Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country. 
 
"The Russian justice ministry has lodged an administrative legal claim with the Supreme Court to recognise the International LGBT public movement as extremist and ban its activity in Russia," Moscow said in a statement, adding that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30.

<h2>Russia's&nbsp;crackdown on the LGBTQ community</h2>

This is the latest move by Russia in its ongoing crackdown on the LGBTQ community and its people, whom the authorities term as "non-traditional" gender identities and sexual orientation.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-meteorite-new-footage-reveals-russian-missile-with-nuclear-capable-glide-vehicle-loaded-in-silo-659741">&nbsp;'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo</a>

Russian authorities have used the extremist label against many rights organisations as well as opposition groups, which increases the chances of prosecution of its members. 
 
The ministry has accused the "LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation" of "various signs and manifestations of extremism, including incitement to social and religious hatred."

Watch:&nbsp;Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-says-artist-was-spreading-misinformation-about-military-659688/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The ministry did not clarify what it meant by that movement but added that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30. 
 
Since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, it has increased its campaign against LGBTQ communities. 
 
"Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBT+ community are human beings," stated Dilya Gafurova, the head of the LGBTQ rights group Sphere. 
 
Authorities "don't just want to erase us from the public field: they want to ban us as a social group," added Gafurova.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country.

Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country. "The Russian justice ministry has lodged an administrative legal claim with the Supreme Court to recognise the International LGBT public movement as extremist and ban its activity in Russia," Moscow said in a statement, adding that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30. Russia's crackdown on the LGBTQ community This is the latest move by Russia in its ongoing crackdown on the LGBTQ community and its people, whom the authorities term as "non-traditional" gender identities and sexual orientation. Also read: 'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo Russian authorities have used the extremist label against many rights organisations as well as opposition groups, which increases the chances of prosecution of its members. The ministry has accused the "LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation" of "various signs and manifestations of extremism, including incitement to social and religious hatred." Watch: Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military The ministry did not clarify what it meant by that movement but added that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30. Since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, it has increased its campaign against LGBTQ communities. "Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBT+ community are human beings," stated Dilya Gafurova, the head of the LGBTQ rights group Sphere. Authorities "don't just want to erase us from the public field: they want to ban us as a social group," added Gafurova. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia appeals to recognise 'International LGBT public movement' as 'extremist'

Acclaimed British author A.S.&nbsp;Byatt, who won the 1990 Booker Prize&nbsp;for her best-selling romance novel "Possession", has died at the age of 87, her publisher announced on Friday.

Byatt, also a poet, short-story writer and critic, died "peacefully at home surrounded by close family", Penguin Random House said.

The publisher hailed her as "one of the most significant writers and critics of our time".&nbsp;

The novelist - who was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2009 for "The Children's Book" - was made a dame in 1999.

Other accolades during her career, which produced 24 novels and works of criticism, included winning the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction.

Clara Farmer, her publisher at Chatto &amp; Windus, an imprint of Penguin Random House, said&nbsp;her books were "the most wonderful jewel boxes of stories and ideas".

"Her compulsion to write (A4 blue notebook always to hand) and her ability to create intricate skeins of narrative was remarkable. We mourn her loss but it's a comfort to know that her penetrating works will dazzle, shine and refract in the minds of readers for generations to come,"&nbsp;she added.

Educated at Cambridge University,&nbsp;Byatt&nbsp;taught at the Central School of Art and Design, and was a lecturer in English at University College, London, between 1972 and 1984, before returning to full-time writing.&nbsp;

Her books have been translated into dozens of languages.&nbsp;

She was awarded the Erasmus Prize in 2016, for her "inspiring contribution to life writing", and the Pak Kyongni Prize in 2017.

In 2018 she received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award.

Acclaimed British author A.S. Byatt, who won the 1990 Booker Prize for her best-selling romance novel "Possession", has died at the age of 87, her publisher announced on Friday.

Acclaimed British author A.S. Byatt, who won the 1990 Booker Prize for her best-selling romance novel "Possession", has died at the age of 87, her publisher announced on Friday. Byatt, also a poet, short-story writer and critic, died "peacefully at home surrounded by close family", Penguin Random House said. The publisher hailed her as "one of the most significant writers and critics of our time". The novelist - who was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2009 for "The Children's Book" - was made a dame in 1999. Other accolades during her career, which produced 24 novels and works of criticism, included winning the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction. Clara Farmer, her publisher at Chatto & Windus, an imprint of Penguin Random House, said her books were "the most wonderful jewel boxes of stories and ideas". "Her compulsion to write (A4 blue notebook always to hand) and her ability to create intricate skeins of narrative was remarkable. We mourn her loss but it's a comfort to know that her penetrating works will dazzle, shine and refract in the minds of readers for generations to come," she added. Educated at Cambridge University, Byatt taught at the Central School of Art and Design, and was a lecturer in English at University College, London, between 1972 and 1984, before returning to full-time writing. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages. She was awarded the Erasmus Prize in 2016, for her "inspiring contribution to life writing", and the Pak Kyongni Prize in 2017. In 2018 she received the Hans Christian Andersen Literature Award.

Booker Prize-winning UK author, critic and poet A S Byatt dead at 87

South Korea is planning to ban eating dog meat and end the controversy surrounding the ancient custom amid increasing awareness of animal rights, stated a ruling party policy chief on Friday (Nov 17). 
 
The practice of eating dog meat in Korea has been criticised overseas because of its cruelty and it has also been opposed increasingly at home, especially by the younger generation. 
 
"It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it," said Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, at a meeting held with animal rights activists and government officials. 
 
Yu stated that the government and ruling party will introduce a bill to enforce a ban this year, adding that with expected bipartisan support, the bill must sail through Parliament.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-revise-deterrence-strategy-over-north-koreas-nuclear-threat-657967">US, South Korea revise deterrence strategy over North Korea's nuclear threat</a>

“We will provide full support to farmers, butchers and other businesses facing closure or transition due to this law,” Yu stated. He stated that compensation will be given only to legally registered dog meat farmers, slaughterers, traders, and restaurant owners.

