British PM Liz Truss has been forced to withdraw a proposal to cut the highest rate of income tax. This comes after several senior Conservative lawmakers opposed the move. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Truss faces a rebellion, one month into office

Former United States President Donald Trump has sued television network CNN for defamation and according to The Guardian, he will be seeking damages worth $ 475 million. According to the Florida court filing, Trump accused CNN of using its influence to “defeat Trump politically”.

“Beyond simply highlighting any negative information about the plaintiff and ignoring all positive information about him, CNN has sought to use its massive influence, purportedly as a ‘trusted’ news source, to defame the plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically,” the court filing stated according to a report by the Washington Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-state-duma-ratifies-documents-on-annexation-of-ukrainian-territories-522190" hreflang="en">Russia’s State Duma ratifies documents on annexation of Ukrainian territories</a>

Trump’s lawyers said that CNN attempted to ruin his name “with a series of ever-more scandalous, false, and defamatory labels of ‘racist,’ ‘Russian lackey,’ ‘insurrectionist,’ and ultimately ‘Hitler’”.

Trump is already embroiled in controversy with the Department of Justice looking into the classified documents found by the FBI during the raid on Mar-a-Lago. The raid was conducted after witnesses claimed that the residence housed a number of secret documents from Trump’s tenure as president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proposed-uk-tax-cuts-caused-a-little-turbulence-says-finance-minister-kwasi-kwarteng-522165" hreflang="en">Proposed UK tax cuts caused ‘a little turbulence’, says finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng</a>

During the raid, over 11,000 records were found with 100 marked classified, an affidavit claimed. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration.

Trump, however, denied all allegations and said that it was a ploy to attack him politically ahead of the mid-term elections. He also alleged that the FBI planted evidence at his Florida residence, but his lawyers did not include it officially in their arguments.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Former United States President Donald Trump has sued television network CNN for defamation and according to The Guardian, he will be seeking damages worth $ 475 million.

Former United States President Donald Trump has sued television network CNN for defamation and according to The Guardian, he will be seeking damages worth $ 475 million. According to the Florida court filing, Trump accused CNN of using its influence to “defeat Trump politically”. “Beyond simply highlighting any negative information about the plaintiff and ignoring all positive information about him, CNN has sought to use its massive influence, purportedly as a ‘trusted’ news source, to defame the plaintiff in the minds of its viewers and readers for the purpose of defeating him politically,” the court filing stated according to a report by the Washington Post. Also read | Russia’s State Duma ratifies documents on annexation of Ukrainian territories Trump’s lawyers said that CNN attempted to ruin his name “with a series of ever-more scandalous, false, and defamatory labels of ‘racist,’ ‘Russian lackey,’ ‘insurrectionist,’ and ultimately ‘Hitler’”. Trump is already embroiled in controversy with the Department of Justice looking into the classified documents found by the FBI during the raid on Mar-a-Lago. The raid was conducted after witnesses claimed that the residence housed a number of secret documents from Trump’s tenure as president. Also read | Proposed UK tax cuts caused ‘a little turbulence’, says finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng During the raid, over 11,000 records were found with 100 marked classified, an affidavit claimed. However, the DOJ later decreased the number of classified ones to 53 in their sworn declaration. Trump, however, denied all allegations and said that it was a ploy to attack him politically ahead of the mid-term elections. He also alleged that the FBI planted evidence at his Florida residence, but his lawyers did not include it officially in their arguments.

Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation, seeks damages worth $475 million

The United States will impose “further costs” on the Iranian officials responsible for violence during the anti-government protests in the middle eastern country following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, President Joe Biden said on Monday according to Reuters.

The 22-year-old Amini was arrested by the Iranian morality police for breaching the hijab law of the country and within a few hours, she died after sustaining serious injuries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-state-duma-ratifies-documents-on-annexation-of-ukrainian-territories-522190" hreflang="en">Russia’s State Duma ratifies documents on annexation of Ukrainian territories</a>

In the official statement, Biden said he was "gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Iran" and promised to come up with a swift response.

"This week, the United States will be imposing further costs on perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters. We will continue holding Iranian officials accountable and supporting the rights of Iranians to protest freely," Biden said during the official briefing.

"The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery," he added while speaking about the role in the military in quashing the protests.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-sues-cnn-for-defamation-seeks-damages-worth-475-million-522201" hreflang="en">Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation, seeks damages worth $ 475 million</a>

As per Reuters, on Monday,&nbsp;Canada also announced&nbsp;that it will be imposing fresh sanctions on the nation for alleged human rights violations including the death of Amini.

The fresh impositions add on to existing sanctions and include in the list 25 individuals and nine entities. These include officials from &nbsp;Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ministry of intelligence and security.

