<p>Emmanuel Macron is set to win a second French President term after defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen, the projections on Sunday (April 24) showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polling firms for French television channels based on a sample of the vote count projected that Macron was set to win 57.6-58.2 per cent of the vote compared with Le Pen on 41.8-42.4 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note that the outcome is expected to be confirmed by official results overnight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Marine Le Pen said that the result is in "itself an earth-shattering victory (for us)." She added, "I fear that the five-year term that is about to begin will not break with the brutal methods of the previous one."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In order to avoid the monopolisation of power by a few, more than ever I will pursue my commitment to France and the French people with the energy, perseverance and affection that you know me for," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-is-emmanuel-macron-his-life-and-political-career-in-pictures-473486">Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Macron after the projections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We can count on France for five more years," Michel wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: "I am delighted to be able to continue our excellent cooperation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>British PM Boris Johnson also congratulated Macron, he tweeted, "Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi congratulated Macron. "The victory of Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;in the French presidential election is great news for all of Europe," he said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Draghi added that France and Italy will work with partners to build "a stronger, fairer Europe capable of acting independently to overcome the great challenges of our times, starting with the war in Ukraine".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are ready to work together immediately with ambition and determination to serve our countries and all European citizens."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Chaleureux bravo cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a><br />
<br />
En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique.<br />
<br />
Nous pouvons compter sur la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> #5 ans de plus. <a href="https://t.co/JEPf6Pqght">pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght</a></p>
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlesMichel/status/1518289840881680385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="fr">Cher <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a>, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République.<br />
<br />
Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération.<br />
<br />
Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe.</p>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1518292235632132101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world.<br />
<br />
🇬🇧🇫🇷</p>
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1518298495773519873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;French Elections 2022: France votes to pick the next President&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Emmanuel Macron is set to win a second French President term after defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen, the projections on Sunday (April 24) showed. Polling firms for French television channels based on a sample of the vote count projected that Macron was set to win 57.

Emmanuel Macron is set to win a second French President term after defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen, the projections on Sunday (April 24) showed. Polling firms for French television channels based on a sample of the vote count projected that Macron was set to win 57.6-58.2 per cent of the vote compared with Le Pen on 41.8-42.4 per cent. Important to note that the outcome is expected to be confirmed by official results overnight. Marine Le Pen said that the result is in "itself an earth-shattering victory (for us)." She added, "I fear that the five-year term that is about to begin will not break with the brutal methods of the previous one." "In order to avoid the monopolisation of power by a few, more than ever I will pursue my commitment to France and the French people with the energy, perseverance and affection that you know me for," she added. IN PICS | Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Macron after the projections. "We can count on France for five more years," Michel wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen tweeted: "I am delighted to be able to continue our excellent cooperation." British PM Boris Johnson also congratulated Macron, he tweeted, "Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world." Italy's Prime Minister Mario Draghi congratulated Macron. "The victory of Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential election is great news for all of Europe," he said in a statement. Draghi added that France and Italy will work with partners to build "a stronger, fairer Europe capable of acting independently to overcome the great challenges of our times, starting with the war in Ukraine". "We are ready to work together immediately with ambition and determination to serve our countries and all European citizens." Chaleureux bravo cher @EmmanuelMacron En cette période tourmentée, nous avons besoin d’une Europe solide et d’une France totalement engagée pour une Union européenne plus souveraine et plus stratégique. Nous pouvons compter sur la #France #5 ans de plus. pic.twitter.com/JEPf6Pqght — Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) April 24, 2022 × Cher @EmmanuelMacron, toutes mes félicitations pour votre réélection à la présidence de la République. Je me réjouis de pouvoir continuer notre excellente coopération. Ensemble, nous ferons avancer la France et l’Europe. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 24, 2022 × Congratulations to @EmmanuelMacron on your re-election as President of France. France is one of our closest and most important allies. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues which matter most to our two countries and to the world. 🇬🇧🇫🇷 — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 24, 2022 × WATCH | French Elections 2022: France votes to pick the next President ×

French Presidential Election 2022: EU chiefs, Italy PM congratulate Macron on re-election after projections

<p>Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and multiple outbreaks in China, authorities are imposing strict measures to curb the spread of the virus. However, the residents are furious over restrictions implemented by the authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is a fresh public outcry after reports mentioned that Shanghai authorities have erected fences outside residential buildings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency Reuters reported that images of workers in hazmat suits were circulated. The workers were seen sealing entrances of housing blocks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They were also closing off entire streets with green fencing which was roughly two metres tall. The images went viral on social media, causing panic and prompting questions and complaints from residents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the users on Weibo, which is a Twitter-like social media platform, said: "This is so disrespectful of the rights of the people inside, using metal barriers to enclose them like domestic animals."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video, residents were seen shouting from balconies at workers trying to set up fencing. In other viral videos, people were seen trying to pull fences down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another Weibo user asked: "Isn't this a fire hazard?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency report mentioned that most of the fences were erected around compounds designated "sealed areas". Those are the buildings where at least one person tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there is no official statement on fencing and sealing residential buildings or why authorities resort to such extreme measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A notice dated Saturday from one local authority shared online said it was imposing a "hard quarantine" in some areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK based study triggers health concerns, experts research COVID's long-term impact</strong></p>

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Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and multiple outbreaks in China, authorities are imposing strict measures to curb the spread of the virus. However, the residents are furious over restrictions implemented by the authorities.

