Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court&nbsp;of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.&nbsp;The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling&nbsp;in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google.&nbsp;Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store.&nbsp;

After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users.&nbsp;

The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform.&nbsp;

CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers.&nbsp;

Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like&nbsp;mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive.&nbsp;

Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform.&nbsp;

A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward."&nbsp;

"We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.

Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google. Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store. After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users. The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform. CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers. Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive. Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform. A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward." "We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Google to cooperate with India antitrust watchdog after Android ruling

A number of residents in a remote part of southeastern Australia struggling with rare corneal erosion which is popularly known as "Christmas Eye". This condition mostly occurs between late November and mid-January in country areas of New South Wales.&nbsp;

The agonising eye condition is caused by an orthoperus beetle that is found predominantly in parts of eastern Australia. The tiny beetle measures only half a millimetre in size.&nbsp;

As quoted by national broadcaster ABC News, Wangaratta optometrist Rob Holloway said: "They are virtually impossible to see but the beetle itself has a compound in its blood supply that is a blistering agent."&nbsp;

Holloway added, "When that gets in your eye and is released, that compound essentially makes the front surface of the eye fall off."&nbsp;

As mentioned that the condition is rare, it is typically only found in Australia's Albury-Wodonga region, about 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne.&nbsp;

"Christmas Eye" is also known as "Albury-Wodonga syndrome" and "Harvester's Keratitis" as it linked to farming work.&nbsp;

As quoted by ABC, Wodonga optometrist Kelly Gibbons said she had heard people "compare it to childbirth". Gibbons added that "these people are in abject misery".&nbsp;

Holloway explained that this condition occurs when the beetles squirt a toxic compound when crushed—probably when a person is rubbing the eyes.&nbsp;

Holloway said that the insect has a component called pederin, which is a blistering agent. It gets secreted onto the eye surface, and it "makes the surface of the eye blister and fall off."&nbsp;

Holloway said that the authorities have seen a recent spike in cases throughout Albury-Wodonga. The rise in cases is possibly linked to heavy downpours in winter and spring.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A number of residents in a remote part of southeastern Australia struggling with rare corneal erosion which is popularly known as "Christmas Eye". This condition mostly occurs between late November and mid-January in country areas of New South Wales.

A number of residents in a remote part of southeastern Australia struggling with rare corneal erosion which is popularly known as "Christmas Eye". This condition mostly occurs between late November and mid-January in country areas of New South Wales. The agonising eye condition is caused by an orthoperus beetle that is found predominantly in parts of eastern Australia. The tiny beetle measures only half a millimetre in size. As quoted by national broadcaster ABC News, Wangaratta optometrist Rob Holloway said: "They are virtually impossible to see but the beetle itself has a compound in its blood supply that is a blistering agent." Holloway added, "When that gets in your eye and is released, that compound essentially makes the front surface of the eye fall off." As mentioned that the condition is rare, it is typically only found in Australia's Albury-Wodonga region, about 300 kilometres northeast of Melbourne. "Christmas Eye" is also known as "Albury-Wodonga syndrome" and "Harvester's Keratitis" as it linked to farming work. As quoted by ABC, Wodonga optometrist Kelly Gibbons said she had heard people "compare it to childbirth". Gibbons added that "these people are in abject misery". Holloway explained that this condition occurs when the beetles squirt a toxic compound when crushed—probably when a person is rubbing the eyes. Holloway said that the insect has a component called pederin, which is a blistering agent. It gets secreted onto the eye surface, and it "makes the surface of the eye blister and fall off." Holloway said that the authorities have seen a recent spike in cases throughout Albury-Wodonga. The rise in cases is possibly linked to heavy downpours in winter and spring. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Rare eye condition caused by tiny beetle, troubles remote part of southeastern Australia

Ireland's Data Privacy Commissioner (DPC) on Thursday slapped an additional fine of $5.95 million on Meta's WhatsApp for breaches of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).&nbsp;Ireland-based media outlet The Journal reported that DPC further announced that WhatsApp Ireland has six months to bring its data processing operations into compliance.&nbsp;

Two weeks ago, the tech giant was fined 390 million euros when Instagram and Facebook were found to have flouted the same EU rules.

