<p>Social media platform X, which was earlier known as Twitter, is facing a mass outage as thousands of users reported facing trouble accessing it in the US on Tuesday (August 29), as reported by outage tracking website Downdetector.com.<br />
<br />
Downdetector, which keeps track of outages by collecting status reports from various sources which includes users, stated that they received more than 17,000 reports of outages till 19:24 ET (23:24 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-sets-the-tone-for-an-x-competitor-to-linkedin-630005">Elon Musk sets the tone for an 'X' competitor to LinkedIn</a></p>

<p>Most people who are accessing site X from the website are facing a glitch compared to those who are using the smartphone app, as per Downdetector. When trying to log in to X, the users are receiving a message which reads, “Something went wrong. Try reloading.” However, as per reports, reloading is not working for the users.</p>

<h2><strong>Technical glitches have snagged site in recent months</strong></h2>

<p>In recent months, various technical problems have been faced by X, which include&nbsp;users failing to load the site. Further, a cap&nbsp;was put on the social media platform which restricted users from reading more than 600 posts on the site. Soon, the cap was raised by the authorities and the restriction didn't appear to be a serious problem anymore.</p>

<p>In October 2022, X, then known as Twitter, was bought by Elon Musk and various drastic changes were made in the organisation, which included firing thousands of employees. Some&nbsp;tech experts had warned that firing so many employees could lead to outages and other issues on the site.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;'X ‘may fail’ after...': Elon Musk's big reveal about the social media platform</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/x-may-fail-after-elon-musks-big-reveal-about-the-social-media-platform-628054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Musk has ignited another controversy on the site by sharing inflammatory statements that were reported to have scared advertisers. Recently, the billionaire owner stated that there has been a decline of about 50 per cent in ad revenue since he took over X.</p>

<p>In June, Linda Yaccarino was hired by Musk as the next CEO so as to calm the rising worries of the advertisers.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Social media platform X, which was earlier known as Twitter, is facing a mass outage as thousands of users reported facing trouble accessing it in the US on Tuesday (August 29), as reported by outage tracking website Downdetector.

Social media platform X, which was earlier known as Twitter, is facing a mass outage as thousands of users reported facing trouble accessing it in the US on Tuesday (August 29), as reported by outage tracking website Downdetector.com. Downdetector, which keeps track of outages by collecting status reports from various sources which includes users, stated that they received more than 17,000 reports of outages till 19:24 ET (23:24 GMT). ALSO READ | Elon Musk sets the tone for an 'X' competitor to LinkedIn Most people who are accessing site X from the website are facing a glitch compared to those who are using the smartphone app, as per Downdetector. When trying to log in to X, the users are receiving a message which reads, “Something went wrong. Try reloading.” However, as per reports, reloading is not working for the users. Technical glitches have snagged site in recent months In recent months, various technical problems have been faced by X, which include users failing to load the site. Further, a cap was put on the social media platform which restricted users from reading more than 600 posts on the site. Soon, the cap was raised by the authorities and the restriction didn't appear to be a serious problem anymore. In October 2022, X, then known as Twitter, was bought by Elon Musk and various drastic changes were made in the organisation, which included firing thousands of employees. Some tech experts had warned that firing so many employees could lead to outages and other issues on the site. WATCH | 'X ‘may fail’ after...': Elon Musk's big reveal about the social media platform Musk has ignited another controversy on the site by sharing inflammatory statements that were reported to have scared advertisers. Recently, the billionaire owner stated that there has been a decline of about 50 per cent in ad revenue since he took over X. In June, Linda Yaccarino was hired by Musk as the next CEO so as to calm the rising worries of the advertisers. 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

Twitter turned 'X' faces another outage, platform down for thousands of users

<p>Western Cuba was lashed by tropical storm Idalia on Tuesday (August 29) and is likely to turn into a major hurricane as it moves towards the Gulf Coast in Florida, where evacuations have been ordered by the officials and residents have been appealed to start preparing for its expected landfall on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
Idalia was churning around 80 miles (130 km) off Cuba's western tip as it barreled north, carrying the maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (112 kph), said the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre in its latest advisory.<br />
<br />
The growing intensity of the storm and its northerly track has placed around 14 million Floridians under the threat of a hurricane, with warnings of tropical storm issued along the Gulf of Mexico.<br />
<br />
Authorities stated that the chief hazard that the storm would pose to human life would be the increased height of seawater which may be driven into inundating low-lying coastal areas by high winds.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong><a href="Tropical Storm Idalia to strengthen into hurricane and make landfall in Florida, say US forecasters"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Tropical Storm Idalia to strengthen into hurricane and make landfall in Florida, say US forecasters</a></p>

<p>Storm surge warnings were put up across hundreds of miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, starting from the Sarasota area north through Tampa and leading to the sport-fishing haven of Indian Pass at the western end of Apalachicola Bay.<br />
<br />
"Buckle up for this one," said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in a press conference on Monday afternoon, adding that he had already discussed the situation with director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deanne Criswell and US President Joe Biden.<br />
<br />
"Do what you got to do. You still have time today. You have time for most of tomorrow," he added, appealing to Floridians to fully prepare for the dangerous situation ahead.</p>

<h2><strong>Cubans rush to evacuate coastal towns</strong></h2>

<p>Cubans hurriedly evacuated coastal towns, tied down fishing boats and emptied batten-down homes as Idalia reached the western end of the island on Monday.<br />
<br />
The small fishing village of Guanimar was swamped by chocolate-brown floodwaters by mid-afternoon.<br />
<br />
Residents were carried to higher grounds using decades-old buses, which had missing windows and floorboards, as winds howled and rattled the tin roofs of the houses and slammed fishing boats stranded in the mangroves.<br />
<br />
"We've had two days of rain already," stated resident Yadira Alvarez, 34, as she made preparations for evacuating her five children. "We try to prepare, but no matter what we do everything will be soaked,” she added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Hurricane Hilary reduced from category 4 to category 2 storm</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hurricane-hilary-reduced-from-category-4-to-category-2-storm-627148/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Mandatory evacuations in multiple Florida counties</strong></h2>

<p>Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were issued in multiple counties of Florida on Monday morning, which DeSantis stated is likely to expand. “There are going to be evacuation orders issued in all these Gulf Coast counties in the A and B zones (and) all the barrier islands places that are low-lying on the coast,” DeSantis stated.<br />
<br />
The government ordered mandatory evacuations for Pasco, Manatee, Hernando, Taylor, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota and Citrus counties for vulnerable structures and low-lying coastal areas. The evacuation orders issued in Hillsborough County also included parts of the Tampa area.<br />
<br />
“If and when the Governor issues an evacuation order, that means your life is in danger, hear those warnings,” warned Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Western Cuba was lashed by tropical storm Idalia on Tuesday (August 29) and is likely to turn into a major hurricane as it moves towards the Gulf Coast in Florida, where evacuations have been ordered by the officials and residents have been appealed to start preparing for its expected landfall on Wednesday.

