The United Nations' cultural organisation placed the World Heritage Sites located in Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Lviv on its list of places “in danger” on Friday (September 15), stating that they stand at risk from the war sparked due to the invasion of the country by Russia.

The decision, which was taken in the meeting of UNESCO's annual World Heritage committee in Riyadh, is the first step towards excluding these sites from UNESCO's World Heritage List which features 1,157 sites.

UNESCO, in a statement, said that it had included Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the medieval buildings standing in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery site of the city to the list "due to the threat of destruction the Russian offensive poses". 
 
The statement added that the officials decided because "optimal conditions are no longer met to fully guarantee the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and that it is threatened by potential danger due to the war".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/relief-for-australia-as-great-barrier-reef-stays-off-unesco-danger-list-621258">Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list</a>

It stated that two historic sites have "remained under permanent threat since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022". Saint Sophia Cathedral, present in Kyiv, dates back to the 11th century and is among the best-known landmarks of the city. 
 
The western Ukrainian city of Lviv, which is near the Polish border, came into existence in the late Middle Ages and in 1998, the city's historic centre was inscribed on the World Heritage List. 
 
The step was taken after a decision was taken by UNESCO in January to add the centre of the Black Sea port of Odesa in Ukraine to the World Heritage List.

WATCH |&nbsp;Venice avoids UNESCO world heritage downgrade

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venice-avoids-unesco-world-heritage-downgrade-636109/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In July, the city centre of Odesa and an Orthodox cathedral suffered damages in a Russian strike, which was condemned by UNESCO.

<h2>Venice escapes UNESCO world heritage downgrade</h2>

The UNESCO on Thursday stopped short of adding Venice to the list of world heritage sites in danger. The Italian city was being considered by UNESCO due to increasing water levels and mass tourism. 
 
"The Committee has taken the decision not to include Venice on the list of World Heritage in Danger," said a UNESCO source, while speaking. Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano stated that it was "a great victory for Italy and for common sense". 
 
“Venice is in danger from rising water levels, attributed to climate change, and excessive numbers of tourists,” said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, UNESCO's Director of World Heritage, before the Riyadh meeting.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The United Nations' cultural organisation placed the World Heritage Sites located in Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Lviv on its list of places “in danger” on Friday (September 15), stating that they stand at risk from the war sparked due to the invasion of the country by Russia.

The United Nations' cultural organisation placed the World Heritage Sites located in Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Lviv on its list of places “in danger” on Friday (September 15), stating that they stand at risk from the war sparked due to the invasion of the country by Russia. The decision, which was taken in the meeting of UNESCO's annual World Heritage committee in Riyadh, is the first step towards excluding these sites from UNESCO's World Heritage List which features 1,157 sites. UNESCO, in a statement, said that it had included Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv and the medieval buildings standing in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery site of the city to the list "due to the threat of destruction the Russian offensive poses". The statement added that the officials decided because "optimal conditions are no longer met to fully guarantee the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the property and that it is threatened by potential danger due to the war". ALSO READ | Relief for Australia as Great Barrier Reef stays off UNESCO danger list It stated that two historic sites have "remained under permanent threat since the start of the invasion on February 24, 2022". Saint Sophia Cathedral, present in Kyiv, dates back to the 11th century and is among the best-known landmarks of the city. The western Ukrainian city of Lviv, which is near the Polish border, came into existence in the late Middle Ages and in 1998, the city's historic centre was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The step was taken after a decision was taken by UNESCO in January to add the centre of the Black Sea port of Odesa in Ukraine to the World Heritage List. WATCH | Venice avoids UNESCO world heritage downgrade In July, the city centre of Odesa and an Orthodox cathedral suffered damages in a Russian strike, which was condemned by UNESCO. Venice escapes UNESCO world heritage downgrade The UNESCO on Thursday stopped short of adding Venice to the list of world heritage sites in danger. The Italian city was being considered by UNESCO due to increasing water levels and mass tourism. "The Committee has taken the decision not to include Venice on the list of World Heritage in Danger," said a UNESCO source, while speaking. Italy's Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano stated that it was "a great victory for Italy and for common sense". “Venice is in danger from rising water levels, attributed to climate change, and excessive numbers of tourists,” said Lazare Eloundou Assomo, UNESCO's Director of World Heritage, before the Riyadh meeting. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukrainian cities Kyiv, Lviv on UNESCO's list of heritage 'in danger'

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices. 
 
The fine was decided after the two-year inquiry carried out by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) culminated. 
 
The Irish watchdog, which has been playing an important role in policy the strict General Data Protection Regulations of the EU, gave three months to TikTok "to bring its processing into compliance" with its rules.

In September 2021, the DPC started examining the compliance of TikTok with GDPR in relation to personal data processing and platform settings for users aged under 18 years old.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-banned-by-new-york-city-on-government-owned-devices-over-security-concerns-626232">TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns</a>

It also investigated the verification measures of TikTok for people under the age of 13 and no infringement was found but discovered that the platform failed to properly assess the risks to younger people, who have registered on the service. 
 
In its ruling on Friday (September 15), the regulator highlighted how the accounts of children on TikTok were set to public by default after they signed up, which meant anyone could view or comment on the content they uploaded. 
 
It further criticised the "family pairing" mode of TikTok which has been designed to link the accounts of parents to those of their children, however, the DPC figured out that the company failed to verify the status of the parent or guardian. 
 
Ireland has been at the centre of the GDPR regime because the European headquarters of TikTok as well as Google, Meta and X are in Dublin.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Children fall prey to TikTok's 'Egg Crack Challenge'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-children-fall-prey-to-tiktoks-egg-crack-challenge-630674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>TikTok says it 'respectfully disagrees'</h2>

Responding to the fine imposed, TikTok stated that it "respectfully disagrees" with the verdict and has been "evaluating" how to proceed. 
 
"The DPC's criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under 16 accounts to private by default," said a TikTok spokesperson, while speaking to AFP. 
 
The platform stated that it has been closely monitoring the age of its users and will take action when needed. TikTok stated around 17 million accounts were deleted worldwide in the first three months of this year because of suspicions that they were created by people under 13 years old.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices.

Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok was slapped with a fine of €345 million ($369 million) over child data breaches on Friday (September 15) in the latest salvo of the bloc against the tech titans' business practices. The fine was decided after the two-year inquiry carried out by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC) culminated. The Irish watchdog, which has been playing an important role in policy the strict General Data Protection Regulations of the EU, gave three months to TikTok "to bring its processing into compliance" with its rules. In September 2021, the DPC started examining the compliance of TikTok with GDPR in relation to personal data processing and platform settings for users aged under 18 years old. ALSO READ | TikTok banned by New York City on government-owned devices over security concerns It also investigated the verification measures of TikTok for people under the age of 13 and no infringement was found but discovered that the platform failed to properly assess the risks to younger people, who have registered on the service. In its ruling on Friday (September 15), the regulator highlighted how the accounts of children on TikTok were set to public by default after they signed up, which meant anyone could view or comment on the content they uploaded. It further criticised the "family pairing" mode of TikTok which has been designed to link the accounts of parents to those of their children, however, the DPC figured out that the company failed to verify the status of the parent or guardian. Ireland has been at the centre of the GDPR regime because the European headquarters of TikTok as well as Google, Meta and X are in Dublin. WATCH | Gravitas: Children fall prey to TikTok's 'Egg Crack Challenge' TikTok says it 'respectfully disagrees' Responding to the fine imposed, TikTok stated that it "respectfully disagrees" with the verdict and has been "evaluating" how to proceed. "The DPC's criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under 16 accounts to private by default," said a TikTok spokesperson, while speaking to AFP. The platform stated that it has been closely monitoring the age of its users and will take action when needed. TikTok stated around 17 million accounts were deleted worldwide in the first three months of this year because of suspicions that they were created by people under 13 years old. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European Union slaps TikTok with fine of $369 million over child data breaches

The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison. 
 