<h2>Maximum support to be extended to people in dog meat industry</h2>

Speaking at the meeting, Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun said that the government will quickly implement a ban and extend the maximum possible support to those people in the dog meat industry for closing down their businesses. 
 
"With so many dogs needlessly suffering for a meat that hardly anyone eats, the government’s bill delivers a bold plan that must now urgently be passed by the Assembly so that a legislative ban can be agreed as soon as possible to help South Korea close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog-friendly future," stated JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International, in a statement after the meeting. 
 
First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been criticising the consumption of dog meat and has adopted stray dogs along with her husband President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Man crushed to death by robot in South Korea

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-man-crushed-to-death-by-robot-in-south-korea-657432/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the past, anti-dog meat bills have failed due to protests from those working in the industry, and increasing concern regarding the livelihoods of restaurant owners and farmers. 
 
The ban proposed by the government will include a three-year grace period as well as financial support for businesses to transition out of the trade. 
 
In the Korean peninsula, eating dog meat has remained an age-old practice and is considered as a way to tackle the summer heat. 
 
The idea of the ban has been welcomed by the animal rights groups. "A dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty," stated Humane Society International, in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea is planning to ban eating dog meat and end the controversy surrounding the ancient custom amid increasing awareness of animal rights, stated a ruling party policy chief on Friday (Nov 17).

South Korea is planning to ban eating dog meat and end the controversy surrounding the ancient custom amid increasing awareness of animal rights, stated a ruling party policy chief on Friday (Nov 17). The practice of eating dog meat in Korea has been criticised overseas because of its cruelty and it has also been opposed increasingly at home, especially by the younger generation. "It is time to put an end to social conflicts and controversies around dog meat consumption through the enactment of a special act to end it," said Yu Eui-dong, policy chief of the ruling People Power Party, at a meeting held with animal rights activists and government officials. Yu stated that the government and ruling party will introduce a bill to enforce a ban this year, adding that with expected bipartisan support, the bill must sail through Parliament. Also read: US, South Korea revise deterrence strategy over North Korea's nuclear threat “We will provide full support to farmers, butchers and other businesses facing closure or transition due to this law,” Yu stated. He stated that compensation will be given only to legally registered dog meat farmers, slaughterers, traders, and restaurant owners. Maximum support to be extended to people in dog meat industry Speaking at the meeting, Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun said that the government will quickly implement a ban and extend the maximum possible support to those people in the dog meat industry for closing down their businesses. "With so many dogs needlessly suffering for a meat that hardly anyone eats, the government’s bill delivers a bold plan that must now urgently be passed by the Assembly so that a legislative ban can be agreed as soon as possible to help South Korea close this miserable chapter in our history and embrace a dog-friendly future," stated JungAh Chae, executive director of Humane Society International, in a statement after the meeting. First Lady Kim Keon Hee has been criticising the consumption of dog meat and has adopted stray dogs along with her husband President Yoon Suk Yeol. Watch: Gravitas: Man crushed to death by robot in South Korea In the past, anti-dog meat bills have failed due to protests from those working in the industry, and increasing concern regarding the livelihoods of restaurant owners and farmers. The ban proposed by the government will include a three-year grace period as well as financial support for businesses to transition out of the trade. In the Korean peninsula, eating dog meat has remained an age-old practice and is considered as a way to tackle the summer heat. The idea of the ban has been welcomed by the animal rights groups. "A dream come true for all of us who have campaigned so hard to end this cruelty," stated Humane Society International, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea plans complete ban on eating of dog meat by 2027

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that they found the dead body of a 19-year-old Israeli woman soldier, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

Taking to X on Friday (Nov 17), the IDF stated that soldier's dead body was found next to Shifa Hospital in Gaza Strip. Hamas has been accused by Israel of using civilian buildings like hospitals and schools for creating tunnels, storing weapons and reinforcing shelters.

Many visuals from such structures were released by the IDF to prove that the allegations made against the Hamas were true.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-genocide-is-israel-committing-genocide-against-palestinians-659804">Explained: What is genocide? Is Israel committing genocide against Palestinians?</a>

"19-year-old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them," stated the IDF in a post, which also carried the photo of the slain soldier.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. 
 
Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. 
 
The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. <a href="https://t.co/f7eWBUrzVq">pic.twitter.com/f7eWBUrzVq</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1725399996277620765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The coffin of the soldier&nbsp;reached for her funeral in Modi'in, central Israel on Friday (Nov 17). After her body was discovered near the hospital, it was brought to Israel for identification by the military rabbinate.

<h2>IDF alleges Hamas exploiting three largest hospitals in Gaza</h2>

The IDF earlier stated that another 65-year-old hostage, who was also the mother of five children, was found dead near the hospital in Gaza.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel's opposition asks Netanyahu to resign

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The 65-year-old woman "was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," stated IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. On October 7, Hamas militants had killed her husband, the same day they kidnapped and took her to Gaza.

The IDF further shared more videos of tunnels under the Gaza Strip's three largest hospitals which were run by Hamas.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Exposing another layer of Hamas’ exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: 
 
🔻Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. 
 
1/3 <a href="https://t.co/uGo4uBdTly">pic.twitter.com/uGo4uBdTly</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1725317630356070907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"Exposing another layer of Hamas' exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza. Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered... Inside the Rantisi Hospital, yet another terrorist tunnel was unearthed by IDF troops... Inside the Al-Quds Hospital, a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found. This was all found over the past 24 hours," stated the IDF, in a thread on X.

