit to Manipur&nbsp;</h2>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has embarked on his four-day visit to Manipur from Monday (May 29). According to Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, Shah would work towards ending the ethnic crisis and deliver justice to all people.&nbsp;

Last Thursday (May 25), Shah appealed to the state's residents to maintain peace, adding justice would be done with everyone.

"There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people for establishing peace," he added.

During his visit, on Tuesday, he held a discussion with the representatives of several civil society organisations in Imphal.&nbsp;

He took to Twitter and said that the discussion was fruitful and that the members said that they would work together to restore normalcy in the violence-torn state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the different Civil Society Organizations today in Imphal. They expressed their commitment to peace and assured that we would together contribute to paving the way to restore normalcy in Manipur. <a href="https://t.co/ao9b7pinGf">pic.twitter.com/ao9b7pinGf</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1663442498864271362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Fresh violence rocks Manipur</h2>

Manipur, which has seen ethnic violence for the past few weeks, reported fresh clashes on Sunday. Citing government officials, Indian media reports said that at least five people, including a police official, were killed and 12 others were injured. The fresh violence erupted in many parts of the state after militants carrying sophisticated weapons set fire to many houses in Serou and Sugunu areas.&nbsp;

The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people - a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. At least 60 people were killed and around 35,000 were displaced due to rioting and ethnic clashes.&nbsp;

<h2>40 tribal militants killed so far: Manipur CM</h2>

Hours after the fresh violence broke out, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that 40 tribal militants have been killed in a series of encounters with security forces so far.

Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Singh said, "Till now we have been able to eliminate five militants with combat dress at Kangpokpi at Yaingangpokpi, at Lamkhai, Sugnu and Torbung. The militants had AK47s, M16 rifles, and sniper guns. We took counter-defensive measures by retaliating when they turned to arson and attacked the houses of the common people. Till now, we have reports of around 40 militants have been eliminated."

Biren added the government took counter-defensive measures by retaliating when they turned to arson and attacked the houses of common people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

On Monday, as many as eleven sports personalities, hailing from the north-eastern state of Manipur, which also includes some of the country's top Olympians, wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a four-day visit to the violence-hit state, urging him to take immediate action to restore "peace and normalcy" at the earliest in the state.

On Monday, as many as eleven sports personalities, hailing from the north-eastern state of Manipur, which also includes some of the country's top Olympians, wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, who is on a four-day visit to the violence-hit state, urging him to take immediate action to restore "peace and normalcy" at the earliest in the state. Olympic medalist Mirabai Chanu, who is among the ones to have signed the letter, has threatened to return the awards and medals if the Centre doesn't come up with a solution to the ongoing crisis as soon as possible. The players have also further demanded to unblock the National Highway-2. "The National Highway-2 has been blocked for weeks at several locations resulting in price rise of essential commodities... So, kindly unblock the highway at the earliest," is one of the eight demands mentioned in the letter. The signatories to the letter include Padma Award winner weightlifter Kunjarani Devi, former Indian woman football team captain Bem Bem Devi and Boxer L Sarita Devi among others. Amit Shah embarks on visit to Manipur Union Home Minister Amit Shah has embarked on his four-day visit to Manipur from Monday (May 29). According to Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, Shah would work towards ending the ethnic crisis and deliver justice to all people. Last Thursday (May 25), Shah appealed to the state's residents to maintain peace, adding justice would be done with everyone. "There were clashes in Manipur after the verdict of a court. I will myself go to Manipur after few days and will stay there for three days and will talk to people for establishing peace," he added. During his visit, on Tuesday, he held a discussion with the representatives of several civil society organisations in Imphal. He took to Twitter and said that the discussion was fruitful and that the members said that they would work together to restore normalcy in the violence-torn state. Had a fruitful discussion with the members of the different Civil Society Organizations today in Imphal. They expressed their commitment to peace and assured that we would together contribute to paving the way to restore normalcy in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/ao9b7pinGf — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 30, 2023 × Fresh violence rocks Manipur Manipur, which has seen ethnic violence for the past few weeks, reported fresh clashes on Sunday. Citing government officials, Indian media reports said that at least five people, including a police official, were killed and 12 others were injured. The fresh violence erupted in many parts of the state after militants carrying sophisticated weapons set fire to many houses in Serou and Sugunu areas. The ethnic violence in Manipur started on May 3 when tribal groups, including the Kuki community, clashed with the ethnic majority of Meitei people - a non-tribal group, over economic benefits and quotas given to the tribes. At least 60 people were killed and around 35,000 were displaced due to rioting and ethnic clashes. 40 tribal militants killed so far: Manipur CM Hours after the fresh violence broke out, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that 40 tribal militants have been killed in a series of encounters with security forces so far. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Singh said, "Till now we have been able to eliminate five militants with combat dress at Kangpokpi at Yaingangpokpi, at Lamkhai, Sugnu and Torbung. The militants had AK47s, M16 rifles, and sniper guns. We took counter-defensive measures by retaliating when they turned to arson and attacked the houses of the common people. Till now, we have reports of around 40 militants have been eliminated." Biren added the government took counter-defensive measures by retaliating when they turned to arson and attacked the houses of common people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Manipur clashes: Top Indian Olympians write to home minister, threaten to return awards if peace not restored

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission.

Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni scripted history by becoming the first Saudi astronauts to go on a mission to the orbiting outpost.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, that was carrying the astronauts, made a parachute-assisted splashdown into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, after a 12-hour return flight and smouldering re-entry descent through Earth's atmosphere.

The splashdown was telecast&nbsp;live by a joint webcast presented by SpaceX and Axiom Space, which is the company behind the mission.

The Axiom 2 crew was led by 63-year-old Peggy Whitson, who is a retired NASA astronaut and also holds the US&nbsp;record for most time spent in orbit, with 665 days in space over three long-duration missions to the ISS, including ten spacewalks. She now serves as Axiom's director of human spaceflight.&nbsp;

"That was a phenomenal ride. We really enjoyed all of it," Whitson radioed to mission controllers after the capsule splashed down.

Ax-2's assigned pilot was 67-year-old John Shoffner. He is an aviator, race car driver and investor from Alaska.

Rounding off&nbsp;the crew as mission specialists were the first two astronauts from Saudi Arabia to fly aboard a private spacecraft - Ali Alqarni, 31, a fighter pilot for the Royal Saudi Air Force; and Rayyanah Barnawi, 34, a biomedical scientist in cancer stem-cell research.

<h2>Rayyanah Barnawi bids emotional farewell&nbsp;to space station</h2>

Taking to Twitter, Barnawi bid an emotional farewell to the space station saying, "Every story comes to an end".

"Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us," she wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
كلمات الوداع في نهاية رحلتنا العلمية <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B6%D8%A7%D8%A1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#نحو_الفضاء</a> 🛰 
دموع الفرح والإنجاز هي الختام فالحمدلله على التمام🙏🏼 
 
“Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us” 🙏🏼 
BYE <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> 🛰… <a href="https://t.co/XxQnGB9hXx">pic.twitter.com/XxQnGB9hXx</a>
— RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro_Rayyanah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro_Rayyanah/status/1663527128174829569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission?</h2>

Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission.

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut, along with a team of two Americans and two Saudis, returned safely to Earth on Tuesday night, after spending eight days on the International Space Station as a part of the historic research mission. Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali Al Qarni scripted history by becoming the first Saudi astronauts to go on a mission to the orbiting outpost. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, that was carrying the astronauts, made a parachute-assisted splashdown into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, after a 12-hour return flight and smouldering re-entry descent through Earth's atmosphere. The splashdown was telecast live by a joint webcast presented by SpaceX and Axiom Space, which is the company behind the mission. The Axiom 2 crew was led by 63-year-old Peggy Whitson, who is a retired NASA astronaut and also holds the US record for most time spent in orbit, with 665 days in space over three long-duration missions to the ISS, including ten spacewalks. She now serves as Axiom's director of human spaceflight. "That was a phenomenal ride. We really enjoyed all of it," Whitson radioed to mission controllers after the capsule splashed down. Ax-2's assigned pilot was 67-year-old John Shoffner. He is an aviator, race car driver and investor from Alaska. Rounding off the crew as mission specialists were the first two astronauts from Saudi Arabia to fly aboard a private spacecraft - Ali Alqarni, 31, a fighter pilot for the Royal Saudi Air Force; and Rayyanah Barnawi, 34, a biomedical scientist in cancer stem-cell research. Rayyanah Barnawi bids emotional farewell to space station Taking to Twitter, Barnawi bid an emotional farewell to the space station saying, "Every story comes to an end". "Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us," she wrote. كلمات الوداع في نهاية رحلتنا العلمية #نحو_الفضاء 🛰 دموع الفرح والإنجاز هي الختام فالحمدلله على التمام🙏🏼 “Every story comes to an end, and this is only the beginning of a new era for our country and our region.. thanks to everyone who have helped us” 🙏🏼 BYE @Space_Station 🛰… pic.twitter.com/XxQnGB9hXx — RAYYANAH BARNAWI (@Astro_Rayyanah) May 30, 2023 × Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission? Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Axiom-2 crew, including first Saudi Arabian woman in orbit, returns to Earth safely

Birmingham got its first British-Indian Lord Mayor after the local councillors of the West Midlands city of England chose Chaman Lal to represent it as its first citizen.

