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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia claimed on Thursday (June 2) that its military had downed a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in the Mykolaiv region, news agency Reuters reported citing the defence ministry. The report also added that in a brief, the official also stated that Moscow had struck command points of Ukrainian forces near Kharkiv. However, this news hasn't been confirmed independently by the news agency. ALSO READ | Russia controls 'about 20 per cent' of Ukraine, says president Volodymyr Zelensky Russian defence ministry spokesperson, Igor Konashenkov, as quoted by Reuters, said: "A Su-25 aircraft of the Ukrainian Air Force was downed in the Kobzartsi area of Mykolaiv Region." "Operational-tactical, army and unmanned aviation have hit three command posts, 69 staging areas where military personnel and equipment are concentrated, one radar station and two ammunition depots of the Ukrainian armed forces near Raihorodok and Mykolaivka in the (self-proclaimed) Donetsk people's republic," he added. ALSO READ | China 'firmly opposes' US-Taiwan trade initiative WATCH | Reports: Oil group OPEC+ mulls excluding Russia from production deal × The ministry also issued a video in which a fighter jet can be taken off from an unidentified location. In the clip, there's no mention of the date and place where the video was taken. In the latest development, Russian forces on Thursday (June 2) hammered the last Ukrainian defences holding a strategic city in the Donbas region. Russian President Vladimir Putin's troops have set their sights on capturing eastern Ukraine since Ukrainian forces repelled them from seizing Kyiv after the Russian invasion began on February 24. 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.

Ukraine war: Russia reportedly downed Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet in Mykolaiv region

Numerous studies and research have revealed various impacts of climate change on humans and animals. But how will the warming temperatures impact clouds? Michael Pritchard, who is a professor of Earth System Science at UC Irvine, said as quoted by ScienceDaily: "Low clouds could dry up and shrink like the ice sheets. Or they could thicken and become more reflective."&nbsp;

In both scenarios, different future climates can be predicted which is basically part of the problem. "If you ask two different climate models what the future will be like when we add a lot more CO2, you get two very different answers. And the key reason for this is the way clouds are included in climate models," he added.&nbsp;

In the latest report, experts used new computational approaches that help researchers to include cloud physics in global models to probe and find answers to long-standing questions.&nbsp;

Clouds are a crucial part of the atmosphere, they can affect climate. First, they are an essential part of the water cycle. Clouds provide an important link between rain and snow, oceans and lakes, and plants and animals.&nbsp;

They also help us keep the Earth’s temperature down by cooling down and warming up the temperatures on Earth. Clouds can block light and heat from the Sun.&nbsp;

The study noted that the new research on the Frontera supercomputer seeks to better incorporate clouds into global models.&nbsp;

It will apparently be done by breaking models into two parts: a coarse-grained, lower-resolution (100km) planetary model and many small patches with 100 to 200-meter resolution.&nbsp;

These simulations can capture the physical processes and turbulent eddies involved in cloud formation and do not produce unwanted side effects.&nbsp;

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Numerous studies and research have revealed various impacts of climate change on humans and animals. But how will the warming temperatures impact clouds? Michael Pritchard, who is a professor of Earth System Science at UC Irvine, said as quoted by ScienceDaily: "Low clouds could dry up and shrink like the ice sheets.

Numerous studies and research have revealed various impacts of climate change on humans and animals. But how will the warming temperatures impact clouds? Michael Pritchard, who is a professor of Earth System Science at UC Irvine, said as quoted by ScienceDaily: "Low clouds could dry up and shrink like the ice sheets. Or they could thicken and become more reflective." In both scenarios, different future climates can be predicted which is basically part of the problem. "If you ask two different climate models what the future will be like when we add a lot more CO2, you get two very different answers. And the key reason for this is the way clouds are included in climate models," he added. In the latest report, experts used new computational approaches that help researchers to include cloud physics in global models to probe and find answers to long-standing questions. Clouds are a crucial part of the atmosphere, they can affect climate. First, they are an essential part of the water cycle. Clouds provide an important link between rain and snow, oceans and lakes, and plants and animals. They also help us keep the Earth’s temperature down by cooling down and warming up the temperatures on Earth. Clouds can block light and heat from the Sun. The study noted that the new research on the Frontera supercomputer seeks to better incorporate clouds into global models. It will apparently be done by breaking models into two parts: a coarse-grained, lower-resolution (100km) planetary model and many small patches with 100 to 200-meter resolution. These simulations can capture the physical processes and turbulent eddies involved in cloud formation and do not produce unwanted side effects. 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.