Israeli troops have been carrying out building-by-building searches at the main hospital of Gaza as a new communications blackout has increased trouble for Palestinian civilians who are inside the facility.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that they found the dead body of a 19-year-old Israeli woman soldier, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Taking to X on Friday (Nov 17), the IDF stated that soldier's dead body was found next to Shifa Hospital in Gaza Strip.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that they found the dead body of a 19-year-old Israeli woman soldier, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Taking to X on Friday (Nov 17), the IDF stated that soldier's dead body was found next to Shifa Hospital in Gaza Strip. Hamas has been accused by Israel of using civilian buildings like hospitals and schools for creating tunnels, storing weapons and reinforcing shelters. Many visuals from such structures were released by the IDF to prove that the allegations made against the Hamas were true. Also read: Explained: What is genocide? Is Israel committing genocide against Palestinians? "19-year-old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them," stated the IDF in a post, which also carried the photo of the slain soldier. 19 year old CPL Noa Marciano was abducted and murdered by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Her body was found and extracted by IDF troops adjacent to the Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The IDF sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and will continue to support them. pic.twitter.com/f7eWBUrzVq — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 × The coffin of the soldier reached for her funeral in Modi'in, central Israel on Friday (Nov 17). After her body was discovered near the hospital, it was brought to Israel for identification by the military rabbinate. IDF alleges Hamas exploiting three largest hospitals in Gaza The IDF earlier stated that another 65-year-old hostage, who was also the mother of five children, was found dead near the hospital in Gaza. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israel's opposition asks Netanyahu to resign The 65-year-old woman "was murdered by the terrorists in the Gaza Strip and we didn't manage to reach her in time," stated IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. On October 7, Hamas militants had killed her husband, the same day they kidnapped and took her to Gaza. The IDF further shared more videos of tunnels under the Gaza Strip's three largest hospitals which were run by Hamas. Exposing another layer of Hamas’ exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza: 🔻Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/uGo4uBdTly — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 17, 2023 × "Exposing another layer of Hamas' exploitation of three of the largest hospitals in Gaza. Inside the Shifa Hospital complex, a Hamas terrorist tunnel was uncovered... Inside the Rantisi Hospital, yet another terrorist tunnel was unearthed by IDF troops... Inside the Al-Quds Hospital, a large amount of weaponry and ammunition were found. This was all found over the past 24 hours," stated the IDF, in a thread on X. Israeli troops have been carrying out building-by-building searches at the main hospital of Gaza as a new communications blackout has increased trouble for Palestinian civilians who are inside the facility. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

IDF finds body of 19-year-old Israeli woman soldier near Al-Shifa hospital

Scientists have warned that the ice sheets in the world have been melting at a faster pace than estimated, and the climate ambitions of the world need to be reconstructed to avoid any catastrophic increase in sea levels. 
 
The report was published on Thursday (Nov 16) by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), a network of policy experts and researchers. They appealed the world leaders to pay attention to their warnings when they gather to attend the United Nations’ COP28 climate conference later this month. 
 
The report stated that if global average temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius beyond the preindustrial baseline, Earth can see more than 40 feet of sea-level rise – a melt which will take centuries and reshape societies across the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-believe-the-collapse-of-west-antarctic-ice-sheet-is-preventable-report-658865">Researchers believe the collapse of West Antarctic ice sheet is preventable: Report</a>

In the climate science community, the collapse of ice shelves and ice sheets has been a major point of uncertainty.

However, the new research suggests that dangerous tipping points are closer than expected, and there is less room in the carbon budget of the Earth. 
 
“We might be reaching these temperature thresholds that we’ve been talking about for a long time sooner than we were thinking about years ago,” stated Rob DeConto, the director of the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Earth &amp; Sustainability and an author of the report. 
 
“And it may be that the thresholds for some of these processes that can drive really rapid ice loss are lower than we were thinking just a few years ago,” he added, as reported by NBC News.

<h2>People will be forced to escape coastal communities: Scientists</h2>

If there is no dramatic change in the speed of climate action, such factors can leave humanity “facing rates of sea-level rise way outside the range of adaptability,” DeConto stated. 
 
In the report, the scientists emphasised that an increase in global temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius will force many people to escape coastal communities.

Watch:&nbsp;Global warming: Polar seas could suffer acidification

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-warming-polar-seas-could-suffer-acidification-659637/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We’re displacing millions of people with the decisions being made now,” stated report author Julie Brigham-Grette, who is a geosciences professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 
 
The report has recorded the contributions of more than 60 scientists. Many of these scientists are experts in their specialities, and some were involved in past reports for the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is the leading body that assesses the climate crisis in the world. 
 
“Many ice sheet scientists now believe that by 2°C, nearly all of Greenland, much of West Antarctica, and even vulnerable portions of East Antarctica will be triggered to very long-term, inexorable sea-level rise, even if air temperatures later decrease,” the new ICCI report stated.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Scientists have warned that the ice sheets in the world have been melting at a faster pace than estimated, and the climate ambitions of the world need to be reconstructed to avoid any catastrophic increase in sea levels.

Scientists have warned that the ice sheets in the world have been melting at a faster pace than estimated, and the climate ambitions of the world need to be reconstructed to avoid any catastrophic increase in sea levels. The report was published on Thursday (Nov 16) by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), a network of policy experts and researchers. They appealed the world leaders to pay attention to their warnings when they gather to attend the United Nations’ COP28 climate conference later this month. The report stated that if global average temperatures reach 2 degrees Celsius beyond the preindustrial baseline, Earth can see more than 40 feet of sea-level rise – a melt which will take centuries and reshape societies across the world. Also read: Researchers believe the collapse of West Antarctic ice sheet is preventable: Report In the climate science community, the collapse of ice shelves and ice sheets has been a major point of uncertainty. However, the new research suggests that dangerous tipping points are closer than expected, and there is less room in the carbon budget of the Earth. “We might be reaching these temperature thresholds that we’ve been talking about for a long time sooner than we were thinking about years ago,” stated Rob DeConto, the director of the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Earth & Sustainability and an author of the report. “And it may be that the thresholds for some of these processes that can drive really rapid ice loss are lower than we were thinking just a few years ago,” he added, as reported by NBC News. People will be forced to escape coastal communities: Scientists If there is no dramatic change in the speed of climate action, such factors can leave humanity “facing rates of sea-level rise way outside the range of adaptability,” DeConto stated. In the report, the scientists emphasised that an increase in global temperatures of 2 degrees Celsius will force many people to escape coastal communities. Watch: Global warming: Polar seas could suffer acidification “We’re displacing millions of people with the decisions being made now,” stated report author Julie Brigham-Grette, who is a geosciences professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The report has recorded the contributions of more than 60 scientists. Many of these scientists are experts in their specialities, and some were involved in past reports for the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which is the leading body that assesses the climate crisis in the world. “Many ice sheet scientists now believe that by 2°C, nearly all of Greenland, much of West Antarctica, and even vulnerable portions of East Antarctica will be triggered to very long-term, inexorable sea-level rise, even if air temperatures later decrease,” the new ICCI report stated. (With inputs from agencies)

