A new study shows that methane is four times more sensitive to global warming than previously thought, reported The Guardian.

The study justified the rapid growth in methane in recent years and revealed that methane-related global heating could potentially escalate in the future decades unchecked.&nbsp;

Measurements from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded the growth of this greenhouse gas passing 1,900 parts a billion last year, nearly triple pre-industrial levels and 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide over a 20-year time span.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/mits-space-bubble-to-tackle-climate-change-494325">MIT's space bubble to tackle climate change</a>&nbsp;

An earth scientist at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Simon Redfern, claimed, "What has been particularly puzzling has been the fact that methane emissions have been increasing at even greater rates in the last two years, despite the global pandemic, when anthropogenic sources were assumed to be less significant."&nbsp;

Natural sources such as wetlands contribute to nearly 40% of methane emissions, and on the other hand, anthropogenic sources such as cattle farming, fossil fuel extraction, and landfill sites contribute to 60% of the emissions.&nbsp;

Expanding exploration of oil and natural gas, rising emissions from agriculture and landfill, and rising natural emissions as tropical wetlands warm and Arctic tundra melts are a few among others to be blamed for the rising methane emissions.&nbsp;

Generally, methane is removed from the atmosphere through a reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH) also present in the atmosphere. However, a slowdown in this chemical reaction can also be an explanation for the rise in methane emissions.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Marmolada glacier: How climate change is killing people

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The Guardian quoted Redfern, who said, "The hydroxyl radical has been termed the 'detergent' of the atmosphere because it works to cleanse the atmosphere of harmful trace gases. On average, a carbon monoxide molecule remains in the atmosphere for about three months before it's attacked by a hydroxyl radical, while methane persists for about a decade. So wildfires have a swift impact on using up the hydroxyl 'detergent' and reduce the methane removal."&nbsp;

Redfern and his colleague Chin-Hsien Cheng used four decades of methane measurements to understand the driving force of methane acceleration. They analysed changes in the climate to identify how the availability of hydroxyl radicals influenced the impact of changing climate on methane sources.&nbsp;

The findings of the study have been published in the journal Nature Communications.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-countries-reach-deal-on-climate-laws-after-late-night-talks-492894">EU countries reach deal on climate laws after late-night talks</a>

The study concluded that global warming is four times more influential in speeding up methane emissions than previously estimated, with increasing temperatures contributing to producing more methane and simultaneously slowing down the removal of methane from the atmosphere.&nbsp;

"It was a really shocking result and highlights that the effects of climate change can be even more extreme and dangerous than we thought. The worry is that climate change may accelerate such risks, feeding back to accelerating atmospheric methane concentrations in a vicious circle," The Guardian quoted Redfern.&nbsp;

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A new study shows that methane is four times more sensitive to global warming than previously thought, reported The Guardian. The study justified the rapid growth in methane in recent years and revealed that methane-related global heating could potentially escalate in the future decades unchecked.

A new study shows that methane is four times more sensitive to global warming than previously thought, reported The Guardian. The study justified the rapid growth in methane in recent years and revealed that methane-related global heating could potentially escalate in the future decades unchecked. Measurements from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded the growth of this greenhouse gas passing 1,900 parts a billion last year, nearly triple pre-industrial levels and 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide over a 20-year time span. Also read | MIT's space bubble to tackle climate change An earth scientist at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Simon Redfern, claimed, "What has been particularly puzzling has been the fact that methane emissions have been increasing at even greater rates in the last two years, despite the global pandemic, when anthropogenic sources were assumed to be less significant." Natural sources such as wetlands contribute to nearly 40% of methane emissions, and on the other hand, anthropogenic sources such as cattle farming, fossil fuel extraction, and landfill sites contribute to 60% of the emissions. Expanding exploration of oil and natural gas, rising emissions from agriculture and landfill, and rising natural emissions as tropical wetlands warm and Arctic tundra melts are a few among others to be blamed for the rising methane emissions. Generally, methane is removed from the atmosphere through a reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH) also present in the atmosphere. However, a slowdown in this chemical reaction can also be an explanation for the rise in methane emissions. Watch | Gravitas: Marmolada glacier: How climate change is killing people The Guardian quoted Redfern, who said, "The hydroxyl radical has been termed the 'detergent' of the atmosphere because it works to cleanse the atmosphere of harmful trace gases. On average, a carbon monoxide molecule remains in the atmosphere for about three months before it's attacked by a hydroxyl radical, while methane persists for about a decade. So wildfires have a swift impact on using up the hydroxyl 'detergent' and reduce the methane removal." Redfern and his colleague Chin-Hsien Cheng used four decades of methane measurements to understand the driving force of methane acceleration. They analysed changes in the climate to identify how the availability of hydroxyl radicals influenced the impact of changing climate on methane sources. The findings of the study have been published in the journal Nature Communications. Also read | EU countries reach deal on climate laws after late-night talks The study concluded that global warming is four times more influential in speeding up methane emissions than previously estimated, with increasing temperatures contributing to producing more methane and simultaneously slowing down the removal of methane from the atmosphere. "It was a really shocking result and highlights that the effects of climate change can be even more extreme and dangerous than we thought. The worry is that climate change may accelerate such risks, feeding back to accelerating atmospheric methane concentrations in a vicious circle," The Guardian quoted Redfern. 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.

Study shows methane is much more sensitive to global heating than previously thought

Some parts of the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an was shut down again to avoid an explosion of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, owing to the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant. The officials said Tuesday (July 5) that businesses, schools and restaurants in Xi’an, which is home to 13 million people, will close for one week.&nbsp;

At the fag end of last year, the historic city Xi'an endured a month-long lockdown. Now, the city has reported 18 cases since Saturday in a cluster. As per the official notices, the cases are caused by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, which is already dominant in the United States and Britain.&nbsp;

Zhang Xuedong, who is the city official, said during a press conference that Xi'an would implement "seven-day temporary control measures". The measures would "allow society to quieten down as much as possible, reduce mobility... and cut the risk of cross-infection".&nbsp;

Zhang said: "We must race against both time and the virus... to guard against all possible risks and hidden dangers, and decisively avoid an explosion in community spreading."&nbsp;

The latest rules will kick in from midnight on Wednesday. As per city government's notice, the public entertainment venues including pubs, internet cafes and karaoke bars would shut their doors.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The notice added that the restaurants will not be allowed to serve diners indoors but may continue to offer takeaway services. Schools are to start the summer holiday early and universities will seal off their campuses.&nbsp;

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Some parts of the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an was shut down again to avoid an explosion of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, owing to the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant.

