Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-faces-graft-indictment-ruling-at-1730-gmt-ministry-263731">indicted by the country's justice ministry</a> for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday.&nbsp;

Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases. The judgement delivers a tight blow to Netanyahu just before possible polls.&nbsp;

Netanyahu now faces a trial in court and in case he gets convicted he will be barred from contesting polls and could also face a 10-year-long jail term.&nbsp;

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision, the first of its kind against a serving Israeli prime minister, in a statement and said the charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

Police recommended in February that Mandelblit file criminal charges against the right-wing prime minister in the long-running investigations dubbed Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases, saying he is a victim of a political witch-hunt.

He is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by an Israeli newspaper and a website, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum 3-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

An indictment against Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, would raise more uncertainty over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-asks-parliament-to-find-new-pm-and-avoid-elections-263705">who will ultimately lead a country</a> mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted by the country's justice ministry for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday. Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted by the country's justice ministry for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday. Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases. The judgement delivers a tight blow to Netanyahu just before possible polls. Netanyahu now faces a trial in court and in case he gets convicted he will be barred from contesting polls and could also face a 10-year-long jail term. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision, the first of its kind against a serving Israeli prime minister, in a statement and said the charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Police recommended in February that Mandelblit file criminal charges against the right-wing prime minister in the long-running investigations dubbed Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases, saying he is a victim of a political witch-hunt. He is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by an Israeli newspaper and a website, news agency Reuters reported. He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum 3-year term for fraud and breach of trust. An indictment against Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, would raise more uncertainty over who will ultimately lead a country mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israel's justice ministry indicts PM Benjamin Netanyahu for fraud, breach of trust and corruption

Do you know, What is the cost of 'Climate Change'? Let's understand in Your Story video with Anchor Alyson Le Grange on WION.

Your Story: What is the cost of 'climate change'?

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds.

Hong Kong's Polytechnic University is the last campus still occupied after a week that has seen the most intense violence since anti-government protests escalated more than five months ago.

Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong autonomy.

For more than a week-and-a-half, hundreds of protesters had fortified Polytechnic University's Kowloon peninsula campus and often fought fiery street battles with riot police.

But now the number of protesters has dwindled to fewer than 100, turning the grounds that normally teem with 33,000 students and staff into an eerily empty compound scattered with debris and defaced with political slogans.

"I am by myself, all my peers have left, but I am too scared to escape," said Yan, a man in his 30s who said he had been helping in the canteen used by the protesters during the siege.

Unshaven and shoeless, Yan said he was avoiding contact with the handful of others still on the campus because he feared running into undercover police.

He had been hiding in a building for the past two days, and when he heard the sound of Reuters journalists approaching tried to take cover in a stationery cupboard.

"I don't dare to walk around, I don't talk to people," he told Reuters. "I feel scared and helpless. I am stuck."

Another young protester clad in makeshift body armour was patrolling the grounds armed with an axe, saying he was on the lookout for a dozen undercover officers he suspected had infiltrated the campus.

Uneasy calm

Hong Kong has had a brief respite from months of often violent demonstrations, with relative calm across the city for the past two days and nights ahead of a district council election set for Sunday. The government says it is monitoring the situation to see whether the election can be held safely.

Police said they were committed to a peaceful solution and "flexible approach" to ending the university stand-off, and called on the remaining protesters to leave in an orderly manner, promising they would be guaranteed fair treatment.

Some protesters have surrendered while others were held during escape attempts that included clambering down from a bridge to waiting motorbikes and fleeing through the sewers. More than 1,000 have been arrested or registered by police.

Much of the campus is damaged, with rooms vandalised and windows shattered, though electricity and water are still functioning. In a library, most books were untouched but makeshift petrol bombs were left on desks.

Some protesters told Reuters they were holding out not for a showdown with police, but because they were innocent and looking for an escape route.

"I won't consider surrendering. Surrendering is for people who are guilty. None of us inside are guilty," said Michelle, a 20-year-old student.

