Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million).

Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of&nbsp;Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/champagne-bottle-adorned-with-nft-artwork-sells-for-a-record-25-million-497354">Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million</a>

The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death.

The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment."

In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter.

Watch |&nbsp;UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art

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Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro.

After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police.

Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned&nbsp;Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard.

Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/art-auction-token-of-francis-bacon-and-lucian-freuds-turbulent-to-be-sold-for-42-million-491114">Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million</a>

Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes.

Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered.

Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association.

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Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.

Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million). Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run. Also read | Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death. The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment." In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter. Watch | UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro. After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police. Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard. Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million). Also read | Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes. Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered. Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association. 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.

Brazilian woman swindled mother of more than $100 million in art, police say

When Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon met at Cop26 last year, the Scottish first minister claimed that the UK leadership candidate asked her about how to secure an interview in Vogue magazine.

The minister recalled meeting her favourite leadership candidate at the international climate summit while speaking at an Edinburgh fringe event on Wednesday. Sturgeon admitted to the audience, "I had just done, and this is going to sound really up myself but I don’t mean to … I’d just been interviewed by Vogue, as you do … that was the main thing she wanted to talk to me about, she wanted to know how she could get into Vogue," The Guardian reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-truss-sunak-willing-to-serve-on-the-others-cabinet-in-case-of-loss-505375">Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss</a>

Sturgeon responded, saying that Vogue asked her to do the interview.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-liz-truss-makes-u-turn-on-pledge-first-major-campaign-misstep-502940">UK: Liz Truss makes U-turn on pledge, first major campaign misstep</a>

However, Sturgeon, during the event, responded to the remarks made by her&nbsp;favourite candidate. Liz Truss labelled the Scottish minister as an ‘attention seeker’ and asked people to ignore her. During her second independence referendum, Truss said, "She’s an attention seeker, that’s what she is. What we need to do is show the people of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales what we’re delivering for them and make sure that all of our government policies apply right across the United Kingdom," The Guardian reported.

In a conversation with a political analyst during the fringe event, Sturgeon said that when she told Truss that she’s been featured in Vogue twice, Truss looked as if she ‘swallowed a wasp.’ The minister said that she still remembers the instance because first, they met at the largest climate change conference and secondly because Truss was mostly interested in the Vogue.

(With inputs from agencies)

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When Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon met at Cop26 last year, the Scottish first minister claimed that the UK leadership candidate asked her about how to secure an interview in Vogue magazine.

When Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon met at Cop26 last year, the Scottish first minister claimed that the UK leadership candidate asked her about how to secure an interview in Vogue magazine. The minister recalled meeting her favourite leadership candidate at the international climate summit while speaking at an Edinburgh fringe event on Wednesday. Sturgeon admitted to the audience, "I had just done, and this is going to sound really up myself but I don’t mean to … I’d just been interviewed by Vogue, as you do … that was the main thing she wanted to talk to me about, she wanted to know how she could get into Vogue," The Guardian reported. Also read | Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss Sturgeon responded, saying that Vogue asked her to do the interview. Also read | UK: Liz Truss makes U-turn on pledge, first major campaign misstep However, Sturgeon, during the event, responded to the remarks made by her favourite candidate. Liz Truss labelled the Scottish minister as an ‘attention seeker’ and asked people to ignore her. During her second independence referendum, Truss said, "She’s an attention seeker, that’s what she is. What we need to do is show the people of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales what we’re delivering for them and make sure that all of our government policies apply right across the United Kingdom," The Guardian reported. In a conversation with a political analyst during the fringe event, Sturgeon said that when she told Truss that she’s been featured in Vogue twice, Truss looked as if she ‘swallowed a wasp.’ The minister said that she still remembers the instance because first, they met at the largest climate change conference and secondly because Truss was mostly interested in the Vogue. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'She wanted to know how she could get into Vogue': Nicola Sturgeon says about Liz Truss

When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again.

But four months on, she is still fighting to get her job back -- one of scores of recovering Covid&nbsp;patients&nbsp;facing what labour rights activists and health experts say is a widespread form of discrimination in zero-Covid&nbsp;China.&nbsp;

Using snap lockdowns and mass testing,&nbsp;China&nbsp;is the last major economy still pursuing the goal of stamping out the virus completely.