Some parts of the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an was shut down again to avoid an explosion of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, owing to the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant. The officials said Tuesday (July 5) that businesses, schools and restaurants in Xi’an, which is home to 13 million people, will close for one week. At the fag end of last year, the historic city Xi'an endured a month-long lockdown. Now, the city has reported 18 cases since Saturday in a cluster. As per the official notices, the cases are caused by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, which is already dominant in the United States and Britain. Zhang Xuedong, who is the city official, said during a press conference that Xi'an would implement "seven-day temporary control measures". The measures would "allow society to quieten down as much as possible, reduce mobility... and cut the risk of cross-infection". Zhang said: "We must race against both time and the virus... to guard against all possible risks and hidden dangers, and decisively avoid an explosion in community spreading." The latest rules will kick in from midnight on Wednesday. As per city government's notice, the public entertainment venues including pubs, internet cafes and karaoke bars would shut their doors. The notice added that the restaurants will not be allowed to serve diners indoors but may continue to offer takeaway services. Schools are to start the summer holiday early and universities will seal off their campuses. 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.

Covid in China: A city of 13 million forced to shut down again to avoid 'explosion' of cases

Norwegian offshore workers began a strike on Tuesday (July 5) that will reduce oil and gas output, Lederne, the union leading the industrial action, told Reuters.

The strike, in which workers are demanding wage hikes to compensate for rising inflation, comes amid high oil and gas prices, with supplies of natural gas to Europe especially tight after Russian export cutbacks.

Operator&nbsp;Equinor&nbsp;has initiated a shutdown of three fields in the North Sea as a result of a strike, the company said on Tuesday.

The Norwegian Labour Ministry reiterated that it was following the conflict "closely". It can intervene to stop a strike if there are exceptional circumstances.

On Tuesday, oil and gas output will be reduced by 89,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), of which gas output makes up 27,500 boepd,&nbsp;Equinor&nbsp;reiterated on Tuesday.

On Wednesday (July 6), the strike will deepen the cut to the country's gas output to a total of 292,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 13% of output, the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association (NOG) said on Sunday (July 4), in line with&nbsp;Equinor's estimate.

Oil output from Wednesday will be cut by 130,000 barrels per day,&nbsp;Equinor&nbsp;said, in line with the lobby's earlier estimate.

That corresponds to around 6.5% of Norway's production, according to a Reuters calculation.

A further planned escalation by Saturday (July 9) could see close to a quarter of Norway's gas output shut, as well as around 15% of its oil production, according to a Reuters calculation.

It is ultimately the operator's -&nbsp;Equinor's - decision to shut output.

Norway's other oil and gas labour unions have accepted the wage deal and will not go on strike.

Norwegian offshore workers began a strike on Tuesday (July 5) that will reduce oil and gas output, Lederne, the union leading the industrial action, told Reuters.

Norwegian offshore workers began a strike on Tuesday (July 5) that will reduce oil and gas output, Lederne, the union leading the industrial action, told Reuters. The strike, in which workers are demanding wage hikes to compensate for rising inflation, comes amid high oil and gas prices, with supplies of natural gas to Europe especially tight after Russian export cutbacks. Operator Equinor has initiated a shutdown of three fields in the North Sea as a result of a strike, the company said on Tuesday. The Norwegian Labour Ministry reiterated that it was following the conflict "closely". It can intervene to stop a strike if there are exceptional circumstances. On Tuesday, oil and gas output will be reduced by 89,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd), of which gas output makes up 27,500 boepd, Equinor reiterated on Tuesday. On Wednesday (July 6), the strike will deepen the cut to the country's gas output to a total of 292,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 13% of output, the Norwegian Oil and Gas Association (NOG) said on Sunday (July 4), in line with Equinor's estimate. Oil output from Wednesday will be cut by 130,000 barrels per day, Equinor said, in line with the lobby's earlier estimate. That corresponds to around 6.5% of Norway's production, according to a Reuters calculation. A further planned escalation by Saturday (July 9) could see close to a quarter of Norway's gas output shut, as well as around 15% of its oil production, according to a Reuters calculation. It is ultimately the operator's - Equinor's - decision to shut output. Norway's other oil and gas labour unions have accepted the wage deal and will not go on strike.

Norwegian oil and gas workers start strike, cutting output

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

The UK government announced their resignation, as Johnson came under fire for handling a sleaze scandal involving a senior colleague.&nbsp;

In his resignation letter, Sunak wrote, "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning."&nbsp;

In his resignation letter to Johnson, Javid said that "it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too".&nbsp;

The shocking resignations have plunged Johnson's government into chaos. The UK Prime Minister is under fire after he apologised for appointing Chris Pincher to a government role. Pincher is accused of misconduct.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-markets-act-european-parliament-ratifies-landmark-tech-laws-494751">Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws</a>&nbsp;

The PM is facing criticism as he admitted he had been told about the complaint in 2019. He said that he made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it.&nbsp;

Whip Mark Harper tweeted: "Tonight we have seen leadership from Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid. Harper wrote: "Honourable decisions made by honourable men. The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country. It’s time for a fresh start."&nbsp;

Harper used to be in charge of Conservative Party discipline in the House of Commons.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-needs-to-defend-iran-nuclear-deal-says-macron-in-front-of-lapid-494759">World needs to 'defend' Iran nuclear deal, says Macron in front of Israel PM Lapid</a>&nbsp;

Notably, both had formerly publicly supported Johnson during months of scandal over his administration's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules.&nbsp;

Senior Labour MP and Chair of the Commons Standards Committee Chris Bryant said: "All these people should have resigned months ago. They should never have put him in Downing Street in the first place. They have been complicit throughout."&nbsp;

'This government is now collapsing'

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's clear that this government is now collapsing."&nbsp;

In a statement, Starmer further said: "After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it's clear that this government is now collapsing. Tory Cabinet ministers have known all along who this prime minister is."&nbsp;

"They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga. The British public will not be fooled. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man won't fix that. Only a real change of government can give Britain the fresh start it needs", Starmer added.&nbsp;

