Soaring food prices pushed British consumer price inflation to a 40-year high of 9.1% last month, the highest rate out of the Group of Seven countries and one which underlines the severity of the country's cost-of-living crunch.

The reading was up from 9.0% in April and matched the consensus of a Reuters poll of economists. Records from the Office for National Statistics show May's inflation was the highest since March 1982 - and worse is likely to come.

Sterling, one of the weakest currencies against the U.S. dollar this year, fell below $1.22, down 0.6% on the day, before later recovering.

Some investors judge Britain to be at risk of both persistently high inflation and recession, reflecting its large, imported energy bill and ongoing Brexit-related friction which could further hurt trade ties with the European Union.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/man-releases-footage-of-flying-object-calls-british-town-ufo-hotspot-490584" hreflang="en">Man releases footage of 'flying object', calls British town 'UFO hotspot'</a>

"With the economic outlook so unclear, no one knows how high inflation could go, and how long it will continue for - making fiscal and monetary policy judgements particularly tough," said Jack Leslie, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation think tank.

Earlier on Wednesday the Resolution Foundation said the cost-of-living hit for households was being compounded by Brexit, with damaging long-term implications for productivity and wages. read more

Average pay is not keeping up with inflation and trade unions have warned of widespread strikes in the coming months. Railway staff have already staged mass walkouts this week.

Britain's headline inflation rate in May was higher than in the United States, France, Germany and Italy. While Japan and Canada have yet to report consumer price data for May, neither are likely to come close.

A man shops for fruit and vegetables at Brixton Market, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in London, Britain, September 27, 2020. REUTERS/Simon Dawson

The Bank of England said last week that inflation was likely to remain above 9% over the coming months before peaking at slightly above 11% in October, when regulated household energy bills are due to rise again.

Financial markets show interest rates in Britain are on course to rise above 3% around the turn of the year from 1.25% now, although most economists think waning economic growth means the BoE will raise rates by less than that.

Finance minister Rishi Sunak said after the data that the British government was doing all it could to combat a surge in prices and the central bank would act "forcefully" to contain inflation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-4-to-5-rape-cases-daily-pakistans-punjab-declares-rape-emergency-490546">With 4 to 5 rape cases daily, Pakistan's Punjab declares 'rape emergency'</a>

Prices for food and non-alcoholic drinks rose by 8.7% in annual terms in May - the biggest jump since March 2009 and making this category the biggest driver of annual inflation last month.

Annual core inflation - which strips out food and energy prices to give an idea of domestically generated cost pressure - fell for the first time since September to 5.9% from 6.2%, a lower-than-expected reading.

"The Bank of England may indeed gain some hope from the fact that core price pressures are subsiding (but) we doubt this ... will be enough to avert further rate rises in the coming months," said Sandra Horsfield, an economist from Investec.

Overall consumer prices rose by 0.7% in monthly terms in May, the ONS said, a little more than the 0.6% consensus.

Costs paid by British factories for materials and energy - a key determinant of prices later paid by consumers in shops - were 22.1% higher in May than a year earlier, the biggest increase since these records began in 1985, the ONS said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Soaring food prices pushed British consumer price inflation to a 40-year high of 9.1% last month, the highest rate out of the Group of Seven countries and one which underlines the severity of the country's cost-of-living crunch.

