Israel has seized around 190 crypto accounts at crypto exchange Binance since 2021, including two it said were linked to Islamic State and dozens of others it said were owned by Palestinian firms connected to the Islamist Hamas group, documents released by the country's counter-terror authorities show.

Israel's National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF) on Jan. 12 confiscated two Binance accounts and their contents, one of the documents on the NBCTF's website showed. The seizure was to "thwart the activity" of Islamic State and "impair its ability to further its goals," the NBCTF said on its website.

The NBCTF document, which has not been previously reported, did not give any details on the value of the crypto seized, nor how the accounts were connected to Islamic State.

Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volumes, did not respond to Reuters' calls and emails seeking comment.

Israel's defence ministry, which is responsible for the NBCTF, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Under Israeli law, the country's defence minister can order the seizure and confiscation of assets that the ministry deems related to terrorism.

Regulators globally have long called for tighter controls on crypto exchanges to prevent illegal activities, from money laundering to the financing of terrorism. The seizures by Israel's NBCTF highlight how governments are targeting crypto companies in their efforts to prevent illegal activity.

Binance, founded in 2017 by CEO Changpeng Zhao, says on its website it reviews information requests from governments and law enforcement agencies on a case-by-case basis, disclosing information as legally required.

Binance has also said it checks users for connections to terrorism and has "continued to invest tremendous resources to enhance its compliance program," it told U.S. senators in March in response to their requests for information on Binance's regulatory compliance and finances.

<h2>MILITANT GROUP</h2>

Islamic State emerged in Syria after Iraq's civil war. At its 2014 peak, it controlled a third of Iraq and Syria, before being beaten back. Now forced underground, Islamic State militants continue to wage insurgent attacks.

The U.S. Treasury said in a report last year that Islamic State had received crypto donations it later converted to cash, accessing funds via crypto trading platforms. The Treasury did not specify which platforms and declined to comment for this article.

The owner of the two Islamic State-linked Binance accounts seized by Israel was a 28-year old Palestinian called Osama Abuobayda, the NBCTF document shows. Abuoyada did not respond to requests for comment via email addresses and a phone number listed in the NBCTF document.

In a series of investigations last year, Reuters reported that Binance intentionally kept weak anti-money laundering controls. Since 2017, Binance has processed over $10 billion in payments for criminals and companies seeking to evade U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported. Binance disputed the articles, calling the illicit-fund calculations inaccurate and the descriptions of its compliance controls "outdated."

Two men suspected by Germany of assisting an Islamist gunman who killed four people in Vienna in 2020 used Binance, a letter from German police to the company said. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Binance shared information with the police on the clients, its legal representatives said last year. Reuters could not independently establish this.

<h2>MONEY EXCHANGERS</h2>

Nearly all of the 189 Binance accounts seized by Israel since Dec. 2021 were owned by three Palestinian currency exchange firms, the NBCTF documents showed.

The three are designated by Israel as "terrorist organizations," according to a list on the NBCTF's website, for their alleged involvement in the transfer of funds by Hamas, which runs the Palestinian territory of Gaza.

Last month, the NBCTF said in a document it had seized crypto worth over 500,000 shekels ($137,870) from over 80 Binance accounts belonging to the three Gaza-based companies, Al Mutahadun For Exchange, Dubai Company for Exchange and Al Wefaq Co. For Exchange.

The accounts were the property of "terrorist organizations" or used for a "severe terror crime," the document said, without elaborating. Local media outlets in Israel previously reported the April seizures.

A person with direct knowledge of Al Mutahadun said it did not work "at all" with crypto or cooperate with Hamas. "We are a money exchange company. Israeli allegations are all lies and are foundless," the person said.

Al Mutahadun was designated as a "terrorist organisation" in May 2021 by Israel, the NBCTF list shows.

Al Wefaq and Dubai Co. did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment via email and WhatsApp.

Binance did not respond to Reuters' questions on the accounts owned by the three currency exchange companies.

Hamas does not have any connection with the money exchange companies, spokesperson Hazem Qassem said. The allegations of links to the companies were an attempt by Israel to "justify its economic war against Gaza and its people," Qassem said.

Hamas's armed wing said last week it would stop receiving funds in bitcoin after an increase in "hostile" activity against donors.

Binance, its CEO Zhao and its former compliance chief Samuel Lim are facing civil charges from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for "wilful evasion" of U.S. commodities laws.

Zhao has called the charges an "incomplete recitation of the facts."

In its complaint, the CFTC said Lim received information in 2019 on Hamas' transactions at Binance. Lim told a colleague that "terrorists" usually send small sums of funds, as "large sums constitute money laundering," according to the CFTC complaint.

Lim has not publicly responded to the charges. He did not respond to messages sent via Telegram seeking comment for this article.

&nbsp;

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Israel has seized around 190 crypto accounts at crypto exchange Binance since 2021, including two it said were linked to Islamic State and dozens of others it said were owned by Palestinian firms connected to the Islamist Hamas group, documents released by the country's counter-terror authorities show.

