Tata Consultancy Services or TCS has named Kirthi Krithivasan as the company's new CEO and MD after former position holder Rajesh Gopinath resigned earlier this week unexpectedly. Kirthivasan is a familiar face and has&nbsp;served the company the same as Gopinath. The company in its statement said that he&nbsp;will be responsible for planning and executing the company's growth strategies, improving financial performances and market positioning. But who is K Kirthivasan, where and at what position was he working earlier, what's his educational qualification&nbsp;and why did Gopinath resign after a 22-year tenure? Here's everything you need to know about the two:

Who is Kirthi Krithivasan?

Having a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras and a Master's Degree from IIT Kanpur, Kirthivasan is one of the most renowned faces of the industry and at TCS as well. He joined TCS back in 1989, Money Control reported.

Previous to this, he worked as the President and Global Head of the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Business Group, one of the company’s largest and most prominent verticals in terms of revenue contribution, deals, and business. Krithivasan was also then responsible for 35-40 per cent of TCS’ revenue.

He had also helped the company with many key clients with digital transformation, change in management cycle acceleration, and in achieving value beyond cost optimisation, and establishing IT programme governance.

Krithivasan is also a member of the Board of Directors of the supervisory board of TCS Technology Solutions AG, TCS Iberoamerica, as well as TCS Ireland.&nbsp;

Why did Rajesh Gopinath resigned after 22 years?

As per the company's statement, former CEO and MD Rajesh Gopinathan resigned on March 16 after a stellar career for 22 years to pursue 'other interests' and will step down in September this year.&nbsp;

The company in its statement said, "We wish to inform you that Mr Rajesh Gopinathan (DIN: 06365813), Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services Limited (“the Company”) has tendered his resignation, which will be effective from the close of business hours on September 15, 2023."

Following his resignation, Gopinathan said that he enjoyed his tenure at TCS. According to Economic Times, he said, "It has been a pleasure working closely with Chandra, who has mentored me through this entire period. The last six years of leading this iconic organisation have been most enriching and fulfilling, adding over $10 billion in incremental revenues and over $70 billion increase in market capitalisation."

Tata Consultancy Services or TCS has named Kirthi Krithivasan as the company's new CEO and MD after former position holder Rajesh Gopinath resigned earlier this week unexpectedly.

Tata Consultancy Services or TCS has named Kirthi Krithivasan as the company's new CEO and MD after former position holder Rajesh Gopinath resigned earlier this week unexpectedly. Kirthivasan is a familiar face and has served the company the same as Gopinath. The company in its statement said that he will be responsible for planning and executing the company's growth strategies, improving financial performances and market positioning. But who is K Kirthivasan, where and at what position was he working earlier, what's his educational qualification and why did Gopinath resign after a 22-year tenure? Here's everything you need to know about the two: Who is Kirthi Krithivasan? Having a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras and a Master's Degree from IIT Kanpur, Kirthivasan is one of the most renowned faces of the industry and at TCS as well. He joined TCS back in 1989, Money Control reported. Previous to this, he worked as the President and Global Head of the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) Business Group, one of the company’s largest and most prominent verticals in terms of revenue contribution, deals, and business. Krithivasan was also then responsible for 35-40 per cent of TCS’ revenue. He had also helped the company with many key clients with digital transformation, change in management cycle acceleration, and in achieving value beyond cost optimisation, and establishing IT programme governance. Krithivasan is also a member of the Board of Directors of the supervisory board of TCS Technology Solutions AG, TCS Iberoamerica, as well as TCS Ireland. Why did Rajesh Gopinath resigned after 22 years? As per the company's statement, former CEO and MD Rajesh Gopinathan resigned on March 16 after a stellar career for 22 years to pursue 'other interests' and will step down in September this year. The company in its statement said, "We wish to inform you that Mr Rajesh Gopinathan (DIN: 06365813), Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services Limited (“the Company”) has tendered his resignation, which will be effective from the close of business hours on September 15, 2023." Following his resignation, Gopinathan said that he enjoyed his tenure at TCS. According to Economic Times, he said, "It has been a pleasure working closely with Chandra, who has mentored me through this entire period. The last six years of leading this iconic organisation have been most enriching and fulfilling, adding over $10 billion in incremental revenues and over $70 billion increase in market capitalisation."

Who is Kirthi Krithivasan? The new CEO & MD of TCS following Rajesh Gopinath's resignation

Adult movie star Stormy Daniel a.k.a Stephanie Clifford on Wednesday (March 15) met investigators to discuss former US president Donald Trump's role in payment made to her in exchange for silence on sexual claims ahead of the 2016 US Presidential elections.&nbsp;

This comes as Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen was giving the second day of testimony before the New York jury. Cohen is believed to be the person who orchestrated the payment of $130,000. He&nbsp;said that he made a similar kind of payment of&nbsp;$150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal on Trump's instructions, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-book-letters-to-trump-will-show-queen-elizabeth-princess-diana-kissed-my-a-says-donald-trump-572173">Also read |&nbsp;New book 'Letters to Trump' will show Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana 'kissed my a**,' says Donald Trump</a>

In 2018, Cohen was charged with campaign finance crimes and pleaded guilty and served prison terms, however, prosecutors never charged Trump.&nbsp;

Later Wednesday, Cohen said he isn't out for revenge. He said, "This is not about him. This is about holding accountability, truth to power, and everything else in between."