Soaring food prices pushed British consumer price inflation to a 40-year high of 9.1% last month, the highest rate out of the Group of Seven countries and one which underlines the severity of the country's cost-of-living crunch. The reading was up from 9.0% in April and matched the consensus of a Reuters poll of economists. Records from the Office for National Statistics show May's inflation was the highest since March 1982 - and worse is likely to come. Sterling, one of the weakest currencies against the U.S. dollar this year, fell below $1.22, down 0.6% on the day, before later recovering. Some investors judge Britain to be at risk of both persistently high inflation and recession, reflecting its large, imported energy bill and ongoing Brexit-related friction which could further hurt trade ties with the European Union. Also read | Man releases footage of 'flying object', calls British town 'UFO hotspot' "With the economic outlook so unclear, no one knows how high inflation could go, and how long it will continue for - making fiscal and monetary policy judgements particularly tough," said Jack Leslie, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation think tank. Earlier on Wednesday the Resolution Foundation said the cost-of-living hit for households was being compounded by Brexit, with damaging long-term implications for productivity and wages. read more Average pay is not keeping up with inflation and trade unions have warned of widespread strikes in the coming months. Railway staff have already staged mass walkouts this week. Britain's headline inflation rate in May was higher than in the United States, France, Germany and Italy. While Japan and Canada have yet to report consumer price data for May, neither are likely to come close. A man shops for fruit and vegetables at Brixton Market, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in London, Britain, September 27, 2020. REUTERS/Simon Dawson The Bank of England said last week that inflation was likely to remain above 9% over the coming months before peaking at slightly above 11% in October, when regulated household energy bills are due to rise again. Financial markets show interest rates in Britain are on course to rise above 3% around the turn of the year from 1.25% now, although most economists think waning economic growth means the BoE will raise rates by less than that. Finance minister Rishi Sunak said after the data that the British government was doing all it could to combat a surge in prices and the central bank would act "forcefully" to contain inflation. Also read | With 4 to 5 rape cases daily, Pakistan's Punjab declares 'rape emergency' Prices for food and non-alcoholic drinks rose by 8.7% in annual terms in May - the biggest jump since March 2009 and making this category the biggest driver of annual inflation last month. Annual core inflation - which strips out food and energy prices to give an idea of domestically generated cost pressure - fell for the first time since September to 5.9% from 6.2%, a lower-than-expected reading. "The Bank of England may indeed gain some hope from the fact that core price pressures are subsiding (but) we doubt this ... will be enough to avert further rate rises in the coming months," said Sandra Horsfield, an economist from Investec. Overall consumer prices rose by 0.7% in monthly terms in May, the ONS said, a little more than the 0.6% consensus. Costs paid by British factories for materials and energy - a key determinant of prices later paid by consumers in shops - were 22.1% higher in May than a year earlier, the biggest increase since these records began in 1985, the ONS said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK inflation hits 9.1% as prices continue to rise at their fastest rate for 40 years

In pics - Ancient Buddhist city in Afghanistan faces existential threat

A man has claimed that the North Yorkshire town in England where he resides is an ‘UFO hotspot’ and he even published videos of strange objects flying in the sky near his house. Russ Kellett, who lives in the town of Filey in the Borough of Scarborough, identifies himself as an ‘UFO investigator’ and he even claimed that he has been abducted 'at least 60 times' from the age of 16. Earlier, he made headlines when he claimed that he saw pop star Robbie Williams on an alien spacecraft.

Kellett has now released footage of a dolphin-shaped article flying in the sky. While a lot of people has dismissed his claims by pointing out that the object is just a balloon, he denied the claims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-280-dead-after-magnitude-61-earthquake-hits-eastern-afghanistan-490492" hreflang="en">At least 280 dead after magnitude-6.1 earthquake hits eastern Afghanistan</a>

"People have said they have seen other crafts in the shape of a dolphin. When I put out someone said it was a balloon. If it was a helium balloon you would see the tether,” he told Yorkshire Live.

According to the Yorkshire Live report, he also said that he saw a “flying man” near Halifax.

"It's like nothing I have ever seen in my life. It was going towards Halifax. It came down around that area. People call it the 'flying man. West Yorkshire and the east coast have got all sorts going on."

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-plane-with-126-onboard-catches-fire-after-landing-at-miami-airport-490475">Watch: Plane with 126 onboard catches fire after landing at Miami airport</a>

The abduction claims have also put him in the headlines.

"There was a silver object which I thought was a dustbin. He walked behind this silver object and the next thing it juddered and went up. I thought 'what the heck is this," he said according to the report.

A man has claimed that the North Yorkshire town in England where he resides is an ‘UFO hotspot’ and he even published videos of strange objects flying in the sky near his house.

