The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there.

Tanee claims that Thailand has received a request for Rajapaksa's entry from the current Sri Lankan government. The former president's diplomatic passport grants him 90 days of visa-free access into Thailand.

In response to a media inquiry regarding the visit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Tanee Sangrat provided the following statement: The Thai side received a request for the former President to enter Thailand from the current government of Sri Lanka. The consideration was based on long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries.

He said that "As a holder of a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, the former President can enter Thailand w/o a visa for 90 days, per the 2013 Agreement on Visa Exemptn betwn Thailand+Sri Lanka. The stay’s temporary w/ aim of onward travel. No political asylum’s been sought".

In the middle of April, Sri Lanka stopped paying its foreign debt of $51 billion. The economy has been devastated, imports have been hindered, and shortages of fuel, medication, and other necessities have resulted from its declining foreign currency.

People throughout the nation are becoming more and more burdened by the skyrocketing cost of living, which increased to a record 60.8 percent in July.

Rajapaksa handed up his resignation letter from Singapore after leaving the nation. Last month, he was succeeded by former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there.

The Thai foreign ministry's spokeswoman, Tanee Sangrat, said in a statement on Wednesday that the former leader of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, will come to Thailand for a brief period of time but has no plans to apply for political asylum there. Tanee claims that Thailand has received a request for Rajapaksa's entry from the current Sri Lankan government. The former president's diplomatic passport grants him 90 days of visa-free access into Thailand. In response to a media inquiry regarding the visit of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Tanee Sangrat provided the following statement: The Thai side received a request for the former President to enter Thailand from the current government of Sri Lanka. The consideration was based on long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries. He said that "As a holder of a Sri Lankan diplomatic passport, the former President can enter Thailand w/o a visa for 90 days, per the 2013 Agreement on Visa Exemptn betwn Thailand+Sri Lanka. The stay’s temporary w/ aim of onward travel. No political asylum’s been sought". In the middle of April, Sri Lanka stopped paying its foreign debt of $51 billion. The economy has been devastated, imports have been hindered, and shortages of fuel, medication, and other necessities have resulted from its declining foreign currency. People throughout the nation are becoming more and more burdened by the skyrocketing cost of living, which increased to a record 60.8 percent in July. Rajapaksa handed up his resignation letter from Singapore after leaving the nation. Last month, he was succeeded by former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka govt asks Thailand to grant entry to Gotabaya Rajapaksa

A gigantic treasure hunt with helicopters and transmitters is being funded by some of the richest men in the world, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, off the west coast of Greenland. According to CNN, the climate catastrophe is melting Greenland at an unprecedented rate, which, in an ironic turn of events, is opening up opportunities for investors and mining firms looking for a treasure trove of essential minerals capable of powering the switch to green energy.

The group of billionaires, which also includes Michael Bloomberg, is betting that there are enough essential minerals beneath the hills and valleys on Greenland's Disko Island and Nuussuaq Peninsula to power hundreds of millions of electric vehicles.

What people are searching for is the first or second-largest and most important nickel and cobalt deposits in the world.

The Arctic's melting ice, both on land and in the water, illustrates a peculiar paradox: Greenland is the epicentre of climate change's effects, yet it also has the potential to be the source of the metals required to power the crisis's solution.

According to Kobold Metals' officials, the billionaire club is providing financial support to the California-based startup's mineral exploration business.

In order to locate the rare and precious metals in Greenland required to construct electric vehicles and enormous batteries to store renewable energy, Kobold has teamed with Bluejay Mining. Kobold and Blujay's camp is where thirty geologists, geophysicists, cooks, pilots, and mechanics are encamped while looking for the hidden wealth.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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A gigantic treasure hunt with helicopters and transmitters is being funded by some of the richest men in the world, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, off the west coast of Greenland.

A gigantic treasure hunt with helicopters and transmitters is being funded by some of the richest men in the world, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, off the west coast of Greenland. According to CNN, the climate catastrophe is melting Greenland at an unprecedented rate, which, in an ironic turn of events, is opening up opportunities for investors and mining firms looking for a treasure trove of essential minerals capable of powering the switch to green energy. The group of billionaires, which also includes Michael Bloomberg, is betting that there are enough essential minerals beneath the hills and valleys on Greenland's Disko Island and Nuussuaq Peninsula to power hundreds of millions of electric vehicles. What people are searching for is the first or second-largest and most important nickel and cobalt deposits in the world. The Arctic's melting ice, both on land and in the water, illustrates a peculiar paradox: Greenland is the epicentre of climate change's effects, yet it also has the potential to be the source of the metals required to power the crisis's solution. According to Kobold Metals' officials, the billionaire club is providing financial support to the California-based startup's mineral exploration business. In order to locate the rare and precious metals in Greenland required to construct electric vehicles and enormous batteries to store renewable energy, Kobold has teamed with Bluejay Mining. Kobold and Blujay's camp is where thirty geologists, geophysicists, cooks, pilots, and mechanics are encamped while looking for the hidden wealth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Billionaires fund a massive treasure hunt in Greenland. Here's why

A never-before-seen real estate debt crisis is posing a threat to China's enormous economy. Banks are failing just months before Xi Jinping will begin a historic third term in office, and angry property investors are refusing to make mortgage payments because developers have not finished construction on their homes.

