An Indian national, aged 32, was shot dead by the Australian Police on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed a cleaner at a railway station in Sydney and used a knife to threaten the police officers, as reported by India's news agency ANI.

The Indian national from Tamil Nadu, Mohamed Rahmathullah Syed Ahmed, was living in Auburn. Australia's Indian Consulate General found that the attacker was staying on a bridging visa in Australia.

The investigation is being carried out by the detectives in the incident and they are even exploring the angle of mental health. As per the detectives, a cleaner was stabbed by Ahmed and then the police officers were threatened with a knife before the latter was fatally shot by the police personnel.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shots-fired-near-german-school-2-including-shooter-injured-police-566771">81-year-old opens fire near school in Germany; injures self, teen</a>

The 28-year-old cleaner was attacked by Ahmed at Auburn train station at 12.03 am local time on Tuesday before reaching Auburn police station five minutes later, The Sydney Morning Herald reported citing police.

As quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia's Indian Consulate General said, “The incident is extremely disturbing and unfortunate. We have formally taken up the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW Office as well as state police authorities.”

When two police officers attempted to leave the police station and reach the spot where the stabbing took place, they were confronted by Ahmed, who tried to harm them.

After the attack, three shots were fired by the senior officer, two of which pierced Syed Ahmed's chest. A taser was also used on the attacker by a probationary constable.

Although paramedics treated Syed at the scene and he was rushed to Westmead Hospital, however, was declared dead just after 1:30 am local time, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

At the press conference, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said that the officers had only a second to respond and were left with no choice but to shoot the attacker.

WATCH | 'Rust' producers agree to pay $100,000 fine after shooting at movie set

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“I fully support these officers. It’s traumatic. It’s a significant incident at one of our police stations. There just isn’t an impending time. It is immediate. He launches through the glass doors at the officers; they had very little time to react,” he said.

Talking about the counter-terrorism unit's role in the investigation, Smith said, “It’s part of our model in terms of response. Obviously, when someone armed themselves with a knife and stabs an individual and then tries to attack police, which is the CCTV footage, (it) is highly concerning. When that’s involved, it triggers a number of intelligence responses and investigative responses which we’re dealing with.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Indian national, aged 32, was shot dead by the Australian Police on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed a cleaner at a railway station in Sydney and used a knife to threaten the police officers, as reported by India's news agency ANI.

An Indian national, aged 32, was shot dead by the Australian Police on Tuesday after he allegedly stabbed a cleaner at a railway station in Sydney and used a knife to threaten the police officers, as reported by India's news agency ANI. The Indian national from Tamil Nadu, Mohamed Rahmathullah Syed Ahmed, was living in Auburn. Australia's Indian Consulate General found that the attacker was staying on a bridging visa in Australia. The investigation is being carried out by the detectives in the incident and they are even exploring the angle of mental health. As per the detectives, a cleaner was stabbed by Ahmed and then the police officers were threatened with a knife before the latter was fatally shot by the police personnel. ALSO READ | 81-year-old opens fire near school in Germany; injures self, teen The 28-year-old cleaner was attacked by Ahmed at Auburn train station at 12.03 am local time on Tuesday before reaching Auburn police station five minutes later, The Sydney Morning Herald reported citing police. As quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia's Indian Consulate General said, “The incident is extremely disturbing and unfortunate. We have formally taken up the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW Office as well as state police authorities.” When two police officers attempted to leave the police station and reach the spot where the stabbing took place, they were confronted by Ahmed, who tried to harm them. After the attack, three shots were fired by the senior officer, two of which pierced Syed Ahmed's chest. A taser was also used on the attacker by a probationary constable. Although paramedics treated Syed at the scene and he was rushed to Westmead Hospital, however, was declared dead just after 1:30 am local time, reported the Sydney Morning Herald. At the press conference, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said that the officers had only a second to respond and were left with no choice but to shoot the attacker. WATCH | 'Rust' producers agree to pay $100,000 fine after shooting at movie set “I fully support these officers. It’s traumatic. It’s a significant incident at one of our police stations. There just isn’t an impending time. It is immediate. He launches through the glass doors at the officers; they had very little time to react,” he said. Talking about the counter-terrorism unit's role in the investigation, Smith said, “It’s part of our model in terms of response. Obviously, when someone armed themselves with a knife and stabs an individual and then tries to attack police, which is the CCTV footage, (it) is highly concerning. When that’s involved, it triggers a number of intelligence responses and investigative responses which we’re dealing with.” (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

Police shoot Indian national after latter stabs cleaner in Australia

Erythritol, a popular sugar replacement which is used to sweeten monk fruit, keto-reduced sugar products and stevia, has been linked to heart attack, stroke, blood clotting and death, as per a new study.

“The degree of risk was not modest,” said Dr Stanley Hazen, the study's lead author and director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

People who already have the risk of heart disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack if erythritol is present in high amounts in their blood, claimed the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-pots-symptoms-and-link-to-long-covid-566872">What is POTS? Symptoms and link to long Covid</a>

“If your blood level of erythritol was in the top 25 per cent compared to the bottom 25 per cent, there was about a two-fold higher risk for heart attack and stroke. It’s on par with the strongest of cardiac risk factors, like diabetes,” said Hazen.

In the paper, the additional lab and animal research discovered that erythritol causes blood platelets to clot more easily. These blood clots can break off and move towards the heart, causing a heart attack, or enter the brain, leading to a stroke.

“This certainly sounds an alarm. There appears to be a clotting risk from using erythritol," said Dr Andrew Freeman, the Director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health, Denver.&nbsp; "Obviously, more research is needed, but in an abundance of caution, it might make sense to limit erythritol in your diet for now.”

What is sweetener erythritol?

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol just like sorbitol and xylitol. It is found in various vegetables and fruits and has around 70 per cent of the sweetness of sugar and is said to be zero-calorie.