In a statement, the Canadian government said: "These sanctions are in response to gross human rights violations that have been committed in Iran, including its systematic persecution of women and in particular, the egregious actions committed by Iran's so-called 'Morality Police,' which led to the death of Mahsa Amini while under their custody."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US, Canada imposes fresh sanctions against Iran citing death of Mahsa Amini

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After Amini’s death, protests were held all around Iran with a number of women showing their dissent by taking off their hijabs and cutting their hair. According to official data, 130 people have been killed in the protests till now after the Iranian army intervened in the past few days.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday that the students in Iran are "rightly enraged" and these are the reasons why young people in Iran leave the country in large numbers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States will impose “further costs” on the Iranian officials responsible for violence during the anti-government protests in the middle eastern country following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, President Joe Biden said on Monday according to Reuters.

The United States will impose “further costs” on the Iranian officials responsible for violence during the anti-government protests in the middle eastern country following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, President Joe Biden said on Monday according to Reuters. The 22-year-old Amini was arrested by the Iranian morality police for breaching the hijab law of the country and within a few hours, she died after sustaining serious injuries. Also read | Russia’s State Duma ratifies documents on annexation of Ukrainian territories In the official statement, Biden said he was "gravely concerned about reports of the intensifying violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Iran" and promised to come up with a swift response. "This week, the United States will be imposing further costs on perpetrators of violence against peaceful protesters. We will continue holding Iranian officials accountable and supporting the rights of Iranians to protest freely," Biden said during the official briefing. "The United States stands with Iranian women and all the citizens of Iran who are inspiring the world with their bravery," he added while speaking about the role in the military in quashing the protests. Also read | Donald Trump sues CNN for defamation, seeks damages worth $ 475 million As per Reuters, on Monday, Canada also announced that it will be imposing fresh sanctions on the nation for alleged human rights violations including the death of Amini. The fresh impositions add on to existing sanctions and include in the list 25 individuals and nine entities. These include officials from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the ministry of intelligence and security. In a statement, the Canadian government said: "These sanctions are in response to gross human rights violations that have been committed in Iran, including its systematic persecution of women and in particular, the egregious actions committed by Iran's so-called 'Morality Police,' which led to the death of Mahsa Amini while under their custody." Watch | US, Canada imposes fresh sanctions against Iran citing death of Mahsa Amini After Amini’s death, protests were held all around Iran with a number of women showing their dissent by taking off their hijabs and cutting their hair. According to official data, 130 people have been killed in the protests till now after the Iranian army intervened in the past few days. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Monday that the students in Iran are "rightly enraged" and these are the reasons why young people in Iran leave the country in large numbers. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-hijab protest crackdown: US, Canada announce imposing 'further costs' on Iran

The State Duma – Russia’s lower parliament – has approved the annexation of the four Ukrainian territories following referendums which were considered to be “shams” by the United States and other western countries. According to the new treaties, they officially ratified the annexation of People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia.

The referendums held in the four Ukrainian regions caused a lot of controversy amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the Kremlin claimed that an overwhelming amount of people voted in favour of joining Russia, the claim was completely dismissed by the western nations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gas-leak-from-nord-stream-1-has-stopped-says-swedish-coast-guard-522069">Gas leak from Nord Stream 1 has stopped, says Swedish Coast Guard</a>

On Monday, the Duma unanimously approved the bills regarding the proposed annexation.

“This process is the logical continuation of the unification of Russian lands that began in 2014 with the return to Russia of the republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol,” Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who presented the bills to parliament, told local media according to Reuters.

“Both the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will keep their names as new territories of the Russian Federation”, authorities said in the Duma.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tv-journalist-who-criticised-putin-listed-wanted-after-fleeing-house-arrest-522120">Journalist who criticised Putin listed 'wanted' after fleeing house arrest</a>

Apart from keeping their names, the Russian parliament also approved that the official language in the regions will be Russian and they will also be using the Ruble as their official currency.

The Federation Council – the Russian Senate or the upper house of the parliament – will be voting on the annexation on Tuesday. However, Ukraine has challenged the entire process as they pointed out that the four regions are not currently under control of the Russian forces.

The State Duma – Russia’s lower parliament – has approved the annexation of the four Ukrainian territories following referendums which were considered to be “shams” by the United States and other western countries.

The State Duma – Russia’s lower parliament – has approved the annexation of the four Ukrainian territories following referendums which were considered to be “shams” by the United States and other western countries. According to the new treaties, they officially ratified the annexation of People’s Republics of Donetsk and Luhansk, as well as the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The referendums held in the four Ukrainian regions caused a lot of controversy amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the Kremlin claimed that an overwhelming amount of people voted in favour of joining Russia, the claim was completely dismissed by the western nations. Also read | Gas leak from Nord Stream 1 has stopped, says Swedish Coast Guard On Monday, the Duma unanimously approved the bills regarding the proposed annexation. “This process is the logical continuation of the unification of Russian lands that began in 2014 with the return to Russia of the republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol,” Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who presented the bills to parliament, told local media according to Reuters. “Both the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and the regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia will keep their names as new territories of the Russian Federation”, authorities said in the Duma. Also read | Journalist who criticised Putin listed 'wanted' after fleeing house arrest Apart from keeping their names, the Russian parliament also approved that the official language in the regions will be Russian and they will also be using the Ruble as their official currency. The Federation Council – the Russian Senate or the upper house of the parliament – will be voting on the annexation on Tuesday. However, Ukraine has challenged the entire process as they pointed out that the four regions are not currently under control of the Russian forces.