In several places, apartment owners who purchased their homes off-plan have chosen to simply relocate their families into under-construction towers, disobeying warnings to stay away.

The collapse of real estate behemoth Evergrande sparked China's property crisis, which now affects global commerce and has worsened as numerous other real estate behemoths have begun to exhibit signals of imminent loan default.

The real estate market in China, which contributes about 30% of the nation's GDP, has seen a 72 percent decline in property sales over the past year. China's home sales have decreased by 60% year over year, and the current downturn (which has lasted for 11 months) is thought to be the worst in the history of the nation.

Ever-rising housing prices, soaring family debt, and the real estate sector as a whole in China, where real estate has been a major driver of growth for years, account for around one-third of the nation's GDP.

What began as a problem with China Evergrande Group is now escalating into a catastrophe that threatens to engulf most of the nation's developers, its largest lenders, and a middle class with substantial wealth derived from the real estate market. Home prices in China have fallen for ten months in a row.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A never-before-seen real estate debt crisis is posing a threat to China's enormous economy. Banks are failing just months before Xi Jinping will begin a historic third term in office, and angry property investors are refusing to make mortgage payments because developers have not finished construction on their homes.

A never-before-seen real estate debt crisis is posing a threat to China's enormous economy. Banks are failing just months before Xi Jinping will begin a historic third term in office, and angry property investors are refusing to make mortgage payments because developers have not finished construction on their homes. In several places, apartment owners who purchased their homes off-plan have chosen to simply relocate their families into under-construction towers, disobeying warnings to stay away. The collapse of real estate behemoth Evergrande sparked China's property crisis, which now affects global commerce and has worsened as numerous other real estate behemoths have begun to exhibit signals of imminent loan default. The real estate market in China, which contributes about 30% of the nation's GDP, has seen a 72 percent decline in property sales over the past year. China's home sales have decreased by 60% year over year, and the current downturn (which has lasted for 11 months) is thought to be the worst in the history of the nation. Ever-rising housing prices, soaring family debt, and the real estate sector as a whole in China, where real estate has been a major driver of growth for years, account for around one-third of the nation's GDP. What began as a problem with China Evergrande Group is now escalating into a catastrophe that threatens to engulf most of the nation's developers, its largest lenders, and a middle class with substantial wealth derived from the real estate market. Home prices in China have fallen for ten months in a row. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China property crisis forcing families to live in unfinished, dangerous flats

On August 8, China confirmed 35 human infections with the zoonotic Langya virus (LayV). The cases were discovered in the provinces of Shandong and Henan on the Chinese mainland, according to information from the Taiwan Center for Disease Control (TCDC). According to the Taipei Times, authorities have chosen to start using nucleic acid testing procedures to find the virus and track its spread.

The Taipei CDC issued a precautionary alert, advising people to closely monitor the virus news. Chuang Jen-Hsiang, the deputy director of the Taiwan CDC, told the Taipei Times that no reports have yet indicated that the virus exhibits human-to-human transmission.

He added that so far, nearly 2% of goats and 5% of dogs and other domestic animals have tested positive for the virus after a thorough serological survey.

Shandong and Henan, two Chinese provinces, have reported infections. According to CDC Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang, the agency will soon establish a standardised process for domestic laboratories to perform genome sequencing and bolster surveillance. 
 
Watch | New Ugandan lab gives early alerts for Zoonotic diseases

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According to the Taipei Times, the virus can cause renal and hepatic failure and most likely is transmitted from animals to humans.

Chuang stated that Taiwan's laboratories will start developing a standardised method for genome sequencing soon and expect it to be finished in about a week.

Although there have not yet been any documented deaths linked to LayV, the issue needs to be watched closely, he said.

Symptoms of the virus

The symptoms that the 26 individuals experienced were fever, exhaustion, a cough, appetite loss, muscle discomfort, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Additionally, they revealed a reduction in white blood cells. liver failure, renal failure, and a low platelet count.

What is the experts' next course of action?

Because Langya virus is a recently discovered virus, Taiwan's laboratories will need a standardised nucleic acid testing method to identify the virus, Chuang noted. This will allow human infections to be tracked, if necessary.