Lal was born in the village of Pakhowal in Hoshiarpur before he moved to the UK, where he served as a local councillor for many years.

He came to Birmingham with his mother in 1964 and has lived in the city ever since.

"It is a very proud moment for me and our family, as a son of an army officer born in India, but made in Birmingham," Lal said in his acceptance speech at a mayoral ceremony last week.

"I am an adopted Brummie, and I never thought that one day I would become the Lord Mayor of my adopted city. I would like to thank my fellow councillors for electing me as their first citizen and of our great city which happens to be the highest civic role entrusted to a serving councillor," he said.

Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, said: “By accepting this honour, I am very proud to be able to serve this great city as Lord Mayor.

“When I was first elected to the city council nearly 30 years ago, I never imagined that one day I would become Lord Mayor.

"It will be a huge privilege to serve this city as First Citizen, and I look forward to representing Birmingham locally, nationally and internationally over the coming year.

“I’m also keen to meet people from our diverse communities and will do all I can to support organisations and volunteer groups that help vulnerable residents, especially during the current cost of living crisis.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Birmingham?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Birmingham</a>'s first British-Indian Lord Mayor takes up office as First Citizen: <a href="https://twitter.com/BrumLordMayor?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrumLordMayor</a> Cllr Chaman Lal was invested as the city's new Lord Mayor at the council's AGM yesterday 
Read full story here 👉 <a href="https://t.co/FGnfSZybY2">https://t.co/FGnfSZybY2</a> <a href="https://t.co/4E30PRXPdO">pic.twitter.com/4E30PRXPdO</a>
— Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhamCityCouncil/status/1661333755582185473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"He believes in lifelong learning and continued his academic studies in economics and law on part-time degree courses at the local Polytechnic. He qualified as an engineer in electronics and became an apprentice with an electronics company. He progressed to becoming their youngest chief engineer in the service department and was later promoted to the post of manager of the service department," Birmingham City Council said.

"He has served many years on the West Midlands Transport Authority and has a keen interest in improving public transport. As Chair of the Transport Scrutiny Committee, he led several Task and Finish Groups including making the recommendations for the best e-ticketing solution for the WMPTA which led to the introduction of the contactless travel (Swift Card) in the West Midlands area," the local council noted.

<h2>British Sikh councillor creates history, becomes first turban-clad Lord Mayor of UK city</h2>

British-Sikh councillor, Jaswant Singh Birdi, based in Coventry, has created history by becoming the very first turban-clad Lord Mayor of the central England city.

He recently took charge as Lord Mayor with the official Chains of Office with his wife Krishna by his side as the Lord Mayoress.

“I am so proud to become Lord Mayor of my adopted home city,” said Birdi.

“It has given so much to myself and my family over the years and I will be honoured to show why I love it so much and to promote the city and the wonderful people who live here,” he said.

“As a Sikh, it also means so much that I will be wearing the Chains of Office and the turban. It will help show what a happy multicultural city we have and maybe inspire others as well,” he added.

Before taking charge as the Lord Mayor, he served as a local councillor in the city for 17 years, representing Bablake Ward for the past nine years, following two terms of office in the 1990s in the Hillfields Ward.

Besides being a councillor, Birdi has also been actively involved in setting up religious, social, and community projects in Coventry. 
&nbsp; 
In his role as Lord Mayor, and the ambassador of the city, his chosen charities for support for the year include Muscular Dystrophy Charity, the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity.

He has succeeded Councillor Kevin Maton in the role of Lord Mayor and Councillor Mal Mutton has been named the Deputy Lord Mayor for the coming year.&nbsp;

Previously, he served as Deputy Lord Mayor for the past 12 months and was presented with the Chains of Office at the Annual General Meeting at Coventry Cathedral last week. The ceremony was attended by members of his family.

<h2>Birdi's early life and Career</h2>

Jaswant Singh Birdi was born in Punjab and spent some time as a child in Kolkata, West Bengal before he moved to Coventry 60 years ago.

He emigrated with his parents to Kenya in East Africa in the mid-1950s, where he had his primary and secondary education and emigrated to the UK in the 60s to carry on with his further education.

The Coventry City Council took to its official Twitter handle and congratulated Birdi on taking charge as the Lord Mayor.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We're pleased to be able to announce that <a href="https://twitter.com/birdijaswant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@birdijaswant</a> is the new Lord Mayor of Coventry. 
 
