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. In the ongoing war, two Britons and a Moroccan were captured while fighting for Ukraine against Russia. They were sentenced to death by a court in the self-proclaimed breakaway Donetsk People's Republic (DPR). Now, they are preparing to appeal, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Thursday (June 23) citing one of their lawyers. The court found Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner - and Moroccan Brahim Saadoun guilty of "mercenary activities" seeking to overthrow the republic. News agencies have noted that the court in DPR is armed and supported financially by Russia. "My colleagues and I are currently preparing the full text of an appeal against the sentence in the interests of our defendants," said Pinner's lawyer, Yulia Tserkovnikova as quoted by TASS. "Undoubtedly, if the appeal is dismissed and the sentence comes into force, a request for clemency will be filed as this is an inherent right of the defendants, under the legislation of the Donetsk People's Republic," she added. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Kharkiv & Eastern Donbas, Ukrainian soldiers fight back × According to the families of Aslin and Pinner, the two men have been living in the country since 2018. On Friday, the United Nations expressed concern over the death sentences handed down against the prisoners by pro-Russian rebels. Previously, Denis Pushilin, who is the leader of the Russian-backed Donetsk region of Ukraine, said that he doesn't see any "grounds and prerequisites" to pardon two British nationals who were sentenced to death last week. They were captured while fighting for Ukraine against Russia. 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.

Two Britons, Moroccan facing death penalty in Donetsk preparing appeal

Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable. The lawmakers have given a nod to dissolve parliament.&nbsp;

The Israeli parliament voted unanimously for a snap election in a preliminary reading of a bill expected to be finalised next week. Notably, the government's bill still needs to pass a committee vote and three further votes in order to call an early election.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, 58, will take over from Bennett at the head of a caretaker government. As per Israeli media reports, new elections could be held in late October or early November in case final dissolution legislation is approved.&nbsp;

There is a strong possibility that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is already dominating the campaign, might make a comeback.&nbsp;

However, as reported by the Times Of Israel, Bennett announced that he will vote against a bill barring a lawmaker charged with a serious crime from becoming prime minister.&nbsp;

It is understood that the bill is targeting Netanyahu, who is being tried on criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, the report said.&nbsp;

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Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable.

Israeli lawmakers granted initial approval on Wednesday (June 22) to proceed with the process of the fifth election in less than four years in the country after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said his eight-party coalition was no longer tenable. The lawmakers have given a nod to dissolve parliament. The Israeli parliament voted unanimously for a snap election in a preliminary reading of a bill expected to be finalised next week. Notably, the government's bill still needs to pass a committee vote and three further votes in order to call an early election. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, 58, will take over from Bennett at the head of a caretaker government. As per Israeli media reports, new elections could be held in late October or early November in case final dissolution legislation is approved. There is a strong possibility that former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is already dominating the campaign, might make a comeback. However, as reported by the Times Of Israel, Bennett announced that he will vote against a bill barring a lawmaker charged with a serious crime from becoming prime minister. It is understood that the bill is targeting Netanyahu, who is being tried on criminal charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, the report 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.

Israeli parliament votes to dissolve to give initial approval for early election

Aiming to normalise ties, on Wednesday (June 22), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Türkiye for the first time in years. He met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to revive bilateral relations that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

After holding a private meeting and dinner with Erdogan, the Crown Prince marked a crucial rapprochement between the Sunni Muslim powers after a decade of hostile relations.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and other delegates said that there is a need for Saudi Arabia and Turkey to move forward to further consolidate and develop bilateral relations.&nbsp;

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Crown Prince thanked Erdogan upon his departure from Ankara. The Turkish President even arrived at the Ankara International Airport to see off the Crown Prince.&nbsp;

“As I leave your sisterly country, it gives me great pleasure to express to Your Excellency my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality that was accorded to me and the accompanying delegation," Crown Prince said as quoted by media reports.&nbsp;