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British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid resigned on Tuesday (July 5) in the aftermath of scandals associated with the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The UK government announced their resignation, as Johnson came under fire for handling a sleaze scandal involving a senior colleague. In his resignation letter, Sunak wrote, "The public rightly expect government to be conducted properly, competently and seriously. I recognise this may be my last ministerial job, but I believe these standards are worth fighting for and that is why I am resigning." In his resignation letter to Johnson, Javid said that "it is clear to me that this situation will not change under your leadership - and you have therefore lost my confidence too". The shocking resignations have plunged Johnson's government into chaos. The UK Prime Minister is under fire after he apologised for appointing Chris Pincher to a government role. Pincher is accused of misconduct. ALSO READ | Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws The PM is facing criticism as he admitted he had been told about the complaint in 2019. He said that he made a "bad mistake" by not acting on it. Whip Mark Harper tweeted: "Tonight we have seen leadership from Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid. Harper wrote: "Honourable decisions made by honourable men. The Conservative Party still has so much to offer to our country. It’s time for a fresh start." Harper used to be in charge of Conservative Party discipline in the House of Commons. ALSO READ | World needs to 'defend' Iran nuclear deal, says Macron in front of Israel PM Lapid Notably, both had formerly publicly supported Johnson during months of scandal over his administration's conduct and a damning report into parties at his Downing Street office and residence that broke strict COVID-19 lockdown rules. Senior Labour MP and Chair of the Commons Standards Committee Chris Bryant said: "All these people should have resigned months ago. They should never have put him in Downing Street in the first place. They have been complicit throughout." 'This government is now collapsing' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: "It's clear that this government is now collapsing." In a statement, Starmer further said: "After all the sleaze, the scandals and the failure, it's clear that this government is now collapsing. Tory Cabinet ministers have known all along who this prime minister is." "They have been his cheerleaders throughout this sorry saga. The British public will not be fooled. The Tory party is corrupted and changing one man won't fix that. Only a real change of government can give Britain the fresh start it needs", Starmer added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK finance and health ministers quit in protest at Boris Johnson's leadership

The legal fraternity Tuesday appeared cleaved over the inculpatory observations made by the Supreme Court against suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, with a group of former judges alleging the bench crossed the "Laxman Rekha" but a top lawyers' body finding no fault with the oral observations made by the court in the course of a hearing.&nbsp;

The group of former judges were joined by former all India services officers and defence services veterans who said the apex court's comments had left an "indelible scar on the justice system of the largest democracy".&nbsp;

The group, comprising 15 former high court judges, 77 ex-all India services officers and 25 veterans, alleged that the "unfortunate" comments are not in sync with the judicial ethos and have sent "shockwaves" in the country and outside.&nbsp;

"In the annals of the judiciary, the unfortunate comments have no parallel and are an indelible scar on the justice system of the largest democracy. Urgent rectification steps are called for as these have potentially serious consequences on democratic values and security of the country," they said in a signed statement.&nbsp;

The 117 signatories include former chief justice of the Bombay High Court Kshitij Vyas, former Kerala High Court judge P N Ravindran, former Gujarat High Court judge S M Soni, former Rajasthan High Court judges R S Rathore and Prashant Agarwal and former Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra.&nbsp;

Former IAS officers Anand Bose, R S Gopalan and S Krishna Kumar, ambassador (retired) Niranjan Desai, former DGPs S P Vaid and B L Vohra, Lt Gen V K Chaturvedi (retired) and Air Marshall (retired) S P Singh have also signed the statement.&nbsp;

The All India Bar Association, meanwhile, wrote a letter urging Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana not to take cognisance of a letter petition which has sought withdrawal of adverse remarks against Nupur Sharma and noted that the AIBA "appreciates" the observations made by the two judges.

The AIBA's latter, written by its chairperson and senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala, said, "During the course of hearing of any matter, the judges engage with the counsels. They don't maintain sphinx-like silence.

"While engaging with counsel, it is natural for judges to open up and make observations and suggestions. The question of expunging observations, even if irrelevant, shouldn't arise since these remarks are only observations without any precedential value,"&nbsp;the bar body said in the letter to Ramana.&nbsp;

"AIBA appreciates the views expressed by the judges, since the offending remarks were made by a seasoned leader and a lawyer," it said.&nbsp;

A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala had on July 1 severely reprimanded Sharma for her comments against Prophet Mohammed, saying her "loose tongue" has "set the entire country on fire" and that she was "single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country".&nbsp;

Refusing to entertain Sharma's plea for clubbing FIRs lodged in various states against her for the remarks, the bench had said they were made either for cheap publicity, political agenda, or some nefarious activities.&nbsp;

The letter petition has been filed by Delhi resident Ajay Gautam, who claims to be a social activist, urging the CJI to "issue appropriate orders or directions... To withdraw their observations in the matter of Nupur Sharma so that Nupur Sharma gets a chance of fair trial."&nbsp;

The statement by the former judges, ex-civil servants and defence veterans was sharply critical of the observations made by the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

"By no stretch, these observations, which are not part of the judicial order, can be sanctified on the plank of judicial propriety and fairness. Such outrageous transgressions are without parallel in the annals of Judiciary," their statement said.&nbsp;

Criticising the observations, the statement said, "We, as concerned citizens, do believe that democracy of any country will remain intact till all the institutions perform their duties as per the Constitution. Recent comments by the two judges of the Supreme Court have surpassed the Laxman Rekha and compelled us to issue an open statement."&nbsp;

These "unfortunate and unprecedented" comments have sent shockwaves in the country and outside, it claimed.&nbsp;

"The observations are too serious to be overlooked if rule of law, democracy has to sustain and blossom and deserve to be recalled with the stance that soothes minds that care for justice," it added.&nbsp;

Noting that Sharma sought access to the justice system before the highest court, the statement said the court's observations have no connect jurisprudentially with the issue raised in the petition and "transgressed in an unprecedented manner all canons of the dispensation of justice".&nbsp;

"She was defacto denied access to judiciary and in the process, there was an outrage on the preamble, spirit and essence of the Constitution of India," it alleged.&nbsp;

In the observations, there is the virtual exoneration of the "dastardliest beheading at Udaipur in broad daylight," it claimed.&nbsp;

It further said, "Legal fraternity is bound to be surprised and shocked at the observation that an FIR should lead to arrest. The observations on other agencies in the country, without notice to them, are indeed worrisome and alarming."&nbsp;

The signatories also defended Sharma's plea for clubbing all FIRs against her citing previous orders of the apex court.&nbsp;

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The legal fraternity Tuesday appeared cleaved over the inculpatory observations made by the Supreme Court against suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, with a group of former judges alleging the bench crossed the "Laxman Rekha" but a top lawyers' body finding no fault with the oral observations made by the court in the course of a hearing.

