It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis. After more than 50 years, the world lost another "Keats" to the same illness in a faraway land, but this time she was just a little more than 21 years old. Toru Dutt, who is often called the Keats of Indo-English literature, emerged as the first woman who broke through the fetters of colonial Indian society and became a poetess. This was the first attempt by a woman to pick up her pen and add to the flowing stream of literature.

<img alt="Toru Dutt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f15db85-aee2-4906-b8a7-ce2bcabeace0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124750.521_0.png" />

A new habit: How did Indian women indulge in novels in the 19th century?

Formal education was a privilege denied to women of all castes in 19th century colonial India. Women belonging to upper castes enjoyed the liberty to study classical literature and religious texts. Generally though, women were trained in household chores like cooking, and sewing and were married by the time they reached the age of 12.

Stealing some time from the day to escape the monotony of domestic chores, the women in the eastern state of Bengal indulged themselves in popular performing arts like medieval poetry's oral recitations, theatrical performances and musicals while also participating in the collective reading sessions where they discussed religious text.

In the middle of the 19th century, the educated middle class along with the elite and ruling English class expressed their apprehensions over these popular performing arts badly impacting the morals and minds of women. The women were considered morally vulnerable, mentally weak and likely to fall into trap of corrupt influences as men took it as their duty to regulate and control the way they spend their leisure time.&nbsp;

<img alt="writers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="256cee90-e3c4-4f42-99bd-2dc004e2678d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124944.954_0.png" />

Yet slowly, women moved away from participating in popular traditions and started indulging themselves in novels and finding their solace in reading a long fictional narrative. The novels, in all their forms, shot to enormous popularity in the Bengali milieu. Novels didn't remain restricted to literate women only, as they could be read out even to illiterate ladies seeking a break from their household chores.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-roald-dahls-french-publisher-will-not-rewrite-british-authors-translated-books-564647">Roald Dahl's French publisher will not rewrite British author's translated books</a>

How did women writers and poets emerge from households?

Most of the novels being read by women in the 19th century were declared taboo and the society's intelligentsia expressed its anxiety over the reading habits of women, accusing them of becoming averse to household chores, being indolent, sexually deviant, suicidal and morally corrupt.

The women were asked to stop misusing their education by reading novels and instead only devote time to reading religious books.

Writer Maroona Murmu, in an article titled ‘Kahake: Swarna Debi’s Literary Resistance?’ writes, “Complaints were raised about the novel’s tendency to corrupt the moral sensibilities of tender minds, causing mental stultification, making women neglectful of housework, defiant and shameless. It was alleged that the identification with and imitation of the central characters in novels encouraged immoral habits and transgressive desires. The fear of ‘novel-reading women’s sexuality’ led to greater surveillance over woman’s reading habits."

<img alt="book" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70dbc7fe-3f27-4ee9-a70f-998f76fbb2cc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T132344.800_0.png" />

However, these diktats issued by the patriarchal society fell flat as women continued reading novels, and some of them went ahead and picked up their pens to narrate to the world the stories they have lived and longed for.

WATCH | Author Salman Rushdie attacked, currently on ventilator

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/author-salman-rushdie-attacked-currently-on-ventilator-506401/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ladies who made the 19th century the 'age of women'

Among the pioneers who broke the fetters of societal bindings and used their pens to challenge the patriarchal society and its conservative norms were Toru Dutt, Begum Rokeya Hossain, Swarnakumari Devi, Pandita Ramabai, Krupabai Satthianadhan and Rassundari Devi.

Toru Dutt, who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1877 when she was just 21 after losing her siblings to the same disease, is considered the first Indian poetess who wrote in French and English. "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields", which was published in 1876, is considered her best work.

<img alt="dutt" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80e7bc81-93dd-4a0d-bd11-9f3706ee0e48" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-08T124851.231_0.png" />

Rassundari Devi's autobiography Amar Jiban, which was published in 1876, became the first autobiography ever written by an Indian woman. A mother of 12 children, Devi fulfilled her aspiration to become literate by teaching herself during her free time from daily chores.

Rabindranath Tagore's sister Swarnakumari Devi was among Bengal's first women writers to gain prominence. Her debut novel Deepnirban, which was published in 1876, ignited the national spirit among people.

Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who was born in a well-to-do family where she received encouragement to study English and Bengali, wrote stories which talked about the importance of educating women. Her novel “Sultana’s Dream” is still widely read and celebrated as the finest example of feminist science fiction which sketches a world for its readers where everything is run by women and men remain secluded.

<img alt="bk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8de4587b-53f1-40ef-9e9f-c1fc12710492" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ds2kqEjWoAIYwQD.jpg" />

These women not only challenged the stereotypes but inspired others to break their barriers and gain an education. These writers made the 19th century the 'age of women', unmasking their feelings, emotions, disappointments, longings, pleasures, priorities and literary tastes which remained veiled for a long time. In the 19th century's second half, more than 300 books were written by women authors in Bengal and were listed officially across different categories, with poetry emerging as the most favourite.

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>.

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>

It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis.

It was February 23, 1821, when one of the greatest Romantic poets of English literature, John Keats, lying in a small room amid the mild winters of Rome, finally embraced death at the age of 25, ending his suffering from tuberculosis. After more than 50 years, the world lost another "Keats" to the same illness in a faraway land, but this time she was just a little more than 21 years old. Toru Dutt, who is often called the Keats of Indo-English literature, emerged as the first woman who broke through the fetters of colonial Indian society and became a poetess. This was the first attempt by a woman to pick up her pen and add to the flowing stream of literature. A new habit: How did Indian women indulge in novels in the 19th century? Formal education was a privilege denied to women of all castes in 19th century colonial India. Women belonging to upper castes enjoyed the liberty to study classical literature and religious texts. Generally though, women were trained in household chores like cooking, and sewing and were married by the time they reached the age of 12. Stealing some time from the day to escape the monotony of domestic chores, the women in the eastern state of Bengal indulged themselves in popular performing arts like medieval poetry's oral recitations, theatrical performances and musicals while also participating in the collective reading sessions where they discussed religious text. In the middle of the 19th century, the educated middle class along with the elite and ruling English class expressed their apprehensions over these popular performing arts badly impacting the morals and minds of women. The women were considered morally vulnerable, mentally weak and likely to fall into trap of corrupt influences as men took it as their duty to regulate and control the way they spend their leisure time. Yet slowly, women moved away from participating in popular traditions and started indulging themselves in novels and finding their solace in reading a long fictional narrative. The novels, in all their forms, shot to enormous popularity in the Bengali milieu. Novels didn't remain restricted to literate women only, as they could be read out even to illiterate ladies seeking a break from their household chores. ALSO READ | Roald Dahl's French publisher will not rewrite British author's translated books How did women writers and poets emerge from households? Most of the novels being read by women in the 19th century were declared taboo and the society's intelligentsia expressed its anxiety over the reading habits of women, accusing them of becoming averse to household chores, being indolent, sexually deviant, suicidal and morally corrupt. The women were asked to stop misusing their education by reading novels and instead only devote time to reading religious books. Writer Maroona Murmu, in an article titled ‘Kahake: Swarna Debi’s Literary Resistance?’ writes, “Complaints were raised about the novel’s tendency to corrupt the moral sensibilities of tender minds, causing mental stultification, making women neglectful of housework, defiant and shameless. It was alleged that the identification with and imitation of the central characters in novels encouraged immoral habits and transgressive desires. The fear of ‘novel-reading women’s sexuality’ led to greater surveillance over woman’s reading habits." However, these diktats issued by the patriarchal society fell flat as women continued reading novels, and some of them went ahead and picked up their pens to narrate to the world the stories they have lived and longed for. WATCH | Author Salman Rushdie attacked, currently on ventilator Ladies who made the 19th century the 'age of women' Among the pioneers who broke the fetters of societal bindings and used their pens to challenge the patriarchal society and its conservative norms were Toru Dutt, Begum Rokeya Hossain, Swarnakumari Devi, Pandita Ramabai, Krupabai Satthianadhan and Rassundari Devi. Toru Dutt, who succumbed to tuberculosis in 1877 when she was just 21 after losing her siblings to the same disease, is considered the first Indian poetess who wrote in French and English. "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields", which was published in 1876, is considered her best work. Rassundari Devi's autobiography Amar Jiban, which was published in 1876, became the first autobiography ever written by an Indian woman. A mother of 12 children, Devi fulfilled her aspiration to become literate by teaching herself during her free time from daily chores. Rabindranath Tagore's sister Swarnakumari Devi was among Bengal's first women writers to gain prominence. Her debut novel Deepnirban, which was published in 1876, ignited the national spirit among people. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who was born in a well-to-do family where she received encouragement to study English and Bengali, wrote stories which talked about the importance of educating women. Her novel “Sultana’s Dream” is still widely read and celebrated as the finest example of feminist science fiction which sketches a world for its readers where everything is run by women and men remain secluded. These women not only challenged the stereotypes but inspired others to break their barriers and gain an education. These writers made the 19th century the 'age of women', unmasking their feelings, emotions, disappointments, longings, pleasures, priorities and literary tastes which remained veiled for a long time. In the 19th century's second half, more than 300 books were written by women authors in Bengal and were listed officially across different categories, with poetry emerging as the most favourite. 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 | How women emerged as writers in 19th century colonial India

Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill.

Opposing the law, which would place registration requirements on NGOs and media, a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at the police cordon, as per the television footage.

The protest took place after Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday expressed their support to the draft law, which is similar to the legislation Russia used to crack down on dissent.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-protests-hundreds-of-thousands-demonstrate-against-macrons-pension-reforms-569761">France protests: Around 1.28 mn people demonstrate against Macron's pension reforms</a>

The government authorities in Georgia, in recent years, have faced increasing international criticism over backsliding on democracy, which has further damaged the ties of Tbilisi with Brussels.

Russia, in 2012, adopted a law which permits authorities to take action against media outlets, NGOs and others deemed "foreign agents".

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, expressing her support for the protesters, promised to veto the proposed legislation.

"I stand with you because you are representing today the free Georgia which sees its future in Europe and will not let anyone steal this future," she stated in a video during her official visit to the United States. "Nobody has the right to take away your future," she added.

WATCH | Protests against EU, NATO across Europe over Ukraine war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/protests-against-eu-nato-across-europe-over-ukraine-war-569099/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the US embassy in Georgia said that the legislation was "Kremlin-inspired" and called it incompatible with the desire of the country to join the European Union.

"Today is a dark day for Georgia's democracy," stated the embassy in a statement, adding that the proposed legislation was raising questions about "the ruling party's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration".

(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>.

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Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill.

Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill. Opposing the law, which would place registration requirements on NGOs and media, a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at the police cordon, as per the television footage. The protest took place after Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday expressed their support to the draft law, which is similar to the legislation Russia used to crack down on dissent. ALSO READ | France protests: Around 1.28 mn people demonstrate against Macron's pension reforms The government authorities in Georgia, in recent years, have faced increasing international criticism over backsliding on democracy, which has further damaged the ties of Tbilisi with Brussels. Russia, in 2012, adopted a law which permits authorities to take action against media outlets, NGOs and others deemed "foreign agents". Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, expressing her support for the protesters, promised to veto the proposed legislation. "I stand with you because you are representing today the free Georgia which sees its future in Europe and will not let anyone steal this future," she stated in a video during her official visit to the United States. "Nobody has the right to take away your future," she added. WATCH | Protests against EU, NATO across Europe over Ukraine war Meanwhile, the US embassy in Georgia said that the legislation was "Kremlin-inspired" and called it incompatible with the desire of the country to join the European Union. "Today is a dark day for Georgia's democracy," stated the embassy in a statement, adding that the proposed legislation was raising questions about "the ruling party's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration". (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

Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law

The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement.

The bill was supported by the Democratic party's senior senator Mark Warner and South Dakota Republican John Thune, in an act of political entente by the lawmakers.

"We applaud the bipartisan group of senators, led by Senators Warner and Thune, who today introduced the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act," said Sullivan.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktok-may-be-targetted-in-a-us-bill-to-ban-some-foreign-tech-senator-568965">TikTok may be targetted in a US bill to ban some foreign tech: Senator</a>

The bipartisan bill "would empower the United States government to prevent certain foreign governments from exploiting technology services... in a way that poses risks to Americans' sensitive data and our national security," he added in a statement.