"This visit made it possible to discuss topics of common interest, which confirms the keenness of our two countries to move forward in consolidating and developing bilateral relations between them in various fields under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Your Excellency," he added.&nbsp;

A senior Turkish official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the crucial visit is expected to bring "a full normalisation and a restoration of the pre-crisis period" and a "new era will begin."&nbsp;

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Aiming to normalise ties, on Wednesday (June 22), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Türkiye for the first time in years. He met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to revive bilateral relations that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Aiming to normalise ties, on Wednesday (June 22), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Türkiye for the first time in years. He met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to revive bilateral relations that were ruptured after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. After holding a private meeting and dinner with Erdogan, the Crown Prince marked a crucial rapprochement between the Sunni Muslim powers after a decade of hostile relations. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and other delegates said that there is a need for Saudi Arabia and Turkey to move forward to further consolidate and develop bilateral relations. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Crown Prince thanked Erdogan upon his departure from Ankara. The Turkish President even arrived at the Ankara International Airport to see off the Crown Prince. “As I leave your sisterly country, it gives me great pleasure to express to Your Excellency my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality that was accorded to me and the accompanying delegation," Crown Prince said as quoted by media reports. "This visit made it possible to discuss topics of common interest, which confirms the keenness of our two countries to move forward in consolidating and developing bilateral relations between them in various fields under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Your Excellency," he added. A senior Turkish official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the crucial visit is expected to bring "a full normalisation and a restoration of the pre-crisis period" and a "new era will begin." 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.

To normalise ties, Saudi Crown Prince and Tayyip Erdogan meet in Turkey

At BRICS Business Forum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 22) said that the Indian economy is expected to grow by 7.5% this year.&nbsp;He said that the country's success is based on technology-led growth with innovation and startups. PM Modi said that the Indian government emphasises "Ease of Living", building infrastructure with PM GatiShakti, digital transformation and digital economy.&nbsp;

He said that this year India is expecting 7.5% growth, which makes the country the fastest-growing major economy. As per the Prime Minister, transformative changes are taking place in every sector of emerging "New India".&nbsp;

Speaking further in the virtual address of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), the Indian Prime Minister said that India supports innovation across every sector including drones, green energy and space. He noted that by 2025, India's digital sector's value will cross $1 trillion valuations.&nbsp;

In his opening remarks, PM Modi said that BRICS was established with the belief that this group of emerging economies could emerge as "engines of global growth".&nbsp;

Today, when the world is focusing on post coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery, the role of BRICS countries will be very important.&nbsp;

PM Modi will join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the virtual annual summit of the five-nation grouping. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are also set to attend the summit.&nbsp;

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At BRICS Business Forum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 22) said that the Indian economy is expected to grow by 7.5% this year. He said that the country's success is based on technology-led growth with innovation and startups.

At BRICS Business Forum, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (June 22) said that the Indian economy is expected to grow by 7.5% this year. He said that the country's success is based on technology-led growth with innovation and startups. PM Modi said that the Indian government emphasises "Ease of Living", building infrastructure with PM GatiShakti, digital transformation and digital economy. He said that this year India is expecting 7.5% growth, which makes the country the fastest-growing major economy. As per the Prime Minister, transformative changes are taking place in every sector of emerging "New India". Speaking further in the virtual address of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa), the Indian Prime Minister said that India supports innovation across every sector including drones, green energy and space. He noted that by 2025, India's digital sector's value will cross $1 trillion valuations. In his opening remarks, PM Modi said that BRICS was established with the belief that this group of emerging economies could emerge as "engines of global growth". Today, when the world is focusing on post coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery, the role of BRICS countries will be very important. PM Modi will join Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the virtual annual summit of the five-nation grouping. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa are also set to attend the summit. 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.