Amid a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and multiple outbreaks in China, authorities are imposing strict measures to curb the spread of the virus. However, the residents are furious over restrictions implemented by the authorities. There is a fresh public outcry after reports mentioned that Shanghai authorities have erected fences outside residential buildings. News agency Reuters reported that images of workers in hazmat suits were circulated. The workers were seen sealing entrances of housing blocks. They were also closing off entire streets with green fencing which was roughly two metres tall. The images went viral on social media, causing panic and prompting questions and complaints from residents. One of the users on Weibo, which is a Twitter-like social media platform, said: "This is so disrespectful of the rights of the people inside, using metal barriers to enclose them like domestic animals." In a video, residents were seen shouting from balconies at workers trying to set up fencing. In other viral videos, people were seen trying to pull fences down. Another Weibo user asked: "Isn't this a fire hazard?" The news agency report mentioned that most of the fences were erected around compounds designated "sealed areas". Those are the buildings where at least one person tested positive for COVID-19. However, there is no official statement on fencing and sealing residential buildings or why authorities resort to such extreme measures. A notice dated Saturday from one local authority shared online said it was imposing a "hard quarantine" in some areas. WATCH | UK based study triggers health concerns, experts research COVID's long-term impact ×

Fresh public outcry as Shanghai fences up Covid-hit areas

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<p>During his first major visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday (April 24) met with the sculptor who made his statue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports published in India-based news site The North Lines, the 6-feet tall statue has been made by Ravinder Jamwal, who is a renowned sculptor from Jammu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media report stated that Jammu’s Birpur Jamwal has made the statue in honour of PM Modi. The statue is apparently made using fibreglass.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-arrives-in-jammu-inaugurates-banihal-qazigund-road-tunnel-473355">On visit, Indian PM Modi inaugurates projects, says J&amp;K’s youth will not suffer like parents, grandparents</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">WATCH | The special moment where PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meets a sculptor who made his statue in Jammu today. <a href="https://t.co/Txjkp0M1SO">pic.twitter.com/Txjkp0M1SO</a></p>
— Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PBNS_India/status/1518151760472199169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi also interacted with Panchayat representatives of Jammu and Kashmir in Palli Panchayat and Samba district. Panchayat members also informed the Indian Prime Minister about the preparation done by the ladies of the area for his visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Each household contributed a minimum of 20&nbsp;<em>rotis</em>&nbsp;(Indian bread) to welcome all the guests coming to the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also addressed the Panchayat workers and stated that development and democracy are flourishing in the Union Territory after the Constitutional reforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Be it democracy or development, Jammu and Kashmir today is setting a new example. New dimensions of development have been created in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 2-3 years," said PM Modi at an event in Palli Panchayat of Samba district.</p>

<p>Prime Minister in Jammu today addressed members of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) of the UT while PRIs from across the country also joined the virtual address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a symbol of change that this year Panchayati Raj Day is being celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a matter of great pride that I am addressing the PRIs across the country from Jammu and Kashmir when democracy has reached the grassroots level here," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi launches infra projects in Jammu &amp; Kashmir</strong></p>

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During his first major visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday (April 24) met with the sculptor who made his statue.

During his first major visit to Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday (April 24) met with the sculptor who made his statue. As per reports published in India-based news site The North Lines, the 6-feet tall statue has been made by Ravinder Jamwal, who is a renowned sculptor from Jammu. The media report stated that Jammu’s Birpur Jamwal has made the statue in honour of PM Modi. The statue is apparently made using fibreglass. ALSO READ | On visit, Indian PM Modi inaugurates projects, says J&K’s youth will not suffer like parents, grandparents Watch the video here: WATCH | The special moment where PM @narendramodi meets a sculptor who made his statue in Jammu today. pic.twitter.com/Txjkp0M1SO — Prasar Bharati News Services पी.बी.एन.एस. (@PBNS_India) April 24, 2022 × PM Modi also interacted with Panchayat representatives of Jammu and Kashmir in Palli Panchayat and Samba district. Panchayat members also informed the Indian Prime Minister about the preparation done by the ladies of the area for his visit. Each household contributed a minimum of 20 rotis (Indian bread) to welcome all the guests coming to the event. PM Modi also addressed the Panchayat workers and stated that development and democracy are flourishing in the Union Territory after the Constitutional reforms. "Be it democracy or development, Jammu and Kashmir today is setting a new example. New dimensions of development have been created in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 2-3 years," said PM Modi at an event in Palli Panchayat of Samba district. Prime Minister in Jammu today addressed members of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) of the UT while PRIs from across the country also joined the virtual address. "It is a symbol of change that this year Panchayati Raj Day is being celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a matter of great pride that I am addressing the PRIs across the country from Jammu and Kashmir when democracy has reached the grassroots level here," he said. WATCH | Indian PM Narendra Modi launches infra projects in Jammu & Kashmir ×