Graffiti sprayed on campus buildings read: "I have nothing to lose. I have no stake in society."

One protester, dressed in black with gloves, elbow and knee pads, had about a dozen colourful lighters strapped to his chest, apparently to light petrol bombs. He told Reuters the hold-outs were discussing what to do next.

In the past two weeks, protesters have torched buildings, a footbridge, mass transit stations and toll booths at the city's Cross Harbour Tunnel linking Hong Kong island to Kowloon.

The protesters say that they are angry at the way the MTR, Hong Kong's public rail network, has helped riot police, and shutting down key infrastructure forces the government to listen to their demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police violence, among other things.

The Cross Harbour Tunnel remained shut because of extensive damage, authorities said.

'Erroneous signal'

China has accused the United States and Britain of stirring up trouble in Hong Kong and criticised the US&nbsp;House of Representatives for passing two bills aimed at supporting the protesters and sending a warning to China about human rights.

China opposed the bills and would never allow anyone to undermine the "one country, two systems" principle, or to destroy Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said.

China's state Xinhua news agency said a top Chinese official in Hong Kong, Xie Feng, had summoned the US&nbsp;consul-general to denounce the legislation as gross interference and a violation of international law.

The Hong Kong government said the bills would harm Hong Kong's relations with the United States.

"The two acts will ... also send an erroneous signal to the violent protesters, which would not be conducive to de-escalating the situation," the city government said.

Anger over the US&nbsp;legislation, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign, comes as the two countries are locked in delicate trade talks.

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds.

Inside the increasingly empty and trashed campus of a Hong Kong university only a handful of activists held out on Thursday as they desperately searched for ways to escape or hide while squads of police encircled the grounds. Hong Kong's Polytechnic University is the last campus still occupied after a week that has seen the most intense violence since anti-government protests escalated more than five months ago. Demonstrators are angry at what they see as Chinese meddling in freedoms promised to Hong Kong when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing has said it is committed to the "one country, two systems" formula granting Hong Kong autonomy. For more than a week-and-a-half, hundreds of protesters had fortified Polytechnic University's Kowloon peninsula campus and often fought fiery street battles with riot police. But now the number of protesters has dwindled to fewer than 100, turning the grounds that normally teem with 33,000 students and staff into an eerily empty compound scattered with debris and defaced with political slogans. "I am by myself, all my peers have left, but I am too scared to escape," said Yan, a man in his 30s who said he had been helping in the canteen used by the protesters during the siege. Unshaven and shoeless, Yan said he was avoiding contact with the handful of others still on the campus because he feared running into undercover police. He had been hiding in a building for the past two days, and when he heard the sound of Reuters journalists approaching tried to take cover in a stationery cupboard. "I don't dare to walk around, I don't talk to people," he told Reuters. "I feel scared and helpless. I am stuck." Another young protester clad in makeshift body armour was patrolling the grounds armed with an axe, saying he was on the lookout for a dozen undercover officers he suspected had infiltrated the campus. Uneasy calm Hong Kong has had a brief respite from months of often violent demonstrations, with relative calm across the city for the past two days and nights ahead of a district council election set for Sunday. The government says it is monitoring the situation to see whether the election can be held safely. Police said they were committed to a peaceful solution and "flexible approach" to ending the university stand-off, and called on the remaining protesters to leave in an orderly manner, promising they would be guaranteed fair treatment. Some protesters have surrendered while others were held during escape attempts that included clambering down from a bridge to waiting motorbikes and fleeing through the sewers. More than 1,000 have been arrested or registered by police. Much of the campus is damaged, with rooms vandalised and windows shattered, though electricity and water are still functioning. In a library, most books were untouched but makeshift petrol bombs were left on desks. Some protesters told Reuters they were holding out not for a showdown with police, but because they were innocent and looking for an escape route. "I won't consider surrendering. Surrendering is for people who are guilty. None of us inside are guilty," said Michelle, a 20-year-old student. Graffiti sprayed on campus buildings read: "I have nothing to lose. I have no stake in society." One protester, dressed in black with gloves, elbow and knee pads, had about a dozen colourful lighters strapped to his chest, apparently to light petrol bombs. He told Reuters the hold-outs were discussing what to do next. In the past two weeks, protesters have torched buildings, a footbridge, mass transit stations and toll booths at the city's Cross Harbour Tunnel linking Hong Kong island to Kowloon. The protesters say that they are angry at the way the MTR, Hong Kong's public rail network, has helped riot police, and shutting down key infrastructure forces the government to listen to their demands for universal suffrage and an independent inquiry into police violence, among other things. The Cross Harbour Tunnel remained shut because of extensive damage, authorities said. 'Erroneous signal' China has accused the United States and Britain of stirring up trouble in Hong Kong and criticised the US House of Representatives for passing two bills aimed at supporting the protesters and sending a warning to China about human rights. China opposed the bills and would never allow anyone to undermine the "one country, two systems" principle, or to destroy Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi said. China's state Xinhua news agency said a top Chinese official in Hong Kong, Xie Feng, had summoned the US consul-general to denounce the legislation as gross interference and a violation of international law. The Hong Kong government said the bills would harm Hong Kong's relations with the United States. "The two acts will ... also send an erroneous signal to the violent protesters, which would not be conducive to de-escalating the situation," the city government said. Anger over the US legislation, which President Donald Trump is expected to sign, comes as the two countries are locked in delicate trade talks.