Cllr Birdi was presented with the Chains of Office today at our AGM. 
 
You can read about Cllr Birdi's life, career and chosen charities on our website now: <a href="https://t.co/GPiQdteqSS">https://t.co/GPiQdteqSS</a> <a href="https://t.co/lYkVLAaEbx">pic.twitter.com/lYkVLAaEbx</a>
— Coventry City Council (@coventrycc) <a href="https://twitter.com/coventrycc/status/1659144364491145217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"We're pleased to be able to announce that&nbsp; @birdijaswant is the new Lord Mayor of Coventry. Cllr Birdi was presented with the Chains of Office today at our AGM," the tweet read.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Birmingham got its first British-Indian Lord Mayor after the local councillors of the West Midlands city of England chose Chaman Lal to represent it as its first citizen.

Birmingham got its first British-Indian Lord Mayor after the local councillors of the West Midlands city of England chose Chaman Lal to represent it as its first citizen. Lal was born in the village of Pakhowal in Hoshiarpur before he moved to the UK, where he served as a local councillor for many years. He came to Birmingham with his mother in 1964 and has lived in the city ever since. "It is a very proud moment for me and our family, as a son of an army officer born in India, but made in Birmingham," Lal said in his acceptance speech at a mayoral ceremony last week. "I am an adopted Brummie, and I never thought that one day I would become the Lord Mayor of my adopted city. I would like to thank my fellow councillors for electing me as their first citizen and of our great city which happens to be the highest civic role entrusted to a serving councillor," he said. Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal, said: “By accepting this honour, I am very proud to be able to serve this great city as Lord Mayor. “When I was first elected to the city council nearly 30 years ago, I never imagined that one day I would become Lord Mayor. "It will be a huge privilege to serve this city as First Citizen, and I look forward to representing Birmingham locally, nationally and internationally over the coming year. “I’m also keen to meet people from our diverse communities and will do all I can to support organisations and volunteer groups that help vulnerable residents, especially during the current cost of living crisis.” #Birmingham's first British-Indian Lord Mayor takes up office as First Citizen: @BrumLordMayor Cllr Chaman Lal was invested as the city's new Lord Mayor at the council's AGM yesterday Read full story here 👉 https://t.co/FGnfSZybY2 pic.twitter.com/4E30PRXPdO — Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) May 24, 2023 × "He believes in lifelong learning and continued his academic studies in economics and law on part-time degree courses at the local Polytechnic. He qualified as an engineer in electronics and became an apprentice with an electronics company. He progressed to becoming their youngest chief engineer in the service department and was later promoted to the post of manager of the service department," Birmingham City Council said. "He has served many years on the West Midlands Transport Authority and has a keen interest in improving public transport. As Chair of the Transport Scrutiny Committee, he led several Task and Finish Groups including making the recommendations for the best e-ticketing solution for the WMPTA which led to the introduction of the contactless travel (Swift Card) in the West Midlands area," the local council noted. British Sikh councillor creates history, becomes first turban-clad Lord Mayor of UK city British-Sikh councillor, Jaswant Singh Birdi, based in Coventry, has created history by becoming the very first turban-clad Lord Mayor of the central England city. He recently took charge as Lord Mayor with the official Chains of Office with his wife Krishna by his side as the Lord Mayoress. “I am so proud to become Lord Mayor of my adopted home city,” said Birdi. “It has given so much to myself and my family over the years and I will be honoured to show why I love it so much and to promote the city and the wonderful people who live here,” he said. “As a Sikh, it also means so much that I will be wearing the Chains of Office and the turban. It will help show what a happy multicultural city we have and maybe inspire others as well,” he added. Before taking charge as the Lord Mayor, he served as a local councillor in the city for 17 years, representing Bablake Ward for the past nine years, following two terms of office in the 1990s in the Hillfields Ward. Besides being a councillor, Birdi has also been actively involved in setting up religious, social, and community projects in Coventry. In his role as Lord Mayor, and the ambassador of the city, his chosen charities for support for the year include Muscular Dystrophy Charity, the Coventry Resource Centre for the Blind, and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Charity. He has succeeded Councillor Kevin Maton in the role of Lord Mayor and Councillor Mal Mutton has been named the Deputy Lord Mayor for the coming year. Previously, he served as Deputy Lord Mayor for the past 12 months and was presented with the Chains of Office at the Annual General Meeting at Coventry Cathedral last week. The ceremony was attended by members of his family. Birdi's early life and Career Jaswant Singh Birdi was born in Punjab and spent some time as a child in Kolkata, West Bengal before he moved to Coventry 60 years ago. He emigrated with his parents to Kenya in East Africa in the mid-1950s, where he had his primary and secondary education and emigrated to the UK in the 60s to carry on with his further education. The Coventry City Council took to its official Twitter handle and congratulated Birdi on taking charge as the Lord Mayor. We're pleased to be able to announce that @birdijaswant is the new Lord Mayor of Coventry. Cllr Birdi was presented with the Chains of Office today at our AGM. You can read about Cllr Birdi's life, career and chosen charities on our website now: https://t.co/GPiQdteqSS pic.twitter.com/lYkVLAaEbx — Coventry City Council (@coventrycc) May 18, 2023 × "We're pleased to be able to announce that @birdijaswant is the new Lord Mayor of Coventry. Cllr Birdi was presented with the Chains of Office today at our AGM," the tweet read. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