A future without clouds? How climate change will affect clouds

The United States and Taiwan announced the launch of a new initiative to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties. It appears like a clear challenge to China. Reacting to the same, Beijing said that it "firmly" opposes the trade talks. Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said that the country always opposes any official exchanges between "any country and the Taiwan region of China".&nbsp;

On Wednesday (June 1), the United States and Taiwan announced the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. The initiative comes a week after an agreement United President Joe Biden announced with 12 Asian economies, which excluded Taiwan. It didn't include China either.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-residents-spent-2-months-locked-up-but-china-bans-media-from-calling-it-a-lockdown-484410">Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown'</a>

In an online briefing, Feng said, "The United States should prudently handle trade and economic ties with Taiwan to avoid sending a wrong message to Taiwan separatists."&nbsp;

On one side, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, on the other side, the US has been trying to bolster its influence in the region to counter Beijing.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;More seek gun training in Taiwan as Ukraine invasion fuels China fears

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As recently, Biden had said that the US would respond "militarily" if China attacked Taiwan. However, there was no policy change announced in this regard.&nbsp;

The US officials said that discussions on June 1 with Taiwan will not involve tariffs or market access as the items that would require congressional approval.&nbsp;

In a statement, the US Trade Representative said that "both sides will work at pace... to develop an ambitious roadmap for negotiations for reaching agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes."&nbsp;

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The United States and Taiwan announced the launch of a new initiative to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties. It appears like a clear challenge to China.

The United States and Taiwan announced the launch of a new initiative to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen economic ties. It appears like a clear challenge to China. Reacting to the same, Beijing said that it "firmly" opposes the trade talks. Chinese commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said that the country always opposes any official exchanges between "any country and the Taiwan region of China". On Wednesday (June 1), the United States and Taiwan announced the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. The initiative comes a week after an agreement United President Joe Biden announced with 12 Asian economies, which excluded Taiwan. It didn't include China either. ALSO READ | Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown' In an online briefing, Feng said, "The United States should prudently handle trade and economic ties with Taiwan to avoid sending a wrong message to Taiwan separatists." On one side, China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, on the other side, the US has been trying to bolster its influence in the region to counter Beijing. WATCH | More seek gun training in Taiwan as Ukraine invasion fuels China fears × As recently, Biden had said that the US would respond "militarily" if China attacked Taiwan. However, there was no policy change announced in this regard. The US officials said that discussions on June 1 with Taiwan will not involve tariffs or market access as the items that would require congressional approval. In a statement, the US Trade Representative said that "both sides will work at pace... to develop an ambitious roadmap for negotiations for reaching agreements with high-standard commitments and economically meaningful outcomes." 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.

China 'firmly opposes' US-Taiwan trade initiative

In a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (June 1) that Russia's war in Ukraine was expected to go on for "many months". Blinken said that as "best we can assess right now, we are still looking at many months of conflict".&nbsp;

During the presser, he said, "That could be over tomorrow if Russia chose to end the aggression. We don't see any signs of that right now."&nbsp;

"As long as this goes on, we want to make sure that Ukraine has in hand what it needs to defend itself and we want to make sure that Russia is feeling strong pressure from as many countries as possible to end the aggression," he added.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/will-himars-the-high-precision-missile-system-that-us-is-sending-to-ukraine-be-a-game-changer-484167">Will HIMARS, the high precision missile system that US is sending to Ukraine, be a game-changer?</a>

He said this in context to the recent US arms supplies to war-torn Ukraine. The United States announced that it is sending advanced missile systems to Ukraine. The new weapon is the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;EU’s partial ban on Russian oil: How will it affect Russia?

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-tayyip-erdogan-halts-talks-with-greece-as-tensions-flare-again-484229">Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan halts talks with Greece as tensions flare again</a>

The move has been criticised by Russia but Blinken said during the press conference that Ukraine had promised not to use new long-range missiles to strike inside of Russia.&nbsp;

He said that the Ukrainians have given "assurances" that they will not use these systems against targets on Russian territory. Blinken added that there is a "strong trust bond" between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with allies and partners.&nbsp;

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In a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (June 1) that Russia's war in Ukraine was expected to go on for "many months".

In a joint news conference with NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday (June 1) that Russia's war in Ukraine was expected to go on for "many months". Blinken said that as "best we can assess right now, we are still looking at many months of conflict". During the presser, he said, "That could be over tomorrow if Russia chose to end the aggression. We don't see any signs of that right now." "As long as this goes on, we want to make sure that Ukraine has in hand what it needs to defend itself and we want to make sure that Russia is feeling strong pressure from as many countries as possible to end the aggression," he added. IN PICS | Will HIMARS, the high precision missile system that US is sending to Ukraine, be a game-changer? He said this in context to the recent US arms supplies to war-torn Ukraine. The United States announced that it is sending advanced missile systems to Ukraine. The new weapon is the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system. WATCH | EU’s partial ban on Russian oil: How will it affect Russia? × ALSO READ | Turkey's Tayyip Erdogan halts talks with Greece as tensions flare again The move has been criticised by Russia but Blinken said during the press conference that Ukraine had promised not to use new long-range missiles to strike inside of Russia. He said that the Ukrainians have given "assurances" that they will not use these systems against targets on Russian territory. Blinken added that there is a "strong trust bond" between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with allies and partners. 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.

Antony Blinken expects 'many months' of Russia-Ukraine war

A strange radio-emitting neutron star has been discovered by an international team of astronomers. Experts have noted that the discovery of the star could help understand these unique star systems.