PM Narendra Modi says Indian economy expected to grow by 7.5% this year

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA on Tuesday (June 21) has announced Droupadi Murmu as a candidate for the upcoming Indian Presidential elections. Murmu is a tribal leader of the party from Odisha -&nbsp;an eastern Indian state.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2015, Murmu was sworn in as the first woman Governor of Jharkhand. Murmu started her career as a teacher after that she entered Odisha politics in 1997. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five-year term, since its formation in the year 2000.&nbsp;

After the announcement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the former Jharkhand governor has devoted her life to serving society and expressed confidence that she will be a "great President".&nbsp;

PM Modi tweeted, "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am confident she will be a great President of our nation."&nbsp;

"Millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country," he added.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am confident she will be a great President of our nation.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1539282555198771201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Yashwant Sinha, the former union minister in the BJP government who walked away from the party, was unanimously chosen as the common candidate of opposition parties for the presidential election in India.&nbsp;

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's term will end on July 24 this year and the election for the next President of India will be held on July 18. The counting of votes will take place on July 21 and the new president will take oath on July 25.&nbsp;

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA on Tuesday (June 21) has announced Droupadi Murmu as a candidate for the upcoming Indian Presidential elections. Murmu is a tribal leader of the party from Odisha - an eastern Indian state.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA on Tuesday (June 21) has announced Droupadi Murmu as a candidate for the upcoming Indian Presidential elections. Murmu is a tribal leader of the party from Odisha - an eastern Indian state. In 2015, Murmu was sworn in as the first woman Governor of Jharkhand. Murmu started her career as a teacher after that she entered Odisha politics in 1997. She is the first governor of Jharkhand to complete the five-year term, since its formation in the year 2000. After the announcement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the former Jharkhand governor has devoted her life to serving society and expressed confidence that she will be a "great President". PM Modi tweeted, "Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am confident she will be a great President of our nation." "Millions of people, especially those who have experienced poverty and faced hardships, derive great strength from the life of Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji. Her understanding of policy matters and compassionate nature will greatly benefit our country," he added. Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji has devoted her life to serving society and empowering the poor, downtrodden as well as the marginalised. She has rich administrative experience and had an outstanding gubernatorial tenure. I am confident she will be a great President of our nation. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2022 × Earlier, Yashwant Sinha, the former union minister in the BJP government who walked away from the party, was unanimously chosen as the common candidate of opposition parties for the presidential election in India. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's term will end on July 24 this year and the election for the next President of India will be held on July 18. The counting of votes will take place on July 21 and the new president will take oath on July 25. 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.

Indian Presidential Election 2022: BJP-led NDA picks Droupadi Murmu as candidate

The United States said Tuesday it will return to a ban on landmines other than on the Korean peninsula, reversing course from former president Donald Trump as it drew a contrast with Russia's use of the explosives in Ukraine.

President Joe Biden's administration said it would stop the use and production of anti-personnel landmines, which kill thousands of civilians a year.

It said it will destroy the US stockpile of three million&nbsp;mines&nbsp;except when judged to be needed in Korea.

"The administration's actions today are in sharp contrast to Russia's actions in Ukraine," senior State Department official Stanley Brown told reporters.

In Ukraine, "there's compelling evidence that Russian forces are using explosive munitions including landmines in an irresponsible manner, which is causing extensive harm to civilians and damage to vital civilian infrastructure there," he said.

The policy shift puts the United States closer to compliance but still outside the 1997 Ottawa Convention that banned anti-personnel landmines -- a treaty rejected by US adversaries Russia and China as well as historic enemies India and Pakistan.

The Biden administration returned to a policy of former president Barack Obama and reversed the position of Trump, who in 2020 gave the green light again to use and produce landmines, saying the United States had put itself at a competitive disadvantage.

The changes reflect Biden's "belief that these weapons have disproportionate impact on civilians, including children, long after fighting has stopped," a White House statement said.

Adrienne Rich, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said that the United States has invested more than $4.2 billion since 1993 to destroy landmines and other conventional weapons.

"We will continue this important work&nbsp;as we take another step to reclaim American leadership on the world stage," she said in a statement.

Korean exception

The major exception is on the Korean peninsula, where many of North Korea's 1.2 million troops are stationed near the Demilitarized Zone just 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Seoul, the South's capital and a global economic hub.