It is manufactured artificially in massive quantities and it does not increase blood sugar and carries comparatively less laxative effect compared to other sugar alcohols.

WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called

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“Erythritol looks like sugar, it tastes like sugar, and you can bake with it,” Hazen said.

“It’s become the sweetheart of the food industry, an extremely popular additive to keto and other low-carb products and foods marketed to people with diabetes. Some of the diabetes-labelled foods we looked at had more erythritol than any other item by weight,” he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Erythritol, a popular sugar replacement which is used to sweeten monk fruit, keto-reduced sugar products and stevia, has been linked to heart attack, stroke, blood clotting and death, as per a new study.

Erythritol, a popular sugar replacement which is used to sweeten monk fruit, keto-reduced sugar products and stevia, has been linked to heart attack, stroke, blood clotting and death, as per a new study. “The degree of risk was not modest,” said Dr Stanley Hazen, the study's lead author and director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. People who already have the risk of heart disease are twice as likely to suffer a stroke or heart attack if erythritol is present in high amounts in their blood, claimed the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine. ALSO READ | What is POTS? Symptoms and link to long Covid “If your blood level of erythritol was in the top 25 per cent compared to the bottom 25 per cent, there was about a two-fold higher risk for heart attack and stroke. It’s on par with the strongest of cardiac risk factors, like diabetes,” said Hazen. In the paper, the additional lab and animal research discovered that erythritol causes blood platelets to clot more easily. These blood clots can break off and move towards the heart, causing a heart attack, or enter the brain, leading to a stroke. “This certainly sounds an alarm. There appears to be a clotting risk from using erythritol," said Dr Andrew Freeman, the Director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health, Denver. "Obviously, more research is needed, but in an abundance of caution, it might make sense to limit erythritol in your diet for now.” What is sweetener erythritol? Erythritol is a sugar alcohol just like sorbitol and xylitol. It is found in various vegetables and fruits and has around 70 per cent of the sweetness of sugar and is said to be zero-calorie. It is manufactured artificially in massive quantities and it does not increase blood sugar and carries comparatively less laxative effect compared to other sugar alcohols. WATCH | Gravitas: The Earth has a hidden layer. Here's what it's called “Erythritol looks like sugar, it tastes like sugar, and you can bake with it,” Hazen said. “It’s become the sweetheart of the food industry, an extremely popular additive to keto and other low-carb products and foods marketed to people with diabetes. Some of the diabetes-labelled foods we looked at had more erythritol than any other item by weight,” he 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

Popular zero-calorie sweetener erythritol can cause heart attack, stroke and death, study reveals

The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported.

International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential quarterly report distributed to member states is likely to escalate tensions between the West and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme.

The report comes at a time when Tehran is dealing with internal unrest after months of protests and anger from Western countries over providing bomb-carrying drones to Russia in the war against Ukraine.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-for-no-use-of-nuclear-weapons-in-russia-ukraine-war-565298">China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war</a>

The IAEA report only mentions the “particles”, suggesting that no stockpile of uranium enriched above 69 per cent is being built by Iran – the level which is being enriched by it for some time.

According to the IAEA report, on January 21, the inspectors discovered that two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordo facility in Iran were configured in a way “substantially different” to what was declared previously.

The following day, samples were taken by the IAEA, which showed up to 83.7 per cent purity in particles, stated the report.

“Iran informed the agency that ‘unintended fluctuations’ in enrichment levels may have occurred during the transition period. Discussions between the agency and Iran to clarify the matter are ongoing,” the IAEA report stated.

The IAEA report also added that the agency would “further increase the frequency and intensity of agency verification activities” at Fordo after the uranium's discovery.

WATCH | Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterates nuclear threat

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Speaking to the AP, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that IAEA official Massimo Aparo visited the Islamic Republic last week “and checked the alleged enrichment rate”.

“Based on Iran’s assessment, the alleged enrichment percentage between Iran and the IAEA is resolved. Due to the IAEA report being prepared before his trip, his trip’s results aren’t in it and hopefully the IAEA director-general will mention it in his oral report to the board of governors in March,” the mission stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog discovered uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in the underground Fordo nuclear site of Iran, The Associated Press reported. International Atomic Energy Agency's confidential quarterly report distributed to member states is likely to escalate tensions between the West and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme. The report comes at a time when Tehran is dealing with internal unrest after months of protests and anger from Western countries over providing bomb-carrying drones to Russia in the war against Ukraine. ALSO READ | China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war The IAEA report only mentions the “particles”, suggesting that no stockpile of uranium enriched above 69 per cent is being built by Iran – the level which is being enriched by it for some time. According to the IAEA report, on January 21, the inspectors discovered that two cascades of IR-6 centrifuges at the Fordo facility in Iran were configured in a way “substantially different” to what was declared previously. The following day, samples were taken by the IAEA, which showed up to 83.7 per cent purity in particles, stated the report. “Iran informed the agency that ‘unintended fluctuations’ in enrichment levels may have occurred during the transition period. Discussions between the agency and Iran to clarify the matter are ongoing,” the IAEA report stated. The IAEA report also added that the agency would “further increase the frequency and intensity of agency verification activities” at Fordo after the uranium's discovery. WATCH | Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reiterates nuclear threat Speaking to the AP, Iran’s mission to the United Nations said that IAEA official Massimo Aparo visited the Islamic Republic last week “and checked the alleged enrichment rate”. “Based on Iran’s assessment, the alleged enrichment percentage between Iran and the IAEA is resolved. Due to the IAEA report being prepared before his trip, his trip’s results aren’t in it and hopefully the IAEA director-general will mention it in his oral report to the board of governors in March,” the mission stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UN discovers uranium particles enriched up to 83.7 per cent in Iran

A warning was issued by a Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper to Tesla CEO Elon Musk after he retweeted the US government’s “low-confidence” assessment which claimed that the global coronavirus pandemic originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