In a statement, the watchdog said that in its new decision, the tech company was found to be "in breach of its obligations in relation to transparency".&nbsp;

The DPC added that Meta was relying on an incorrect legal basis "for its processing of personal data for the purposes of service improvement and security".&nbsp;

The Irish regulator has taken strict action when it comes to security issues. For failures in handling the data of minors, Meta was fined 405 million euros in September. Meanwhile, it was fined 265 million euros in November for not sufficiently protecting users' data.&nbsp;

GDPR was adopted in 2016 and its aim is to enhance control and rights to users' personal data. The regulation came into force on 25 May 2018.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ireland's Data Privacy Commissioner (DPC) on Thursday slapped an additional fine of $5.95 million on Meta's WhatsApp for breaches of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Ireland's Data Privacy Commissioner (DPC) on Thursday slapped an additional fine of $5.95 million on Meta's WhatsApp for breaches of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Ireland-based media outlet The Journal reported that DPC further announced that WhatsApp Ireland has six months to bring its data processing operations into compliance. Two weeks ago, the tech giant was fined 390 million euros when Instagram and Facebook were found to have flouted the same EU rules. In a statement, the watchdog said that in its new decision, the tech company was found to be "in breach of its obligations in relation to transparency". The DPC added that Meta was relying on an incorrect legal basis "for its processing of personal data for the purposes of service improvement and security". The Irish regulator has taken strict action when it comes to security issues. For failures in handling the data of minors, Meta was fined 405 million euros in September. Meanwhile, it was fined 265 million euros in November for not sufficiently protecting users' data. GDPR was adopted in 2016 and its aim is to enhance control and rights to users' personal data. The regulation came into force on 25 May 2018. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Meta fined $5.9 million for violating EU data protection regulations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States on Friday (January 20) for a new security assistance package to the war-torn nation. While Western allies are mulling over further military aid, especially tanks, to Kyiv to help in its fight against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the United States on Friday (January 20) for a new security assistance package to the war-torn nation. While Western allies are mulling over further military aid, especially tanks, to Kyiv to help in its fight against Russia. Zelensky expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for providing Ukraine with another powerful defence support package worth $2.5 billion. Zelensky hailed the latest package that included Stryker armoured personnel carriers, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and Avenger air defence systems. He said that it will be an "important help in our fight against the aggressor". The Ukrainian prime minister also mentioned that the West has the power to provide the war-ravaged nation with tanks, F-16 jets and long-range missiles. Discussion over Leopard 2 tanks Zelensky asked the Western allies to "speed up" arms deliveries while speaking during defence ministers' talks at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The main focus of the gathering at Ramstein Air Base remained whether Germany will allow the supply of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Zelensky said allies needed "not to bargain about different numbers of tanks but to open that principal supply that will stop evil". Kremlin issues warning Meanwhile, the Kremlin warned that the Western tanks will make little difference on the ground. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that “one should not exaggerate the importance of such supplies in terms of the ability to change something”. “This will add problems for Ukraine, but this will change nothing in terms of the Russian side advancing on the path to achieving its goals,” it added. US says ‘dig even deeper’ to support Ukraine At the donor meeting, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that the Western allies need to “dig even deeper” to support Ukraine with military aid at a crucial time in its battle against Russia. Austin said: "We need to dig even deeper. This is a decisive moment for Ukraine. The Ukrainian people are watching us, the Kremlin is watching us, and history is watching us." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

US asks allies to ‘dig deeper’ to support Ukraine; Kremlin says tanks will change ‘nothing’ on battlefield

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia's defence ministry on Friday claimed that its forces had taken control of Klishchiivka, a settlement south of Bakhmut, which is in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region. The news agency Reuters reported that the village of Klishchiivka had a pre-war population of around 400 people. The village was said to have been captured with the help of aerial support. Russia's claim was on the day when Western allies had gathered in Germany to plan future military assistance to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for tanks and long-range missiles for its fight against Russia. The claim over Klishchiivka comes a day after the head of Russia's Wagner mercenary force, Yevgeny Prigozhin, said that his units had claimed more ground near Bakhmut and captured the village of Klishchiivka. Prigozhin said on Thursday, "We can safely say that the settlement of Klishchiivka, which is one of the important suburbs of Bakhmut, has been completely taken under the control of Wagner PMC units." WATCH | US calls for allies to 'dig deeper' on Ukraine as pressure builds for tanks × Meanwhile, a senior Moscow-installed official said on Friday that fighting has "sharply increased" in the southern Ukraine region of Zaporizhzhia. As quoted by the news agency AFP, the official Vladimir Rogov said on the Telegram social media platform: "In the direction of Zaporizhzhia, the intensity of military activity has sharply increased." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow claims capture of Klishchiivka near Bakhmut

The body of a 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 35-metre deep hole on a construction site in Vietnam, was pulled by rescuers, state media said Friday (January 20).&nbsp;Earlier this month, the boy, identified as Thai Ly Hao Nam, fell into the shaft of a hollow concrete pillar which was just 25 centimetres wide.&nbsp;

Previous reports had mentioned that the pillar was part of a new bridge being built in the southern Dong Thap province. One rescuer had said that the boy was believed to be looking for scrap metal when he fell into the narrow shaft.&nbsp;

From soldiers to engineering experts, hundreds of rescue workers were deployed to the site in Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta.&nbsp;But all the efforts went in vain as after four days, the authorities declared him dead. They also said that retrieving his body would be a "very difficult task".&nbsp;

The VNExpress news site reported that early on Friday the boy's body&nbsp; was brought to the ground after rescuers went to a depth of 25 metres. The experts used specialised equipment to bring him up.&nbsp;

Vice chairman of the provincial committee Doan Tan Buu said Friday: "The rescue lasted a very long time. As there was soil surrounding the pillar... the boy's body was intact."&nbsp;

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The body of a 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 35-metre deep hole on a construction site in Vietnam, was pulled by rescuers, state media said Friday (January 20).