A man has claimed that the North Yorkshire town in England where he resides is an ‘UFO hotspot’ and he even published videos of strange objects flying in the sky near his house. Russ Kellett, who lives in the town of Filey in the Borough of Scarborough, identifies himself as an ‘UFO investigator’ and he even claimed that he has been abducted 'at least 60 times' from the age of 16. Earlier, he made headlines when he claimed that he saw pop star Robbie Williams on an alien spacecraft. Kellett has now released footage of a dolphin-shaped article flying in the sky. While a lot of people has dismissed his claims by pointing out that the object is just a balloon, he denied the claims. Also read | At least 280 dead after magnitude-6.1 earthquake hits eastern Afghanistan "People have said they have seen other crafts in the shape of a dolphin. When I put out someone said it was a balloon. If it was a helium balloon you would see the tether,” he told Yorkshire Live. According to the Yorkshire Live report, he also said that he saw a “flying man” near Halifax. "It's like nothing I have ever seen in my life. It was going towards Halifax. It came down around that area. People call it the 'flying man. West Yorkshire and the east coast have got all sorts going on." Also read | Watch: Plane with 126 onboard catches fire after landing at Miami airport The abduction claims have also put him in the headlines. "There was a silver object which I thought was a dustbin. He walked behind this silver object and the next thing it juddered and went up. I thought 'what the heck is this," he said according to the report.

Man releases footage of 'flying object', calls British town 'UFO hotspot'

There has been a lot of speculation when it comes to the total net worth of Russian President Vladimir Putin and according to The Guardian, a digital trail has revealed around $4.5bn (£3.7bn) worth of assets related to him. The report shows a digital paper trail that connects Putin with yachts, palaces and vineyards reportedly gifted to him by friends and oligarchs. The trail linked all the assets to individuals, companies and charities who are linked through a common email domain name, LLCInvest.ru. The Guardian accessed snapshots of leaked mail exchanges between the various administrators who handle the entities in charge of the assets linked to Vladimir Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-becomes-chinas-biggest-oil-supplier-amid-ukraine-war-489944" hreflang="en">Russia becomes China's biggest oil supplier amid Ukraine war</a>

The findings were examined by an anti-corruption expert in Russia who said that the proof found from the digital paper trail hints towards a certain level of “common management”.

“LLCInvest looks most of all like a cooperative, or an association, in which its members can exchange benefits and property,” the expert told The Guardian on condition of anonymity.

Putin has often been criticised for amassing huge amounts of wealth by taking advantage of his presidency but not much proof has surfaced. However, it was denied by the Kremlin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-legislative-polls-french-president-emmanuel-macron-loses-majority-in-parliament-489775">In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament</a>

“The president of the Russian Federation is in no way connected or affiliated with the objects and organisations you named,” a Kremlin spokesperson said on the topic.

A look at the papers revealed that there were 86 companies and non-profit organisations which were allegedly related to the massive wealth. The investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and the Russian-language news site Meduza.

There has been a lot of speculation when it comes to the total net worth of Russian President Vladimir Putin and according to The Guardian, a digital trail has revealed around $4.

There has been a lot of speculation when it comes to the total net worth of Russian President Vladimir Putin and according to The Guardian, a digital trail has revealed around $4.5bn (£3.7bn) worth of assets related to him. The report shows a digital paper trail that connects Putin with yachts, palaces and vineyards reportedly gifted to him by friends and oligarchs. The trail linked all the assets to individuals, companies and charities who are linked through a common email domain name, LLCInvest.ru. The Guardian accessed snapshots of leaked mail exchanges between the various administrators who handle the entities in charge of the assets linked to Vladimir Putin. Also read | Russia becomes China's biggest oil supplier amid Ukraine war The findings were examined by an anti-corruption expert in Russia who said that the proof found from the digital paper trail hints towards a certain level of “common management”. “LLCInvest looks most of all like a cooperative, or an association, in which its members can exchange benefits and property,” the expert told The Guardian on condition of anonymity. Putin has often been criticised for amassing huge amounts of wealth by taking advantage of his presidency but not much proof has surfaced. However, it was denied by the Kremlin. Also read | In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament “The president of the Russian Federation is in no way connected or affiliated with the objects and organisations you named,” a Kremlin spokesperson said on the topic. A look at the papers revealed that there were 86 companies and non-profit organisations which were allegedly related to the massive wealth. The investigation was conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and the Russian-language news site Meduza.