Western Cuba was lashed by tropical storm Idalia on Tuesday (August 29) and is likely to turn into a major hurricane as it moves towards the Gulf Coast in Florida, where evacuations have been ordered by the officials and residents have been appealed to start preparing for its expected landfall on Wednesday. Idalia was churning around 80 miles (130 km) off Cuba's western tip as it barreled north, carrying the maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (112 kph), said the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre in its latest advisory. The growing intensity of the storm and its northerly track has placed around 14 million Floridians under the threat of a hurricane, with warnings of tropical storm issued along the Gulf of Mexico. Authorities stated that the chief hazard that the storm would pose to human life would be the increased height of seawater which may be driven into inundating low-lying coastal areas by high winds. ALSO READ | Tropical Storm Idalia to strengthen into hurricane and make landfall in Florida, say US forecasters Storm surge warnings were put up across hundreds of miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, starting from the Sarasota area north through Tampa and leading to the sport-fishing haven of Indian Pass at the western end of Apalachicola Bay. "Buckle up for this one," said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in a press conference on Monday afternoon, adding that he had already discussed the situation with director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deanne Criswell and US President Joe Biden. "Do what you got to do. You still have time today. You have time for most of tomorrow," he added, appealing to Floridians to fully prepare for the dangerous situation ahead. Cubans rush to evacuate coastal towns Cubans hurriedly evacuated coastal towns, tied down fishing boats and emptied batten-down homes as Idalia reached the western end of the island on Monday. The small fishing village of Guanimar was swamped by chocolate-brown floodwaters by mid-afternoon. Residents were carried to higher grounds using decades-old buses, which had missing windows and floorboards, as winds howled and rattled the tin roofs of the houses and slammed fishing boats stranded in the mangroves. "We've had two days of rain already," stated resident Yadira Alvarez, 34, as she made preparations for evacuating her five children. "We try to prepare, but no matter what we do everything will be soaked,” she added. WATCH | Hurricane Hilary reduced from category 4 to category 2 storm Mandatory evacuations in multiple Florida counties Voluntary and mandatory evacuations were issued in multiple counties of Florida on Monday morning, which DeSantis stated is likely to expand. “There are going to be evacuation orders issued in all these Gulf Coast counties in the A and B zones (and) all the barrier islands places that are low-lying on the coast,” DeSantis stated. The government ordered mandatory evacuations for Pasco, Manatee, Hernando, Taylor, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Sarasota and Citrus counties for vulnerable structures and low-lying coastal areas. The evacuation orders issued in Hillsborough County also included parts of the Tampa area. “If and when the Governor issues an evacuation order, that means your life is in danger, hear those warnings,” warned Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. (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

Storm Idalia lashes western Cuba as it intensifies into major hurricane

<p>Thousands of passengers with flight tickets in the United Kingdom are facing cancellations and long delays after the country's air traffic control systems encountered a “technical issue”, which has been fixed.<br />
<br />
People have been stranded in the UK and abroad after the number of planes landing was limited by the National Air Traffic Services. The airports and airlines warned the passengers that they were likely to face more "significant delays" even though the officials fixed the issue within hours.<br />
<br />
Speaking to BBC News, one passenger said that her afternoon flight was not likely to leave till after midnight. Warnings have been issued that people are likely to face some knock-on disruption for days.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-airspace-shuts-down-after-breakdown-of-air-traffic-control-system-629947">UK airspace shuts down after breakdown of air traffic control system</a></p>

<p>Delays of around 12 hours after takeoffs, suspension of inbound flights due to a “network-wide” computer failure and cancellations were faced by returning holidaymakers and those planning to fly out from UK airports.<br />
<br />
The technical snag had forced controllers to input flight plans manually which led to the cancellation of 500 flights and delay of other flights even before Nats, which is the national airspace controller, declared at 3.15 pm local time that it had “identified and remedied” the technical issue after four hours.</p>

<h2>Returning to normal operations</h2>

<p>As per flight tracking sites, the flights were delayed from 11:30 am. The problem was confirmed by Nats at around 12:10 pm local time when it stated that it was “currently experiencing a technical issue” and had “applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety”.<br />
<br />
After stating that the original issues had been fixed, Nats stated, “We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system’s performance as we return to normal operations.”<br />
<br />
“Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight,” it added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK: PM Rishi Sunak under fire over India-UK trade deal</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-under-fire-over-india-uk-trade-deal-630004/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
Late on Monday evening, Heathrow said that the flight schedules remain disrupted and hence, people should reach out to the airlines before leaving for the airport.<br />
<br />
Heathrow spokesperson said that the schedules would “remain significantly disrupted for the rest of the day”. “We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating. Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock-on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

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Thousands of passengers with flight tickets in the United Kingdom are facing cancellations and long delays after the country's air traffic control systems encountered a “technical issue”, which has been fixed.

Thousands of passengers with flight tickets in the United Kingdom are facing cancellations and long delays after the country's air traffic control systems encountered a “technical issue”, which has been fixed. People have been stranded in the UK and abroad after the number of planes landing was limited by the National Air Traffic Services. The airports and airlines warned the passengers that they were likely to face more "significant delays" even though the officials fixed the issue within hours. Speaking to BBC News, one passenger said that her afternoon flight was not likely to leave till after midnight. Warnings have been issued that people are likely to face some knock-on disruption for days. ALSO READ | UK airspace shuts down after breakdown of air traffic control system Delays of around 12 hours after takeoffs, suspension of inbound flights due to a “network-wide” computer failure and cancellations were faced by returning holidaymakers and those planning to fly out from UK airports. The technical snag had forced controllers to input flight plans manually which led to the cancellation of 500 flights and delay of other flights even before Nats, which is the national airspace controller, declared at 3.15 pm local time that it had “identified and remedied” the technical issue after four hours. Returning to normal operations As per flight tracking sites, the flights were delayed from 11:30 am. The problem was confirmed by Nats at around 12:10 pm local time when it stated that it was “currently experiencing a technical issue” and had “applied traffic flow restrictions to maintain safety”. After stating that the original issues had been fixed, Nats stated, “We are now working closely with airlines and airports to manage the flights affected as efficiently as possible. Our engineers will be carefully monitoring the system’s performance as we return to normal operations.” “Our priority is always to ensure that every flight in the UK remains safe and we are sincerely sorry for the disruption this is causing. Please contact your airline for information on how this may affect your flight,” it added. WATCH | UK: PM Rishi Sunak under fire over India-UK trade deal Late on Monday evening, Heathrow said that the flight schedules remain disrupted and hence, people should reach out to the airlines before leaving for the airport. Heathrow spokesperson said that the schedules would “remain significantly disrupted for the rest of the day”. “We ask passengers to only travel to the airport if their flight is confirmed as still operating. Teams across Heathrow are working as hard as they can to minimise the knock-on impacts and assist those whose journeys have been affected,” he added. 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