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On August 8, China confirmed 35 human infections with the zoonotic Langya virus (LayV). The cases were discovered in the provinces of Shandong and Henan on the Chinese mainland, according to information from the Taiwan Center for Disease Control (TCDC).

On August 8, China confirmed 35 human infections with the zoonotic Langya virus (LayV). The cases were discovered in the provinces of Shandong and Henan on the Chinese mainland, according to information from the Taiwan Center for Disease Control (TCDC). According to the Taipei Times, authorities have chosen to start using nucleic acid testing procedures to find the virus and track its spread. The Taipei CDC issued a precautionary alert, advising people to closely monitor the virus news. Chuang Jen-Hsiang, the deputy director of the Taiwan CDC, told the Taipei Times that no reports have yet indicated that the virus exhibits human-to-human transmission. He added that so far, nearly 2% of goats and 5% of dogs and other domestic animals have tested positive for the virus after a thorough serological survey. Shandong and Henan, two Chinese provinces, have reported infections. According to CDC Deputy Director-General Chuang Jen-hsiang, the agency will soon establish a standardised process for domestic laboratories to perform genome sequencing and bolster surveillance. Watch | New Ugandan lab gives early alerts for Zoonotic diseases According to the Taipei Times, the virus can cause renal and hepatic failure and most likely is transmitted from animals to humans. Chuang stated that Taiwan's laboratories will start developing a standardised method for genome sequencing soon and expect it to be finished in about a week. Although there have not yet been any documented deaths linked to LayV, the issue needs to be watched closely, he said. Symptoms of the virus The symptoms that the 26 individuals experienced were fever, exhaustion, a cough, appetite loss, muscle discomfort, nausea, headaches, and vomiting. Additionally, they revealed a reduction in white blood cells. liver failure, renal failure, and a low platelet count. What is the experts' next course of action? Because Langya virus is a recently discovered virus, Taiwan's laboratories will need a standardised nucleic acid testing method to identify the virus, Chuang noted. This will allow human infections to be tracked, if necessary. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is Langya, the fresh zoonotic virus outbreak that infected 35 people in China?

The human mind is not designed to be awake after midnight, according to a new theory that was published this year in Frontiers in Network Physiology. According to the study's authors, an alert mind is more perceptive of negative than pleasant feelings after midnight. They emphasise that staying up later than usual can cause the mind to become more receptive to thoughts of self-harm.&nbsp;

According to the research, these variations may be significantly influenced by the human circadian rhythm, which is the body's natural internal process that synchronises the sleep-wake cycle every 24 hours.

Previous research has examined the negative effects of interrupted or insufficient sleep, including heightened stress, cardiovascular conditions, and dopamine changes that may even result in addiction.

Furthermore, uninterrupted sleep the previous night contributes to the next's improved intellect and general health. In light of this, the researchers decided to investigate if nocturnal wakefulness, or choosing to be awake during the biological or circadian night, causes maladaptive behaviours, or actions that are counter to one's own interests, such as violent crime, drug usage, and even suicide thinking. The researchers examined "how mood, reward processing, and executive function differ during nighttime wakefulness," according to their research.

The empirical data from previous studies on sleep and its effects on cognition and functioning were examined by the researchers. They contend that the human body and mind function according to a circadian clock, acting and feeling a certain way at particular times. As a result, although molecular and brain functions are active during the day, the body seeks rest at night.

Maladaptive behaviour may be influenced by nighttime wakefulness for evolutionary reasons as well. Due to the high risk of being hunted at night when early humans lived in the wild, the brain became more sensitive to unpleasant stimuli at this time.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

The human mind is not designed to be awake after midnight, according to a new theory that was published this year in Frontiers in Network Physiology. According to the study's authors, an alert mind is more perceptive of negative than pleasant feelings after midnight.

The human mind is not designed to be awake after midnight, according to a new theory that was published this year in Frontiers in Network Physiology. According to the study's authors, an alert mind is more perceptive of negative than pleasant feelings after midnight. They emphasise that staying up later than usual can cause the mind to become more receptive to thoughts of self-harm. According to the research, these variations may be significantly influenced by the human circadian rhythm, which is the body's natural internal process that synchronises the sleep-wake cycle every 24 hours. Previous research has examined the negative effects of interrupted or insufficient sleep, including heightened stress, cardiovascular conditions, and dopamine changes that may even result in addiction. Furthermore, uninterrupted sleep the previous night contributes to the next's improved intellect and general health. In light of this, the researchers decided to investigate if nocturnal wakefulness, or choosing to be awake during the biological or circadian night, causes maladaptive behaviours, or actions that are counter to one's own interests, such as violent crime, drug usage, and even suicide thinking. The researchers examined "how mood, reward processing, and executive function differ during nighttime wakefulness," according to their research. The empirical data from previous studies on sleep and its effects on cognition and functioning were examined by the researchers. They contend that the human body and mind function according to a circadian clock, acting and feeling a certain way at particular times. As a result, although molecular and brain functions are active during the day, the body seeks rest at night. Maladaptive behaviour may be influenced by nighttime wakefulness for evolutionary reasons as well. Due to the high risk of being hunted at night when early humans lived in the wild, the brain became more sensitive to unpleasant stimuli at this time. (With inputs from agencies)

Human brain not designed to stay awake past midnight. Here's why

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part.