The body of a 10-year-old boy, who fell into a 35-metre deep hole on a construction site in Vietnam, was pulled by rescuers, state media said Friday (January 20). Earlier this month, the boy, identified as Thai Ly Hao Nam, fell into the shaft of a hollow concrete pillar which was just 25 centimetres wide. Previous reports had mentioned that the pillar was part of a new bridge being built in the southern Dong Thap province. One rescuer had said that the boy was believed to be looking for scrap metal when he fell into the narrow shaft. From soldiers to engineering experts, hundreds of rescue workers were deployed to the site in Dong Thap province in the Mekong Delta. But all the efforts went in vain as after four days, the authorities declared him dead. They also said that retrieving his body would be a "very difficult task". The VNExpress news site reported that early on Friday the boy's body was brought to the ground after rescuers went to a depth of 25 metres. The experts used specialised equipment to bring him up. Vice chairman of the provincial committee Doan Tan Buu said Friday: "The rescue lasted a very long time. As there was soil surrounding the pillar... the boy's body was intact." 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.

Vietnam: Rescue workers pull out body of 10-year-old boy from shaft of concrete pillar

Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green.&nbsp;

Billboards reportedly in Belgium, France, Germany and England were sabotaged by the so-called guerrilla subvertisers. For the unversed, subvertising basically means making spoofs or parodies of advertisements, mostly corporate and political.&nbsp;

Brandalism and Extinction Rebellion, the groups behind the campaign, said they highlighted "misleading adverts and aggressive lobbying tactics" used by these two companies.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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1/ Why have subvertisers targetted <a href="https://twitter.com/BMW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BMW</a> this week? In 2022, the car brand was ranked 16th worst company in the world for anti-climate lobbying. <a href="https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ">https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ</a> 
 
Art design by <a href="https://twitter.com/mernywernz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mernywernz</a> 
Installation by Brandalism + XR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrusselsMotorShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrusselsMotorShow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdBrake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdBrake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanFossilAds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanFossilAds</a> <a href="https://t.co/RIOcAZLGvi">pic.twitter.com/RIOcAZLGvi</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615762984583692306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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2/ Like many car brands, BMW have promoted oversized SUVs. The car advertising playbook recommends images of open roads, rugged nature or empty streets.... 
 
[image: billboard at Brussels-Midi train station, 2023] <a href="https://t.co/3lvt8sKglY">pic.twitter.com/3lvt8sKglY</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615765803336335372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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3/ But these SUV adverts rarely mention the climate + pollution impacts of driving around in a 2 tonne truck. 
 
Art design by <a href="https://twitter.com/mernywernz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mernywernz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BanFossilAds?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BanFossilAds</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdBrake?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdBrake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrusselsMotorShow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrusselsMotorShow</a> <a href="https://t.co/k7J8M2GQ1x">pic.twitter.com/k7J8M2GQ1x</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1615766917838422025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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4/ Whilst you might see lots of adverts for BMW's electric i range, just 10% of its vehicles produced in 2021 were electric and of those two-thirds were hybrids i.e. still powered by fossil fuels. <a href="https://t.co/RavBaVabnC">https://t.co/RavBaVabnC</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1616145612394700801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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6/ <a href="https://twitter.com/transenv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@transenv</a> research suggests that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BMW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BMW</a> is using unrealistic and optimistic assumptions about emissions from hybrids “as a compliance strategy to easily meet their CO2 targets without the cars actually achieving these savings in the real world.” 
 
Artwork by <a href="https://twitter.com/darren_cullen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Darren_Cullen</a>. <a href="https://t.co/xfmPL5rBlD">pic.twitter.com/xfmPL5rBlD</a>
— Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandalismUK/status/1616147555946987530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They further added that both car manufacturers are "heavily invested in selling polluting combustion engine vehicles" even though their adverts emphasise that they are focused on electric vehicles (EVs).&nbsp;

The Guardian reported that the climate activists targeted the billboards when the European Motor Show opened its doors in Brussels for its 100th anniversary over the weekend.&nbsp;

Over time, concerns have been raised over the way car companies present themselves through ads. Some critics believe that some car companies might be misleading the public with their adverts.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green.