Watch: During Jammu and Kashmir visit, PM Modi meets sculptor who made his statue

<p>French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;was on course Sunday to win a second term by defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in presidential elections, projections showed.</p>

<p>Macron&nbsp;was set to win 57.0-58.5 per cent of the vote compared with Le Pen on 41.5-43.0 per cent, according to projections by polling firms for French television channels based on a sample of the vote count.</p>

<p>The result is narrower than their second-round clash in 2017 when the same two candidates met in the run-off and&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;polled over 66 per cent of the vote.</p>

<p>The relatively comfortable margin of victory will nonetheless give&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;some confidence as he heads into a second five-year mandate, but the election also represents the closest the far-right has ever come to winning power in France.</p>

<p>A victory by Le Pen, accused by opponents of having cosy ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, would have sent shockwaves around the world comparable to the 2016 polls that led to Brexit in Britain and Donald Trump's election in the United States.</p>

<p>The outcome, expected to be confirmed by official results overnight, will cause immense relief in Europe after fears a Le Pen presidency would leave the continent rudderless following Brexit and the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Left-leaning EU leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had pleaded with France in the run-up to the vote to choose&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;over his rival, in an unusual intervention published in Le Monde newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron&nbsp;will be the first French president to win re-election since Jacques Chirac in 2002 after his predecessors Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande left office after only one term.</p>

<p>The 44-year-old is to make a victory speech on the Champ de Mars in central Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower where flag-waving supporters erupted in joy when the projections appeared at 8:00 pm local time (1800 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>High ambitions</strong></p>

<p>Macron&nbsp;will be hoping for a less complicated second term that will allow him to implement his vision of more pro-business reform and tighter EU integration after a first term shadowed by protests, then the pandemic and finally Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But he will have to win over those who backed his opponents and the millions of French who did not bother to vote.</p>

<p>On the basis of the official figures, polling organisations estimated that the abstention rate was on course for 28 percent which, if confirmed, would be the highest in any presidential election second-round run-off since 1969.</p>

<p>The outcome of the first round on April 10 had left&nbsp;Macron, 44, in a solid but not unassailable position to retain the presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Convincing supporters of the hard-left third-placed candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon to hold their noses and vote for the former investment banker was a key priority for&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;in the second phase of the campaign.</p>

<p>Macron&nbsp;will also need to ensure his party finds strong grassroots support to keep control of a parliamentary majority in legislative elections that come hot on the heels of the presidential ballot in June and avoid any awkward "cohabitation" with a premier who does not share his political views.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bitter pill for Le Pen</strong></p>

<p>High on his to-do-list is pension reform including a raising of the French retirement age which&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;has argued is essential for the budget but is likely to run into strong opposition and protests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will also have to rapidly return from the campaign trail to dealing with the Russian onslaught against Ukraine, with pressure on France to step up supplies of weapons to Kyiv and signs President Vladimir Putin is losing interest in any diplomacy.</p>

<p>For Le Pen, her third defeat in presidential polls will be a bitter pill to swallow after she ploughed years of effort into making herself electable and distancing her party from the legacy of its founder, her father Jean-Marie Le Pen.</p>

<p>Critics insisted her party never stopped being extreme-right and racist while&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;repeatedly pointed to her plan to ban the wearing of the Muslim headscarf in public if elected.</p>

<p>She has suggested this could be her last campaign and speculation is now expected to mount about the future of her party and the French far-right, which splintered during the campaign.</p>

<p>When Jean-Marie Le Pen reached the second round in 2002, the result stunned France and he won less than 18 percent in the subsequent run-off against Chirac.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The battle for French Presidency: French line-up at polling booths to elect the next President</strong></p>

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French President Emmanuel Macron was on course Sunday to win a second term by defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in presidential elections, projections showed.