Around four in 10 of the staff employed in the prison failed to turn up as was expected, admitted a Tory minister despite the insistence of the government that staff shortages were not a reason for the security breach. 
 
Khalife on Monday (September 11) was charged with breaking HMP Wandsworth prison on September 6 by strapping himself underneath a food delivery lorry. The former soldier, who is 21 years old, was arrested by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer on a canal towpath in west London on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-daniel-khalife-escaped-terror-suspect-and-ex-british-army-soldier-who-was-arrested-later-634549">Who is Daniel Khalife? Escaped terror suspect and ex-British army soldier who was arrested later</a>

Answering a Labour question about the issue of staffing on the day of the incident, Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said that only 61 per cent of the officers appointed at Wandsworth attended their shift. 
 
However, the minister added, “All staff in both the kitchen and the gatehouse were on duty on 6 September. An initial investigation into Daniel Khalife’s escape did not find the staffing level to be a contributing factor.” 
 
The government under Sunak has remained reluctant to accept shortage of staff or multiple absences are the reason behind the apparent security breach. 
 
However, an independent investigation headed by ex-National Crime Agency's Keith Bristow is now looking at the wider shortcomings at Wandsworth – as security and staffing levels are set to be scrutinised.

<h2>'Too many prisoners compared to the amount of staff'</h2>

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has insisted that “there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff”, further stating that the issue of staff shortage has been raised over the years. 
 
“The lack of staffing which has dogged the prison. I think when we last inspected at the end of 2021. They were 30% short of staff,” said the inspector, while speaking to the BBC after the Khalife fleeing incident.

WATCH |&nbsp;Nurse Lucy Letby gets life in prison for killing seven newborns | UK News | WION Dispatch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nurse-lucy-letby-gets-life-in-prison-for-killing-seven-newborns-uk-news-wion-dispatch-627614/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hinds said that staffing levels present at Wandsworth on the day the security was breached “were above the minimum staffing level required”. Around 125 prison officers attended their shifts at the prison, however, 80 officers were absent. 
 
MP for Wandsworth Rosena Allin-Khan, who raised the question about the arrangements on the day of the alleged escape, stated that she had raised concerns about “significant staff shortages” at the prison months ago. 
 
“When I visited Wandsworth prison a few months ago, the biggest issue they were facing was staff shortages. This is why I raised concerns about staffing levels – which showed just six officers turned up for a shift one night in December. The government chose to ignore my concerns,” said Allin-Khan, while speaking to The Independent.

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison.

The UK government made a stunning revelation that 80 prison officers did not show up for work in HMP Wandsworth on the day terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife famously escaped from the prison. Around four in 10 of the staff employed in the prison failed to turn up as was expected, admitted a Tory minister despite the insistence of the government that staff shortages were not a reason for the security breach. Khalife on Monday (September 11) was charged with breaking HMP Wandsworth prison on September 6 by strapping himself underneath a food delivery lorry. The former soldier, who is 21 years old, was arrested by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer on a canal towpath in west London on Saturday. ALSO READ | Who is Daniel Khalife? Escaped terror suspect and ex-British army soldier who was arrested later Answering a Labour question about the issue of staffing on the day of the incident, Prisons Minister Damian Hinds said that only 61 per cent of the officers appointed at Wandsworth attended their shift. However, the minister added, “All staff in both the kitchen and the gatehouse were on duty on 6 September. An initial investigation into Daniel Khalife’s escape did not find the staffing level to be a contributing factor.” The government under Sunak has remained reluctant to accept shortage of staff or multiple absences are the reason behind the apparent security breach. However, an independent investigation headed by ex-National Crime Agency's Keith Bristow is now looking at the wider shortcomings at Wandsworth – as security and staffing levels are set to be scrutinised. 'Too many prisoners compared to the amount of staff' Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor has insisted that “there are too many prisoners in Wandsworth for the amount of staff”, further stating that the issue of staff shortage has been raised over the years. “The lack of staffing which has dogged the prison. I think when we last inspected at the end of 2021. They were 30% short of staff,” said the inspector, while speaking to the BBC after the Khalife fleeing incident. WATCH | Nurse Lucy Letby gets life in prison for killing seven newborns | UK News | WION Dispatch Hinds said that staffing levels present at Wandsworth on the day the security was breached “were above the minimum staffing level required”. Around 125 prison officers attended their shifts at the prison, however, 80 officers were absent. MP for Wandsworth Rosena Allin-Khan, who raised the question about the arrangements on the day of the alleged escape, stated that she had raised concerns about “significant staff shortages” at the prison months ago. “When I visited Wandsworth prison a few months ago, the biggest issue they were facing was staff shortages. This is why I raised concerns about staffing levels – which showed just six officers turned up for a shift one night in December. The government chose to ignore my concerns,” said Allin-Khan, while speaking to The Independent. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK: 80 officers were absent the day terror suspect Daniel Khalife ‘escaped’ from prison

A man, whose behaviour indicated that he is a neo-Nazi demonstrator, was arrested by the police after he was accused of hanging antisemitic banners, which included racist messages and Nazi symbols, on a bridge on Interstate-4 in Orlando, stated the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Wednesday (September 13). 
 
48-year-old Jason Brown, who is from Cape Canaveral, was charged with criminal mischief. 
 
Officials stated that Jason accepted that he was a member of the antisemitic and extremist group ‘Order of the Black Sun.’ As per reports, the banners were allegedly hung by the man across a fence on June 10 without receiving any written permission, which can be considered as a violation of the state law.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/families-of-italian-victims-of-nazi-crime-to-be-compensated-after-eighty-years-632001">Families of Italian victims of Nazi crime to finally get compensation, after 80 years</a>

As per Anti-Defamation League, “Order of the Black Sun (OBS) is a small neo-Nazi network primarily based in the state of Florida. The group distributes propaganda and holds in-person demonstrations to spread their white supremacist ideology. OBS was formed in early 2023 by long-time affiliates of Florida's overlapping white supremacist network.”

<h2>Committed to upholding laws of our state: state attorney</h2>

Speaking to Fox 35 Orlando, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said, "Florida is a law-and-order state. Today’s arrest demonstrates Florida’s commitment to protecting residents from attention-seeking extremists.” 
 