Climate activists were able to hijack over 400 billboards of car companies across Europe in the past few days. They targeted the automobile giants like BMW and Toyota over their claims of going green. Billboards reportedly in Belgium, France, Germany and England were sabotaged by the so-called guerrilla subvertisers. For the unversed, subvertising basically means making spoofs or parodies of advertisements, mostly corporate and political. Brandalism and Extinction Rebellion, the groups behind the campaign, said they highlighted "misleading adverts and aggressive lobbying tactics" used by these two companies. 1/ Why have subvertisers targetted @BMW this week? In 2022, the car brand was ranked 16th worst company in the world for anti-climate lobbying. https://t.co/6DsNVyKUhQ Art design by @mernywernz Installation by Brandalism + XR #BrusselsMotorShow #AdBrake #BanFossilAds pic.twitter.com/RIOcAZLGvi — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 2/ Like many car brands, BMW have promoted oversized SUVs. The car advertising playbook recommends images of open roads, rugged nature or empty streets.... [image: billboard at Brussels-Midi train station, 2023] pic.twitter.com/3lvt8sKglY — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 3/ But these SUV adverts rarely mention the climate + pollution impacts of driving around in a 2 tonne truck. Art design by @mernywernz #BanFossilAds #AdBrake #BrusselsMotorShow pic.twitter.com/k7J8M2GQ1x — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 18, 2023 × 4/ Whilst you might see lots of adverts for BMW's electric i range, just 10% of its vehicles produced in 2021 were electric and of those two-thirds were hybrids i.e. still powered by fossil fuels. https://t.co/RavBaVabnC — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 19, 2023 × 6/ @transenv research suggests that #BMW is using unrealistic and optimistic assumptions about emissions from hybrids “as a compliance strategy to easily meet their CO2 targets without the cars actually achieving these savings in the real world.” Artwork by @Darren_Cullen. pic.twitter.com/xfmPL5rBlD — Brandalism (@BrandalismUK) January 19, 2023 × They further added that both car manufacturers are "heavily invested in selling polluting combustion engine vehicles" even though their adverts emphasise that they are focused on electric vehicles (EVs). The Guardian reported that the climate activists targeted the billboards when the European Motor Show opened its doors in Brussels for its 100th anniversary over the weekend. Over time, concerns have been raised over the way car companies present themselves through ads. Some critics believe that some car companies might be misleading the public with their adverts. 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.

Climate activists target billboards of car companies to highlight 'misleading adverts'

Former world number one Andy&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning.

The 35-year-old Scot looked down and out against an inspired Kokkinakis as he trailed by two sets and 2-5 but displayed his trademark warrior spirit to somehow claw out a 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5 victory after five hours and 45 minutes.

When&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;finally got the job done in what was his 250th Grand Slam match, the clock was just past 4.05am local time but a sizeable and vociferous crowd had remained glued to their seats inside the Margaret Court Arena.

It was another stupendous effort from the three-time Grand Slam champion whose career has been littered by such battles and who has stubbornly refused to call it a day since having a partly metal hip inserted in 2019.

Bizarrely he will now play Roberto Bautista Agut, the man who beat him at the 2019 Australian Open, after which&nbsp;Murray's career appeared to be over because of the hip condition.

While it felt absurd to have elite sport going on at such an hour,&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;simply did not care as he showed again his insatiable appetite for a scrap.

The 26-year-old Kokkinakis, whose own career has been too often blighted by injuries, dominated the opening two sets with the kind of aggressive tennis and ball-striking that made a mockery of his world ranking of 159.

Murray's resistance looked over when Kokkinakis led 5-2 in the third set with the Australian on the verge of his biggest career win. But&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;would not go away.

Kokkinakis got tight with the finishing line in sight and the venom gradually went out of his shots as&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;threw caution to the wind and locked on to his target.

Relentlessly&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;ground his way back into the contest to set up a deciding fifth set, sealing the fourth set with a second-serve ace.

A weary-looking Kokkinakis did not capitulate and the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium revived him early in set five as he kept his nose in front on serve.

There was pandemonium when he saved four break points at 3-3 and Kokkinakis was within two points of victory when&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;served at 4-5 in the decider.

But&nbsp;Murray's greater experience of such duels enabled him to get the crucial break of serve in the following game with a stunning forehand winner before sealing victory in the next game on his first match point with a backhand winner.

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Former world number one Andy Murray produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning.