He told federal prosecutors that the company paid him $420,000 to reimburse the payment to Daniels and cover bonuses and other expenses, which were internally shown as legal expenses.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-media-under-federal-investigation-for-possible-money-laundering-report-572399">Also read |&nbsp;Trump media under federal investigation for possible money laundering: Report</a>

Both Daniels and McDougal alleged that they had an affair with Trump which he denied. The Republican leader is seeking nomination for the US presidency in 2024.&nbsp;

The payment was made ahead of Trump's first presidential election campaign when Daniels was negotiating to go public and discuss her alleged sexual encounter with the former president&nbsp;in 2006 while he was married.&nbsp;&nbsp;Answering questions from the Manhattan jury, who are investigating to know whether any state laws were broken in connection with payment, Daniel's attorney confirmed that she is willing to be a witness in the case. She thanked her attorney on Twitter where the post read, "helping me in our continuing fight for truth and justice."

(with inputs from agencies)

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Adult movie star Stormy Daniel a.k.a Stephanie Clifford on Wednesday (March 15) met investigators to discuss former US president Donald Trump's role in payment made to her in exchange for silence on sexual claims ahead of the 2016 US Presidential elections.

Adult movie star Stormy Daniel a.k.a Stephanie Clifford on Wednesday (March 15) met investigators to discuss former US president Donald Trump's role in payment made to her in exchange for silence on sexual claims ahead of the 2016 US Presidential elections. This comes as Trump's former attorney Michael Cohen was giving the second day of testimony before the New York jury. Cohen is believed to be the person who orchestrated the payment of $130,000. He said that he made a similar kind of payment of $150,000 to Playboy model Karen McDougal on Trump's instructions, Guardian reported. Also read | New book 'Letters to Trump' will show Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana 'kissed my a**,' says Donald Trump In 2018, Cohen was charged with campaign finance crimes and pleaded guilty and served prison terms, however, prosecutors never charged Trump. Later Wednesday, Cohen said he isn't out for revenge. He said, "This is not about him. This is about holding accountability, truth to power, and everything else in between." He told federal prosecutors that the company paid him $420,000 to reimburse the payment to Daniels and cover bonuses and other expenses, which were internally shown as legal expenses. Also read | Trump media under federal investigation for possible money laundering: Report Both Daniels and McDougal alleged that they had an affair with Trump which he denied. The Republican leader is seeking nomination for the US presidency in 2024. The payment was made ahead of Trump's first presidential election campaign when Daniels was negotiating to go public and discuss her alleged sexual encounter with the former president in 2006 while he was married. Answering questions from the Manhattan jury, who are investigating to know whether any state laws were broken in connection with payment, Daniel's attorney confirmed that she is willing to be a witness in the case. She thanked her attorney on Twitter where the post read, "helping me in our continuing fight for truth and justice." (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.

Adult film star Stormy Daniels meets US prosecutors to discuss Donald Trump's role in payment probe

Legendary lead guitarist of the rock band Queen, Sir Brian May received a knighthood from Britain's King Charles III during an investiture ceremony on Tuesday (March 14) at Buckingham Palace, the royal family said. May received the title of "Knight Bachelor" for his contribution to music and charity.&nbsp; He&nbsp;attended the ceremony with his wife, Anita Dobson, a former actress. Queen's official account tweeted a post congratulating him. The post read, "Arise Sir Brian May."&nbsp; May&nbsp;joins other musicians, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart, who have received the same prestigious honour. Here's everything you need to know about Sir May and what actually the&nbsp;honour means:

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Arise Sir Brian May ⚔️🎸 
Brian's investiture as a Knight of The Realm took place today at Buckingham Palace. The knighthood was presented to Brian by His Royal Highness, King Charles. 
 
Many congratulations, Sir Brian! 
 
📸©️ Alamy <a href="https://t.co/nE3ZmfvPSZ">pic.twitter.com/nE3ZmfvPSZ</a>
— Queen (@QueenWillRock) <a href="https://twitter.com/QueenWillRock/status/1635659806160592896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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🎷🎸🎶 Musicians Brian May and YolanDa Brown congratulate each other after receiving their honours from The King during an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. 
 
YolanDa performed in front of His Majesty as part of yesterday’s Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey. <a href="https://t.co/xaMs15XVlg">pic.twitter.com/xaMs15XVlg</a>
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1635642890620661760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Who is Brian May?

Sir Brian Harold May is the lead guitarist of the band Queen. Other than being an artist, he is also an astrophysicist. He wrote numerous hit songs for Queen "We Will Rock You," "I Want It All," "Flash," "The Show Must Go On," and many more.&nbsp;

May was ranked no 26 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All. Later in 2012, the "Guitar World" magazine readers poll ranked him as the &nbsp;"second greatest guitarist" of all.