"On behalf of Colonel Gary L. Howze, II, and the nearly 2,000 FHP State Troopers who enforce our state law 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thank you, Governor DeSantis, for working to rid this state of intimidation, vitriol and hate directed towards people of faith, and for empowering law enforcement to do the same,” it added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Finland mulls banning Nazi symbol of hate as racism scandal rocks new govt

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-finland-mulls-banning-nazi-symbol-of-hate-as-racism-scandal-rocks-new-govt-628088/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
Meanwhile, State Attorney Andrew Bain, in a statement, said, “We are committed to upholding the laws of our state, including those designed to protect our travellers on roadways. These supposed demonstrators obstructed state roadways and tried to intimidate our community with hate symbols. The actions taken were reprehensible, and we will prosecute these Neo-Nazi demonstrators and pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law." 
 
Currently, as per reports, Jason has been held at the Brevard County Jail on a $500 bond. As per prison records, he was arrested previously on charges of aggravated assault. Jail records revealed that he was previously arrested on charges of aggravated assault and domestic battery.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A man, whose behaviour indicated that he is a neo-Nazi demonstrator, was arrested by the police after he was accused of hanging antisemitic banners, which included racist messages and Nazi symbols, on a bridge on Interstate-4 in Orlando, stated the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Wednesday (September 13).

A man, whose behaviour indicated that he is a neo-Nazi demonstrator, was arrested by the police after he was accused of hanging antisemitic banners, which included racist messages and Nazi symbols, on a bridge on Interstate-4 in Orlando, stated the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Wednesday (September 13). 48-year-old Jason Brown, who is from Cape Canaveral, was charged with criminal mischief. Officials stated that Jason accepted that he was a member of the antisemitic and extremist group ‘Order of the Black Sun.’ As per reports, the banners were allegedly hung by the man across a fence on June 10 without receiving any written permission, which can be considered as a violation of the state law. ALSO READ | Families of Italian victims of Nazi crime to finally get compensation, after 80 years As per Anti-Defamation League, “Order of the Black Sun (OBS) is a small neo-Nazi network primarily based in the state of Florida. The group distributes propaganda and holds in-person demonstrations to spread their white supremacist ideology. OBS was formed in early 2023 by long-time affiliates of Florida's overlapping white supremacist network.” Committed to upholding laws of our state: state attorney Speaking to Fox 35 Orlando, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner said, "Florida is a law-and-order state. Today’s arrest demonstrates Florida’s commitment to protecting residents from attention-seeking extremists.” "On behalf of Colonel Gary L. Howze, II, and the nearly 2,000 FHP State Troopers who enforce our state law 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, thank you, Governor DeSantis, for working to rid this state of intimidation, vitriol and hate directed towards people of faith, and for empowering law enforcement to do the same,” it added. WATCH | Gravitas: Finland mulls banning Nazi symbol of hate as racism scandal rocks new govt Meanwhile, State Attorney Andrew Bain, in a statement, said, “We are committed to upholding the laws of our state, including those designed to protect our travellers on roadways. These supposed demonstrators obstructed state roadways and tried to intimidate our community with hate symbols. The actions taken were reprehensible, and we will prosecute these Neo-Nazi demonstrators and pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law." Currently, as per reports, Jason has been held at the Brevard County Jail on a $500 bond. As per prison records, he was arrested previously on charges of aggravated assault. Jail records revealed that he was previously arrested on charges of aggravated assault and domestic battery. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Police arrest neo-Nazi man for hanging Nazi symbols, racist messages from Orlando bridge

The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal. 
 
The demand for food has increased continuously while the humanitarian fund continues to diminish, as reported by AP. 
 
According to estimates of the World Food Programme from 79 countries where the Rome-based agency has been operational, around 783 million people, one in 10 of the world’s population, have to go to bed hungry every night. 
 
This year, more than 345 million people are being forced to face high levels of food insecurity, which is an increase from around 200 million people from early 2021 before the occurrence of the pandemic, according to the agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-is-stealing-our-chickens-and-wheat-asks-pakistan-senator-amid-ongoing-food-crisis-552621">‘Who is stealing our chickens and wheat,’ asks Pakistan senator amid ongoing food crisis</a>

“We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs. This is the humanitarian community’s new reality — our new normal — and we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come,” she stated. 
 
The World Food Programme (WFP) head, who is also late US senator John McCain's widow, revealed that the estimates of the agency indicate that around 47 million individuals in more than 50 countries are on the verge of facing famine.

<h2>45 million children facing acute malnutrition</h2>

The alarming report also includes around 45 million children under the age of five, who are battling acute malnutrition currently. 
 
“Our collective challenge is to ramp up the ambitious, multi-sectoral partnerships that will enable us to tackle hunger and poverty effectively, and reduce humanitarian needs over the long term," said McCain, appealing to business leaders to focus on humanitarian public-private partnerships at the council meeting. 
 
As per AP, CEO of Mastercard Michael Miebach, speaking to the council, said that “humanitarian relief has long been the domain of government" and the private sector and development institutions are considered as a source of financial donations for supplies.

WATCH |&nbsp;Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/libyas-calamity-induced-humanitarian-crisis-635976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Money is still important, but companies can offer so much more. The private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector," he said. 
 
Miebach emphasised that “business cannot succeed in a failing world" and fellow citizens are impacted by humanitarian crises in the world. 
 
He said that a business needs to use its expertise to strengthen its infrastructure so as to “innovate new approaches and deliver solutions at scale" to improve humanitarian operations. 
 
You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></section>
</main>

The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal.

The United Nations food agency's head warned that more than 700 million people have been affected by the severe global hunger crisis and they continue to face uncertainty regarding their next meal. The demand for food has increased continuously while the humanitarian fund continues to diminish, as reported by AP. According to estimates of the World Food Programme from 79 countries where the Rome-based agency has been operational, around 783 million people, one in 10 of the world’s population, have to go to bed hungry every night. This year, more than 345 million people are being forced to face high levels of food insecurity, which is an increase from around 200 million people from early 2021 before the occurrence of the pandemic, according to the agency. ALSO READ | ‘Who is stealing our chickens and wheat,’ asks Pakistan senator amid ongoing food crisis “We are now living with a series of concurrent and long-term crises that will continue to fuel global humanitarian needs. This is the humanitarian community’s new reality — our new normal — and we will be dealing with the fallout for years to come,” she stated. The World Food Programme (WFP) head, who is also late US senator John McCain's widow, revealed that the estimates of the agency indicate that around 47 million individuals in more than 50 countries are on the verge of facing famine. 45 million children facing acute malnutrition The alarming report also includes around 45 million children under the age of five, who are battling acute malnutrition currently. “Our collective challenge is to ramp up the ambitious, multi-sectoral partnerships that will enable us to tackle hunger and poverty effectively, and reduce humanitarian needs over the long term," said McCain, appealing to business leaders to focus on humanitarian public-private partnerships at the council meeting. As per AP, CEO of Mastercard Michael Miebach, speaking to the council, said that “humanitarian relief has long been the domain of government" and the private sector and development institutions are considered as a source of financial donations for supplies. WATCH | Libya's calamity-induced humanitarian crisis “Money is still important, but companies can offer so much more. The private sector stands ready to tackle the challenges at hand in partnership with the public sector," he said. Miebach emphasised that “business cannot succeed in a failing world" and fellow citizens are impacted by humanitarian crises in the world. He said that a business needs to use its expertise to strengthen its infrastructure so as to “innovate new approaches and deliver solutions at scale" to improve humanitarian operations. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

One in 10 people in world sleeps hungry every night: UN food programme chief

The leader of Thailand's reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, whose party clinched maximum seats in the national elections held in the country in May, submitted his resignation as the party leader on Friday (September 15). 
 