Those who test positive, as well as their contacts, are all sent to central quarantine facilities, while a flare-up in a factory can grind production to a halt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-1094-new-covid-cases-on-august-9-increase-from-939-cases-day-earlier-505379">China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier</a>

Rights groups say the strict rules are feeding Covid-related discrimination and shutting out thousands of people from&nbsp;China's already bleak job market -- with migrant workers and young people hit hardest.

"People are afraid they might contract the virus from us, so they shun us," said Zuo, who only gave her last name for fear of retribution for speaking to AFP.

"Recruiters check Covid testing history going back several months during an interview."

China's strict control measures have led to&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;against not just recovered&nbsp;patients, but also their families, neighbours, friends and even frontline healthcare workers, said Jin Dongyan from the School of Biomedical Sciences at Hong Kong University.

"It is unscientific to think that people who were infected once will continue to carry the virus and be infectious long after recovering," Jin told AFP.

"Due to the lack of awareness, some fear that those who have been infected are more susceptible to being reinfected, but in reality, it's the opposite."

Zuo is now fighting a court battle with her employer, who has refused to pay her wages since she got sick, and who cites her disease history as a reason to bar her from returning to work.&nbsp;

Her employer, a service company named Shanghai Yuanmao BPO, declined to comment citing the pending court case.&nbsp;

Treated like a virus

He Yuxiu is a Chinese social media influencer who goes by a pseudonym and was living in Ukraine until Russia invaded.

She fled the war and returned home, then found a job as a Russian-language teacher in north&nbsp;China's Hebei province, relieved to have left her troubles behind.

Watch |&nbsp;China battles Covid outbreaks in tourism hubs

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But when her school learned that she had been infected with Covid-19 while in Ukraine, she was fired.

"I never imagined I'd lose my first job for this reason," she said in a video posted on&nbsp;China's Twitter-like Weibo.&nbsp;

"Why should we be treated like a virus when we have defeated it?"

The&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;is widespread -- job ads for factory workers in Shanghai posted last month said applicants with a history of Covid-19 infection would be refused work.&nbsp;

The story of a young woman who lived in a toilet for weeks in Shanghai's Hongqiao railway station since she was unable to find work or return to her village due to the&nbsp;stigma&nbsp;of having been infected went viral last month.

And a theatre in the southern Chinese city of Foshan was forced to apologise after a notice banning recovered&nbsp;patients&nbsp;from entering sparked a public backlash.&nbsp;

Little sheep people

Beijing's National Health Commission and human resources ministry last month banned employers from discriminating against recovered Covid&nbsp;patients, while Premier Li Keqiang has called for heavy punishments for those breaking the rules.

But job seekers and activists are sceptical.

Factories in Shanghai continued to refuse to hire recovered workers even after the city announced strict anti-discrimination rules, employment agent Wang Tao said, because they fear a mass outbreak or health inspections.

"Some factories give different excuses despite being short of workers," Wang added.

"But all those who are turned down have tested positive in the past."

AFP contacted eight manufacturers named by Chinese state media as having engaged in discriminatory practices&nbsp;including iPhone manufacturer Foxconn -- but they declined to comment.

"It's very difficult for workers to protect their rights since most employers offer different excuses and it is hard to prove that a labour law has been violated in these cases," said Aidan Chau, a researcher for the rights group&nbsp;China&nbsp;Labour Bulletin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-china-releases-coronavirus-report-twitter-co-founder-jack-dorsey-says-end-the-ccp-505003">After China releases coronavirus report, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey says 'end the CCP'</a>

"It is important for labour unions to step up. But many small and medium factories don't have one."

Those who have tested positive are often referred to as "little sheep people" on Chinese social media. In Mandarin, the word for "positive" and "sheep" are pronounced the same way.

"It is very difficult for recovered&nbsp;patients&nbsp;to go back to our normal lives," said Zuo, the cleaner from Shanghai.

"No matter where we go, our infection history will follow us like a&nbsp;dark&nbsp;shadow."

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When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again.