He&nbsp;was even inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" as a member of Queen and in 2018 he received the "Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award."

His career as an astrophysicist was none less. In 2005, he was appointed as "commander"&nbsp;of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

In 2007, he earned a PhD in astrophysics.&nbsp;

May was a "science team collaborator" with US-based space agency NASA's New Horizons "Pluto mission."

Who is Knight Bachelor?

The title of Knight Bachelor is a basic rank awarded to a man who has been knighted by the UK monarch but is not inducted as a member of one of the organised orders of chivalry, which is a part of the British honours system.&nbsp;

Knights are addressed as "sir" or "dame," followed by their name.&nbsp;

Following the announcement, May told &nbsp;Associated Press that this honour might bring "a little bit more clout." He said, "Maybe a few more people will listen to me than they would otherwise, you know if it's Sir Brian on the phone."

Talking about his wife who accompanied him to the ceremony, May said&nbsp;she was thrilled to bits. "Yes, yes, she's very happy about that. Yes, Lady Anita will be enjoying it, and it's a thrill to me to be able to kind of confer that on her," Fox News reported.&nbsp;

Legendary lead guitarist of the rock band Queen, Sir Brian May received a knighthood from Britain's King Charles III during an investiture ceremony on Tuesday (March 14) at Buckingham Palace, the royal family said.

Legendary lead guitarist of the rock band Queen, Sir Brian May received a knighthood from Britain's King Charles III during an investiture ceremony on Tuesday (March 14) at Buckingham Palace, the royal family said. May received the title of "Knight Bachelor" for his contribution to music and charity. He attended the ceremony with his wife, Anita Dobson, a former actress. Queen's official account tweeted a post congratulating him. The post read, "Arise Sir Brian May." May joins other musicians, including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart, who have received the same prestigious honour. Here's everything you need to know about Sir May and what actually the honour means: Arise Sir Brian May ⚔️🎸 Brian's investiture as a Knight of The Realm took place today at Buckingham Palace. The knighthood was presented to Brian by His Royal Highness, King Charles. Many congratulations, Sir Brian! 📸©️ Alamy pic.twitter.com/nE3ZmfvPSZ — Queen (@QueenWillRock) March 14, 2023 × 🎷🎸🎶 Musicians Brian May and YolanDa Brown congratulate each other after receiving their honours from The King during an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. YolanDa performed in front of His Majesty as part of yesterday’s Commonwealth Day Service in Westminster Abbey. pic.twitter.com/xaMs15XVlg — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) March 14, 2023 × Who is Brian May? Sir Brian Harold May is the lead guitarist of the band Queen. Other than being an artist, he is also an astrophysicist. He wrote numerous hit songs for Queen "We Will Rock You," "I Want It All," "Flash," "The Show Must Go On," and many more. May was ranked no 26 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All. Later in 2012, the "Guitar World" magazine readers poll ranked him as the "second greatest guitarist" of all. He was even inducted into the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" as a member of Queen and in 2018 he received the "Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award." His career as an astrophysicist was none less. In 2005, he was appointed as "commander" of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In 2007, he earned a PhD in astrophysics. May was a "science team collaborator" with US-based space agency NASA's New Horizons "Pluto mission." Who is Knight Bachelor? The title of Knight Bachelor is a basic rank awarded to a man who has been knighted by the UK monarch but is not inducted as a member of one of the organised orders of chivalry, which is a part of the British honours system. Knights are addressed as "sir" or "dame," followed by their name. Following the announcement, May told Associated Press that this honour might bring "a little bit more clout." He said, "Maybe a few more people will listen to me than they would otherwise, you know if it's Sir Brian on the phone." Talking about his wife who accompanied him to the ceremony, May said she was thrilled to bits. "Yes, yes, she's very happy about that. Yes, Lady Anita will be enjoying it, and it's a thrill to me to be able to kind of confer that on her," Fox News reported.

'Arise Sir Brian May': Queen's lead guitarist receives 'Knight Bachelor' by UK King Charles III

The Joe Biden administration on Monday approved an Alaska oil project or the Willow Project, which intends for extensive oil drilling on the North Slope, and&nbsp;has sparked anger among environmentalists. The announcement comes a day after the administration, in a big conservation move, said that it would bar or limit drilling in some other areas of Alaska or the Arctic Ocean. The decision approved by Rep. Mary Peltola was hailed by the Alaska delegation, saying that the "people of Alaska were heard." US Senator Lisa Murkowski also applauded the move, saying, "We did it, Alaska!"

But what exactly is the Willow Project? Why are the environmentalists angry? Scroll to read the details:

What is the Willow Project?

Alaska's significant and long-lasting oil drilling project on the National Petroleum Reserve's North Slope a.k.a the 'Willow Project' was proposed by Conoco&nbsp;Phillips, which aims to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, about 1.5 per cent of the US total oil production, CNN reported.