Russia’s State Duma ratifies documents on annexation of Ukrainian territories

British Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said that it has been a “tough day” as the government decided to not introduce the controversial tax cuts for high earners in the country. During his speech at the Conservative conference, Kwarteng said that the economic plan caused “a little turbulence”.

“It has been tough but we need to focus on the job in hand. We need to move forward. No more distractions. We have a plan and we need to get on and deliver it. That is what the public expect from the government,” the finance minister said according to The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-khamenei-blames-us-israel-for-protests-after-mahsa-aminis-death-522097" hreflang="en">Iran: Khamenei blames US, Israel for protests after Mahsa Amini's death</a>

In the mini-budget, Kwarteng announced that they will be implementing a 45 per cent tax cut for the top earners. However, it was met with a lot of criticism from all sides and in the aftermath of the budget, the pound fell to a record low against the United States dollar last week.

With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other major organisations not backing the move, the British government said on Monday that they will not be going forward with the tax cuts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-makes-u-turn-eliminates-tax-cut-for-high-earners-following-market-unrest-521963" hreflang="en">UK makes U-turn, eliminates tax cut for high earners following market unrest</a>

While the measures will not be implemented at the moment, the finance minister made it clear that the government will be looking to introduce tax cuts in a bid to boost the economy.

“Because with energy bills skyrocketing, a painful Covid aftermath, war on our continent, a 70-year-high tax burden, slowing global growth rates and glacially slow infrastructure delivery, we couldn’t simply do nothing. We can’t sit idly by. What Britain needs more than ever is economic growth.”

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

British Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said that it has been a “tough day” as the government decided to not introduce the controversial tax cuts for high earners in the country.

British Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng said that it has been a “tough day” as the government decided to not introduce the controversial tax cuts for high earners in the country. During his speech at the Conservative conference, Kwarteng said that the economic plan caused “a little turbulence”. “It has been tough but we need to focus on the job in hand. We need to move forward. No more distractions. We have a plan and we need to get on and deliver it. That is what the public expect from the government,” the finance minister said according to The Guardian. Also read | Iran: Khamenei blames US, Israel for protests after Mahsa Amini's death In the mini-budget, Kwarteng announced that they will be implementing a 45 per cent tax cut for the top earners. However, it was met with a lot of criticism from all sides and in the aftermath of the budget, the pound fell to a record low against the United States dollar last week. With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other major organisations not backing the move, the British government said on Monday that they will not be going forward with the tax cuts. Also read | UK makes U-turn, eliminates tax cut for high earners following market unrest While the measures will not be implemented at the moment, the finance minister made it clear that the government will be looking to introduce tax cuts in a bid to boost the economy. “Because with energy bills skyrocketing, a painful Covid aftermath, war on our continent, a 70-year-high tax burden, slowing global growth rates and glacially slow infrastructure delivery, we couldn’t simply do nothing. We can’t sit idly by. What Britain needs more than ever is economic growth.”

Proposed UK tax cuts caused ‘a little turbulence’, says finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng

The death toll in Florida, US, remained uncertain amid reports of casualties as Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Thursday. Although the storm moved slowly towards North Carolina, it left behind a trail of damaged power lines, broken homes, and dangerous waterlogging across the state.&nbsp;

There were reports that at least 44&nbsp;people have died till now.

Around 2.5 million people in the state were left without power after the storm damaged multiple grids and some of the others were shut down as a precaution. Both Governor Ron DeSantis and US President Joe Biden pledged help for the victims, but the rescue process could only begin after the storm ended.&nbsp;

"We fully expect to have mortality from this hurricane," DeSantis told reporters according to AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-recognises-independence-of-two-ukraine-regions-521040" hreflang="en">Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions</a>

While the exact number is not clear, there have been some casualties in different parts of Florida. In Charlotte County, the spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said that the area was badly impacted by the dangerous waterlogging and multiple people were dead in the aftermath of the storm.&nbsp;

A similar statement was issued in Sarasota County where two people were suspected dead.&nbsp;

In Deltona, a 72-year-old was confirmed dead after he went outside in the storm.&nbsp;

The storm, described as the ‘deadliest in recent US history’ by authorities, is slowly moving towards the Carolinas and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper urged residents to "take necessary precautions". &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;'Hurricane Ian could be the deadliest one in Florida's history'

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"This storm is still dangerous," Cooper said in an official statement.&nbsp;

Earlier, Biden promised the residents of Florida that the federal government will be providing aid. &nbsp;

During a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at its headquarters in Washington, Biden said, "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history. The numbers... are still unclear, but we're hearing reports of what may be a substantial loss of life."&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The death toll in Florida, US, remained uncertain amid reports of casualties as Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Thursday. Although the storm moved slowly towards North Carolina, it left behind a trail of damaged power lines, broken homes, and dangerous waterlogging across the state.