At global average temperature of 2 degrees, Earth likely to see disastrous 40 feet of sea level rise

Pakistan&nbsp;Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, while interacting with the media reporters on Thursday (Nov 16), said that the country is likely to need financial aid from the International Monetary Fund and hence, is likely to seek another bailout from the international multilateral lender. 
 
“We need to continue with the IMF as our economy is still fragile and we will possibly seek another loan,” stated Akhtar, who is the finance minister of the caretaker government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/angelina-jolies-calls-out-pakistan-as-it-deports-afghan-refugees-658503">Angelina Jolie calls out Pakistan as it deports Afghan refugees</a>

The comment was made by the minister a day after a staff-level agreement for a $700 million payout was reached by the South Asian nation with the IMF under an existing programme, which highlighted the deepening financial crisis being faced by the country that is battling economic and political turmoil. 
 
Pakistan's dollar-denominated debt of around $1 billion is coming due next year after the elections are conducted in February. Although the country is on the path of economic recovery, the country is susceptible to significant external risks, stated the IMF in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 15) after successfully concluding talks with the caretaker government of Pakistan.

<h2>Pakistan to hold elections in February</h2>

The interim government's term ends in February as the country votes in national elections to elect a new administration. 
 
Akhtar stated that the caretaker government will try to speak to the IMF for the next programme as the country will need the help of the international lender to consolidate macroeconomic stability. She stated that the foreign reserves of the country will increase in December after the materialisation of the pledges made by global lenders. 
 
A plan of raising funds from the global bond market was postponed by Pakistan as it won't fetch them the best price, stated the minister, further adding that the country is looking for other funding sources.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan?

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A default on its debt was averted by Pakistan after it secured the current nine-month loan programme in July from the IMF and it is expected that the completion of its first review along and inflows from other lenders will boost its dwindling reserves which fell $115 million to $7.4 billion. This decline is equivalent to less than two months of the country's imports. 
 
The IMF agreement also gave a boost to the caretaker government of Pakistan under Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The prime minister is making an attempt to secure $6.3 billion in loans from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, and around $10 billion in bilateral funding from creditor nations. 
 
As per reports, investors have been showing optimism about the fiscal recovery of Pakistan on the back of the IMF loan that has increased by more than 50 per cent return on its dollar bonds this year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, while interacting with the media reporters on Thursday (Nov 16), said that the country is likely to need financial aid from the International Monetary Fund and hence, is likely to seek another bailout from the international multilateral lender.

Pakistan Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, while interacting with the media reporters on Thursday (Nov 16), said that the country is likely to need financial aid from the International Monetary Fund and hence, is likely to seek another bailout from the international multilateral lender. “We need to continue with the IMF as our economy is still fragile and we will possibly seek another loan,” stated Akhtar, who is the finance minister of the caretaker government. Also read: Angelina Jolie calls out Pakistan as it deports Afghan refugees The comment was made by the minister a day after a staff-level agreement for a $700 million payout was reached by the South Asian nation with the IMF under an existing programme, which highlighted the deepening financial crisis being faced by the country that is battling economic and political turmoil. Pakistan's dollar-denominated debt of around $1 billion is coming due next year after the elections are conducted in February. Although the country is on the path of economic recovery, the country is susceptible to significant external risks, stated the IMF in a statement on Wednesday (Nov 15) after successfully concluding talks with the caretaker government of Pakistan. Pakistan to hold elections in February The interim government's term ends in February as the country votes in national elections to elect a new administration. Akhtar stated that the caretaker government will try to speak to the IMF for the next programme as the country will need the help of the international lender to consolidate macroeconomic stability. She stated that the foreign reserves of the country will increase in December after the materialisation of the pledges made by global lenders. A plan of raising funds from the global bond market was postponed by Pakistan as it won't fetch them the best price, stated the minister, further adding that the country is looking for other funding sources. Watch: Gravitas: Who is killing terrorists in Pakistan? A default on its debt was averted by Pakistan after it secured the current nine-month loan programme in July from the IMF and it is expected that the completion of its first review along and inflows from other lenders will boost its dwindling reserves which fell $115 million to $7.4 billion. This decline is equivalent to less than two months of the country's imports. The IMF agreement also gave a boost to the caretaker government of Pakistan under Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar. The prime minister is making an attempt to secure $6.3 billion in loans from the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank, and around $10 billion in bilateral funding from creditor nations. As per reports, investors have been showing optimism about the fiscal recovery of Pakistan on the back of the IMF loan that has increased by more than 50 per cent return on its dollar bonds this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to need another IMF bailout after $700 million payout, says finance minister

In a first, scientists have detected a soft green glow in the night sky of Mars that can be seen with our human eyes. 
 
The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission while orbiting around Mars spotted the Martian night sky filled with light in the optical spectrum. 
 
As per the scientists, the light is so bright in the polar regions that there is a possibility of human explorers seeing it if the night sky is clear of clouds. 
 
