Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) lawmaker, Dev Raj Ghimire has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives as he received 167 votes, The Kathmandu Post reported.&nbsp;According to the report, the proposal to elect the CPN-UML lawmaker received 167 votes.

At least 100 votes were cast against him, while one lawmaker abstained. Just 138 votes were required for a win in the 275-strong Lower House.

“I declare the proposal to elect Ghimire as Speaker has been endorsed through a majority,” said the oldest parliamentarian Pashupati Shumsher Rana, who chaired the meeting as a Speaker.

Ghimire’s candidacy was proposed by UML vice-chair Subas Nembang and seconded by CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Hitraj Pandey, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden, as per The Kathmandu Post.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/decoding-what-does-nepals-new-prachanda-oli-coalition-mean-for-india-549616">DECODING: What does Nepal’s new Prachanda-Oli coalition mean for India?</a>

Ghimire, who won from Jhapa-2, is a UML standing committee member and party in charge of Province 1. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1999.

Another candidate, Ishwari Neupane from Nepali Congress, had also filed their nomination for the post.

Neupane’s candidacy was proposed by Congress lawmaker Bishwa Prakash Sharma and was endorsed by Prakash Jwala of the CPN (Unified Socialist).

This comes as the two candidates are in the fray.

The Congress and the Unified Socialist, who had voted for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a floor test in Parliament on January 10, had earlier decided to field their own candidate against the ruling alliance’s candidate for Speaker.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on December 25 appointed Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal as prime minister after he showed support of&nbsp;169 lawmakers including those from the JSP.

WATCH | WION Dispatch: Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' takes oath as Nepal's PM for third time

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The constitution makes it mandatory to elect the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives within 15 days of the House’s first meeting. The first meeting of the lower house, elected through the November 20 elections, was held on January 9.

As per Article 91 (2) of the Constitution, either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker must be a woman and the occupants of the two posts should be from different parties. The secretariat on Thursday will publish the schedule for the election of the Deputy Speaker which is likely on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the election for the Deputy Speaker of the House is expected to take place on January 21.

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Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) lawmaker, Dev Raj Ghimire has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives as he received 167 votes, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) lawmaker, Dev Raj Ghimire has been elected as the Speaker of the House of Representatives as he received 167 votes, The Kathmandu Post reported. According to the report, the proposal to elect the CPN-UML lawmaker received 167 votes. At least 100 votes were cast against him, while one lawmaker abstained. Just 138 votes were required for a win in the 275-strong Lower House. “I declare the proposal to elect Ghimire as Speaker has been endorsed through a majority,” said the oldest parliamentarian Pashupati Shumsher Rana, who chaired the meeting as a Speaker. Ghimire’s candidacy was proposed by UML vice-chair Subas Nembang and seconded by CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Hitraj Pandey, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden, as per The Kathmandu Post. ALSO READ| DECODING: What does Nepal’s new Prachanda-Oli coalition mean for India? Ghimire, who won from Jhapa-2, is a UML standing committee member and party in charge of Province 1. He was elected to the National Assembly in 1999. Another candidate, Ishwari Neupane from Nepali Congress, had also filed their nomination for the post. Neupane’s candidacy was proposed by Congress lawmaker Bishwa Prakash Sharma and was endorsed by Prakash Jwala of the CPN (Unified Socialist). This comes as the two candidates are in the fray. The Congress and the Unified Socialist, who had voted for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a floor test in Parliament on January 10, had earlier decided to field their own candidate against the ruling alliance’s candidate for Speaker. President Bidya Devi Bhandari on December 25 appointed Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal as prime minister after he showed support of 169 lawmakers including those from the JSP. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' takes oath as Nepal's PM for third time The constitution makes it mandatory to elect the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives within 15 days of the House’s first meeting. The first meeting of the lower house, elected through the November 20 elections, was held on January 9. As per Article 91 (2) of the Constitution, either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker must be a woman and the occupants of the two posts should be from different parties. The secretariat on Thursday will publish the schedule for the election of the Deputy Speaker which is likely on Saturday. Meanwhile, the election for the Deputy Speaker of the House is expected to take place on January 21. 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

Nepal’s Communist Party lawmaker Dev Raj Ghimire elected as speaker

An old map has emerged, which is believed to indicate the way to the spot where treasure worth millions of euros was hidden by German soldiers during World War 2, following which several amateur treasure hunters have gathered, looking for the gold, in the Netherlands.&nbsp;The groups, carrying shovels and metal detectors, are seen wandering across the fields surrounding rural Ommeren, which lies in the country's east after the Dutch National Archive made the map public on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The archive stated that the map is believed to be indicating&nbsp;the way to the location where four large boxes filled with gold, silvers, rubies, diamonds and pieces of jewellery, looted by Nazi soldiers were hidden after an explosion.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/treasure-from-spanish-shipwreck-found-in-the-bahamas-after-more-than-350-years-502259"> Treasure from Spanish shipwreck found in the Bahamas after more than 350 years</a>

A German soldier handed over the map soon after the Netherlands got freedom from Nazi occupation in 1945. This week, the research file containing the map was released as the maximum years of holding it confidential, which is 75 years, had lapsed.&nbsp;

National Archive spokeswoman Anne-Marieke Samson, while speaking to Reuters, said that they could never completely confirm the treasure's existence, however, various failed attempts were made by the institute to find it in 1947.&nbsp;

"We don't know for sure if the treasure existed. But the institute did a lot of checks and found the story reliable," said Samson said. "But they never found it and if it existed, the treasure might very well have been dug up already," she added.&nbsp;

However, the amateur gold diggers are not deterred by the small chance of discovering the treasure.

Jan Henzen, aged 57, said, "I see groups of people with metal detectors everywhere." &nbsp; 
 
"Like a lot of people, the news about the treasure made me go look for myself. The chance of the treasure still being here after 70 years is very small I think, but I want to give it a try," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH | Digger unearths archaeological treasure from a burial cave in Israel

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Former Ommeren mayor Klaas Tammes, who is currently running the foundation which owns the land beneath which the treasure may be found, said that he has seen people from various countries coming here.&nbsp;

"A map with a row of three trees and a red cross marking a spot where a treasure should be hidden sparks the imagination. Anyone who finds anything will have to report it to us, so we'll see. But I wouldn't expect it to be easy," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An old map has emerged, which is believed to indicate the way to the spot where treasure worth millions of euros was hidden by German soldiers during World War 2, following which several amateur treasure hunters have gathered, looking for the gold, in the Netherlands.