When Zuo tested positive for Covid-19 while working as a cleaner in one of Shanghai's largest quarantine centres, she hoped it wouldn't be long before she could pick up the mop and start earning again. But four months on, she is still fighting to get her job back -- one of scores of recovering Covid patients facing what labour rights activists and health experts say is a widespread form of discrimination in zero-Covid China. Using snap lockdowns and mass testing, China is the last major economy still pursuing the goal of stamping out the virus completely. Those who test positive, as well as their contacts, are all sent to central quarantine facilities, while a flare-up in a factory can grind production to a halt. Also read | China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier Rights groups say the strict rules are feeding Covid-related discrimination and shutting out thousands of people from China's already bleak job market -- with migrant workers and young people hit hardest. "People are afraid they might contract the virus from us, so they shun us," said Zuo, who only gave her last name for fear of retribution for speaking to AFP. "Recruiters check Covid testing history going back several months during an interview." China's strict control measures have led to stigma against not just recovered patients, but also their families, neighbours, friends and even frontline healthcare workers, said Jin Dongyan from the School of Biomedical Sciences at Hong Kong University. "It is unscientific to think that people who were infected once will continue to carry the virus and be infectious long after recovering," Jin told AFP. "Due to the lack of awareness, some fear that those who have been infected are more susceptible to being reinfected, but in reality, it's the opposite." Zuo is now fighting a court battle with her employer, who has refused to pay her wages since she got sick, and who cites her disease history as a reason to bar her from returning to work. Her employer, a service company named Shanghai Yuanmao BPO, declined to comment citing the pending court case. Treated like a virus He Yuxiu is a Chinese social media influencer who goes by a pseudonym and was living in Ukraine until Russia invaded. She fled the war and returned home, then found a job as a Russian-language teacher in north China's Hebei province, relieved to have left her troubles behind. Watch | China battles Covid outbreaks in tourism hubs But when her school learned that she had been infected with Covid-19 while in Ukraine, she was fired. "I never imagined I'd lose my first job for this reason," she said in a video posted on China's Twitter-like Weibo. "Why should we be treated like a virus when we have defeated it?" The stigma is widespread -- job ads for factory workers in Shanghai posted last month said applicants with a history of Covid-19 infection would be refused work. The story of a young woman who lived in a toilet for weeks in Shanghai's Hongqiao railway station since she was unable to find work or return to her village due to the stigma of having been infected went viral last month. And a theatre in the southern Chinese city of Foshan was forced to apologise after a notice banning recovered patients from entering sparked a public backlash. Little sheep people Beijing's National Health Commission and human resources ministry last month banned employers from discriminating against recovered Covid patients, while Premier Li Keqiang has called for heavy punishments for those breaking the rules. But job seekers and activists are sceptical. Factories in Shanghai continued to refuse to hire recovered workers even after the city announced strict anti-discrimination rules, employment agent Wang Tao said, because they fear a mass outbreak or health inspections. "Some factories give different excuses despite being short of workers," Wang added. "But all those who are turned down have tested positive in the past." AFP contacted eight manufacturers named by Chinese state media as having engaged in discriminatory practices including iPhone manufacturer Foxconn -- but they declined to comment. "It's very difficult for workers to protect their rights since most employers offer different excuses and it is hard to prove that a labour law has been violated in these cases," said Aidan Chau, a researcher for the rights group China Labour Bulletin. Also read | After China releases coronavirus report, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey says 'end the CCP' "It is important for labour unions to step up. But many small and medium factories don't have one." Those who have tested positive are often referred to as "little sheep people" on Chinese social media. In Mandarin, the word for "positive" and "sheep" are pronounced the same way. "It is very difficult for recovered patients to go back to our normal lives," said Zuo, the cleaner from Shanghai. "No matter where we go, our infection history will follow us like a dark shadow." 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's ex-Covid patients live under 'dark shadow' of stigma

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russias-soyuz-rocket-blasts-off-with-iranian-satellite-from-kazakhstan-505381">Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286195-untitled-design-1.png" />

Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/both-truss-sunak-willing-to-serve-on-the-others-cabinet-in-case-of-loss-505375">Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286192-untitled-design.png" />

Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership.

Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-1094-new-covid-cases-on-august-9-increase-from-939-cases-day-earlier-505379">China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286194-2022-08-10t012005z2lynxmpei7901drtroptp4health-coronavirus-china-hainan.JPG" />

According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-it-abandoned-afghanistan-us-introduces-bill-to-give-thousands-of-afghans-path-to-citizenship-505365">A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/08/10/286184-new-wion-18.png" />

&nbsp;bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

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Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss.