"The unique circumstances on the Korean peninsula and the US commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea preclude the United States from changing anti-personnel landmine policy on the Korean peninsula at this time," the White House said.

The United States does not actively control minefields on the peninsula as it has transferred control to South Korea, which is not party to the Ottawa Convention.

The Trump administration argued that the United States could develop smarter landmines that could be deactivated remotely.

But anti-mine&nbsp;campaigners -- who famously included Princess Diana -- have long pointed to the deaths and maiming of civilians years after conflicts.

In 2019, landmines killed at least 2,170 people and injured another 3,357 people, nearly half of them believed to be children, according to the annual Landmine Monitor researched by non-governmental groups.

Non-governmental group Humanity and Inclusion praised the Biden shift but called on the United States to join the Ottawa treaty.

"Civilians can breathe a little easier today, because the leader of one of the world's largest militaries just promised to avoid future use of these weapons outside of the Korean peninsula," said Jeff Meer, the group's US executive director.

But the US refusal to join the treaty -- even though it has not used antipersonnel&nbsp;mines&nbsp;since the 1991 Gulf War -- "is an ironic and historical oddity" that "leaves thousands of lives at risk," Meer said.

Mines&nbsp;in Ukraine&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch in a recent report said that Russia has deployed at least seven kinds of&nbsp;mines&nbsp;in Ukraine since invading, including new types making their battlefield debut.

The landmines include booby-traps laid as Russian forces retreat that are set off by victims, it said.

The&nbsp;mines&nbsp;have stopped Ukrainian civilians -- whose own country is party to the Ottawa Convention -- from accessing homes and fields, it said.

The United States has shipped Claymore&nbsp;mines&nbsp;-- designed to ambush enemy infantry -- to Ukraine.

The United States said Tuesday it will return to a ban on landmines other than on the Korean peninsula, reversing course from former president Donald Trump as it drew a contrast with Russia's use of the explosives in Ukraine.

The United States said Tuesday it will return to a ban on landmines other than on the Korean peninsula, reversing course from former president Donald Trump as it drew a contrast with Russia's use of the explosives in Ukraine. President Joe Biden's administration said it would stop the use and production of anti-personnel landmines, which kill thousands of civilians a year. It said it will destroy the US stockpile of three million mines except when judged to be needed in Korea. "The administration's actions today are in sharp contrast to Russia's actions in Ukraine," senior State Department official Stanley Brown told reporters. In Ukraine, "there's compelling evidence that Russian forces are using explosive munitions including landmines in an irresponsible manner, which is causing extensive harm to civilians and damage to vital civilian infrastructure there," he said. The policy shift puts the United States closer to compliance but still outside the 1997 Ottawa Convention that banned anti-personnel landmines -- a treaty rejected by US adversaries Russia and China as well as historic enemies India and Pakistan. The Biden administration returned to a policy of former president Barack Obama and reversed the position of Trump, who in 2020 gave the green light again to use and produce landmines, saying the United States had put itself at a competitive disadvantage. The changes reflect Biden's "belief that these weapons have disproportionate impact on civilians, including children, long after fighting has stopped," a White House statement said. Adrienne Rich, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, said that the United States has invested more than $4.2 billion since 1993 to destroy landmines and other conventional weapons. "We will continue this important work as we take another step to reclaim American leadership on the world stage," she said in a statement. Korean exception The major exception is on the Korean peninsula, where many of North Korea's 1.2 million troops are stationed near the Demilitarized Zone just 50 kilometers (30 miles) north of Seoul, the South's capital and a global economic hub. "The unique circumstances on the Korean peninsula and the US commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea preclude the United States from changing anti-personnel landmine policy on the Korean peninsula at this time," the White House said. The United States does not actively control minefields on the peninsula as it has transferred control to South Korea, which is not party to the Ottawa Convention. The Trump administration argued that the United States could develop smarter landmines that could be deactivated remotely. But anti-mine campaigners -- who famously included Princess Diana -- have long pointed to the deaths and maiming of civilians years after conflicts. In 2019, landmines killed at least 2,170 people and injured another 3,357 people, nearly half of them believed to be children, according to the annual Landmine Monitor researched by non-governmental groups. Non-governmental group Humanity and Inclusion praised the Biden shift but called on the United States to join the Ottawa treaty. "Civilians can breathe a little easier today, because the leader of one of the world's largest militaries just promised to avoid future use of these weapons outside of the Korean peninsula," said Jeff Meer, the group's US executive director. But the US refusal to join the treaty -- even though it has not used antipersonnel mines since the 1991 Gulf War -- "is an ironic and historical oddity" that "leaves thousands of lives at risk," Meer said. Mines in Ukraine Human Rights Watch in a recent report said that Russia has deployed at least seven kinds of mines in Ukraine since invading, including new types making their battlefield debut. The landmines include booby-traps laid as Russian forces retreat that are set off by victims, it said. The mines have stopped Ukrainian civilians -- whose own country is party to the Ottawa Convention -- from accessing homes and fields, it said. The United States has shipped Claymore mines -- designed to ambush enemy infantry -- to Ukraine.