Israel has seized around 190 crypto accounts at crypto exchange Binance since 2021, including two it said were linked to Islamic State and dozens of others it said were owned by Palestinian firms connected to the Islamist Hamas group, documents released by the country's counter-terror authorities show. Israel's National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing (NBCTF) on Jan. 12 confiscated two Binance accounts and their contents, one of the documents on the NBCTF's website showed. The seizure was to "thwart the activity" of Islamic State and "impair its ability to further its goals," the NBCTF said on its website. The NBCTF document, which has not been previously reported, did not give any details on the value of the crypto seized, nor how the accounts were connected to Islamic State. Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange by trading volumes, did not respond to Reuters' calls and emails seeking comment. Israel's defence ministry, which is responsible for the NBCTF, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Under Israeli law, the country's defence minister can order the seizure and confiscation of assets that the ministry deems related to terrorism. Regulators globally have long called for tighter controls on crypto exchanges to prevent illegal activities, from money laundering to the financing of terrorism. The seizures by Israel's NBCTF highlight how governments are targeting crypto companies in their efforts to prevent illegal activity. Binance, founded in 2017 by CEO Changpeng Zhao, says on its website it reviews information requests from governments and law enforcement agencies on a case-by-case basis, disclosing information as legally required. Binance has also said it checks users for connections to terrorism and has "continued to invest tremendous resources to enhance its compliance program," it told U.S. senators in March in response to their requests for information on Binance's regulatory compliance and finances. MILITANT GROUP Islamic State emerged in Syria after Iraq's civil war. At its 2014 peak, it controlled a third of Iraq and Syria, before being beaten back. Now forced underground, Islamic State militants continue to wage insurgent attacks. The U.S. Treasury said in a report last year that Islamic State had received crypto donations it later converted to cash, accessing funds via crypto trading platforms. The Treasury did not specify which platforms and declined to comment for this article. The owner of the two Islamic State-linked Binance accounts seized by Israel was a 28-year old Palestinian called Osama Abuobayda, the NBCTF document shows. Abuoyada did not respond to requests for comment via email addresses and a phone number listed in the NBCTF document. In a series of investigations last year, Reuters reported that Binance intentionally kept weak anti-money laundering controls. Since 2017, Binance has processed over $10 billion in payments for criminals and companies seeking to evade U.S. sanctions, Reuters reported. Binance disputed the articles, calling the illicit-fund calculations inaccurate and the descriptions of its compliance controls "outdated." Two men suspected by Germany of assisting an Islamist gunman who killed four people in Vienna in 2020 used Binance, a letter from German police to the company said. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack. Binance shared information with the police on the clients, its legal representatives said last year. Reuters could not independently establish this. MONEY EXCHANGERS Nearly all of the 189 Binance accounts seized by Israel since Dec. 2021 were owned by three Palestinian currency exchange firms, the NBCTF documents showed. The three are designated by Israel as "terrorist organizations," according to a list on the NBCTF's website, for their alleged involvement in the transfer of funds by Hamas, which runs the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Last month, the NBCTF said in a document it had seized crypto worth over 500,000 shekels ($137,870) from over 80 Binance accounts belonging to the three Gaza-based companies, Al Mutahadun For Exchange, Dubai Company for Exchange and Al Wefaq Co. For Exchange. The accounts were the property of "terrorist organizations" or used for a "severe terror crime," the document said, without elaborating. Local media outlets in Israel previously reported the April seizures. A person with direct knowledge of Al Mutahadun said it did not work "at all" with crypto or cooperate with Hamas. "We are a money exchange company. Israeli allegations are all lies and are foundless," the person said. Al Mutahadun was designated as a "terrorist organisation" in May 2021 by Israel, the NBCTF list shows. Al Wefaq and Dubai Co. did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment via email and WhatsApp. Binance did not respond to Reuters' questions on the accounts owned by the three currency exchange companies. Hamas does not have any connection with the money exchange companies, spokesperson Hazem Qassem said. The allegations of links to the companies were an attempt by Israel to "justify its economic war against Gaza and its people," Qassem said. Hamas's armed wing said last week it would stop receiving funds in bitcoin after an increase in "hostile" activity against donors. Binance, its CEO Zhao and its former compliance chief Samuel Lim are facing civil charges from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for "wilful evasion" of U.S. commodities laws. Zhao has called the charges an "incomplete recitation of the facts." In its complaint, the CFTC said Lim received information in 2019 on Hamas' transactions at Binance. Lim told a colleague that "terrorists" usually send small sums of funds, as "large sums constitute money laundering," according to the CFTC complaint. Lim has not publicly responded to the charges. He did not respond to messages sent via Telegram seeking comment for this article. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel seized Binance crypto accounts to 'thwart' Islamic State, document shows

The United States Federal Trade Commission condemned tech giant Meta for misleading parents about protection for children and not putting proper parental controls in place.

The top US data privacy regulator also said that Meta should be banned from making money from minors' data, proposing to tighten an existing agreement on privacy.

The FTC highlighted that Facebook deluded parents about how much control they had over who their kids are in contact with on the Messenger Kids app and was also deceitful about the access the developers of the application had to the private data of users.

The proposed changes by Federal Trade Commission include banning Facebook for making money from the data collected from users under the age of 18 and would also face expanded limitations on using facial recognition technology.

<h2>Meta calls FTC action a 'political stunt'</h2>

Tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, called the action by FTC a "political stunt"&nbsp;adding that the regulator failed to act against "Chinese companies, like TikTok".

"We will vigorously fight this action and expect to prevail," the company said.

The company mostly relies on digital target-based ads for more than 98 per cent&nbsp;of its revenue and is currently battling the short-form video app TikTok for young users' attention.

Facebook will have a time period of 30 days to respond. The company can also appeal any commission decision at an appeals court.

"This is a very substantial statement from the FTC about whether or not Meta has fulfilled its duties to protect children," said Debra Williamson of Insider Intelligence, adding that "the revenue implications are not likely very large."