Alaska Republican Dan Sullivan said this oil development could be one of the biggest and most important resource development projects in history.&nbsp;

The company proposed five drilling initiatives as part of the project. However, the US Bureau of Land Management approved three drill sites, which ConocoPhillips Alaska said was a viable option. The interior department added that the final approval reduces the project's drill pads by probably 40 per cent.&nbsp;

The company further agreed to give up its rights to about 68,000 acres in existing leaves within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The move reduces the project's freshwater use and eliminates all infrastructure related to the two rejected drills.&nbsp;

Is Joe Biden in trouble?

As soon as US President Joe Biden approved Alaska's oil project, it turned&nbsp; environmentalists and many US Democrats in Congress against him, who said that the project&nbsp;is out of step with his goals, CBS News reported.&nbsp;

Environmentalists have argued that approval of such a project represents a "betrayal" by Biden and his administration, who promised during his 2020 election campaign that fighting climate change will be his top priority and ending all new oil and gas drilling on federal lands and to move to clear energy.&nbsp;

Environmental activists have launched a #StopWillowcampaign across all social media platforms, seeking to remind Biden of his pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

Federal officials have claimed that an increase in domestic oil drilling would result in fewer net global emissions because it would decrease petroleum imports.&nbsp;

The latest review under the Biden administration received backlash over its inclusion of a suggestion that 50 per cent of Willow's net emission could be offset by planting more trees in national forests to capture and store carbon dioxide."

Who supports and opposes the oil project?

Other than state lawmakers who say that the project will increase employment, boost domestic production and lessen the country's dependency, a coalition of native groups in Alaska also supports the project. According to them, the project is a much-needed source of revenue in the region and funds services like education and healthcare.&nbsp;

However, some Alaska Natives living closer to the planned project raised their concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the development.&nbsp;

In a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Nuiqsut Mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak and other officials said that the village will bear the consequences of the harmful project. The letter read, "We are at ground zero for the industrialisation of the Arctic.

The Joe Biden administration on Monday approved an Alaska oil project or the Willow Project, which intends for extensive oil drilling on the North Slope, and has sparked anger among environmentalists.

The Joe Biden administration on Monday approved an Alaska oil project or the Willow Project, which intends for extensive oil drilling on the North Slope, and has sparked anger among environmentalists. The announcement comes a day after the administration, in a big conservation move, said that it would bar or limit drilling in some other areas of Alaska or the Arctic Ocean. The decision approved by Rep. Mary Peltola was hailed by the Alaska delegation, saying that the "people of Alaska were heard." US Senator Lisa Murkowski also applauded the move, saying, "We did it, Alaska!" But what exactly is the Willow Project? Why are the environmentalists angry? Scroll to read the details: What is the Willow Project? Alaska's significant and long-lasting oil drilling project on the National Petroleum Reserve's North Slope a.k.a the 'Willow Project' was proposed by Conoco Phillips, which aims to produce up to 180,000 barrels of oil a day, about 1.5 per cent of the US total oil production, CNN reported. Alaska Republican Dan Sullivan said this oil development could be one of the biggest and most important resource development projects in history. The company proposed five drilling initiatives as part of the project. However, the US Bureau of Land Management approved three drill sites, which ConocoPhillips Alaska said was a viable option. The interior department added that the final approval reduces the project's drill pads by probably 40 per cent. The company further agreed to give up its rights to about 68,000 acres in existing leaves within the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. The move reduces the project's freshwater use and eliminates all infrastructure related to the two rejected drills. Is Joe Biden in trouble? As soon as US President Joe Biden approved Alaska's oil project, it turned environmentalists and many US Democrats in Congress against him, who said that the project is out of step with his goals, CBS News reported. Environmentalists have argued that approval of such a project represents a "betrayal" by Biden and his administration, who promised during his 2020 election campaign that fighting climate change will be his top priority and ending all new oil and gas drilling on federal lands and to move to clear energy. Environmental activists have launched a #StopWillowcampaign across all social media platforms, seeking to remind Biden of his pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Federal officials have claimed that an increase in domestic oil drilling would result in fewer net global emissions because it would decrease petroleum imports. The latest review under the Biden administration received backlash over its inclusion of a suggestion that 50 per cent of Willow's net emission could be offset by planting more trees in national forests to capture and store carbon dioxide." Who supports and opposes the oil project? Other than state lawmakers who say that the project will increase employment, boost domestic production and lessen the country's dependency, a coalition of native groups in Alaska also supports the project. According to them, the project is a much-needed source of revenue in the region and funds services like education and healthcare. However, some Alaska Natives living closer to the planned project raised their concerns about the health and environmental impacts of the development. In a letter to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Nuiqsut Mayor Rosemary Ahtuangaruak and other officials said that the village will bear the consequences of the harmful project. The letter read, "We are at ground zero for the industrialisation of the Arctic.