Russia’s Soyuz rocket launched an Iranian satellite called Khayyam from Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. In other news, leading candidates for Britain’s prime minister, Foreign Minister Liz Truss, and former finance minister Rishi Sunak have said they would both be willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in the case of a loss. In another news, China recorded 1,094 Covid cases on August 9, amongst which 444 were symptomatic and 650 are asymptomatic. Finally, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and causing a destabilising refugee crisis, a bipartisan bill has been introduced in both houses of the US Congress for. Click on the headlines to read more: Russia's Soyuz rocket blasts off with Iranian satellite from Kazakhstan Hailing the satellite launch as ''an important milestone in Russian-Iranian bilateral cooperation'', Russian space chief Yury Borisov said ''it will open the way to the implementation of new and even larger projects.'' Both Truss, Sunak willing to serve on the other’s cabinet in case of loss Both Truss and Sunak highlighted they would put aside their differences and work under each other's leadership. Truss and Sunak are the leading candidates to replace Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister and the decision regarding the final choice will be made on September 5. China reports 1,094 new Covid cases on August 9, increase from 939 cases day earlier According to the National Health Commission's announcement on Wednesday, China reported 1,094 new cases of coronavirus for August 9, of which 444 were symptomatic and 650 were asymptomatic. The country's death toll remained at 5,226 due to no additional deaths. There were 232,109 confirmed cases with symptoms in mainland China as of August 9. A year after it abandoned Afghanistan, US introduces bill to give thousands of Afghans path to citizenship bipartisan bill has been submitted in both houses of the US Congress, a year after the US withdrew from Afghanistan, allowing the Taliban to seize power and sparking a catastrophic refugee crisis. With the passage of this Act, thousands of Afghan evacuees who were previously granted temporary immigration status will now have a clear road to citizenship. Watch | India mulls possibility of a single charger for all devices

Morning news brief: Russia’s rocket launches Iranian satellite, Covid in China & more

A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines. The chemicals are forever chemicals. This is because they disintegrate extremely slowly. The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology.

PFAS were first discovered in shampoos and cosmetics but have now spread to the entire environment, including air and water.

In conversation with AFP, Ian Cousins said, "There is nowhere on Earth where the rain would be safe to drink, according to the measurements that we have taken." He further said, "even in Antarctica or the Tibetan plateau, the levels in the rainwater are above the drinking water guidelines that the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) proposed," as his team compiled data since 2010.

Also read <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explained-why-our-brains-are-programmed-to-keep-wanting-more-even-if-it-leads-to-unhappiness-505218">|&nbsp;Explained: Why our brains are programmed to keep wanting more even if it leads to unhappiness</a>

Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can also affect fertility, retard infant development, increase the risk of obesity, and even raise cholesterol levels.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-deaths-due-to-hot-night-temperatures-may-increase-by-60-per-cent-study-504995">Risk of deaths due to hot night temperatures may increase by 60 per cent: Study</a>

Cousins asserted that PFAS are extremely tenacious and pervasive and that they will never be eradicated from the planet. He said, "We have crossed a planetary boundary," he said, referring to a central paradigm for evaluating Earth's capacity to absorb the impact of human activity. He noticed that the ambient levels of PFAS in the environment have remained constant while in people they have dropped drastically over the previous 20 years.

Cousins advised that we have to learn to accept it and live with it as it is not going anywhere. He said, "What's changed is the guidelines. They've gone down millions of times since the early 2000s because we've learned more about the toxicity of these substances, " AFP reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines.

A recent study conducted by Stockholm University scientists revealed that drinking rainwater is highly harmful due to levels of toxic compounds also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl) surpassing the guidelines. The chemicals are forever chemicals. This is because they disintegrate extremely slowly. The study was published in Environmental Science and Technology. PFAS were first discovered in shampoos and cosmetics but have now spread to the entire environment, including air and water. In conversation with AFP, Ian Cousins said, "There is nowhere on Earth where the rain would be safe to drink, according to the measurements that we have taken." He further said, "even in Antarctica or the Tibetan plateau, the levels in the rainwater are above the drinking water guidelines that the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) proposed," as his team compiled data since 2010. Also read | Explained: Why our brains are programmed to keep wanting more even if it leads to unhappiness Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can also affect fertility, retard infant development, increase the risk of obesity, and even raise cholesterol levels. Also read | Risk of deaths due to hot night temperatures may increase by 60 per cent: Study Cousins asserted that PFAS are extremely tenacious and pervasive and that they will never be eradicated from the planet. He said, "We have crossed a planetary boundary," he said, referring to a central paradigm for evaluating Earth's capacity to absorb the impact of human activity. He noticed that the ambient levels of PFAS in the environment have remained constant while in people they have dropped drastically over the previous 20 years. Cousins advised that we have to learn to accept it and live with it as it is not going anywhere. He said, "What's changed is the guidelines. They've gone down millions of times since the early 2000s because we've learned more about the toxicity of these substances, " AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New study reveals drinking rain water is unsafe

Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays.