"Facebook has repeatedly violated its privacy promises," said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The company’s recklessness has put young users at risk, and Facebook needs to answer for its failures."&nbsp;

<h2>FTC to target Artificial Intelligence that infringes civil rights&nbsp;</h2>

Last month, US Federal Trade Commission said that the agency would pursue the organisations that misused artificial intelligence to infringe laws against discrimination.

In a congressional hearing, FTC Chair Lina Khan and Commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya were asked about concerns that recent innovation in artificial intelligence, which can be used to produce high-quality deep fakes, could be used to make more effective scams or otherwise violate laws.

Bedoya said companies using algorithms or artificial intelligence were not allowed to violate civil rights laws or break rules against unfair and deceptive acts.

"It's not okay to say that your algorithm is a black box" and you can't explain it, he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States Federal Trade Commission condemned tech giant Meta for misleading parents about protection for children and not putting proper parental controls in place.

The United States Federal Trade Commission condemned tech giant Meta for misleading parents about protection for children and not putting proper parental controls in place. The top US data privacy regulator also said that Meta should be banned from making money from minors' data, proposing to tighten an existing agreement on privacy. The FTC highlighted that Facebook deluded parents about how much control they had over who their kids are in contact with on the Messenger Kids app and was also deceitful about the access the developers of the application had to the private data of users. The proposed changes by Federal Trade Commission include banning Facebook for making money from the data collected from users under the age of 18 and would also face expanded limitations on using facial recognition technology. Meta calls FTC action a 'political stunt' Tech giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, called the action by FTC a "political stunt" adding that the regulator failed to act against "Chinese companies, like TikTok". "We will vigorously fight this action and expect to prevail," the company said. The company mostly relies on digital target-based ads for more than 98 per cent of its revenue and is currently battling the short-form video app TikTok for young users' attention. Facebook will have a time period of 30 days to respond. The company can also appeal any commission decision at an appeals court. "This is a very substantial statement from the FTC about whether or not Meta has fulfilled its duties to protect children," said Debra Williamson of Insider Intelligence, adding that "the revenue implications are not likely very large." "Facebook has repeatedly violated its privacy promises," said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. "The company’s recklessness has put young users at risk, and Facebook needs to answer for its failures." FTC to target Artificial Intelligence that infringes civil rights Last month, US Federal Trade Commission said that the agency would pursue the organisations that misused artificial intelligence to infringe laws against discrimination. In a congressional hearing, FTC Chair Lina Khan and Commissioners Rebecca Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya were asked about concerns that recent innovation in artificial intelligence, which can be used to produce high-quality deep fakes, could be used to make more effective scams or otherwise violate laws. Bedoya said companies using algorithms or artificial intelligence were not allowed to violate civil rights laws or break rules against unfair and deceptive acts. "It's not okay to say that your algorithm is a black box" and you can't explain it, he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

FTC proposes ban on Meta for making money off children's data

Google and Meta's executives told Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday that the tech giants would take back access to news articles in Canada if the legislation that compels internet companies to pay money to the news publishers gets a green light.

The proposed legislation, which is part of a broader global trend to make tech firms pay for news, would force platforms like Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc to negotiate commercial deals and pay Canadian news publishers for their content.

Google's Vice President of News, Richard Gingras, said in testimony to a Senate committee that if this bill is passed, the company may be coerced to withdraw links to news articles found in Canadian search results. He further cited an "uncapped financial liability" if it had to pay publishers for linking to their sites.

Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta in Canada, said that if the bill is passed, Meta would also put an end to the availability of news content in the country.

The bill, introduced in April 2022 by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, is the latest legislation aiming to make digital media platforms pay for linking news content.

"All we're asking the tech giants like Facebook and Google to do is negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work," Heritage Ministry spokesperson Laura Scaffidi said.

<h2>'Google carrying out tests blocking news content for some users in Canada a terrible mistake': Trudeau&nbsp;</h2>

Google, earlier this year, tested blocking some Canadian users' access to news as a potential response to the legislation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called this move a 'terrible mistake'. He said the blocking of news in Canada was an issue "bothering" him.

"It really surprises me that Google has decided that they'd rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually paying journalists for the work they do," he said.

"I think that's a terrible mistake and I know Canadians expect journalists to be well paid for the work they do.”

<h2>Australia's ground-breaking law made Facebook and Google pay for news</h2>

Canada's proposal is similar to a trailblazing law passed by Australia in the year 2021 after which Google and Facebook had threatened to withdraw their services but eventually, struck a deal with Australian media companies after amendments to the legislation were offered. &nbsp; &nbsp;

As per a government report the law has largely worked.

The Treasury Department report said that since the News Media Bargaining Code took effect, the tech firms had inked more than 30 deals with media outlets compensating them for the content which generated clicks and advertising dollars.

"At least some of these agreements have enabled news businesses to, in particular, employ additional journalists and make other valuable investments to assist their operations," said the report.

"While views on the success or otherwise of the Code will invariably differ, we consider it is reasonable to conclude that the Code has been a success to date."

"The review shows the Code has been successful in balancing bargaining power between news media and digital platforms," said Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones.

"Digital platforms must continue to negotiate in good faith with news businesses to ensure they are fairly remunerated for the news content they create."

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

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Google and Meta's executives told Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday that the tech giants would take back access to news articles in Canada if the legislation that compels internet companies to pay money to the news publishers gets a green light.