The Move Forward Party (MFP) was led to the top spot in the elections by the young challenger, capitalising on a number of voters who were disenchanted by the junta-backed rule which continued for a decade, before the conservatives blocked him and he was suspended as an MP. 
 
The MFP ended its partnership with opposition rivals Pheu Thai Party, after which it formed a coalition government with pro-military parties, and stated that they would go into opposition.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/thailands-economy-shows-little-signs-of-recovery-despite-increasing-tourism-630078">Thailand’s economy shows little signs of recovery, despite increasing tourism&nbsp;</a>

"I resigned as the MFP's party leader to pave the way for an MP that is able to have a voice in parliament, be the opposition leader," wrote Pita, on his official Facebook page. As per the current rules, the leader of the opposition must remain as an MP. 
 
"Due to my MP suspension, I won't be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future," Pita stated. 
 
In July, Pita was suspended while he was waiting for the ruling of the Constitutional Court over his ownership of shares in a media company, which is now defunct. 
 
As per the Constitution of Thailand, MPs are not allowed to own media shares. Emphasising the importance of the role, Pita said that it was like "the prow (of a ship) that determines the direction of the opposition". 
 
"There will need to be a party general meeting to vote for the new leader," said MFP lawmaker Rangsiman Rome, while speaking to AFP.

WATCH |&nbsp;Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-gets-its-30th-prime-minister-as-srettha-thavisin-elected-as-new-pm-628021/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Numerous legal and political challenges against Pita</h2>

A number of legal and political challenges were thrown against the 43-year-old since the shock success of MFP in the May polls. 
 
He left the race for the premiership after his first bid faltered because of the junta-appointed Senate, and the parliamentarians denied him a second chance. 
 
The Constitutional Court, outside the parliament, is considering a second case which alleges that the campaign of MFP which promised to amend the royal defamation law of Thailand is equivalent to the the scheme of overthrowing the monarchy. 
 
In his Facebook post, Pita said that he would remain closely involved, "no matter his role". 
 
Appealing to supporters to gather in central Bangkok on September 24, he stated that he would continue working with the MFP "so that we could achieve something together".

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The leader of Thailand's reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, whose party clinched maximum seats in the national elections held in the country in May, submitted his resignation as the party leader on Friday (September 15).

The leader of Thailand's reformist Move Forward Party (MFP), Pita Limjaroenrat, whose party clinched maximum seats in the national elections held in the country in May, submitted his resignation as the party leader on Friday (September 15). The Move Forward Party (MFP) was led to the top spot in the elections by the young challenger, capitalising on a number of voters who were disenchanted by the junta-backed rule which continued for a decade, before the conservatives blocked him and he was suspended as an MP. The MFP ended its partnership with opposition rivals Pheu Thai Party, after which it formed a coalition government with pro-military parties, and stated that they would go into opposition. ALSO READ | Thailand’s economy shows little signs of recovery, despite increasing tourism "I resigned as the MFP's party leader to pave the way for an MP that is able to have a voice in parliament, be the opposition leader," wrote Pita, on his official Facebook page. As per the current rules, the leader of the opposition must remain as an MP. "Due to my MP suspension, I won't be able to get my MP position and be opposition leader in the near future," Pita stated. In July, Pita was suspended while he was waiting for the ruling of the Constitutional Court over his ownership of shares in a media company, which is now defunct. As per the Constitution of Thailand, MPs are not allowed to own media shares. Emphasising the importance of the role, Pita said that it was like "the prow (of a ship) that determines the direction of the opposition". "There will need to be a party general meeting to vote for the new leader," said MFP lawmaker Rangsiman Rome, while speaking to AFP. WATCH | Thailand gets its 30th Prime Minister as Srettha Thavisin elected as new PM Numerous legal and political challenges against Pita A number of legal and political challenges were thrown against the 43-year-old since the shock success of MFP in the May polls. He left the race for the premiership after his first bid faltered because of the junta-appointed Senate, and the parliamentarians denied him a second chance. The Constitutional Court, outside the parliament, is considering a second case which alleges that the campaign of MFP which promised to amend the royal defamation law of Thailand is equivalent to the the scheme of overthrowing the monarchy. In his Facebook post, Pita said that he would remain closely involved, "no matter his role". Appealing to supporters to gather in central Bangkok on September 24, he stated that he would continue working with the MFP "so that we could achieve something together". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thailand’s blocked PM challenger Pita Limjaroenrat resigns as party leader

India inaugurated nearly 90 infrastructure projects on Tuesday (September 12)&nbsp;along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, which includes&nbsp;the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Eastern Ladakh and the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground is set to become the highest airfield in the world. 
 
Along with these two projects, two airfields were inaugurated by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in West Bengal, as well as two helipads, 22 roads and 63 bridges near the border areas, along the LAC. 
 
In an event held on Tuesday in Jammu, Singh inaugurated the infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and laid the foundation. The projects were spread across 11 states and Union Territories and are worth over Rs 2,900 crore ($350 million).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-parliament-staff-to-showcase-indian-heritage-with-new-uniforms-635255">India: New Parliament staff uniforms showcasing Indian heritage sparks political row</a>

Among these projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 in Ladakh, 11 in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, five in Mizoram, three in Himachal Pradesh, two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and one each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
 
So as to improvise border infrastructure and ensure the military's seamless connectivity in forward areas, roads are being constructed by the BRO on India’s border. 
 
The Nyoma Airfield's foundation stone in Eastern Ladakh was also virtually laid by the defence minister. 
 
This airfield, which will cost approximately Rs 200 crore ($24 million), will boost Ladakh's air infrastructure and augment the capability of IAF along the northern border.

<h2>Developmental activities need to be the focus: India's Def min</h2>

Speaking at the event, Rajnath&nbsp;Singh said that developmental activities should be on focus and environmental protection should be given equal emphasis. 
 
“Till now, we have worked with the mantra of ‘minimum investment, maximum value’. Now, we need to move forward with the mantra of ‘minimum environment degradation, maximum national security, maximum welfare’,” he said.

WATCH |&nbsp;India: Government issues high-risk warning for android users

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-government-issues-high-risk-warning-for-android-users-635126/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The minister congratulated the BRO on its success and encouraged the organisation to get involved with local communities and collect input for border area projects. 
 
"Your job is not only to connect one place with another. It is also to connect the hearts of the people with your actions. The constructions should represent the spirit of 'for the people, of the people and by the people'," he stated. 
 
“Civil-military fusion is the need of the hour, as the responsibility of the nation’s security lies not only with the soldiers but also with the civilians. The BRO is developing infrastructure for the country’s security by coordinating with the civil and military sectors,”&nbsp;Singh stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

India inaugurated nearly 90 infrastructure projects on Tuesday (September 12) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, which includes the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Eastern Ladakh and the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh.