'Too scared to escape': Isolated protesters hold out on trashed Hong Kong campus

Emphasising that the strength of the institution lies in the Bar, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Thursday asserted that mental well-being of members of the Bar and Bench is important.

While speaking at the feliciation function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Chief Justice Bobde said "We must not live in hubris where only physical well being is important. Wellbeing is not only restricted to physical well-being but also mental. It is important for members of the Bar and Bench."

He also stressed that the strength of the institution lies in the Bar. "The Bar is the mother of Bench, after all, most of the judges start their career from it," he added.

"For 19 years I was a judge and the memories of being an advocate are fresh in my mind. I was part of the Bar for 22 years, so believe me when I say I know it all," he said.

New CJI, Bobde, has succeeded Justice Ranjan Gogoi who retired on November 17 after remaining in office for over 13 months.

Bobde was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on April 12, 2013. He will retire as CJI on April 23, 2021.

Emphasising that the strength of the institution lies in the Bar, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Thursday asserted that mental well-being of members of the Bar and Bench is important.

Emphasising that the strength of the institution lies in the Bar, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Thursday asserted that mental well-being of members of the Bar and Bench is important. While speaking at the feliciation function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Chief Justice Bobde said "We must not live in hubris where only physical well being is important. Wellbeing is not only restricted to physical well-being but also mental. It is important for members of the Bar and Bench." He also stressed that the strength of the institution lies in the Bar. "The Bar is the mother of Bench, after all, most of the judges start their career from it," he added. "For 19 years I was a judge and the memories of being an advocate are fresh in my mind. I was part of the Bar for 22 years, so believe me when I say I know it all," he said. New CJI, Bobde, has succeeded Justice Ranjan Gogoi who retired on November 17 after remaining in office for over 13 months. Bobde was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on April 12, 2013. He will retire as CJI on April 23, 2021.

Mental well-being of Bar and bench members important: CJI Bobde

Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar.

During her cross-examination in a defamation case filed by Akbar, Ramani said that it would be wrong to suggest that her allegations harmed the reputation of the complainant -- MJ Akbar.

The cross-examination of Ramani and her friend Nilofer was conducted before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vishal Pahuja as the case was transferred to his court by ACMM Samar Vishal.