Delegates meeting in Doha broke into applause after the rebels agreed to cease fire and participate in a national dialogue that Chad`s leader has said could pave the way to elections in the central African country.

But the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT)—a Libya-based group that threatened to march on the capital last year - quickly rejected the deal, saying negotiators had not listened to its demands, including for the release of prisoners.

The rejection by FACT and at least eight other rebel factions cast a pall over celebrations of the agreement which was hammered out after months of talks in Qatar`s capital.

The interim military government is headed by Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power last year after his father - longtime ruler Idriss Deby - was killed while visiting troops fighting FACT and other rebels in the north.

Initially, the Transitional Military Council said it would oversee an 18-month transition to democratic rule, but it has shown little sign of organising elections as that deadline has neared.

'FRATRICIDAL WARS'

Mahamat Zene Cherif, the interim military government`s foreign minister, said he believed the agreement would lead to sustainable peace.

"Most of the armed groups signed this agreement and they will take part in the national dialogue. And this national, inclusive dialogue is a forum for all Chadian people," he told reporters in Doha.

He said the interim government was currently holding about 400 FACT prisoners and would not release them without guarantees that they would not rejoin the fighting.

At a roadside food stand in Chad`s capital N`Djamena on Monday, some customers were reassured by fighters` willingness to disarm, but others feared the pact would not stop the fighting.

"We have witnessed several peace agreements that ended in fratricidal wars between the different signatory parties," patron Marius Golbe said over breakfast.

"I will only believe in this Doha agreement when the armed groups lay down their arms and are demobilized."

The senior Deby spent much of his three decades in power fending off rebellions that sought his ouster. Rebels, including FACT, accused Deby and his allies of repressive rule, extrajudicial killings, and rigging elections - accusations he denied.

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part.

More than 30 rebel and opposition factions signed a peace pact with Chad's transitional authorities on Monday, agreeing to join broader talks after years of turmoil-though the most powerful insurgent group refused to take part. Delegates meeting in Doha broke into applause after the rebels agreed to cease fire and participate in a national dialogue that Chad`s leader has said could pave the way to elections in the central African country. But the Front for Change and Concord in Chad (FACT)—a Libya-based group that threatened to march on the capital last year - quickly rejected the deal, saying negotiators had not listened to its demands, including for the release of prisoners. The rejection by FACT and at least eight other rebel factions cast a pall over celebrations of the agreement which was hammered out after months of talks in Qatar`s capital. The interim military government is headed by Mahamat Idriss Deby, who seized power last year after his father - longtime ruler Idriss Deby - was killed while visiting troops fighting FACT and other rebels in the north. Initially, the Transitional Military Council said it would oversee an 18-month transition to democratic rule, but it has shown little sign of organising elections as that deadline has neared. 'FRATRICIDAL WARS' Mahamat Zene Cherif, the interim military government`s foreign minister, said he believed the agreement would lead to sustainable peace. "Most of the armed groups signed this agreement and they will take part in the national dialogue. And this national, inclusive dialogue is a forum for all Chadian people," he told reporters in Doha. He said the interim government was currently holding about 400 FACT prisoners and would not release them without guarantees that they would not rejoin the fighting. At a roadside food stand in Chad`s capital N`Djamena on Monday, some customers were reassured by fighters` willingness to disarm, but others feared the pact would not stop the fighting. "We have witnessed several peace agreements that ended in fratricidal wars between the different signatory parties," patron Marius Golbe said over breakfast. "I will only believe in this Doha agreement when the armed groups lay down their arms and are demobilized." The senior Deby spent much of his three decades in power fending off rebellions that sought his ouster. Rebels, including FACT, accused Deby and his allies of repressive rule, extrajudicial killings, and rigging elections - accusations he denied.

Chad signs peace pact with rebels, but main insurgents stay out

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
 
Russia is allegedly "openly blackmailing the whole world," according to Ukraine's nuclear agency Enerhoatom, by threatening to blow up the Zaporizhzhia power facility.

According to Ukraine, Russian forces allegedly "wired" the nuclear plant's energy components with explosives.