The legal fraternity Tuesday appeared cleaved over the inculpatory observations made by the Supreme Court against suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, with a group of former judges alleging the bench crossed the "Laxman Rekha" but a top lawyers' body finding no fault with the oral observations made by the court in the course of a hearing. The group of former judges were joined by former all India services officers and defence services veterans who said the apex court's comments had left an "indelible scar on the justice system of the largest democracy". The group, comprising 15 former high court judges, 77 ex-all India services officers and 25 veterans, alleged that the "unfortunate" comments are not in sync with the judicial ethos and have sent "shockwaves" in the country and outside. "In the annals of the judiciary, the unfortunate comments have no parallel and are an indelible scar on the justice system of the largest democracy. Urgent rectification steps are called for as these have potentially serious consequences on democratic values and security of the country," they said in a signed statement. The 117 signatories include former chief justice of the Bombay High Court Kshitij Vyas, former Kerala High Court judge P N Ravindran, former Gujarat High Court judge S M Soni, former Rajasthan High Court judges R S Rathore and Prashant Agarwal and former Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra. Former IAS officers Anand Bose, R S Gopalan and S Krishna Kumar, ambassador (retired) Niranjan Desai, former DGPs S P Vaid and B L Vohra, Lt Gen V K Chaturvedi (retired) and Air Marshall (retired) S P Singh have also signed the statement. The All India Bar Association, meanwhile, wrote a letter urging Chief Justice of India (CJI) N V Ramana not to take cognisance of a letter petition which has sought withdrawal of adverse remarks against Nupur Sharma and noted that the AIBA "appreciates" the observations made by the two judges. The AIBA's latter, written by its chairperson and senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala, said, "During the course of hearing of any matter, the judges engage with the counsels. They don't maintain sphinx-like silence. "While engaging with counsel, it is natural for judges to open up and make observations and suggestions. The question of expunging observations, even if irrelevant, shouldn't arise since these remarks are only observations without any precedential value," the bar body said in the letter to Ramana. "AIBA appreciates the views expressed by the judges, since the offending remarks were made by a seasoned leader and a lawyer," it said. A vacation bench of Justices Surya Kant and J B Pardiwala had on July 1 severely reprimanded Sharma for her comments against Prophet Mohammed, saying her "loose tongue" has "set the entire country on fire" and that she was "single-handedly responsible for what is happening in the country". Refusing to entertain Sharma's plea for clubbing FIRs lodged in various states against her for the remarks, the bench had said they were made either for cheap publicity, political agenda, or some nefarious activities. The letter petition has been filed by Delhi resident Ajay Gautam, who claims to be a social activist, urging the CJI to "issue appropriate orders or directions... To withdraw their observations in the matter of Nupur Sharma so that Nupur Sharma gets a chance of fair trial." The statement by the former judges, ex-civil servants and defence veterans was sharply critical of the observations made by the two-judge bench of the Supreme Court. "By no stretch, these observations, which are not part of the judicial order, can be sanctified on the plank of judicial propriety and fairness. Such outrageous transgressions are without parallel in the annals of Judiciary," their statement said. Criticising the observations, the statement said, "We, as concerned citizens, do believe that democracy of any country will remain intact till all the institutions perform their duties as per the Constitution. Recent comments by the two judges of the Supreme Court have surpassed the Laxman Rekha and compelled us to issue an open statement." These "unfortunate and unprecedented" comments have sent shockwaves in the country and outside, it claimed. "The observations are too serious to be overlooked if rule of law, democracy has to sustain and blossom and deserve to be recalled with the stance that soothes minds that care for justice," it added. Noting that Sharma sought access to the justice system before the highest court, the statement said the court's observations have no connect jurisprudentially with the issue raised in the petition and "transgressed in an unprecedented manner all canons of the dispensation of justice". "She was defacto denied access to judiciary and in the process, there was an outrage on the preamble, spirit and essence of the Constitution of India," it alleged. In the observations, there is the virtual exoneration of the "dastardliest beheading at Udaipur in broad daylight," it claimed. It further said, "Legal fraternity is bound to be surprised and shocked at the observation that an FIR should lead to arrest. The observations on other agencies in the country, without notice to them, are indeed worrisome and alarming." The signatories also defended Sharma's plea for clubbing all FIRs against her citing previous orders of the apex court. 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.

India: Ex-judges slam SC remarks against Nupur Sharma, bar body backs observations

Russia on&nbsp;claimed that some of the West-supplied weapons are spreading across the Middle East and ending up on the black market.&nbsp;European Parliament ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. Also read a report on new face mask that can kill Covid virus.&nbsp;

Click on the links to read the full report&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-ukraine-arms-supplied-by-the-west-spreading-to-middle-east-and-black-market-494699">Russia claims Ukraine arms, supplied by the West, spreading to Middle East and black market</a> 
Russia on Tuesday (July 5) claimed that some of the West-supplied weapons are spreading across the Middle East and ending up on the black market.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-markets-act-european-parliament-ratifies-landmark-tech-laws-494751">Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws</a> 
The European Parliament on Tuesday (July 5) ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-announces-formal-launch-of-ratification-process-for-sweden-finland-membership-494627">Stoltenberg announces formal launch of ratification process for Sweden, Finland membership</a> 
<img alt="NATO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="814c872a-13a0-4b8d-a072-44b49c2dae2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NATO_0.png" /> Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the process to ratify Sweden and Finland as the newest members of the military alliance has been formally launched.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-gives-initial-approval-to-laws-for-a-war-economy-494678">Russian parliament gives initial approval to laws for a war economy</a> 
Russian parliament on Tuesday (July 5) gave their initial approval to two bills authorising the government to ask businesses in Russia to supply the military with goods.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-emergency-landing-of-spicejet-flight-heres-why-dubai-bound-plane-lands-in-karachi-494667">Another emergency landing of SpiceJet flight: Here's why Dubai-bound plane landed in Karachi</a> 
A Dubai-bound SpiceJet flight made an emergency landing in Pakistan's Karachi on Tuesday (July 5). Officials of the aviation regulator DGCA said that the flight was diverted to Karachi as the fuel indicator started malfunctioning.&nbsp;

<img alt="SpiceJet" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38527a9e-ed6e-4956-8dcc-30fd5dbcb4ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SpiceJet.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/euro-hits-20-year-low-against-dollar-after-us-hikes-interest-rate-494685">Euro hits 20-year low against dollar after US hikes interest rate</a> 
Euro hit a 20-year low against the dollar since 2002 as data pointed to a growing recession risk in the eurozone on Tuesday, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