French President Emmanuel Macron was on course Sunday to win a second term by defeating far-right leader Marine Le Pen in presidential elections, projections showed. Macron was set to win 57.0-58.5 per cent of the vote compared with Le Pen on 41.5-43.0 per cent, according to projections by polling firms for French television channels based on a sample of the vote count. The result is narrower than their second-round clash in 2017 when the same two candidates met in the run-off and Macron polled over 66 per cent of the vote. The relatively comfortable margin of victory will nonetheless give Macron some confidence as he heads into a second five-year mandate, but the election also represents the closest the far-right has ever come to winning power in France. A victory by Le Pen, accused by opponents of having cosy ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, would have sent shockwaves around the world comparable to the 2016 polls that led to Brexit in Britain and Donald Trump's election in the United States. The outcome, expected to be confirmed by official results overnight, will cause immense relief in Europe after fears a Le Pen presidency would leave the continent rudderless following Brexit and the departure of German chancellor Angela Merkel. Left-leaning EU leaders including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had pleaded with France in the run-up to the vote to choose Macron over his rival, in an unusual intervention published in Le Monde newspaper. Macron will be the first French president to win re-election since Jacques Chirac in 2002 after his predecessors Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande left office after only one term. The 44-year-old is to make a victory speech on the Champ de Mars in central Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower where flag-waving supporters erupted in joy when the projections appeared at 8:00 pm local time (1800 GMT). High ambitions Macron will be hoping for a less complicated second term that will allow him to implement his vision of more pro-business reform and tighter EU integration after a first term shadowed by protests, then the pandemic and finally Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But he will have to win over those who backed his opponents and the millions of French who did not bother to vote. On the basis of the official figures, polling organisations estimated that the abstention rate was on course for 28 percent which, if confirmed, would be the highest in any presidential election second-round run-off since 1969. The outcome of the first round on April 10 had left Macron, 44, in a solid but not unassailable position to retain the presidency. Convincing supporters of the hard-left third-placed candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon to hold their noses and vote for the former investment banker was a key priority for Macron in the second phase of the campaign. Macron will also need to ensure his party finds strong grassroots support to keep control of a parliamentary majority in legislative elections that come hot on the heels of the presidential ballot in June and avoid any awkward "cohabitation" with a premier who does not share his political views. Bitter pill for Le Pen High on his to-do-list is pension reform including a raising of the French retirement age which Macron has argued is essential for the budget but is likely to run into strong opposition and protests. He will also have to rapidly return from the campaign trail to dealing with the Russian onslaught against Ukraine, with pressure on France to step up supplies of weapons to Kyiv and signs President Vladimir Putin is losing interest in any diplomacy. For Le Pen, her third defeat in presidential polls will be a bitter pill to swallow after she ploughed years of effort into making herself electable and distancing her party from the legacy of its founder, her father Jean-Marie Le Pen. Critics insisted her party never stopped being extreme-right and racist while Macron repeatedly pointed to her plan to ban the wearing of the Muslim headscarf in public if elected. She has suggested this could be her last campaign and speculation is now expected to mount about the future of her party and the French far-right, which splintered during the campaign. When Jean-Marie Le Pen reached the second round in 2002, the result stunned France and he won less than 18 percent in the subsequent run-off against Chirac. WATCH | The battle for French Presidency: French line-up at polling booths to elect the next President ×

French Presidential Election 2022: Emmanuel Macron defeats far-right Marine Le Pen in projections

<p>Twitter&nbsp;on Friday banned ads that deny the reality of climate change.</p>

<p>Twitter's announcement on &nbsp;Earth Day came as it tries to fend off an unwanted takeover bid by billionaire Elon Musk, who has said he thinks people should be able to say pretty much whatever they want on the platform.</p>

<p>"Misleading advertisements on&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;that contradict the scientific consensus on climate change are prohibited, in line with our&nbsp;inappropriate content policy,"&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;global sustainability manager Casey Junod said in a blog post.</p>

<p>"We believe that climate denialism shouldn’t be monetized on&nbsp;Twitter, and those misrepresentative ads shouldn’t detract from important conversations about the climate crisis."</p>

<p>Twitter&nbsp;last year introduced a Topic feature to help users find conversations about climate change and rolled out hubs of "credible, authoritative" information on an array of high-profile topics including the science backing climate change.</p>

<p>"We recognize that misleading information about climate change can undermine efforts to protect the planet," Junod said.</p>

<p>"Now more than ever, meaningful climate action, from all of us, is critical."</p>

<p>As tempting as access to Musk's wealth may be,&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;is not eager to be ruled by a billionaire known for shooting from the hip with little regard for the consequences.</p>

<p>The global one-to-many messaging platform is moving to prevent Musk from getting his hands on all of&nbsp;Twitter's outstanding shares, signalling that worries about where he would lead the company to outweigh the proffered payoff.</p>

<p>Earlier this month Musk, the world's richest person and a controversial and frequent user of&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;himself, made an unsolicited bid of $43 billion for the social media network, citing better freedom of speech as a motivation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk advocates a hands-off approach to policing content, a thorny matter, particularly in high-profile cases such as that of former US President Donald Trump, who was banned after the assault on the Capitol by his supporters as they sought to overturn the US election result last year.</p>

<p>But the polarizing Tesla CEO's campaign has also sparked concern among technology and free-speech experts who point to Musk's unpredictable statements and history of bullying critics, which contradict his stated aims.</p>

<p>Twitter's board opted to employ a "poison pill" defence, under which any acquisition of over 15 per cent of the firm's stock without its OK would trigger a plan to flood the market with shares and thus make a buyout much harder.&nbsp;</p>


Twitter on Friday banned ads that deny the reality of climate change. Twitter's announcement on Earth Day came as it tries to fend off an unwanted takeover bid by billionaire Elon Musk, who has said he thinks people should be able to say pretty much whatever they want on the platform.