500 Russian soldiers and rocket launchers, according to the head of Ukraine's state nuclear power company, Enerhoatom, are stationed at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant site.

The chief of Russia's radiation, chemical, and biological defence forces, Major General Valery Vasiliev, was cited as saying, "There will either be Russian territory or a burned desert."

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that it would be "open season" worldwide if Russia was allowed to "bully" Ukraine without opposition.

The US thought it was vital to stand up to Russia because its aggression against Ukraine jeopardised the core values of the international order, Mr. Bliken said during a press conference with South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor.

What are the chances of a nuclear disaster at Zaporizhzhia?

The biggest nuclear power plant in Europe is located at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.

The plant in southeast Ukraine was taken by Russian soldiers in early March, but Ukrainian specialists are still in charge of it.

Following reports of shelling, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today demanded that access be granted to foreign inspectors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

At a press conference in Japan, Mr. Guterres declared: "Any attack on a nuclear plant is a suicidal act."

Since the development of commercial nuclear power, there have only been two significant nuclear accidents: Chernobyl and Fukushima.

In comparison to the Chernobyl plant, also in Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant employs more cutting-edge technology.

A commercial-type power reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb since the fuel is not enriched beyond roughly 5%, according to the World Nuclear Association.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia is allegedly "openly blackmailing the whole world," according to Ukraine's nuclear agency Enerhoatom, by threatening to blow up the Zaporizhzhia power facility. According to Ukraine, Russian forces allegedly "wired" the nuclear plant's energy components with explosives. 500 Russian soldiers and rocket launchers, according to the head of Ukraine's state nuclear power company, Enerhoatom, are stationed at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant site. The chief of Russia's radiation, chemical, and biological defence forces, Major General Valery Vasiliev, was cited as saying, "There will either be Russian territory or a burned desert." Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that it would be "open season" worldwide if Russia was allowed to "bully" Ukraine without opposition. The US thought it was vital to stand up to Russia because its aggression against Ukraine jeopardised the core values of the international order, Mr. Bliken said during a press conference with South Africa's foreign minister, Naledi Pandor. What are the chances of a nuclear disaster at Zaporizhzhia? The biggest nuclear power plant in Europe is located at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The plant in southeast Ukraine was taken by Russian soldiers in early March, but Ukrainian specialists are still in charge of it. Following reports of shelling, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today demanded that access be granted to foreign inspectors at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. At a press conference in Japan, Mr. Guterres declared: "Any attack on a nuclear plant is a suicidal act." Since the development of commercial nuclear power, there have only been two significant nuclear accidents: Chernobyl and Fukushima. In comparison to the Chernobyl plant, also in Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant employs more cutting-edge technology. A commercial-type power reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb since the fuel is not enriched beyond roughly 5%, according to the World Nuclear Association. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia has wired nuclear power plant with explosives: Ukraine

Since the pandemic forced many people to reevaluate their priorities, the four-day workweek has gained attention as a potential means of enhancing employees' work-life balance and welfare. While many see it as a revolutionary break from the monotony of a Monday through Friday workweek, it has proven to be a major inconvenience for many others.

The four-day workweek has been extensively tested around the world (though not everyone has had the opportunity to try it), and it has even been adopted permanently by numerous companies in several countries after trials revealed that the shorter workweek improved employees' wellbeing and happiness while maintaining the same level of productivity.

However, the four-day workweek proved challenging and even divisive in many organisations. In some businesses, it is simply not possible to work on Fridays, and in those where employees are given a three-day weekend, the time off sometimes follows a long, shortened workweek in which workers have to put in even more effort to make up for the "lost" day.

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<h5>The six-hour day is a schedule that requires contributors from an institution to put in six hours a day. This contrasts with the typical eight-hour day or any other type of time structure. It has also been suggested as a superior substitute for the four-day workweek, another suggested method of cutting back on working hours.</h5>
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Certain organisational psychologists suggest shortening the workday. In addition to being more viable for more types of enterprises, wrapping up in less time—say, six instead of eight hours—could also significantly improve the lives of employees.

However, there are compelling arguments in favour of a shorter workday that are connected to improved employee wellbeing and perhaps higher productivity. Contrary to ingrained conventions, it's possible that workers could be more productive and focused if they left the office earlier.

The fact that nations cannot afford such trials at a time when the economy is in such bad shape is one of the key worries regarding cutting working hours.

The OECD has advised these nations to enhance their productivity in order to hasten the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as they deal with growing inflation and a cost-of-living issue, despite the favourable economic outlook in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway, for instance.

Trials to enact novel regulations, such as the six-hour workday, are frequently pricey; in some cases, the expenses are found to outweigh the advantages.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Since the pandemic forced many people to reevaluate their priorities, the four-day workweek has gained attention as a potential means of enhancing employees' work-life balance and welfare.