<img alt="Euro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4741562b-57b6-48d5-94c3-d17ed8a39ccf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Euro.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-iran-presidents-daughter-charged-with-propaganda-and-blasphemy-494722">Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy</a> 
Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media.&nbsp;

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a8fab2b1-a25c-4a2c-8e02-5dc50865af09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/researchers-developed-self-sterilising-n-95-mask-that-can-kill-covid-virus-494731">Researchers develop self-sterilising N95 mask that can kill Covid virus</a> 
Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States have developed a new N95 face mask that can not only reduce COVID-19 spread but also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon contact with it.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maryna-viazovska-ukrainian-becomes-second-woman-to-win-fields-math-medal-494713">Maryna Viazovska: Ukrainian becomes second woman to win Fields math medal</a> 
Ukraine's Maryna Viazovska becomes the only second woman to be awarded the prestigious Fields medal.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eiffel-tower-to-get-60-million-euro-paint-job-and-not-be-repaired-reports-494642">Eiffel Tower to get 60-million-euro paint job and no full repair: Reports</a> 
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million people every year for visit is now covered in rust and needs extensive repairs.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Russia on claimed that some of the West-supplied weapons are spreading across the Middle East and ending up on the black market. European Parliament ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech.

Russia on claimed that some of the West-supplied weapons are spreading across the Middle East and ending up on the black market. European Parliament ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. Also read a report on new face mask that can kill Covid virus. Click on the links to read the full report Russia claims Ukraine arms, supplied by the West, spreading to Middle East and black market Russia on Tuesday (July 5) claimed that some of the West-supplied weapons are spreading across the Middle East and ending up on the black market. Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws The European Parliament on Tuesday (July 5) ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. Stoltenberg announces formal launch of ratification process for Sweden, Finland membership Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced that the process to ratify Sweden and Finland as the newest members of the military alliance has been formally launched. Russian parliament gives initial approval to laws for a war economy Russian parliament on Tuesday (July 5) gave their initial approval to two bills authorising the government to ask businesses in Russia to supply the military with goods. Another emergency landing of SpiceJet flight: Here's why Dubai-bound plane landed in Karachi A Dubai-bound SpiceJet flight made an emergency landing in Pakistan's Karachi on Tuesday (July 5). Officials of the aviation regulator DGCA said that the flight was diverted to Karachi as the fuel indicator started malfunctioning. Euro hits 20-year low against dollar after US hikes interest rate Euro hit a 20-year low against the dollar since 2002 as data pointed to a growing recession risk in the eurozone on Tuesday, as reported by AFP. Former Iran president's daughter charged with propaganda and blasphemy Iran's judiciary has charged former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's daughter for carrying out propaganda activity against the country and blasphemy on social media. Researchers develop self-sterilising N95 mask that can kill Covid virus Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the United States have developed a new N95 face mask that can not only reduce COVID-19 spread but also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon contact with it. Maryna Viazovska: Ukrainian becomes second woman to win Fields math medal Ukraine's Maryna Viazovska becomes the only second woman to be awarded the prestigious Fields medal. Eiffel Tower to get 60-million-euro paint job and no full repair: Reports The Eiffel Tower, one of the most popular destinations in the world, welcoming nearly six million people every year for visit is now covered in rust and needs extensive repairs.

Top 10 world news: Russia says Ukraine arms spreading to Middle East and black market, and more

Warnings regarding a controversial new transaction tax from crypto exchanges in India are turning out to be accurate, with volumes evaporating after the levy came into effect, reported Bloomberg.

Bloomberg cited data from CoinGecko, which revealed that soon after the 1% tax-deductible at source became effective as of July 1, three crypto exchanges, namely, ZebPay, WazirX, and CoinDCX, suffered declines ranging from 60% and 87% in the value of daily trading.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crypto-industry-fears-contagion-as-bitcoin-slips-under-20000-490041">Crypto industry fears contagion as bitcoin slips under $20,000</a>

As a result of plunging prices, unfavourable tax treatment, and difficulty in getting cash onto exchanges, the trading levels were already depressed previously, and the new tax contributed to the depression of the once-hot market.&nbsp;

For instance, as per CoinGecko data, $3.8 million worth of trading was done by Binance-backed WazirX on July 2, which is the day after the tax took effect, also known by the acronym TDS.

Watch |&nbsp;Why is the crypto market crashing?

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Trading worth the same amount could have been completed in close to&nbsp;two hours during the previous year.

WazirX Vice President Rajagopal Menon claimed that, on the one hand, long-term crypto holders are still buying and selling; however, market makers and high-frequency traders are no longer going to continue.

According to Menon, traders are currently doing more peer-to-peer trading and shifting to seemingly decentralized exchanges.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crypto-crash-bitcoin-last-down-74-at-18915-489531">Crypto crash: Bitcoin last down 7.4 per cent at $18,915</a>

In February, a tax regime for digital assets was introduced by the government consisting of the TDS and a flat 30% tax on income from crypto investments.&nbsp;

The new tax regime is treating crypto differently from stocks and bonds, banning the offsetting of losses on such assets.&nbsp;

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Warnings regarding a controversial new transaction tax from crypto exchanges in India are turning out to be accurate, with volumes evaporating after the levy came into effect, reported Bloomberg.

Warnings regarding a controversial new transaction tax from crypto exchanges in India are turning out to be accurate, with volumes evaporating after the levy came into effect, reported Bloomberg. Bloomberg cited data from CoinGecko, which revealed that soon after the 1% tax-deductible at source became effective as of July 1, three crypto exchanges, namely, ZebPay, WazirX, and CoinDCX, suffered declines ranging from 60% and 87% in the value of daily trading. Also read | Crypto industry fears contagion as bitcoin slips under $20,000 As a result of plunging prices, unfavourable tax treatment, and difficulty in getting cash onto exchanges, the trading levels were already depressed previously, and the new tax contributed to the depression of the once-hot market. For instance, as per CoinGecko data, $3.8 million worth of trading was done by Binance-backed WazirX on July 2, which is the day after the tax took effect, also known by the acronym TDS. Watch | Why is the crypto market crashing? Trading worth the same amount could have been completed in close to two hours during the previous year. WazirX Vice President Rajagopal Menon claimed that, on the one hand, long-term crypto holders are still buying and selling; however, market makers and high-frequency traders are no longer going to continue. According to Menon, traders are currently doing more peer-to-peer trading and shifting to seemingly decentralized exchanges. Also read | Crypto crash: Bitcoin last down 7.4 per cent at $18,915 In February, a tax regime for digital assets was introduced by the government consisting of the TDS and a flat 30% tax on income from crypto investments. The new tax regime is treating crypto differently from stocks and bonds, banning the offsetting of losses on such assets. 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.