After hitting technical snag, UK flight chaos likely to last for days

<p>Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov refuted new graft allegations related to military supplies on Tuesday (August 29), as reports of the purchase of uniforms at inflated prices amid war with Russia surfaced.<br />
<br />
Various media outlets reported that a contract was signed by the ministry late last year with a Turkish company for supplying winter combat fatigues, however, the prices were tripled after the finalisation of the deal.<br />
<br />
It was also determined by the Ukrainian journalists that the winter gear can be bought at considerably lower prices in Turkey. It was also reported that Oleksandre Kassai – one of the owners of the Turkish company – is also the nephew of Gennadi Kassai, who is in President Volodymyr Zelensky's party.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-liberates-strategic-southeastern-settlement-russian-strike-kills-at-least-two-629899">Ukraine liberates strategic southeastern settlement; Russian strike kills at least two</a></p>

<h2><strong>Minister slams accusations as 'false'</strong></h2>

<p>The accusations were slammed by Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov as false who stated that the billed prices corresponded to those advertised.<br />
<br />
"I urge everyone to treat information more critically and responsibly because it misleads society and, worse still, it misleads our partners, as from outside you'd say it is a disaster," said Reznikov, while speaking at a news conference.<br />
<br />
"Everything was done in accordance with the law on public procurement" and "via tender procedures," he added.<br />
<br />
In a previous corruption scandal involving army supplies, senior Ukrainian officials were sacked from their positions in January after it was revealed in the media that a contract which was signed by the ministry for purchasing food products for soldiers had mentioned similarly overstated amounts.<br />
<br />
At that time, Reznikov had accepted that the anti-corruption services of his ministry had "failed in their task". At the beginning of this month, all the regional officials who were in charge of military recruitment for removing corruption were dismissed by Zelensky, a step that also allowed some conscripts to leave army service.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine using custom made rocket launchers against Russia | WION</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-ukraine-using-custom-made-rocket-launchers-against-russia-wion-628093/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Russia accuses US embassy 'informant' of passing data on Ukraine conflict</strong></h2>

<p>Russia on Monday (August 28) charged a former US consulate employee with the crime of illegally transferring data to American diplomats regarding the Ukraine conflict. The accusations against the US employee were protested by Washington which claimed that his activities were routine.<br />
<br />
The Russian Security Service (FSB) further announced that it would be questioning two US diplomats present at the embassy in Moscow regarding the case breaking the diplomatic tradition.<br />
<br />
The accusation is the latest in the multiple diplomatic spats that have built pressure on strained ties between Washington and Moscow, especially over the conflict in Ukraine.</p>

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Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov refuted new graft allegations related to military supplies on Tuesday (August 29), as reports of the purchase of uniforms at inflated prices amid war with Russia surfaced.

Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov refuted new graft allegations related to military supplies on Tuesday (August 29), as reports of the purchase of uniforms at inflated prices amid war with Russia surfaced. Various media outlets reported that a contract was signed by the ministry late last year with a Turkish company for supplying winter combat fatigues, however, the prices were tripled after the finalisation of the deal. It was also determined by the Ukrainian journalists that the winter gear can be bought at considerably lower prices in Turkey. It was also reported that Oleksandre Kassai – one of the owners of the Turkish company – is also the nephew of Gennadi Kassai, who is in President Volodymyr Zelensky's party. ALSO READ | Ukraine liberates strategic southeastern settlement; Russian strike kills at least two Minister slams accusations as 'false' The accusations were slammed by Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov as false who stated that the billed prices corresponded to those advertised. "I urge everyone to treat information more critically and responsibly because it misleads society and, worse still, it misleads our partners, as from outside you'd say it is a disaster," said Reznikov, while speaking at a news conference. "Everything was done in accordance with the law on public procurement" and "via tender procedures," he added. In a previous corruption scandal involving army supplies, senior Ukrainian officials were sacked from their positions in January after it was revealed in the media that a contract which was signed by the ministry for purchasing food products for soldiers had mentioned similarly overstated amounts. At that time, Reznikov had accepted that the anti-corruption services of his ministry had "failed in their task". At the beginning of this month, all the regional officials who were in charge of military recruitment for removing corruption were dismissed by Zelensky, a step that also allowed some conscripts to leave army service. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine using custom made rocket launchers against Russia | WION Russia accuses US embassy 'informant' of passing data on Ukraine conflict Russia on Monday (August 28) charged a former US consulate employee with the crime of illegally transferring data to American diplomats regarding the Ukraine conflict. The accusations against the US employee were protested by Washington which claimed that his activities were routine. The Russian Security Service (FSB) further announced that it would be questioning two US diplomats present at the embassy in Moscow regarding the case breaking the diplomatic tradition. The accusation is the latest in the multiple diplomatic spats that have built pressure on strained ties between Washington and Moscow, especially over the conflict in Ukraine. 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

Ukraine's Defence Minister Reznikov refutes graft allegations

<p>The regional leaders of the Spanish Football Federation appealed for the immediate resignation of their President Luis Rubiales after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso. The call for resignation was published in a statement published on Tuesday (August 29) after an emergency meeting.<br />
<br />
The world's governing soccer body FIFA suspended Rubiales on Saturday for forcibly kissing a female player during the victory celebrations of the women’s team’s World Cup.<br />
<br />
“After the recent events and the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that, immediately, Mr. Luis Rubiales submits his resignation as president of the RFEF [Royal Spanish Football Federation]," stated the RFEF, on behalf of the committee of regional presidents.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/big-blow-to-luis-rubiales-spain-prosecutors-open-preliminary-sex-abuse-probe-over-kiss-controversy-629996">Big blow to Luis Rubiales! Spain prosecutors open preliminary sex abuse probe over kiss controversy</a></p>

<p>All the 19 regional presidents also expressed their unanimous support to the interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha, “to lead a new stage of dialogue and reconciliation with all of the football institutions,” read the statement. Rubiales, after getting suspended by FIFA, was replaced by Rocha.<br />
<br />
"We will urge the relevant authorities to carry out a profound and imminent organisational restructuring in strategic positions of the federation in order to make way for a new stage in the management of Spanish football," added the statement.<br />
<br />
Rubiales, who is facing increasing pressure to resign, will now have to go through an investigation that can end with sexual aggression charges against him from Spanish prosecutors.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Spanish federation threatens legal action over Hermoso 'lies'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spanish-federation-threatens-legal-action-over-hermoso-lies-629506/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Mother on ‘hunger strike’</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Rubiales's mother&nbsp;locked herself in a church and sat on a hunger strike in protest against the “inhumane, bloodthirsty hunt” of her 46-year-old son, reported Spanish media.<br />
<br />
As per reports, Angeles Bejar on Monday said that she will stay in the church in Motril, near Granada in southern Spain, “indefinitely, day and night” until justice is done with Rubiales.<br />
<br />
The RFEF and soccer chief are involved in a controversy since he kissed 33-year-old attacker Hermoso after Spain clinched the first Women’s World Cup title against England.<br />
<br />
Rubiales accepted that he made a mistake, however, he claimed that the kiss was consensual. Meanwhile, Hermoso stated that she had not permitted the kiss and felt violated.<br />
<br />
“I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part. Simply put I was not respected,” she stated on social media.</p>

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The regional leaders of the Spanish Football Federation appealed for the immediate resignation of their President Luis Rubiales after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso.