British-Indians script history by becoming Lord Mayors of Birmingham and Central England City

North Korea on Tuesday confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite by June 1. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor the military movements of the US and its allies in real-time.&nbsp;

The launch has spurred concerns from Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, which assert that this move by the country would transgress UN sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made designing such a satellite the top military priority for his government. He has personally examined it, approving its future launch.

The North's state Korean Central News Agency cited Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the ruling party's central military commission, as saying the "military reconnaissance satellite No. 1" would be "launched in June".

The statement said that the satellite, along with "various reconnaissance means due to be newly tested, are indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces."

<h2>North Korea informs Japan of its plan to launch satellite&nbsp;</h2>

North Korea, on Monday, informed Japan of its plan to launch what it calls a &nbsp;'satellite' &nbsp;between May 31 and June 11, said a Japanese coast guard official.

As per the Japanese officials, the launch is set to involve a ballistic projectile, according to a tweet from the prime minister's office, that alludes to a "ballistic missile that it (Pyongyang) describes as a satellite."

Analysts believe that North Korea is launching its military 'satellite' in an attempt to improve its surveillance technology and advance its ability to strike targets whenever a conflict occurs.

In a tweet, the Japanese prime minister's office said that PM Fumio Kishida has issued instructions "on North Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite".

He further urged North Korea to abstain and said he would work closely with allies.

"We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching," the prime minister's office said on Twitter, adding it would cooperate "with relevant countries such as the US&nbsp;and South Korea".

<h2>Japan puts missile defences on alert</h2>

After North Korea notified Japan of its plan to launch the satellite, it put its ballistic missile defences on alert and also vowed to knock down any missile that threatens its territory.

"We will take destructive measures against ballistic and other missiles that are confirmed to land in our territory," Japan's defence ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry said that the soldiers would be authorised to use Standard Missile SM-3 and Patriot Missile PAC-3 to destroy the missile in mid-air.

"Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a serious problem that threatens the safety of people," PM Kishida told reporters.&nbsp;

<h2>South Korea, US 'closely monitoring' situation</h2>

On Tuesday, South Korea's military released a statement saying that it was closely working with US&nbsp;intelligence authorities for “a possible provocation” from North Korea’s satellite launch.

North Korea will launch its first military reconnaissance satellite in June to monitor&nbsp;US&nbsp;military activities, its state media reported on Tuesday.

“South Korea and the US&nbsp;intelligence authorities are closely monitoring related movements in close cooperation and monitoring a possible provocation of the so-called satellites claimed by North Korea,” said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Han Sung-Keun, during a regular news briefing at the defence ministry.

<h2>Launch to be a crucial element in advancing the country's nuclear programme: Analysts</h2>

According to analysts, North Korea's first spy satellite, which it announced it will launch in June, will be a critical component in expanding the country's nuclear programme.

“If there is no military reconnaissance satellite, it is like operating a missile without sight. It (the satellite launch) is very essential and very important to operate nuclear missiles," Reuters quoted Hong Min, a senior fellow at the South's Korea Institute for National Unification, as saying.

"(North Korea) is expected to participate in Hangzhou Asian Games hosted by China in September, so they are trying to strengthen nuclear forces in their own ways until the first half of the year," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies said on the timing of the launch.

<h2>North Korea banned from using ballistic projectile technology by UN sanctions</h2>

A barge of UN sanctions has banned North Korea from using any projectile technology, which also includes Kim Jong Un's administration to "not conduct any further nuclear test or any launch using ballistic missile technology".