A strange radio-emitting neutron star has been discovered by an international team of astronomers. Experts have noted that the discovery of the star could help understand these unique star systems. Scientists have noted that the neutron star is rotating extremely slowly, completing one rotation every 76 seconds. Astronomers are stunned because of the uniqueness of the star as it resides in the "neutron star graveyard" where no pulsations are expected. The discovery published in Nature Astronomy journal was made by the MeerTRAP (More Transients and Pulsars) group at The University of Manchester. They used the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa. ALSO READ | Four 'malicious' alien civilisations could attack or invade Earth: Researcher Dr Manisha Caleb, who is the research lead said as quoted phys.org: "Amazingly we only detect radio emission from this source for 0.5 per cent of its rotation period. "This means that it is very lucky that the radio beam intersected with the Earth. It is therefore likely that there are many more of these very slowly spinning stars in the galaxy, which has important implications for understanding how neutron stars are born and age," she added. Dr Caleb, who was formerly from the University of Manchester and now at the University of Sydney, "The majority of pulsar surveys do not search for periods this long, so we have no idea how many of these stars might exist." ALSO READ | Major discovery: ‘Biggest plant on Earth’ found in Shark Bay off Australia’s west coast The newly discovered neutron star at least has seven different pulse types and some of which are strongly periodic. It is named PSR J0901-4046. As quoted by ScitechDaily, Professor Ben Stappers at The University of Manchester and Principal Investigator of the MeerTRAP project said that the radio emission from this neutron star is "unlike any we have ever seen before". Prof Stappers further said, "We get to view it for about 300 milliseconds, which is much longer than for the majority of other radio emitting neutron stars. There seem to be at least 7 different pulse types, some of which show strongly periodic structure, which could be interpreted as seismic vibrations of the neutron star. These pulses might be giving us vital insight into the nature of the emission mechanism for these sources." 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.

Strange neutron star discovered in 'stellar graveyard'. It is emitting unusual radio signal

Will HIMARS, the high precision missile system that US is sending to Ukraine, be a game-changer?

Russia on Wednesday issued a veiled warning as it stated that such deliveries of weapons to Ukraine increase the risk of drawing the US into direct conflict with Russia. The Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-us-adding-fuel-to-fire-claims-new-arms-supplies-to-ukraine-increase-risk-of-confrontation-484138">Russia says US 'adding fuel to fire'; claims new arms supplies to Ukraine increase risk of confrontation</a> 
Russia reacted to the planned delivery of new advanced missile systems and high precision US weapons to Ukraine, as Kremlin on Wednesday (June 1) accused Washington of "adding fuel to the fire".&nbsp;

<img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c62d524-f2a2-41ff-8c0f-d239514d8cc4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/High%20Mobility%20Artillery%20Rocket%20System%20%28HIMARS%29_1.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-cases-in-africa-vs-elsewhere-is-there-inequality-in-response-484203">Monkeypox cases in Africa vs elsewhere: Is there inequality in response?</a> 
The Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world. Although no deaths have been reported anywhere, more than 250 monkeypox cases have been reported in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, US, etc.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-capitalism-japan-sets-its-sight-on-gender-pay-disparity-484179">'New capitalism': Japan sets its sight on gender pay disparity</a> 
Japan has plans to bring the pay disparity between men and women to light. In order to address gender disparities in the workplace, the country intends to make it necessary for large corporations to reveal wage disparities between men and women.

<img alt="Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc9ead5a-ddff-4525-954d-acf562ae922c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Japan_2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-iran-spied-on-nuclear-inspectors-two-decades-ago-484145">Israel says Iran spied on nuclear inspectors two decades ago</a> 
Israel announced on Tuesday that it had proof that Iran stole sensitive documents from the United Nations Atomic Energy Agency over two decades ago and used them to hide its nuclear programmes from international inspectors.

<img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f0de966-62ad-40ef-bbe2-ed233c7dba4d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_6.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/president-biden-what-america-will-and-will-not-do-in-ukraine-484123">President Biden: What America will and will not do in Ukraine</a> 
"The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support" - US President Joe Biden writes for The New York Times.&nbsp;

<img alt="Joe Biden" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d2f9ba3-5c38-4b38-b091-8dd4f69363e4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Joe%20Biden%20%285%29_0.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-albanese-boasts-of-inclusive-cabinet-inducts-record-13-women-ministers-2-muslims-484115">Australian PM Albanese boasts of ‘inclusive Cabinet’, inducts record 13 women ministers, 2 Muslims</a> 
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has inducted a record 13 women cabinet ministers, including the first female Muslim, in Australia's new government on Wednesday—compared to 7 women ministers in Scott Morrison’s liberal government.

<img alt="Anthony Albanese" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="441d8db0-698a-434a-96db-1fd3ec878d86" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Anthony%20Albanese%20%283%29.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tired-of-technology-spying-on-you-heres-how-you-can-stop-them-from-listening-in-484121">Tired of technology spying on you? Here's how you can stop 'them' from listening in</a> 
Has it ever happened to you that you're talking about something with someone, and soon you start seeing ads for that product? That's the work of spyware.