The regional leaders of the Spanish Football Federation appealed for the immediate resignation of their President Luis Rubiales after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso. The call for resignation was published in a statement published on Tuesday (August 29) after an emergency meeting. The world's governing soccer body FIFA suspended Rubiales on Saturday for forcibly kissing a female player during the victory celebrations of the women’s team’s World Cup. “After the recent events and the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that, immediately, Mr. Luis Rubiales submits his resignation as president of the RFEF [Royal Spanish Football Federation]," stated the RFEF, on behalf of the committee of regional presidents. ALSO READ | Big blow to Luis Rubiales! Spain prosecutors open preliminary sex abuse probe over kiss controversy All the 19 regional presidents also expressed their unanimous support to the interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha, “to lead a new stage of dialogue and reconciliation with all of the football institutions,” read the statement. Rubiales, after getting suspended by FIFA, was replaced by Rocha. "We will urge the relevant authorities to carry out a profound and imminent organisational restructuring in strategic positions of the federation in order to make way for a new stage in the management of Spanish football," added the statement. Rubiales, who is facing increasing pressure to resign, will now have to go through an investigation that can end with sexual aggression charges against him from Spanish prosecutors. WATCH | Spanish federation threatens legal action over Hermoso 'lies' Mother on ‘hunger strike’ Earlier, Rubiales's mother locked herself in a church and sat on a hunger strike in protest against the “inhumane, bloodthirsty hunt” of her 46-year-old son, reported Spanish media. As per reports, Angeles Bejar on Monday said that she will stay in the church in Motril, near Granada in southern Spain, “indefinitely, day and night” until justice is done with Rubiales. The RFEF and soccer chief are involved in a controversy since he kissed 33-year-old attacker Hermoso after Spain clinched the first Women’s World Cup title against England. Rubiales accepted that he made a mistake, however, he claimed that the kiss was consensual. Meanwhile, Hermoso stated that she had not permitted the kiss and felt violated. “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part. Simply put I was not respected,” she stated on social media. 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

Spanish Football Federation calls for resignation of Luis Rubiales amid kiss controversy

<p>Federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the prosecution of United States former president Donald J Trump in the 2020 election subversion conspiracy case, on Monday (August 28) set the date to start trial on March 4, 2024, rejecting the proposal of the accused to postpone it till 2026.<br />
<br />
The announcement of the date has placed the trial of one of the country's biggest criminal cases&nbsp;in the history of America in its peak election season.<br />
<br />
The trial date, which has been set two years ahead of the date which was requested by the defence, will fall on the eve of "Super Tuesday," when nearly a dozen states will cast votes between Trump and one of his rivals in the 2024 Republican presidential election.<br />
<br />
"Setting a trial date does not depend on the defendant's professional obligations so Mr Trump will have to make a date work," US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan informed the hearing in Washington.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trump-co-defendants-to-face-arraignment-in-georgia-on-september-6-630007">US: Trump, co-defendants to face arraignment in Georgia on September 6</a></p>

<p>The trial date is likely to leave a pivotal impact on the hopes of Trump to recapture the White House. Taking to his social network Truth Social, Trump demanded the dismissal of the case and called&nbsp;lead prosecutor Jack Smith "deranged" and&nbsp;complained of "election interference."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY. I will APPEAL!" he stated.</p>

<p>The 77-year-old former president has been facing four criminal indictments this year – one each by state prosecutors in Georgia and New York and twice by Smith. In an early August court appearance, Trump had pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which he was not needed to attend the procedural hearing on Monday.<br />
<br />
Smith had appealed to start the trial on January 2, however, Trump's lawyer John Lauro described that proposition as "a request for a show trial, not a speedy trial," calling the idea of having just four months to prepare "absurd and ridiculous."<br />
<br />
"We will certainly abide by Your Honor's ruling, as we must," he said to Chutkan, after the judge announced her decision. "The trial date will deny President Trump the opportunity to have effective assistance of counsel,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Trump raises $7.1 MN since Georgia arrest</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Trump's multiple trials</strong></h2>

<p>Trump will go on trial on charges of paying election-eve hush money to a porn star in New York in March and the trial for allegedly mishandling top secret government documents will take place in Florida in May.<br />
<br />
Trump, along with 18 co-defendants, are also facing racketeering charges in Georgia for trying to overturn the results 2020 election in the southern state.<br />
<br />
No firm date to begin the trial of the Georgia case has been decided by the presiding judge.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the prosecution of United States former president Donald J Trump in the 2020 election subversion conspiracy case, on Monday (August 28) set the date to start trial on March 4, 2024, rejecting the proposal of the accused to postpone it till 2026.

Federal judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the prosecution of United States former president Donald J Trump in the 2020 election subversion conspiracy case, on Monday (August 28) set the date to start trial on March 4, 2024, rejecting the proposal of the accused to postpone it till 2026. The announcement of the date has placed the trial of one of the country's biggest criminal cases in the history of America in its peak election season. The trial date, which has been set two years ahead of the date which was requested by the defence, will fall on the eve of "Super Tuesday," when nearly a dozen states will cast votes between Trump and one of his rivals in the 2024 Republican presidential election. "Setting a trial date does not depend on the defendant's professional obligations so Mr Trump will have to make a date work," US District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan informed the hearing in Washington. ALSO READ | US: Trump, co-defendants to face arraignment in Georgia on September 6 The trial date is likely to leave a pivotal impact on the hopes of Trump to recapture the White House. Taking to his social network Truth Social, Trump demanded the dismissal of the case and called lead prosecutor Jack Smith "deranged" and complained of "election interference." "Today a biased, Trump Hating Judge gave me only a two month extension, just what our corrupt government wanted, SUPER TUESDAY. I will APPEAL!" he stated. The 77-year-old former president has been facing four criminal indictments this year – one each by state prosecutors in Georgia and New York and twice by Smith. In an early August court appearance, Trump had pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which he was not needed to attend the procedural hearing on Monday. Smith had appealed to start the trial on January 2, however, Trump's lawyer John Lauro described that proposition as "a request for a show trial, not a speedy trial," calling the idea of having just four months to prepare "absurd and ridiculous." "We will certainly abide by Your Honor's ruling, as we must," he said to Chutkan, after the judge announced her decision. "The trial date will deny President Trump the opportunity to have effective assistance of counsel,” he added. WATCH | Trump raises $7.1 MN since Georgia arrest Trump's multiple trials Trump will go on trial on charges of paying election-eve hush money to a porn star in New York in March and the trial for allegedly mishandling top secret government documents will take place in Florida in May. Trump, along with 18 co-defendants, are also facing racketeering charges in Georgia for trying to overturn the results 2020 election in the southern state. No firm date to begin the trial of the Georgia case has been decided by the presiding judge. (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