#StopWillowCampaign: Biden Administration approves oil drilling project in Alaska. Here's all you need to know

Lawmakers in the US state of South Carolina are all set to bring in a bill that would make a woman who had an abortion eligible for the death penalty. The bill called "South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023," seeks to amend the state's current law, redefining a "person" to include a fertilised egg at the point of conception, affording that zygote "equal protection under the homicide laws of the state" . Destroying it, therefore, will be punishable up to and including the death penalty, if the bill becomes law. Currently, South Carolina punishes abortion with a $1,000 fine and up to two years in prison. At least 13 US states have banned abortion following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v Wade.

Here's everything you need to know about the bill:

Abortion rule in South Carolina:

Abortion is currently legal in South Carolina but up to 21 weeks and 6 days; outlawing a 2021 ban, where abortion at six weeks was struck down by the US top court, CNBC News reported.&nbsp;

This is not the first time a US lawmaker has introduced the death penalty, which is one of the harshest punishments. Back in March 2021, Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton proposed legislation that would not only ban abortion but would also criminalise it, and might even lead up to the death penalty, the Texas Tribune reported. However, the bill, like other similar legislations, was not passed.&nbsp;

'Life needs to be protected'

The bill authored by State Rep Rob Harris implies that getting an abortion is the same as committing homicide, Business Insider reported. The bill was initially pre-filed in December but now sits in the Judiciary Committee. Till now, 21 lawmakers have agreed to the bill.&nbsp;

Harris told local media, "if we call and define it (fertilised egg) as a life, then why should anyone be able to take that life. If&nbsp;it's life, it need to be protected like any other life."

Harris said, “Murder of the pre-born is harsh.”

He added that the bill aims to ensure that an unborn child who is a victim of assault is offered&nbsp;equal protection under the assault laws of the state, but with exceptions.

Advocates of "Planned Parenthood" opposes the bill:

A spokesperson for "Planned Parenthood," Vicki Ringer criticised the bill. He told WBTW, "That's a hard pill to swallow for anybody.To recognise that you are not valuable. To call this equal protection, it is far from equal. It is giving greater weight to a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus than it is to a human being. You can consider a fetus to be a person, but you can't consider it to have more weight than the living person who is a life fully lived on this planet."

Rep Nancy Mace, who represents South Carolina in the US House said that she sees the bill as a "deeply disturbing" trend.&nbsp;

Lawmakers in the US state of South Carolina are all set to bring in a bill that would make a woman who had an abortion eligible for the death penalty. The bill called "South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023," seeks to amend the state's current law, redefining a "person" to include a fertilised egg at the point of conception, affording that zygote "equal protection under the homicide laws of the state" .

Lawmakers in the US state of South Carolina are all set to bring in a bill that would make a woman who had an abortion eligible for the death penalty. The bill called "South Carolina Prenatal Equal Protection Act of 2023," seeks to amend the state's current law, redefining a "person" to include a fertilised egg at the point of conception, affording that zygote "equal protection under the homicide laws of the state" . Destroying it, therefore, will be punishable up to and including the death penalty, if the bill becomes law. Currently, South Carolina punishes abortion with a $1,000 fine and up to two years in prison. At least 13 US states have banned abortion following the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v Wade. Here's everything you need to know about the bill: Abortion rule in South Carolina: Abortion is currently legal in South Carolina but up to 21 weeks and 6 days; outlawing a 2021 ban, where abortion at six weeks was struck down by the US top court, CNBC News reported. This is not the first time a US lawmaker has introduced the death penalty, which is one of the harshest punishments. Back in March 2021, Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton proposed legislation that would not only ban abortion but would also criminalise it, and might even lead up to the death penalty, the Texas Tribune reported. However, the bill, like other similar legislations, was not passed. 'Life needs to be protected' The bill authored by State Rep Rob Harris implies that getting an abortion is the same as committing homicide, Business Insider reported. The bill was initially pre-filed in December but now sits in the Judiciary Committee. Till now, 21 lawmakers have agreed to the bill. Harris told local media, "if we call and define it (fertilised egg) as a life, then why should anyone be able to take that life. If it's life, it need to be protected like any other life." Harris said, “Murder of the pre-born is harsh.” He added that the bill aims to ensure that an unborn child who is a victim of assault is offered equal protection under the assault laws of the state, but with exceptions. Advocates of "Planned Parenthood" opposes the bill: A spokesperson for "Planned Parenthood," Vicki Ringer criticised the bill. He told WBTW, "That's a hard pill to swallow for anybody.To recognise that you are not valuable. To call this equal protection, it is far from equal. It is giving greater weight to a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus than it is to a human being. You can consider a fetus to be a person, but you can't consider it to have more weight than the living person who is a life fully lived on this planet." Rep Nancy Mace, who represents South Carolina in the US House said that she sees the bill as a "deeply disturbing" trend.

US: South Carolina lawmakers propose 'death penalty' for women who had abortions

The US banking system is in chaos again as shares of the First Republic Bank (FRC) dropped 70 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday. This comes after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the financial organisation that dealt&nbsp;with only tech startups in the country, collapsed. The First Republic Bank on Friday closed 15 per cent lower at $81.76. This comes despite the FRC insisting its capital and liquidity are "very strong"&nbsp;and that regulators rolled out measures "designed to stabilise the finance industry in the US."