"These observations are unexpected and interesting for future trips to the Red Planet," stated planetary scientist Jean-Claude Gerard of the University of Liege in Belgium.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-can-now-produce-oxygen-on-mars-all-thanks-to-an-ai-powered-robot-chemist-658247">Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist</a>

In the solar system's atmospheres, the nightglow has been a relatively common phenomenon. Scientists have seen infrared and ultraviolet nightglow in the night sky on Mars and have also observed dayglow caused by the atmospheric absorption and energy released from solar radiation in the visible spectrum on Mars. 
 
However, "no nightglow spectrum has been observed so far in the visible domain," wrote the researchers. "Scattered solar light hinders such measurements from Earth's ground and no space-borne instrument has observed the Mars visible nightglow,” they added. 
 
Gerard and his team, intrigued by the discovery of ultraviolet and infrared nightglow and ultraviolet and visible dayglow on Mars, looked into data gathered by Trace Gas Orbiter which pointed at the instruments at the edge of the atmosphere which found signs of nightglow across visible ultraviolet wavelengths.

<h2>Nightglow seen in the south pole during Martian winter</h2>

The visible nightglow was seen during the Martian winter at the south pole between altitudes of 40 and 60 kilometres (25 to 37 miles). 
 
The researchers stated that this was a result of oxygen atoms which had combined into dioxygen (O2) after getting transported from the sunny Martian day and emitted a glow in the process – one which was bright enough that it was visible from the ground.

Watch:&nbsp;Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/scientists-surprised-by-source-of-largest-quake-detected-on-mars-648855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This O2 nightglow should be observable from a Martian orbiter as well as from the Martian surface with the naked eye under clear sky conditions. These observations pave the way to future global observations of the Martian atmospheric circulation with simpler lower-cost instrumentation,” the researchers wrote. 
 
All varieties of atmospheric glows are tracers of atmospheric circulation, chemistry, and processes. The atmosphere of Mars is very thin and finding out what it contains will help scientists know why and where the rest of it went.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a first, scientists have detected a soft green glow in the night sky of Mars that can be seen with our human eyes. The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission while orbiting around Mars spotted the Martian night sky filled with light in the optical spectrum.

In a first, scientists have detected a soft green glow in the night sky of Mars that can be seen with our human eyes. The European Space Agency's (ESA) ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter mission while orbiting around Mars spotted the Martian night sky filled with light in the optical spectrum. As per the scientists, the light is so bright in the polar regions that there is a possibility of human explorers seeing it if the night sky is clear of clouds. "These observations are unexpected and interesting for future trips to the Red Planet," stated planetary scientist Jean-Claude Gerard of the University of Liege in Belgium. Also read: Scientists can now produce oxygen on Mars, all thanks to an AI-powered robot chemist In the solar system's atmospheres, the nightglow has been a relatively common phenomenon. Scientists have seen infrared and ultraviolet nightglow in the night sky on Mars and have also observed dayglow caused by the atmospheric absorption and energy released from solar radiation in the visible spectrum on Mars. However, "no nightglow spectrum has been observed so far in the visible domain," wrote the researchers. "Scattered solar light hinders such measurements from Earth's ground and no space-borne instrument has observed the Mars visible nightglow,” they added. Gerard and his team, intrigued by the discovery of ultraviolet and infrared nightglow and ultraviolet and visible dayglow on Mars, looked into data gathered by Trace Gas Orbiter which pointed at the instruments at the edge of the atmosphere which found signs of nightglow across visible ultraviolet wavelengths. Nightglow seen in the south pole during Martian winter The visible nightglow was seen during the Martian winter at the south pole between altitudes of 40 and 60 kilometres (25 to 37 miles). The researchers stated that this was a result of oxygen atoms which had combined into dioxygen (O2) after getting transported from the sunny Martian day and emitted a glow in the process – one which was bright enough that it was visible from the ground. Watch: Scientists surprised by source of largest quake detected on Mars "This O2 nightglow should be observable from a Martian orbiter as well as from the Martian surface with the naked eye under clear sky conditions. These observations pave the way to future global observations of the Martian atmospheric circulation with simpler lower-cost instrumentation,” the researchers wrote. All varieties of atmospheric glows are tracers of atmospheric circulation, chemistry, and processes. The atmosphere of Mars is very thin and finding out what it contains will help scientists know why and where the rest of it went. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, scientists detect eerie green glow in night sky of Mars

At first, some of the most inaccessible extremes of mapped cave systems hidden in mysterious underwater labyrinths were sampled by the researchers. 
 
In these cave systems which are spread across 1,500 kilometres, the researchers have found thriving microbial metropolises which are within the layer of freshwater. 
 
Mexico's Yucatan carbonate aquifer is among the most extensive groundwater systems present on Earth and only some of its parts have been mapped properly. 
 
The groundwater system has numerous sinkholes, some of which are toxic in nature, as well as a complex web of subterranean tunnels. The system's massive caves provide drinking water to ten million visitors every year as well as two million locals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bizarre-researchers-found-70-million-years-old-dinosaur-species-that-slept-like-modern-day-birds-659261">Rare! Researchers find 70-million-year old dinosaur species that slept like modern-day birds</a>

"These are incredibly special samples of underground rivers that are particularly difficult to obtain," stated geobiologist Matthew Selensky, who was involved in the research while at Northwestern University. 
 
Northwestern University's geobiologist Magdalena Osburn and her team sequenced genes using 78 water samples, which were collected by a team of cave divers, to understand the different microbe species.

<h2>Researchers&nbsp;discover&nbsp;4,183 unique sequences</h2>

The researchers discovered 4,183 unique sequences which represented 917 different families of microbes, which had unique patterns of species in various areas. 
 
"The microbial communities form distinct niches," stated Osburn. "There is a varying cast of characters that seem to move around, depending on where you look. But when you look across the whole data set, there's a core set of organisms that seem to be performing key roles in each ecosystem,” she added. 
 
While looking into the 12 sites which were sampled, the researchers found the same family of bacteria: Comamonadaceae. 
 
Comamonadaceae are tiny, rod-shaped organisms which are found in water and soil environments. They need oxygen and swishy tail-like flagella is used by them to move about.