United States reimposes near total ban on landmine use

Thousands celebrate summer solstice at Stonehenge - in pics

Deserted stations and long queues as UK hit by biggest rail strike in over 30 years - see pics

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. The website of UK-based newspaper The Telegraph has been blocked in Russia, state communications regulator Roskomnadzor's data showed on Tuesday (June 21). TASS news agency cited the regulator as saying that the access to Telegraph.co.uk was restricted after it was found to have disseminated "inaccurate information about the special military operation conducted by Russia's Armed Forces on the territory of Ukraine." Russia announced the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, calling it a "special military operation". Ever since the invasion, Russia has cracked down on media coverage of the conflict, blocking the websites of foreign news outlets. Russia claims the international sites might have spread "fake" news about its military campaign. Although, The Telegraph has claimed that it is the first British newspaper to have its website blocked in Russia. But, notably, the website of the BBC was among other sites that were apparently blocked in Russia for their coverage of the Ukraine war. The Telegraph said: "The Telegraph is proud of its reporting of the invasion of Ukraine and regrets attempts by Russia to restrict press freedoms." Meanwhile, a Russian television signal was turned on in the occupied southern region of Kherson. It appears as the latest move aimed at strengthening Moscow's control over the area. Russia has already introduced the ruble in Kherson and begun distributing Russian passports. Kherson is the city of the same name was the first to fall to Russia within days of the invasion. 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.

Amid Ukraine war, website of a British newspaper blocked in Russia

After an investigation by UK-based media outlet BBC News, Meta has said that it has removed a large number of groups and accounts which were apparently sharing upskirting content.&nbsp;

The probe by the media outlet found that images and videos of upskirting were being circulated on the social media platform. The term 'upskirting' means people using hidden (or small) cameras, and cell phones to surreptitiously take pictures up women's skirts. &nbsp;

After the BBC report, the social media giant took action and deleted such accounts and groups. However, the report mentioned that some content which was reported to Facebook by the investigation was not immediately removed. The site said that it did not appear to breach Facebook's community standards.&nbsp;

In a statement, a Meta spokesman said the company knows "our work is never finished on the issue". It added that the company will continue to remove any violating content when "we become aware of it".&nbsp;

"Sharing intimate images without consent, including upskirting, is not allowed on Facebook. Following the BBC's investigation, we've removed a large number of groups and accounts, and have taken further action to block multiple associated hashtags," it added.&nbsp;

Notably, the adult exploitation policies of Facebook do not allow secretly taken images of a real person's body parts to be posted to the platform.&nbsp;

Social media giants are often criticised for handling content online that can be harmful or unsuitable for a section of society, especially minors.&nbsp;

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After an investigation by UK-based media outlet BBC News, Meta has said that it has removed a large number of groups and accounts which were apparently sharing upskirting content.