India inaugurated nearly 90 infrastructure projects on Tuesday (September 12) along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, which includes the Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground in Eastern Ladakh and the Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. The Nyoma Advanced Landing Ground is set to become the highest airfield in the world. Along with these two projects, two airfields were inaugurated by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in West Bengal, as well as two helipads, 22 roads and 63 bridges near the border areas, along the LAC. In an event held on Tuesday in Jammu, Singh inaugurated the infrastructure projects of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and laid the foundation. The projects were spread across 11 states and Union Territories and are worth over Rs 2,900 crore ($350 million). ALSO READ | India: New Parliament staff uniforms showcasing Indian heritage sparks political row Among these projects, 36 are in Arunachal Pradesh, 26 in Ladakh, 11 in Jammu & Kashmir, five in Mizoram, three in Himachal Pradesh, two each in Sikkim, Uttarakhand and West Bengal and one each in Nagaland, Rajasthan and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. So as to improvise border infrastructure and ensure the military's seamless connectivity in forward areas, roads are being constructed by the BRO on India’s border. The Nyoma Airfield's foundation stone in Eastern Ladakh was also virtually laid by the defence minister. This airfield, which will cost approximately Rs 200 crore ($24 million), will boost Ladakh's air infrastructure and augment the capability of IAF along the northern border. Developmental activities need to be the focus: India's Def min Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said that developmental activities should be on focus and environmental protection should be given equal emphasis. “Till now, we have worked with the mantra of ‘minimum investment, maximum value’. Now, we need to move forward with the mantra of ‘minimum environment degradation, maximum national security, maximum welfare’,” he said. WATCH | India: Government issues high-risk warning for android users The minister congratulated the BRO on its success and encouraged the organisation to get involved with local communities and collect input for border area projects. "Your job is not only to connect one place with another. It is also to connect the hearts of the people with your actions. The constructions should represent the spirit of 'for the people, of the people and by the people'," he stated. “Civil-military fusion is the need of the hour, as the responsibility of the nation’s security lies not only with the soldiers but also with the civilians. The BRO is developing infrastructure for the country’s security by coordinating with the civil and military sectors,” Singh stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India inaugurates nearly 90 infrastructure projects along LAC

Phenylephrine, the famous decongestant used for relief from&nbsp;stuffy nose by millions of Americans is nothing better than a dummy pill, as per government experts.

They had reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredient in versions of Sudafed, Allegra, Dayquil and other medications which remain stocked on store shelves. 
 
On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration's advisers unanimously voted against the ingredient's effectiveness. 
 
“Modern studies, when well conducted, are not showing any improvement in congestion with phenylephrine,” stated Dr. Mark Dykewicz, who works as an allergy specialist at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, reported AP.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pfizer-therapy-for-hard-to-treat-blood-cancer-granted-fda-accelerated-approval-625502">Pfizer therapy for hard-to-treat blood cancer granted FDA accelerated approval&nbsp;</a>

The FDA's outside advisers assembled to reassess phenylephrine, which emerged as the main drug in over-the-counter decongestants after medicines with an older ingredient, known as pseudoephedrine, went behind pharmacy counters.

<h2>Oral medications likely to be pulled down from store shelves</h2>

If the recommendations of the panel are followed by the FDA, drug makers like Bayer, Johnson &amp; Johnson and others will need to pull their oral medications, which contain phenylephrine, from store shelves. 
 
This is likely to force consumers to go for the behind-the-counter pills or drops and nasal sprays, which contain phenylephrine and are not under review. 
 
The panelists on Tuesday said that in that scenario, the FDA will have to work with pharmacists, drugstores and other health providers to inform consumers about the remaining options they have for treating congestion. 
 
The advisers also informed the FDA that understanding phenylephrine at higher doses was not an option because it increase blood pressure to dangerous levels. 
 
“I think there’s a safety issue there,” stated Dr. Paul Pisaric of Archwell Health in Oklahoma. “I think this is a done deal as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t work,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;US FDA approves updated Covid-19 booster shots

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fda-approves-updated-covid-19-booster-shots-635346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two-day meeting, which was held this week, was organised by the researchers of the University of Florida who petitioned the FDA to remove phenylephrine products on the basis of recent studies which showed they did not outperform placebo pills in patients, suffering from cold and allergy congestion. 
 
A patient representative on the panel Jennifer Schwartzott said, “I feel this drug in this oral dose should have been removed from the market a long time ago. Patients require and deserve medications that treat their symptoms safely and effectively and I don’t believe that this medication does that.”&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Phenylephrine, the famous decongestant used for relief from stuffy nose by millions of Americans is nothing better than a dummy pill, as per government experts. They had reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredient in versions of Sudafed, Allegra, Dayquil and other medications which remain stocked on store shelves.

Phenylephrine, the famous decongestant used for relief from stuffy nose by millions of Americans is nothing better than a dummy pill, as per government experts. They had reviewed the latest research on the long-questioned drug ingredient in versions of Sudafed, Allegra, Dayquil and other medications which remain stocked on store shelves. On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration's advisers unanimously voted against the ingredient's effectiveness. “Modern studies, when well conducted, are not showing any improvement in congestion with phenylephrine,” stated Dr. Mark Dykewicz, who works as an allergy specialist at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, reported AP. ALSO READ | Pfizer therapy for hard-to-treat blood cancer granted FDA accelerated approval The FDA's outside advisers assembled to reassess phenylephrine, which emerged as the main drug in over-the-counter decongestants after medicines with an older ingredient, known as pseudoephedrine, went behind pharmacy counters. Oral medications likely to be pulled down from store shelves If the recommendations of the panel are followed by the FDA, drug makers like Bayer, Johnson & Johnson and others will need to pull their oral medications, which contain phenylephrine, from store shelves. This is likely to force consumers to go for the behind-the-counter pills or drops and nasal sprays, which contain phenylephrine and are not under review. The panelists on Tuesday said that in that scenario, the FDA will have to work with pharmacists, drugstores and other health providers to inform consumers about the remaining options they have for treating congestion. The advisers also informed the FDA that understanding phenylephrine at higher doses was not an option because it increase blood pressure to dangerous levels. “I think there’s a safety issue there,” stated Dr. Paul Pisaric of Archwell Health in Oklahoma. “I think this is a done deal as far as I’m concerned. It doesn’t work,” he added. WATCH | US FDA approves updated Covid-19 booster shots The two-day meeting, which was held this week, was organised by the researchers of the University of Florida who petitioned the FDA to remove phenylephrine products on the basis of recent studies which showed they did not outperform placebo pills in patients, suffering from cold and allergy congestion. A patient representative on the panel Jennifer Schwartzott said, “I feel this drug in this oral dose should have been removed from the market a long time ago. Patients require and deserve medications that treat their symptoms safely and effectively and I don’t believe that this medication does that.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Dummy pill': Popular nasal decongestant fails in relieving congestion, claims FDA

Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. 
 
The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations. 
 
In the video footage of the exercise, which was posted by news agency ANI on social media platform X, the IL-78 tanker can be seen refilling Rafale aircraft and MiG-29 mid-air.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. <a href="https://t.co/53eZT4dFdd">pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1701472339144421843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 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>

<h2>Final phase of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23</h2>

On Monday, the IAF announced that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is in its final phase. 
 
The last phase, after a build-up to complex combined missions, will need the resources of all the participating forces.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-summit-indian-air-force-pauses-training-exercise-rafale-fighter-jets-to-secure-delhi-airspace-633492">G20 summit: Indian Air Force pauses training exercise, Rafale fighter jets to secure Delhi airspace</a>

 
“Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force,” the IAF stated. 
 