Since the pandemic forced many people to reevaluate their priorities, the four-day workweek has gained attention as a potential means of enhancing employees' work-life balance and welfare. While many see it as a revolutionary break from the monotony of a Monday through Friday workweek, it has proven to be a major inconvenience for many others. The four-day workweek has been extensively tested around the world (though not everyone has had the opportunity to try it), and it has even been adopted permanently by numerous companies in several countries after trials revealed that the shorter workweek improved employees' wellbeing and happiness while maintaining the same level of productivity. However, the four-day workweek proved challenging and even divisive in many organisations. In some businesses, it is simply not possible to work on Fridays, and in those where employees are given a three-day weekend, the time off sometimes follows a long, shortened workweek in which workers have to put in even more effort to make up for the "lost" day. The six-hour day is a schedule that requires contributors from an institution to put in six hours a day. This contrasts with the typical eight-hour day or any other type of time structure. It has also been suggested as a superior substitute for the four-day workweek, another suggested method of cutting back on working hours. × Certain organisational psychologists suggest shortening the workday. In addition to being more viable for more types of enterprises, wrapping up in less time—say, six instead of eight hours—could also significantly improve the lives of employees. However, there are compelling arguments in favour of a shorter workday that are connected to improved employee wellbeing and perhaps higher productivity. Contrary to ingrained conventions, it's possible that workers could be more productive and focused if they left the office earlier. The fact that nations cannot afford such trials at a time when the economy is in such bad shape is one of the key worries regarding cutting working hours. The OECD has advised these nations to enhance their productivity in order to hasten the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as they deal with growing inflation and a cost-of-living issue, despite the favourable economic outlook in countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway, for instance. Trials to enact novel regulations, such as the six-hour workday, are frequently pricey; in some cases, the expenses are found to outweigh the advantages. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is a 6-hour workday the solution to a more favourable work-life balance?

In order to increase the chances of domestic businesses, India is reportedly trying to prevent Chinese companies from accessing its sub-$150 (Rs 12000) phone market, according to a report from Bloomberg News on Monday, citing anonymous sources. The change, according to the article, would be devastating for Chinese businesses like Xiaomi and Realme.

As per the Bloomberg story, the effort is intended to force Chinese goliaths out of the lowest section of the second-largest mobile market in the world.

They claimed it correlates with growing anxiety over high-volume brands undercutting local producers, such as Realme and Transsion. They declined to be named because the conversation was delicate.

China cannot afford to give up on the Indian market at this time. After China, the nation of over 1.3 billion people in South Asia is the largest market for smartphones globally. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tax-evasion-notices-issued-to-three-chinese-mobile-companies-ed-investigating-503135">Also read | India: Tax evasion notices issued to three Chinese mobile companies, ED investigating</a>

Xiaomi and the other firms involved will suffer a great loss if the entry-level market in India is closed off. These businesses have experienced significant growth in the Indian market following the Chinese lockdown thanks to the potential there.&nbsp;

The coronavirus in China nearly put an end to the market for phones because people there are already technologically sophisticated and have access to smartphones.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Xiaomi &amp; Oppo found violating India's tax laws

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Smartphones priced under $150 made up a third of sales in the three months ending June 2022, according to market researcher Counterpoint. And in that, Chinese smartphone manufacturers held an 80% stake.

Xiaomi and its rivals, Oppo and Vivo, have already been exposed to intense financial examination by New Delhi, which has resulted in tax demands and claims of money laundering. The government has already used clandestine methods to outlaw communications equipment made by ZTE Corp. and Huawei Technologies Co. Although there isn't a formal policy that forbids Chinese networking equipment, wireless operators are urged to buy alternatives.

Since Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. charge more for their phones, the change shouldn't have an impact on them. Requests for comment from Transsion, Realme, and Xiaomi representatives went unanswered. Inquiries from Bloomberg News went unanswered by the technology ministry of India's spokespeople as well.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In order to increase the chances of domestic businesses, India is reportedly trying to prevent Chinese companies from accessing its sub-$150 (Rs 12000) phone market, according to a report from Bloomberg News on Monday, citing anonymous sources.