The death toll in Florida, US, remained uncertain amid reports of casualties as Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Thursday. Although the storm moved slowly towards North Carolina, it left behind a trail of damaged power lines, broken homes, and dangerous waterlogging across the state. There were reports that at least 44 people have died till now. Around 2.5 million people in the state were left without power after the storm damaged multiple grids and some of the others were shut down as a precaution. Both Governor Ron DeSantis and US President Joe Biden pledged help for the victims, but the rescue process could only begin after the storm ended. "We fully expect to have mortality from this hurricane," DeSantis told reporters according to AFP. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions While the exact number is not clear, there have been some casualties in different parts of Florida. In Charlotte County, the spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said that the area was badly impacted by the dangerous waterlogging and multiple people were dead in the aftermath of the storm. A similar statement was issued in Sarasota County where two people were suspected dead. In Deltona, a 72-year-old was confirmed dead after he went outside in the storm. The storm, described as the ‘deadliest in recent US history’ by authorities, is slowly moving towards the Carolinas and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper urged residents to "take necessary precautions". WATCH | 'Hurricane Ian could be the deadliest one in Florida's history' "This storm is still dangerous," Cooper said in an official statement. Earlier, Biden promised the residents of Florida that the federal government will be providing aid. During a briefing at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at its headquarters in Washington, Biden said, "This could be the deadliest hurricane in Florida history. The numbers... are still unclear, but we're hearing reports of what may be a substantial loss of life."

At least 44 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida

At least 32 people, including&nbsp;girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday. The incident took place as the students were preparing for an examination.&nbsp;

After the blast, a&nbsp;police spokesman said,&nbsp;"Students were preparing for an exam when a suicide bomber struck at this educational centre."&nbsp;

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There were videos circulating on social media right after the incident which showed the bodies of the victims amidst the rubble and the people present at the spot trying to help the wounded.

"Security teams have reached the site, the nature of the attack and the details of the casualties will be released later," the interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor tweeted after the blast.&nbsp;

"Attacking civilian targets proves the enemy's inhuman cruelty and lack of moral standards," said officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-hikes-benchmark-repo-rate-by-50-basis-points-to-a-three-year-high-of-59-per-cent-521092">RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9%</a>

The blast took place in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul – an area notorious for violence even before the Taliban took back control in Afghanistan. In 2021, Reuters reported that 85 people -- mainly girl students -- were killed and about 300 were wounded when three bombs exploded near their school.&nbsp;

The neighbourhood is also the residence of the minority Hazara community.&nbsp;

While the Islamic State took responsibility for the blast in 2021, no group has come forward in the aftermath of Friday’s blast. The attack on women’s education has intensified after the Taliban’s return with official restrictions on dress codes as well as the right to higher education in various institutions.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least 32 people, including girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday.

At least 32 people, including girl students, were killed and dozens injured after a suicide attack at a learning centre in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday. The incident took place as the students were preparing for an examination. After the blast, a police spokesman said, "Students were preparing for an exam when a suicide bomber struck at this educational centre." Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day There were videos circulating on social media right after the incident which showed the bodies of the victims amidst the rubble and the people present at the spot trying to help the wounded. "Security teams have reached the site, the nature of the attack and the details of the casualties will be released later," the interior ministry spokesman Abdul Nafy Takor tweeted after the blast. "Attacking civilian targets proves the enemy's inhuman cruelty and lack of moral standards," said officials. Also read | RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9% The blast took place in the Dasht-e-Barchi neighbourhood of Kabul – an area notorious for violence even before the Taliban took back control in Afghanistan. In 2021, Reuters reported that 85 people -- mainly girl students -- were killed and about 300 were wounded when three bombs exploded near their school. The neighbourhood is also the residence of the minority Hazara community. While the Islamic State took responsibility for the blast in 2021, no group has come forward in the aftermath of Friday’s blast. The attack on women’s education has intensified after the Taliban’s return with official restrictions on dress codes as well as the right to higher education in various institutions.