"Today, the threat that everyone is talking about is TikTok, and how it could enable surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party, or facilitate the spread of malign influence campaigns in the US," said Senator Warner in a statement.

"Before TikTok, however, it was Huawei and ZTE, which threatened our nation's telecommunications networks. And before that, it was Russia's Kaspersky Lab, which threatened the security of government and corporate devices," he added.

Chinese firm ByteDance owns TikTok, which has more than a billion users across the world, which includes over 100 million in the US.

WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app

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Reacting to the bill, TikTok pointed to its months-long negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is a government agency that understands the foreign investments' risk to US national security.

"The Biden Administration does not need additional authority from Congress to address national security concerns about TikTok: It can approve the deal negotiated with CFIUS over two years that it has spent the last six months reviewing," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement.

The White House welcomed a bill on Tuesday allowing the US administration to ban Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok, said US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a statement. The bill was supported by the Democratic party's senior senator Mark Warner and South Dakota Republican John Thune, in an act of political entente by the lawmakers. "We applaud the bipartisan group of senators, led by Senators Warner and Thune, who today introduced the Restricting the Emergence of Security Threats that Risk Information and Communications Technology Act," said Sullivan. ALSO READ | TikTok may be targetted in a US bill to ban some foreign tech: Senator The bipartisan bill "would empower the United States government to prevent certain foreign governments from exploiting technology services... in a way that poses risks to Americans' sensitive data and our national security," he added in a statement. "Today, the threat that everyone is talking about is TikTok, and how it could enable surveillance by the Chinese Communist Party, or facilitate the spread of malign influence campaigns in the US," said Senator Warner in a statement. "Before TikTok, however, it was Huawei and ZTE, which threatened our nation's telecommunications networks. And before that, it was Russia's Kaspersky Lab, which threatened the security of government and corporate devices," he added. Chinese firm ByteDance owns TikTok, which has more than a billion users across the world, which includes over 100 million in the US. WATCH | TikTok in the US: TikTok's attempts to reassure government, security concerns surrounding the app Reacting to the bill, TikTok pointed to its months-long negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is a government agency that understands the foreign investments' risk to US national security. "The Biden Administration does not need additional authority from Congress to address national security concerns about TikTok: It can approve the deal negotiated with CFIUS over two years that it has spent the last six months reviewing," TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter said. (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

White House welcomes bill allowing ban on TikTok

Mass layoffs have piled on work on staffers. Employees logged in 5% more weekend working hours in 2022. Burnout rates are already record-high. What does it mean for the working class? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | Working weekends: The new normal?

A recent report in Psychology Today suggests that the alleged poisoning of young school girls in Iran may appear to be state terrorism, but might actually be psychogenic in nature. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: The mystery behind the alleged poisoning of children in Iran

Is China preparing for war? Beijing has increased its defence budget by 7.2% to $225 Billion. China's defence budget is now thrice that of India's. Is Beijing's spending aimed at invading Taiwan? Molly Gambhir rereports.

Gravitas | China increases defence budget: Is Beijing preparing for war?

There has been a rise in flu and fever cases in India. What is causing this? How can you protect yourself? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Rise in flu cases in India

Pakistan has been struck by terror once again. On Monday, a suicide blast in Balochistan claimed the lives of 9 people. Molly Gambhir asks: Has Pakistan become a suicide state?

Gravitas: 9 killed in Pakistan suicide bombing

Is Imran Khan's life in danger? The former Pak PM has accused the ruling dispensation of hatching a conspiracy to assassinate him. Is there any merit to his claims? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Imran Khan facing risk of assassination?

Israel's elite fighter pilots are refusing to train in a show of protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed judicial reforms. Can Israel afford a pilot's mutiny? Listen in to Molly Gambhir.

Gravitas | Israel judicial reform protests: Fighter pilots refuse to train

Twitter services were hit by a technical snag for less than an hour&nbsp;on Monday as thousands of users reported facing difficulty in accessing links from the social media platform to the websites.