The Falcon 9 rocket carried 52 Starlink spacecraft, which were launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. According to SpaceX, the first stage booster for the mission has already launched SES-22 and one Starlink mission.

A little under nine minutes after the launch, Falcon 9’s first stage returned to the Earth for a vertical landing on the SpaceX droneship in Florida. SpaceX tweeted that roughly 15 minutes after lift-off, the Falcon 9 upper stage finished accelerating toward lower Earth orbit and successfully deployed the Starlink satellites as intended, Space.com reported.&nbsp;

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Liftoff! <a href="https://t.co/j5xpFbHplK">pic.twitter.com/j5xpFbHplK</a>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket</a>

But what exactly is Falcon 9?

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket that can carry passengers and payloads reliably and safely into Earth orbit and beyond. The first reusable rocket of orbital class is called Falcon 9.

SpaceX places a high premium on rocket reuse because it considers it a technological advance that will make Mars colonisation possible.

Starlink, on the other hand, is SpaceX’s internet mega constellation that broadcasts broadband service to tens of thousands of users all over the world. As of now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have already been launched by Elon Musk, and many more are yet to be launched. Currently, the space agency has permission to launch 12,000 satellites but has further requested authorisation to exceed that figure by 30,000.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-starlink-internet-approved-for-use-with-ships-boats-planes-by-us-federal-communications-commission-493408">SpaceX's Starlink internet approved for use with ships, boats, planes by US Federal Communications Commission</a>

This agency’s launch was its 35th orbital flight of the year overall and its 21st Starlink mission of 2022, breaking its prior records.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace agency has been launching hundreds of satellites into orbit as a part of its ‘Starlink’ initiative, aiming to bring high-speed internet access to particularly inaccessible locations. In order to speed up the connection between satellites, Starlink’s satellites were placed in low-level orbits around Earth.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX carried out another big launch of a batch of Starlink internet satellites to orbit and landed a rocket on a ship at sea on Tuesday at 7:44 am IST on Wednesday (August 10), days after experiencing weather-related delays. The Falcon 9 rocket carried 52 Starlink spacecraft, which were launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. According to SpaceX, the first stage booster for the mission has already launched SES-22 and one Starlink mission. A little under nine minutes after the launch, Falcon 9’s first stage returned to the Earth for a vertical landing on the SpaceX droneship in Florida. SpaceX tweeted that roughly 15 minutes after lift-off, the Falcon 9 upper stage finished accelerating toward lower Earth orbit and successfully deployed the Starlink satellites as intended, Space.com reported. Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/j5xpFbHplK — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 10, 2022 × Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/dh2gpVSu49 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 10, 2022 × Also read | South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket But what exactly is Falcon 9? SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket that can carry passengers and payloads reliably and safely into Earth orbit and beyond. The first reusable rocket of orbital class is called Falcon 9. SpaceX places a high premium on rocket reuse because it considers it a technological advance that will make Mars colonisation possible. Starlink, on the other hand, is SpaceX’s internet mega constellation that broadcasts broadband service to tens of thousands of users all over the world. As of now, nearly 3,000 Starlink satellites have already been launched by Elon Musk, and many more are yet to be launched. Currently, the space agency has permission to launch 12,000 satellites but has further requested authorisation to exceed that figure by 30,000. Also read | SpaceX's Starlink internet approved for use with ships, boats, planes by US Federal Communications Commission This agency’s launch was its 35th orbital flight of the year overall and its 21st Starlink mission of 2022, breaking its prior records. Elon Musk’s SpaceX aerospace agency has been launching hundreds of satellites into orbit as a part of its ‘Starlink’ initiative, aiming to bring high-speed internet access to particularly inaccessible locations. In order to speed up the connection between satellites, Starlink’s satellites were placed in low-level orbits around Earth. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 with 52 Starlink satellites, what’s Musk’s motive?