After an investigation by UK-based media outlet BBC News, Meta has said that it has removed a large number of groups and accounts which were apparently sharing upskirting content. The probe by the media outlet found that images and videos of upskirting were being circulated on the social media platform. The term 'upskirting' means people using hidden (or small) cameras, and cell phones to surreptitiously take pictures up women's skirts. After the BBC report, the social media giant took action and deleted such accounts and groups. However, the report mentioned that some content which was reported to Facebook by the investigation was not immediately removed. The site said that it did not appear to breach Facebook's community standards. In a statement, a Meta spokesman said the company knows "our work is never finished on the issue". It added that the company will continue to remove any violating content when "we become aware of it". "Sharing intimate images without consent, including upskirting, is not allowed on Facebook. Following the BBC's investigation, we've removed a large number of groups and accounts, and have taken further action to block multiple associated hashtags," it added. Notably, the adult exploitation policies of Facebook do not allow secretly taken images of a real person's body parts to be posted to the platform. Social media giants are often criticised for handling content online that can be harmful or unsuitable for a section of society, especially minors. 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.

Facebook: Meta removes a large number of groups and accounts for sharing upskirting images

Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working&nbsp;to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency&nbsp;has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future.

Three companies, Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a partnership between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy), will be receiving a contract through DOE's Idaho National Laboratory, each valued at nearly $5 million.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/narrow-escape-international-space-station-dodges-space-debris-from-russian-anti-satellite-test-490218">Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test</a>

The contracts will finance the development of initial design concepts for a 40-kilowatt class fission power system which is being planned to last for a minimum period of 10 years in the lunar environment.

Fission systems are reliable and relatively small and lightweight in comparison to other power systems. These systems will have the capacity to enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other natural environmental conditions, paving the way for long-duration missions on the Moon and even Mars.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious rocks reveal to reveal secrets of Mars?

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The Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, Jim Reuter, said, "New technology drives our exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The development of these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for powering our long-term human presence on other worlds."

Idaho National Laboratory's managing and operating contractor, Battelle Energy Alliance, led the request for the Proposal development, evaluation, and also procurement sponsored by NASA.&nbsp;

Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said, "The Fission Surface Power project is a very achievable first step toward the United States establishing nuclear power on the Moon. I look forward to seeing what each of these teams will accomplish."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-gradually-shut-voyager-probes-as-they-drift-away-489927">NASA to gradually shut Voyager probes as they drift away</a>

NASA will receive critical information from the industry through Phase 1 awards that can result in the full flight-certified fission power system being jointly developed.

The Fission surface power technologies will also help NASA with mature nuclear propulsion systems that rely on reactors to generate power that can be used for deep space exploration missions.

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Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future.

Nasa, along with the US department of energy, is working to enhance space nuclear technologies. The space agency has chosen three design concept proposals for a fission surface power system design which may be ready for launch by the end of this decade for a demonstration on the Moon and is going to benefit exploration under the Artemis mission in the future. Three companies, Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a partnership between Intuitive Machines and X-Energy), will be receiving a contract through DOE's Idaho National Laboratory, each valued at nearly $5 million. Also read | Narrow escape! International Space Station dodges space debris from Russian anti-satellite test The contracts will finance the development of initial design concepts for a 40-kilowatt class fission power system which is being planned to last for a minimum period of 10 years in the lunar environment. Fission systems are reliable and relatively small and lightweight in comparison to other power systems. These systems will have the capacity to enable continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, and other natural environmental conditions, paving the way for long-duration missions on the Moon and even Mars. Watch | Gravitas: Mysterious rocks reveal to reveal secrets of Mars? The Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, Jim Reuter, said, "New technology drives our exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The development of these early designs will help us lay the groundwork for powering our long-term human presence on other worlds." Idaho National Laboratory's managing and operating contractor, Battelle Energy Alliance, led the request for the Proposal development, evaluation, and also procurement sponsored by NASA. Idaho National Laboratory Director John Wagner said, "The Fission Surface Power project is a very achievable first step toward the United States establishing nuclear power on the Moon. I look forward to seeing what each of these teams will accomplish." Also read | NASA to gradually shut Voyager probes as they drift away NASA will receive critical information from the industry through Phase 1 awards that can result in the full flight-certified fission power system being jointly developed. The Fission surface power technologies will also help NASA with mature nuclear propulsion systems that rely on reactors to generate power that can be used for deep space exploration missions. 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.