Regional banks' shares&nbsp;tumble&nbsp;

It was just not SVB and FRC, even other regional bank stocks tumbled, prompting trading halts. The FRC said it had access to some additional credit from Fed and JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (JPM) pointing out that "total available and unused liquidity to fund its operations is still over $70 billion."&nbsp;

Regional lenders Western Alliance Bancorp (WAL) declined 82 per cent and the PacWest Bancorp (PACW) tumbled by over half before trading was halted.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden had earlier assured the country's banking system was safe but after the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank, he called for full accountability.

The Silicon Valley Bank was hit by one of the oldest problems in the banking industry- a bank run, which led to its failure. It was one of the largest failures of a financial organisation in the US after the collapse of Washington Mutual which occurred at the height of the financial crisis over a decade ago.&nbsp;

The SVB bank was hit by the downturn in technology stocks as well as when the Federal Reserve planned to increase its interest rates to combat inflation.&nbsp;

Due to the collapse of SVB, many startups that had ties to the lender scrambled to pay their workers and feared that they might have to pause their projects or lay off staff.

The SVB had bought bonds worth billion of dollars using its customers' deposits over the past few years.&nbsp;

These investments were typically considered to be safe, but the value of those investments fell because they paid lower interest rates than what today a bond would pay if issued in today’s higher interest rate environment. 
&nbsp;

The US banking system is in chaos again as shares of the First Republic Bank (FRC) dropped 70 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday. This comes after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the financial organisation that dealt with only tech startups in the country, collapsed.

The US banking system is in chaos again as shares of the First Republic Bank (FRC) dropped 70 per cent in pre-market trading on Monday. This comes after Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), the financial organisation that dealt with only tech startups in the country, collapsed. The First Republic Bank on Friday closed 15 per cent lower at $81.76. This comes despite the FRC insisting its capital and liquidity are "very strong" and that regulators rolled out measures "designed to stabilise the finance industry in the US." Regional banks' shares tumble It was just not SVB and FRC, even other regional bank stocks tumbled, prompting trading halts. The FRC said it had access to some additional credit from Fed and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) pointing out that "total available and unused liquidity to fund its operations is still over $70 billion." Regional lenders Western Alliance Bancorp (WAL) declined 82 per cent and the PacWest Bancorp (PACW) tumbled by over half before trading was halted. US President Joe Biden had earlier assured the country's banking system was safe but after the collapse of SVB and Signature Bank, he called for full accountability. The Silicon Valley Bank was hit by one of the oldest problems in the banking industry- a bank run, which led to its failure. It was one of the largest failures of a financial organisation in the US after the collapse of Washington Mutual which occurred at the height of the financial crisis over a decade ago. The SVB bank was hit by the downturn in technology stocks as well as when the Federal Reserve planned to increase its interest rates to combat inflation. Due to the collapse of SVB, many startups that had ties to the lender scrambled to pay their workers and feared that they might have to pause their projects or lay off staff. The SVB had bought bonds worth billion of dollars using its customers' deposits over the past few years. These investments were typically considered to be safe, but the value of those investments fell because they paid lower interest rates than what today a bond would pay if issued in today’s higher interest rate environment.

US: First Republic Bank drops 70% amid Silicon Valley Bank collapse, regional banks raise concern

Oscars 2023 turned out to be great for India as it wins in Best Documentary Short Film and Best Originals Song at the 95th Academy awards. The documentary The Elephant Whisperers&nbsp;by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga made history, where the director went on to thank the Academy, producer Monga, her family and friends for their support and most importantly her mother country India. But who is Kartiki Gonsalves, what were her previous works and her total net worth? Let's take a look at the details.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Kartiki Gonsalves?&nbsp;</h2>

Gonsalves has done a broad range of work and is best categorised as an Indian wildlife photographer and filmmaker who specialises in social and natural history documentaries.&nbsp;

She lives in Mumbai and was brought up in Nilgiris. Gonsalves focuses on work, regardless of theme and focuses on promoting awareness related to conversation.&nbsp;

She has always described herself as a traveller and explorer.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/protagonists-of-oscar-winning-docu-the-elephant-whisperers-cant-watch-the-film-at-home-heres-why-571614">Protagonists of Oscar-winning docu 'The Elephant Whisperers' can't watch the film at home, here's why</a>&nbsp;

She made her directing debut with the now Oscar-winning short film The Elephant Whisperers,&nbsp;but has been earlier mentioned in several magazines and blogs.&nbsp;

In her award acceptance speech at the Oscars, Gonsalves said, "I stand here today to speak for the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for the respect of indigenous communities, and empathy towards other living beings we share space with and finally, for coexistence."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Oscars 2023: Here's who won big at the Academy Awards&nbsp;

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<h2>Her early life</h2>

Gonsalves said she was only three when she first visited a sanctuary. Her love for wildlife is hereditary.&nbsp;

Her father also worked as a photographer and her mother was a fauna enthusiast. However, the love for nature was passed on from her grandmother, who was an amateur naturalist.&nbsp;