"It is wrong to suggest that my Tweets and publication had nothing to do with 'doing the right thing'. It is wrong to suggest that what I have done by publishing the Tweets was wrong, defamatory and malicious," she submitted before the court.

"It is wrong to suggest that my conduct as a journalist has been unethical as I had neither identified my sources nor attributed credits," she replied during the cross-examination. 
Earlier, Nilofer's statement was recorded before ACMM Samar Vishal during which she briefly narrated the alleged incident of Ramani's harassment.

"I was at Nariman Point (in Mumbai) when Priya requested me to meet one hour before the interview so that I can prepare her for the interview. She came at around 6 and met at Promenade. I asked her current affairs questions which I imagined that she could be asked during the interview. A few minutes before 7, we walked to Oberoi where I dropped her and came back," Nilofer said.

"Later that night, Priya called me on my landline. She sounded upset and distort. I asked her -- Why? She told me that the interview had not gone as we discussed. To begin, the interview did not happen in a coffee shop or restaurant but was straight up called to Akbar's room."

She continued: "Ramani described feeling extremely uncomfortable as he offered her an alcoholic drink and was himself drinking the same. She also described him singing old Hindi songs, which is highly unprofessional."

"At one point, she explained as to how Akbar patted a portion of the sofa and asked her to sit close to him. The details she described were so bizarre and inappropriate that I have a picture of it in my mind till this day," Nilofer narrated.

Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for MJ Akbar, objected to Nilofer's statement.

"She is like the third ghost in the room. She must have seen the colour of the Vodka," Luthra contended.

Another witness will be cross-examined on December 10, on the next date of hearing in a criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar against Ramani for accusing him of sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar.

Journalist Priya Ramani on Thursday told a court here that she had no 'mala fide' and 'extraneous' motive for making sexual harassment allegations former Union Minister MJ Akbar. During her cross-examination in a defamation case filed by Akbar, Ramani said that it would be wrong to suggest that her allegations harmed the reputation of the complainant -- MJ Akbar. The cross-examination of Ramani and her friend Nilofer was conducted before Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vishal Pahuja as the case was transferred to his court by ACMM Samar Vishal. "It is wrong to suggest that my Tweets and publication had nothing to do with 'doing the right thing'. It is wrong to suggest that what I have done by publishing the Tweets was wrong, defamatory and malicious," she submitted before the court. "It is wrong to suggest that my conduct as a journalist has been unethical as I had neither identified my sources nor attributed credits," she replied during the cross-examination. Earlier, Nilofer's statement was recorded before ACMM Samar Vishal during which she briefly narrated the alleged incident of Ramani's harassment. "I was at Nariman Point (in Mumbai) when Priya requested me to meet one hour before the interview so that I can prepare her for the interview. She came at around 6 and met at Promenade. I asked her current affairs questions which I imagined that she could be asked during the interview. A few minutes before 7, we walked to Oberoi where I dropped her and came back," Nilofer said. "Later that night, Priya called me on my landline. She sounded upset and distort. I asked her -- Why? She told me that the interview had not gone as we discussed. To begin, the interview did not happen in a coffee shop or restaurant but was straight up called to Akbar's room." She continued: "Ramani described feeling extremely uncomfortable as he offered her an alcoholic drink and was himself drinking the same. She also described him singing old Hindi songs, which is highly unprofessional." "At one point, she explained as to how Akbar patted a portion of the sofa and asked her to sit close to him. The details she described were so bizarre and inappropriate that I have a picture of it in my mind till this day," Nilofer narrated. Senior advocate Geeta Luthra, appearing for MJ Akbar, objected to Nilofer's statement. "She is like the third ghost in the room. She must have seen the colour of the Vodka," Luthra contended. Another witness will be cross-examined on December 10, on the next date of hearing in a criminal defamation complaint filed by Akbar against Ramani for accusing him of sexual misconduct.

No mala fide motive for making allegations against MJ Akbar: Priya Ramani

The ducks on a small French smallholding may carry on quacking, a French court ruled on Tuesday (November 19), rejecting a neighbour's complaint that the birds' racket was making their life a misery.