<img alt="spyware" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eed45a70-a7f5-4ffb-9909-0d07e8092614" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/spyware.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sabotage-or-accident-chinese-space-center-finds-mysterious-jammer-ahead-of-launch-484102">Sabotage or accident? Chinese space center finds mysterious jammer ahead of launch</a> 
The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu is currently getting ready for the launch of the Shenzhou 14 probe which will be carrying a crew to the Tiangong space station.

<img alt="Chinese space center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0232a9b-0c76-4408-9be0-c0d53d55c684" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Chinese%20space%20center.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-germany-to-ship-iris-t-air-defence-system-to-ukraine-says-chancellor-scholz-484103">Now, Germany to ship IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine, says Chancellor Scholz</a> 
IRIS-T air defence system will be supplied to Ukraine by Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. The move has been taken after requests were made by Kyiv and opposition parties of Germany to hike the deliveries of heavy weapons.

<img alt="IRIS-T air defence system " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09a44f54-2dd5-49f7-a68d-199288ea8b93" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IRIS-T%20air%20defence%20system.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-decriminalise-few-drugs-in-british-columbia-to-tackle-substance-abuse-484088">Canada to decriminalise few drugs in British Columbia to tackle substance abuse</a> 
Canada has said that it would temporarily decriminalise the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamines for three years in the western British Columbia province—the epicentre of the country’s drug overdose problem.

<img alt="Canada" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85869b94-3ccd-4fe1-8394-bd8f40082ef1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Canada_0.jpg" />

Russia on Wednesday issued a veiled warning as it stated that such deliveries of weapons to Ukraine increase the risk of drawing the US into direct conflict with Russia.

Russia on Wednesday issued a veiled warning as it stated that such deliveries of weapons to Ukraine increase the risk of drawing the US into direct conflict with Russia. The Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world. Russia says US 'adding fuel to fire'; claims new arms supplies to Ukraine increase risk of confrontation Russia reacted to the planned delivery of new advanced missile systems and high precision US weapons to Ukraine, as Kremlin on Wednesday (June 1) accused Washington of "adding fuel to the fire". Monkeypox cases in Africa vs elsewhere: Is there inequality in response? The Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world. Although no deaths have been reported anywhere, more than 250 monkeypox cases have been reported in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, US, etc. 'New capitalism': Japan sets its sight on gender pay disparity Japan has plans to bring the pay disparity between men and women to light. In order to address gender disparities in the workplace, the country intends to make it necessary for large corporations to reveal wage disparities between men and women. Israel says Iran spied on nuclear inspectors two decades ago Israel announced on Tuesday that it had proof that Iran stole sensitive documents from the United Nations Atomic Energy Agency over two decades ago and used them to hide its nuclear programmes from international inspectors. President Biden: What America will and will not do in Ukraine "The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support" - US President Joe Biden writes for The New York Times. Australian PM Albanese boasts of ‘inclusive Cabinet’, inducts record 13 women ministers, 2 Muslims Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has inducted a record 13 women cabinet ministers, including the first female Muslim, in Australia's new government on Wednesday—compared to 7 women ministers in Scott Morrison’s liberal government. Tired of technology spying on you? Here's how you can stop 'them' from listening in Has it ever happened to you that you're talking about something with someone, and soon you start seeing ads for that product? That's the work of spyware. Sabotage or accident? Chinese space center finds mysterious jammer ahead of launch The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu is currently getting ready for the launch of the Shenzhou 14 probe which will be carrying a crew to the Tiangong space station. Now, Germany to ship IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine, says Chancellor Scholz IRIS-T air defence system will be supplied to Ukraine by Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. The move has been taken after requests were made by Kyiv and opposition parties of Germany to hike the deliveries of heavy weapons. Canada to decriminalise few drugs in British Columbia to tackle substance abuse Canada has said that it would temporarily decriminalise the possession of small amounts of illegal drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamines for three years in the western British Columbia province—the epicentre of the country’s drug overdose problem.

Top 10 world news: Russia says US 'adding fuel to fire', and more

A recent rise in the monkeypox cases sparked global concerns when the outbreaks were detected in countries where it is not common. Monkeypox is an uncommon disease and its outbreaks mostly occur in west and central Africa. Occasionally it spreads elsewhere.&nbsp;

The spread of monkeypox cases in the United States, the United Kingdom, and European countries concerned the health experts. Earlier this week, the European Commission told the news agency AFP that the EU is working on centralising purchases of vaccines and treatments for monkeypox.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world. Although no deaths have been reported anywhere, more than 250 monkeypox cases have been reported in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, US, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remote-work-is-no-longer-acceptable-elon-musk-issues-ultimatum-to-tesla-employees-484154">'Remote work is no longer acceptable': Elon Musk issues ultimatum to Tesla employees</a>

The cases caused panic worldwide with people comparing it with the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that killed millions in the past two years.&nbsp;

As per a report by Associated Press, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that there have been more than 1,400 monkeypox cases and 63 deaths in four countries where the disease is endemic - Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo and Nigeria.&nbsp;

However, measures to counter the spread were not there in African countries. The bias is evident as after the recent identification of cases, Britain has vaccinated more than 1,000 people who were at risk of contracting. The authorities also bought 20,000 more doses.&nbsp;