Former world number one Andy Murray produced one of his greatest ever comebacks to sink home hope Thanasi Kokkinakis in a titanic second-round thriller at the Australian Open in the early hours of Friday morning. The 35-year-old Scot looked down and out against an inspired Kokkinakis as he trailed by two sets and 2-5 but displayed his trademark warrior spirit to somehow claw out a 4-6 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 7-5 victory after five hours and 45 minutes. When Murray finally got the job done in what was his 250th Grand Slam match, the clock was just past 4.05am local time but a sizeable and vociferous crowd had remained glued to their seats inside the Margaret Court Arena. It was another stupendous effort from the three-time Grand Slam champion whose career has been littered by such battles and who has stubbornly refused to call it a day since having a partly metal hip inserted in 2019. Bizarrely he will now play Roberto Bautista Agut, the man who beat him at the 2019 Australian Open, after which Murray's career appeared to be over because of the hip condition. While it felt absurd to have elite sport going on at such an hour, Murray simply did not care as he showed again his insatiable appetite for a scrap. The 26-year-old Kokkinakis, whose own career has been too often blighted by injuries, dominated the opening two sets with the kind of aggressive tennis and ball-striking that made a mockery of his world ranking of 159. Murray's resistance looked over when Kokkinakis led 5-2 in the third set with the Australian on the verge of his biggest career win. But Murray would not go away. Kokkinakis got tight with the finishing line in sight and the venom gradually went out of his shots as Murray threw caution to the wind and locked on to his target. Relentlessly Murray ground his way back into the contest to set up a deciding fifth set, sealing the fourth set with a second-serve ace. A weary-looking Kokkinakis did not capitulate and the raucous atmosphere inside the stadium revived him early in set five as he kept his nose in front on serve. There was pandemonium when he saved four break points at 3-3 and Kokkinakis was within two points of victory when Murray served at 4-5 in the decider. But Murray's greater experience of such duels enabled him to get the crucial break of serve in the following game with a stunning forehand winner before sealing victory in the next game on his first match point with a backhand winner. 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.

Australian Open: Andy Murray grinds down Kokkinakis in late-night epic

Russia warned the West that if they provide Kyiv with longer-range weapons, the ongoing Ukraine war will escalate if the West. Kazakhstan's president dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election.

Russia warned the West that if they provide Kyiv with longer-range weapons, the ongoing Ukraine war will escalate if the West. Kazakhstan's president dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election. Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case of a fatal film set shooting in October 2021. Read a feature piece on Jacinda Ardern as she announced to step down as the New Zealand Prime Minister. Click on the links to read the full report Russia warns of escalation, nuclear war outbreak as West mulls sending powerful weapons to Ukraine Russia issued a warning that the ongoing Ukraine war will escalate if the West provides Kyiv with longer-range weapons. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started, the United States has sent advanced and high-precision weapons and other military assistance to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation against Russian aggression. Kazakhstan President dissolves parliament, calls for snap election on March 19 Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday (January 19) dissolved the country's Parliament and called for a snap election on March 19. President Tokayev, 69, also dissolved the country's local legislatures. Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter over deadly shooting incident Actor Alec Baldwin of the 'Mission Impossible' fame has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case of a fatal film-set shooting in October 2021. Davos: Greta Thunberg accuses WEF attendees of fuelling the ‘destruction of planet’ Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg on Thursday (January 19) accused the attendees of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of fuelling the destruction of the planet, as she spoke during a round-table discussion in Davos between climate campaigners and International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol. China announces censorship crackdown to get rid of Covid rumours on internet The cyber authorities of China are set to censor social media to ensure that "rumours" regarding the pandemic do not create “gloomy sentiments” on the platforms during the lunar new year festival. Fire blaze at Armenian military barracks kills 15, injures three As per reports, 15 servicemen were killed and three others suffered serious injuries after a military barracks was set ablaze overnight in Armenia on Thursday, stated the defence ministry. ‘Propaganda piece, reveals colonial mindset’: India slams BBC documentary on 2002 Gujarat riots India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset. What just happened? Reason for Jacinda Ardern's shocking resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shock move to step down as the New Zealand Prime Minister on 7 February made headlines on Thursday as she made the announcement. Hong Kong to remove isolation rule for new Covid patients Hong Kong will lift the isolation order that required people infected with Covid to isolate themselves. The order, seen as part of government's approach to revive the economy, will be implemented starting January 30. Twitter Blue subscription plans rolled out for Android, web users Twitter Inc said on Wednesday that it would price Twitter Blue subscription for Android users at $11 per month. The subscription is priced at $11 for the iOS subscribers as well. Twitter has offered a cheaper annual plan for the web users when compared to the monthly charges.