Watch:&nbsp;Top Chinese pharmaceutical companies use parts of endangered animals as ingredients: Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-pharmaceutical-companies-use-parts-of-endangered-animals-as-ingredients-report-650291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It seems that Comamonadaceae performs slightly different roles in different parts of the aquifer, but it's always performing a major role. Depending on the region, it has a different partner. Comamonadaceae and its partners probably have some mutualistic metabolism, maybe sharing food,” explained Osburn. 
 
"This underground river system provides drinking water for millions of people. So, whatever happens with the microbial communities there has the potential to be felt by humans,” Osburn noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

At first, some of the most inaccessible extremes of mapped cave systems hidden in mysterious underwater labyrinths were sampled by the researchers. In these cave systems which are spread across 1,500 kilometres, the researchers have found thriving microbial metropolises which are within the layer of freshwater.

At first, some of the most inaccessible extremes of mapped cave systems hidden in mysterious underwater labyrinths were sampled by the researchers. In these cave systems which are spread across 1,500 kilometres, the researchers have found thriving microbial metropolises which are within the layer of freshwater. Mexico's Yucatan carbonate aquifer is among the most extensive groundwater systems present on Earth and only some of its parts have been mapped properly. The groundwater system has numerous sinkholes, some of which are toxic in nature, as well as a complex web of subterranean tunnels. The system's massive caves provide drinking water to ten million visitors every year as well as two million locals. Also read: Rare! Researchers find 70-million-year old dinosaur species that slept like modern-day birds "These are incredibly special samples of underground rivers that are particularly difficult to obtain," stated geobiologist Matthew Selensky, who was involved in the research while at Northwestern University. Northwestern University's geobiologist Magdalena Osburn and her team sequenced genes using 78 water samples, which were collected by a team of cave divers, to understand the different microbe species. Researchers discover 4,183 unique sequences The researchers discovered 4,183 unique sequences which represented 917 different families of microbes, which had unique patterns of species in various areas. "The microbial communities form distinct niches," stated Osburn. "There is a varying cast of characters that seem to move around, depending on where you look. But when you look across the whole data set, there's a core set of organisms that seem to be performing key roles in each ecosystem,” she added. While looking into the 12 sites which were sampled, the researchers found the same family of bacteria: Comamonadaceae. Comamonadaceae are tiny, rod-shaped organisms which are found in water and soil environments. They need oxygen and swishy tail-like flagella is used by them to move about. Watch: Top Chinese pharmaceutical companies use parts of endangered animals as ingredients: Report "It seems that Comamonadaceae performs slightly different roles in different parts of the aquifer, but it's always performing a major role. Depending on the region, it has a different partner. Comamonadaceae and its partners probably have some mutualistic metabolism, maybe sharing food,” explained Osburn. "This underground river system provides drinking water for millions of people. So, whatever happens with the microbial communities there has the potential to be felt by humans,” Osburn noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Sinkholes, tunnels: Staggering wealth of microbial life in Mexico’s underwater labyrinth unravelled

A town has been rapidly sinking in Iceland as roads and buildings are torn apart by gaping chasms, and magma collects only a few hundred metres beneath the surface as the chances of a volcanic eruption increase.&nbsp;

Magma has been making its way rapidly under Grindavik like an "underground freight train", stated the director at the Icelandic Met Office Matthew James Roberts, who further warned that "nature always wins if the eruption lasts long enough". &nbsp;

Speaking to BBC, he stated that even if no explosive blast occurs near Fagradalsfjall volcano, &nbsp;a low-intensity eruption can see lava flow from various fissures 'for weeks', possibly reaching Grindavik.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-20000-tremors-since-late-oct-iceland-declares-state-of-emergency-over-volcanic-eruption-threat-657504">Over 20,000 tremors since late Oct: Iceland declares state of emergency over volcanic eruption threat</a>

Scientists have stated that depending on where volcanic eruption takes place, it can 'certainly' flow into the fishing community, which had become a 'ghost town' after its 4,000 residents left on Saturday (Nov 11).

<h2>Walls getting constructed to control flow of lava</h2>

As the area prepares for an eruption, work has been underway to construct a huge wall urgently which can stop the lava from reaching the town or entering the nearby geothermal power plant.

The officials have also been constructing a large defensive wall, which is seen as the biggest in Iceland, to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant from lava in the worst-case scenario.

The Reykjanes Peninsula, which is located in Reykjavik's southwest, has been rocked by hundreds of tremors, and a 2,000-year-old fissure has been widening.&nbsp;

The east of Grindavik has been deprived of electricity since Thursday morning (Nov 16), as power lines were ruptured by subsidence overnight.

Watch:&nbsp;Around 800 tremors strike Iceland, probability| of eruption remains high

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/around-800-tremors-strike-iceland-probability-of-eruption-remains-high-659385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The earth's continued movement has also seen bursts of hot water from underground pipes, with steam coming out from beneath homes and gaping cracks in roads.

As per experts, the activity indicates that there is "still something going" on in the magma corridor. "It's just been very similar to the past few days," stated Sigridur Kristjansdottir of the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, the Daily Mail reported.

"About eighty to a hundred earthquakes per hour, most below magnitude two, but a few above magnitude two. We also see an expansion in our GPS measurements, so there is still something going on," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A town has been rapidly sinking in Iceland as roads and buildings are torn apart by gaping chasms, and magma collects only a few hundred metres beneath the surface as the chances of a volcanic eruption increase.