NASA to test 3 nuclear fission plant designs on the Moon to power Martian and deep space exploration

Canadian inflation jumped to 7.7 percent in May, marking the largest annual increase in prices for goods and services in almost four decades, the government statistical agency said Wednesday.

The figure topped even the most bullish forecasts, following a 6.8 percent rise in prices the previous month.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-inflation-hits-91-as-prices-continue-to-rise-at-their-fastest-rate-for-40-years-490633">UK inflation hits 9.1% as prices continue to rise at their fastest rate for 40 years</a>

The price increases, Statistics Canada said in a statement, were "broad-based, pinching the pocketbooks of Canadians and in some cases&nbsp;affecting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses."

Desjardins analyst Royce Mendes reacted by saying the agency "really should add a warning label to these scorching hot inflation prints."

"We had expected stronger price increases than the consensus, but this is very surprising," he said in a research note, warning that a "jumbo-sized" interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada is now likely coming.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Denmark and Canada end 50-year "Whiskey war"

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According to Statistics Canada, gasoline led the rise in prices, up 48 percent in the 12 months to May 31.

Groceries also cost more (up 9.7 percent) due to supply chain disruptions as well as higher transportation and input costs.&nbsp;

Cooking oil notably recorded its largest price increase ever. Costs of fresh vegetables such as onions, peppers and carrots, as well as fish also rose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-lifts-covid-vaccine-mandate-for-domestic-outbound-travel-488408">Canada lifts Covid vaccine mandate for domestic, outbound travel</a>

Shelter and furniture costs were up too, along with prices for hotel rooms and restaurant meals, reflecting higher demand for travel following the lifting of most pandemic public health measures.

Wages, meanwhile, failed to keep pace, rising only 3.9 percent year over year in May.

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Canadian inflation jumped to 7.7 percent in May, marking the largest annual increase in prices for goods and services in almost four decades, the government statistical agency said Wednesday.

Canadian inflation jumped to 7.7 percent in May, marking the largest annual increase in prices for goods and services in almost four decades, the government statistical agency said Wednesday. The figure topped even the most bullish forecasts, following a 6.8 percent rise in prices the previous month. Also read | UK inflation hits 9.1% as prices continue to rise at their fastest rate for 40 years The price increases, Statistics Canada said in a statement, were "broad-based, pinching the pocketbooks of Canadians and in some cases affecting their ability to meet day-to-day expenses." Desjardins analyst Royce Mendes reacted by saying the agency "really should add a warning label to these scorching hot inflation prints." "We had expected stronger price increases than the consensus, but this is very surprising," he said in a research note, warning that a "jumbo-sized" interest rate hike by the Bank of Canada is now likely coming. Watch | Gravitas: Denmark and Canada end 50-year "Whiskey war" According to Statistics Canada, gasoline led the rise in prices, up 48 percent in the 12 months to May 31. Groceries also cost more (up 9.7 percent) due to supply chain disruptions as well as higher transportation and input costs. Cooking oil notably recorded its largest price increase ever. Costs of fresh vegetables such as onions, peppers and carrots, as well as fish also rose. Also read | Canada lifts Covid vaccine mandate for domestic, outbound travel Shelter and furniture costs were up too, along with prices for hotel rooms and restaurant meals, reflecting higher demand for travel following the lifting of most pandemic public health measures. Wages, meanwhile, failed to keep pace, rising only 3.9 percent year over year in May. 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.

Canada inflation jumps to 7.7%, highest since 1983

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