Google and Meta's executives told Canadian lawmakers on Wednesday that the tech giants would take back access to news articles in Canada if the legislation that compels internet companies to pay money to the news publishers gets a green light. The proposed legislation, which is part of a broader global trend to make tech firms pay for news, would force platforms like Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc and Google parent Alphabet Inc to negotiate commercial deals and pay Canadian news publishers for their content. Google's Vice President of News, Richard Gingras, said in testimony to a Senate committee that if this bill is passed, the company may be coerced to withdraw links to news articles found in Canadian search results. He further cited an "uncapped financial liability" if it had to pay publishers for linking to their sites. Rachel Curran, head of public policy for Meta in Canada, said that if the bill is passed, Meta would also put an end to the availability of news content in the country. The bill, introduced in April 2022 by Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez, is the latest legislation aiming to make digital media platforms pay for linking news content. "All we're asking the tech giants like Facebook and Google to do is negotiate fair deals with news outlets when they profit from their work," Heritage Ministry spokesperson Laura Scaffidi said. 'Google carrying out tests blocking news content for some users in Canada a terrible mistake': Trudeau Google, earlier this year, tested blocking some Canadian users' access to news as a potential response to the legislation. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called this move a 'terrible mistake'. He said the blocking of news in Canada was an issue "bothering" him. "It really surprises me that Google has decided that they'd rather prevent Canadians from accessing news than actually paying journalists for the work they do," he said. "I think that's a terrible mistake and I know Canadians expect journalists to be well paid for the work they do.” Australia's ground-breaking law made Facebook and Google pay for news Canada's proposal is similar to a trailblazing law passed by Australia in the year 2021 after which Google and Facebook had threatened to withdraw their services but eventually, struck a deal with Australian media companies after amendments to the legislation were offered. As per a government report the law has largely worked. The Treasury Department report said that since the News Media Bargaining Code took effect, the tech firms had inked more than 30 deals with media outlets compensating them for the content which generated clicks and advertising dollars. "At least some of these agreements have enabled news businesses to, in particular, employ additional journalists and make other valuable investments to assist their operations," said the report. "While views on the success or otherwise of the Code will invariably differ, we consider it is reasonable to conclude that the Code has been a success to date." "The review shows the Code has been successful in balancing bargaining power between news media and digital platforms," said Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones. "Digital platforms must continue to negotiate in good faith with news businesses to ensure they are fairly remunerated for the news content they create." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Google, Meta threaten to withdraw news access if Online News Act becomes law

A National Health Service (NHS) worker has been imprisoned for five months for sending a threatening letter to Indian-origin former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.

In the letter, the 65-year-old had abused Patel and had also threatened to 'tear' her 'into pieces'.&nbsp;

Pooneeraj Canakiah sent the offensive letter in the month of January 2022 when Patel was still the Home Secretary.&nbsp;He was sentenced by the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London last week.

Canakiah, in the hope that the former UK home secretary would open the letter herself, marked it as 'personal'. However, before it could reach her, the letter was intercepted by the security staff.

"Your time is coming to an end, be prepared we will get you," Canakiah wrote in the letter, abusing Patel, "Be prepared, b****".

"If we don't get you, we will wait and wait and wait, and tear you to pieces," he threatened.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) official said that the content of the letter was grossly offensive. He further revealed that the writer was identified by forensic testing.

"The content of the letter was grossly offensive and abusive. Canakiah thought that he would not be caught, however, forensic analysis proved that he wrote the letter," said Senior Crown Prosecutor Lauren Doshi, from the Complex Casework Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service in London South.

"This conviction and sentence sends a clear message, that threats of this nature are taken very seriously and will not be tolerated. The CPS will not hesitate to prosecute such offences whenever our legal test is met," she said.

<h2>'Good riddance' say UK MPs after Priti Patel's resignation</h2>

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Analysis of the handwriting on the envelope and letter proved that Canakiah was the author.

On being interviewed by the police, he denied writing the letter but ultimately pleaded guilty.

Sentencing Canakiah to five months in prison, District Judge Briony Clarke said the letter shocked her every time she read it.

"It`s an attack on democracy", The Standard quoted her as saying.

"You sent a letter which was disgusting and threatening in nature, it was addressed to a serving MP who at the time was Home Secretary. It was vile in nature, including threats, it was offensive and vulgar," Clarke said.

As per the media reports, the defence said that the Canakiah "worked all through COVID and became very unwell during 2020".

The court was told that he suffered two heart attacks and also his mother passed away in July last year.

The defence further blamed his declining mental health for the offensive step he took and further added that he suffered from depression.

The judge, however, said that she wasn't given any proof that could support Canakiah's mental health state so he must serve his five-month prison sentence before being released on licence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A National Health Service (NHS) worker has been imprisoned for five months for sending a threatening letter to Indian-origin former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel.