Pyongyang, which regularly defies these regulations describing them as a breach of its liberation, has test-fired multiple intercontinental ballistic projectiles already this year.&nbsp;

Though the country never gives an advance warning of its missile tests, as per experts, since the country considers itself a law-abiding global power, it has chosen to inform&nbsp;international authorities of planned satellite launches.&nbsp;

The issue is that the technology used for both satellite launches and ICBMs is "essentially the same," AFP quoted Choi Gi-il, professor of military studies at Sangji University, as saying.

<h2>Is this Pyongyang's first satellite launch?</h2>

According to the experts, North Korea does not have a functional satellite in space.

Pyongyang has launched five satellites since 1998, out of which, three failed immediately and two appeared to have been positioned into orbit.

Though, signals from the ones into orbit have never been independently detected, which indicates a possibility of those being in a non-functional state.

"Satellites launched by North Korea in the past were effectively ICBM tests disguised as normal satellites," An Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP.

"The upcoming launch is being advertised by Pyongyang as a state-of-the-art satellite," he said, adding it showed the North was eager to enter "the so-called 'military space era' before Seoul does".

<h2>Is this a race between the South and North?&nbsp;</h2>

Seoul's defence ministry told AFP that South Korea is yet to develop a satellite "specifically and solely for military purposes".

In response, "Kim Jong Un has likely increased pressure on his scientists and engineers to launch a North Korean spy satellite," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP.

It is doubtful North Korea "has the remote sensing technologies for a proper reconnaissance satellite. However, even a rudimentary eye in the sky could have military uses and would offer domestic political value for the Kim regime".

<h2>Will the launch be successful?</h2>

"North Korea is known to have failed a number of times," AFP quoted Choi of Sangji University as saying about ICBM's re-entry into the atmosphere.&nbsp;

However, "it is rumoured there was a transfer of know-how from Russia and China to the North, though it is not officially confirmed," he said.

"Even a failed satellite launch, like in 2016, shows North Korea's capability and intentions to develop longer-range ballistic missiles", the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said at the time.

"It is an attempt by Pyongyang to show it has the capability to keep Seoul's nuclear deterrent in check with a spy satellite. They are sending this message: 'We can see you through and strike anytime.'"

 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

North Korea on Tuesday confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite by June 1. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor the military movements of the US and its allies in real-time.