Kabul blast: At least 32, including students, killed in suicide attack on educational centre

When Kalki Krishnamurthy wrote <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/all-about-ponniyin-selvan-the-book-series-on-which-mani-ratnams-film-is-based-520878">'Ponniyin Selvan'&nbsp;</a>back in 1950, it is said that he always expected it to become a movie. Attempts were made by the legendary Tamil actor MGR in 1958 and Kamal Haasan in the 1980s to bring the story to the big screen but it was not achieved for a variety of reasons. However, after decades of waiting, legendary director <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mani-ratnam-to-wion-ponniyin-selvan-1-was-difficult-to-adapt-holds-relevance-in-todays-time-519897">Mani Ratnam</a> has finally realised the dream and the final product is something that stands apart in the era of “super-sized blockbusters”.&nbsp;

A comet appears on the sky and it is hungry for royal blood. Reigning emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) may not live long and battle of succession seems inevitable. While the elder son Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) is the next in line, his younger brother Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) is beloved among the people. Add to that a couple of contenders in Madurantakan (actor Rahman) as well as Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R Sarathkumar) and we have our very own 'Game of Thrones'.&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ponniyin-selvan-sobhita-dhulipala-introduced-as-quick-witted-courteous-vanathi-512781">movie</a> largely benefits from having a source material which is considered to be one of the milestones in Tamil literature. While no protagonist gets massive screen time alone, it is the overall story which keeps the audience engaged. Comparisons with a movie like Bahubali is natural in this case but the loud bravado is mostly missing and is replaced with the study of human ambition.&nbsp;

Karthi plays the role of Aditha’s trusted lieutenant Vandiyathevan and it is through the eyes of this character that the audience is introduced to the world of 'Ponniyin Selvan'. The actor brings a certain mischief and playfulness to the character which instantly makes him a favourite among the audience. Vikram brings out an emotional side in the hot-tempered Aditha while Jayam Ravi takes some time but ultimately settles down well as the regal and much-loved Arunmozhi.&nbsp;

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While the men wage wars in the film, it is the women who are the strategists and politicians. Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar who has secrets from her past, and Princess Kundavai (Trisha) find themselves in a battle of wits which proves crucial for the future of the Chola empire. Aishwarya plays the complicated antagonist to perfection, and she will&nbsp;surely play a huge part in the sequel, but&nbsp;it is Trisha who shines thanks to the wit and confidence she brings to Kundavai.&nbsp;

The rest of the supporting cast also impresses with Jayram playing Vaishnavite priest Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayram) and R Sarathkumar playing Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar deserving the most appreciation. Cinematographer Ravi Varman’s frames breathe life into the beauty and extravagance of the empire while also providing a unique insight into the battle scenes. Add to that AR Rahman’s engaging background music and songs and the audience are given a film which truly feels like a magnum opus.&nbsp;

While the story does cover most bases, there are some arcs that leave a bit more to be desired. The plot involving the Pandyans seems extremely one-tracked and in the world where epic films are expected to deliver “mass scenes”, 'Ponniyin Selvan'&nbsp;chooses to move at a comfortable pace. The VFX also adds more opulence to the film but the climax sequence fails to reach great heights.&nbsp;

At 167 minutes, the film takes its time to establish all the characters and their motivations in a way that makes the audience curious about the sequel. The elaborate sets and picturesque locations provide the perfect backdrop for the clash of kings, but it is ultimately human emotions that are laid bare on the screen. Right now, the job is only half done with 'Ponniyin Selvan II' releasing in 2023 but it can safely be said that Mani Ratnam’s latest does justice to Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic. &nbsp;

When Kalki Krishnamurthy wrote 'Ponniyin Selvan' back in 1950, it is said that he always expected it to become a movie. Attempts were made by the legendary Tamil actor MGR in 1958 and Kamal Haasan in the 1980s to bring the story to the big screen but it was not achieved for a variety of reasons.