Trump's historic trial in federal election case to begin on March 4, one day before Super Tuesday

<p>Iga Swiatek launched the defence of her US Open crown with an emphatic opening victory on Monday as Novak Djokovic eyed a return to the top of the men's world rankings on his long-awaited return to the tournament.</p>

<p>Swiatek, bidding to become the first woman to successfully defend the US Open title since Serena Williams won a hat-trick of titles from 2012-2014, needed less than an hour to defeat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson 6-0, 6-1.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old world number one from Poland overwhelmed her opponent with five breaks of serve and 20 winners to complete victory in just 58 minutes on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.</p>

<p>"I wanted to start the tournament with everything I was focusing on. I was happy to play a great game, with all the pressure and expectations I was happy on the court," said Swiatek after her win.</p>

<p>Swiatek, targeting her fifth Grand Slam title, will face Daria Saville of Australia in round two.</p>

<p>While Swiatek advanced safely, there was no such luck for Greece's eighth seed Maria Sakkari, who became the highest ranked casualty of early round action, beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Spain's Rebeka Masarova, ranked 71st in the world.</p>

<p>Eighteenth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus was among the first women to book their place in the second round, swatting aside French wild card entrant Fiona Ferro 6-1, 6-2 in early play on Monday.</p>

<p>Tenth seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic also made it safely through, blowing away Australia's Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-0 in 1hr 5mins.</p>

<p>Elsewhere in the women's draw on Monday, US teenager Coco Gauff takes centre-stage with a night game against German qualifier Laura Siegemund, looking for a breakthrough first major win.</p>

<p>The 19-year-old American arrives in New York in blistering form after winning titles in Washington and Cincinnati.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Djokovic eyes No.1&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the men's draw meanwhile, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic as the Serbian star returns to the US Open for the first time since his defeat in the 2021 final.</p>

<p>Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 24th Grand Slam singles title in New York, opens his campaign with a night game on the Arthur Ashe main arena knowing that a victory will propel him back to world number one.</p>

<p>The 36-year-old, whose refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19 prevented him from playing in the 2022 tournament, faces France's world number 84 Alexandre Muller later Monday.</p>

<p>A victory will guarantee Djokovic returns to the top of tennis's global rankings, regardless of how the rest of the US Open fortnight pans out.</p>

<p>Djokovic needs just 20 points to regain the No.1 ranking after defeating current No.1 and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open earlier this month.</p>

<p>Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in a five-set Wimbledon final classic in July, opens his US Open campaign on Tuesday.</p>

<h2><strong>Dominic Thiem ends miserable sequence of six consecutive first-round exits</strong></h2>

<p>In early action in the men's draw on Monday, 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem ended a miserable sequence of six consecutive first-round exits at Grand Slam tournaments by defeating 25th seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in straight sets.</p>

<p>Thiem, whose career has been blown off course by wrist and knee injuries since his lone Grand Slam win three years ago, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.</p>

<p>"It took time to get my confidence back in my wrist, now I am back on track," a delighted Thiem said in an on-court interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I feel the game is back in place and a straight set victory today I couldn't be happier," he added.</p>

<p>In other men's matches on Monday, American 10th seed Frances Tiafoe and ninth seed Taylor Fritz open their campaign dreaming of ending the host nation's two-decade long wait for a Grand Slam title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>No American man has won a Grand Slam singles crown since Andy Roddick lifted the 2003 US Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tiafoe takes on compatriot Learner Tien, while Fritz faces Steve Johnson in another all-American match-up.</p>

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Iga Swiatek launched the defence of her US Open crown with an emphatic opening victory on Monday as Novak Djokovic eyed a return to the top of the men's world rankings on his long-awaited return to the tournament.

Iga Swiatek launched the defence of her US Open crown with an emphatic opening victory on Monday as Novak Djokovic eyed a return to the top of the men's world rankings on his long-awaited return to the tournament. Swiatek, bidding to become the first woman to successfully defend the US Open title since Serena Williams won a hat-trick of titles from 2012-2014, needed less than an hour to defeat Sweden's Rebecca Peterson 6-0, 6-1. The 22-year-old world number one from Poland overwhelmed her opponent with five breaks of serve and 20 winners to complete victory in just 58 minutes on the Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I wanted to start the tournament with everything I was focusing on. I was happy to play a great game, with all the pressure and expectations I was happy on the court," said Swiatek after her win. Swiatek, targeting her fifth Grand Slam title, will face Daria Saville of Australia in round two. While Swiatek advanced safely, there was no such luck for Greece's eighth seed Maria Sakkari, who became the highest ranked casualty of early round action, beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Spain's Rebeka Masarova, ranked 71st in the world. Eighteenth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus was among the first women to book their place in the second round, swatting aside French wild card entrant Fiona Ferro 6-1, 6-2 in early play on Monday. Tenth seed Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic also made it safely through, blowing away Australia's Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-0 in 1hr 5mins. Elsewhere in the women's draw on Monday, US teenager Coco Gauff takes centre-stage with a night game against German qualifier Laura Siegemund, looking for a breakthrough first major win. The 19-year-old American arrives in New York in blistering form after winning titles in Washington and Cincinnati. Djokovic eyes No.1 In the men's draw meanwhile, all eyes will be on Novak Djokovic as the Serbian star returns to the US Open for the first time since his defeat in the 2021 final. Djokovic, chasing a record-extending 24th Grand Slam singles title in New York, opens his campaign with a night game on the Arthur Ashe main arena knowing that a victory will propel him back to world number one. The 36-year-old, whose refusal to get vaccinated against Covid-19 prevented him from playing in the 2022 tournament, faces France's world number 84 Alexandre Muller later Monday. A victory will guarantee Djokovic returns to the top of tennis's global rankings, regardless of how the rest of the US Open fortnight pans out. Djokovic needs just 20 points to regain the No.1 ranking after defeating current No.1 and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. Alcaraz, who defeated Djokovic in a five-set Wimbledon final classic in July, opens his US Open campaign on Tuesday. Dominic Thiem ends miserable sequence of six consecutive first-round exits In early action in the men's draw on Monday, 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem ended a miserable sequence of six consecutive first-round exits at Grand Slam tournaments by defeating 25th seed Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan in straight sets. Thiem, whose career has been blown off course by wrist and knee injuries since his lone Grand Slam win three years ago, won 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. "It took time to get my confidence back in my wrist, now I am back on track," a delighted Thiem said in an on-court interview. "I feel the game is back in place and a straight set victory today I couldn't be happier," he added. In other men's matches on Monday, American 10th seed Frances Tiafoe and ninth seed Taylor Fritz open their campaign dreaming of ending the host nation's two-decade long wait for a Grand Slam title. No American man has won a Grand Slam singles crown since Andy Roddick lifted the 2003 US Open. Tiafoe takes on compatriot Learner Tien, while Fritz faces Steve Johnson in another all-American match-up. 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