A National Health Service (NHS) worker has been imprisoned for five months for sending a threatening letter to Indian-origin former UK Home Secretary Priti Patel. In the letter, the 65-year-old had abused Patel and had also threatened to 'tear' her 'into pieces'. Pooneeraj Canakiah sent the offensive letter in the month of January 2022 when Patel was still the Home Secretary. He was sentenced by the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London last week. Canakiah, in the hope that the former UK home secretary would open the letter herself, marked it as 'personal'. However, before it could reach her, the letter was intercepted by the security staff. "Your time is coming to an end, be prepared we will get you," Canakiah wrote in the letter, abusing Patel, "Be prepared, b****". "If we don't get you, we will wait and wait and wait, and tear you to pieces," he threatened. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) official said that the content of the letter was grossly offensive. He further revealed that the writer was identified by forensic testing. "The content of the letter was grossly offensive and abusive. Canakiah thought that he would not be caught, however, forensic analysis proved that he wrote the letter," said Senior Crown Prosecutor Lauren Doshi, from the Complex Casework Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service in London South. "This conviction and sentence sends a clear message, that threats of this nature are taken very seriously and will not be tolerated. The CPS will not hesitate to prosecute such offences whenever our legal test is met," she said. 'Good riddance' say UK MPs after Priti Patel's resignation Analysis of the handwriting on the envelope and letter proved that Canakiah was the author. On being interviewed by the police, he denied writing the letter but ultimately pleaded guilty. Sentencing Canakiah to five months in prison, District Judge Briony Clarke said the letter shocked her every time she read it. "It`s an attack on democracy", The Standard quoted her as saying. "You sent a letter which was disgusting and threatening in nature, it was addressed to a serving MP who at the time was Home Secretary. It was vile in nature, including threats, it was offensive and vulgar," Clarke said. As per the media reports, the defence said that the Canakiah "worked all through COVID and became very unwell during 2020". The court was told that he suffered two heart attacks and also his mother passed away in July last year. The defence further blamed his declining mental health for the offensive step he took and further added that he suffered from depression. The judge, however, said that she wasn't given any proof that could support Canakiah's mental health state so he must serve his five-month prison sentence before being released on licence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK man jailed for sending ‘grossly offensive’ letter to British Indian ex-minister Priti Patel

Pope Francis, on his three-day visit to Hungary, headed a big outdoor Mass where he urged people to not close the door on migrants and those who are "foreign or unlike us," contrary to the anti-immigrant policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Over 50,000 people gathered in and around the square behind Budapest's iconic neo-gothic parliament building to see the ope on the last day of his visit.

"I really like the holy mass and the speech he gave, and I felt that he meant many parts specifically for us in his speech,” one of the mass attendees said.

Francis said that if Hungarians wanted to follow Jesus, they will have to shun "the closed doors of our individualism amid a society of growing isolation; the closed doors of our indifference towards the underprivileged and those who suffer; the doors we close towards those who are foreign or unlike us, towards migrants or the poor".&nbsp;

He said that migrants escaping poverty should also be welcomed because they can culturally enrich the host countries and also boost Europe's declining populations.

<h2>'Vatican involved in secret peace mission to end conflict between Russia and Ukraine': Pope</h2>

On Sunday, Pope Francis said that Vatican is involved in a peace mission aiming to end the conflict, tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

"There is a mission in course now but it is not yet public. When it is public, I will reveal it," the pope told reporters during a flight home after his visit to Hungary.

"I think that peace is always made by opening channels. You can never achieve peace through closure. ... This is not easy."

He also spoke about the situation in Ukraine with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and with Metropolitan (bishop) Hilarion, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Budapest.

"In these meetings, we did not just talk about Little Red Riding Hood. We spoke of all these things. Everyone is interested in the road to peace," he said.

Pope had previously said that he wanted to visit Kyiv and Moscow on a peace mission.

On Thursday, Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met the pope at the Vatican and said that he had discussed a "peace formula" put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

"The Holy See is willing to do this (help repatriate the children) because it is the right thing," Francis said on the plane. "All human gestures help but gestures of cruelty don't help. We have to do all that is humanly possible".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pope Francis, on his three-day visit to Hungary, headed a big outdoor Mass where he urged people to not close the door on migrants and those who are "foreign or unlike us," contrary to the anti-immigrant policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Pope Francis, on his three-day visit to Hungary, headed a big outdoor Mass where he urged people to not close the door on migrants and those who are "foreign or unlike us," contrary to the anti-immigrant policies of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Over 50,000 people gathered in and around the square behind Budapest's iconic neo-gothic parliament building to see the ope on the last day of his visit. "I really like the holy mass and the speech he gave, and I felt that he meant many parts specifically for us in his speech,” one of the mass attendees said. Francis said that if Hungarians wanted to follow Jesus, they will have to shun "the closed doors of our individualism amid a society of growing isolation; the closed doors of our indifference towards the underprivileged and those who suffer; the doors we close towards those who are foreign or unlike us, towards migrants or the poor". He said that migrants escaping poverty should also be welcomed because they can culturally enrich the host countries and also boost Europe's declining populations. 'Vatican involved in secret peace mission to end conflict between Russia and Ukraine': Pope On Sunday, Pope Francis said that Vatican is involved in a peace mission aiming to end the conflict, tensions between Russia and Ukraine. "There is a mission in course now but it is not yet public. When it is public, I will reveal it," the pope told reporters during a flight home after his visit to Hungary. "I think that peace is always made by opening channels. You can never achieve peace through closure. ... This is not easy." He also spoke about the situation in Ukraine with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and with Metropolitan (bishop) Hilarion, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church in Budapest. "In these meetings, we did not just talk about Little Red Riding Hood. We spoke of all these things. Everyone is interested in the road to peace," he said. Pope had previously said that he wanted to visit Kyiv and Moscow on a peace mission. On Thursday, Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met the pope at the Vatican and said that he had discussed a "peace formula" put forward by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. "The Holy See is willing to do this (help repatriate the children) because it is the right thing," Francis said on the plane. "All human gestures help but gestures of cruelty don't help. We have to do all that is humanly possible". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pope Francis urges Hungarians to not close door on migrants

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.)

Former magazine columnist, E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of rape, has made yet another shocking revelation saying that she was encouraged to sue the former United States President by George Conway, the ex-husband of top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway and a vocal critic of the former president.

On Monday, Carroll told the jury hearing her lawsuit that she took up the legal action against Trump within days of being motivated to do so by Conway at a party where he laid out the difference between civil and criminal cases.

“George said you should seriously think about this,” she told the jury of six men and three women during questioning by Trump's lawyer, as per media reports.