The warning has been issued before the congressional hearing on China and after the downing of a Chinese espionage balloon escalated tensions between China and the United States.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-should-be-more-honest-on-the-origins-of-covid-19-says-us-ambassador-to-china-566869">China needs to be ‘more honest’ on the origins of COVID-19, says US ambassador; Beijing responds</a>

On Tuesday, CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reported about the warning issued against Musk on the social media pages of the Global Times, which is the English-language subsidiary of the government-run newspaper People’s Daily.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/China?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#China</a> Communist Party paper warns <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> against pushing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> lab leak theory. <a href="https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@globaltimesnews</a> posts on social media “Elon Musk, are you breaking the pot of China?” (“Breaking the pot after eating” is Chinese “biting the hand that feeds you.”) <a href="https://t.co/iWmMZAOiGt">https://t.co/iWmMZAOiGt</a> <a href="https://t.co/nN1lhMDlYq">pic.twitter.com/nN1lhMDlYq</a>
— Eunice Yoon (@onlyyoontv) <a href="https://twitter.com/onlyyoontv/status/1630444499213357058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The warning published in the Global Times stated that Musk could be “breaking the pot of China” after the CEO of Twitter and Tesla replied to tweets which asserted that the Covid pandemic started from the Wuhan research laboratory.

Yoon tweeted that the Chinese proverb “breaking the pot after eating” is similar to the idiom “biting the hand that feeds you”. There is an expansive factory campus, which belongs to Tesla, in Shanghai, and China is the second-largest market for the electric vehicle manufacturer.

WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Lab Leak theory resurfaces

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The warning came days after&nbsp;the US Department of Energy concluded, with “low confidence”, that the coronavirus pandemic started in the Wuhan laboratory. However, sources familiar with the issue told NBC News that the department's conclusion was not seen as hugely significant.

A similar conclusion was reached by the FBI at a “moderate confidence” level in 2021. Yoon said it's a highly sensitive matter for the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Musk did not comment on the warnings immediately.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A warning was issued by a Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper to Tesla CEO Elon Musk after he retweeted the US government’s “low-confidence” assessment which claimed that the global coronavirus pandemic originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China.

A warning was issued by a Chinese Communist Party-run newspaper to Tesla CEO Elon Musk after he retweeted the US government’s “low-confidence” assessment which claimed that the global coronavirus pandemic originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. The warning has been issued before the congressional hearing on China and after the downing of a Chinese espionage balloon escalated tensions between China and the United States. ALSO READ | China needs to be ‘more honest’ on the origins of COVID-19, says US ambassador; Beijing responds On Tuesday, CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reported about the warning issued against Musk on the social media pages of the Global Times, which is the English-language subsidiary of the government-run newspaper People’s Daily. #China Communist Party paper warns @elonmusk against pushing #COVID19 lab leak theory. @globaltimesnews posts on social media “Elon Musk, are you breaking the pot of China?” (“Breaking the pot after eating” is Chinese “biting the hand that feeds you.”) https://t.co/iWmMZAOiGt pic.twitter.com/nN1lhMDlYq — Eunice Yoon (@onlyyoontv) February 28, 2023 × The warning published in the Global Times stated that Musk could be “breaking the pot of China” after the CEO of Twitter and Tesla replied to tweets which asserted that the Covid pandemic started from the Wuhan research laboratory. Yoon tweeted that the Chinese proverb “breaking the pot after eating” is similar to the idiom “biting the hand that feeds you”. There is an expansive factory campus, which belongs to Tesla, in Shanghai, and China is the second-largest market for the electric vehicle manufacturer. WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Lab Leak theory resurfaces The warning came days after the US Department of Energy concluded, with “low confidence”, that the coronavirus pandemic started in the Wuhan laboratory. However, sources familiar with the issue told NBC News that the department's conclusion was not seen as hugely significant. A similar conclusion was reached by the FBI at a “moderate confidence” level in 2021. Yoon said it's a highly sensitive matter for the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Musk did not comment on the warnings immediately. (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

China’s CCP issues warning to Elon Musk against sharing report of Wuhan lab leak

Making a re-entry into the social media arena, Twitter's former CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey launched his platform Bluesky, an alternative to Twitter. Currently, the application is in the testing phase and can be searched on the Apple App Store. 
 
According to a report published by TechCrunch, currently, the micro-blogging platform Bluesky&nbsp;is in invite-only beta and will soon see a public launch. 
 
The iOS app was first made available by its creators on February 17 and since then has been installed around 2,000 times in the testing phase, as per app intelligence firm data.ai.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/angry-twitter-employee-says-hard-work-was-a-mistake-after-fresh-round-of-jobs-cuts-566516">Angry Twitter employee says 'hard work was a mistake' after fresh round of jobs cuts</a>

The user interface of Bluesky has been kept simple and the blueness of Twitter has been retained. Users have been given 256 characters to create a post, which includes photos by just clicking on the app's plus button. 
 
In the micro-blogging site Twitter, when users create a post they are asked “What's happening?" whereas, in Bluesky, the message that pops up is “What’s up?". 
 
As per reports, the users of Bluesky have been given the ability to mute, block and share accounts. However, advanced tools like adding accounts to a list are still not available on the app. The app also gives the suggestion of "who to follow" and has the classic feed where all the recent updates from the accounts followed can be scrolled. 
 
"Another tab lets you check on your notifications, including likes, reposts, follows and replies, also much like Twitter. There are no DMs," as per the report. Similar to features available on Twitter, users can search and follow other accounts and check their updates in their Home timeline. The user profiles will feature a bio, background, profile picture and metrics.

WATCH | Twitter's relentless job cuts, engineering and advertising team to be impacted 

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Jack Dorsey has designed Bluesky as a new decentralised social media protocol. 
 
“Bluesky was created to build a social protocol. In the spring, we released “ADX,” the very first iteration of the protocol. Over the summer we improved and simplified ADX’s design, and today we’re sharing a preview of what’s to come,” the blog stated earlier.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Making a re-entry into the social media arena, Twitter's former CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey launched his platform Bluesky, an alternative to Twitter. Currently, the application is in the testing phase and can be searched on the Apple App Store.