Swiatek off the mark as Djokovic eyes No.1 and Thiem wins in straight sets at US Open

7 Drinks Which Keep Cholesterol Levels In Check

Green Tea, which is rich in antioxidants known as catechins, is known to keep LDL cholesterol levels low.

This herbal tea has compounds that help in lowering triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

A soluble fibre called beta-glucans is present in oats which helps in reducing cholesterol levels.

Soy products have plant compounds called phytosterols which can interfere with dietary cholesterol's absorption.

The absorption of cholesterol in the intestines is blocked by fortified orange juice which contains stanols and plant sterols.


Consumption of beetroot juice helps decrease LDL cholesterol levels.

Almonds are known to contain high amounts of monounsaturated fats which are said to be heart-healthy fats.

<p>NASA scientist Dr Michelle Thaller proposed an interesting theory that hints at the existence of aliens on Venus, a planet that faces&nbsp;scorching 475°C (900°F) temperatures and remains enveloped in a thick acidic atmosphere.<br />
<br />
However, as per claims by Dr&nbsp;Thaller, the aliens are most likely hiding&nbsp;on Venus and are staying there amid conditions that are unbearable for humans.<br />
<br />
The new theory was proposed by Dr. Michelle Thaller, who works as a research scientist at the US-based Goddard Space Flight Centre.<br />
<br />
She stated that “possible signs of life” were already noticed within the carbon-dioxide-filled atmosphere, and added that she is certain about the existence of life somewhere.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-astronomers-expect-response-from-aliens-during-countrys-star-festival-627649">Do aliens exist? Response to a message sent 40 years back holds the answer</a></p>

<p>“We see possible signs of life in the atmosphere of Venus,” said Dr. Thaller, in an interview with The Sun. “I never expected Venus. Venus is now one where we see something in the atmosphere that looks very much like it could be produced by bacteria,” he added.</p>

<h2>Humans cannot survive on Venus</h2>

<p>Venus has been often called 'Earth's twin' because of its similar structure and size. However, their conditions cannot be further apart, as astronomers say it is impossible for human beings to survive on Venus.<br />
<br />
Professor Dominic Papineau, who works as an astrobiologist at the University College of London, feels that the views of Dr. Thaller are 'difficult to realistically hypothesise'.<br />
<br />
“For life-related chemical reactions to take place, liquid water is necessary. Hence, to find extraterrestrial life, we need to find liquid water, and to find extraterrestrial fossils requires looking for sedimentary rocks that were associated with liquid water in the past,” said the professor, while speaking to MailOnline.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UFOs and aliens: What's the truth?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ufos-and-aliens-whats-the-truth-621929/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“This makes life on Venus today difficult to realistically hypothesise, because its surface is too hot, although Venus might have had liquid water in its past. A problem with a possible fossil record on Venus however is the widespread volcanism that appears to have covered most of the surface in the last few hundreds of millions of years,” Professor Papineau said.<br />
<br />
However, both Professor Papineau and Dr Thaller agreed that the solar system's icy moons can also be sites of potential microbial life. NASA suggested that our solar system has 290 'traditional Moons', which excludes 462 smaller asteroids and minor planets.<br />
<br />
“More likely we could find extraterrestrial life and/or fossils on Mars and in the icy moons of the outer solar system,” said Professor Papineau.<br />
<br />
“This is because liquid water exists on those planetary bodies, including within ice at the Martian south pole. Mars and icy moons also have a geological record that might preserve fossils,” he added.</p>

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NASA scientist Dr Michelle Thaller proposed an interesting theory that hints at the existence of aliens on Venus, a planet that faces scorching 475°C (900°F) temperatures and remains enveloped in a thick acidic atmosphere.

NASA scientist Dr Michelle Thaller proposed an interesting theory that hints at the existence of aliens on Venus, a planet that faces scorching 475°C (900°F) temperatures and remains enveloped in a thick acidic atmosphere. However, as per claims by Dr Thaller, the aliens are most likely hiding on Venus and are staying there amid conditions that are unbearable for humans. The new theory was proposed by Dr. Michelle Thaller, who works as a research scientist at the US-based Goddard Space Flight Centre. She stated that “possible signs of life” were already noticed within the carbon-dioxide-filled atmosphere, and added that she is certain about the existence of life somewhere. ALSO READ | Do aliens exist? Response to a message sent 40 years back holds the answer “We see possible signs of life in the atmosphere of Venus,” said Dr. Thaller, in an interview with The Sun. “I never expected Venus. Venus is now one where we see something in the atmosphere that looks very much like it could be produced by bacteria,” he added. Humans cannot survive on Venus Venus has been often called 'Earth's twin' because of its similar structure and size. However, their conditions cannot be further apart, as astronomers say it is impossible for human beings to survive on Venus. Professor Dominic Papineau, who works as an astrobiologist at the University College of London, feels that the views of Dr. Thaller are 'difficult to realistically hypothesise'. “For life-related chemical reactions to take place, liquid water is necessary. Hence, to find extraterrestrial life, we need to find liquid water, and to find extraterrestrial fossils requires looking for sedimentary rocks that were associated with liquid water in the past,” said the professor, while speaking to MailOnline. WATCH | UFOs and aliens: What's the truth? “This makes life on Venus today difficult to realistically hypothesise, because its surface is too hot, although Venus might have had liquid water in its past. A problem with a possible fossil record on Venus however is the widespread volcanism that appears to have covered most of the surface in the last few hundreds of millions of years,” Professor Papineau said. However, both Professor Papineau and Dr Thaller agreed that the solar system's icy moons can also be sites of potential microbial life. NASA suggested that our solar system has 290 'traditional Moons', which excludes 462 smaller asteroids and minor planets. “More likely we could find extraterrestrial life and/or fossils on Mars and in the icy moons of the outer solar system,” said Professor Papineau. “This is because liquid water exists on those planetary bodies, including within ice at the Martian south pole. Mars and icy moons also have a geological record that might preserve fossils,” he added. 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