'The ducks have won': French court says they may keep on quacking

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022.

"Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. It will also help in creating a new identity of New India. So is the right phase for the transformation of audit and assurance sector. Now CAG also has to move towards CAG 2.0," said Modi.

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General conclave, said, "The responsibility of the CAG is crucial as it plays an important role in keeping the economic conduct of the country and society sacred. And therefore you have high expectations."

He further said that "today, as India is moving towards becoming an economic power of 5 trillion dollars, your role is also important in that. Because what you do will directly affect the efficiency of the government, the decision making and policymaking of the government."

"This organisation is not limited to just statistics and process, but really has to come forward as a catalyst of good governance. You are seriously following the suggestion of making CAG, CAG Plus, it is a pleasure," he added.

"Today all stakeholders want accurate audits so that they can execute their plans properly, but they also don't want the audit process to take a lot of time," added Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. "Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. "Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. It will also help in creating a new identity of New India. So is the right phase for the transformation of audit and assurance sector. Now CAG also has to move towards CAG 2.0," said Modi. Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General conclave, said, "The responsibility of the CAG is crucial as it plays an important role in keeping the economic conduct of the country and society sacred. And therefore you have high expectations." He further said that "today, as India is moving towards becoming an economic power of 5 trillion dollars, your role is also important in that. Because what you do will directly affect the efficiency of the government, the decision making and policymaking of the government." "This organisation is not limited to just statistics and process, but really has to come forward as a catalyst of good governance. You are seriously following the suggestion of making CAG, CAG Plus, it is a pleasure," he added. "Today all stakeholders want accurate audits so that they can execute their plans properly, but they also don't want the audit process to take a lot of time," added Prime Minister Modi.

Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making integral part of governance by 2022: PM Modi

Congress Legislative Party"&gt;Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader.

Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added.

Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting.

Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.&nbsp;

Congress Legislative Party">Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader. Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday.

Congress Legislative Party">Congress Legislative Party meeting will be held on Friday at Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, to elect their legislative party leader. Modalities have been finalised on the formation of the government in Maharashtra between the Congress, Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and all the three parties have, in principle, agreed upon ministerial berths according to their strength in the assembly, sources said on Thursday. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) between Congress and NCP has been sealed and will be discussed with the Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Friday, sources added. Earlier today, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held at party interim president Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence. Several senior leaders including Malikarjun Kharge, Ahmed Patel, AK Antony and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had attended the meeting. Maharashtra came under President's Rule on November 12 after all the parties failed to form a government in the state. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. The Shiv Sena is now holding talks with the Congress and NCP to form a government in Maharashtra. The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

Maharashtra: Congress Legislative Party meeting to be held on Friday

As he cradles his young puppy in his arms, Laurent Simons looks much like any other 9-year-old boy. Then he starts describing his work at a university in the Netherlands, developing a computer circuit that will replicate a part of the brain.

"What we are doing is placing neurons and making connections to see what the reaction is to medication in a part of the brain," he says of the brain-on-chip project, which combines the biomedical and electrical engineering fields.

With an IQ of 145, the Belgian boy wonder is on track to become the world's youngest university graduate when he completes a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at Eindhoven's University of Technology next month.

"I'm planning to start my PhD and study a little medicine, but before that vacation," he said of his post-graduation plans, as 9-week-old puppy Sammy dozed in his mother Lydia's arms.

After completing high school in roughly a year, Laurent - born in Belgium but now living in the Netherlands - started university and is set to finish the three-year bachelor's programme in just nine months.

"Every professor is really enthusiastic about having Laurent and for us it's a unique situation of course because he's the youngest student we've ever had," said programme director Sjoerd Hulshof.

"The speed of his mind - we cannot imagine what is happening in his head. He's maybe three times smarter than the smartest student we've ever had."