When Kalki Krishnamurthy wrote 'Ponniyin Selvan' back in 1950, it is said that he always expected it to become a movie. Attempts were made by the legendary Tamil actor MGR in 1958 and Kamal Haasan in the 1980s to bring the story to the big screen but it was not achieved for a variety of reasons. However, after decades of waiting, legendary director Mani Ratnam has finally realised the dream and the final product is something that stands apart in the era of “super-sized blockbusters”. A comet appears on the sky and it is hungry for royal blood. Reigning emperor Sundara Chola (Prakash Raj) may not live long and battle of succession seems inevitable. While the elder son Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) is the next in line, his younger brother Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) is beloved among the people. Add to that a couple of contenders in Madurantakan (actor Rahman) as well as Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar (R Sarathkumar) and we have our very own 'Game of Thrones'. The movie largely benefits from having a source material which is considered to be one of the milestones in Tamil literature. While no protagonist gets massive screen time alone, it is the overall story which keeps the audience engaged. Comparisons with a movie like Bahubali is natural in this case but the loud bravado is mostly missing and is replaced with the study of human ambition. Karthi plays the role of Aditha’s trusted lieutenant Vandiyathevan and it is through the eyes of this character that the audience is introduced to the world of 'Ponniyin Selvan'. The actor brings a certain mischief and playfulness to the character which instantly makes him a favourite among the audience. Vikram brings out an emotional side in the hot-tempered Aditha while Jayam Ravi takes some time but ultimately settles down well as the regal and much-loved Arunmozhi. While the men wage wars in the film, it is the women who are the strategists and politicians. Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), the wife of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar who has secrets from her past, and Princess Kundavai (Trisha) find themselves in a battle of wits which proves crucial for the future of the Chola empire. Aishwarya plays the complicated antagonist to perfection, and she will surely play a huge part in the sequel, but it is Trisha who shines thanks to the wit and confidence she brings to Kundavai. The rest of the supporting cast also impresses with Jayram playing Vaishnavite priest Azhwarkadiyan Nambi (Jayram) and R Sarathkumar playing Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar deserving the most appreciation. Cinematographer Ravi Varman’s frames breathe life into the beauty and extravagance of the empire while also providing a unique insight into the battle scenes. Add to that AR Rahman’s engaging background music and songs and the audience are given a film which truly feels like a magnum opus. While the story does cover most bases, there are some arcs that leave a bit more to be desired. The plot involving the Pandyans seems extremely one-tracked and in the world where epic films are expected to deliver “mass scenes”, 'Ponniyin Selvan' chooses to move at a comfortable pace. The VFX also adds more opulence to the film but the climax sequence fails to reach great heights. At 167 minutes, the film takes its time to establish all the characters and their motivations in a way that makes the audience curious about the sequel. The elaborate sets and picturesque locations provide the perfect backdrop for the clash of kings, but it is ultimately human emotions that are laid bare on the screen. Right now, the job is only half done with 'Ponniyin Selvan II' releasing in 2023 but it can safely be said that Mani Ratnam’s latest does justice to Kalki Krishnamurthy’s epic.

'Ponniyin Selvan I' review: Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus mostly hits the right notes

The COVID-19 pandemic is somewhat under control in China at the moment, but the country is still feeling the negative impact it had on the economy. According to South China Morning Post, overseas investment has gone down by 20.3 per cent between June and July in Shanghai while the GDP of the entire country has plummeted from 10.6 per cent in 2010 to&nbsp;5.1 per cent in 2020-2021.&nbsp;

The main reason behind the sharp fall in overseas investment was the decisions taken by several multinational companies to shut down their operations in China. Airbnb was the first big name to leave the country with various European and American companies looking to follow their example.&nbsp;

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With China’s relationship with western countries getting worse in the last few years and the Zero Covid policy restricting the economy even further, even local businesses are not happy with a few policies and it is clear from the fact that the economy expanded by just 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2022.&nbsp;

“What is really making people vigilant are the many anomalies in the economic data. It seems that the old economic rules are being broken, making it hard for people to form clear expectations and have strong confidence in the country’s economic outlook,” Xu Gao, a senior economist with Bank of China International, wrote on news portal Sina.com last week, according to SCMP.&nbsp;

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However, China has taken a few positive steps in the last month with Premier Li Keqiang making it clear recently that they will be opening up the country to boost tourism and the economy.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The COVID-19 pandemic is somewhat under control in China at the moment, but the country is still feeling the negative impact it had on the economy. According to South China Morning Post, overseas investment has gone down by 20.

The COVID-19 pandemic is somewhat under control in China at the moment, but the country is still feeling the negative impact it had on the economy. According to South China Morning Post, overseas investment has gone down by 20.3 per cent between June and July in Shanghai while the GDP of the entire country has plummeted from 10.6 per cent in 2010 to 5.1 per cent in 2020-2021. The main reason behind the sharp fall in overseas investment was the decisions taken by several multinational companies to shut down their operations in China. Airbnb was the first big name to leave the country with various European and American companies looking to follow their example. Also read | At least 12 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida With China’s relationship with western countries getting worse in the last few years and the Zero Covid policy restricting the economy even further, even local businesses are not happy with a few policies and it is clear from the fact that the economy expanded by just 0.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2022. “What is really making people vigilant are the many anomalies in the economic data. It seems that the old economic rules are being broken, making it hard for people to form clear expectations and have strong confidence in the country’s economic outlook,” Xu Gao, a senior economist with Bank of China International, wrote on news portal Sina.com last week, according to SCMP. Also read | United States, South Korea and Japan conduct trilateral anti-submarine drills However, China has taken a few positive steps in the last month with Premier Li Keqiang making it clear recently that they will be opening up the country to boost tourism and the economy.