Trading on India's crypto exchanges decline up to 87% as new tax kicks in

Due to bad weather on Tuesday morning,&nbsp;Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended from the Pahalgam route, reported Hindustan Times.&nbsp;

The Amarnath Yatra, which began last week, is an&nbsp;annual 43-day long pilgrimage&nbsp;organised&nbsp;from the twin base camps that is&nbsp;Nunwan in Pahalgam of south Kashmir's Anantnag and Baltal camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-alert-across-jammu-and-kashmir-as-amarnath-yatra-starts-493120">High alert across Jammu and Kashmir as Amarnath Yatra starts</a>

According to officials, there were close to&nbsp;3,000 pilgrims stopped&nbsp;at the Nunwan base camp on the Pahalgam axis this Tuesday morning. Pahalgam also known as&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital,&nbsp;is about 90 kilometres from Srinagar.&nbsp;

At the&nbsp;Yatri Niwas in Chanderkote, Ramban district&nbsp; about 4,000 pilgrims who had left Jammu for the Pahalgam route were stopped. The pilgrims who left Jammu for the Baltal route&nbsp;were allowed to proceed.&nbsp;

Manoj Sinha,&nbsp;Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir visited&nbsp;the Amarnath Yatra base camp on Monday&nbsp;at Baltal to take a stock of facilities.&nbsp;

In a tweet,&nbsp;the office of Lieutenant Governor said, "Interacted with Shri Amarnathji pilgrims, officers, ponywalas at Baltal base camp earlier today. Enquired about the facilities, quality of services, well-being of Yatris, volunteers and carried out on-site inspection of Control Rooms."

Earlier this month his office had claimed that, "Adequate arrangements are in place to ensure safe and smooth Yatra. Directed the officials for regular inspection of lodging, food, health facilities, sanitation and taking care of cleanliness drive along the Yatra route and base camp."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-let-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-near-amarnath-yatra-route-493000">Two LeT terrorists killed in encounter near Amarnath yatra route</a>

Around 72,000 pilgrims since June 30 reportedly offered their prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine.&nbsp;

On August 11, the Yatra is officially scheduled to end on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The&nbsp;Amarnath shrine pilgrimage was not held for the last two years due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

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Due to bad weather on Tuesday morning, Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended from the Pahalgam route, reported Hindustan Times. The Amarnath Yatra, which began last week, is an annual 43-day long pilgrimage organised from the twin base camps that is Nunwan in Pahalgam of south Kashmir's Anantnag and Baltal camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

Due to bad weather on Tuesday morning, Amarnath Yatra was temporarily suspended from the Pahalgam route, reported Hindustan Times. The Amarnath Yatra, which began last week, is an annual 43-day long pilgrimage organised from the twin base camps that is Nunwan in Pahalgam of south Kashmir's Anantnag and Baltal camp in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district. Also read | High alert across Jammu and Kashmir as Amarnath Yatra starts According to officials, there were close to 3,000 pilgrims stopped at the Nunwan base camp on the Pahalgam axis this Tuesday morning. Pahalgam also known as Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital, is about 90 kilometres from Srinagar. At the Yatri Niwas in Chanderkote, Ramban district about 4,000 pilgrims who had left Jammu for the Pahalgam route were stopped. The pilgrims who left Jammu for the Baltal route were allowed to proceed. Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir visited the Amarnath Yatra base camp on Monday at Baltal to take a stock of facilities. In a tweet, the office of Lieutenant Governor said, "Interacted with Shri Amarnathji pilgrims, officers, ponywalas at Baltal base camp earlier today. Enquired about the facilities, quality of services, well-being of Yatris, volunteers and carried out on-site inspection of Control Rooms." Earlier this month his office had claimed that, "Adequate arrangements are in place to ensure safe and smooth Yatra. Directed the officials for regular inspection of lodging, food, health facilities, sanitation and taking care of cleanliness drive along the Yatra route and base camp." Also read | Two LeT terrorists killed in encounter near Amarnath yatra route Around 72,000 pilgrims since June 30 reportedly offered their prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine. On August 11, the Yatra is officially scheduled to end on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The Amarnath shrine pilgrimage was not held for the last two years due to the pandemic. 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.

Jammu and Kashmir: Amarnath Yatra suspended due to bad weather

Sudan's coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Monday the army would make way for a civilian government, a demand made for months by street protesters and repeatedly called for by the international community.

Burhan said the military would no longer participate in national talks facilitated by the UN and regional blocs, wanting instead "to make room for political and revolutionary forces and other national factions" to form a civilian government.

His announcement came months after the October coup ousted civilians from a transitional administration, sparking widespread international condemnation and aid cuts to the impoverished northeast African country which has seen only rare interludes of civilian rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-killed-in-violent-crackdown-on-anti-coup-protesters-in-sudan-494161">Nine killed in violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Sudan</a>

Burhan's televised address came as hundreds of anti-coup demonstrators were on their fifth day of sit-in protests after last Thursday saw the deadliest violence so far this year.

Pro-democracy medics said nine demonstrators lost their lives, bringing to 114 the number killed in the crackdown against anti-coup protesters since October.

Protesters were unmoved by the general's words, and in the Burri district of Khartoum new demonstrators came out immediately.

"We don't have confidence in Burhan," said Muhannad Othman, perched on a barricade erected by the protesters. "We just want him to leave once and for all."

A demonstrator in central Khartoum, Oumeima Hussein, said Burhan should be "judged for all those killed since the coup" and vowed that protesters "are going to topple him like we did to Bashir".

The army's ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after mass demonstrations led to a civilian-military transitional administration before the putsch.

Tens of thousands had taken to the streets again on Thursday, almost matching numbers at the peak of demonstrations after the coup. Although near-weekly rallies have continued, they appeared to decline in intensity before reigniting last week with the same demand: an end to military rule.

"The armed forces will not stand in the way" of democratic transition, Burhan said in his address, affirming the military's commitment to working towards "elections in which the Sudanese people choose who will govern them".

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan: Military leader Burhan announces army's withdrawal from political talks

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Ruling council dissolving

In the weeks following the coup, the military and civilian leaders had promised general elections in July 2023.