'Network' holding $4.5bn assets linked to Vladimir Putin uncovered: Report

The proposed $44 million takeover of social media platform Twitter by Elon Musk took a new turn as Twitter’s board of directors unanimously asked shareholders on Tuesday to approve the purchase. In the latest SEC filing, the board said that it “unanimously recommends that you vote [for] the adoption of the merger agreement”. The filing also said that the board thinks that selling Twitter to the Tesla CEO is “fair to, advisable and in the best interests of Twitter and its stockholders.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-takeover-deal-remains-deadlocked-over-fake-user-concerns-says-elon-musk-490298">Twitter takeover deal remains deadlocked over fake users, says Elon Musk</a>

The deal almost went through in April, but Musk decided to not go forward with it due to reports of ‘fake users’ constituting more than 10 per cent of Twitter’s total users. Since then, the company has provided him access but he reiterated on Tuesday that the deal is stuck because of those concerns.

At the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said the deal is being held up by “very significant questions”.

"There are still a few unresolved matters," Musk said by video link according to the AFP report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-he-is-proud-of-russian-troops-in-ukraine-490300" hreflang="en">Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year</a>

“This includes whether the number of fake and spam users on the system is less than five percent as per their claims, which I think is probably not most people's experience when using Twitter.”

"So, we are still awaiting resolution on that matter and that is a very significant matter," he added.

Musk also said that there are concerns about Twitter’s possible debts in the market. "So, I think these are the three things that need to resolve to make the transaction happen,” he explained.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The proposed $44 million takeover of social media platform Twitter by Elon Musk took a new turn as Twitter’s board of directors unanimously asked shareholders on Tuesday to approve the purchase.

The proposed $44 million takeover of social media platform Twitter by Elon Musk took a new turn as Twitter’s board of directors unanimously asked shareholders on Tuesday to approve the purchase. In the latest SEC filing, the board said that it “unanimously recommends that you vote [for] the adoption of the merger agreement”. The filing also said that the board thinks that selling Twitter to the Tesla CEO is “fair to, advisable and in the best interests of Twitter and its stockholders.” Also read | Twitter takeover deal remains deadlocked over fake users, says Elon Musk The deal almost went through in April, but Musk decided to not go forward with it due to reports of ‘fake users’ constituting more than 10 per cent of Twitter’s total users. Since then, the company has provided him access but he reiterated on Tuesday that the deal is stuck because of those concerns. At the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said the deal is being held up by “very significant questions”. "There are still a few unresolved matters," Musk said by video link according to the AFP report. Also read | Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year “This includes whether the number of fake and spam users on the system is less than five percent as per their claims, which I think is probably not most people's experience when using Twitter.” "So, we are still awaiting resolution on that matter and that is a very significant matter," he added. Musk also said that there are concerns about Twitter’s possible debts in the market. "So, I think these are the three things that need to resolve to make the transaction happen,” he explained. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Twitter’s board of directors urges shareholders to approve Elon Musk takeover bid

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians. However, there are some good stories that comes of the conflict zones and one such incident was tweeted out by Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs. Gerashchenko posted a video showing a Ukrainian couple getting married in military uniform with a number of people cheering them on outside the wedding venue.

&nbsp;“Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! #StandWithUkraine,” he tweeted along with the video of the married couple.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ukrainian weddings these days. 
No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! 💛💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/7w4QoSYkEe">pic.twitter.com/7w4QoSYkEe</a>
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gerashchenko_en/status/1538629690822385667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The couple was identified by Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine), as Kateryna and Vadyam who celebrated their special day in military uniforms in Poltova.

“Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!” Mattviichuk posted on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/D6ZAdkOFfF">pic.twitter.com/D6ZAdkOFfF</a>
— Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/avalaina/status/1535733252572463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The invasion continues in Ukraine as Russian forces captured some territory along a frontline river in eastern Ukraine. According to Reuters, the forces captured Toshkivka, a town on the mostly Ukrainian-held western bank of the Siverskyi Donets river, south of Sievierodonetsk.

The Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia have taken parts of Toshkivka but reiterated that they are in control of the region.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians.