Making a re-entry into the social media arena, Twitter's former CEO and co-founder Jack Dorsey launched his platform Bluesky, an alternative to Twitter. Currently, the application is in the testing phase and can be searched on the Apple App Store. According to a report published by TechCrunch, currently, the micro-blogging platform Bluesky is in invite-only beta and will soon see a public launch. The iOS app was first made available by its creators on February 17 and since then has been installed around 2,000 times in the testing phase, as per app intelligence firm data.ai. ALSO READ | Angry Twitter employee says 'hard work was a mistake' after fresh round of jobs cuts The user interface of Bluesky has been kept simple and the blueness of Twitter has been retained. Users have been given 256 characters to create a post, which includes photos by just clicking on the app's plus button. In the micro-blogging site Twitter, when users create a post they are asked “What's happening?" whereas, in Bluesky, the message that pops up is “What’s up?". As per reports, the users of Bluesky have been given the ability to mute, block and share accounts. However, advanced tools like adding accounts to a list are still not available on the app. The app also gives the suggestion of "who to follow" and has the classic feed where all the recent updates from the accounts followed can be scrolled. "Another tab lets you check on your notifications, including likes, reposts, follows and replies, also much like Twitter. There are no DMs," as per the report. Similar to features available on Twitter, users can search and follow other accounts and check their updates in their Home timeline. The user profiles will feature a bio, background, profile picture and metrics. WATCH | Twitter's relentless job cuts, engineering and advertising team to be impacted Jack Dorsey has designed Bluesky as a new decentralised social media protocol. “Bluesky was created to build a social protocol. In the spring, we released “ADX,” the very first iteration of the protocol. Over the summer we improved and simplified ADX’s design, and today we’re sharing a preview of what’s to come,” the blog stated earlier. (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

Jack Dorsey's Bluesky, a Twitter alternative, debuts on Apple App Store

Two petrochemical giants, which were located behind a facility in “Cancer Alley” of Louisiana, have been sued by the US justice department for increasing the risk of cancer by causing air pollution in a major federal lawsuit which aims to substantially curb the emissions of the plant in the United States.

On Tuesday it was unveiled that the lawsuit stated that the emissions at the Pontchartrain Works facility in Reserve, Louisiana broke the Clean Air Act and caused “an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare”.

The move reflects a significant escalation in the enforcement action of the Biden administration in the Cancer Alley region and was instantly appreciated by the members of the Black community living around the plant, who claimed it to be a major victory in their campaign for clean air.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-suggests-air-pollution-hinders-lung-development-in-children-565430">Air pollution obstructs lung development in children, reveals new research</a>

The justice department sued the companies on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is now looking out for a federal court order to force Denka (DPE) to “immediately take all necessary measures” to curb emissions of the chloroprene, which has been labelled as a human carcinogen by the EPA.

Founder of Concerned Citizens of St John Parish Robert Taylor said, “This will have a tremendous impact on our struggle here. Over the six years we have been fighting this fight we haven’t had anything as great as this to happen in terms of getting concrete action on emissions.”

“The state government has totally ignored us – marches on the capitol, rallying – they wouldn’t even give us an audience. And for the administration to come in and do this, it just validates our efforts,” he added.

In a statement, EPA administrator Michael Regan said that he had promised that “strong action” will be taken when he was on a site visit to Reserve in November 2021.

WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Exposure to air pollution causes depression, anxiety; linked to mental health

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“This complaint filed against Denka delivers on that promise. The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community. This action is not the first step we have taken to reduce risks to the people living in St John the Baptist Parish, and it will not be the last,” Regan said.

Denka issued a statement on Tuesday which said that the company “strongly disagrees” with the legal action and appealed to the EPA to look into the findings on chloroprene exposure.

“DPE is in compliance with its air permits and applicable law. EPA is taking an unprecedented step – deviating from its permitting and rulemaking authorities – to allege an ‘emergency’ based on outdated and erroneous science the agency released over 12 years ago,” the statement added.&nbsp;

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Two petrochemical giants, which were located behind a facility in “Cancer Alley” of Louisiana, have been sued by the US justice department for increasing the risk of cancer by causing air pollution in a major federal lawsuit which aims to substantially curb the emissions of the plant in the United States.

Two petrochemical giants, which were located behind a facility in “Cancer Alley” of Louisiana, have been sued by the US justice department for increasing the risk of cancer by causing air pollution in a major federal lawsuit which aims to substantially curb the emissions of the plant in the United States. On Tuesday it was unveiled that the lawsuit stated that the emissions at the Pontchartrain Works facility in Reserve, Louisiana broke the Clean Air Act and caused “an imminent and substantial endangerment to public health and welfare”. The move reflects a significant escalation in the enforcement action of the Biden administration in the Cancer Alley region and was instantly appreciated by the members of the Black community living around the plant, who claimed it to be a major victory in their campaign for clean air. ALSO READ | Air pollution obstructs lung development in children, reveals new research The justice department sued the companies on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is now looking out for a federal court order to force Denka (DPE) to “immediately take all necessary measures” to curb emissions of the chloroprene, which has been labelled as a human carcinogen by the EPA. Founder of Concerned Citizens of St John Parish Robert Taylor said, “This will have a tremendous impact on our struggle here. Over the six years we have been fighting this fight we haven’t had anything as great as this to happen in terms of getting concrete action on emissions.” “The state government has totally ignored us – marches on the capitol, rallying – they wouldn’t even give us an audience. And for the administration to come in and do this, it just validates our efforts,” he added. In a statement, EPA administrator Michael Regan said that he had promised that “strong action” will be taken when he was on a site visit to Reserve in November 2021. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Exposure to air pollution causes depression, anxiety; linked to mental health “This complaint filed against Denka delivers on that promise. The company has not moved far enough or fast enough to reduce emissions or ensure the safety of the surrounding community. This action is not the first step we have taken to reduce risks to the people living in St John the Baptist Parish, and it will not be the last,” Regan said. Denka issued a statement on Tuesday which said that the company “strongly disagrees” with the legal action and appealed to the EPA to look into the findings on chloroprene exposure. “DPE is in compliance with its air permits and applicable law. EPA is taking an unprecedented step – deviating from its permitting and rulemaking authorities – to allege an ‘emergency’ based on outdated and erroneous science the agency released over 12 years ago,” the statement 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

Two companies sued over pollution in Louisiana’s ‘Cancer Alley’

German media group's CEO Axel Springer said that artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT can replace journalists.