North Korea on Tuesday confirmed that it will launch a spy satellite by June 1. The country has said that the reconnaissance satellite is needed to monitor the military movements of the US and its allies in real-time. The launch has spurred concerns from Seoul, Tokyo and Washington, which assert that this move by the country would transgress UN sanctions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made designing such a satellite the top military priority for his government. He has personally examined it, approving its future launch. The North's state Korean Central News Agency cited Ri Pyong Chol, vice-chairman of the ruling party's central military commission, as saying the "military reconnaissance satellite No. 1" would be "launched in June". The statement said that the satellite, along with "various reconnaissance means due to be newly tested, are indispensable to tracking, monitoring... and coping with in advance in real time the dangerous military acts of the US and its vassal forces." North Korea informs Japan of its plan to launch satellite North Korea, on Monday, informed Japan of its plan to launch what it calls a 'satellite' between May 31 and June 11, said a Japanese coast guard official. As per the Japanese officials, the launch is set to involve a ballistic projectile, according to a tweet from the prime minister's office, that alludes to a "ballistic missile that it (Pyongyang) describes as a satellite." Analysts believe that North Korea is launching its military 'satellite' in an attempt to improve its surveillance technology and advance its ability to strike targets whenever a conflict occurs. In a tweet, the Japanese prime minister's office said that PM Fumio Kishida has issued instructions "on North Korea's notification about the launch of a ballistic missile that it describes as a satellite". He further urged North Korea to abstain and said he would work closely with allies. "We strongly urge North Korea to refrain from launching," the prime minister's office said on Twitter, adding it would cooperate "with relevant countries such as the US and South Korea". Japan puts missile defences on alert After North Korea notified Japan of its plan to launch the satellite, it put its ballistic missile defences on alert and also vowed to knock down any missile that threatens its territory. "We will take destructive measures against ballistic and other missiles that are confirmed to land in our territory," Japan's defence ministry said in a statement. The ministry said that the soldiers would be authorised to use Standard Missile SM-3 and Patriot Missile PAC-3 to destroy the missile in mid-air. "Even if it's described as a satellite, a launch using ballistic missile technology would be a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a serious problem that threatens the safety of people," PM Kishida told reporters. South Korea, US 'closely monitoring' situation On Tuesday, South Korea's military released a statement saying that it was closely working with US intelligence authorities for “a possible provocation” from North Korea’s satellite launch. North Korea will launch its first military reconnaissance satellite in June to monitor US military activities, its state media reported on Tuesday. “South Korea and the US intelligence authorities are closely monitoring related movements in close cooperation and monitoring a possible provocation of the so-called satellites claimed by North Korea,” said South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), Han Sung-Keun, during a regular news briefing at the defence ministry. Launch to be a crucial element in advancing the country's nuclear programme: Analysts According to analysts, North Korea's first spy satellite, which it announced it will launch in June, will be a critical component in expanding the country's nuclear programme. “If there is no military reconnaissance satellite, it is like operating a missile without sight. It (the satellite launch) is very essential and very important to operate nuclear missiles," Reuters quoted Hong Min, a senior fellow at the South's Korea Institute for National Unification, as saying. "(North Korea) is expected to participate in Hangzhou Asian Games hosted by China in September, so they are trying to strengthen nuclear forces in their own ways until the first half of the year," Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies said on the timing of the launch. North Korea banned from using ballistic projectile technology by UN sanctions A barge of UN sanctions has banned North Korea from using any projectile technology, which also includes Kim Jong Un's administration to "not conduct any further nuclear test or any launch using ballistic missile technology". Pyongyang, which regularly defies these regulations describing them as a breach of its liberation, has test-fired multiple intercontinental ballistic projectiles already this year. Though the country never gives an advance warning of its missile tests, as per experts, since the country considers itself a law-abiding global power, it has chosen to inform international authorities of planned satellite launches. The issue is that the technology used for both satellite launches and ICBMs is "essentially the same," AFP quoted Choi Gi-il, professor of military studies at Sangji University, as saying. Is this Pyongyang's first satellite launch? According to the experts, North Korea does not have a functional satellite in space. Pyongyang has launched five satellites since 1998, out of which, three failed immediately and two appeared to have been positioned into orbit. Though, signals from the ones into orbit have never been independently detected, which indicates a possibility of those being in a non-functional state. "Satellites launched by North Korea in the past were effectively ICBM tests disguised as normal satellites," An Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP. "The upcoming launch is being advertised by Pyongyang as a state-of-the-art satellite," he said, adding it showed the North was eager to enter "the so-called 'military space era' before Seoul does". Is this a race between the South and North? Seoul's defence ministry told AFP that South Korea is yet to develop a satellite "specifically and solely for military purposes". In response, "Kim Jong Un has likely increased pressure on his scientists and engineers to launch a North Korean spy satellite," Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP. It is doubtful North Korea "has the remote sensing technologies for a proper reconnaissance satellite. However, even a rudimentary eye in the sky could have military uses and would offer domestic political value for the Kim regime". Will the launch be successful? "North Korea is known to have failed a number of times," AFP quoted Choi of Sangji University as saying about ICBM's re-entry into the atmosphere. However, "it is rumoured there was a transfer of know-how from Russia and China to the North, though it is not officially confirmed," he said. "Even a failed satellite launch, like in 2016, shows North Korea's capability and intentions to develop longer-range ballistic missiles", the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said at the time. "It is an attempt by Pyongyang to show it has the capability to keep Seoul's nuclear deterrent in check with a spy satellite. They are sending this message: 'We can see you through and strike anytime.'" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explainer | North Korea set to launch 1st military spy satellite in June: What you should know

The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader who trained terrorists to carry out the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai has died while serving a sentence for terror financing in a Pakistani jail.

In the year 2012, the United Nations Security Council designated Abdul Salam Bhuttavi as a terrorist.

Several years later, in a terror financing case in August 2020, he was detained and charged with terror financing by Pakistan and convicted along with LeT founder Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law Abdul Rahman Makki.&nbsp;

As per the Hindustan Times report, late on Monday night, Bhuttavi's death was announced by several organisations affiliated with the terror group.

As per the announcements, Bhuttavi died on Monday afternoon in Pakistan’s Punjab province.&nbsp;

According to the reports, he died of a heart attack in a prison in Sheikhupura.&nbsp;

LeT’s front organisations also released a video allegedly showing the funeral of the 78-year-old terrorist that was held at the terror group’s centre at Muridke, near Lahore, on Tuesday morning.

When the US treasury department sanctioned Bhuttavi in September 2011, it said he had been responsible for fundraising, recruitment and indoctrination of LeT operatives for 20 years.

“Bhuttavi...helped prepare the operatives for the November 2008 Mumbai attacks by delivering lectures on the merits of martyrdom. Bhuttavi has issued fatwas authorising LeT/JuD’s militant operations, has instructed group leaders and members, and is responsible for LeT/JuD’s madrassah network,” the US treasury department said in a statement at the time, referring to the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for LeT.