An old map has emerged, which is believed to indicate the way to the spot where treasure worth millions of euros was hidden by German soldiers during World War 2, following which several amateur treasure hunters have gathered, looking for the gold, in the Netherlands. The groups, carrying shovels and metal detectors, are seen wandering across the fields surrounding rural Ommeren, which lies in the country's east after the Dutch National Archive made the map public on Tuesday. The archive stated that the map is believed to be indicating the way to the location where four large boxes filled with gold, silvers, rubies, diamonds and pieces of jewellery, looted by Nazi soldiers were hidden after an explosion. ALSO READ| Treasure from Spanish shipwreck found in the Bahamas after more than 350 years A German soldier handed over the map soon after the Netherlands got freedom from Nazi occupation in 1945. This week, the research file containing the map was released as the maximum years of holding it confidential, which is 75 years, had lapsed. National Archive spokeswoman Anne-Marieke Samson, while speaking to Reuters, said that they could never completely confirm the treasure's existence, however, various failed attempts were made by the institute to find it in 1947. "We don't know for sure if the treasure existed. But the institute did a lot of checks and found the story reliable," said Samson said. "But they never found it and if it existed, the treasure might very well have been dug up already," she added. However, the amateur gold diggers are not deterred by the small chance of discovering the treasure. Jan Henzen, aged 57, said, "I see groups of people with metal detectors everywhere." "Like a lot of people, the news about the treasure made me go look for myself. The chance of the treasure still being here after 70 years is very small I think, but I want to give it a try," he added. WATCH | Digger unearths archaeological treasure from a burial cave in Israel Former Ommeren mayor Klaas Tammes, who is currently running the foundation which owns the land beneath which the treasure may be found, said that he has seen people from various countries coming here. "A map with a row of three trees and a red cross marking a spot where a treasure should be hidden sparks the imagination. Anyone who finds anything will have to report it to us, so we'll see. But I wouldn't expect it to be easy," he 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

Old map sparks treasure hunt for Nazi gold in Dutch village

United Nations ambassador and former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley said that she will be soon making a decision over whether she will be contesting the presidential elections in 2024 or not.&nbsp;"Well, when you're looking at a run for president, you look at two things. You first look at, 'Does the current situation push for new?' The second question is, 'Am I that person that could be that new leader?' You know, on the first question, you can look all across the board, domestic, foreign policy. You can look at, you know, inflation going up, economy shrinking, government getting bigger, you know, small business owners not being able to pay their rent. Big businesses getting these bailouts, all of these things warrant the fact that, yes, we need to go in a new direction," said Haley.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-in-his-memoir-accuses-nikki-haley-of-plotting-with-ivanka-and-kushner-to-become-trumps-vp-554234">Mike Pompeo, in his memoir, accuses Nikki Haley of plotting with Ivanka, Kushner to become Trump's VP</a>

"So do I think I could be that leader? Yes, But we are still working through things and we'll figure it out. I've never lost a race. I said that then I still say that now. I'm not going to lose now," she further stated.

While speaking about the statement she previously gave to a reporter of Associated Press claiming that she "would not run if President Trump ran", &nbsp;Haley clarified that the "survival of America matters".

"It's bigger than one person. And when you're looking at the future of America, I think it's time for new generational change. I don't think you need to be 80 years old to go be a leader in DC. I think we need a young generation to come in, step up, and really start fixing things," she stated. &nbsp;

Speaking about the statement she gave on Trump, Haley stated that she had "said that before we surrendered to Afghanistan, it was before we saw this high inflation and high crime, it was before we saw drugs infesting all of our states, it was before we saw our foreign policy in disarray, so a lot has changed."

WATCH | Trump allies win seats on oversight committee, reflecting GOP priorities | Latest English News | WION

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"And when I look at that, I look at the fact if I'm this passionate and I'm this determined, why not me?," said Haley.&nbsp;

She asked people to "stay tuned" when questioned if she was getting involved with the exploratory committee phase to organise a presidential campaign soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations ambassador and former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley said that she will be soon making a decision over whether she will be contesting the presidential elections in 2024 or not.

United Nations ambassador and former governor of South Carolina Nikki Haley said that she will be soon making a decision over whether she will be contesting the presidential elections in 2024 or not. "Well, when you're looking at a run for president, you look at two things. You first look at, 'Does the current situation push for new?' The second question is, 'Am I that person that could be that new leader?' You know, on the first question, you can look all across the board, domestic, foreign policy. You can look at, you know, inflation going up, economy shrinking, government getting bigger, you know, small business owners not being able to pay their rent. Big businesses getting these bailouts, all of these things warrant the fact that, yes, we need to go in a new direction," said Haley. ALSO READ| Mike Pompeo, in his memoir, accuses Nikki Haley of plotting with Ivanka, Kushner to become Trump's VP "So do I think I could be that leader? Yes, But we are still working through things and we'll figure it out. I've never lost a race. I said that then I still say that now. I'm not going to lose now," she further stated. While speaking about the statement she previously gave to a reporter of Associated Press claiming that she "would not run if President Trump ran", Haley clarified that the "survival of America matters". "It's bigger than one person. And when you're looking at the future of America, I think it's time for new generational change. I don't think you need to be 80 years old to go be a leader in DC. I think we need a young generation to come in, step up, and really start fixing things," she stated. Speaking about the statement she gave on Trump, Haley stated that she had "said that before we surrendered to Afghanistan, it was before we saw this high inflation and high crime, it was before we saw drugs infesting all of our states, it was before we saw our foreign policy in disarray, so a lot has changed." WATCH | Trump allies win seats on oversight committee, reflecting GOP priorities | Latest English News | WION "And when I look at that, I look at the fact if I'm this passionate and I'm this determined, why not me?," said Haley. She asked people to "stay tuned" when questioned if she was getting involved with the exploratory committee phase to organise a presidential campaign soon. (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

Nikki Haley mulling over 2024 presidential run, claims ‘I’ve never lost a race’

A newly-introduced Advanced Placement course, based on African American studies, was stopped by the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from being taught to students in high schools, stating that the course is in violation of state law and is inaccurate historically.&nbsp;Last week, the programme was rejected by the state education department in a letter sent to the College Board, which is responsible for overseeing Advanced Placement classes.

The education officials of Florida did not clearly state what content was found objectionable by the state, but said, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”

“In the future, should College Board be willing to come back to the table with lawful, historically accurate content, (the education department) will always be willing to reopen the discussion,” the letter added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-allies-win-seats-on-oversight-committee-reflecting-gop-priorities-latest-english-news-wion-554231">US asks allies to 'dig deeper' to support Ukraine; Kremlin says tanks will change 'nothing' on battlefield</a>

The College Board, in a statement, said, “Like all new AP courses, AP African American Studies is undergoing a rigorous, multi-year pilot phase, collecting feedback from teachers, students, scholars and policymakers.”