Sudan's main civilian players refused to take part in talks with military leaders launched last month under international auspices in an effort to restore the transition.

The United Nations, the African Union and regional bloc IGAD facilitated the dialogue.

But the talks were boycotted by Sudan's main civilian bloc, the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), which was ousted from power in the coup, and the influential Umma party.&nbsp;

Late Monday, the FFC were holding an "emergency meeting" to discuss their response to Burhan's announcements, a source within the bloc told AFP.

Also absent from the talks were members of the resistance committees&nbsp;informal groups which emerged during the 2018-2019 protests that ousted Bashir and have led calls for recent anti-coup rallies.

Burhan said that "the formation of the executive government" will be followed by "the dissolution of the Sovereign Council"&nbsp;the ruling authority formed under a fragile power-sharing agreement between the army and civilians in 2019.

Though the coup derailed the transition and severed the fragile alliance, the Sovereign Council&nbsp;continued to govern Sudan under Burhan's rule.

"A supreme council of armed forces" will take its place, he said, combining the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary unit commanded by Burhan's deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-sheep-drown-as-sudan-ship-sinks-487546">Thousands of sheep drown as Sudan ship sinks</a>

The RSF incorporated members of the Janjaweed militia, which was accused by rights groups of atrocities during the conflict that erupted in 2003 in the western region of Darfur.

More recently, the RSF has been accused of taking part in crackdowns on anti-coup protesters.

The new supreme council will only be in charge of "defence and security" issues, Burhan said.

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Sudan's coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Monday the army would make way for a civilian government, a demand made for months by street protesters and repeatedly called for by the international community.

Sudan's coup leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan said Monday the army would make way for a civilian government, a demand made for months by street protesters and repeatedly called for by the international community. Burhan said the military would no longer participate in national talks facilitated by the UN and regional blocs, wanting instead "to make room for political and revolutionary forces and other national factions" to form a civilian government. His announcement came months after the October coup ousted civilians from a transitional administration, sparking widespread international condemnation and aid cuts to the impoverished northeast African country which has seen only rare interludes of civilian rule. Also read | Nine killed in violent crackdown on anti-coup protesters in Sudan Burhan's televised address came as hundreds of anti-coup demonstrators were on their fifth day of sit-in protests after last Thursday saw the deadliest violence so far this year. Pro-democracy medics said nine demonstrators lost their lives, bringing to 114 the number killed in the crackdown against anti-coup protesters since October. Protesters were unmoved by the general's words, and in the Burri district of Khartoum new demonstrators came out immediately. "We don't have confidence in Burhan," said Muhannad Othman, perched on a barricade erected by the protesters. "We just want him to leave once and for all." A demonstrator in central Khartoum, Oumeima Hussein, said Burhan should be "judged for all those killed since the coup" and vowed that protesters "are going to topple him like we did to Bashir". The army's ouster of strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2019 after mass demonstrations led to a civilian-military transitional administration before the putsch. Tens of thousands had taken to the streets again on Thursday, almost matching numbers at the peak of demonstrations after the coup. Although near-weekly rallies have continued, they appeared to decline in intensity before reigniting last week with the same demand: an end to military rule. "The armed forces will not stand in the way" of democratic transition, Burhan said in his address, affirming the military's commitment to working towards "elections in which the Sudanese people choose who will govern them". Watch | Sudan: Military leader Burhan announces army's withdrawal from political talks Ruling council dissolving In the weeks following the coup, the military and civilian leaders had promised general elections in July 2023. Sudan's main civilian players refused to take part in talks with military leaders launched last month under international auspices in an effort to restore the transition. The United Nations, the African Union and regional bloc IGAD facilitated the dialogue. But the talks were boycotted by Sudan's main civilian bloc, the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC), which was ousted from power in the coup, and the influential Umma party. Late Monday, the FFC were holding an "emergency meeting" to discuss their response to Burhan's announcements, a source within the bloc told AFP. Also absent from the talks were members of the resistance committees informal groups which emerged during the 2018-2019 protests that ousted Bashir and have led calls for recent anti-coup rallies. Burhan said that "the formation of the executive government" will be followed by "the dissolution of the Sovereign Council" the ruling authority formed under a fragile power-sharing agreement between the army and civilians in 2019. Though the coup derailed the transition and severed the fragile alliance, the Sovereign Council continued to govern Sudan under Burhan's rule. "A supreme council of armed forces" will take its place, he said, combining the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary unit commanded by Burhan's deputy, Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. Also read | Thousands of sheep drown as Sudan ship sinks The RSF incorporated members of the Janjaweed militia, which was accused by rights groups of atrocities during the conflict that erupted in 2003 in the western region of Darfur. More recently, the RSF has been accused of taking part in crackdowns on anti-coup protesters. The new supreme council will only be in charge of "defence and security" issues, Burhan said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan's Burhan says army stepping back for civilian govt

The European Parliament on Tuesday (July 5) ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has been devised to curb the market dominance of US tech giants. With the introduction of these laws, the European Union seeks to curb illegal content online.&nbsp;

The final versions of the Digital Markets Act were approved by MEPs. It is focused on ending the monopolistic practices of tech giants. Meanwhile, the Digital Services Act (DSA) aims at toughening scrutiny and the consequences for platforms when they host banned content.&nbsp;

German MEP Andreas Schwab, a key backer of the laws, said: "With the legislative package, the European Parliament has ushered in a new era of tech regulation."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/euro-hits-20-year-low-against-dollar-after-us-hikes-interest-rate-494685">Euro hits 20-year low against dollar after US hikes interest rate</a>&nbsp;

The main aim of the Digital Markets Act is to protect consumers. The law will also give several opportunities to rivals so that they get a chance to survive against powerful tech firms. Overall, it contains about 20 rules.&nbsp;

It is learned that the DMA will have major consequences for Google, Meta and Apple.&nbsp;

In the&nbsp;European Parliament, that text passed with 588 votes in favour and only 11 against. There were 31 abstentions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-ukraine-arms-supplied-by-the-west-spreading-to-middle-east-and-black-market-494699">Russia claims Ukraine arms, supplied by the West, spreading to Middle East and black market&nbsp;</a>

On the other hand, the DSA aims to ensure real consequences for companies that fall short of controlling hate speech, disinformation and child sexual abuse images.&nbsp;

DSA will target a wider range of internet actors.&nbsp;It was passed with 539 votes in favour and 54 against it. There were 30 abstentions.&nbsp;

Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose said that the digital&nbsp;world "has developed a bit like a western movie, there were no real rules of the game, but now there is a new sheriff in town."&nbsp;

What looks like a mere formality, both laws now require the final approval of the EU's 27 member states.&nbsp;

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The European Parliament on Tuesday (July 5) ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has been devised to curb the market dominance of US tech giants.