Top 10 world news: Russia warns of escalation, Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter, and more

In a major blow to cash-strapped Pakistan, the World Bank has delayed the approval of two loans worth USD 1.1 billion until the next fiscal year, according to media reports.&nbsp;The Washington-based lender has also opposed slapping a flood levy on imports, creating a new hole in an already ambitious USD 32 billion annual financing plan.&nbsp;

The Bank's decision to withhold approval of the second Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE-II) loan worth USD 450 million and the second Programme for Affordable Energy (PACE-II) worth USD 600 million will be a major jolt for the Shehbaz Sharif government, The Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

"The indicative date for (World Bank) Board discussion of the RISE-II project is the fiscal year 2024, which will start on July 1, 2023, and end on June 30, 2024," a spokesperson told the newspaper.&nbsp;

The Bank's documents also showed that the PACE-II loan might be approved in the next fiscal year.&nbsp;

The government hoped to receive approval for at least the USD 450 million loan in January, which would have unlocked another USD 450 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which had pegged a USD 450 million loan with the approval of the World Bank's RISE-II.&nbsp;

The coalition government was already struggling to revive the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The global lender's latest decision, however, has created a hole of USD 1.5 billion against the government's annual financing plan.&nbsp;

Just before the revival of the IMF bailout package in August last year, the World Bank had agreed to enhance its lending envelope to cover a USD 300 million hole. All this, however, seems to have been lost due to a lack of decision-making from the federal government.&nbsp;

The World Bank spokesperson added that "preparation of the RISE-II operation is underway and the World Bank is working closely with the government toward the implementation of supported reforms".&nbsp;

For the current fiscal year, the government had hoped to receive USD 30 billion to USD 32 billion in foreign financing but the plans now appear unrealistic. The financing plan included loans worth USD 2.9 billion from the World Bank.&nbsp;

With the current foreign reserves standing at a mere USD 4.3 billion, Pakistan may not be able to reach June without support from foreign creditors.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates is expected to give the county a USD 1 billion loan and Saudi Arabia is also "studying" the possibility of extending an additional USD 2 billion. The government, however, has not yet announced dates for the disbursements.&nbsp;

Sources told the newspaper that the World Bank has also communicated that it was opposed to the idea of slapping a 1 per cent to 3 per cent flood levy on imports that the government wants to impose to raise Rs 60 billion to Rs 70 billion in additional taxes and to contain imports.&nbsp;

The flood levy is part of the Rs 200 billion budget that the government is contemplating enforcing in a bid to revive the derailed programme.&nbsp;

The World Bank, however, sees further taxation on imports as a bad policy choice that is discriminatory, distortive and leads to a reduction in the production capacity of the country.&nbsp;

The lender has conveyed its decision to the federal government. As an alternative to imposing an import levy, the government has options like the withdrawal of custom duty exemptions that have been made available to certain groups, these exemptions are protected under the 5th schedule of the Customs Act.&nbsp;

The government has long been claiming that import duties have been imposed to discourage imports. But despite one of the highest import duty rates in the world, Pakistan's current account deficit (CAD) remains higher, which indicates that these duties have not helped contain imports.&nbsp;

The imposition of duties will further increase biases in favour of a domestic industry that has been overly protected and is not inclined to compete globally. The imposition of the 3 per cent duties on imports will also lead to missing the prior RISE-II policy actions of reducing import taxes.&nbsp;

According to The Express Tribune, the conditions for the RISE-II loan pertain to the country's fiscal and macroeconomic framework, involving the provinces too. The PACE-II loan aims to "reduce circular debt flow through reducing power generation costs, decarbonising the energy mix, improving efficiency in distribution, and retargeting electricity subsidies", according to the World Bank website.&nbsp;

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In a major blow to cash-strapped Pakistan, the World Bank has delayed the approval of two loans worth USD 1.1 billion until the next fiscal year, according to media reports.