“The process of piloting and revising course frameworks is a standard part of any new AP course, and frameworks often change significantly as a result,” read the statement.

The course has been described as interdisciplinary by the College Board website, which further states that it touches on humanities, arts, science, literature, geography and political science. For more than a decade, the organisation has been working on creating the course, as per the website.&nbsp;

DeSantis, a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential race, has raised opposition against what he terms as liberal ideologies in schools, which include studies around critical race theory that studies systemic racism and has become conservatives' frequent target.&nbsp;

WATCH | US hits debt ceiling of $31.4 trillion, treasury taking 'emergency measures'

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The governor, last year, signed legislation dubbed the Stop WOKE Act which restricts a few race-based conversations as well as analysis in businesses and schools. The law prohibits following the instruction which says members of a particular race are racist by inheritance or should carry guilt for racist acts committed by others in the past who belong to the same race.&nbsp;

The budget office of the governor recently called on state colleges to provide information on expenditure in running programmes related to inclusion, diversity, critical race theory, and equity and raising concerns on the chances of cutting down on funds being spent on such initiatives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A newly-introduced Advanced Placement course, based on African American studies, was stopped by the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from being taught to students in high schools, stating that the course is in violation of state law and is inaccurate historically.

A newly-introduced Advanced Placement course, based on African American studies, was stopped by the administration of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis from being taught to students in high schools, stating that the course is in violation of state law and is inaccurate historically. Last week, the programme was rejected by the state education department in a letter sent to the College Board, which is responsible for overseeing Advanced Placement classes. The education officials of Florida did not clearly state what content was found objectionable by the state, but said, “As presented, the content of this course is inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.” “In the future, should College Board be willing to come back to the table with lawful, historically accurate content, (the education department) will always be willing to reopen the discussion,” the letter added. ALSO READ | US asks allies to 'dig deeper' to support Ukraine; Kremlin says tanks will change 'nothing' on battlefield The College Board, in a statement, said, “Like all new AP courses, AP African American Studies is undergoing a rigorous, multi-year pilot phase, collecting feedback from teachers, students, scholars and policymakers.” “The process of piloting and revising course frameworks is a standard part of any new AP course, and frameworks often change significantly as a result,” read the statement. The course has been described as interdisciplinary by the College Board website, which further states that it touches on humanities, arts, science, literature, geography and political science. For more than a decade, the organisation has been working on creating the course, as per the website. DeSantis, a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential race, has raised opposition against what he terms as liberal ideologies in schools, which include studies around critical race theory that studies systemic racism and has become conservatives' frequent target. WATCH | US hits debt ceiling of $31.4 trillion, treasury taking 'emergency measures' The governor, last year, signed legislation dubbed the Stop WOKE Act which restricts a few race-based conversations as well as analysis in businesses and schools. The law prohibits following the instruction which says members of a particular race are racist by inheritance or should carry guilt for racist acts committed by others in the past who belong to the same race. The budget office of the governor recently called on state colleges to provide information on expenditure in running programmes related to inclusion, diversity, critical race theory, and equity and raising concerns on the chances of cutting down on funds being spent on such initiatives. (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

Course on African American studies blocked in Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis

The defence ministry of Russia on Friday stated that its forces took control of Klishchiivka which is near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. As per reports, aerial support was used to capture the village.&nbsp;

In other news, an airport official said that the Pokhara International Airport in Nepal, where the ill-fated Yeti Airlines crashed, lacked a working landing guiding system which ensures that the plane landed safely on the runway.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Google's parent company Alphabet Inc announced that around 12,000 jobs will be cut down, which is equal to 6 per cent of the company's global workforce.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read the full report&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-claims-capture-of-klishchiivka-near-bakhmut-554537">Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims capture of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut</a>

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d442d869-44d6-4705-8b2e-4fcdb9bfdb9c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2830%29_0.png" />

Russia's defence ministry on Friday claimed that its forces had taken control of Klishchiivka, a settlement south of Bakhmut, which is in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/yeti-airlines-plane-crash-nepal-airport-built-with-chinese-assistance-had-no-landing-guidance-system-554422">Nepal plane crash: Pokhara airport, built with Chinese assistance, did not have landing guidance system</a>

<img alt="Nepal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2c61ddd-1c2b-4ac3-8dad-e43eed4a8d7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2831%29_0.png" />

Nepal’s Pokhara International Airport, where the ill-fated Yeti Airlines plane having onboard 72 passengers was scheduled to land but crashed minutes before, did not have a working landing guiding system that helps planes land safely on runway, an airport official has revealed. A landing guiding system or instrument landing system helps pilots struggling with visibility maintain visual contact with surrounding obstacles and the ground.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-cuts-12000-jobs-6-of-global-workforce-554451">Google joins layoff spree, slashes 12,000 jobs across world offers 16 weeks of severance pay</a>

<img alt="Google" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="414beeeb-a13d-4c65-87cc-6747766c273d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2832%29_3.png" />

Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. said on Friday that it will cut about 12,000 jobs, amounting to more than 6 per cent of its global workforce. Alphabet became the latest tech giant from Silicon Valley to shrink its workforce after years of business growth and consequent hirings. The job cuts announced on Friday will affect staff worldwide and across the company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-asks-allies-to-dig-deeper-to-support-ukraine-kremlin-says-tanks-will-change-nothing-on-battlefield-554512">US asks allies to 'dig deeper' to support Ukraine; Kremlin says tanks will change 'nothing' on battlefield</a>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States on Friday (January 20) for a new security assistance package to the war-torn nation. While Western allies are mulling over further military aid, especially tanks, to Kyiv to help in its fight against Russia.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-know-what-happened-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-outlines-why-he-cannot-cut-taxes-says-people-are-not-idiots-554440">'You know what happened': UK PM Rishi Sunak outlines why he cannot cut taxes, says people are 'not idiots'</a>

<img alt="UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20fb4c65-a629-452f-a85c-ff0c46b3c256" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2834%29_1.png" />

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday said that he wished he could cut taxes but the current public finances are not in favourable condition.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-met-osama-let-leader-abdul-rehman-makki-denies-links-with-al-qaeda-554445">'Never met Osama': LeT leader Abdul Rehman Makki denies links with Al-Qaeda</a>

<img alt="Osama" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02fc9a99-dc09-458e-9065-6c6b69fa614d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2835%29_1.png" />