As mentioned, EU officials are in talks to buy more smallpox vaccines from Bavarian Nordic, the maker of the only such vaccine licensed in Europe, AP reported. US government officials have released about 700 doses of the vaccine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-capitalism-japan-sets-its-sight-on-gender-pay-disparity-484179">'New capitalism': Japan sets its sight on gender pay disparity</a>

As quoted by the news agency AP, Dr Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, who leads Nigeria's monkeypox working group, said there are currently no vaccines or antivirals being used against monkeypox in her country.&nbsp;

She said that people suspected of having monkeypox are isolated and treated conservatively, while their contacts are monitored.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;War in Ukraine fuels a global food crisis

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Dr Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that limited vaccine supply and competing health priorities have meant that immunisation against monkeypox hasn't been widely pursued in Africa.&nbsp;

"It's a bit uncomfortable that we have a different attitude to the kinds of resources we deploy depending on where cases are. It exposes a moral failing when those interventions aren't available for the millions of people in Africa who need them," he said as quoted by AP.&nbsp;

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A recent rise in the monkeypox cases sparked global concerns when the outbreaks were detected in countries where it is not common. Monkeypox is an uncommon disease and its outbreaks mostly occur in west and central Africa.

A recent rise in the monkeypox cases sparked global concerns when the outbreaks were detected in countries where it is not common. Monkeypox is an uncommon disease and its outbreaks mostly occur in west and central Africa. Occasionally it spreads elsewhere. The spread of monkeypox cases in the United States, the United Kingdom, and European countries concerned the health experts. Earlier this week, the European Commission told the news agency AFP that the EU is working on centralising purchases of vaccines and treatments for monkeypox. Meanwhile, the Africans are seeing inequity in the way monkeypox outbreaks are treated elsewhere in the world. Although no deaths have been reported anywhere, more than 250 monkeypox cases have been reported in countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, US, etc. ALSO READ | 'Remote work is no longer acceptable': Elon Musk issues ultimatum to Tesla employees The cases caused panic worldwide with people comparing it with the deadly coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that killed millions in the past two years. As per a report by Associated Press, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that there have been more than 1,400 monkeypox cases and 63 deaths in four countries where the disease is endemic - Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo and Nigeria. However, measures to counter the spread were not there in African countries. The bias is evident as after the recent identification of cases, Britain has vaccinated more than 1,000 people who were at risk of contracting. The authorities also bought 20,000 more doses. As mentioned, EU officials are in talks to buy more smallpox vaccines from Bavarian Nordic, the maker of the only such vaccine licensed in Europe, AP reported. US government officials have released about 700 doses of the vaccine. ALSO READ | 'New capitalism': Japan sets its sight on gender pay disparity As quoted by the news agency AP, Dr Adesola Yinka-Ogunleye, who leads Nigeria's monkeypox working group, said there are currently no vaccines or antivirals being used against monkeypox in her country. She said that people suspected of having monkeypox are isolated and treated conservatively, while their contacts are monitored. WATCH | War in Ukraine fuels a global food crisis × Dr Jimmy Whitworth, a professor of international public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said that limited vaccine supply and competing health priorities have meant that immunisation against monkeypox hasn't been widely pursued in Africa. "It's a bit uncomfortable that we have a different attitude to the kinds of resources we deploy depending on where cases are. It exposes a moral failing when those interventions aren't available for the millions of people in Africa who need them," he said as quoted by AP. 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.

Monkeypox cases in Africa vs elsewhere: Is there inequality in response?

Russia reacted to the planned delivery of new advanced missile systems and high precision US weapons to Ukraine, as Kremlin on Wednesday (June 1) accused Washington of "adding fuel to the fire". Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, this is the 11th package of security assistance to Ukraine by the US. Senior US administration officials confirmed that US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, will be delivered to Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, Russia on Wednesday issued a veiled warning as it stated that such deliveries of weapons to Ukraine increase the risk of drawing the US into direct conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

Sergei Ryabkov, who is Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, told the RIA Novosti news agency that "any arms supplies that continue, are on the rise, increase the risks of such a development'". &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-germany-to-ship-iris-t-air-defence-system-to-ukraine-says-chancellor-scholz-484103">Now, Germany to ship IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine, says Chancellor Scholz</a>

Ryabkov was responding to a question about the possibility of a direct confrontation between Moscow and Washington. He also said the US is determined to "wage war (on Moscow) to the last Ukrainian in order to inflict, as they say, a strategic defeat on Russia. This is unprecedented, this is dangerous".&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine war crime trials: 2 captured Russian soldiers sentenced

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Washington said it will be supplying Ukraine with advanced missile systems, including the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system. It can simultaneously launch multiple precision-guided missiles. The officials said the HIMARS will be equipped with munitions that will allow Ukraine to launch rockets about 80 kilometres.&nbsp;

Besides Ryabkov, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also criticised the move as he told reporters: "We believe that the United States is adding fuel to the fire deliberately and on purpose."&nbsp;

"Such supplies" do not encourage Kyiv to resume peace talks, Peskov said, adding that Washington wanted to "fight Russia to the last Ukrainian."&nbsp;

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Russia reacted to the planned delivery of new advanced missile systems and high precision US weapons to Ukraine, as Kremlin on Wednesday (June 1) accused Washington of "adding fuel to the fire".