A town has been rapidly sinking in Iceland as roads and buildings are torn apart by gaping chasms, and magma collects only a few hundred metres beneath the surface as the chances of a volcanic eruption increase. Magma has been making its way rapidly under Grindavik like an "underground freight train", stated the director at the Icelandic Met Office Matthew James Roberts, who further warned that "nature always wins if the eruption lasts long enough". Speaking to BBC, he stated that even if no explosive blast occurs near Fagradalsfjall volcano, a low-intensity eruption can see lava flow from various fissures 'for weeks', possibly reaching Grindavik. Also Read: Over 20,000 tremors since late Oct: Iceland declares state of emergency over volcanic eruption threat Scientists have stated that depending on where volcanic eruption takes place, it can 'certainly' flow into the fishing community, which had become a 'ghost town' after its 4,000 residents left on Saturday (Nov 11). Walls getting constructed to control flow of lava As the area prepares for an eruption, work has been underway to construct a huge wall urgently which can stop the lava from reaching the town or entering the nearby geothermal power plant. The officials have also been constructing a large defensive wall, which is seen as the biggest in Iceland, to protect the Svartsengi geothermal power plant from lava in the worst-case scenario. The Reykjanes Peninsula, which is located in Reykjavik's southwest, has been rocked by hundreds of tremors, and a 2,000-year-old fissure has been widening. The east of Grindavik has been deprived of electricity since Thursday morning (Nov 16), as power lines were ruptured by subsidence overnight. Watch: Around 800 tremors strike Iceland, probability| of eruption remains high The earth's continued movement has also seen bursts of hot water from underground pipes, with steam coming out from beneath homes and gaping cracks in roads. As per experts, the activity indicates that there is "still something going" on in the magma corridor. "It's just been very similar to the past few days," stated Sigridur Kristjansdottir of the Norwegian Meteorological Agency, the Daily Mail reported. "About eighty to a hundred earthquakes per hour, most below magnitude two, but a few above magnitude two. We also see an expansion in our GPS measurements, so there is still something going on," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Situation may worsen in Iceland's sinking town, lava likely to flow from fissures for weeks, warn experts

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15).&nbsp;

The illegal lab was operational in California and the public safety risk it posed came to light in December 2022 &nbsp;when observant code enforcement officer Jesalyn Harper saw a green garden hose in a hole in the side of a warehouse which was believed to be vacant for more than a decade.

Inside the illegal lab, Harper found manufacturing devices, laboratory equipment, vials, medical-grade freezers and lab mice. The vials were labelled in English and Mandarin and in a code which remains undeciphered.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-warn-catastrophic-factor-x-virus-waiting-to-be-unleashed-might-wipe-out-humanity-658462">Scientists warn catastrophic ‘Factor X’ virus waiting to be unleashed, might wipe out humanity</a>

She further discovered several individuals wearing lab coats who identified themselves as Chinese nationals.

<h2>Bio lab investigated for nine months&nbsp;</h2>

The discovery of Harper started a nine-month-long investigation by the city in which eventually Rep Jim Costa was roped in after the case was ignored by the FBI and CDC.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a 42-page report, wrote about the shocking findings in the alleged Chinese-owned research lab.

The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party had started its own investigation in September.&nbsp;

"Local officials spent months repeatedly trying to obtain assistance from the CDC,” the report states, adding that “the CDC refused to speak with them and, on a number of occasions, it was reported by local officials that the CDC hung up on them mid-conversation.”

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-disease-x-could-be-20-times-deadlier-than-the-wuhan-virus-639567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies,” as per congressional investigators, which included the FBI. The local officials were informed by the FBI that “it had closed its investigation because the Bureau believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction on the property.” &nbsp;

With the help of Costa, CDC officials finally reached the Greeley bio lab and identified nearly 20 potentially infectious agents, which had many “serious or lethal human diseases.”&nbsp;

Some of the potentially infectious agents identified by the agency are SARS-CoV-2, Chlamydia, HIV, E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hepatitis B and C, Dengue virus, the Rubella virus and Malaria.

However, the CDC decided not to test samples or examine the vials which were not labelled, even after city officials decided to pay for the testing.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15).

A secret Chinese-owned bio lab in California was found to be hiding thousands of vials of various biological substances, which included some carrying the label "HIV" and a freezer marked “Ebola” which FBI and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier refused to investigate, as per a House committee report released Wednesday (Nov 15). The illegal lab was operational in California and the public safety risk it posed came to light in December 2022 when observant code enforcement officer Jesalyn Harper saw a green garden hose in a hole in the side of a warehouse which was believed to be vacant for more than a decade. Inside the illegal lab, Harper found manufacturing devices, laboratory equipment, vials, medical-grade freezers and lab mice. The vials were labelled in English and Mandarin and in a code which remains undeciphered. Also Read: Scientists warn catastrophic ‘Factor X’ virus waiting to be unleashed, might wipe out humanity She further discovered several individuals wearing lab coats who identified themselves as Chinese nationals. Bio lab investigated for nine months The discovery of Harper started a nine-month-long investigation by the city in which eventually Rep Jim Costa was roped in after the case was ignored by the FBI and CDC. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, in a 42-page report, wrote about the shocking findings in the alleged Chinese-owned research lab. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party had started its own investigation in September. "Local officials spent months repeatedly trying to obtain assistance from the CDC,” the report states, adding that “the CDC refused to speak with them and, on a number of occasions, it was reported by local officials that the CDC hung up on them mid-conversation.” Watch: Gravitas: 'Disease X' could be 20 times deadlier than the Wuhan virus “Local officials were similarly unable to get any help from other federal agencies,” as per congressional investigators, which included the FBI. The local officials were informed by the FBI that “it had closed its investigation because the Bureau believed that there were no weapons of mass destruction on the property.” With the help of Costa, CDC officials finally reached the Greeley bio lab and identified nearly 20 potentially infectious agents, which had many “serious or lethal human diseases.” Some of the potentially infectious agents identified by the agency are SARS-CoV-2, Chlamydia, HIV, E. coli, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hepatitis B and C, Dengue virus, the Rubella virus and Malaria. However, the CDC decided not to test samples or examine the vials which were not labelled, even after city officials decided to pay for the testing. (With inputs from agencies)

Illegal biolab owned by China in California hiding pathogens labeled ‘HIV’, ‘Ebola’

A terrifying map of New York City was shared by a pro-Palestinian activist group in which they marked businesses, newsrooms and landmark buildings, and appealed for “direct action” to “globalise intifada.”&nbsp; Intifada is the Arabic word for an uprising or rebellion. 
 