The CEO made the statement was the media organisation aimed at boosting revenue at German newspapers Bild and Die Welt and entering the transition phase to become a “purely digital media company”.

The organisation said that they will have layoffs because AI and automation will make many jobs of journalists redundant. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to make independent journalism better than it ever was – or simply replace it,” said CEO Mathias Doepfner in an internal letter sent to employees.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-chatbot-goes-rogue-expresses-love-for-user-asks-him-to-end-marriage-563026">AI chatbot goes rogue, expresses love for user, asks him to end his marriage</a>

AI tools like the ChatGPT promise to bring a “revolution” in information, Doepfner said, and would soon perform better than human journalists at the “aggregation of information”.

“Understanding this change is essential to a publishing house’s future viability,” Doepfner said. “Only those who create the best original content will survive,” he added.

Axel Springer did not clarify the number of staff that can be laid off, but promised that they won't reduce the number of, “reporters, authors, or specialist editors”.

In the letter sent to staff, Doepfner said that the focus of media outlets must be on investigative journalism and creating original commentary while adding that journalists would be required to expose the “true motives” behind events.

WATCH | Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz

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Axel Springer is not the first in the line of news publishers who are planning to use AI for content creation. BuzzFeed announced in January that it is planning to use artificial intelligence to “enhance” its content as well as online quizzes.

The publishers of the UK's Daily Express and Daily Mirror newspapers are also exploring how AI can be used and establishing a working group to look at “the potential and limitations of machine-learning such as ChatGPT”, said the group’s chief executive.&nbsp;

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German media group's CEO Axel Springer said that artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT can replace journalists. The CEO made the statement was the media organisation aimed at boosting revenue at German newspapers Bild and Die Welt and entering the transition phase to become a “purely digital media company”.

German media group's CEO Axel Springer said that artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT can replace journalists. The CEO made the statement was the media organisation aimed at boosting revenue at German newspapers Bild and Die Welt and entering the transition phase to become a “purely digital media company”. The organisation said that they will have layoffs because AI and automation will make many jobs of journalists redundant. “Artificial intelligence has the potential to make independent journalism better than it ever was – or simply replace it,” said CEO Mathias Doepfner in an internal letter sent to employees. ALSO READ | AI chatbot goes rogue, expresses love for user, asks him to end his marriage AI tools like the ChatGPT promise to bring a “revolution” in information, Doepfner said, and would soon perform better than human journalists at the “aggregation of information”. “Understanding this change is essential to a publishing house’s future viability,” Doepfner said. “Only those who create the best original content will survive,” he added. Axel Springer did not clarify the number of staff that can be laid off, but promised that they won't reduce the number of, “reporters, authors, or specialist editors”. In the letter sent to staff, Doepfner said that the focus of media outlets must be on investigative journalism and creating original commentary while adding that journalists would be required to expose the “true motives” behind events. WATCH | Meta rolls out new AI language model, steps up Chatbot buzz Axel Springer is not the first in the line of news publishers who are planning to use AI for content creation. BuzzFeed announced in January that it is planning to use artificial intelligence to “enhance” its content as well as online quizzes. The publishers of the UK's Daily Express and Daily Mirror newspapers are also exploring how AI can be used and establishing a working group to look at “the potential and limitations of machine-learning such as ChatGPT”, said the group’s chief executive. 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

AI bots can replace journalists, claims German publisher Axel Springer

California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state.

After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles. The central north-south motorway located on the West Coast, Interstate 5, remains closed due to heavy snow in the mountainous section, also called the Grapevine.

The winter storm, which is expected to weaken, is among the strongest which have&nbsp;hit the state. Trees have been toppled by relentless winds and power lines downed.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-flag-freezes-in-michigans-powerful-ice-storm-leaves-internet-stunned-565728">WATCH | US flag freezes in Michigan's powerful ice storm, leaves internet stunned</a>

The authorities stated that all the beaches remained closed on Saturday for several hours because of lightning strikes in LA County. Reports also surfaced of flights being grounded in the region.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the latest bulletin around 20:00 GMT on Saturday (12:00 local time) in which it issued a warning of thunderstorms and heavy rains over Southern California.

"As the front moves inland, snow will move over the Northern Intermountain Region and into Northern California on Sunday morning," stated the NWS.

Till now, no casualties or injuries have been reported due to the storm. Earlier, Los Angeles, a city which is known for its sun-kissed boulevards and palm trees, received snowfall.

WATCH | Blizzard warnings in Sierra Nevada and Southern California

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In Michigan, around 350,000 people remained in blackout on Saturday afternoon, as per reports of the state's two main utilities — Consumers Energy and DTE. The utilities said that the people are likely to get electricity by Sunday night.

Meanwhile, the locals were left amazed by the unusual sight of snow flurry around the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. On February 24, a 132-year record low temperature was broken by San Francisco, as it dipped to 39F (4C).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state. After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles.