Abdul Rehman Makki, the Lashkar-e-Taiba`s (LeT's) deputy chief on Thursday (January 19) denied any links with Al-Qaeda, days after he was added to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) list of designated terrorists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-unrest-spreads-president-says-violence-will-not-go-unpunished-554305">Peru unrest spreads; President says violence will not go unpunished</a>

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As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellite-images-show-china-constructing-new-dam-close-to-borders-with-india-nepal-report-554376">Satellite images show China constructing new dam close to borders with India, Nepal: Report</a>

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Satellite images show that China is constructing a new dam in Tibet on a tributary of the Ganga, close to the tri-junction of its borders with India and Nepal. According to a report by Hindustan Times on Friday (January 20), this development comes in the wake of the Chinese government unveiling plans to build a super dam close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/instagram-rolls-out-quiet-mode-enhances-parental-supervision-for-teens-554517">Instagram rolls out 'Quiet Mode', enhances parental supervision for teens</a>

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Meta-owned Instagram launched the 'Quiet Mode' to discourage people from consistently being on the app. Targeted at teenagers, the 'Quiet Mode' will ensure that once enabled, they do not receive any notifications.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stunning-images-emerge-of-indias-new-parliament-building-554511/#green-building-554499">In Pics | Stunning images emerge of India’s new Parliament building</a>

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As the last-minute preparations continue, India's new Parliament building is set to be open this week, ahead of the Budget Session which will start on January 31. The photos of the triangular-shaped structure's interiors and exteriors have been published by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry (MoHUA) which is carrying out the Central Vista redevelopment and new Parliament construction. &nbsp;

The defence ministry of Russia on Friday stated that its forces took control of Klishchiivka which is near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. As per reports, aerial support was used to capture the village.

The defence ministry of Russia on Friday stated that its forces took control of Klishchiivka which is near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region of Ukraine. As per reports, aerial support was used to capture the village. In other news, an airport official said that the Pokhara International Airport in Nepal, where the ill-fated Yeti Airlines crashed, lacked a working landing guiding system which ensures that the plane landed safely on the runway. Meanwhile, Google's parent company Alphabet Inc announced that around 12,000 jobs will be cut down, which is equal to 6 per cent of the company's global workforce. Click on the links to read the full report Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims capture of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut Russia's defence ministry on Friday claimed that its forces had taken control of Klishchiivka, a settlement south of Bakhmut, which is in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. Nepal plane crash: Pokhara airport, built with Chinese assistance, did not have landing guidance system Nepal’s Pokhara International Airport, where the ill-fated Yeti Airlines plane having onboard 72 passengers was scheduled to land but crashed minutes before, did not have a working landing guiding system that helps planes land safely on runway, an airport official has revealed. A landing guiding system or instrument landing system helps pilots struggling with visibility maintain visual contact with surrounding obstacles and the ground. Google joins layoff spree, slashes 12,000 jobs across world offers 16 weeks of severance pay Google's parent company Alphabet Inc. said on Friday that it will cut about 12,000 jobs, amounting to more than 6 per cent of its global workforce. Alphabet became the latest tech giant from Silicon Valley to shrink its workforce after years of business growth and consequent hirings. The job cuts announced on Friday will affect staff worldwide and across the company. US asks allies to 'dig deeper' to support Ukraine; Kremlin says tanks will change 'nothing' on battlefield Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States on Friday (January 20) for a new security assistance package to the war-torn nation. While Western allies are mulling over further military aid, especially tanks, to Kyiv to help in its fight against Russia. 'You know what happened': UK PM Rishi Sunak outlines why he cannot cut taxes, says people are 'not idiots' UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday said that he wished he could cut taxes but the current public finances are not in favourable condition. 'Never met Osama': LeT leader Abdul Rehman Makki denies links with Al-Qaeda Abdul Rehman Makki, the Lashkar-e-Taiba`s (LeT's) deputy chief on Thursday (January 19) denied any links with Al-Qaeda, days after he was added to the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) list of designated terrorists. Peru unrest spreads; President says violence will not go unpunished As the anti-government protests in Peru intensify, thousands of protesters descended on the capital city of Lima on Thursday (January 19) angered by a rise in the death toll and calling for a sweeping change of government. Satellite images show China constructing new dam close to borders with India, Nepal: Report Satellite images show that China is constructing a new dam in Tibet on a tributary of the Ganga, close to the tri-junction of its borders with India and Nepal. According to a report by Hindustan Times on Friday (January 20), this development comes in the wake of the Chinese government unveiling plans to build a super dam close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tibet on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river. Instagram rolls out 'Quiet Mode', enhances parental supervision for teens Meta-owned Instagram launched the 'Quiet Mode' to discourage people from consistently being on the app. Targeted at teenagers, the 'Quiet Mode' will ensure that once enabled, they do not receive any notifications. In Pics | Stunning images emerge of India’s new Parliament building As the last-minute preparations continue, India's new Parliament building is set to be open this week, ahead of the Budget Session which will start on January 31. The photos of the triangular-shaped structure's interiors and exteriors have been published by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry (MoHUA) which is carrying out the Central Vista redevelopment and new Parliament construction.

Top 10 world news: Russia claims capture of Klishchiivka, Google joins layoff spree, and more

The grieving families of the victims of the Yeti Airlines plane crash are likely to lose out on millions in compensation because the Nepal government has not ratified the crucial air carriers' liability and insurance draft bill, according to a media report on Friday.

On January 15, a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed into a gorge near the newly-built airport in Pokhara, killing all the 72 passengers on board, including five Indians, in the country's worst air disaster in 30 years.&nbsp;

In 2020, Nepal finalised a draft bill on a system of liability for domestic flyers, two years after adopting the Montreal Convention 1999 that makes airlines liable in case of death or injury to passengers, The Kathmandu Post reported.&nbsp;

The air carriers' liability and insurance draft bill has proposed a five-fold increase in compensation in case of death or injury, the report said. As per the planned law, domestic airlines have to pay a minimum compensation of USD 100,000 for the injury or death of a passenger, it said.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-heartwrenching-images-emerge-from-nepal-plane-crash-site-552931">In Pics| Heartwrenching images emerge from Nepal plane crash site</a>

Currently, the minimum compensation for airline passenger death on a domestic flight in Nepal is USD 20,000, the report said.&nbsp;

The draft bill says that the carrier should make an advance payment where it determines it is necessary to meet the immediate economic needs of, and hardships suffered by, a passenger or the families of the victims, the report said.&nbsp;

A compensation claim should be filed within 60 days of the incident at the airline or its agents, according to the proposed law. Nepal's Tourism Ministry officials say the proposed legislation is a modified version of the Montreal Convention 1999 because there are a number of clauses that domestic airlines would not be able to comply with.