According to Internet observatory NetBlocks, the problem was affecting video content and image too. As per Downdetector, more than 8,000 people had reported facing similar issues on Elon Musk's microblogging platform in the United States.

According to the complaints made by the users, on clicking the links a message popped up which read, "Your current API plan does not include access to this endpoint, please see https://developer.twitter.com/en/docs/twitter-api for more information".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-will-soon-allow-users-to-post-tweets-with-10000-characters-says-elon-musk-569196">Twitter will ‘soon’ allow users to post tweets with 10,000 characters, says Elon Musk</a>

Hence, the users were unable to follow the links shared on the site. Links also appeared as blank blocks of colour.

Twitter's specialised service for following tweets, Tweetdeck, also appeared to be broken because of the same technical snag. According to the users, the links remained broken and the app went entirely blank.

Internet observatory NetBlocks Director Alp Toker said, "Error messages supplied by Twitter's link-sharing platform and internal API point to problems with the platform's microservices, which are having a knock-on effect on other aspects of the service.”

"This suggests Twitter has not been effectively testing its updates before pushing them to the public,” he added.

Meanwhile, reacting to the broken links, Twitter said, "We made an internal change that had some unintended consequences. We're working on this now and will share an update when it's fixed.”

Owner Musk tweeted, "This platform is so brittle (sigh). Will be fixed shortly."

Netizens share memes mocking Elon Musk

Soon after, netizens flooded Twitter with memes mocking Elon Musk for the technical glitch.

“Links don't work on Twitter right now, which is so strange because Elon Musk had that meeting about being super good at doing computer code and he had all kinds of arrows and flowcharts on white boards and everything", a user said.

WATCH | Twitter unable to protect users from trolling : Report

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/twitter-unable-to-protect-users-from-trolling-report-569141/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Did Elon just break all links on Twitter…”, another user tweeted. “Twitter's own website is rejecting native API calls. things are going great under Elon,” posted a user.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, Twitter has been changing its API so as to generate more money, as per the reports. The company had announced in a tweet on February 26 that a new service would be “coming very soon” from its account focused on developers.

(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>.

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>

Twitter services were hit by a technical snag for less than an hour on Monday as thousands of users reported facing difficulty in accessing links from the social media platform to the websites.

Twitter services were hit by a technical snag for less than an hour on Monday as thousands of users reported facing difficulty in accessing links from the social media platform to the websites. According to Internet observatory NetBlocks, the problem was affecting video content and image too. As per Downdetector, more than 8,000 people had reported facing similar issues on Elon Musk's microblogging platform in the United States. According to the complaints made by the users, on clicking the links a message popped up which read, "Your current API plan does not include access to this endpoint, please see https://developer.twitter.com/en/docs/twitter-api for more information". ALSO READ | Twitter will ‘soon’ allow users to post tweets with 10,000 characters, says Elon Musk Hence, the users were unable to follow the links shared on the site. Links also appeared as blank blocks of colour. Twitter's specialised service for following tweets, Tweetdeck, also appeared to be broken because of the same technical snag. According to the users, the links remained broken and the app went entirely blank. Internet observatory NetBlocks Director Alp Toker said, "Error messages supplied by Twitter's link-sharing platform and internal API point to problems with the platform's microservices, which are having a knock-on effect on other aspects of the service.” "This suggests Twitter has not been effectively testing its updates before pushing them to the public,” he added. Meanwhile, reacting to the broken links, Twitter said, "We made an internal change that had some unintended consequences. We're working on this now and will share an update when it's fixed.” Owner Musk tweeted, "This platform is so brittle (sigh). Will be fixed shortly." Netizens share memes mocking Elon Musk Soon after, netizens flooded Twitter with memes mocking Elon Musk for the technical glitch. “Links don't work on Twitter right now, which is so strange because Elon Musk had that meeting about being super good at doing computer code and he had all kinds of arrows and flowcharts on white boards and everything", a user said. WATCH | Twitter unable to protect users from trolling : Report “Did Elon just break all links on Twitter…”, another user tweeted. “Twitter's own website is rejecting native API calls. things are going great under Elon,” posted a user. In recent weeks, Twitter has been changing its API so as to generate more money, as per the reports. The company had announced in a tweet on February 26 that a new service would be “coming very soon” from its account focused on developers. (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

Twitter hits snag | Links go inaccessible as users ask, ‘Did Musk break all links?'