<h2>E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony</h2>

The former Elle magazine advice columnist has accused Trump of raping her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room, based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in late 1995 or early 1996.&nbsp;

Carroll testified that she was "delighted" to go shopping with Trump because she felt it would be a nice story to share with her friends.

“Well, it was such a funny New York scene,” Carroll said adding, “I love to give advice and here was Donald Trump asking me for advice about buying a present.”

When the two made their way to the lingerie department, Carroll said the “comedy was escalating” but it never occurred to her that Trump might try to rape her. Trump directed Carroll to try on a sheer grey bodysuit. She playfully suggested that he put it on instead, Carroll said.&nbsp;

Carroll testified that she had no intention of trying on the bodysuit but had instead followed Trump's gesture into the changing room in a hope that it would make for a humorous "Saturday Night Live" sketch.

“I didn’t picture anything about what was about to happen,” she said Wednesday. “That open door has plagued me for years because I just walked into it, walked in.”

Carroll described how, despite her protests, Trump allegedly pushed her up against the wall and placed his fingers, then his penis into her.&nbsp;

She has also sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial for tarring her reputation and career by lying about it online and denying her claims.

Her defamation claim concerns a social media post on Trump's Truth Social platform in October 2022, where he called the former Elle magazine advice columnist's case a 'complete con job' and 'a hoax and a lie'.

<h2>Trump’s attorney accuses judge of bias</h2>

On Monday, Donald Trump's lawyer Joe Tacopina sent a letter accusing US District Judge Lewis Kaplan of bias against the former president, seeking a mistrial.

Tacopina said several "unfair and prejudicial" rulings by Kaplan reflected a "deeper leaning" toward Carroll, including comments where the judge "openly expresses favouritism".

Tacopina said Kaplan, who is an appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton, should have let him question Carroll about why she did not seek security camera footage of the alleged rape.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Former magazine columnist, E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of rape, has made yet another shocking revelation saying that she was encouraged to sue the former United States President by George Conway, the ex-husband of top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway and a vocal critic of the former president.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.) Former magazine columnist, E. Jean Carroll, who accused Donald Trump of rape, has made yet another shocking revelation saying that she was encouraged to sue the former United States President by George Conway, the ex-husband of top Trump aide Kellyanne Conway and a vocal critic of the former president. On Monday, Carroll told the jury hearing her lawsuit that she took up the legal action against Trump within days of being motivated to do so by Conway at a party where he laid out the difference between civil and criminal cases. “George said you should seriously think about this,” she told the jury of six men and three women during questioning by Trump's lawyer, as per media reports. E. Jean Carroll's chilling testimony The former Elle magazine advice columnist has accused Trump of raping her in a Bergdorf Goodman department store dressing room, based on Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York, in late 1995 or early 1996. Carroll testified that she was "delighted" to go shopping with Trump because she felt it would be a nice story to share with her friends. “Well, it was such a funny New York scene,” Carroll said adding, “I love to give advice and here was Donald Trump asking me for advice about buying a present.” When the two made their way to the lingerie department, Carroll said the “comedy was escalating” but it never occurred to her that Trump might try to rape her. Trump directed Carroll to try on a sheer grey bodysuit. She playfully suggested that he put it on instead, Carroll said. Carroll testified that she had no intention of trying on the bodysuit but had instead followed Trump's gesture into the changing room in a hope that it would make for a humorous "Saturday Night Live" sketch. “I didn’t picture anything about what was about to happen,” she said Wednesday. “That open door has plagued me for years because I just walked into it, walked in.” Carroll described how, despite her protests, Trump allegedly pushed her up against the wall and placed his fingers, then his penis into her. She has also sued Trump for battery and defamation in a civil trial for tarring her reputation and career by lying about it online and denying her claims. Her defamation claim concerns a social media post on Trump's Truth Social platform in October 2022, where he called the former Elle magazine advice columnist's case a 'complete con job' and 'a hoax and a lie'. Trump’s attorney accuses judge of bias On Monday, Donald Trump's lawyer Joe Tacopina sent a letter accusing US District Judge Lewis Kaplan of bias against the former president, seeking a mistrial. Tacopina said several "unfair and prejudicial" rulings by Kaplan reflected a "deeper leaning" toward Carroll, including comments where the judge "openly expresses favouritism". Tacopina said Kaplan, who is an appointee of Democratic President Bill Clinton, should have let him question Carroll about why she did not seek security camera footage of the alleged rape. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jean Carroll says Trump adviser’s ex-husband encouraged her to sue former president for rape

If you are someone who adores nature and would love to work on a remote island all by yourself, then a British non-profit might just have a job for you!

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking to recruit a field officer to work on one of the remotest islands in the world for 13 months.&nbsp;

Gough Island, a British territory located in the mid-South Atlantic, is around 1,500 miles (2,400km) from the African mainland, but here's the catch! The island has no airport and getting to this place would require you to be on a boat ride for seven days from South Africa. Also, Gough has no permanent population.

As per the job post, the selected candidate will sign up for 15 months, which will include roughly two months of training before being deployed and 13 months of deployment on Gough Island.

The ideal candidate for the position will be the one "who can adapt well to small island living in a challenging and remote sub-Antarctic environment with good awareness of safety issues."

Rebekah Goodwill and Lucy Dorman, currently call Gough their home along with five full-time employees and eight million birds. Before moving to the island, Lucy worked in Antarctica while Rebekah worked for the RSPB in Scotland.

While speaking to the BBC, Goodwill said that the interested candidates applying for the job should be willing to put up with a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables as they pose a biosecurity risk of germinating and spreading across the island.