The draft bill for air carriers' liability and insurance has not taken into consideration liability for flight delays, including unlimited claims, the report said.&nbsp;

“The draft bill is ready and we have planned to table it at the Cabinet,” said Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, joint secretary at the Civil Aviation Ministry. “After the Cabinet gives the go-ahead, the bill will be tabled in Parliament,” he said.&nbsp;

Ministry officials lament the frequent changes in government and the political stability in Nepal as the reasons for the slow progress of the bill. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal appointed Sudan Kiranti as the new tourism minister.&nbsp;

The Yeti Airlines plane was insured by the Himalayan Everest Insurance Company, which said families of the victims may not have to wait long to receive compensation.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH| WION Dispatch | Nepal Plane Crash: Authorities starts returning bodies of crash victims

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Niraj Pradhan, senior manager at the underwriting department of Himalayan Everest Insurance Company, said independent surveyors sent by the reinsurance company abroad have already started work to assess the damage.&nbsp;

“It may not take much time for family members to receive their money, but it takes a long time to settle the claims of the aircraft,” Pradhan said. “We settled the claims arising from the Tara Air crash last May within three months,” he added.&nbsp;

Sudarsan Bartaula, the spokesperson for Yeti Airlines, said he expected payments to begin within a month after post-mortem reports. According to Nepal’s civil aviation body, 914 people have died in air crashes in the country since the first disaster was reported in August 1955.

Nepali domestic carriers fly more than 4 million passengers annually, it added.

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The grieving families of the victims of the Yeti Airlines plane crash are likely to lose out on millions in compensation because the Nepal government has not ratified the crucial air carriers' liability and insurance draft bill, according to a media report on Friday.

The grieving families of the victims of the Yeti Airlines plane crash are likely to lose out on millions in compensation because the Nepal government has not ratified the crucial air carriers' liability and insurance draft bill, according to a media report on Friday. On January 15, a Yeti Airlines aircraft crashed into a gorge near the newly-built airport in Pokhara, killing all the 72 passengers on board, including five Indians, in the country's worst air disaster in 30 years. In 2020, Nepal finalised a draft bill on a system of liability for domestic flyers, two years after adopting the Montreal Convention 1999 that makes airlines liable in case of death or injury to passengers, The Kathmandu Post reported. The air carriers' liability and insurance draft bill has proposed a five-fold increase in compensation in case of death or injury, the report said. As per the planned law, domestic airlines have to pay a minimum compensation of USD 100,000 for the injury or death of a passenger, it said. ALSO READ| In Pics| Heartwrenching images emerge from Nepal plane crash site Currently, the minimum compensation for airline passenger death on a domestic flight in Nepal is USD 20,000, the report said. The draft bill says that the carrier should make an advance payment where it determines it is necessary to meet the immediate economic needs of, and hardships suffered by, a passenger or the families of the victims, the report said. A compensation claim should be filed within 60 days of the incident at the airline or its agents, according to the proposed law. Nepal's Tourism Ministry officials say the proposed legislation is a modified version of the Montreal Convention 1999 because there are a number of clauses that domestic airlines would not be able to comply with. The draft bill for air carriers' liability and insurance has not taken into consideration liability for flight delays, including unlimited claims, the report said. “The draft bill is ready and we have planned to table it at the Cabinet,” said Buddhi Sagar Lamichhane, joint secretary at the Civil Aviation Ministry. “After the Cabinet gives the go-ahead, the bill will be tabled in Parliament,” he said. Ministry officials lament the frequent changes in government and the political stability in Nepal as the reasons for the slow progress of the bill. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal appointed Sudan Kiranti as the new tourism minister. The Yeti Airlines plane was insured by the Himalayan Everest Insurance Company, which said families of the victims may not have to wait long to receive compensation. WATCH| WION Dispatch | Nepal Plane Crash: Authorities starts returning bodies of crash victims Niraj Pradhan, senior manager at the underwriting department of Himalayan Everest Insurance Company, said independent surveyors sent by the reinsurance company abroad have already started work to assess the damage. “It may not take much time for family members to receive their money, but it takes a long time to settle the claims of the aircraft,” Pradhan said. “We settled the claims arising from the Tara Air crash last May within three months,” he added. Sudarsan Bartaula, the spokesperson for Yeti Airlines, said he expected payments to begin within a month after post-mortem reports. According to Nepal’s civil aviation body, 914 people have died in air crashes in the country since the first disaster was reported in August 1955. Nepali domestic carriers fly more than 4 million passengers annually, it 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

Grieving families of plane crash may miss out on millions in compensation due to delayed bill

Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival.&nbsp;Hundreds of people flocked to rooftops and terraces to fly their kites during the Uttarayan festival in India's western state of Gujarat during the weekend.

As per reports, the victims bled to death after their necks got entangled in razor-sharp kite strings, officials said Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Around 176 people suffered injuries due to cuts from strings or because they fell.

A few participants coat the strings of their kite with powdered glass so that the cords of the opponent can be sliced in the air. The practice was banned in 2016, however, critics claim that it is rarely enforced.

A two-year-old girl lost her life when her neck was cut by a kite string while she was on a scooter with her father, said an official from Bortalav police station, as cited by the PTI.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kai-po-che-gujarat-fills-with-colours-of-international-kite-festival-552464">Kai Po Che: Gujarat fills with colours of International Kite Festival</a>

It was said that the girl, whose name was Kriti, died while receiving treatment for injuries at a hospital on Sunday.

In another case, a three-year-old girl suffered a cut on her neck by the string when she was walking alongside her mother in the town of Visnagar on Saturday. The girl was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared her dead on arrival, said a police official in Visnagar.&nbsp;

Seven-year-old boy, Rishabh Verma, was riding on a scooter with his parents when the string suddenly struck him, said an official from Aji Dam police station.&nbsp;

As per the police, the department received similar reports from Kutch, Gandhinagar and Vadodara districts, where three people died in similar circumstances.&nbsp;

While speaking to the Guardian, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India's campaigner Nikunj Sharma had earlier said that people can suffer severe injuries by the use of 'Manja' made of nylon string and not cotton to fly kites.&nbsp;

“Unlike cotton strings these are non-biodegradable, don’t break easily and continue to cause injuries months after the festival,” said Sharma. &nbsp;

WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates kite festival in Jakarta

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In the largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, the police department warned people to avoid using the coated string during the kite&nbsp;festival.