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has been a tough experience for everyone in the conflict zones and since the march of the Russian military began on February 24, it has been a story of resistance and resilience for the Ukrainians. However, there are some good stories that comes of the conflict zones and one such incident was tweeted out by Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s minister of internal affairs. Gerashchenko posted a video showing a Ukrainian couple getting married in military uniform with a number of people cheering them on outside the wedding venue. “Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! #StandWithUkraine,” he tweeted along with the video of the married couple. Ukrainian weddings these days. No white dresses and tuxedos but plenty of love and happiness! 💛💙 #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/7w4QoSYkEe — Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) June 19, 2022 × The couple was identified by Oleksandra Matviichuk, head of the Center for Civil Liberties (Ukraine), as Kateryna and Vadyam who celebrated their special day in military uniforms in Poltova. “Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!” Mattviichuk posted on Twitter. Do you need good news from Ukraine? Let’s congratulate two amazing Ukrainian defenders Kateryna and Vadym who have just got married in Poltava. This wedding was organized in just a few hours. I wish them many happy years together!#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/D6ZAdkOFfF — Oleksandra Matviichuk (@avalaina) June 11, 2022 × The invasion continues in Ukraine as Russian forces captured some territory along a frontline river in eastern Ukraine. According to Reuters, the forces captured Toshkivka, a town on the mostly Ukrainian-held western bank of the Siverskyi Donets river, south of Sievierodonetsk. The Ukrainian authorities confirmed that Russia have taken parts of Toshkivka but reiterated that they are in control of the region.

Ukrainian couple gets married in military uniform amid Russian invasion - WATCH

The Bangladesh economy has grown at a healthy rate in the last few decades with the garment trade contributing for the majority of it. The booming industry accounts for around 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s annual exports and as a result, they have gone ahead of neighbours India when it comes to per capita income. However, this growth has come at a huge cost – the environment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-says-he-is-proud-of-russian-troops-in-ukraine-490300" hreflang="en">Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year</a>

The rivers of Bangladesh have borne the brunt of development as the constant dumping of dyes, tanning acids and other chemicals has caused serious environmental damage. The toxicity of the rivers has started affecting citizens who are suffering from various skin conditions and according to AFP, an expert went to the extent of calling the Buriganga river “the largest sewer of the country”.

"It is now the largest sewer of the country," said Sheikh Rokon, the head of the Riverine People environmental rights group. "For centuries people built their homes on its banks to bask in the river breeze. Now the smell of toxic sludge during winter is so horrible that people have to hold their noses as they come near it,” he said about the condition of the river, according to the AFP report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-takeover-deal-remains-deadlocked-over-fake-user-concerns-says-elon-musk-490298">Twitter takeover deal remains deadlocked over fake users, says Elon Musk</a>

A paper by the government’s River Research Institute found the levels of chromium and cadmium in the country’s rivers are over six times that of the normal level. These are elements found in chemicals used in the garment industry and according to WHO, extremely dangerous for humans.

The study also found traces of phenol, ammonia and other chemicals used in fabric dyeing which are extremely corrosive in nature and even turn fatal for the marine life in the Bangladeshi rivers.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The Bangladesh economy has grown at a healthy rate in the last few decades with the garment trade contributing for the majority of it. The booming industry accounts for around 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s annual exports and as a result, they have gone ahead of neighbours India when it comes to per capita income.

The Bangladesh economy has grown at a healthy rate in the last few decades with the garment trade contributing for the majority of it. The booming industry accounts for around 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s annual exports and as a result, they have gone ahead of neighbours India when it comes to per capita income. However, this growth has come at a huge cost – the environment. Also read | Putin 'proud' of Russian troops; says SARMAT would be commissioned this year The rivers of Bangladesh have borne the brunt of development as the constant dumping of dyes, tanning acids and other chemicals has caused serious environmental damage. The toxicity of the rivers has started affecting citizens who are suffering from various skin conditions and according to AFP, an expert went to the extent of calling the Buriganga river “the largest sewer of the country”. "It is now the largest sewer of the country," said Sheikh Rokon, the head of the Riverine People environmental rights group. "For centuries people built their homes on its banks to bask in the river breeze. Now the smell of toxic sludge during winter is so horrible that people have to hold their noses as they come near it,” he said about the condition of the river, according to the AFP report. Also read | Twitter takeover deal remains deadlocked over fake users, says Elon Musk A paper by the government’s River Research Institute found the levels of chromium and cadmium in the country’s rivers are over six times that of the normal level. These are elements found in chemicals used in the garment industry and according to WHO, extremely dangerous for humans. The study also found traces of phenol, ammonia and other chemicals used in fabric dyeing which are extremely corrosive in nature and even turn fatal for the marine life in the Bangladeshi rivers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How Bangladesh's rivers have paid the price for garment-driven economic boom