California faced mass power outages, closure of both beaches and motorways as well as flooding as a rare winter storm swept the US state. After days of fierce and chilly winds and frigid temperatures, more than 120,000 citizens are living without electricity in areas of Los Angeles. The central north-south motorway located on the West Coast, Interstate 5, remains closed due to heavy snow in the mountainous section, also called the Grapevine. The winter storm, which is expected to weaken, is among the strongest which have hit the state. Trees have been toppled by relentless winds and power lines downed. ALSO READ | WATCH | US flag freezes in Michigan's powerful ice storm, leaves internet stunned The authorities stated that all the beaches remained closed on Saturday for several hours because of lightning strikes in LA County. Reports also surfaced of flights being grounded in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued the latest bulletin around 20:00 GMT on Saturday (12:00 local time) in which it issued a warning of thunderstorms and heavy rains over Southern California. "As the front moves inland, snow will move over the Northern Intermountain Region and into Northern California on Sunday morning," stated the NWS. Till now, no casualties or injuries have been reported due to the storm. Earlier, Los Angeles, a city which is known for its sun-kissed boulevards and palm trees, received snowfall. WATCH | Blizzard warnings in Sierra Nevada and Southern California In Michigan, around 350,000 people remained in blackout on Saturday afternoon, as per reports of the state's two main utilities — Consumers Energy and DTE. The utilities said that the people are likely to get electricity by Sunday night. Meanwhile, the locals were left amazed by the unusual sight of snow flurry around the Hollywood sign on Mount Lee. On February 24, a 132-year record low temperature was broken by San Francisco, as it dipped to 39F (4C). (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

Rare winter storm wreaks havoc in California, as LA remains blanketed in snow

Nigeria started the vote counting after conducting a tightly contested election on Saturday, as three frontrunners competed for the country's presidency in a ballot hit by long delays in some areas.

Around 90 million citizens were eligible to cast vote for the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari, as many Nigerians expect&nbsp;that their new leader will tackle issues of increasing poverty, the sluggish economy and a widening security crisis.

After the military rule's end in 1999, for the first time a third serious candidate is contesting elections with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-voting-for-general-election-begins-opposition-lawmaker-arrested-with-nearly-500k-a-day-before-poll-565770">Nigeria: Voting for general election begins; opposition lawmaker arrested with nearly $500k a day before poll</a>

In this election race, the APC candidate, who was also former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu is facing PDP's leader and former vice president Atiku Abubakar and third party candidate, Labour's leader Peter Obi, who was at one-time Anambra State governor.

The crowds gathered in Lagos and other cities to watch the counting of votes in polling centres, where the officials tallied ballots with their hands before sending them on electronically.

"One! Two! Three!" the crowd counted together loudly as the ballot papers were held up to the crowds by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presiding officer at one polling station in southern Port Harcourt.

"I want to make sure it’s transparent and that the election is free and fair,” stated Juliette Ogbonda, a hotel receptionist, who was watching the counting.

WATCH | Nigeria: 18 candidates on ballot for the top position

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"Polling units in a large number of areas have closed and we started the counting of ballot papers," said INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

The voting process was to end at 1330 GMT, however, angry voters were waiting in queue by nightfall to cast ballots after the voting process was started late by INEC or the system encountered problems with identification technology which disrupted the voting process in parts of Lagos, southern Port Harcourt and the northwest state of Kano.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nigeria started the vote counting after conducting a tightly contested election on Saturday, as three frontrunners competed for the country's presidency in a ballot hit by long delays in some areas.

Nigeria started the vote counting after conducting a tightly contested election on Saturday, as three frontrunners competed for the country's presidency in a ballot hit by long delays in some areas. Around 90 million citizens were eligible to cast vote for the successor of President Muhammadu Buhari, as many Nigerians expect that their new leader will tackle issues of increasing poverty, the sluggish economy and a widening security crisis. After the military rule's end in 1999, for the first time a third serious candidate is contesting elections with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). ALSO READ | Nigeria: Voting for general election begins; opposition lawmaker arrested with nearly $500k a day before poll In this election race, the APC candidate, who was also former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu is facing PDP's leader and former vice president Atiku Abubakar and third party candidate, Labour's leader Peter Obi, who was at one-time Anambra State governor. The crowds gathered in Lagos and other cities to watch the counting of votes in polling centres, where the officials tallied ballots with their hands before sending them on electronically. "One! Two! Three!" the crowd counted together loudly as the ballot papers were held up to the crowds by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presiding officer at one polling station in southern Port Harcourt. "I want to make sure it’s transparent and that the election is free and fair,” stated Juliette Ogbonda, a hotel receptionist, who was watching the counting. WATCH | Nigeria: 18 candidates on ballot for the top position "Polling units in a large number of areas have closed and we started the counting of ballot papers," said INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu. The voting process was to end at 1330 GMT, however, angry voters were waiting in queue by nightfall to cast ballots after the voting process was started late by INEC or the system encountered problems with identification technology which disrupted the voting process in parts of Lagos, southern Port Harcourt and the northwest state of Kano. (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

Nigeria: Nation counts votes after tightly contested polls and high turnout

Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive.

At such a crucial point, a video appeared in which Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his signature green attire, was seen addressing his soldiers from behind a podium on which the Ukrainian state emblem was present.

In the video, Zelensky was seen asking his soldiers to lay down their weapons and go back to their families. “There is no need to die in this war. I advise you to live,” he was seen as saying. The video was massively circulated on social media and briefly ran on Ukraine's television which suggested that the leader had fled from Kyiv. The video clearly indicated that the war is about to end, contrary to the fact that it's been now one year of war and the end is not in sight.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-uns-role-in-controlling-the-ever-escalating-russia-ukraine-war-565854">Explained | UN could not prevent Russia-Ukraine war, has it really lost its efficacy</a>

Deepfakes

The one-minute video clip shared was called a 'deepfake' – a term to define the sophisticated hoax in which artificial intelligence is used for creating a fake image and most commonly fake videos.

The video which was posted by the hackers was instantly removed from social media platforms and debunked. Zelensky dismissed it as a “childish provocation,” and mocked Russia for desperately spreading fake news.

In the last one year of the war, deepfakes have&nbsp;been just one element amongst the barrage of disinformation and manipulation which have shaped the information war.