“Do not use deadly Chinese Manja to fly kites,” the department stated. The participants were urged by police to remain careful while flying kites, adding that the “momentary fun” of cutting someone else' kite can come at the cost of a life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival.

Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival. Hundreds of people flocked to rooftops and terraces to fly their kites during the Uttarayan festival in India's western state of Gujarat during the weekend. As per reports, the victims bled to death after their necks got entangled in razor-sharp kite strings, officials said Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Around 176 people suffered injuries due to cuts from strings or because they fell. A few participants coat the strings of their kite with powdered glass so that the cords of the opponent can be sliced in the air. The practice was banned in 2016, however, critics claim that it is rarely enforced. A two-year-old girl lost her life when her neck was cut by a kite string while she was on a scooter with her father, said an official from Bortalav police station, as cited by the PTI. ALSO READ| Kai Po Che: Gujarat fills with colours of International Kite Festival It was said that the girl, whose name was Kriti, died while receiving treatment for injuries at a hospital on Sunday. In another case, a three-year-old girl suffered a cut on her neck by the string when she was walking alongside her mother in the town of Visnagar on Saturday. The girl was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared her dead on arrival, said a police official in Visnagar. Seven-year-old boy, Rishabh Verma, was riding on a scooter with his parents when the string suddenly struck him, said an official from Aji Dam police station. As per the police, the department received similar reports from Kutch, Gandhinagar and Vadodara districts, where three people died in similar circumstances. While speaking to the Guardian, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India's campaigner Nikunj Sharma had earlier said that people can suffer severe injuries by the use of 'Manja' made of nylon string and not cotton to fly kites. “Unlike cotton strings these are non-biodegradable, don’t break easily and continue to cause injuries months after the festival,” said Sharma. WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates kite festival in Jakarta In the largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, the police department warned people to avoid using the coated string during the kite festival. “Do not use deadly Chinese Manja to fly kites,” the department stated. The participants were urged by police to remain careful while flying kites, adding that the “momentary fun” of cutting someone else' kite can come at the cost of a life. (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

India: Three children among 6 killed as glass-coated kite string slits throats during kite festival

As per reports, 15 servicemen were killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a military barracks caught fire overnight in Armenia on Thursday, stated the defence ministry.&nbsp;

The fire "broke out in the barracks of an engineer and sniper company of a military unit", stated the ministry. "Fifteen servicemen were killed as a result... The condition of three (other) servicemen is assessed as serious," it added.&nbsp;

It stated that the fire broke out around 01:30 am on Thursday (2130 GMT Wednesday) in Azat's barracks, which is a village in Gegharkunik's eastern region, near Azerbaijan's border.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-blames-azerbaijan-and-russia-mentioning-food-shortage-in-nagorno-karabakh-545729">Armenia blames Azerbaijan and Russia for food shortage in Nagorno-Karabakh</a>

The accident was "a result of the violation of fire safety rules, during which prohibited substances were used", said Defence Minister Suren Papikyan, while speaking at a cabinet meeting where he gave the preliminary information.

"We are talking about gasoline," he added. An army corps commander and various senior officers were dismissed by Papikyan over the incident.&nbsp;

Investigators stated that a criminal investigation is being carried out into any kind of violation of the safety standards.

WATCH | WION Fineprint: Why are Armenia and Azerbaijan fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh?

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Around a dozen people had lost their lives in an explosion which was followed by a fire at Yerevan's busy market in August 2022.&nbsp;

The defence ministry of Armenia on Thursday said that one of its servicemen suffered injuries in Azerbaijani fire and that his condition is "serious".&nbsp;

While speaking to local media, the defence ministry of Azerbaijan denied any kind of open firing by its soldiers. Both sides keep accusing each other of breaking the truce that was finalised after Russia's mediation and led to the end of fighting between the two countries in 2020.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per reports, 15 servicemen were killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a military barracks caught fire overnight in Armenia on Thursday, stated the defence ministry.

As per reports, 15 servicemen were killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a military barracks caught fire overnight in Armenia on Thursday, stated the defence ministry. The fire "broke out in the barracks of an engineer and sniper company of a military unit", stated the ministry. "Fifteen servicemen were killed as a result... The condition of three (other) servicemen is assessed as serious," it added. It stated that the fire broke out around 01:30 am on Thursday (2130 GMT Wednesday) in Azat's barracks, which is a village in Gegharkunik's eastern region, near Azerbaijan's border. ALSO READ| Armenia blames Azerbaijan and Russia for food shortage in Nagorno-Karabakh The accident was "a result of the violation of fire safety rules, during which prohibited substances were used", said Defence Minister Suren Papikyan, while speaking at a cabinet meeting where he gave the preliminary information. "We are talking about gasoline," he added. An army corps commander and various senior officers were dismissed by Papikyan over the incident. Investigators stated that a criminal investigation is being carried out into any kind of violation of the safety standards. WATCH | WION Fineprint: Why are Armenia and Azerbaijan fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh? Around a dozen people had lost their lives in an explosion which was followed by a fire at Yerevan's busy market in August 2022. The defence ministry of Armenia on Thursday said that one of its servicemen suffered injuries in Azerbaijani fire and that his condition is "serious". While speaking to local media, the defence ministry of Azerbaijan denied any kind of open firing by its soldiers. Both sides keep accusing each other of breaking the truce that was finalised after Russia's mediation and led to the end of fighting between the two countries in 2020. (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

Blaze at Armenian military barracks kills 15, injures three

The Union government of India will not allow social media platforms to circulate any information that is identified as false, as per the new draft proposal of the IT rules of India released this week.&nbsp;This is the latest step in the many measures introduced by the Narendra Modi government being perceived as efforts to control the big technological firms.&nbsp;

Any kind of information which has been marked as "fake or false" by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or other agencies, which have been authorised for the purpose of fact-checking by the government or "by its department in which such business is transacted", will not be allowed on social media under the draft.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/propaganda-piece-and-colonial-mindset-india-slams-bbc-documentary-on-2002-gujarat-riots-554189">'Propaganda piece and colonial mindset': India slams BBC documentary on 2002 Gujarat riots</a>

After the information was identified as fake, "reasonable efforts" would have to be made by social media platforms or other "online intermediaries" to ensure the people do not "host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share" any such information, it stated.&nbsp;

The government had in October announced that it would set up a panel to hear users' complaints regarding social media firms' decisions related to content moderation. The social media firms already need to appoint executives and in-house grievance redressal officers to co-ordinate with officials of law enforcement.&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Fineprint | India the world's most populous country?