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The journalist, who received the prestigious award in 2021, said that all the proceeds from the auction will go to UNICEF and their efforts in helping the children who were displaced due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Muratov founded Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was heavily involved in it before it was shut down due to his criticism of the government. Muratov has already donated the $500,000 cash award that came with the Nobel Prize to charity and his aim “is to give the children refugees a chance for a future.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-legislative-polls-french-president-emmanuel-macron-loses-majority-in-parliament-489775">In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament</a>

“We want to return their future,” he said in an interview with Associated Press.

“It has to become a beginning of a flash mob as an example to follow so people auction their valuable possessions to help Ukrainians,” Muratov said in a video released by Heritage Auctions.

Muratov was extremely critical of the Russian government after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and last year, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines.

“It’s a very bespoke deal,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions. “Not everyone in the world has a Nobel Prize to auction and not every day of the week that there’s a Nobel Prize crossing the auction block.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-in-major-blow-to-lgbtq-rights-court-rules-same-sex-marriage-ban-is-not-unconstitutional-489900" hreflang="en">Japan: In major blow to LGBTQ rights, court rules same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional</a>

Benesh also said that the ongoing crisis and the noble mission of the auction will generate more interest among the potential buyers and that can increase the value of the medal.

“I think there’s certainly going to be some excitement Monday,” Benesh said according to AP. “It’s such a unique item being sold under unique circumstances ... a significant act of generosity, and such a significant humanitarian crisis.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov has decided to auction off his Noble Peace Prize medal in order to help children who were affected by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. The journalist, who received the prestigious award in 2021, said that all the proceeds from the auction will go to UNICEF and their efforts in helping the children who were displaced due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Muratov founded Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was heavily involved in it before it was shut down due to his criticism of the government. Muratov has already donated the $500,000 cash award that came with the Nobel Prize to charity and his aim “is to give the children refugees a chance for a future.” Also read | In legislative polls, French President Macron loses majority in parliament “We want to return their future,” he said in an interview with Associated Press. “It has to become a beginning of a flash mob as an example to follow so people auction their valuable possessions to help Ukrainians,” Muratov said in a video released by Heritage Auctions. Muratov was extremely critical of the Russian government after the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and last year, he shared the Nobel Peace Prize with journalist Maria Ressa of the Philippines. “It’s a very bespoke deal,” said Joshua Benesh, the chief strategy officer for Heritage Auctions. “Not everyone in the world has a Nobel Prize to auction and not every day of the week that there’s a Nobel Prize crossing the auction block.” Also read | Japan: In major blow to LGBTQ rights, court rules same-sex marriage ban is not unconstitutional Benesh also said that the ongoing crisis and the noble mission of the auction will generate more interest among the potential buyers and that can increase the value of the medal. “I think there’s certainly going to be some excitement Monday,” Benesh said according to AP. “It’s such a unique item being sold under unique circumstances ... a significant act of generosity, and such a significant humanitarian crisis.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russian journalist to sell Nobel Peace Prize medal to support Ukrainian children

The “Fly with Pride” plane is a special plane unveiled by Alaska Airlines to celebrate Pride Month and it witnessed a beautiful moment this week when a flight attendant went down on her knees to propose to her girlfriend. The moment took place around 30,000 feet up in the air with an airplane full of people cheering them. Veronica Rojas, a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines’ regional partner SkyWest, met Alejandra Moncayo on a flight almost two years ago and it was almost poetic that the couple got engaged mid-air on a special flight which was described as a “Pride delight” flight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218" hreflang="en">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a>

The airline shared a video of the proposal on social media which showed Rojas proposing over the telecom system in both English and Spanish. Rojas went down to her knee to propose to Moncayo and as she said yes, the other crew members as well as the passengers broke out in applause.