Palestinian-led community organisation Within Our Lifetime, also appealed&nbsp; followers to target some technology companies' offices. 
 
“Each of the locations on this map reflects the location of an office of an enemy of both the Palestinian people and colonised people all over the world. Today and beyond, these locations will be sites for popular mobilisation in defence of our people,” read the post shared by the group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-israel-demolishes-gaza-home-of-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-in-overnight-airstrikes-659331">Israel demolishes Gaza home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in overnight airstrikes</a>

“May this map serve as a call for every struggle to act in their own interest. As we do so, we uplift one another’s struggles and free Palestine from the river to the sea,” it added while repeating the calls of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Hamas to eradicate Israel.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Extremist Palestine account "wolPalestine" (Within Our Lifetime), who has over 120k followers on Instagram, posted a "zone of direct actions" map where followers can carry out attacks on targets. They list businesses, banks, media and more. <a href="https://t.co/LGUBFLBMjc">https://t.co/LGUBFLBMjc</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZZxDV3JVTg">pic.twitter.com/ZZxDV3JVTg</a>
— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1725305404719022083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, later the pro-Palestinian group pulled down the controversial post.

<h2>NY City Hall says 'no place for hate' in city, Democrats criticise post</h2>

“As Mayor Adams has said repeatedly, hate has no place in our city,” stated a City Hall spokesperson. 
 
“We are continually monitoring multiple channels to identify any potential threats to New York City. The NYPD is aware of a social media post urging ‘direct action’ towards several institutions in the city and is deploying resources to protect public safety at these locations. But to be clear, threatening businesses and organisations and referring to them as the ‘enemy’ is exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that seeks to divide New Yorkers, but it won’t work, because we are better than that,” he added. 
 
The group did not clarify why the locations needed to be targeted, or what kind of action they should take, however, the map was denounced by New York lawmakers, who insisted that the violence was implied.

Watch:&nbsp;How Israel is wiping out Hamas tunnels

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-israel-is-wiping-out-hamas-tunnels-659670/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Taking to X, Democratic Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres on Thursday (Nov 16) warned that the messaging was an example of “Coded calls for violence against Jews”&nbsp;that are “proliferating on social media.” 
 
Democrat Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine wrote it was “dangerous and reprehensible.”

“This is clear incitement against a group of predominantly Jewish institutions, based on the trope that they are ‘enemies’ of ‘colonized people all over the world,” he added. 
 
Speaking to The New York Post, Levine said, “I reject this hateful language and am grateful that the NYPD is taking this threat seriously.”

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A terrifying map of New York City was shared by a pro-Palestinian activist group in which they marked businesses, newsrooms and landmark buildings, and appealed for “direct action” to “globalise intifada.

A terrifying map of New York City was shared by a pro-Palestinian activist group in which they marked businesses, newsrooms and landmark buildings, and appealed for “direct action” to “globalise intifada.” Intifada is the Arabic word for an uprising or rebellion. Palestinian-led community organisation Within Our Lifetime, also appealed followers to target some technology companies' offices. “Each of the locations on this map reflects the location of an office of an enemy of both the Palestinian people and colonised people all over the world. Today and beyond, these locations will be sites for popular mobilisation in defence of our people,” read the post shared by the group. Also read: Israel demolishes Gaza home of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in overnight airstrikes “May this map serve as a call for every struggle to act in their own interest. As we do so, we uplift one another’s struggles and free Palestine from the river to the sea,” it added while repeating the calls of the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Hamas to eradicate Israel. Extremist Palestine account "wolPalestine" (Within Our Lifetime), who has over 120k followers on Instagram, posted a "zone of direct actions" map where followers can carry out attacks on targets. They list businesses, banks, media and more. https://t.co/LGUBFLBMjc pic.twitter.com/ZZxDV3JVTg — Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) November 17, 2023 × However, later the pro-Palestinian group pulled down the controversial post. NY City Hall says 'no place for hate' in city, Democrats criticise post “As Mayor Adams has said repeatedly, hate has no place in our city,” stated a City Hall spokesperson. “We are continually monitoring multiple channels to identify any potential threats to New York City. The NYPD is aware of a social media post urging ‘direct action’ towards several institutions in the city and is deploying resources to protect public safety at these locations. But to be clear, threatening businesses and organisations and referring to them as the ‘enemy’ is exactly the kind of hateful rhetoric that seeks to divide New Yorkers, but it won’t work, because we are better than that,” he added. The group did not clarify why the locations needed to be targeted, or what kind of action they should take, however, the map was denounced by New York lawmakers, who insisted that the violence was implied. Watch: How Israel is wiping out Hamas tunnels Taking to X, Democratic Bronx Representative Ritchie Torres on Thursday (Nov 16) warned that the messaging was an example of “Coded calls for violence against Jews” that are “proliferating on social media.” Democrat Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine wrote it was “dangerous and reprehensible.” “This is clear incitement against a group of predominantly Jewish institutions, based on the trope that they are ‘enemies’ of ‘colonized people all over the world,” he added. Speaking to The New York Post, Levine said, “I reject this hateful language and am grateful that the NYPD is taking this threat seriously.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian group marks locations in NYC as 'targets' in antisemitic map

6 Benefits Of Consuming Raw Or Green Papaya

Raw papaya contains papaine enzyme which prevents constipation and helps in the smooth digestion of food.

Raw papaya is filled with vitamin C which is a natural immunity booster and fortifies the defenses of the body against illnesses.


It contains anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of chronic diseases.

Raw papaya is filled with potassium and fibres which regulate blood pressure and cholesterol and improve the health of the heart.

Its fibre content helps in regulating blood sugar levels and helps in diabetes management.

Raw papaya is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C which produce collagen and improve the radiance of the skin.


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