In pics | Nearly 60% of land in the European Union and UK face drought warnings

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their&nbsp;new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent.

On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-resigns-as-bihar-cm-snaps-ties-with-bjp-505166">India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP</a>

BJP&nbsp;attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance&nbsp;and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. 
 
Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently,&nbsp;had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members&nbsp;claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-slams-china-pakistan-for-double-standards-on-terrorism-505306">At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism</a>

In&nbsp;the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.”

Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years&nbsp;after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties.

Nitish Kumar, leader of Janata Dal (United) (JD-U), took oath as Bihar’s chief minister on Wednesday (August 10) for the eight time after announcing a new ‘grand alliance’ with Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other opposition parties. Tejashwi Yadav has been sworn in as the deputy chief minister. Kumar recently resigned as Bihar’s chief minister after breaking alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). After Kumar’s resignation, Nitish and other leaders addressed a joint press conference and announced their new ‘Mahagathbandhan’ or grand alliance, consisting of seven parties, and claimed support of 165 MLAs, including an Independent. On a day of quick and sudden political developments in Bihar, Kumar earlier met the governor, Phagu Chauhan, twice: once to submit his resignation as CM, and the second time to stake claim for a new government after being chosen as the leader of the grand alliance. Also read | India politics: Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar chief minister, snaps ties with BJP BJP attacked Kumar for snapping the pre-poll alliance and accused him of having disrespected the mandate given by the people of Bihar. Kumar, who is being trolled on social media for switching sides frequently, had earlier severed ties with the BJP in 2013 but had aligned again with it in 2017. He claimed that the decision to break ties was taken by a unanimous vote. JD-U members claimed that ties with the BJP deteriorated due to a number of instances, including RCP Singh’s exit from the party. Also read | At UNSC, India slams China, Pakistan for double standards on terrorism In the joint press conference, Tejashwi criticised the BJP and accused it of destroying parties with whom it formed an alliance. He said, “Across the Hindi heartland, BJP does not have any alliance partner. History shows that the BJP destroys the parties with whom it makes alliances. We did see that happening in Punjab and Maharashtra.” Kumar has worked with the BJP several times in the last 20 years and had even served as a minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government at the Centre in 1996. JD-U is the third major ally to snap ties with the BJP in the last three years after Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nitish Kumar takes oath as Bihar CM for the 8th time, Tejashwi Yadav becomes deputy

Dozens of US racial and food activists recently accused the federal government of ‘dietary racism’ in its programme for free or reduced-price school lunches, claiming that the USDA is forcing millions of non-white lactose intolerant kids to drink cow’s milk. In a letter to the USDA’s Equity Commission, organisations have claimed that the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is unequal and socially unfair. The letter further stated that black, Native American, Asian, and Latino youngsters are being punished for their ethnicity and ancestry, as reported by The Hill.

In 100,000 schools across the US, the NSLP offers free or reduced lunches to nearly 30 million children. According to the National Centre for Education Statistics, over half of them are white; activist groups claim that non-white children are disproportionately dependent on these meals. Additionally, they claimed that non-white children are more likely to be lactose intolerant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/citing-racism-who-says-monkeypox-will-be-renamed-488342">Citing racism, WHO says monkeypox will be renamed</a>

The organisations asserted that a signed doctor’s certificate may be necessary to provide a non-diary substitute and that the NSLP only reimburses schools if they give cow’s milk. However, the NSLP requirements are quite explicit that a non-diary can only be used with written authorisation from the kid’s parent or guardian. Alternatives to cow’s milk must meet USDA nutritional guidelines. Providing water is a mandated practise in the NSLP programme.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-children-at-risk-from-elon-musks-self-driving-technology-group-claims-software-will-mow-kids-down-505353">&nbsp;Are children at risk from Elon Musk's self-driving technology? Group claims software will 'mow' kids down</a>

However, the protesters claimed that the government is pressuring the kids to consume cow’s milk.

The activist groups said that the posters on display are empty rhetoric because injustices are daily inflicted on millions of children unless the non-white children are properly provided for by the NSLP programme.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of US racial and food activists recently accused the federal government of ‘dietary racism’ in its programme for free or reduced-price school lunches, claiming that the USDA is forcing millions of non-white lactose intolerant kids to drink cow’s milk.