“I’ve always appreciated Alaska; how deeply involved they are in the LGBTQ+ community,” Rojas said. “All the love and support are just super overwhelming and amazing,” she added.

According to a statement from Alaska Airlines, Moncayo had similar plans when the flight landed. She was in talks with the airlines about proposing to Rojas at the end of the flight but with Rojas asking the question mid-air, the couple celebrated the moment when the flight landed.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8TmnpRoxUA" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

“It’s awesome, I feel very, very loved today,” Moncayo was quoted in the company statement.

“Alaska has always been my number one forever. I can definitely tell how much they care.”

The “Fly with Pride” plane is a special plane unveiled by Alaska Airlines to celebrate Pride Month and it witnessed a beautiful moment this week when a flight attendant went down on her knees to propose to her girlfriend.

The “Fly with Pride” plane is a special plane unveiled by Alaska Airlines to celebrate Pride Month and it witnessed a beautiful moment this week when a flight attendant went down on her knees to propose to her girlfriend. The moment took place around 30,000 feet up in the air with an airplane full of people cheering them. Veronica Rojas, a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines’ regional partner SkyWest, met Alejandra Moncayo on a flight almost two years ago and it was almost poetic that the couple got engaged mid-air on a special flight which was described as a “Pride delight” flight. Also read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test The airline shared a video of the proposal on social media which showed Rojas proposing over the telecom system in both English and Spanish. Rojas went down to her knee to propose to Moncayo and as she said yes, the other crew members as well as the passengers broke out in applause. “I’ve always appreciated Alaska; how deeply involved they are in the LGBTQ+ community,” Rojas said. “All the love and support are just super overwhelming and amazing,” she added. According to a statement from Alaska Airlines, Moncayo had similar plans when the flight landed. She was in talks with the airlines about proposing to Rojas at the end of the flight but with Rojas asking the question mid-air, the couple celebrated the moment when the flight landed. “It’s awesome, I feel very, very loved today,” Moncayo was quoted in the company statement. “Alaska has always been my number one forever. I can definitely tell how much they care.”

Flight attendant proposes to pilot girlfriend mid-air on special Pride plane - WATCH

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that the proposed $44 billion takeover of social media platform Twitter remains held up by "very significant" concerns over the number of fake users. It has been a point of contention between Musk and the Twitter board for quite some time now and although Musk was allowed to examine the eternal data, he is still not satisfied with the results as of now. According to AFP, Musk was reluctant when asked about the status of the business deal during the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday and told reporters that it is currently a ‘sensitive’ matter.

"There are still a few unresolved matters," Musk said by video link according to the AFP report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-coalition-to-dissolve-parliament-new-elections-to-be-held-490026">Israel govt collapses, paving way for fifth election in three years</a>

“This includes whether "the number of fake and spam users on the system is less than five percent as per their claims, which I think is probably not most people's experience when using Twitter.”

"So, we are still awaiting resolution on that matter and that is a very significant matter," he added.

Musk also said that there are concerns about Twitter’s possible debts in the market. "So, I think these are the three things that need to resolve to make the transaction happen,” he explained.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-floods-and-landslides-as-heaviest-rain-in-60-years-hits-southern-china-490261" hreflang="en">In pics - Floods and landslides as heaviest rain in 60 years hits southern China</a>

Musk had earlier said that he wants to make Twitter an open platform for everyone, and he reiterated that his target is to get half the world's population on the social media platform.