<h2>The Elephant Whisperers&nbsp;</h2>

The 41-minute short documentary film explores the bond of people who have been generationally working with elephants and so they are aware of the needs of the jungle. The movie focuses on the bond between Raghu, an orphaned elephant and his caretakers, who devoted their whole life protecting him from poachers and raised him as their own child.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
After the win, Monga said on her Instagram post:&nbsp;"Kartiki has spent the last five years living alongside Bommon, Billie and the Elephants, uncovering the extraordinary story of two caregivers, who despite all odds, saved an orphaned baby elephant. In the documentary, Kartiki shows a rare, beautiful and sacred bond between humans, animals and the environment, that establishes the importance of protecting and carrying the practice of caregiving forward for future generations. (sic)"&nbsp;

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Oscars 2023 turned out to be great for India as it wins in Best Documentary Short Film and Best Originals Song at the 95th Academy awards. The documentary The Elephant Whisperers by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga made history, where the director went on to thank the Academy, producer Monga, her family and friends for their support and most importantly her mother country India.

Oscars 2023 turned out to be great for India as it wins in Best Documentary Short Film and Best Originals Song at the 95th Academy awards. The documentary The Elephant Whisperers by Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga made history, where the director went on to thank the Academy, producer Monga, her family and friends for their support and most importantly her mother country India. But who is Kartiki Gonsalves, what were her previous works and her total net worth? Let's take a look at the details. Who is Kartiki Gonsalves? Gonsalves has done a broad range of work and is best categorised as an Indian wildlife photographer and filmmaker who specialises in social and natural history documentaries. She lives in Mumbai and was brought up in Nilgiris. Gonsalves focuses on work, regardless of theme and focuses on promoting awareness related to conversation. She has always described herself as a traveller and explorer. ALSO READ | Protagonists of Oscar-winning docu 'The Elephant Whisperers' can't watch the film at home, here's why She made her directing debut with the now Oscar-winning short film The Elephant Whisperers, but has been earlier mentioned in several magazines and blogs. In her award acceptance speech at the Oscars, Gonsalves said, "I stand here today to speak for the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for the respect of indigenous communities, and empathy towards other living beings we share space with and finally, for coexistence." WATCH | Oscars 2023: Here's who won big at the Academy Awards × Her early life Gonsalves said she was only three when she first visited a sanctuary. Her love for wildlife is hereditary. Her father also worked as a photographer and her mother was a fauna enthusiast. However, the love for nature was passed on from her grandmother, who was an amateur naturalist. The Elephant Whisperers The 41-minute short documentary film explores the bond of people who have been generationally working with elephants and so they are aware of the needs of the jungle. The movie focuses on the bond between Raghu, an orphaned elephant and his caretakers, who devoted their whole life protecting him from poachers and raised him as their own child. After the win, Monga said on her Instagram post: "Kartiki has spent the last five years living alongside Bommon, Billie and the Elephants, uncovering the extraordinary story of two caregivers, who despite all odds, saved an orphaned baby elephant. In the documentary, Kartiki shows a rare, beautiful and sacred bond between humans, animals and the environment, that establishes the importance of protecting and carrying the practice of caregiving forward for future generations. (sic)" 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.

Who is Kartiki Gonsalves? The filmmaker wins Oscars 2023 for best short film The Elephant Whisperers

Oscars 2023 has concluded. The award for Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Sarah Poley for her work in "WOMEN TALKING" on Sunday making one of the category's few female winners and giving the category back-to-back winners. This was her first win at the Oscars and her second nomination. Polley had been a long-runner in the adapted screenplay, but her winning chances&nbsp;at the Oscars seemed to fade after her film "Women Talking" didn't recieved the response anticipated. With Polley's recent win at the Oscars, the Best Adapted Screenplay till now&nbsp;has gone to nine women, including twice to Ruth Prawer Jhabvala in 1986 for "A Room with View" and in 1992 for "Howards End."

Here's everything about Sarah Polley's early life,&nbsp;the film "Women Talking" and her total net worth. Scroll to check the details.&nbsp;

Early life:

Sarah Ellen Polley is a Canadian filmmaker, actress, writer and political activist, born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She was the youngest child born to actress Diane Elizabeth, best known for her playing Gloria Beechham in 44 episodes of the Canadian TV series STREET LEGAL. 
&nbsp; 
In 2007, Sarah found out that her father, Michael Polley was not her biological father, but Harry Gulkin was her real father, with who her mother had an affair back then.&nbsp;

Polley made her first appearance on screen at the age of four, where&nbsp;she played the character of Molly in the film One Magic Christmas. At the age of eight, Polley was cast as Ramone Quimby in the television series Ramona which was based on Beverly Cleary's books.&nbsp;

She made several other appearances. In&nbsp;1996, Polley performed as Lily for the CBC television series "Straight Up" and won the award Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Programme.&nbsp;

Polley's career as a director:

Sarah's directing career began in 1999 when she made two short films, "The Best Day of My Life,"&nbsp;for the On the Fly 4 festival and "Don't Think Twice."