Russia reacted to the planned delivery of new advanced missile systems and high precision US weapons to Ukraine, as Kremlin on Wednesday (June 1) accused Washington of "adding fuel to the fire". Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, this is the 11th package of security assistance to Ukraine by the US. Senior US administration officials confirmed that US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, known as HIMARS, will be delivered to Ukraine. In the aftermath, Russia on Wednesday issued a veiled warning as it stated that such deliveries of weapons to Ukraine increase the risk of drawing the US into direct conflict with Russia. Sergei Ryabkov, who is Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, told the RIA Novosti news agency that "any arms supplies that continue, are on the rise, increase the risks of such a development'". ALSO READ | Now, Germany to ship IRIS-T air defence system to Ukraine, says Chancellor Scholz Ryabkov was responding to a question about the possibility of a direct confrontation between Moscow and Washington. He also said the US is determined to "wage war (on Moscow) to the last Ukrainian in order to inflict, as they say, a strategic defeat on Russia. This is unprecedented, this is dangerous". WATCH | Ukraine war crime trials: 2 captured Russian soldiers sentenced × ALSO READ | Sabotage or accident? Chinese space center finds mysterious jammer ahead of launch Washington said it will be supplying Ukraine with advanced missile systems, including the HIMARS multiple-launch rocket system. It can simultaneously launch multiple precision-guided missiles. The officials said the HIMARS will be equipped with munitions that will allow Ukraine to launch rockets about 80 kilometres. Besides Ryabkov, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also criticised the move as he told reporters: "We believe that the United States is adding fuel to the fire deliberately and on purpose." "Such supplies" do not encourage Kyiv to resume peace talks, Peskov said, adding that Washington wanted to "fight Russia to the last Ukrainian." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says US 'adding fuel to fire'; claims new arms supplies to Ukraine increase risk of confrontation

Kyiv's chief prosecutor on Tuesday (May 31) said that Ukraine has identified several thousand suspected war crimes in the eastern Donbas region. In the particular region, Russian forces are pressing their offensive.&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency AFP, prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova said tha the cases in the industrial region are among some 15,000 across Ukraine. The count is from the day when Russian forces invaded on February 24.&nbsp;

Venediktova told a news conference in The Hague that of course, "we started a few thousand cases" about what we see in Donbas. "If we speak about war crimes, it's about possible transfer of people."&nbsp;

"...we started several cases about possible transfer of children, adult people to different parts of the Russian Federation. Then, of course, we can speak about torturing people, killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure," Venediktova added.&nbsp;

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation in the Donbas region remained "extremely difficult". Zelensky said that the maximum combat power of the Russian army is now gathered in Donbas.&nbsp;

Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kurakhove, Slovyansk and some other settlements remain the key targets for the occupiers on this axis. On Sunday (May 29), the "liberation" of the Donbas was an "unconditional priority" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. &nbsp;

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Kyiv's chief prosecutor on Tuesday (May 31) said that Ukraine has identified several thousand suspected war crimes in the eastern Donbas region. In the particular region, Russian forces are pressing their offensive.

Kyiv's chief prosecutor on Tuesday (May 31) said that Ukraine has identified several thousand suspected war crimes in the eastern Donbas region. In the particular region, Russian forces are pressing their offensive. As quoted by news agency AFP, prosecutor general Iryna Venediktova said tha the cases in the industrial region are among some 15,000 across Ukraine. The count is from the day when Russian forces invaded on February 24. Venediktova told a news conference in The Hague that of course, "we started a few thousand cases" about what we see in Donbas. "If we speak about war crimes, it's about possible transfer of people." "...we started several cases about possible transfer of children, adult people to different parts of the Russian Federation. Then, of course, we can speak about torturing people, killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure," Venediktova added. WATCH | Toxic smoke and suspicious plastic plant fires in Turkey × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation in the Donbas region remained "extremely difficult". Zelensky said that the maximum combat power of the Russian army is now gathered in Donbas. Severodonetsk, Lysychansk, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Kurakhove, Slovyansk and some other settlements remain the key targets for the occupiers on this axis. On Sunday (May 29), the "liberation" of the Donbas was an "unconditional priority" by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 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.

Ukraine identifies 'few thousand' war crimes in Donbas; Zelensky says situation 'extremely difficult'

In the United Kingdom, James MacDougall, a 37-year-old man reportedly fathered 15 children after he advertised his sperm to lesbians on social media. Local media reported that he has an inheritable condition which can not be cured. As a result, a court has banned him from contacting some of the children he fathered.&nbsp;

A Guardian report mentioned that MacDougall has fragile-X syndrome (FXS). It is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems. People with the fragile-X syndrome have learning difficulties and cognitive impairment.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ratings-plunge-as-boris-johnson-now-least-popular-member-of-his-own-cabinet-poll-483854">Ratings plunge as Boris Johnson now least popular member of his Cabinet: Poll</a>