US and Mexican authorities on Monday said that they are urgently working to ensure that the four US citizens, who were shot and kidnapped by the gunmen after they crossed the border into Mexico, return safely.

A reward worth $50,000 was announced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for anyone who could help them find the unidentified victims and arrest the kidnappers involved in the crime, in which one Mexican national was also killed.

On Friday, the four US citizens crossed into Matamoros, Tamaulipas in a white minivan which had North Carolina license plates, read the statement issued by the FBI which was released by the US embassy in Mexico.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-mexico-to-extradite-el-chapos-son-ovidio-guzman-lopez-weeks-after-arrest-sparked-violence-566679">US asks Mexico to extradite El Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzmán-López, weeks after arrest sparked violence</a>

"Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the (minivan). All four Americans were placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men," the FBI stated.

The White House said that the US is closely following the "unacceptable" kidnapping of US citizens in Mexico.

"Our thoughts are with the families of these individuals and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance and U.S. law enforcement is in touch with Mexican law enforcement," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said it is believed that the victims had entered Mexico to buy medicines and were caught up in a conflict between criminal groups.

The Mexican security ministry and the FBI have been working together to find the US citizens, he added.

In a statement, US ambassador to Mexico Ken Salzar said that an "innocent Mexican citizen was tragically killed" in the incident.

"US law enforcement officials from numerous agencies are working with Mexican authorities at all levels of government to secure the safe return of our compatriots," he added.

Matamoros, which is located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas, has seen a lot of violence related to organised crimes like drug trafficking.

The highways of Tamaulipas are considered among Mexico's most dangerous areas because of the threat of extortion and kidnapping by criminal gangs.

The US State Department advises people against travelling to Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping.

WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town

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"Organised crime activity - including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault - is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," stated a US travel advisory.

"Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles travelling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US and Mexican authorities on Monday said that they are urgently working to ensure that the four US citizens, who were shot and kidnapped by the gunmen after they crossed the border into Mexico, return safely.

US and Mexican authorities on Monday said that they are urgently working to ensure that the four US citizens, who were shot and kidnapped by the gunmen after they crossed the border into Mexico, return safely. A reward worth $50,000 was announced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for anyone who could help them find the unidentified victims and arrest the kidnappers involved in the crime, in which one Mexican national was also killed. On Friday, the four US citizens crossed into Matamoros, Tamaulipas in a white minivan which had North Carolina license plates, read the statement issued by the FBI which was released by the US embassy in Mexico. ALSO READ | US asks Mexico to extradite El Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzmán-López, weeks after arrest sparked violence "Shortly after crossing into Mexico, unidentified gunmen fired upon the passengers in the (minivan). All four Americans were placed in a vehicle and taken from the scene by armed men," the FBI stated. The White House said that the US is closely following the "unacceptable" kidnapping of US citizens in Mexico. "Our thoughts are with the families of these individuals and we stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance and U.S. law enforcement is in touch with Mexican law enforcement," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said it is believed that the victims had entered Mexico to buy medicines and were caught up in a conflict between criminal groups. The Mexican security ministry and the FBI have been working together to find the US citizens, he added. In a statement, US ambassador to Mexico Ken Salzar said that an "innocent Mexican citizen was tragically killed" in the incident. "US law enforcement officials from numerous agencies are working with Mexican authorities at all levels of government to secure the safe return of our compatriots," he added. Matamoros, which is located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas, has seen a lot of violence related to organised crimes like drug trafficking. The highways of Tamaulipas are considered among Mexico's most dangerous areas because of the threat of extortion and kidnapping by criminal gangs. The US State Department advises people against travelling to Tamaulipas because of crime and kidnapping. WATCH | President Joe Biden visits US-Mexico border town "Organised crime activity - including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault - is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," stated a US travel advisory. "Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles travelling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments," it added. (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

Gunmen kidnap four US citizens in Mexico, FBI goes on a manhunt

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