Dozens of US racial and food activists recently accused the federal government of ‘dietary racism’ in its programme for free or reduced-price school lunches, claiming that the USDA is forcing millions of non-white lactose intolerant kids to drink cow’s milk. In a letter to the USDA’s Equity Commission, organisations have claimed that the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is unequal and socially unfair. The letter further stated that black, Native American, Asian, and Latino youngsters are being punished for their ethnicity and ancestry, as reported by The Hill. In 100,000 schools across the US, the NSLP offers free or reduced lunches to nearly 30 million children. According to the National Centre for Education Statistics, over half of them are white; activist groups claim that non-white children are disproportionately dependent on these meals. Additionally, they claimed that non-white children are more likely to be lactose intolerant. Also read | Citing racism, WHO says monkeypox will be renamed The organisations asserted that a signed doctor’s certificate may be necessary to provide a non-diary substitute and that the NSLP only reimburses schools if they give cow’s milk. However, the NSLP requirements are quite explicit that a non-diary can only be used with written authorisation from the kid’s parent or guardian. Alternatives to cow’s milk must meet USDA nutritional guidelines. Providing water is a mandated practise in the NSLP programme. Also read | Are children at risk from Elon Musk's self-driving technology? Group claims software will 'mow' kids down However, the protesters claimed that the government is pressuring the kids to consume cow’s milk. The activist groups said that the posters on display are empty rhetoric because injustices are daily inflicted on millions of children unless the non-white children are properly provided for by the NSLP programme. (With inputs from agencies)

US food activists accuse federal government of ‘dietary racism’

The father-son duo of Greg McMichael, 66, and Travis McMichael, 36, who chased and shot dead Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery have been given life sentences on Monday (August 9) for a federal hate crime.

The McMichaels, who are white, were found guilty of murder of Arbery after chasing him through a neighbourhood in Georgia. US district court judge Lisa Godbey Wood said the two had gone through a "fair trial" for the murder of 25-year-old Arbery. They are among the three defendants accused of the crime. Their neighbour, William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, received 35 years in jail for his involvement in the federal crime.

On February 23, 2020, the accused, holding firearms chased after Arbery, who was passing in front of their homes. Bryan also jumped into the chase and captured on camera how the duo shot Arbery. The duo, who had used a pickup van to go after Arbery, later informed the police they thought he was a thief. However, during the investigation, Arbery’s family said that he was on his routine jog, was unarmed, and had committed no offences.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-men-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-murder-of-ahmaud-arbery-443058">Three men sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ahmaud Arbery</a>

Wood scheduled back-to-back hearings to sentence each defendant separately. Bryan apologised in court for what happened to the victim.

Arbery’s parents had previously spoken in court about their grief over losing their son and the damage caused by the racism involved in his murder. His mother said that she is very thankful for the decision made. Arbery’s father said that McMichaels killed his son because he was a Black man and people like him deserve no mercy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahmaud-arbery-murder-trial-defence-attorney-faces-backlash-on-comments-about-black-pastors-429035">Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Defence attorney faces backlash on comments about black pastors</a>

The McMichaels requested the judge&nbsp;to transfer them from a state jail to a federal jail as they believed it would not be safe for them in the Georgia prison system. However, the judge denied the request of the three defendants to choose a federal jail. Arbery’s family said that a federal jail would not be harsh enough for the defendants.

Arbery’s murder formed a part of a larger national conversation about racial injustice and the deaths of Black individuals without cause, including Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and George Floyd in Minneapolis. The US Justice department also filed federal charges in these two cases.<o:p></o:p>

Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump said that this decision has now marked a milestone in the journey and will be a turning point in the civil rights movement.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The father-son duo of Greg McMichael, 66, and Travis McMichael, 36, who chased and shot dead Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery have been given life sentences on Monday (August 9) for a federal hate crime.