Twitter on Friday banned ads that deny the reality of climate change. Twitter's announcement on Earth Day came as it tries to fend off an unwanted takeover bid by billionaire Elon Musk, who has said he thinks people should be able to say pretty much whatever they want on the platform. "Misleading advertisements on Twitter that contradict the scientific consensus on climate change are prohibited, in line with our inappropriate content policy," Twitter global sustainability manager Casey Junod said in a blog post. "We believe that climate denialism shouldn’t be monetized on Twitter, and those misrepresentative ads shouldn’t detract from important conversations about the climate crisis." Twitter last year introduced a Topic feature to help users find conversations about climate change and rolled out hubs of "credible, authoritative" information on an array of high-profile topics including the science backing climate change. "We recognize that misleading information about climate change can undermine efforts to protect the planet," Junod said. "Now more than ever, meaningful climate action, from all of us, is critical." As tempting as access to Musk's wealth may be, Twitter is not eager to be ruled by a billionaire known for shooting from the hip with little regard for the consequences. The global one-to-many messaging platform is moving to prevent Musk from getting his hands on all of Twitter's outstanding shares, signalling that worries about where he would lead the company to outweigh the proffered payoff. Earlier this month Musk, the world's richest person and a controversial and frequent user of Twitter himself, made an unsolicited bid of $43 billion for the social media network, citing better freedom of speech as a motivation. Musk advocates a hands-off approach to policing content, a thorny matter, particularly in high-profile cases such as that of former US President Donald Trump, who was banned after the assault on the Capitol by his supporters as they sought to overturn the US election result last year. But the polarizing Tesla CEO's campaign has also sparked concern among technology and free-speech experts who point to Musk's unpredictable statements and history of bullying critics, which contradict his stated aims. Twitter's board opted to employ a "poison pill" defence, under which any acquisition of over 15 per cent of the firm's stock without its OK would trigger a plan to flood the market with shares and thus make a buyout much harder.

Twitter bans 'misleading' climate change ads

<p>A man reportedly stabbed a French priest multiple times on Sunday (April 24). A nun was also injured in the apparent knife attack. As per the reports, the priest is safe and expected to survive the attack. The French police have said that the incident is not terror-related.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident apparently took place near a polling station as the French Presidential Election 2022 is underway. The police also said that the man, who stabbed the priest, was taken into custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The French police said that they have managed to arrest the attacker and the priest is out of danger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted that priest's injuries were not life-threatening. He tweeted, "There has been an attack this morning at a church in Nice. The priest was injured, but not seriously."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tweet added, "Our support to all the parishioners, and our gratitude to the law enforcement agents who rapidly arrested the attacker."&nbsp;</p>

<p>A French politician Eric Ciotti said the priest was stabbed "several times" inside the church. Fox News reported that the priest has been identified as Father Christophe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ciotti is a local French politician representing the 1st constituency of Alpes-Maritimes in the National Assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per media reports, the French cable channel BFM TV quoted police as saying the suspect was a 31-year-old French man and there was no suspicion of terror as being the motive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Estrosi said the suspect was known to have purchased the knife several days ago. "I want to thank the emergency services and the police for their exemplary work, and I send all my thoughts to the faithful of the parish," Estrosi tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | France: Attacker stabs priest multiple times in Nice</strong></p>

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A man reportedly stabbed a French priest multiple times on Sunday (April 24). A nun was also injured in the apparent knife attack. As per the reports, the priest is safe and expected to survive the attack.

A man reportedly stabbed a French priest multiple times on Sunday (April 24). A nun was also injured in the apparent knife attack. As per the reports, the priest is safe and expected to survive the attack. The French police have said that the incident is not terror-related. The incident apparently took place near a polling station as the French Presidential Election 2022 is underway. The police also said that the man, who stabbed the priest, was taken into custody. The French police said that they have managed to arrest the attacker and the priest is out of danger. France's Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin tweeted that priest's injuries were not life-threatening. He tweeted, "There has been an attack this morning at a church in Nice. The priest was injured, but not seriously." The tweet added, "Our support to all the parishioners, and our gratitude to the law enforcement agents who rapidly arrested the attacker." A French politician Eric Ciotti said the priest was stabbed "several times" inside the church. Fox News reported that the priest has been identified as Father Christophe. Ciotti is a local French politician representing the 1st constituency of Alpes-Maritimes in the National Assembly. As per media reports, the French cable channel BFM TV quoted police as saying the suspect was a 31-year-old French man and there was no suspicion of terror as being the motive. Estrosi said the suspect was known to have purchased the knife several days ago. "I want to thank the emergency services and the police for their exemplary work, and I send all my thoughts to the faithful of the parish," Estrosi tweeted. WATCH | France: Attacker stabs priest multiple times in Nice ×

Man stabs French priest multiple times; a nun also injured: Report

Who is Emmanuel Macron? His life and political career in pictures

<p>Survivors of the Rwandan genocide were moved out of their accommodation during a visit by Priti Patel, the UK home secretary, British media reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patel signed a new agreement on migration with Rwanda in the Rwandan capital Kigali on April 14. Britain's interior minister described the agreement as a "world-first".&nbsp;</p>

<p>She had noted that it meant migrants who have entered the UK illegally could be sent to Rwanda and have their asylum claims decided there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as per the latest reports, the hostel that will house asylum seekers sent from the UK, as planned, was dispatched on a day trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was apparently done so that Priti Patel's visit won't get disrupted, The Guardian reported citing The Observer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per Rwandan officials, the facility which is based in the capital of Kigali, originally housed around 190 young people. However, the officials mentioned that most then have since moved out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the agreement was finalised this month, Patel, while speaking alongside Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta at a news conference, said that "the UK will provide funding and expertise to implement this agreement".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Working together, the United Kingdom and Rwanda will help make the immigration system fairer, ensure that people are safe and enjoy new opportunities to flourish. We have agreed that people who enter the UK illegally will be considered for relocation to Rwanda to have their asylum claims decided," she said.&nbsp;</p>


Survivors of the Rwandan genocide were moved out of their accommodation during a visit by Priti Patel, the UK home secretary, British media reported. Patel signed a new agreement on migration with Rwanda in the Rwandan capital Kigali on April 14.