"That means it must be something that is appealing to people, it obviously can't be a place where they feel uncomfortable or harassed or they will simply not use it," the Tesla CEO said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that the proposed $44 billion takeover of social media platform Twitter remains held up by "very significant" concerns over the number of fake users.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said on Tuesday that the proposed $44 billion takeover of social media platform Twitter remains held up by "very significant" concerns over the number of fake users. It has been a point of contention between Musk and the Twitter board for quite some time now and although Musk was allowed to examine the eternal data, he is still not satisfied with the results as of now. According to AFP, Musk was reluctant when asked about the status of the business deal during the Qatar Economic Forum on Tuesday and told reporters that it is currently a ‘sensitive’ matter. "There are still a few unresolved matters," Musk said by video link according to the AFP report. Also read | Israel govt collapses, paving way for fifth election in three years “This includes whether "the number of fake and spam users on the system is less than five percent as per their claims, which I think is probably not most people's experience when using Twitter.” "So, we are still awaiting resolution on that matter and that is a very significant matter," he added. Musk also said that there are concerns about Twitter’s possible debts in the market. "So, I think these are the three things that need to resolve to make the transaction happen,” he explained. Also read | In pics - Floods and landslides as heaviest rain in 60 years hits southern China Musk had earlier said that he wants to make Twitter an open platform for everyone, and he reiterated that his target is to get half the world's population on the social media platform. "That means it must be something that is appealing to people, it obviously can't be a place where they feel uncomfortable or harassed or they will simply not use it," the Tesla CEO said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter takeover deal remains deadlocked over fake user concerns, says Elon Musk

The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed over one million lives in the United States, but it looks like the rate is slowing going down. According to the New York Times, the rise of vaccination and herd immunity has resulted in Covid-related deaths falling drastically and it is now close to the lowest since the pandemic began. According to the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, 230 Covid-related deaths were reported on June 16 - a huge fall from the 2200 cases recorded in February earlier this year when the country was dealing the Omicron sub-variant. The fall is almost similar when it comes to the seven-day moving average which is also down to almost one-tenth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-floods-and-landslides-as-heaviest-rain-in-60-years-hits-southern-china-490261" hreflang="en">In pics - Floods and landslides as heaviest rain in 60 years hits southern China</a>

"In previous waves there were still substantial pockets of people who had not been vaccinated or exposed to the virus, and so were at the same risk of dying as people at the beginning of the pandemic,” Dr David Dowdy, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health told The New York Times in an interview. "Those pockets don’t exist anymore."

Dr Joe Gerald, an associate professor of public health at the University of Arizona, told The New York Times that the situation has gotten much better since the Omicron surge between January &amp; March.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-presidential-election-2022-yashwant-sinha-chosen-as-candidate-of-opposition-parties-490260">Indian Presidential Election 2022: Yashwant Sinha becomes opposition's choice</a>

"Our level of community immunity heading into this wave was much higher than it's ever been due to the combination of infection and vaccination,” he said according to the NYT report.

However, some doctors have warned the United States may see a surge in cases in the near future as a big percentage of people are opting to not take the booster vaccine shots.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed over one million lives in the United States, but it looks like the rate is slowing going down. According to the New York Times, the rise of vaccination and herd immunity has resulted in Covid-related deaths falling drastically and it is now close to the lowest since the pandemic began.

The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed over one million lives in the United States, but it looks like the rate is slowing going down. According to the New York Times, the rise of vaccination and herd immunity has resulted in Covid-related deaths falling drastically and it is now close to the lowest since the pandemic began. According to the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, 230 Covid-related deaths were reported on June 16 - a huge fall from the 2200 cases recorded in February earlier this year when the country was dealing the Omicron sub-variant. The fall is almost similar when it comes to the seven-day moving average which is also down to almost one-tenth. Also read | In pics - Floods and landslides as heaviest rain in 60 years hits southern China "In previous waves there were still substantial pockets of people who had not been vaccinated or exposed to the virus, and so were at the same risk of dying as people at the beginning of the pandemic,” Dr David Dowdy, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health told The New York Times in an interview. "Those pockets don’t exist anymore." Dr Joe Gerald, an associate professor of public health at the University of Arizona, told The New York Times that the situation has gotten much better since the Omicron surge between January & March. Also read | Indian Presidential Election 2022: Yashwant Sinha becomes opposition's choice "Our level of community immunity heading into this wave was much higher than it's ever been due to the combination of infection and vaccination,” he said according to the NYT report. However, some doctors have warned the United States may see a surge in cases in the near future as a big percentage of people are opting to not take the booster vaccine shots. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-related deaths fall sharply while cases surge in United States: Report

In pics - Floods and landslides as heaviest rain in 60 years hits southern China

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sayan Ghosh

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.