“One’s full of frozen vegetables and the other’s basically full of frozen meat and then we’ve got lots of tinned frozen fruit and veg,” Goodwill said.

“They give us a year’s worth of supply of food during that two-week takeover time, and we live off it for the rest of the year,” she added.

Lucy Dorman told the BBC: “It was definitely one thing they stressed for us before we came, that for many people, the lack of food and the lack of fresh food is significant.”&nbsp;

"The main thing I certainly miss is just like a crunchy carrot, or being able to bite into a nice apple. Just some crunch, but apart from that - I don't feel like I'm really missing much."

RSPB is looking to replace Goodwill, whose stint ends in the month of September, and is willing to offer a salary of between £25,000 and £27,000.

<h2>What are the job requirements?</h2>

The ideal candidate for the position will be someone who can carry out bird monitoring and other fieldwork on Gough Island.

Should have a science degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject and wild bird/animal handling and monitoring experience in the field with a focus on bird identification.

Though, the job post is no longer accepting any applications, but here's what you can expect if you have already applied.

As per the <a href="https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNbob6T6Y3icJHRr24SoC641vRRzrtVrfSsLdFjB1YqYHz3nW_WbArG3bBqM6FYFQWo&amp;iframe=True">job posting</a>, the hiring manager will let you know the outcome regardless of whether you have been successful or not within 4 weeks of the closing date.

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If you are someone who adores nature and would love to work on a remote island all by yourself, then a British non-profit might just have a job for you! The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking to recruit a field officer to work on one of the remotest islands in the world for 13 months.

If you are someone who adores nature and would love to work on a remote island all by yourself, then a British non-profit might just have a job for you! The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking to recruit a field officer to work on one of the remotest islands in the world for 13 months. Gough Island, a British territory located in the mid-South Atlantic, is around 1,500 miles (2,400km) from the African mainland, but here's the catch! The island has no airport and getting to this place would require you to be on a boat ride for seven days from South Africa. Also, Gough has no permanent population. As per the job post, the selected candidate will sign up for 15 months, which will include roughly two months of training before being deployed and 13 months of deployment on Gough Island. The ideal candidate for the position will be the one "who can adapt well to small island living in a challenging and remote sub-Antarctic environment with good awareness of safety issues." Rebekah Goodwill and Lucy Dorman, currently call Gough their home along with five full-time employees and eight million birds. Before moving to the island, Lucy worked in Antarctica while Rebekah worked for the RSPB in Scotland. While speaking to the BBC, Goodwill said that the interested candidates applying for the job should be willing to put up with a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables as they pose a biosecurity risk of germinating and spreading across the island. “One’s full of frozen vegetables and the other’s basically full of frozen meat and then we’ve got lots of tinned frozen fruit and veg,” Goodwill said. “They give us a year’s worth of supply of food during that two-week takeover time, and we live off it for the rest of the year,” she added. Lucy Dorman told the BBC: “It was definitely one thing they stressed for us before we came, that for many people, the lack of food and the lack of fresh food is significant.” "The main thing I certainly miss is just like a crunchy carrot, or being able to bite into a nice apple. Just some crunch, but apart from that - I don't feel like I'm really missing much." RSPB is looking to replace Goodwill, whose stint ends in the month of September, and is willing to offer a salary of between £25,000 and £27,000. What are the job requirements? The ideal candidate for the position will be someone who can carry out bird monitoring and other fieldwork on Gough Island. Should have a science degree or equivalent experience in a relevant subject and wild bird/animal handling and monitoring experience in the field with a focus on bird identification. Though, the job post is no longer accepting any applications, but here's what you can expect if you have already applied. As per the job posting, the hiring manager will let you know the outcome regardless of whether you have been successful or not within 4 weeks of the closing date. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Love remote jobs? British wildlife group has an opportunity on one of world's most isolated places

The regular power supply at the Philippines's biggest international airport has been restored, said the airport authority, after a massive nine-hour outage led to the cancellations of at least 48 Cebu Pacific domestic flights on Monday.

Cebu Pacific, in a notice on its Facebook page, also confirmed about the electricity being restored at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The Cebu Pacific flights to and from the capital Manila were affected.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific had offered its passengers departing to and from the Terminal affected by the outage to either rebook or request for a refund to be put in a travel fund for future use.

Some airport engineers termed 'fault current' as the reason for power failure which caused congestion at check-in counters and left the passengers stranded.

In a media briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the authorities will look into the cause of the power outage. He added that he wasn't dismissing the possibility of sabotage.

As per Xinhua news agency reports, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the power outage at Terminal 3 struck shortly after 1 am on Monday.

"Standby power is now supplying electricity to critical facilities enabling computer systems of airlines and immigration to function partially and enable processing of both inbound and outbound passengers," the MIAA said in a statement.

"As a result, delayed flights shall be expected," it added.

The travel disruption comes four months after an outage at the country’s main gateway in January disrupted over 300 flights.

In a statement, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) acknowledged that the incident affected tens of thousands of passengers.&nbsp;

The incident also prompted Philippine authorities to shut down the country’s airspace on New Year's Day because of which 361 flights were delayed, cancelled or diverted, affecting nearly 65,000 passengers.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The regular power supply at the Philippines's biggest international airport has been restored, said the airport authority, after a massive nine-hour outage led to the cancellations of at least 48 Cebu Pacific domestic flights on Monday.