Alien life in our solar system? NASA scientist says this planet most likely houses extraterrestrials

<p>China's sudden lifting of the strict COVID-19 regime, which led to the spread of the virus among its 1.4 billion residents, is likely to have resulted in nearly 2 million excess deaths in the next two months, as per a new US study.<br />
<br />
The study, which was carried out by the federally funded Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre in Seattle, was done&nbsp;from a sample of mortality data that appeared in some internet searches and was published by a few universities in China.<br />
<br />
The study found that around 1.87 million excess deaths were related to health issues that were faced by people above the age of 30 years between December 2022 and January 2023, and were observed in many provinces in mainland China except Tibet.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-focuses-on-new-vaccination-drive-as-coronavirus-wave-looms-over-nation-621926">COVID-19: China focuses on new vaccination drive as coronavirus wave looms over nation</a></p>

<p>The decision of China last December to suddenly lift the three-year zero-Covid policy, which included persistent and stringent quarantine lockdowns and mass-testing, resulted in a massive increase in deaths and hospitalisations which health experts said went largely unreported by the government.</p>

<p>The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open on Thursday, stated that the number of excess deaths went far beyond the estimates of the official Chinese government in January that put the death toll at 60,000 in hospitals after they abandoned the zero-COVID policy a month earlier.</p>

<h2><strong>No response from China's National Health Commission</strong></h2>

<p>Statistical analysis was performed by the researchers with the use of information from published obituaries and data collected from searches on Baidu, a Chinese internet search engine.<br />
<br />
"Our study of excess deaths related to the lifting of the zero-COVID policy in China sets an empirically derived benchmark estimate. These findings are important for understanding how the sudden propagation of COVID-19 across a population may impact population mortality," wrote researchers.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Fear of another Covid wave looms in China, to boost vaccination rates</strong></p>

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<p>The National Health Commission of China failed to immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. China was repeatedly called on by global health experts to reveal more data as reports of increasing deaths and hospitalisation started to surface, especially as concerns increased around the threat of new variants.</p>

<h2><strong>Virus continues to lurk in China</strong></h2>

<p>The virus is still making rounds in China, and Beijing health officials on Thursday (August 24) said that COVID&nbsp;is still the biggest infectious disease in the capital, as per the Chinese state media.<br />
<br />
Officials stated that a new Omicron variant, called EG.5, which has been nicknamed "Eris", after the Greek Goddess of strife and discord, has been a dominant strain across the country.<br />
<br />
"The National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention said the proportion of the new variant EG.5 increased from 0.6% in April to 71.6% in August, becoming the dominant strain in most provinces in China," reported the Global Times.</p>

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China's sudden lifting of the strict COVID-19 regime, which led to the spread of the virus among its 1.4 billion residents, is likely to have resulted in nearly 2 million excess deaths in the next two months, as per a new US study.

China's sudden lifting of the strict COVID-19 regime, which led to the spread of the virus among its 1.4 billion residents, is likely to have resulted in nearly 2 million excess deaths in the next two months, as per a new US study. The study, which was carried out by the federally funded Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre in Seattle, was done from a sample of mortality data that appeared in some internet searches and was published by a few universities in China. The study found that around 1.87 million excess deaths were related to health issues that were faced by people above the age of 30 years between December 2022 and January 2023, and were observed in many provinces in mainland China except Tibet. ALSO READ | COVID-19: China focuses on new vaccination drive as coronavirus wave looms over nation The decision of China last December to suddenly lift the three-year zero-Covid policy, which included persistent and stringent quarantine lockdowns and mass-testing, resulted in a massive increase in deaths and hospitalisations which health experts said went largely unreported by the government. The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open on Thursday, stated that the number of excess deaths went far beyond the estimates of the official Chinese government in January that put the death toll at 60,000 in hospitals after they abandoned the zero-COVID policy a month earlier. No response from China's National Health Commission Statistical analysis was performed by the researchers with the use of information from published obituaries and data collected from searches on Baidu, a Chinese internet search engine. "Our study of excess deaths related to the lifting of the zero-COVID policy in China sets an empirically derived benchmark estimate. These findings are important for understanding how the sudden propagation of COVID-19 across a population may impact population mortality," wrote researchers. WATCH | Fear of another Covid wave looms in China, to boost vaccination rates The National Health Commission of China failed to immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. China was repeatedly called on by global health experts to reveal more data as reports of increasing deaths and hospitalisation started to surface, especially as concerns increased around the threat of new variants. Virus continues to lurk in China The virus is still making rounds in China, and Beijing health officials on Thursday (August 24) said that COVID is still the biggest infectious disease in the capital, as per the Chinese state media. Officials stated that a new Omicron variant, called EG.5, which has been nicknamed "Eris", after the Greek Goddess of strife and discord, has been a dominant strain across the country. "The National Bureau of Disease Control and Prevention said the proportion of the new variant EG.5 increased from 0.6% in April to 71.6% in August, becoming the dominant strain in most provinces in China," reported the Global Times. 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

China's lifting of Covid curbs led to around two million excess deaths: Study

<p>The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces.<br />
<br />
These sophisticated fighter jets have long been sought by Ukraine to improvise their fighting techniques against the Russian invasion, and the nation is now deeply involved in a fitful counter-offensive that is aimed at retaking land held by Russian forces.<br />
<br />
The training provided by the US will involve "several" pilots and "dozens" of personnel for maintaining the aircraft, stated Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder.<br />
<br />
"These pilots will be conducting English language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in September prior to attending F-16 flying training in Arizona" the following month, he stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-was-us-unsure-about-giving-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-627580">Explained | Why was US unsure about giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden, Zelensky discuss training programme</strong></h2>

<p>He added that the Arizona training will be held at Morris Air National Guard Base. The White House stated that United States President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky talked about the training programme on Thursday.<br />
<br />
"President Biden reiterated the US commitment to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression for as long as it takes, and to hold Russia accountable for its actions," read a White House statement.<br />
<br />
The US programme will be expanding plans that their European allies have already announced for training Ukrainian personnel to fly the US-made F-16.<br />
<br />
Last week, Denmark and the Netherlands were informed by the United States that they could transfer their F-16s to Ukraine when the pilots of the country have been trained to use them.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Norway joins the list of countries giving F-16s to Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Norway on Thursday said that it will also give F-16s to Ukraine as the news agency NTB reported that they would make a donation of between five and 10 planes.<br />
<br />
Ryder stated that training is likely to last from five to eight months which will vary depending on the skills that the pilots already have.<br />
<br />
Language training at the start was crucial, "given the complexities and the specialised English that are required to fly these aircraft," he stated.<br />
<br />
Ryder further said that the United States has been moving forward with its own training programme in recognition that&nbsp;Denmark and the Netherlands cannot handle all the pilot preparation that is needed by Ukraine.<br />
<br />
"We know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots, that at a certain point in the future, capacity will be reached," he stated.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces.