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Repeatedly, the government has faced tussles with different platforms which failed to fulfil their demands regarding the removal of certain accounts or content which were allegedly spreading misinformation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Union government of India will not allow social media platforms to circulate any information that is identified as false, as per the new draft proposal of the IT rules of India released this week.

The Union government of India will not allow social media platforms to circulate any information that is identified as false, as per the new draft proposal of the IT rules of India released this week. This is the latest step in the many measures introduced by the Narendra Modi government being perceived as efforts to control the big technological firms. Any kind of information which has been marked as "fake or false" by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or other agencies, which have been authorised for the purpose of fact-checking by the government or "by its department in which such business is transacted", will not be allowed on social media under the draft. ALSO READ | 'Propaganda piece and colonial mindset': India slams BBC documentary on 2002 Gujarat riots After the information was identified as fake, "reasonable efforts" would have to be made by social media platforms or other "online intermediaries" to ensure the people do not "host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share" any such information, it stated. The government had in October announced that it would set up a panel to hear users' complaints regarding social media firms' decisions related to content moderation. The social media firms already need to appoint executives and in-house grievance redressal officers to co-ordinate with officials of law enforcement. WATCH | WION Fineprint | India the world's most populous country? Repeatedly, the government has faced tussles with different platforms which failed to fulfil their demands regarding the removal of certain accounts or content which were allegedly spreading misinformation. (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

Indian government mulls identifying and banning ‘fake’ news on social media platforms

Two acquaintances of US Representative George Santos on Wednesday claimed that the latter competed in Brazilian beauty pageants as a drag queen 15 years ago, adding to contrasts which drew criticism over the staunchly conservative opinions of the gay Republican congressman.&nbsp;The embattled congressman Santos has also been asked to step down by his fellow New York Republicans after he faced allegations of fabricating his history and career.&nbsp;

A Brazilian performer, aged 58, who has been using the drag name Eula Rochard, claimed that she became friends with the now-congressman when Santos was cross-dressing in 2005 while participating in the gay pride parade which was being held for the first time in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro's suburb,&nbsp;

Rochard said that Santos took part in a drag beauty pageant in Rio de Janeiro three years later. &nbsp;

Another associate of Santos from Niteroi, who refused to be named, said that he took part in the drag queen beauty pageants and was aiming to become Miss Gay Rio de Janeiro.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/santos-to-lose-his-place-in-congress-if-found-breaking-campaign-finance-laws-says-committee-chairman-552946">Santos to lose his place in Congress if found breaking campaign-finance laws, says committee chairman</a>

Santos supports ‘don't say gay’ bill of Florida

Santos is the first gay Republican who clinched a seat in Congress, however, he has placed himself as someone with staunch conservative ideas on various social issues.

He supported the "don't say gay" bill of Florida which prohibits any kind of discussion on gender identity and sexual orientation in the classroom.&nbsp;

Responding to the criticism he received for supporting the bill, Santos said, "I am openly gay, have never had an issue with my sexual identity in the past decade, and I can tell you and assure you, I will always be an advocate for LGBTQ folks."

WATCH |&nbsp;US: George Santos rejects calls to resign, refuses to step down

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Rochard called Santos a "poor" drag queen wearing a simple black dress in 2005, however, she claimed "he came back to Niteroi with a lot of money" in 2008, wearing a flamboyant pink dress.&nbsp;

She added that Santos took part in a drag beauty pageant in 2008, but&nbsp;he lost. "He's changed a lot, but he was always a liar. He was always such a dreamer," Rochard added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two acquaintances of US Representative George Santos on Wednesday claimed that the latter competed in Brazilian beauty pageants as a drag queen 15 years ago, adding to contrasts which drew criticism over the staunchly conservative opinions of the gay Republican congressman.

Two acquaintances of US Representative George Santos on Wednesday claimed that the latter competed in Brazilian beauty pageants as a drag queen 15 years ago, adding to contrasts which drew criticism over the staunchly conservative opinions of the gay Republican congressman. The embattled congressman Santos has also been asked to step down by his fellow New York Republicans after he faced allegations of fabricating his history and career. A Brazilian performer, aged 58, who has been using the drag name Eula Rochard, claimed that she became friends with the now-congressman when Santos was cross-dressing in 2005 while participating in the gay pride parade which was being held for the first time in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro's suburb, Rochard said that Santos took part in a drag beauty pageant in Rio de Janeiro three years later. Another associate of Santos from Niteroi, who refused to be named, said that he took part in the drag queen beauty pageants and was aiming to become Miss Gay Rio de Janeiro. ALSO READ| Santos to lose his place in Congress if found breaking campaign-finance laws, says committee chairman Santos supports ‘don't say gay’ bill of Florida Santos is the first gay Republican who clinched a seat in Congress, however, he has placed himself as someone with staunch conservative ideas on various social issues. He supported the "don't say gay" bill of Florida which prohibits any kind of discussion on gender identity and sexual orientation in the classroom. Responding to the criticism he received for supporting the bill, Santos said, "I am openly gay, have never had an issue with my sexual identity in the past decade, and I can tell you and assure you, I will always be an advocate for LGBTQ folks." WATCH | US: George Santos rejects calls to resign, refuses to step down Rochard called Santos a "poor" drag queen wearing a simple black dress in 2005, however, she claimed "he came back to Niteroi with a lot of money" in 2008, wearing a flamboyant pink dress. She added that Santos took part in a drag beauty pageant in 2008, but he lost. "He's changed a lot, but he was always a liar. He was always such a dreamer," Rochard 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

US Rep Santos competed as drag queen in Brazilian beauty pageants, claim acquaintances

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, in his new memoir claimed that Nikki Haley plotted with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to become vice-president, when she was serving as the ambassador to the United Nations during Donald Trump's government, stated Guardian in a report.

Talking about his anger when Haley was able to get a personal Oval Office meeting with Trump without Pompeo's involvement, he writes that in fact John Kelly, who was Trump's chief of staff, was "played" by Haley, and instead of getting a meeting with Trump alone, Haley was accompanied by Ivanka and her husband, who held the position of senior advisors.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-urges-facebook-to-reinstate-his-account-as-he-gears-up-for-2024-run-553984">Trump urges Facebook to reinstate his account as he gears up for 2024 run</a>

“As best Kelly could tell,” writes Pompeo adding, “they were presenting a possible ‘Haley for vice-president’ option. I can’t confirm this, but (Kelly) was certain he had been played, and he was not happy about it. Clearly, this visit did not reflect a team effort but undermined our work for America.”&nbsp;

The whole controversy has been clearly stated in the new book of Pompeo titled "Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love" which is set to get published next week. The report was published by the Guardian after it received a copy of the book.