The regular power supply at the Philippines's biggest international airport has been restored, said the airport authority, after a massive nine-hour outage led to the cancellations of at least 48 Cebu Pacific domestic flights on Monday. Cebu Pacific, in a notice on its Facebook page, also confirmed about the electricity being restored at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. The Cebu Pacific flights to and from the capital Manila were affected. In a statement, Cebu Pacific had offered its passengers departing to and from the Terminal affected by the outage to either rebook or request for a refund to be put in a travel fund for future use. Some airport engineers termed 'fault current' as the reason for power failure which caused congestion at check-in counters and left the passengers stranded. In a media briefing, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the authorities will look into the cause of the power outage. He added that he wasn't dismissing the possibility of sabotage. As per Xinhua news agency reports, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said the power outage at Terminal 3 struck shortly after 1 am on Monday. "Standby power is now supplying electricity to critical facilities enabling computer systems of airlines and immigration to function partially and enable processing of both inbound and outbound passengers," the MIAA said in a statement. "As a result, delayed flights shall be expected," it added. The travel disruption comes four months after an outage at the country’s main gateway in January disrupted over 300 flights. In a statement, Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) acknowledged that the incident affected tens of thousands of passengers. The incident also prompted Philippine authorities to shut down the country’s airspace on New Year's Day because of which 361 flights were delayed, cancelled or diverted, affecting nearly 65,000 passengers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Philippine airport power supply restored after outage leaves thousands stranded

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday.

Before leaving for Washington, Marcos said that he would express his determination to President Biden to form an 'even stronger relationship' with the United States to address the 'concerns of our times', which also include the issues related to the economy.

He further explained that his meeting with his US counterpart held extreme significance in forging ahead his country's national interest and strengthening the 'very important alliance' between Manila and Washington.

"During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world," said Marcos, the son of the late strongman,&nbsp;Ferdinand Marcos, whom Washington helped escape into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 'people power' insurgency.

President Marcos' official visit to Washington is the first trip by a Philippine leader in more than a decade and the newest in a series of high-level meetings carried out by the Philippines with leaders of the United States and China.

As per a Reuters report, a senior Biden administration official said that both leaders are expected to reach agreements on greater business engagement, as well as 'military enhancements' amidst shared concerns about China.

The official further said that the strategic importance of the Philippines could not be underestimated, highlighting the fact that the relationship the United States had with the Philippines was beyond just security. &nbsp;He said that in an aim to bolster commercial ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines.

"We're seeking not to be provocative, but to provide both moral and practical support for the Philippines as they try to make their way in a complex Western Pacific," the official said. "Their geographic position is critical," he added.

<h2>Marcos accuses China of 'Dangerous manoeuvres' in South China Sea, US slams 'provocative conduct'</h2>

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' Washington visit comes after he condemned China's coast guard for "dangerous manoeuvres" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea on Friday.

The United States also warned China to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the disputed region.

"We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," the US&nbsp;State Department said in a statement.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller slammed China, saying it was a reminder of Beijing's 'harassment and intimidation' in the disputed waterway.

"We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," he said in a statement, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response.

China on Sunday said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern in the South China Sea through friendly consultations and warned the United States against interference.

"The US, as a country outside of the region, must not interfere with the South China Sea matter or use the South China Sea matter to sow discord among regional countries," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a written statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr left for his four-day official visit to the United States on Sunday (April 30), where he is set to meet his US counterpart, President Joe Biden on Monday. Before leaving for Washington, Marcos said that he would express his determination to President Biden to form an 'even stronger relationship' with the United States to address the 'concerns of our times', which also include the issues related to the economy. He further explained that his meeting with his US counterpart held extreme significance in forging ahead his country's national interest and strengthening the 'very important alliance' between Manila and Washington. "During this visit, we will reaffirm our commitment to fostering our long-standing alliance as an instrument of peace and as a catalyst of development in the Asia Pacific region, and for that matter for the rest of the world," said Marcos, the son of the late strongman, Ferdinand Marcos, whom Washington helped escape into exile in Hawaii during a 1986 'people power' insurgency. President Marcos' official visit to Washington is the first trip by a Philippine leader in more than a decade and the newest in a series of high-level meetings carried out by the Philippines with leaders of the United States and China. As per a Reuters report, a senior Biden administration official said that both leaders are expected to reach agreements on greater business engagement, as well as 'military enhancements' amidst shared concerns about China. The official further said that the strategic importance of the Philippines could not be underestimated, highlighting the fact that the relationship the United States had with the Philippines was beyond just security. He said that in an aim to bolster commercial ties, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo would lead a presidential business delegation to the Philippines. "We're seeking not to be provocative, but to provide both moral and practical support for the Philippines as they try to make their way in a complex Western Pacific," the official said. "Their geographic position is critical," he added. Marcos accuses China of 'Dangerous manoeuvres' in South China Sea, US slams 'provocative conduct' Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos' Washington visit comes after he condemned China's coast guard for "dangerous manoeuvres" and "aggressive tactics" in the South China Sea on Friday. The United States also warned China to stop "provocative and unsafe conduct" in the disputed region. "We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," the US State Department said in a statement. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller slammed China, saying it was a reminder of Beijing's 'harassment and intimidation' in the disputed waterway. "We call upon Beijing to desist from its provocative and unsafe conduct," he said in a statement, adding that any attack on Philippine armed forces would trigger a US response. China on Sunday said it was willing to handle maritime differences with countries of concern in the South China Sea through friendly consultations and warned the United States against interference. "The US, as a country outside of the region, must not interfere with the South China Sea matter or use the South China Sea matter to sow discord among regional countries," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a written statement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Philippine president travels to United States to forge stronger ties amid tensions with China

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