In order to increase the chances of domestic businesses, India is reportedly trying to prevent Chinese companies from accessing its sub-$150 (Rs 12000) phone market, according to a report from Bloomberg News on Monday, citing anonymous sources. The change, according to the article, would be devastating for Chinese businesses like Xiaomi and Realme. As per the Bloomberg story, the effort is intended to force Chinese goliaths out of the lowest section of the second-largest mobile market in the world. They claimed it correlates with growing anxiety over high-volume brands undercutting local producers, such as Realme and Transsion. They declined to be named because the conversation was delicate. China cannot afford to give up on the Indian market at this time. After China, the nation of over 1.3 billion people in South Asia is the largest market for smartphones globally. Also read | India: Tax evasion notices issued to three Chinese mobile companies, ED investigating Xiaomi and the other firms involved will suffer a great loss if the entry-level market in India is closed off. These businesses have experienced significant growth in the Indian market following the Chinese lockdown thanks to the potential there. The coronavirus in China nearly put an end to the market for phones because people there are already technologically sophisticated and have access to smartphones. Watch | Gravitas: Xiaomi & Oppo found violating India's tax laws Smartphones priced under $150 made up a third of sales in the three months ending June 2022, according to market researcher Counterpoint. And in that, Chinese smartphone manufacturers held an 80% stake. Xiaomi and its rivals, Oppo and Vivo, have already been exposed to intense financial examination by New Delhi, which has resulted in tax demands and claims of money laundering. The government has already used clandestine methods to outlaw communications equipment made by ZTE Corp. and Huawei Technologies Co. Although there isn't a formal policy that forbids Chinese networking equipment, wireless operators are urged to buy alternatives. Since Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. charge more for their phones, the change shouldn't have an impact on them. Requests for comment from Transsion, Realme, and Xiaomi representatives went unanswered. Inquiries from Bloomberg News went unanswered by the technology ministry of India's spokespeople as well. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India to block sale of Chinese phones priced below $150: Report

An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told reporters at a briefing that the IDF believes 51 people were killed in Gaza during the most recent round of fighting, 24 of whom were members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organisation. The military claims their numbers are approximations. The military claims that 16 non-combatants were killed by Gazan rockets that missed their target.

A total of 27 civilians from Gaza, including several children, were murdered in the battle after an additional 11 non-terrorists were also slain.The military claims to have killed 24 members of the terrorist organisation Islamic Jihad. The military also claims that militants in the Gaza Strip fired some 1,100 missiles at Israel.

According to the military, 200 rockets were fired but missed their targets and landed in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the Iron Dome missile defence system was 96% effective.According to the IDF, it launched attacks on some 170 targets connected to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including top leaders and members of the terrorist organisation.

Although the Islamic Jihad group supports Hamas, it frequently takes separate actions. The majority of Western nations classify both as terrorist organisations.

As airstrikes were conducted throughout the Gaza Strip as part of Israel's operation Breaking Dawn against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting today behind closed doors to discuss the most recent escalation between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Israel's office of Prime Minister Yair Lapid earlier announced that on August 5, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had attacked Islamic Jihad sites in the Gaza Strip.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told reporters at a briefing that the IDF believes 51 people were killed in Gaza during the most recent round of fighting, 24 of whom were members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organisation.

An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told reporters at a briefing that the IDF believes 51 people were killed in Gaza during the most recent round of fighting, 24 of whom were members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror organisation. The military claims their numbers are approximations. The military claims that 16 non-combatants were killed by Gazan rockets that missed their target. A total of 27 civilians from Gaza, including several children, were murdered in the battle after an additional 11 non-terrorists were also slain.The military claims to have killed 24 members of the terrorist organisation Islamic Jihad. The military also claims that militants in the Gaza Strip fired some 1,100 missiles at Israel. According to the military, 200 rockets were fired but missed their targets and landed in the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, the Iron Dome missile defence system was 96% effective.According to the IDF, it launched attacks on some 170 targets connected to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including top leaders and members of the terrorist organisation. Although the Islamic Jihad group supports Hamas, it frequently takes separate actions. The majority of Western nations classify both as terrorist organisations. As airstrikes were conducted throughout the Gaza Strip as part of Israel's operation Breaking Dawn against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting today behind closed doors to discuss the most recent escalation between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Israel's office of Prime Minister Yair Lapid earlier announced that on August 5, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had attacked Islamic Jihad sites in the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

51, including 27 civilians killed in Gaza during the latest air strikes: Israel Defense Forces

Fiona Patten, a cross-party MP, wants to halt public hospitals in Victoria from prohibiting doctors from conducting abortions.

Fundamental human rights are currently being "denied," according to the leader of the Reason Party, in public hospitals.

According to Ms. Patten, "the health system is mistreating people who finance it."

"Publicly funded hospitals and other healthcare organisations have no authority to reject these legally recognised rights that a woman has autonomy over her body and reproductive health," the statement reads.

Pregnant women in Victoria have access to abortions up to 24 weeks after conception under the law as it stands.

After that, a medical professional must get confirmation from another doctor that performing an abortion is okay. Hospitals that receive government funding, however, are not compelled to provide abortion services.