Currently the youngest person to obtain a college degree is American Michael Kearney, who achieved the feat in June 1994 at the age of 10 years 4 months, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

When he's not at the university, Laurent says he walks the dog, plays video games Minecraft and Fortnite or posts pictures on Instagram.

Inspired by Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, he plans to research artificial organs, and ultimately develop an entire artificial body in his own laboratory. "My grandparents are heart patients," he explained of the choice.

Offers are flooding in from universities around the world and Laurent's parents are helping him weigh the options, with the U.S. west coast currently a favourite destination.

His father, Alexander, doesn't dare predict Laurent's future because he has smashed every expectation so far - but stressed there was no hurry.

"What he's doing now is playing with education, just playing around," he said. "And that's fine with us."

As he cradles his young puppy in his arms, Laurent Simons looks much like any other 9-year-old boy. Then he starts describing his work at a university in the Netherlands, developing a computer circuit that will replicate a part of the brain.

As he cradles his young puppy in his arms, Laurent Simons looks much like any other 9-year-old boy. Then he starts describing his work at a university in the Netherlands, developing a computer circuit that will replicate a part of the brain. "What we are doing is placing neurons and making connections to see what the reaction is to medication in a part of the brain," he says of the brain-on-chip project, which combines the biomedical and electrical engineering fields. With an IQ of 145, the Belgian boy wonder is on track to become the world's youngest university graduate when he completes a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at Eindhoven's University of Technology next month. "I'm planning to start my PhD and study a little medicine, but before that vacation," he said of his post-graduation plans, as 9-week-old puppy Sammy dozed in his mother Lydia's arms. After completing high school in roughly a year, Laurent - born in Belgium but now living in the Netherlands - started university and is set to finish the three-year bachelor's programme in just nine months. "Every professor is really enthusiastic about having Laurent and for us it's a unique situation of course because he's the youngest student we've ever had," said programme director Sjoerd Hulshof. "The speed of his mind - we cannot imagine what is happening in his head. He's maybe three times smarter than the smartest student we've ever had." Currently the youngest person to obtain a college degree is American Michael Kearney, who achieved the feat in June 1994 at the age of 10 years 4 months, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. When he's not at the university, Laurent says he walks the dog, plays video games Minecraft and Fortnite or posts pictures on Instagram. Inspired by Serbian-American inventor Nikola Tesla, he plans to research artificial organs, and ultimately develop an entire artificial body in his own laboratory. "My grandparents are heart patients," he explained of the choice. Offers are flooding in from universities around the world and Laurent's parents are helping him weigh the options, with the U.S. west coast currently a favourite destination. His father, Alexander, doesn't dare predict Laurent's future because he has smashed every expectation so far - but stressed there was no hurry. "What he's doing now is playing with education, just playing around," he said. "And that's fine with us."

Meet Laurent Simons, Belgian boy on track to become world's youngest university graduate

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes.

The Revolutionary Guards said calm had returned across Iran, state TV reported, after protests in which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-100-protesters-believed-killed-in-iran-amnesty-263228">Amnesty International said over 100 demonstrators had been killed</a> by security forces, a figure rejected as "speculative" by the government.

"The internet is being gradually restored in the country," the semi-official news agency Fars said, quoting unidentified informed sources as saying.

Fars quoted unnamed sources as saying the National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating the internet in "some areas and, according to reports so far, fixed line internet has been restored in Hormozgan, Kermanshah, Arak, Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Hamadan and Bushehr provinces, and parts of Tehran".

"We again have internet as of an hour ago," a retired engineer who declined to be named said by telephone from Tehran.

The internet blockage made it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media to generate more support and also to obtain reliable reports on the extent of the unrest.

Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks said the restoration of connectivity in Iran was only partial so far, covering about 10% of the country.

The unrest erupted on Nov. 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50%. Protests began in several provincial towns before spreading to some 100 cities and towns across the Islamic Republic. They quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials to step down.