Chinese economy continues to struggle amid 'erratic' policies and decisions

In a big legal victory for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, its vice president Maryam Nawaz was on Thursday acquitted by a high court in a corruption case which will allow her to contest elections. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) accepted the appeal of Maryam, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and that of her husband Muhammad Safdar who had challenged their convictions by an anti-corruption court in the Avenfield property case in July 2018.&nbsp;

The Avenfield case refers to the purchase of four posh flats in Avenfield House, Park Lane in London. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani hearing their appeals said the opinion of the investigating officer could not be considered as evidence.&nbsp;

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The joint investigation team did not present any facts, it just collected information, Justice Kayani observed. At the conclusion of the case, the bench held that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the prosecutor in the case, failed to establish the charges of corruption.&nbsp;

The NAB had accused the Sharifs of purchasing the flats with money over and above their known sources of income. The Sharifs rejected the accusation of wrongdoing but were unable to show where the money for the flats had come from. The NAB in September had admitted before the IHC that the PML-N leader had no direct role in purchasing the Avenfield properties.&nbsp;

Thursday’s verdict has paved the way for Maryam, 48, to be eligible to contest elections. Lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig said: A person who has been convicted of a crime involving corruption or moral turpitude is disqualified from contesting elections unless a period of five years has lapsed since their release." Maryam in a brief chat with the media outside the court said they had been vindicated.&nbsp;

As she talked to the media, she also spoke to her father Nawaz Sharif in London and also received another call from her uncle Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who congratulated her on her acquittal. The Prime Minister later in his reaction to the verdict said the edifice of lies, slander and character assassination had come crumbling down.&nbsp;

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Maryam’s acquittal in the Avenfield reference is a slap in the face of the so-called accountability system that was employed to target the Sharif family. My congratulations to Maryam beti (daughter) and Safdar, he tweeted. “Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif’s connection to the assets beyond means has not been proven," remarked the court on Thursday.&nbsp;

“How do Wajid Zia’s statement and the material presented to prove the prosecution’s case?" the court inquired. Zia was the investigating officer who headed the joint investigation team (JIT) that probed the Panama gate, leading to the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif.&nbsp;

While Maryam and her husband were convicted along with the PML-N supremo, the elder Sharif was handed down 10 years in jail, his daughter sentenced to seven years in prison, and her husband was sentenced to one year in prison. They had filed appeals against their conviction before the IHC in the second week of August 2018 and the court had on September 18 the same year suspended their sentences and released them on bail.&nbsp;

The elder Sharif’s appeal is still pending as has been living in London and failed to appear before the court despite being given several opportunities. Overturning the conviction of his daughter, however, opens a window for him to come back and get his bail processed with the hope to get relief.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a big legal victory for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, its vice president Maryam Nawaz was on Thursday acquitted by a high court in a corruption case which will allow her to contest elections.

In a big legal victory for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, its vice president Maryam Nawaz was on Thursday acquitted by a high court in a corruption case which will allow her to contest elections. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) accepted the appeal of Maryam, daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, and that of her husband Muhammad Safdar who had challenged their convictions by an anti-corruption court in the Avenfield property case in July 2018. The Avenfield case refers to the purchase of four posh flats in Avenfield House, Park Lane in London. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani hearing their appeals said the opinion of the investigating officer could not be considered as evidence. Also read | Death toll remains uncertain as Hurricane Ian causes devastation in Florida The joint investigation team did not present any facts, it just collected information, Justice Kayani observed. At the conclusion of the case, the bench held that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), the prosecutor in the case, failed to establish the charges of corruption. The NAB had accused the Sharifs of purchasing the flats with money over and above their known sources of income. The Sharifs rejected the accusation of wrongdoing but were unable to show where the money for the flats had come from. The NAB in September had admitted before the IHC that the PML-N leader had no direct role in purchasing the Avenfield properties. Thursday’s verdict has paved the way for Maryam, 48, to be eligible to contest elections. Lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig said: A person who has been convicted of a crime involving corruption or moral turpitude is disqualified from contesting elections unless a period of five years has lapsed since their release." Maryam in a brief chat with the media outside the court said they had been vindicated. As she talked to the media, she also spoke to her father Nawaz Sharif in London and also received another call from her uncle Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who congratulated her on her acquittal. The Prime Minister later in his reaction to the verdict said the edifice of lies, slander and character assassination had come crumbling down. Also read | After UK and Amsterdam, women in Afghanistan protest over Amini's death Maryam’s acquittal in the Avenfield reference is a slap in the face of the so-called accountability system that was employed to target the Sharif family. My congratulations to Maryam beti (daughter) and Safdar, he tweeted. “Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif’s connection to the assets beyond means has not been proven," remarked the court on Thursday. “How do Wajid Zia’s statement and the material presented to prove the prosecution’s case?" the court inquired. Zia was the investigating officer who headed the joint investigation team (JIT) that probed the Panama gate, leading to the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif. While Maryam and her husband were convicted along with the PML-N supremo, the elder Sharif was handed down 10 years in jail, his daughter sentenced to seven years in prison, and her husband was sentenced to one year in prison. They had filed appeals against their conviction before the IHC in the second week of August 2018 and the court had on September 18 the same year suspended their sentences and released them on bail. The elder Sharif’s appeal is still pending as has been living in London and failed to appear before the court despite being given several opportunities. Overturning the conviction of his daughter, however, opens a window for him to come back and get his bail processed with the hope to get relief.