The participation of the IAF in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in the biennial multilateral tri-service event.

The exercises that took place this year involved air force contingents from different nations, which included the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

WATCH |&nbsp;Historic deal to jointly make jet engines for Indian Air Force cleared by US Congress

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/historic-deal-to-jointly-make-jet-engines-for-indian-air-force-cleared-by-us-congress-630947/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
As per reports, an essential role was played by the Indian Air Force contingent, which comprised five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, in strengthening international bonds and executing joint operations. 
 
The exercise saw active participation of IAF's Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 in the exercise, said an IAF official, as per the report. 
 
Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 which is set to continue till 16 September 2023, has showcased the IAF's diplomatic role abroad and provided an opportunity for military collaboration. 
 
The involvement of the Indian Air Force in such international exercises is considered a vital step towards creating stronger relations between countries and ensuring co-operation in the defence sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations.

Recently, an air-to-air refuelling operations was conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Egyptian Air Force amid the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which started on 27 August 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, became a platform for strengthening strategic relations and enhancing defence co-operation among participating nations. In the video footage of the exercise, which was posted by news agency ANI on social media platform X, the IL-78 tanker can be seen refilling Rafale aircraft and MiG-29 mid-air. #WATCH | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2023 × Final phase of Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 On Monday, the IAF announced that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 is in its final phase. The last phase, after a build-up to complex combined missions, will need the resources of all the participating forces. ALSO READ | G20 summit: Indian Air Force pauses training exercise, Rafale fighter jets to secure Delhi airspace “Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force,” the IAF stated. The participation of the IAF in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in the biennial multilateral tri-service event. The exercises that took place this year involved air force contingents from different nations, which included the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar. WATCH | Historic deal to jointly make jet engines for Indian Air Force cleared by US Congress As per reports, an essential role was played by the Indian Air Force contingent, which comprised five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, in strengthening international bonds and executing joint operations. The exercise saw active participation of IAF's Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 in the exercise, said an IAF official, as per the report. Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 which is set to continue till 16 September 2023, has showcased the IAF's diplomatic role abroad and provided an opportunity for military collaboration. The involvement of the Indian Air Force in such international exercises is considered a vital step towards creating stronger relations between countries and ensuring co-operation in the defence sector. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | Indian Air Force refuels Egyptian Air Force's MIG 29, Rafale fighter jets mid-air

In a significant step towards identifying Hinduism as one of the largest and oldest religions in the world, Florida's Broward County declared the month of November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’.&nbsp;

The county further accepted the various contributions made by the Hindu religion in the fields of arts, food, meditation, Ayurveda and Yoga and its impact on various people, intellectuals and leaders of the United States.&nbsp;

“Hinduism is one the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems. also known as ‘Sanatana Dharma’, with core values of acceptance, mutual respect, freedom and peace,” stated the resolution by the School Board of Broward County, Florida.&nbsp;

The resolution added that the people from the Hindu community majorly contributed to diverse sectors like information technology, medicine, science and engineering, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade and more.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/historic-milestone-taiwan-unveils-its-first-hindu-temple-to-strengthen-bonds-with-india-629558">Taiwan gets 'Sabka Mandir,' a Hindu temple that strengthens cultural bonds with India</a>

“Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions,” the resolution stated. It said that the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta has inspired many intellectuals and leaders in the US such as President John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau.

“Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and ideals such as Seva (selfless service), Ahimsa (non-injury or non-violence) etc have inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, and Martin Luther King. Jr., Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walt Whitman. J.D. Salinger. Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Huston Smith, John D. Rockefeller and numerous others,” the resolution further stated.&nbsp;

<h2>'Diwali one of the most important holidays in Florida'</h2>

The Broward County stated that the American Hindu community's members have followed the law, worked hard, and turned out to be exemplary citizens of their adopted nation filled with deep respect for family values, education and the rule of law.

“Diwali is one of the most important and ancient holidays celebrated by over 1 billion Hindus and people of different cultures and religions across the world and has been in existence for more than 5,000 years,” the resolution said.&nbsp;

It stated that there are more than 50,000-plus people in Florida's Broward County and millions of Americans, who celebrate Diwali every year as a time for Dana (giving) and Seva (service) towards other human beings.

WATCH |&nbsp;Germany: New Ganesh Hindu Temple in Berlin set to be opened during Diwali

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-new-ganesh-hindu-temple-in-berlin-set-to-be-opened-during-diwali-632146/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Diwali falls on the fifteenth day or the eighth month or the New Moon Day in the month of Kartika of the Vedic lunar calendar, which occurs during October or November, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil end of knowledge over ignorance, and is a time of peace, joy and new beginnings, where people of all ages, especially young children. light oil lamps (diyas, paintings Rangolis (sacred artistic designs), burst fireworks and distribute sweets,” said the resolution.

“The School Hoard or Broward County, Florida declares November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate the important and valuable contributions of the Hindu community in Broward County," it further added.&nbsp;

The resolution has come at a time when Georgia has declared the month of October as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’, considering the ‘vibrant’ 'Hindu American' community's contribution in the state’s progress.

The proclamation was made by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp who said that the month of October will be celebrated collectively, with a focus on the Hindu culture and the varied spiritual traditions rooted in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

In a significant step towards identifying Hinduism as one of the largest and oldest religions in the world, Florida's Broward County declared the month of November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’.

In a significant step towards identifying Hinduism as one of the largest and oldest religions in the world, Florida's Broward County declared the month of November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’. The county further accepted the various contributions made by the Hindu religion in the fields of arts, food, meditation, Ayurveda and Yoga and its impact on various people, intellectuals and leaders of the United States. “Hinduism is one the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems. also known as ‘Sanatana Dharma’, with core values of acceptance, mutual respect, freedom and peace,” stated the resolution by the School Board of Broward County, Florida. The resolution added that the people from the Hindu community majorly contributed to diverse sectors like information technology, medicine, science and engineering, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade and more. ALSO READ | Taiwan gets 'Sabka Mandir,' a Hindu temple that strengthens cultural bonds with India “Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions,” the resolution stated. It said that the Hindu philosophy of Vedanta has inspired many intellectuals and leaders in the US such as President John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry David Thoreau. “Hindu philosophy of Vedanta and ideals such as Seva (selfless service), Ahimsa (non-injury or non-violence) etc have inspired many American intellectuals and leaders such as President John Adams, and Martin Luther King. Jr., Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Walt Whitman. J.D. Salinger. Aldous Huxley, Christopher Isherwood, Huston Smith, John D. Rockefeller and numerous others,” the resolution further stated. 'Diwali one of the most important holidays in Florida' The Broward County stated that the American Hindu community's members have followed the law, worked hard, and turned out to be exemplary citizens of their adopted nation filled with deep respect for family values, education and the rule of law. “Diwali is one of the most important and ancient holidays celebrated by over 1 billion Hindus and people of different cultures and religions across the world and has been in existence for more than 5,000 years,” the resolution said. It stated that there are more than 50,000-plus people in Florida's Broward County and millions of Americans, who celebrate Diwali every year as a time for Dana (giving) and Seva (service) towards other human beings. WATCH | Germany: New Ganesh Hindu Temple in Berlin set to be opened during Diwali “Diwali falls on the fifteenth day or the eighth month or the New Moon Day in the month of Kartika of the Vedic lunar calendar, which occurs during October or November, and celebrates the triumph of good over evil end of knowledge over ignorance, and is a time of peace, joy and new beginnings, where people of all ages, especially young children. light oil lamps (diyas, paintings Rangolis (sacred artistic designs), burst fireworks and distribute sweets,” said the resolution. “The School Hoard or Broward County, Florida declares November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate the important and valuable contributions of the Hindu community in Broward County," it further added. The resolution has come at a time when Georgia has declared the month of October as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’, considering the ‘vibrant’ 'Hindu American' community's contribution in the state’s progress. The proclamation was made by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp who said that the month of October will be celebrated collectively, with a focus on the Hindu culture and the varied spiritual traditions rooted in the country. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Florida's Broward County announces November as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’