On Thursday, state TV showed thousands marching in pro-government rallies in a dozen cities, carrying national flags and signs with slogans including "Rioting is not protesting".

Amnesty International said it had documented at least 106 deaths of protesters killed by security forces, which would make it the worst street unrest in Iran in at least a decade and possibly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran’s U.N. mission on Wednesday dismissed the casualty report as "speculative, not reliable".

Iranian authorities said several people, including members of the security forces and policemen, were killed in street violence, which Tehran blamed on "foreign foes".

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes.

Iran on Thursday began restoring internet access in the capital Tehran and a number of provinces, local news agencies and residents said, after a days-long nationwide shutdown meant to help stifle unrest over fuel price hikes. The Revolutionary Guards said calm had returned across Iran, state TV reported, after protests in which Amnesty International said over 100 demonstrators had been killed by security forces, a figure rejected as "speculative" by the government. "The internet is being gradually restored in the country," the semi-official news agency Fars said, quoting unidentified informed sources as saying. Fars quoted unnamed sources as saying the National Security Council that had ordered the shutdown approved reactivating the internet in "some areas and, according to reports so far, fixed line internet has been restored in Hormozgan, Kermanshah, Arak, Mashhad, Qom, Tabriz, Hamadan and Bushehr provinces, and parts of Tehran". "We again have internet as of an hour ago," a retired engineer who declined to be named said by telephone from Tehran. The internet blockage made it difficult for protesters to post videos on social media to generate more support and also to obtain reliable reports on the extent of the unrest. Internet blockage observatory NetBlocks said the restoration of connectivity in Iran was only partial so far, covering about 10% of the country. The unrest erupted on Nov. 15 after the government announced gasoline price hikes of at least 50%. Protests began in several provincial towns before spreading to some 100 cities and towns across the Islamic Republic. They quickly turned political with protesters demanding top officials to step down. On Thursday, state TV showed thousands marching in pro-government rallies in a dozen cities, carrying national flags and signs with slogans including "Rioting is not protesting". Amnesty International said it had documented at least 106 deaths of protesters killed by security forces, which would make it the worst street unrest in Iran in at least a decade and possibly since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Iran’s U.N. mission on Wednesday dismissed the casualty report as "speculative, not reliable". Iranian authorities said several people, including members of the security forces and policemen, were killed in street violence, which Tehran blamed on "foreign foes".

Iran begins reconnecting internet after shutdown over protests

Indians account for 93 percent of the total number of visas issued under H4 category by the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The H4 category permits the spouse of an H-1B visa holder to work in the US.

Replying to a question raised by a Rajya Sabha member about US government move to prevent the spouses of H1B visa holder to get the visa, Jaishankar said that the Donald Trump administration has indicated that it "may review it sometime".

"Ability of spouses of H1B visa holders working in the US to work was introduced in 2015. This category of visa is covered in H4 visa. Indians today account for 93 per cent of a total number of visas issued in this category," said Jaishankar.

"There is a court order to the effect to continue the program. Trump (US President) Administration has indicated that it may review it sometime," he added.

H-4 employment authorisation document (EAD) is an Obama-era rule of 2015 that allowed job opportunities to qualified spouses of H-1B visa holders. The Trump administration has publicly said and also in its court filing that it wants to revoke work permits to H-4 visa holders. Early this month, a US court refused to strike down the H-4 EAD rule.

Meanwhile, when nominated member Swapan Dasgupta asked the External Affairs Minister about the government's position on the work visas, Jaishankar said that New Delhi is constantly in touch with Washington, to persuade them that tapping into "Indian pool talent" will be beneficial. He also noted that numbers of H1B visas have been going up in the last few years even though the rejection rate is coming down.

"We are constantly in touch with the American system, the American government and members of Congress to persuade them that tapping into the Indian talent pool is for our mutual benefits and in that, we have been successful in large measure... Actually, if you look at the number the numbers of H1B visas has been going up in the last few years even though the rejection rate is coming down," he said.