Media reports mentioned that previously, he signed an agreement saying he didn't want contact with some of his children.&nbsp;

However, later he applied for parental responsibility and child arrangement orders for four of his kids. During the family court battle in UK's Derby, his identity was revealed.&nbsp;

WATCH | UK business confidence tick higher in May: Lloyds bank business barometer rose in May

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A genetic condition means his kids could have the same issues as him. The judge has also allowed him to be identified. This will help protect other people planning to use private sperm donors.&nbsp;

As quoted by the media outlet, Derby Court Judge Justice Nathalie Lieven said there was "a very specific benefit in him being named in the hope that women will look him up on the internet and see this judgment".&nbsp;

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In the United Kingdom, James MacDougall, a 37-year-old man reportedly fathered 15 children after he advertised his sperm to lesbians on social media. Local media reported that he has an inheritable condition which can not be cured.

In the United Kingdom, James MacDougall, a 37-year-old man reportedly fathered 15 children after he advertised his sperm to lesbians on social media. Local media reported that he has an inheritable condition which can not be cured. As a result, a court has banned him from contacting some of the children he fathered. A Guardian report mentioned that MacDougall has fragile-X syndrome (FXS). It is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems. People with the fragile-X syndrome have learning difficulties and cognitive impairment. ALSO READ | Ratings plunge as Boris Johnson now least popular member of his Cabinet: Poll Media reports mentioned that previously, he signed an agreement saying he didn't want contact with some of his children. However, later he applied for parental responsibility and child arrangement orders for four of his kids. During the family court battle in UK's Derby, his identity was revealed. WATCH | UK business confidence tick higher in May: Lloyds bank business barometer rose in May × ALSO READ | As part of 'alternative protein' research, primary school kids in Wales to be offered edible insects A genetic condition means his kids could have the same issues as him. The judge has also allowed him to be identified. This will help protect other people planning to use private sperm donors. As quoted by the media outlet, Derby Court Judge Justice Nathalie Lieven said there was "a very specific benefit in him being named in the hope that women will look him up on the internet and see this judgment". 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: Private sperm donor fathered 15 kids despite having genetic condition

For the first time in 33 years, church services to commemorate the&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;crackdown will not be held in Hong Kong, erasing one of the last reminders of China's bloody suppression of the 1989 protests.

Since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 to snuff out pro-democracy demonstrations,&nbsp;once-packed candlelit vigils have been banned, a&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;museum has been forced to close, and statues have been pulled down.

The annual Catholic masses were one of the last ways for Hong Kongers to come together publicly to remember the deadly clampdown in Beijing on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government set tanks and troops on peaceful demonstrators.

But this year, they too have been cancelled over fears of falling foul of Hong Kong authorities.

"We find it very difficult under the current social atmosphere," said Reverend Martin Ip, chaplain of the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students -- one of the organisers.

"Our bottom line is that we don't want to breach any law in Hong Kong," he told AFP.

The Diocese, whose Justice and Peace Commission was a co-organiser, said its frontline colleagues were concerned they might violate Hong Kong law.

Decades erased in months

Discussion of the 1989 crackdown is all but forbidden in mainland China.

But&nbsp;in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, its history was often taught in schools and advocacy for ending the rule of the Chinese Communist Party was alive and kicking -- until the imposition of the security law.

In the space of months, decades of commemoration have been wiped out as authorities wield the law to refashion Hong Kong in Beijing's authoritarian image.

The Hong Kong Alliance, the most prominent&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;advocacy group and the candlelight vigil organiser, was prosecuted as a "foreign agent" over incitement to subversion.

Last September,&nbsp;its leaders were arrested, their June 4 Museum was shuttered after a police raid, and digital records of the crackdown were deleted overnight under a police order to close the group's website and social media accounts.&nbsp;

For others, much like the organisers of the masses, uncertainty over where the new red lines fall&nbsp;has been enough to make them pull back.

Six universities removed June 4 monuments that had stood on their campuses for years -- just before Christmas last year, three were whisked away within 48 hours.

The "Pillar of Shame" in the University of Hong Kong (HKU), an eight-metre-high sculpture by Danish artist Jens Galschiot, was dismantled, tucked into a cargo container and left on an HKU-owned&nbsp;plot of rural land.

At Lingnan University, a wall relief by artist Chen Weiming was banished to an underground storage room.

His "Goddess of Democracy" statue at the Chinese University of Hong Kong was sent to a secretive "safe place".

"They are trying to wipe out a shameful episode in history when the state committed a crime on its people," Chen told AFP. &nbsp;

The universities said they had never consented to the statues' presence, and that their removal was based on an assessment of legal risk.

Overseas vigils

Where the Goddess used to stand, only a faint mark from her square pedestal can now be seen.

The Pillar has been replaced by a new sitting-out area with pebble-shaped chairs and potted flowers.&nbsp;

"This is the meaning... after a few years nobody knows what happened there," the sculptor Galschiot told AFP.

He has been trying to take the Pillar back to Europe, but such is the sensitivity around it that the university refused to lend him its crew, and logistics companies dare not get involved.