Female surgeons in the UK have made shocking claims of having faced sexual harassment and assault and in a few cases rape by colleagues, as stated in a major analysis of NHS staff.&nbsp;

The authors of the study said there has been a pattern of female trainees facing abuse by senior male surgeons, and now this is happening in NHS hospitals.

The Royal College of Surgeons stated that the findings were "truly shocking". &nbsp;

The analysis referred to sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape as the open secret of the surgery.&nbsp;

The report revealed untold stories of female surgeons being fondled inside their scrubs, men rubbing erections against the women staff and male surgeons wiping their brows on the breasts of female colleagues.

As per the study, some were even offered career opportunities in exchange for sex.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-numbers-show-huge-spike-in-patient-deaths-while-on-nhs-waitlist-630889">UK: Numbers show huge spike in patient deaths while on NHS waitlist</a>

The analysis, which was done by the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, the University of Surrey and the University of Exeter, was published by the BBC News.

Almost two-thirds of women surgeons, while responding to the researchers, claimed to have faced sexual harassment and a third of them were sexually assaulted by colleagues in the last five years.

Women stated that they feared if the incidents were reported, it would damage their careers and they did not have confidence in the fact that NHS would take action.

<h2>Sexual assault inside operating theatre</h2>

A talented consultant surgeon, while speaking to BBC News, said that she faced sexual assault early in her career when she was the weakest person in the operating theatre and a senior male surgeon present there was sweating.

She narrated, "[He] just turned round and buried his head right into my breasts and I realised he was wiping his brow on me. You just freeze right, 'why is his face in my cleavage?'"&nbsp;

When the incident happened for the second time, the woman gave him a towel. "The surgeon replied, 'no, this is much more fun'," she said, adding, "and it was the smirk - I felt dirty, I felt humiliated".

WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Junior and senior doctors to strike together for the first time in NHS history

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-junior-and-senior-doctors-to-strike-together-for-the-first-time-in-nhs-history-631174/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"He wasn't even the most senior person in the operating theatre, but he knew that behaviour was ok and that's just rotten," she added.&nbsp;

<h2>Men also subject to sexual harassment&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the report stated that men were also subject to similar kinds of harassment, as 24 per cent claimed to have been sexually harassed and concluded that men and women surgeons are "living different realities".

"Our findings are likely to shake the confidence of the public in the surgical profession," stated Dr Christopher Begeny, from the University of Exeter.

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Female surgeons in the UK have made shocking claims of having faced sexual harassment and assault and in a few cases rape by colleagues, as stated in a major analysis of NHS staff.

Female surgeons in the UK have made shocking claims of having faced sexual harassment and assault and in a few cases rape by colleagues, as stated in a major analysis of NHS staff. The authors of the study said there has been a pattern of female trainees facing abuse by senior male surgeons, and now this is happening in NHS hospitals. The Royal College of Surgeons stated that the findings were "truly shocking". The analysis referred to sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape as the open secret of the surgery. The report revealed untold stories of female surgeons being fondled inside their scrubs, men rubbing erections against the women staff and male surgeons wiping their brows on the breasts of female colleagues. As per the study, some were even offered career opportunities in exchange for sex. ALSO READ | UK: Numbers show huge spike in patient deaths while on NHS waitlist The analysis, which was done by the Working Party on Sexual Misconduct in Surgery, the University of Surrey and the University of Exeter, was published by the BBC News. Almost two-thirds of women surgeons, while responding to the researchers, claimed to have faced sexual harassment and a third of them were sexually assaulted by colleagues in the last five years. Women stated that they feared if the incidents were reported, it would damage their careers and they did not have confidence in the fact that NHS would take action. Sexual assault inside operating theatre A talented consultant surgeon, while speaking to BBC News, said that she faced sexual assault early in her career when she was the weakest person in the operating theatre and a senior male surgeon present there was sweating. She narrated, "[He] just turned round and buried his head right into my breasts and I realised he was wiping his brow on me. You just freeze right, 'why is his face in my cleavage?'" When the incident happened for the second time, the woman gave him a towel. "The surgeon replied, 'no, this is much more fun'," she said, adding, "and it was the smirk - I felt dirty, I felt humiliated". WATCH | UK: Junior and senior doctors to strike together for the first time in NHS history "He wasn't even the most senior person in the operating theatre, but he knew that behaviour was ok and that's just rotten," she added. Men also subject to sexual harassment Meanwhile, the report stated that men were also subject to similar kinds of harassment, as 24 per cent claimed to have been sexually harassed and concluded that men and women surgeons are "living different realities". "Our findings are likely to shake the confidence of the public in the surgical profession," stated Dr Christopher Begeny, from the University of Exeter. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK: Female surgeons face sexual assaults during operations, claims study on NHS

As per recent media reports, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has boarded his bulletproof train which is on its way to Russia's port city Vladivostok, where he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
 
In accordance with a long-standing tradition followed by North Korean leaders, Kim will be spending more than 20 hours on a slow-moving locomotive and covering around 1,180km (733 miles). The train is said to have a restaurant which serves dishes like fresh lobster and fine French wines. 
 
The train's heavy armoured protection makes it move at a mere speed of about 50km/h (31mph), in comparison to London's high-speed rail which can run at around 200km/h and Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains can reach 320 km/h. 
 
The train has been named Taeyangho, which means the sun in the Korean language and is a symbolic reference to the country's founder Kim Il Sung.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/train-with-possibly-kim-jong-un-on-board-leaves-north-korea-for-russia-south-korean-media-634806">Kim Jong Un to visit Russia at Putin's invitation 'in coming days', Kremlin confirms</a>

<h2>The tradition of trains</h2>

Kim Jong Un's grandfather Kim Il Sung started the tradition of long-distance travel via train after he started going on train trips to Vietnam and Eastern Europe. 
 
Security agents heavily guard these luxurious trains and scan the routes and stations&nbsp;for bombs and other threats. 
 
As per reports, Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il used to travel by train because he had a fear of planes. In 2001, Kim Jong Il famously travelled by train for 10 days to reach Moscow and hold talks with Putin. 
 
Speaking about the train's opulence, Russian military commander Konstantin Pulikovsky had stated in his memoir, "It was possible to order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine." 
 
He further stated that live lobsters were transported to the train to ensure fresh delicacies were available. He stated that even the private train of Putin "did not have the comfort of Kim Jong Il's train”.