Survivors of the Rwandan genocide were moved out of their accommodation during a visit by Priti Patel, the UK home secretary, British media reported. Patel signed a new agreement on migration with Rwanda in the Rwandan capital Kigali on April 14. Britain's interior minister described the agreement as a "world-first". She had noted that it meant migrants who have entered the UK illegally could be sent to Rwanda and have their asylum claims decided there. However, as per the latest reports, the hostel that will house asylum seekers sent from the UK, as planned, was dispatched on a day trip. It was apparently done so that Priti Patel's visit won't get disrupted, The Guardian reported citing The Observer. As per Rwandan officials, the facility which is based in the capital of Kigali, originally housed around 190 young people. However, the officials mentioned that most then have since moved out. When the agreement was finalised this month, Patel, while speaking alongside Rwanda's Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta at a news conference, said that "the UK will provide funding and expertise to implement this agreement". "Working together, the United Kingdom and Rwanda will help make the immigration system fairer, ensure that people are safe and enjoy new opportunities to flourish. We have agreed that people who enter the UK illegally will be considered for relocation to Rwanda to have their asylum claims decided," she said.

Rwanda genocide survivors moved out so Patel could inspect UK asylum facility

<p>More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog.</p>

<p>According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) was set up in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. ICGS is a Parliament's mechanism for handling complaints of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/report-reveals-us-governments-plan-to-nuke-the-moon-heres-why-473404">Report reveals US government's plan to nuke the Moon. Here's why</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Out of the total, at least three ministers are also on the list, although the 56 MPs have not been named.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>A government spokesperson told the Sunday Times: "We take all allegations of this nature incredibly seriously and would encourage anyone with any allegations to come forward to the relevant authorities."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/child-dies-of-acute-hepatitis-as-12-countries-report-increase-in-cases-473380">Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Recently, a British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party who was convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy has resigned as a member of parliament, triggering a by-election that will be a test of Johnson's popularity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents the Wakefield area in northern England, had denied the allegation but was on Monday found guilty of assaulting the boy at a house in 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahmad Khan was thrown out of the Conservative party when he was convicted. He plans to appeal the conviction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Decoding Boris Johnson's India visit</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog. According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018.

More than 50 British Members of Parliament are reportedly facing allegations of sexual misconduct, British media reported citing a parliamentary watchdog. According to reports in The Guardian and the Sunday Times, 56 MPs have been referred to the parliamentary complaints body in relation to around 70 different complaints since 2018. The Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme (ICGS) was set up in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. ICGS is a Parliament's mechanism for handling complaints of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct. Also read | Report reveals US government's plan to nuke the Moon. Here's why Out of the total, at least three ministers are also on the list, although the 56 MPs have not been named. A government spokesperson told the Sunday Times: "We take all allegations of this nature incredibly seriously and would encourage anyone with any allegations to come forward to the relevant authorities." Also read | Child dies of acute hepatitis as 12 countries report increase in cases Recently, a British lawmaker from Prime Minister Boris Johnson's ruling Conservative party who was convicted of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy has resigned as a member of parliament, triggering a by-election that will be a test of Johnson's popularity. Imran Ahmad Khan, 48, who represents the Wakefield area in northern England, had denied the allegation but was on Monday found guilty of assaulting the boy at a house in 2008. Ahmad Khan was thrown out of the Conservative party when he was convicted. He plans to appeal the conviction. Watch | Gravitas: Decoding Boris Johnson's India visit (With inputs from agencies)

Three British cabinet ministers accused of sexual assault: Report

<p>A New York judge on Monday held Donald Trump in contempt of court for failing to turn over documents to the state’s attorney general, an extraordinary rebuke of the former president.</p>

<p>The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, ordered Trump to comply with a subpoena seeking records and assessed a fine of $10,000 per day until he satisfies the court’s requirements. In essence, the judge concluded that Trump had failed to cooperate with the attorney general, Letitia James, and follow the court’s orders.</p>

<p>“Mr. Trump: I know you take your business seriously, and I take mine seriously,” Engoron remarked, before holding Trump in contempt and banging his gavel.</p>

<p>The ruling represents a significant victory for James, whose office is conducting a civil investigation into whether Trump falsely inflated the value of his assets in annual financial statements.</p>

<p>In January, James, a Democrat, said her office had concluded that the Trump Organization had engaged in “fraudulent or misleading” practices involving the statements. But she said she would continue to investigate before deciding whether to sue Trump or his company.</p>

<p>Although James does not have the authority to file criminal charges, her civil inquiry is running parallel to a criminal investigation led by the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, who is examining some of the same conduct.</p>

<p>James’ office is participating in that separate investigation, which had appeared to be nearing an indictment of Trump earlier this year, before Bragg raised concerns about prosecutors’ ability to prove their case. Bragg, also a Democrat, inherited the inquiry from his predecessor after taking office Jan. 1.</p>