The legislation will work to uphold end-of-life rights in all publicly funded hospitals, including those with religious ties, as well as increase family planning services and defend abortion rights. It happened barely one month after the momentous Roe v. Wade ruling, which immediately made abortion illegal in several states, was overturned by the US Supreme Court.

According to Patten, the legislation has no bearing on each medical professional's freedom to decline to provide services based on their own personal religious convictions.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Fiona Patten, a cross-party MP, wants to halt public hospitals in Victoria from prohibiting doctors from conducting abortions. Fundamental human rights are currently being "denied," according to the leader of the Reason Party, in public hospitals.

Fiona Patten, a cross-party MP, wants to halt public hospitals in Victoria from prohibiting doctors from conducting abortions. Fundamental human rights are currently being "denied," according to the leader of the Reason Party, in public hospitals. According to Ms. Patten, "the health system is mistreating people who finance it." "Publicly funded hospitals and other healthcare organisations have no authority to reject these legally recognised rights that a woman has autonomy over her body and reproductive health," the statement reads. Pregnant women in Victoria have access to abortions up to 24 weeks after conception under the law as it stands. After that, a medical professional must get confirmation from another doctor that performing an abortion is okay. Hospitals that receive government funding, however, are not compelled to provide abortion services. The legislation will work to uphold end-of-life rights in all publicly funded hospitals, including those with religious ties, as well as increase family planning services and defend abortion rights. It happened barely one month after the momentous Roe v. Wade ruling, which immediately made abortion illegal in several states, was overturned by the US Supreme Court. According to Patten, the legislation has no bearing on each medical professional's freedom to decline to provide services based on their own personal religious convictions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian leader introduces bill to block religious hospitals from refusing abortions

As the month of August gets underway, the startling explosion of roughly 4,000 earthquakes has triggered worries of a new volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. According to Severe Weather, strong swarms of up to 4,000 earthquakes have been found in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, possibly caused by magma movement beneath the earth. This has experts concerned about a probable volcanic eruption.

The officials have increased the warning level in the area as a result of this. The likelihood of an eruption is rising progressively as the earthquake activity does.

One of the world's most active volcanic areas is Iceland, a volcanic island in the North Atlantic. It has produced notable eruptions throughout its history, which had a tremendous impact on Europe, North America, and the entire Northern Hemisphere.

Due to its location along the tectonic plate border between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, the island is constantly shaken by earthquakes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is another name for this line of separation (MAR).

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge goes across Iceland in the graphic below, which also shows how the tectonic plates are spreading. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, it enters the southwest and turns north after travelling east. The main core volcanoes are depicted as red triangles.

But across the whole Atlantic Ocean, the tectonic plates have separated. What makes this place so special and why did it take millions of years for a big volcanic island to form there?

The answer is a hotspot or mantle plume, which is a vertical column of hot, molten rock rising from the mantle. It is beneath Iceland, as has been demonstrated by extensive research. As a result, it is more frequently referred to as the Icelandic plume.

The graphic below depicts the general location of the point when the plume joins Iceland under the Vatnajokull glacier (black circle). The mid-Atlantic ridge and volcanic locations are also visible.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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As the month of August gets underway, the startling explosion of roughly 4,000 earthquakes has triggered worries of a new volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula.

As the month of August gets underway, the startling explosion of roughly 4,000 earthquakes has triggered worries of a new volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. According to Severe Weather, strong swarms of up to 4,000 earthquakes have been found in Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula, possibly caused by magma movement beneath the earth. This has experts concerned about a probable volcanic eruption. The officials have increased the warning level in the area as a result of this. The likelihood of an eruption is rising progressively as the earthquake activity does. One of the world's most active volcanic areas is Iceland, a volcanic island in the North Atlantic. It has produced notable eruptions throughout its history, which had a tremendous impact on Europe, North America, and the entire Northern Hemisphere. Due to its location along the tectonic plate border between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, the island is constantly shaken by earthquakes. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is another name for this line of separation (MAR). The Mid-Atlantic Ridge goes across Iceland in the graphic below, which also shows how the tectonic plates are spreading. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, it enters the southwest and turns north after travelling east. The main core volcanoes are depicted as red triangles. But across the whole Atlantic Ocean, the tectonic plates have separated. What makes this place so special and why did it take millions of years for a big volcanic island to form there? The answer is a hotspot or mantle plume, which is a vertical column of hot, molten rock rising from the mantle. It is beneath Iceland, as has been demonstrated by extensive research. As a result, it is more frequently referred to as the Icelandic plume. The graphic below depicts the general location of the point when the plume joins Iceland under the Vatnajokull glacier (black circle). The mid-Atlantic ridge and volcanic locations are also visible. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fear of volcanic eruptions looms after Iceland witnesses 4000 earthquakes

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