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Russia for talks with Putin | Russia-Ukraine war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-to-visit-russia-for-talks-with-putin-russia-ukraine-war-634978/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Luxurious private planes</h2>

Apart from trains, Kim also travels in other forms of luxurious transport, like private planes. After coming to power, the North Korean leader boarded his first international flight to reach the Chinese city of Dalian in May 2018, where he was scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. 
 
The aircraft, aboard which he went to China, was a Soviet-made long-range aircraft called the Ilyushin-62 (Il-62). As per media reports, Kim has previously used his private jet to travel within the country. 
 
As per local media, the aircraft is called "Chammae-1" which has been named after the goshawk, the national bird of North Korea. The plane's white exterior is emblazoned with the official name of North Korea in Korean on both sides, with the national flag accompanying the text. The tail has a red star placed inside blue and red circles. The plane has modern interiors, and occasionally Kim has been photographed working inside the aircraft and holding meetings onboard. 
 
According to a documentary aired by Korean Central Television in 2014, Kim was also seen flying a Ukrainian Antonov-148 (AN-148), which features the logo of state airline Air Koryo.

<h2>Kim's personal Mercedes-Benz S-Class</h2>

Kim had travelled via train to the Chinese capital Beijing in March 2018, but was seen travelling in his Mercedes-Benz S-Class across the city. As per South Korean daily JoongAng Ilbo, the officials had specially transported the car on board the train. 
 
Manufactured in 2010, the car cost roughly around 2 billion Korean won ($1.8 million), as reported by the paper. 
 
During the 2018 inter-Korean summit held at Panmunjom, the favoured S-Class model of Kim was prominent when he drove it across the border, as his bodyguards ran alongside. 
 
It was also reported that his convoy at the summit featured a private toilet car which was used by Kim to relieve himself while travelling. The report of a private toilet car was mentioned in a 2015 report by the Seoul-based website DailyNK, which stated that a customised bathroom had been built into one of the cars of a convoy of armoured vehicles of Kim.

<h2>Mystery yacht</h2>

North Korea's state media said that the leader has been riding on submarines, buses, boats and also a ski lift. He has also been rumoured to use different forms of transport, but these remain to be seen in his excursions abroad. 
 
When photos of the leader's visit to an army-run fishing station in May 2013 were published by the state media, a yacht was observed by NK News in the background. 
 
No clear information was available on the vessel, which is said to belong to Kim and its cost was estimated at $7 million. It also remained a mystery how the yacht was imported even though there are international sanctions on luxury goods. 
 
However, considering the price of the yacht, many international media outlets believed that the ruler of the nation was its most likely owner. 
 
Washington-based Radio Free Asia in June 2015 reported that a researcher had seen a new helipad at the lakeside villa of Kim in South Pyongan province. 
 
The researcher, who was working at the US-Korea Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, stated that the helipad was likely being used by the family of Kim or visitors.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

<main>
<section>
WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-26="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32="true" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=0" title="live tv" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

As per recent media reports, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has boarded his bulletproof train which is on its way to Russia's port city Vladivostok, where he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As per recent media reports, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has boarded his bulletproof train which is on its way to Russia's port city Vladivostok, where he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin. In accordance with a long-standing tradition followed by North Korean leaders, Kim will be spending more than 20 hours on a slow-moving locomotive and covering around 1,180km (733 miles). The train is said to have a restaurant which serves dishes like fresh lobster and fine French wines. The train's heavy armoured protection makes it move at a mere speed of about 50km/h (31mph), in comparison to London's high-speed rail which can run at around 200km/h and Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains can reach 320 km/h. The train has been named Taeyangho, which means the sun in the Korean language and is a symbolic reference to the country's founder Kim Il Sung. ALSO READ | Kim Jong Un to visit Russia at Putin's invitation 'in coming days', Kremlin confirms The tradition of trains Kim Jong Un's grandfather Kim Il Sung started the tradition of long-distance travel via train after he started going on train trips to Vietnam and Eastern Europe. Security agents heavily guard these luxurious trains and scan the routes and stations for bombs and other threats. As per reports, Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il used to travel by train because he had a fear of planes. In 2001, Kim Jong Il famously travelled by train for 10 days to reach Moscow and hold talks with Putin. Speaking about the train's opulence, Russian military commander Konstantin Pulikovsky had stated in his memoir, "It was possible to order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine." He further stated that live lobsters were transported to the train to ensure fresh delicacies were available. He stated that even the private train of Putin "did not have the comfort of Kim Jong Il's train”. WATCH | North Korea's Kim Jong Un to visit Russia for talks with Putin | Russia-Ukraine war Luxurious private planes Apart from trains, Kim also travels in other forms of luxurious transport, like private planes. After coming to power, the North Korean leader boarded his first international flight to reach the Chinese city of Dalian in May 2018, where he was scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The aircraft, aboard which he went to China, was a Soviet-made long-range aircraft called the Ilyushin-62 (Il-62). As per media reports, Kim has previously used his private jet to travel within the country. As per local media, the aircraft is called "Chammae-1" which has been named after the goshawk, the national bird of North Korea. The plane's white exterior is emblazoned with the official name of North Korea in Korean on both sides, with the national flag accompanying the text. The tail has a red star placed inside blue and red circles. The plane has modern interiors, and occasionally Kim has been photographed working inside the aircraft and holding meetings onboard. According to a documentary aired by Korean Central Television in 2014, Kim was also seen flying a Ukrainian Antonov-148 (AN-148), which features the logo of state airline Air Koryo. Kim's personal Mercedes-Benz S-Class Kim had travelled via train to the Chinese capital Beijing in March 2018, but was seen travelling in his Mercedes-Benz S-Class across the city. As per South Korean daily JoongAng Ilbo, the officials had specially transported the car on board the train. Manufactured in 2010, the car cost roughly around 2 billion Korean won ($1.8 million), as reported by the paper. During the 2018 inter-Korean summit held at Panmunjom, the favoured S-Class model of Kim was prominent when he drove it across the border, as his bodyguards ran alongside. It was also reported that his convoy at the summit featured a private toilet car which was used by Kim to relieve himself while travelling. The report of a private toilet car was mentioned in a 2015 report by the Seoul-based website DailyNK, which stated that a customised bathroom had been built into one of the cars of a convoy of armoured vehicles of Kim. Mystery yacht North Korea's state media said that the leader has been riding on submarines, buses, boats and also a ski lift. He has also been rumoured to use different forms of transport, but these remain to be seen in his excursions abroad. When photos of the leader's visit to an army-run fishing station in May 2013 were published by the state media, a yacht was observed by NK News in the background. No clear information was available on the vessel, which is said to belong to Kim and its cost was estimated at $7 million. It also remained a mystery how the yacht was imported even though there are international sanctions on luxury goods. However, considering the price of the yacht, many international media outlets believed that the ruler of the nation was its most likely owner. Washington-based Radio Free Asia in June 2015 reported that a researcher had seen a new helipad at the lakeside villa of Kim in South Pyongan province. The researcher, who was working at the US-Korea Institute of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, stated that the helipad was likely being used by the family of Kim or visitors. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | An armoured train & a mystery yacht are just a few ways Kim Jong Un travels

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prisha

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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