Recruitment of serial killers, cannibal

In September 2022, reports surfaced of Russian President Vladimir Putin is recruiting serial killers, rapists and a maniac cannibal from prisons&nbsp;in a desperate attempt to win the Ukraine war. A report by Daily Mail claimed that the prisoners were ensured that they will be pardoned if they come out alive from the battlefield.

The recruitment was believed to have been carried out by Russia's Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Progozhin who had made visits to a former Gulag prisoner camp in Serbia, the reports had claimed. It was reported that several of these hired prisoners lost their lives on the battlefield. The reports of recruitment still remain unconfirmed.

Church on fire

In another incident, the story of a Russian church being set on fire in north-western Ukraine's Volyn region was broadcasted by ‘Channel One’, inciting emotions and anger among viewers. The news was intensely covered on January 15, 2022, in which it was claimed that the church was attached to the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the arson.

However, later the local authorities of Volyn confirmed that no church was set on fire in the area, calling the news “fake”.

WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Zelensky open to talks with Putin, says 'ready for talks if bombing ends'

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Crucifixion of boy

In an interview in July 2014, a woman named Galina Pyshniak spoke about how Ukrainian nationalists crucified a three-year-old child in front of his mother. The story, which was aired during an escalating conflict between the two nations in Donbas, quickly triggered the emotions of Russians.

It was later found that the claims made by Pyshniak were entirely fabricated and that no such incident had taken place.

OSINT countering disinformation in the infowar

The information war, which has been marred by disinformation, manipulation and deepfakes, is being countered by open source intelligence, or OSINT.

OSINT includes information which is accessible publicly, like footage recorded by mobile phones and images taken by commercial satellite company 'Maxar', which are then investigated by investigative media like Bellingcat.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive.

Three weeks had passed since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. The world and global organisations were expecting Kyiv to fall soon, finding it difficult to believe that the war-hit nation can sustain even a month of offensive. At such a crucial point, a video appeared in which Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his signature green attire, was seen addressing his soldiers from behind a podium on which the Ukrainian state emblem was present. In the video, Zelensky was seen asking his soldiers to lay down their weapons and go back to their families. “There is no need to die in this war. I advise you to live,” he was seen as saying. The video was massively circulated on social media and briefly ran on Ukraine's television which suggested that the leader had fled from Kyiv. The video clearly indicated that the war is about to end, contrary to the fact that it's been now one year of war and the end is not in sight. ALSO READ | Explained | UN could not prevent Russia-Ukraine war, has it really lost its efficacy Deepfakes The one-minute video clip shared was called a 'deepfake' – a term to define the sophisticated hoax in which artificial intelligence is used for creating a fake image and most commonly fake videos. The video which was posted by the hackers was instantly removed from social media platforms and debunked. Zelensky dismissed it as a “childish provocation,” and mocked Russia for desperately spreading fake news. In the last one year of the war, deepfakes have been just one element amongst the barrage of disinformation and manipulation which have shaped the information war. Recruitment of serial killers, cannibal In September 2022, reports surfaced of Russian President Vladimir Putin is recruiting serial killers, rapists and a maniac cannibal from prisons in a desperate attempt to win the Ukraine war. A report by Daily Mail claimed that the prisoners were ensured that they will be pardoned if they come out alive from the battlefield. The recruitment was believed to have been carried out by Russia's Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Progozhin who had made visits to a former Gulag prisoner camp in Serbia, the reports had claimed. It was reported that several of these hired prisoners lost their lives on the battlefield. The reports of recruitment still remain unconfirmed. Church on fire In another incident, the story of a Russian church being set on fire in north-western Ukraine's Volyn region was broadcasted by ‘Channel One’, inciting emotions and anger among viewers. The news was intensely covered on January 15, 2022, in which it was claimed that the church was attached to the Moscow Patriarchate and the Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for the arson. However, later the local authorities of Volyn confirmed that no church was set on fire in the area, calling the news “fake”. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: Zelensky open to talks with Putin, says 'ready for talks if bombing ends' Crucifixion of boy In an interview in July 2014, a woman named Galina Pyshniak spoke about how Ukrainian nationalists crucified a three-year-old child in front of his mother. The story, which was aired during an escalating conflict between the two nations in Donbas, quickly triggered the emotions of Russians. It was later found that the claims made by Pyshniak were entirely fabricated and that no such incident had taken place. OSINT countering disinformation in the infowar The information war, which has been marred by disinformation, manipulation and deepfakes, is being countered by open source intelligence, or OSINT. OSINT includes information which is accessible publicly, like footage recorded by mobile phones and images taken by commercial satellite company 'Maxar', which are then investigated by investigative media like Bellingcat. 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

Deepfake, propaganda and disinformation | How Russia and Ukraine battled the information war

Ajay Banga, who has been nominated as the head of the World Bank, was working as Mastercard's chief operating officer where he drew a whooping salary of Rs 5.2 million per day, as per reports.

US President Joe Biden has&nbsp;nominated Ajay Banga for the post of World Bank's head. If his nomination is approved by the board of directors, he will be the first person of Indian origin to hold the prestigious position.

He has also been praised by Biden for his expertise on topics like climate change. Last year, Ajay Banga retired from Mastercard. Currently, he is the equity firm General Atlantic's vice chairman.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-everything-about-ajay-banga-indian-american-executive-nominated-to-lead-the-world-bank-565263">EXPLAINED | Everything about Ajay Banga, Indian-American executive nominated to lead the World Bank</a>

Before joining Mastercard, Ajay Banga worked with Citigroup and Nestle in India. He is also the chairman of the Dutch investment firm “Exor”.

The current chief economist of the World Bank, Indermeet Gill, is also of Indian origin. Ajay Banga has more than 30 years of experience. He has been a board member of Craft Foods, Dow Ink and the American Red Cross. He studied economics at St Stephens College, New Delhi.