In the year 2012, the United Nations Security Council designated Bhuttavi as a terrorist for being associated with al-Qaeda for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities” by LeT.

“Bhuttavi has served as the acting emir of Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jamaat-ud-Dawa (LeT/JuD) on at least two occasions.&nbsp;When Hafiz Saeed was detained days after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks and held until June 2009,&nbsp;Bhuttavi handled the group’s day-to-day functions during this period and made independent decisions on behalf of the organisation. Saeed was also detained in May 2002,” the Security Council notification said.

<h2>US court approves extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India</h2>

A US court has approved the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India. The authorities sought Rana for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.&nbsp;

New Delhi was expecting the decision&nbsp;last month.&nbsp;A&nbsp;source-based report mentioned that India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) was preparing to initiate the extradition proceedings against one of the main accused in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in 2008.&nbsp;

India had filed a complaint on June 10, 2020, and had sought the provisional arrest of the 62-year-old with a view towards extradition. The request for the extradition of Rana to India was supported and approved by the Biden Administration.&nbsp;

Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, US Magistrate Judge of the US District Court Central District of California, said, "The Court has reviewed and considered all of the documents submitted in support of and in opposition to the Request, and has considered the arguments presented at the hearing."&nbsp;

The 48-page court order dated May 16 was released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The judge further wrote: "Based on such review and consideration and for the reasons discussed herein, the Court makes the findings set forth below, and CERTIFIES to the Secretary of State of the United States the extractability of Rana on the charged offences that are the subject of the request."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader who trained terrorists to carry out the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai has died while serving a sentence for terror financing in a Pakistani jail.

The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader who trained terrorists to carry out the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai has died while serving a sentence for terror financing in a Pakistani jail. In the year 2012, the United Nations Security Council designated Abdul Salam Bhuttavi as a terrorist. Several years later, in a terror financing case in August 2020, he was detained and charged with terror financing by Pakistan and convicted along with LeT founder Hafiz Saeed’s brother-in-law Abdul Rahman Makki. As per the Hindustan Times report, late on Monday night, Bhuttavi's death was announced by several organisations affiliated with the terror group. As per the announcements, Bhuttavi died on Monday afternoon in Pakistan’s Punjab province. According to the reports, he died of a heart attack in a prison in Sheikhupura. LeT’s front organisations also released a video allegedly showing the funeral of the 78-year-old terrorist that was held at the terror group’s centre at Muridke, near Lahore, on Tuesday morning. When the US treasury department sanctioned Bhuttavi in September 2011, it said he had been responsible for fundraising, recruitment and indoctrination of LeT operatives for 20 years. “Bhuttavi...helped prepare the operatives for the November 2008 Mumbai attacks by delivering lectures on the merits of martyrdom. Bhuttavi has issued fatwas authorising LeT/JuD’s militant operations, has instructed group leaders and members, and is responsible for LeT/JuD’s madrassah network,” the US treasury department said in a statement at the time, referring to the Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for LeT. In the year 2012, the United Nations Security Council designated Bhuttavi as a terrorist for being associated with al-Qaeda for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities” by LeT. “Bhuttavi has served as the acting emir of Lashkar-e-Taiba/Jamaat-ud-Dawa (LeT/JuD) on at least two occasions. When Hafiz Saeed was detained days after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks and held until June 2009, Bhuttavi handled the group’s day-to-day functions during this period and made independent decisions on behalf of the organisation. Saeed was also detained in May 2002,” the Security Council notification said. US court approves extradition of 26/11 attack accused Tahawwur Rana to India A US court has approved the extradition of Pakistani-origin Canadian businessman Tahawwur Rana to India. The authorities sought Rana for his involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. New Delhi was expecting the decision last month. A source-based report mentioned that India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) was preparing to initiate the extradition proceedings against one of the main accused in the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in 2008. India had filed a complaint on June 10, 2020, and had sought the provisional arrest of the 62-year-old with a view towards extradition. The request for the extradition of Rana to India was supported and approved by the Biden Administration. Judge Jacqueline Chooljian, US Magistrate Judge of the US District Court Central District of California, said, "The Court has reviewed and considered all of the documents submitted in support of and in opposition to the Request, and has considered the arguments presented at the hearing." The 48-page court order dated May 16 was released on Wednesday. The judge further wrote: "Based on such review and consideration and for the reasons discussed herein, the Court makes the findings set forth below, and CERTIFIES to the Secretary of State of the United States the extractability of Rana on the charged offences that are the subject of the request." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Lashkar-e-Taiba leader, who prepared terrorists for 26/11 Mumbai attack, dies in prison

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Navya Beri

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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