The father-son duo of Greg McMichael, 66, and Travis McMichael, 36, who chased and shot dead Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery have been given life sentences on Monday (August 9) for a federal hate crime. The McMichaels, who are white, were found guilty of murder of Arbery after chasing him through a neighbourhood in Georgia. US district court judge Lisa Godbey Wood said the two had gone through a "fair trial" for the murder of 25-year-old Arbery. They are among the three defendants accused of the crime. Their neighbour, William "Roddie" Bryan, 52, received 35 years in jail for his involvement in the federal crime. On February 23, 2020, the accused, holding firearms chased after Arbery, who was passing in front of their homes. Bryan also jumped into the chase and captured on camera how the duo shot Arbery. The duo, who had used a pickup van to go after Arbery, later informed the police they thought he was a thief. However, during the investigation, Arbery’s family said that he was on his routine jog, was unarmed, and had committed no offences. Also read | Three men sentenced to life in prison for murder of Ahmaud Arbery Wood scheduled back-to-back hearings to sentence each defendant separately. Bryan apologised in court for what happened to the victim. Arbery’s parents had previously spoken in court about their grief over losing their son and the damage caused by the racism involved in his murder. His mother said that she is very thankful for the decision made. Arbery’s father said that McMichaels killed his son because he was a Black man and people like him deserve no mercy. Also read | Ahmaud Arbery murder trial: Defence attorney faces backlash on comments about black pastors The McMichaels requested the judge to transfer them from a state jail to a federal jail as they believed it would not be safe for them in the Georgia prison system. However, the judge denied the request of the three defendants to choose a federal jail. Arbery’s family said that a federal jail would not be harsh enough for the defendants. Arbery’s murder formed a part of a larger national conversation about racial injustice and the deaths of Black individuals without cause, including Breonna Taylor in Kentucky and George Floyd in Minneapolis. The US Justice department also filed federal charges in these two cases. Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump said that this decision has now marked a milestone in the journey and will be a turning point in the civil rights movement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ahmaud Arbery murder: Father, son get life in prison for federal hate crime

Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning." Seoul’s Yonhap news agency said that the rainstorm that started on Monday (August 8) is the heaviest to fall in South Korea in 80 years. On Tuesday morning (August 9), President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed government officials to evacuate citizens from dangerous locations and urged the companies to give workers flexible commuting hours.

The president wrote on his Facebook page, "Nothing is more precious than life and safety.&nbsp;The government will thoroughly manage the heavy rain situation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-launches-its-first-lunar-orbiter-danuri-on-a-spacex-rocket-503898">South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket</a>

The Yonhap news agency reported that rains of more than 100 millimetres per hour were experienced in some areas of the capital, the neighbouring province of Gyeonggi, and the port city of Incheon on Monday night. The Dongjak district of Seoul experienced the heaviest downpour since 1942, with hourly precipitation of 141.5 millimetres.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-the-south-korean-president-avoid-nancy-pelosi-to-appease-china-503736">Also read |&nbsp;Did the South Korean president avoid Nancy Pelosi to appease China?</a>

Late Monday, dramatic images were shared on social media of residents of Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighbourhood wading through waist-deep water metro stations packed to capacity and cars partially submerged.There were reports of power outages around the capital region, and the heavy rain temporarily delayed trains and metros.

According to Yonhap, there were still numerous roads and tunnels closed in South Korea on Tuesday due to safety concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning.

Record-breaking rains triggered significant flooding in Seoul, with key roads and subway stations submerged. An official in conversation with AFP said, "At least seven people died in the Seoul metropolitan area, while seven others are missing, due to heavy rain as of 7:30 this morning." Seoul’s Yonhap news agency said that the rainstorm that started on Monday (August 8) is the heaviest to fall in South Korea in 80 years. On Tuesday morning (August 9), President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed government officials to evacuate citizens from dangerous locations and urged the companies to give workers flexible commuting hours. The president wrote on his Facebook page, "Nothing is more precious than life and safety. The government will thoroughly manage the heavy rain situation." Also read | South Korea launches its first lunar orbiter, Danuri, on a SpaceX rocket The Yonhap news agency reported that rains of more than 100 millimetres per hour were experienced in some areas of the capital, the neighbouring province of Gyeonggi, and the port city of Incheon on Monday night. The Dongjak district of Seoul experienced the heaviest downpour since 1942, with hourly precipitation of 141.5 millimetres. Also read | Did the South Korean president avoid Nancy Pelosi to appease China? Late Monday, dramatic images were shared on social media of residents of Seoul's affluent Gangnam neighbourhood wading through waist-deep water metro stations packed to capacity and cars partially submerged.There were reports of power outages around the capital region, and the heavy rain temporarily delayed trains and metros. According to Yonhap, there were still numerous roads and tunnels closed in South Korea on Tuesday due to safety concerns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Record-breaking rains triggered flooding in South Korea, seven killed and seven missing

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