In a major blow to cash-strapped Pakistan, the World Bank has delayed the approval of two loans worth USD 1.1 billion until the next fiscal year, according to media reports. The Washington-based lender has also opposed slapping a flood levy on imports, creating a new hole in an already ambitious USD 32 billion annual financing plan. The Bank's decision to withhold approval of the second Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE-II) loan worth USD 450 million and the second Programme for Affordable Energy (PACE-II) worth USD 600 million will be a major jolt for the Shehbaz Sharif government, The Express Tribune reported. "The indicative date for (World Bank) Board discussion of the RISE-II project is the fiscal year 2024, which will start on July 1, 2023, and end on June 30, 2024," a spokesperson told the newspaper. The Bank's documents also showed that the PACE-II loan might be approved in the next fiscal year. The government hoped to receive approval for at least the USD 450 million loan in January, which would have unlocked another USD 450 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which had pegged a USD 450 million loan with the approval of the World Bank's RISE-II. The coalition government was already struggling to revive the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The global lender's latest decision, however, has created a hole of USD 1.5 billion against the government's annual financing plan. Just before the revival of the IMF bailout package in August last year, the World Bank had agreed to enhance its lending envelope to cover a USD 300 million hole. All this, however, seems to have been lost due to a lack of decision-making from the federal government. The World Bank spokesperson added that "preparation of the RISE-II operation is underway and the World Bank is working closely with the government toward the implementation of supported reforms". For the current fiscal year, the government had hoped to receive USD 30 billion to USD 32 billion in foreign financing but the plans now appear unrealistic. The financing plan included loans worth USD 2.9 billion from the World Bank. With the current foreign reserves standing at a mere USD 4.3 billion, Pakistan may not be able to reach June without support from foreign creditors. The United Arab Emirates is expected to give the county a USD 1 billion loan and Saudi Arabia is also "studying" the possibility of extending an additional USD 2 billion. The government, however, has not yet announced dates for the disbursements. Sources told the newspaper that the World Bank has also communicated that it was opposed to the idea of slapping a 1 per cent to 3 per cent flood levy on imports that the government wants to impose to raise Rs 60 billion to Rs 70 billion in additional taxes and to contain imports. The flood levy is part of the Rs 200 billion budget that the government is contemplating enforcing in a bid to revive the derailed programme. The World Bank, however, sees further taxation on imports as a bad policy choice that is discriminatory, distortive and leads to a reduction in the production capacity of the country. The lender has conveyed its decision to the federal government. As an alternative to imposing an import levy, the government has options like the withdrawal of custom duty exemptions that have been made available to certain groups, these exemptions are protected under the 5th schedule of the Customs Act. The government has long been claiming that import duties have been imposed to discourage imports. But despite one of the highest import duty rates in the world, Pakistan's current account deficit (CAD) remains higher, which indicates that these duties have not helped contain imports. The imposition of duties will further increase biases in favour of a domestic industry that has been overly protected and is not inclined to compete globally. The imposition of the 3 per cent duties on imports will also lead to missing the prior RISE-II policy actions of reducing import taxes. According to The Express Tribune, the conditions for the RISE-II loan pertain to the country's fiscal and macroeconomic framework, involving the provinces too. The PACE-II loan aims to "reduce circular debt flow through reducing power generation costs, decarbonising the energy mix, improving efficiency in distribution, and retargeting electricity subsidies", according to the World Bank website. 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.

World Bank delays USD 1.1 billion loan to cash-starved Pakistan until next FY

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia on Thursday (January 19) issued a warning that the ongoing Ukraine war will escalate if the West provides Kyiv with longer-range weapons. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict started, the United States has sent advanced and high-precision weapons and other military assistance to Ukraine to help the war-torn nation against Russian aggression. The aid included multiple-launch High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). But Kyiv urged the West to send long-range weapons to strike far behind Russian lines. But the supply of long-range weapons remained highly debated. Stark warning to the West Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told reporters on Thursday: "Potentially, this is extremely dangerous, it will mean bringing the conflict to a whole new level, which, of course, will not bode well from the point of view of global and pan-European security." In a separate statement, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that the West's continued support for Ukraine could lead to nuclear war. In a post on Telegram, he wrote: "A nuclear power's loss in a conventional war can provoke the outbreak of a nuclear war. Nuclear powers have not lost major conflicts on which their fate depends." US mulls over sending powerful weapons to Ukraine Meeting at Ramstein Air Base A report in Politico mentioned that the US officials told the news website that Washington is likely to announce that it will send long-range missiles with a range of over 100 miles to Ukraine this week. The decision might come on Friday as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and other defence leaders are due to meet at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. In the key donor meeting, they are expected to talk about strategy and also support the West's attempt to defeat Russia in Ukraine. The US might send the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), which is a rocket-launched manoeuvrable glide bomb, with double the range of HIMARS missiles. As reported by news agencies, a US official said the Biden administration was set to approve a new aid package to Ukraine, worth more than $2 billion, which would likely include Stryker armoured vehicles for Kyiv, but not M1 Abrams tanks. News agencies have reported that a US official said the Biden administration was set to approve a new aid package to Ukraine. The latest package's worth would be more than $2 billion. It is expected that it will include Stryker armoured vehicles for Kyiv. So far, there's no mention of M1 Abrams tanks. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 🆕📹"Weapons are the way to peace,"#NATO Secretary General @jensstoltenberg stresses the importance of stepping up military support for #Ukraine’s 🇺🇦 self-defence at the World Economic Forum #wef23 @wef ℹ️: https://t.co/jseAVMa4fR pic.twitter.com/bb9GmUjYjL — Oana Lungescu (@NATOpress) January 18, 2023 × USA’s 🇺🇸 next military aid package for Ukraine 🇺🇦 will likely include GLSDB Long Range Missiles with a range of 150km, and Stryker Armored Fighting Vehicles (Politico) pic.twitter.com/JFiPjDIoQi — Ukraine Battle Map (@ukraine_map) January 18, 2023 × Archer artillery system Meanwhile, Sweden on Thursday announced that it will send its Archer artillery system to Ukraine along with armoured vehicles and anti-tank missiles. The Archer artillery system is a modern mobile howitzer. Speaking at a press conference, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his government had agreed on a three-part military support package for Kyiv. The aid will include "the first decision on starting deliveries of the artillery system Archer to Ukraine". WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: US Defence Secy arrives in Berlin; Kyiv says tank supplies should come quicker × Zelensky's request for weapons In a video address to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Western supplies of tanks and air defence units should come more quickly. Talks over German tanks After a constant request by Ukraine, pressure has been mounting on Germany from European allies to authorise exports of its Leopard tank. These tanks are used by several armed forces around the world. However, several media reports suggested that Berlin has put a condition that it will send the tanks to Ukraine only if the US does the same. The Ukrainian president even criticised Germany for reluctance over sending tanks. EU chief's Ukraine visit EU chief Charles Michel announced on Thursday that he is visiting Ukraine. In Kyiv, the EU chief will meet Zelensky and they will talk about what "concrete measures" Europe can take to support Ukraine. In a video posted on Twitter, Michel said, "I am on my way to Kyiv." Michel stated that he would also meet Zelensky as well as the prime minister and members of parliament. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Russia warns of escalation, nuclear war outbreak as West mulls sending powerful weapons to Ukraine