The European Parliament on Tuesday (July 5) ratified landmark laws aimed at regulating Big Tech. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has been devised to curb the market dominance of US tech giants. With the introduction of these laws, the European Union seeks to curb illegal content online. The final versions of the Digital Markets Act were approved by MEPs. It is focused on ending the monopolistic practices of tech giants. Meanwhile, the Digital Services Act (DSA) aims at toughening scrutiny and the consequences for platforms when they host banned content. German MEP Andreas Schwab, a key backer of the laws, said: "With the legislative package, the European Parliament has ushered in a new era of tech regulation." ALSO READ | Euro hits 20-year low against dollar after US hikes interest rate The main aim of the Digital Markets Act is to protect consumers. The law will also give several opportunities to rivals so that they get a chance to survive against powerful tech firms. Overall, it contains about 20 rules. It is learned that the DMA will have major consequences for Google, Meta and Apple. In the European Parliament, that text passed with 588 votes in favour and only 11 against. There were 31 abstentions. ALSO READ | Russia claims Ukraine arms, supplied by the West, spreading to Middle East and black market On the other hand, the DSA aims to ensure real consequences for companies that fall short of controlling hate speech, disinformation and child sexual abuse images. DSA will target a wider range of internet actors. It was passed with 539 votes in favour and 54 against it. There were 30 abstentions. Danish MEP Christel Schaldemose said that the digital world "has developed a bit like a western movie, there were no real rules of the game, but now there is a new sheriff in town." What looks like a mere formality, both laws now require the final approval of the EU's 27 member states. 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.

Digital Markets Act: European Parliament ratifies landmark tech laws

Is it really possible for a country to take over Moon? Or declare Moon as its own territory? NASA accusations suggest so. On Saturday, NASA chief Bill Nelson said in an interview that China could someday land on the moon.

Is it really possible for a country to take over Moon? Or declare Moon as its own territory? NASA accusations suggest so. On Saturday, NASA chief Bill Nelson said in an interview that China could someday land on the moon. He also claimed that Beijing might declare Moon as its own territory. As per Nelson, China will complete the construction of its own Moon station by 2035. The country will then be able to launch several lunar missions. China is planning to land on Moon and the NASA chief admitted that the US space administration has been "very concerned" about the country's agenda to take over the natural satellite. ALSO READ | NASA may make swimming robots to find aliens "We must be very concerned that China is landing on the Moon and saying: 'It's ours now and you stay out'," NASA Administrator Bill said. Nelson also said that China's space programme was a military one. He further suggested that China had stolen ideas and technology from others. China rejected the accusations In response, China says it has always called for the building of a community of nations in outer space. And rejected the accusations and called NASA's chief claims an irresponsible smear. In recent years, China has stepped up the pace of its space programme, with a focus on Moon exploration. China made its first lunar uncrewed landing in 2013 and expects to launch rockets powerful enough to send astronauts to the moon towards the end of this decade. ALSO READ | Scientists are using fake eggs with GPS trackers to save vulnerable sea turtles Zhao Lijian, a spokesman at the Chinese foreign ministry, said, "This is not the first time that the head of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration has ignored the facts and spoken irresponsibly about China." "The US side has constantly constructed a smear campaign against China's normal and reasonable outer space endeavours, and China firmly opposes such irresponsible remarks," he added. He added that China has always promoted the building of a shared future for humanity in outer space and opposed its weaponisation and any arms race in space. As far as NASA is concerned, its Artemis programme plans to send a crewed mission to orbit the Moon in 2024. Also planning to make a crewed landing near the lunar south pole by 2025. On the other hand, China is planning uncrewed missions to the Moon's south pole later in this decade. 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.

Is it possible for China to declare Moon as its own territory? Beijing rejects NASA's claims

Spain is a popular tourist spot in Europe as the country has several whimsical modernist landmarks. But what about a stroll through the mountains being guided by wolves. Sounds unique, right? Yes, it is.&nbsp;

Miguel Angel Gonzalez Carrillo, a man in southern Spain is running this unique tourist attraction, where he is letting tourists walk with the wolves.

As per media reports, Carrillo has raised three litters of wolves. As reported by the UK-based media outlet Independent, he apparently offers small groups the opportunity to walk with the animals in Instincion, which is a municipality in Andalusia's Almeria province.&nbsp;

The report further mentioned that he also takes his pack of wolves into cities to work with people, who are diagnosed with autism and Alzheimer's disease.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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Euro News reported that the animals are registered in the Animal Identification Registry of Andalusia.&nbsp;

As quoted by Euro News, the apparent leader of the pack, Gonzalez Carrillo, said, "They are domesticated but their behaviour is also wild. They behave among themselves like a true pack of wolves: the games they play, the way the mother teaches her cubs and all that is part of their instinct."&nbsp;

The Spanish Inventory of Land Animals states that there are approximately 2,000 Iberian wolves in Spain.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Spain is a popular tourist spot in Europe as the country has several whimsical modernist landmarks. But what about a stroll through the mountains being guided by wolves.

Spain is a popular tourist spot in Europe as the country has several whimsical modernist landmarks. But what about a stroll through the mountains being guided by wolves. Sounds unique, right? Yes, it is. Miguel Angel Gonzalez Carrillo, a man in southern Spain is running this unique tourist attraction, where he is letting tourists walk with the wolves. As per media reports, Carrillo has raised three litters of wolves. As reported by the UK-based media outlet Independent, he apparently offers small groups the opportunity to walk with the animals in Instincion, which is a municipality in Andalusia's Almeria province. The report further mentioned that he also takes his pack of wolves into cities to work with people, who are diagnosed with autism and Alzheimer's disease. Watch the video here: × Euro News reported that the animals are registered in the Animal Identification Registry of Andalusia. As quoted by Euro News, the apparent leader of the pack, Gonzalez Carrillo, said, "They are domesticated but their behaviour is also wild. They behave among themselves like a true pack of wolves: the games they play, the way the mother teaches her cubs and all that is part of their instinct." The Spanish Inventory of Land Animals states that there are approximately 2,000 Iberian wolves in Spain. 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.

Watch | Tourists walk in the woods with wolves through Spanish mountains

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