The Pentagon on Thursday (August 24) said that Ukrainian F-16 pilots will start receiving training next month in the United States so that they are capable of using the advanced aircraft against Russian forces. These sophisticated fighter jets have long been sought by Ukraine to improvise their fighting techniques against the Russian invasion, and the nation is now deeply involved in a fitful counter-offensive that is aimed at retaking land held by Russian forces. The training provided by the US will involve "several" pilots and "dozens" of personnel for maintaining the aircraft, stated Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder. "These pilots will be conducting English language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in September prior to attending F-16 flying training in Arizona" the following month, he stated. ALSO READ | Explained | Why was US unsure about giving F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine? Biden, Zelensky discuss training programme He added that the Arizona training will be held at Morris Air National Guard Base. The White House stated that United States President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky talked about the training programme on Thursday. "President Biden reiterated the US commitment to support Ukraine's defence against Russian aggression for as long as it takes, and to hold Russia accountable for its actions," read a White House statement. The US programme will be expanding plans that their European allies have already announced for training Ukrainian personnel to fly the US-made F-16. Last week, Denmark and the Netherlands were informed by the United States that they could transfer their F-16s to Ukraine when the pilots of the country have been trained to use them. WATCH | Ukraine to get F-16 fighter jets from Netherlands, Denmark; US approves transfer Norway joins the list of countries giving F-16s to Ukraine Norway on Thursday said that it will also give F-16s to Ukraine as the news agency NTB reported that they would make a donation of between five and 10 planes. Ryder stated that training is likely to last from five to eight months which will vary depending on the skills that the pilots already have. Language training at the start was crucial, "given the complexities and the specialised English that are required to fly these aircraft," he stated. Ryder further said that the United States has been moving forward with its own training programme in recognition that Denmark and the Netherlands cannot handle all the pilot preparation that is needed by Ukraine. "We know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots, that at a certain point in the future, capacity will be reached," he stated. 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

Ukraine's F-16 pilots to start training in US in September: Pentagon

<p>Russia on Friday (August 25) said that Ukraine used 42 drones overnight to attack Russia-annexed Crimea, however, all its attempts were thwarted by Moscow's forces.<br />
<br />
"Nine UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed... over the territory of the Republic of Crimea. 33 UAVs were suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed without reaching the target," wrote Russia's defence ministry on Telegram.<br />
<br />
The ministry did not specify whether they suffered any damage or had any casualties.</p>

<h2><strong>Missile attack in Kaluga</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Russia claimed that a missile attack carried out by Ukraine in the Kaluga region, which is southwest of Moscow, was thwarted by its air defences and many drones were also destroyed near Crimea, as no damage or casualties were reported.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-independence-day-ukraine-claims-it-carried-out-special-operation-in-russia-occupied-crimea-628778">On independence day, Ukraine claims it carried out ‘special operation’ in Russian-occupied Crimea</a></p>

<p>A missile sent by Kyiv "was detected and destroyed by air defence systems over the territory of Kaluga region," said Moscow's defence ministry, in a statement.<br />
<br />
Kaluga is near Moscow which has been facing drone attacks almost on a daily basis, as per the Russian authorities.<br />
<br />
On Friday (August 25), the TASS news agency said that the authorities had closed the airspace above Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, citing aviation services and without specifically explaining why.<br />
<br />
"Several UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed over the sea in the area of Cape Khersones" in Crimea, wrote Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol on Telegram.<br />
<br />
The Cape is towards the southwest of the Crimea peninsula, close to Sevastopol, where the Black Sea fleet of Russia is present.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;BREAKING: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin killed in plane crash, says report | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>Emergency services informed that the civilian infrastructure did not suffer any damage, said Razvozhayev, adding: "All forces and services are in a state of combat readiness."<br />
<br />
Russia was annexed by Crimea in 2014 and has been Ukraine's target throughout Moscow's offensive. However, in recent weeks, it has come under more increased, intense attacks. Kyiv has repeatedly&nbsp;stated that it plans on taking Crimea back.<br />
<br />
Ukraine on Thursday said that its forces had flown the flag of the country in Russian-annexed Crimea amid a "special operation" on the occasion of its second wartime Independence Day.<br />
<br />
Kyiv on Wednesday claimed that a powerful Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system was destroyed in the area, which it stated inflicted a "painful blow" on Moscow's air defences.</p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Russia on Friday (August 25) said that Ukraine used 42 drones overnight to attack Russia-annexed Crimea, however, all its attempts were thwarted by Moscow's forces.

Russia on Friday (August 25) said that Ukraine used 42 drones overnight to attack Russia-annexed Crimea, however, all its attempts were thwarted by Moscow's forces. "Nine UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed... over the territory of the Republic of Crimea. 33 UAVs were suppressed by electronic warfare and crashed without reaching the target," wrote Russia's defence ministry on Telegram. The ministry did not specify whether they suffered any damage or had any casualties. Missile attack in Kaluga Earlier, Russia claimed that a missile attack carried out by Ukraine in the Kaluga region, which is southwest of Moscow, was thwarted by its air defences and many drones were also destroyed near Crimea, as no damage or casualties were reported. ALSO READ | On independence day, Ukraine claims it carried out ‘special operation’ in Russian-occupied Crimea A missile sent by Kyiv "was detected and destroyed by air defence systems over the territory of Kaluga region," said Moscow's defence ministry, in a statement. Kaluga is near Moscow which has been facing drone attacks almost on a daily basis, as per the Russian authorities. On Friday (August 25), the TASS news agency said that the authorities had closed the airspace above Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, citing aviation services and without specifically explaining why. "Several UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed over the sea in the area of Cape Khersones" in Crimea, wrote Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol on Telegram. The Cape is towards the southwest of the Crimea peninsula, close to Sevastopol, where the Black Sea fleet of Russia is present. WATCH | BREAKING: Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin killed in plane crash, says report | World News | WION Emergency services informed that the civilian infrastructure did not suffer any damage, said Razvozhayev, adding: "All forces and services are in a state of combat readiness." Russia was annexed by Crimea in 2014 and has been Ukraine's target throughout Moscow's offensive. However, in recent weeks, it has come under more increased, intense attacks. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that it plans on taking Crimea back. Ukraine on Thursday said that its forces had flown the flag of the country in Russian-annexed Crimea amid a "special operation" on the occasion of its second wartime Independence Day. Kyiv on Wednesday claimed that a powerful Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system was destroyed in the area, which it stated inflicted a "painful blow" on Moscow's air defences. 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

Russia claims drone attack by Ukraine on Crimea thwarted, 42 drones destroyed

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