<p>The ruling Monday presents a roadblock for Trump as he continues to battle the attorney general’s investigation. James has sought to question the former president and two of his children, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr., as part of her inquiry and attorneys for the Trump family are seeking to block the questioning. (In the fall of 2020, James questioned another of Trump’s children, Eric Trump, as part of her investigation.)</p>

<p>In March, Engoron sided with James, ordering Trump and his children to be deposed. The Trumps have appealed that ruling.</p>

<p>This month, lawyers from James’ office called for Trump to be held in contempt and assessed a daily fine of $10,000 as long as he continued to not cooperate. They said Trump had declined to turn over documents in response to eight separate requests. Trump’s attorneys had said the requests were “grossly overbroad,” and did not “adequately” describe the requested materials.</p>

<p>Last week, one of Trump’s attorneys, Alina Habba, said in a document filed with the court that Trump did not have any of the documents that James had requested. Any such documents, if they existed, would be in the possession of the Trump Organization, she said.</p>

<p>She added that James had filed the motion for contempt without warning, “seemingly in an effort to turn this matter into a public spectacle.”</p>

<p>But James has said that at least some of Trump’s documents have yet to be turned over. In one filing, her lawyers mentioned a file cabinet that had been held at the company and contained the former president’s files, and noted that he used Post-it notes to pass messages to employees.</p>

<p>According to James, Trump’s attorney said that a file of Trump’s correspondence had not been searched, in part because the business had determined that Trump was not involved in preparing his own financial statements.</p>

<p>James called that assertion improbable, and referred to a statement affixed to the financial statements that says: “Donald J. Trump is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation” of the valuations.</p>

<p>In a separate case in federal court, Trump sued James, seeking to halt her civil inquiry and have her removed from the Manhattan district attorney’s criminal investigation. That case is ongoing.</p>


A New York judge on Monday held Donald Trump in contempt of court for failing to turn over documents to the state’s attorney general, an extraordinary rebuke of the former president.

A New York judge on Monday held Donald Trump in contempt of court for failing to turn over documents to the state’s attorney general, an extraordinary rebuke of the former president. The judge, Arthur F. Engoron, ordered Trump to comply with a subpoena seeking records and assessed a fine of $10,000 per day until he satisfies the court’s requirements. In essence, the judge concluded that Trump had failed to cooperate with the attorney general, Letitia James, and follow the court’s orders. “Mr. Trump: I know you take your business seriously, and I take mine seriously,” Engoron remarked, before holding Trump in contempt and banging his gavel. The ruling represents a significant victory for James, whose office is conducting a civil investigation into whether Trump falsely inflated the value of his assets in annual financial statements. In January, James, a Democrat, said her office had concluded that the Trump Organization had engaged in “fraudulent or misleading” practices involving the statements. But she said she would continue to investigate before deciding whether to sue Trump or his company. Although James does not have the authority to file criminal charges, her civil inquiry is running parallel to a criminal investigation led by the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg, who is examining some of the same conduct. James’ office is participating in that separate investigation, which had appeared to be nearing an indictment of Trump earlier this year, before Bragg raised concerns about prosecutors’ ability to prove their case. Bragg, also a Democrat, inherited the inquiry from his predecessor after taking office Jan. 1. The ruling Monday presents a roadblock for Trump as he continues to battle the attorney general’s investigation. James has sought to question the former president and two of his children, Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr., as part of her inquiry and attorneys for the Trump family are seeking to block the questioning. (In the fall of 2020, James questioned another of Trump’s children, Eric Trump, as part of her investigation.) In March, Engoron sided with James, ordering Trump and his children to be deposed. The Trumps have appealed that ruling. This month, lawyers from James’ office called for Trump to be held in contempt and assessed a daily fine of $10,000 as long as he continued to not cooperate. They said Trump had declined to turn over documents in response to eight separate requests. Trump’s attorneys had said the requests were “grossly overbroad,” and did not “adequately” describe the requested materials. Last week, one of Trump’s attorneys, Alina Habba, said in a document filed with the court that Trump did not have any of the documents that James had requested. Any such documents, if they existed, would be in the possession of the Trump Organization, she said. She added that James had filed the motion for contempt without warning, “seemingly in an effort to turn this matter into a public spectacle.” But James has said that at least some of Trump’s documents have yet to be turned over. In one filing, her lawyers mentioned a file cabinet that had been held at the company and contained the former president’s files, and noted that he used Post-it notes to pass messages to employees. According to James, Trump’s attorney said that a file of Trump’s correspondence had not been searched, in part because the business had determined that Trump was not involved in preparing his own financial statements. James called that assertion improbable, and referred to a statement affixed to the financial statements that says: “Donald J. Trump is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation” of the valuations. In a separate case in federal court, Trump sued James, seeking to halt her civil inquiry and have her removed from the Manhattan district attorney’s criminal investigation. That case is ongoing.