He also pointed out that the number of visas that Indian companies have applied for has come down and denial rate has also gone up.

"Number of visas that Indian companies have applied has come down and denial rate has also come up but they have gone up for all companies, not just Indians companies," Jaishankar said&nbsp;

Indians account for 93 percent of the total number of visas issued under H4 category by the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

Indians account for 93 percent of the total number of visas issued under H4 category by the United States, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The H4 category permits the spouse of an H-1B visa holder to work in the US. Replying to a question raised by a Rajya Sabha member about US government move to prevent the spouses of H1B visa holder to get the visa, Jaishankar said that the Donald Trump administration has indicated that it "may review it sometime". "Ability of spouses of H1B visa holders working in the US to work was introduced in 2015. This category of visa is covered in H4 visa. Indians today account for 93 per cent of a total number of visas issued in this category," said Jaishankar. "There is a court order to the effect to continue the program. Trump (US President) Administration has indicated that it may review it sometime," he added. H-4 employment authorisation document (EAD) is an Obama-era rule of 2015 that allowed job opportunities to qualified spouses of H-1B visa holders. The Trump administration has publicly said and also in its court filing that it wants to revoke work permits to H-4 visa holders. Early this month, a US court refused to strike down the H-4 EAD rule. Meanwhile, when nominated member Swapan Dasgupta asked the External Affairs Minister about the government's position on the work visas, Jaishankar said that New Delhi is constantly in touch with Washington, to persuade them that tapping into "Indian pool talent" will be beneficial. He also noted that numbers of H1B visas have been going up in the last few years even though the rejection rate is coming down. "We are constantly in touch with the American system, the American government and members of Congress to persuade them that tapping into the Indian talent pool is for our mutual benefits and in that, we have been successful in large measure... Actually, if you look at the number the numbers of H1B visas has been going up in the last few years even though the rejection rate is coming down," he said. He also pointed out that the number of visas that Indian companies have applied for has come down and denial rate has also gone up. "Number of visas that Indian companies have applied has come down and denial rate has also come up but they have gone up for all companies, not just Indians companies," Jaishankar said

Indians account for 90% of H4 visas issued by US: S Jaishankar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended wishes to Mahinda Rajapaksa over his appointment as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-has-been-sworn-in-as-the-prime-minister-of-sri-lanka-263600">Sri Lanka's prime minister</a>.

Modi also said he looks forward to working closely with Mahinda on further strengthening fraternal India-Sri Lanka ties.

"Congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. I look forward to working closely with him for further strengthening fraternal India-Sri Lanka ties," PM Modi tweeted.

Mahinda, who is a brother of newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was sworn in as the new prime minister of the island nation.

This is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that two siblings are in the positions of president and the prime minister.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has served as president from 2005 to 2015. His accession to power has come after Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his resignation from the prime ministerial post, paving a way for a caretaker cabinet until the general elections which can be held in March 2020.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended wishes to Mahinda Rajapaksa over his appointment as Sri Lanka's prime minister. Modi also said he looks forward to working closely with Mahinda on further strengthening fraternal India-Sri Lanka ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended wishes to Mahinda Rajapaksa over his appointment as Sri Lanka's prime minister. Modi also said he looks forward to working closely with Mahinda on further strengthening fraternal India-Sri Lanka ties. "Congratulations and best wishes to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. I look forward to working closely with him for further strengthening fraternal India-Sri Lanka ties," PM Modi tweeted. Mahinda, who is a brother of newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was sworn in as the new prime minister of the island nation. This is the first time in the history of Sri Lanka that two siblings are in the positions of president and the prime minister. Mahinda Rajapaksa has served as president from 2005 to 2015. His accession to power has come after Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his resignation from the prime ministerial post, paving a way for a caretaker cabinet until the general elections which can be held in March 2020.

PM Modi congratulated newly appointed Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Sparshita

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.