Pakistan's ex-PM Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam acquitted in corruption case

The Reserve Bank of India announced on Friday that it will be raising its benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.90 per cent in order to combat the growing inflation. This was the fourth time that the rates were increased since May mirroring the steps taken by major banks all around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In August, the retail inflation rate of India jumped to 7 per cent from 6.7 per cent in July. &nbsp;The Indian Rupee has also taken quite a hit as it breached the 81-mark against the United States dollar.&nbsp;

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“The global economy is in the eye of the storm, but India has withstood shocks over the last two years,” the RBI governor said. Inflation is hovering around 7 percent and is expected to remain around 6 per cent in the second half of the year. “Inflation rates remain elevated food items,” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said.&nbsp;

"The GDP grew by 13.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter," he added according to Reuters.&nbsp;

In the past week, several international banks have also increased their rates in order to stabilise the situation caused by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The US Federal Reserve hiked its rates to a 14-year high while the Bank of England also increased its rates amid massive economic distress in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

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The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) went up by 13.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2022 for India but it was still under the RBI projection of 16.2 per cent. &nbsp;

With the supply chain getting severely affected by the ongoing crisis, it remains doubtful if the GDP will be able to grow according to the RBI projection of 7.2 per cent for the entire year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Reserve Bank of India announced on Friday that it will be raising its benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.90 per cent in order to combat the growing inflation.

The Reserve Bank of India announced on Friday that it will be raising its benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.90 per cent in order to combat the growing inflation. This was the fourth time that the rates were increased since May mirroring the steps taken by major banks all around the world. In August, the retail inflation rate of India jumped to 7 per cent from 6.7 per cent in July. The Indian Rupee has also taken quite a hit as it breached the 81-mark against the United States dollar. Also read | At least 12 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida “The global economy is in the eye of the storm, but India has withstood shocks over the last two years,” the RBI governor said. Inflation is hovering around 7 percent and is expected to remain around 6 per cent in the second half of the year. “Inflation rates remain elevated food items,” RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said. "The GDP grew by 13.5 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter," he added according to Reuters. In the past week, several international banks have also increased their rates in order to stabilise the situation caused by the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The US Federal Reserve hiked its rates to a 14-year high while the Bank of England also increased its rates amid massive economic distress in the United Kingdom. Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) went up by 13.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2022 for India but it was still under the RBI projection of 16.2 per cent. With the supply chain getting severely affected by the ongoing crisis, it remains doubtful if the GDP will be able to grow according to the RBI projection of 7.2 per cent for the entire year. (With inputs from agencies)

RBI hikes benchmark repo rate by 50 basis points to a three-year high of 5.9 per cent

The Indian government has ordered internet companies to block 67 pornographic websites following court orders and for violating the new IT rules that were issued in 2021.

In an email sent to internet service providers, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has asked them to block 63 websites based on the order of a Pune court, and block 4 websites based on the order of the Uttarakhand High Court and directions issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

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“MeitY in compliance of the said (Uttarakhand High court) order read along with rule 3(2)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and in view of certain obscene material available in the below-mentioned website that tarnishes the image of modesty of women, has directed to immediately take down (block) the … websites/URLs,” the DoT order dated September 24 said.

The IT Rules 2021 invoked by MeitY mandates IT companies to remove or disable access to content hosted, stored, or published by them that “shows such individual in full or partial nudity or shows or depicts such individual in any sexual act or conduct” and also content which is allegedly impersonated or artificially morphed.&nbsp;

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The Indian government has ordered internet companies to block 67 pornographic websites following court orders and for violating the new IT rules that were issued in 2021.

The Indian government has ordered internet companies to block 67 pornographic websites following court orders and for violating the new IT rules that were issued in 2021. In an email sent to internet service providers, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has asked them to block 63 websites based on the order of a Pune court, and block 4 websites based on the order of the Uttarakhand High Court and directions issued by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). Also read | Putin recognises independence of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions “MeitY in compliance of the said (Uttarakhand High court) order read along with rule 3(2)(b) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and in view of certain obscene material available in the below-mentioned website that tarnishes the image of modesty of women, has directed to immediately take down (block) the … websites/URLs,” the DoT order dated September 24 said. The IT Rules 2021 invoked by MeitY mandates IT companies to remove or disable access to content hosted, stored, or published by them that “shows such individual in full or partial nudity or shows or depicts such individual in any sexual act or conduct” and also content which is allegedly impersonated or artificially morphed.

Indian government order blocking of 67 pornographic websites

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