Judge holds Trump in contempt over documents in New York AG's inquiry

<p>Amid an alarming decline in their population, three critically endangered Sumatran tigers were found dead in western Indonesia on Sunday (April 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indonesian police informed that they were being ensnared by the traps. The accident is said to be a deadly blow to the species' rapidly declining population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency AFP quoted conservation officials as saying that two of the dead tigers were first found by local conservationists in Aceh before police were alerted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to a police statement, the report mentioned that the authorities found the two intact tiger carcasses next to each other. Their feet were ensnared by steel slings at a palm oil plantation in the East Aceh district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The third dead tiger was about 500 metres away from where the other two tigers were discovered. It was also ensnared by a sling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The local police chief Hendra Sukmana said in a statement: "Our initial suspicion is that the tigers died after being caught by a boar trap, because when we found them their feet were ensnared by thick steel sling."&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP reports also noted that the officials will conduct autopsies to determine the causes of the tigers' deaths. "We strongly condemn this incident... if the tests reveal there's intentional action that caused the deaths of these protected species, we will take strict action," the head of Aceh conservation agency Agus Arianto told AFP on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sumatran tigers are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 400 believed to remain in the wild.&nbsp;</p>

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Amid an alarming decline in their population, three critically endangered Sumatran tigers were found dead in western Indonesia on Sunday (April 24). The Indonesian police informed that they were being ensnared by the traps.

Amid an alarming decline in their population, three critically endangered Sumatran tigers were found dead in western Indonesia on Sunday (April 24). The Indonesian police informed that they were being ensnared by the traps. The accident is said to be a deadly blow to the species' rapidly declining population. News agency AFP quoted conservation officials as saying that two of the dead tigers were first found by local conservationists in Aceh before police were alerted. Referring to a police statement, the report mentioned that the authorities found the two intact tiger carcasses next to each other. Their feet were ensnared by steel slings at a palm oil plantation in the East Aceh district. The third dead tiger was about 500 metres away from where the other two tigers were discovered. It was also ensnared by a sling. The local police chief Hendra Sukmana said in a statement: "Our initial suspicion is that the tigers died after being caught by a boar trap, because when we found them their feet were ensnared by thick steel sling." AFP reports also noted that the officials will conduct autopsies to determine the causes of the tigers' deaths. "We strongly condemn this incident... if the tests reveal there's intentional action that caused the deaths of these protected species, we will take strict action," the head of Aceh conservation agency Agus Arianto told AFP on Monday. Sumatran tigers are considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 400 believed to remain in the wild. ×

Tragic! Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers killed in Indonesia

<p>As per a revised set of guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India will no longer enjoy a priority in the allocation of international traffic rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move comes after Tata Sons took control of Air India from the government. In the revised guidelines issued on April 19, DGCA apparently removed a clause that gave the airline advantage over other private carriers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deleted clause stated: "Due consideration shall be given to operational plans submitted by Air India before allocation of the traffic rights to other eligible applicants."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-orders-blocking-of-16-youtube-channels-including-six-based-in-pakistan-473687">India orders blocking of 16 YouTube channels, including six based in Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>On January 27, the Tata Group took full control of the airline as it landed back in the hands of its founders decades after it was nationalised. The strategic disinvestment transaction was concluded after years as a burden on the public purse.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the latest move means, it is now equal for all the airlines for the allocation of traffic rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fresh circular read: "The central government may at its discretion grant or deny allocation of traffic rights to any air transport undertaking having regard to its preparedness to undertake such operations, viability of the operations on a particular route, overall interests of the civil aviation sector etc."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution</strong></p>

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<p>Significantly, for the airlines of a particular country to operate international flights to another country, the two sides have to negotiate and sign a "bilateral air services agreement".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The agreement decides how many flights (or seats) per week can be allowed to fly from one country to the other. Importantly, once such an agreement is signed, each country is free to allocate the bilateral rights to its respective airlines.&nbsp;</p>

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As per a revised set of guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India will no longer enjoy a priority in the allocation of international traffic rights.

As per a revised set of guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India will no longer enjoy a priority in the allocation of international traffic rights. The move comes after Tata Sons took control of Air India from the government. In the revised guidelines issued on April 19, DGCA apparently removed a clause that gave the airline advantage over other private carriers. The deleted clause stated: "Due consideration shall be given to operational plans submitted by Air India before allocation of the traffic rights to other eligible applicants." ALSO READ | India orders blocking of 16 YouTube channels, including six based in Pakistan On January 27, the Tata Group took full control of the airline as it landed back in the hands of its founders decades after it was nationalised. The strategic disinvestment transaction was concluded after years as a burden on the public purse. Meanwhile, the latest move means, it is now equal for all the airlines for the allocation of traffic rights. The fresh circular read: "The central government may at its discretion grant or deny allocation of traffic rights to any air transport undertaking having regard to its preparedness to undertake such operations, viability of the operations on a particular route, overall interests of the civil aviation sector etc." WATCH | It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution × Significantly, for the airlines of a particular country to operate international flights to another country, the two sides have to negotiate and sign a "bilateral air services agreement". The agreement decides how many flights (or seats) per week can be allowed to fly from one country to the other. Importantly, once such an agreement is signed, each country is free to allocate the bilateral rights to its respective airlines. ×

Air India loses preferential access to bilateral rights needed to operate international flights

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