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary&nbsp; aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset.&nbsp;The documentary, which is said to be based on some internal UK report, led to outrage on social media and was removed from some&nbsp;platforms.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom's National broadcaster BBC released a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots that had taken place when PM Modi was the chief minister of the Western state of the nation.&nbsp;

Addressing a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said, "We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible."&nbsp;

"This documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again," Bagchi said. He added that it "makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and agenda behind it".&nbsp;

The controversial documentary even reached the British Parliament when Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain mentioned&nbsp;it in a question to which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, stating that he "doesn't agree with the characterisation".&nbsp;

"The UK government's position on this has been clear and long-standing and hasn't changed, of course, we don't tolerate persecution where it appears anywhere but I am not sure I agree at all with the characterisation that the honourable gentleman has put forward," Sunak said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India: News flagged as fake by the government to be banned on social media&nbsp;

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Media reports have mentioned that the documentary included remarks by former UK Secretary Jack Straw, who apparently said that they initiated an inquiry and sent a team to Gujarat to find out what had happened during the riots. As quoted by media outlets, Straw said that "they produced a very thorough report".&nbsp;

Responding to Straw's claims, Bagchi said that "he (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It's a 20-year-old report."&nbsp;

Bagchi also added that what's the need to jump on it now and why should India give importance to it just because the UK says it?&nbsp;

"I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don't use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there...investigation, are they ruling the country," Bagchi asked.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset.

India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday (January 19) slammed the BBC documentary aimed at discrediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and termed it a "propaganda piece" and completely biased that still reveals a colonial mindset. The documentary, which is said to be based on some internal UK report, led to outrage on social media and was removed from some platforms. The United Kingdom's National broadcaster BBC released a two-part documentary on the 2002 Gujarat riots that had taken place when PM Modi was the chief minister of the Western state of the nation. Addressing a weekly briefing, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said, "We think it is a propaganda piece designed to push a particular discredited narrative. The bias, lack of objectivity and continuing colonial mindset are blatantly visible." "This documentary is a reflection on the agency and individuals that are peddling this narrative again," Bagchi said. He added that it "makes us wonder about the purpose of this exercise and agenda behind it". The controversial documentary even reached the British Parliament when Pakistan-origin MP Imran Hussain mentioned it in a question to which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, stating that he "doesn't agree with the characterisation". "The UK government's position on this has been clear and long-standing and hasn't changed, of course, we don't tolerate persecution where it appears anywhere but I am not sure I agree at all with the characterisation that the honourable gentleman has put forward," Sunak said. WATCH | India: News flagged as fake by the government to be banned on social media × Media reports have mentioned that the documentary included remarks by former UK Secretary Jack Straw, who apparently said that they initiated an inquiry and sent a team to Gujarat to find out what had happened during the riots. As quoted by media outlets, Straw said that "they produced a very thorough report". Responding to Straw's claims, Bagchi said that "he (Jack Straw) seems to be referring to some internal UK report. How do I have access to that? It's a 20-year-old report." Bagchi also added that what's the need to jump on it now and why should India give importance to it just because the UK says it? "I heard words like inquiry and investigations. There is a reason why we use the colonial mindset. We don't use words loosely. What inquiry they were diplomats there...investigation, are they ruling the country," Bagchi asked. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

‘Propaganda piece, reveals colonial mindset’: India slams BBC documentary on 2002 Gujarat riots

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