They say "it's too complicated and it's too dangerous", Galschiot said.&nbsp;

The drive to remove all trace of&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;is ongoing -- earlier this year, HKU covered a painted June 4 slogan on campus with cement and called it "regular maintenance".&nbsp;

In the city's public libraries, 57&nbsp;Tiananmen&nbsp;books are restricted from general borrowers -- nearly double the amount since local news outlet Hong Kong Free Press counted last November.

Instead, the space for remembering the crackdown now lies outside Hong Kong, with exiled dissidents setting up their own museums in the United States and activists planning to resurrect the Pillar of Shame in Taiwan.

On June 4, vigils will be held globally, with rights group Amnesty International coordinating candlelit ones in 20 cities "to demand justice and show solidarity for Hong Kong".&nbsp;

Tiananmen&nbsp;survivor Zhou Fengsuo, who lives in the United States, told AFP that in recent years he has seen more people joining such events in the West, including recently emigrated young Hong Kongers.

"I am grateful that Hong Kong for the last 30 or so years has carried the torch of commemorating&nbsp;Tiananmen," Zhou said.&nbsp;

For the first time in 33 years, church services to commemorate the Tiananmen crackdown will not be held in Hong Kong, erasing one of the last reminders of China's bloody suppression of the 1989 protests.

For the first time in 33 years, church services to commemorate the Tiananmen crackdown will not be held in Hong Kong, erasing one of the last reminders of China's bloody suppression of the 1989 protests. Since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in 2020 to snuff out pro-democracy demonstrations, once-packed candlelit vigils have been banned, a Tiananmen museum has been forced to close, and statues have been pulled down. The annual Catholic masses were one of the last ways for Hong Kongers to come together publicly to remember the deadly clampdown in Beijing on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government set tanks and troops on peaceful demonstrators. But this year, they too have been cancelled over fears of falling foul of Hong Kong authorities. "We find it very difficult under the current social atmosphere," said Reverend Martin Ip, chaplain of the Hong Kong Federation of Catholic Students -- one of the organisers. "Our bottom line is that we don't want to breach any law in Hong Kong," he told AFP. The Diocese, whose Justice and Peace Commission was a co-organiser, said its frontline colleagues were concerned they might violate Hong Kong law. Decades erased in months Discussion of the 1989 crackdown is all but forbidden in mainland China. But in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, its history was often taught in schools and advocacy for ending the rule of the Chinese Communist Party was alive and kicking -- until the imposition of the security law. In the space of months, decades of commemoration have been wiped out as authorities wield the law to refashion Hong Kong in Beijing's authoritarian image. The Hong Kong Alliance, the most prominent Tiananmen advocacy group and the candlelight vigil organiser, was prosecuted as a "foreign agent" over incitement to subversion. Last September, its leaders were arrested, their June 4 Museum was shuttered after a police raid, and digital records of the crackdown were deleted overnight under a police order to close the group's website and social media accounts. For others, much like the organisers of the masses, uncertainty over where the new red lines fall has been enough to make them pull back. Six universities removed June 4 monuments that had stood on their campuses for years -- just before Christmas last year, three were whisked away within 48 hours. The "Pillar of Shame" in the University of Hong Kong (HKU), an eight-metre-high sculpture by Danish artist Jens Galschiot, was dismantled, tucked into a cargo container and left on an HKU-owned plot of rural land. At Lingnan University, a wall relief by artist Chen Weiming was banished to an underground storage room. His "Goddess of Democracy" statue at the Chinese University of Hong Kong was sent to a secretive "safe place". "They are trying to wipe out a shameful episode in history when the state committed a crime on its people," Chen told AFP. The universities said they had never consented to the statues' presence, and that their removal was based on an assessment of legal risk. Overseas vigils Where the Goddess used to stand, only a faint mark from her square pedestal can now be seen. The Pillar has been replaced by a new sitting-out area with pebble-shaped chairs and potted flowers. "This is the meaning... after a few years nobody knows what happened there," the sculptor Galschiot told AFP. He has been trying to take the Pillar back to Europe, but such is the sensitivity around it that the university refused to lend him its crew, and logistics companies dare not get involved. They say "it's too complicated and it's too dangerous", Galschiot said. The drive to remove all trace of Tiananmen is ongoing -- earlier this year, HKU covered a painted June 4 slogan on campus with cement and called it "regular maintenance". In the city's public libraries, 57 Tiananmen books are restricted from general borrowers -- nearly double the amount since local news outlet Hong Kong Free Press counted last November. Instead, the space for remembering the crackdown now lies outside Hong Kong, with exiled dissidents setting up their own museums in the United States and activists planning to resurrect the Pillar of Shame in Taiwan. On June 4, vigils will be held globally, with rights group Amnesty International coordinating candlelit ones in 20 cities "to demand justice and show solidarity for Hong Kong". Tiananmen survivor Zhou Fengsuo, who lives in the United States, told AFP that in recent years he has seen more people joining such events in the West, including recently emigrated young Hong Kongers. "I am grateful that Hong Kong for the last 30 or so years has carried the torch of commemorating Tiananmen," Zhou said.

Tiananmen masses axed as crackdown memorials erased in Hong Kong

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