The story Haley is not only gossip added in the book which also claims that Trump had a “nutty idea” that Pompeo can hold the position of secretary of defence and secretary of state at the same time.

WATCH| Trump allies win seats on oversight committee, reflecting GOP priorities| Latest English News| WION

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However, the Haley story is firmly in Washington reportage's vein which Pompeo always disdains. It further confirms reports that Trump was actually considering removing Mike Pence from the position of vice president for Haley, a rumoured story which was completely denied by Trump in 2019.&nbsp;

It will also fuel reports claiming that fundraising is being carried out by Kushner’s family for Haley before her 2024 run.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, in his new memoir claimed that Nikki Haley plotted with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to become vice-president, when she was serving as the ambassador to the United Nations during Donald Trump's government, stated Guardian in a report.

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, in his new memoir claimed that Nikki Haley plotted with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner to become vice-president, when she was serving as the ambassador to the United Nations during Donald Trump's government, stated Guardian in a report. Talking about his anger when Haley was able to get a personal Oval Office meeting with Trump without Pompeo's involvement, he writes that in fact John Kelly, who was Trump's chief of staff, was "played" by Haley, and instead of getting a meeting with Trump alone, Haley was accompanied by Ivanka and her husband, who held the position of senior advisors. ALSO READ| Trump urges Facebook to reinstate his account as he gears up for 2024 run “As best Kelly could tell,” writes Pompeo adding, “they were presenting a possible ‘Haley for vice-president’ option. I can’t confirm this, but (Kelly) was certain he had been played, and he was not happy about it. Clearly, this visit did not reflect a team effort but undermined our work for America.” The whole controversy has been clearly stated in the new book of Pompeo titled "Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love" which is set to get published next week. The report was published by the Guardian after it received a copy of the book. The story Haley is not only gossip added in the book which also claims that Trump had a “nutty idea” that Pompeo can hold the position of secretary of defence and secretary of state at the same time. WATCH| Trump allies win seats on oversight committee, reflecting GOP priorities| Latest English News| WION However, the Haley story is firmly in Washington reportage's vein which Pompeo always disdains. It further confirms reports that Trump was actually considering removing Mike Pence from the position of vice president for Haley, a rumoured story which was completely denied by Trump in 2019. It will also fuel reports claiming that fundraising is being carried out by Kushner’s family for Haley before her 2024 run. (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

Mike Pompeo, in his memoir, accuses Nikki Haley of plotting with Ivanka, Kushner to become Trump's VP

The cyber authorities of China are set to censor social media to ensure that "rumours" regarding the pandemic do not create “gloomy sentiments” on the platforms during the lunar new year festival.&nbsp;The decision of censorship crackdown comes after it was estimated by health forecasting firm Airfinity that more than 600,000 people have lost their lives since the government suddenly lifted zero-Covid restrictions in December.&nbsp;

The “Spring Festival online improvement” programme, which will continue for a month, will target accounts which are considered spreading “rumours” about Covid and the experiences of the patient by the authorities.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/avalanche-strikes-tibet-killing-at-least-eight-china-helping-with-rescue-efforts-554002">Avalanche strikes Tibet, killing at least eight; China helping with rescue efforts</a>

The national cyber administration stated “in-depth rectification of false information and other issues to prevent gloomy sentiments”.&nbsp;

The administration specifically mentioned the probe and punishment of “online rumours related to the epidemic” and “fabricating patient experiences”, along with sharing or producing fake virus treatments. As per the announcement, the work would “prevent misleading the public and causing social panic”.

The social media platform is filled with personal stories of citizens who had contracted Covid, their struggle to source healthcare or medication, or their loss of close ones due to the disease.&nbsp;

As per the health officials, the wave of current infections has peaked, however, they further warned that the infections may spread further in the wake of millions of people travelling across the country during the lunar new year.&nbsp;

Independent forecaster Airfinity on Thursday stated that the new modelling has increased estimates of fatalities and infections in China.&nbsp;

WATCH| China: Covid containment still under stress but there is light ahead, says Xi Jinping

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The forecast of the organisation of two successive infection waves has been changed to one, which is "more severe and larger".&nbsp;

“Deaths are forecast to peak at 36,000 a day on the 26th of January during the Lunar New Year Festival. This is up from our previous estimate of deaths peaking at 25,000 a day,” the organisation stated.

“The implication of one larger wave as opposed to two smaller ones is increased pressure on hospitals and crematoriums and therefore also potentially a higher case fatality ratio," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The cyber authorities of China are set to censor social media to ensure that "rumours" regarding the pandemic do not create “gloomy sentiments” on the platforms during the lunar new year festival.

The cyber authorities of China are set to censor social media to ensure that "rumours" regarding the pandemic do not create “gloomy sentiments” on the platforms during the lunar new year festival. The decision of censorship crackdown comes after it was estimated by health forecasting firm Airfinity that more than 600,000 people have lost their lives since the government suddenly lifted zero-Covid restrictions in December. The “Spring Festival online improvement” programme, which will continue for a month, will target accounts which are considered spreading “rumours” about Covid and the experiences of the patient by the authorities. ALSO READ| Avalanche strikes Tibet, killing at least eight; China helping with rescue efforts The national cyber administration stated “in-depth rectification of false information and other issues to prevent gloomy sentiments”. The administration specifically mentioned the probe and punishment of “online rumours related to the epidemic” and “fabricating patient experiences”, along with sharing or producing fake virus treatments. As per the announcement, the work would “prevent misleading the public and causing social panic”. The social media platform is filled with personal stories of citizens who had contracted Covid, their struggle to source healthcare or medication, or their loss of close ones due to the disease. As per the health officials, the wave of current infections has peaked, however, they further warned that the infections may spread further in the wake of millions of people travelling across the country during the lunar new year. Independent forecaster Airfinity on Thursday stated that the new modelling has increased estimates of fatalities and infections in China. WATCH| China: Covid containment still under stress but there is light ahead, says Xi Jinping The forecast of the organisation of two successive infection waves has been changed to one, which is "more severe and larger". “Deaths are forecast to peak at 36,000 a day on the 26th of January during the Lunar New Year Festival. This is up from our previous estimate of deaths peaking at 25,000 a day,” the organisation stated. “The implication of one larger wave as opposed to two smaller ones is increased pressure on hospitals and crematoriums and therefore also potentially a higher case fatality ratio," 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

China announces censorship crackdown to remove Covid ‘rumours’ from internet

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