According to CNBS, Ajay Banga's net worth was $206 million (Rs 17 billion) in 2021. Ajay Banga owns Mastercard stocks worth $113,123,489. In the last 13 years, stocks worth lakhs of dollars were sold by Ajay Banga.

If reports are to be believed, he was drawing a salary of $23,250,000 (Rs 1.92 billion) every year at Mastercard, which suggests that he was earning Rs 5.2 million per day.

WATCH |&nbsp;PM Modi calls for World Bank reforms at G20 finance meet

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Ajay Banga is Lieutenant General Harbhajan Banga's son. His father was in the Indian army and his family is from Jalandhar, Punjab.

He completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School and later did his masters from IIM Ahmedabad. In 1981, he started his career with Nestle, where he worked for 13 years.

Ajay Banga later got associated with PepsiCo. He was conferred Padma Shri, the third highest civilian honour in India.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ajay Banga, who has been nominated as the head of the World Bank, was working as Mastercard's chief operating officer where he drew a whooping salary of Rs 5.2 million per day, as per reports.

Ajay Banga, who has been nominated as the head of the World Bank, was working as Mastercard's chief operating officer where he drew a whooping salary of Rs 5.2 million per day, as per reports. US President Joe Biden has nominated Ajay Banga for the post of World Bank's head. If his nomination is approved by the board of directors, he will be the first person of Indian origin to hold the prestigious position. He has also been praised by Biden for his expertise on topics like climate change. Last year, Ajay Banga retired from Mastercard. Currently, he is the equity firm General Atlantic's vice chairman. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED | Everything about Ajay Banga, Indian-American executive nominated to lead the World Bank Before joining Mastercard, Ajay Banga worked with Citigroup and Nestle in India. He is also the chairman of the Dutch investment firm “Exor”. The current chief economist of the World Bank, Indermeet Gill, is also of Indian origin. Ajay Banga has more than 30 years of experience. He has been a board member of Craft Foods, Dow Ink and the American Red Cross. He studied economics at St Stephens College, New Delhi. According to CNBS, Ajay Banga's net worth was $206 million (Rs 17 billion) in 2021. Ajay Banga owns Mastercard stocks worth $113,123,489. In the last 13 years, stocks worth lakhs of dollars were sold by Ajay Banga. If reports are to be believed, he was drawing a salary of $23,250,000 (Rs 1.92 billion) every year at Mastercard, which suggests that he was earning Rs 5.2 million per day. WATCH | PM Modi calls for World Bank reforms at G20 finance meet Ajay Banga is Lieutenant General Harbhajan Banga's son. His father was in the Indian army and his family is from Jalandhar, Punjab. He completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School and later did his masters from IIM Ahmedabad. In 1981, he started his career with Nestle, where he worked for 13 years. Ajay Banga later got associated with PepsiCo. He was conferred Padma Shri, the third highest civilian honour in India. (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

Ajay Banga, who's set to be World Bank's head, used to earn over Rs 5 million per day?

A bathtub stopper was found inside the body of an alligator rescued in a New York City park, and her caretakers failed to pull it out because of the reptile's weakened state.

The 4ft-long female reptile, which was rescued from a lake located in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, was given the name “Godzilla” due to her size.

However, the alligator's health was in a dire state when she was rescued, and she was “extremely emaciated”, said the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in a statement.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-yorkers-discover-pink-dyed-pigeon-used-in-gender-reveal-party-rescue-group-starts-treatment-558346">New Yorkers discover pink-dyed pigeon, suspect it was used in gender-reveal party</a>

When Godzilla was discovered, she weighed around 15 lbs. As per the image of a radiograph, an object which was identified as a 4-inch wide bathtub stopper, was seen stuck in the right part of the alligator's stomach, said WCS in its statement.

The rescuers are not able to remove the stopper because of the “weakened” status of the alligator, which has become a hurdle in the recovery of the reptile.

Godzilla is not able to eat herself and is being fed vitamins and nutrients along with antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines through a tube.

According to animal groups, the alligator was most probably a pet who was eventually abandoned by the owner. As per the New York Times, this kind of abandonment is not an uncommon occurrence in New York City after such unusual pets complete “their cute phase”.

WATCH | Rescue workers save a dog trapped under rubble

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“The tragedy of this situation is a reminder that wild animals do not make good pets and that responsible pet ownership means making choices that will not negatively impact an individual animal or the environment,” said WCS in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A bathtub stopper was found inside the body of an alligator rescued in a New York City park, and her caretakers failed to pull it out because of the reptile's weakened state.

A bathtub stopper was found inside the body of an alligator rescued in a New York City park, and her caretakers failed to pull it out because of the reptile's weakened state. The 4ft-long female reptile, which was rescued from a lake located in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, was given the name “Godzilla” due to her size. However, the alligator's health was in a dire state when she was rescued, and she was “extremely emaciated”, said the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in a statement. ALSO READ | New Yorkers discover pink-dyed pigeon, suspect it was used in gender-reveal party When Godzilla was discovered, she weighed around 15 lbs. As per the image of a radiograph, an object which was identified as a 4-inch wide bathtub stopper, was seen stuck in the right part of the alligator's stomach, said WCS in its statement. The rescuers are not able to remove the stopper because of the “weakened” status of the alligator, which has become a hurdle in the recovery of the reptile. Godzilla is not able to eat herself and is being fed vitamins and nutrients along with antibiotics and anti-fungal medicines through a tube. According to animal groups, the alligator was most probably a pet who was eventually abandoned by the owner. As per the New York Times, this kind of abandonment is not an uncommon occurrence in New York City after such unusual pets complete “their cute phase”. WATCH | Rescue workers save a dog trapped under rubble “The tragedy of this situation is a reminder that wild animals do not make good pets and that responsible pet ownership means making choices that will not negatively impact an individual animal or the environment,” said WCS in a statement. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Bathtub stopper found stuck in stomach of ‘Godzilla’ alligator rescued in New York

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