Polley won the award for Best Live Action Short Drama in 2003 for her short film "I Shout Love."

Being an actress and director Polley in an interview announced that she takes pride in her work but won't combine both the work.&nbsp;

In 2022, released her first book "Run Towards the Danger," where she shared detailed experience in film, TV and theatre as a child star.&nbsp;

Women Talking:

The film is based on real incidents at Manitoba Colony, an isolated, highly repressive religious community where several community men were detained for raping the community's women.&nbsp;

The film is based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Miriam Toews.&nbsp;

It features actresses including Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Judith Ivey.&nbsp;

The film premiered at the 49th Telluride Film Festival on September 02, 2022, but was released later in December 2022.&nbsp;

It was one of the top ten films of 2022, as per the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute.&nbsp;

Sarah Polley's net worth:

As per media reports, the writer-director living a lavish lifestyle has a net worth of an estimated $5 million.&nbsp;

Oscars 2023 has concluded. The award for Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Sarah Poley for her work in "WOMEN TALKING" on Sunday making one of the category's few female winners and giving the category back-to-back winners.

Oscars 2023 has concluded. The award for Best Adapted Screenplay was awarded to Sarah Poley for her work in "WOMEN TALKING" on Sunday making one of the category's few female winners and giving the category back-to-back winners. This was her first win at the Oscars and her second nomination. Polley had been a long-runner in the adapted screenplay, but her winning chances at the Oscars seemed to fade after her film "Women Talking" didn't recieved the response anticipated. With Polley's recent win at the Oscars, the Best Adapted Screenplay till now has gone to nine women, including twice to Ruth Prawer Jhabvala in 1986 for "A Room with View" and in 1992 for "Howards End." Here's everything about Sarah Polley's early life, the film "Women Talking" and her total net worth. Scroll to check the details. Early life: Sarah Ellen Polley is a Canadian filmmaker, actress, writer and political activist, born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She was the youngest child born to actress Diane Elizabeth, best known for her playing Gloria Beechham in 44 episodes of the Canadian TV series STREET LEGAL. In 2007, Sarah found out that her father, Michael Polley was not her biological father, but Harry Gulkin was her real father, with who her mother had an affair back then. Polley made her first appearance on screen at the age of four, where she played the character of Molly in the film One Magic Christmas. At the age of eight, Polley was cast as Ramone Quimby in the television series Ramona which was based on Beverly Cleary's books. She made several other appearances. In 1996, Polley performed as Lily for the CBC television series "Straight Up" and won the award Gemini Award for Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Programme. Polley's career as a director: Sarah's directing career began in 1999 when she made two short films, "The Best Day of My Life," for the On the Fly 4 festival and "Don't Think Twice." Polley won the award for Best Live Action Short Drama in 2003 for her short film "I Shout Love." Being an actress and director Polley in an interview announced that she takes pride in her work but won't combine both the work. In 2022, released her first book "Run Towards the Danger," where she shared detailed experience in film, TV and theatre as a child star. Women Talking: The film is based on real incidents at Manitoba Colony, an isolated, highly repressive religious community where several community men were detained for raping the community's women. The film is based on the 2018 novel of the same name by Miriam Toews. It features actresses including Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Judith Ivey. The film premiered at the 49th Telluride Film Festival on September 02, 2022, but was released later in December 2022. It was one of the top ten films of 2022, as per the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. Sarah Polley's net worth: As per media reports, the writer-director living a lavish lifestyle has a net worth of an estimated $5 million.

Who is Sarah Polley? The Filmmaker wins Oscars 2023 for best screenplay, check her net worth, & other details

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic. Kimmel said, "Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight. This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where he spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight by Hollywood A-listers. The fact that this reference was made in a good, as per experts does not have good side effects, meaning a serious conversation is required. Now let's see what exactly the drug is, what is its function, what the experts' advice on the medicine and most importantly what are its side effects:

What is Ozempic and what does it do?

Ozempic or semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable drug that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved but&nbsp;for only adults with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. It is only used by patients who have heart and blood vessel disease to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack or death. The drug was found to have given remarkable results in weight loss.&nbsp;

The drug has been connected to weight loss due to semaglutide present in it, which is FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, but the Ozempic brand of semaglutide is not FDA-approved yet.

The medicine is currently not available in India. However, as per medical experts, with rising obesity statistics almost &nbsp;9.5 per cent of all men and 13.9 per cent of all women will be obese by the year 2040 in India.&nbsp;

As per Indian Express, in a study participants lost around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some even losing up to 20 per cent, which is uncommon for any drug to do or even in case of surgeries.&nbsp;

Experts' advice for medicine on weight loss:

Experts have advised people to not take the medicine as their first choice for treatment for obesity and all, even when it is available in India.&nbsp;

The medicine is expected to cost almost Rs 8,000 to 9,000 ($97-$100) a month.&nbsp;

Dr Misra as quoted by Indian Express said that the medicine should be prescribed to people of these three categories: &nbsp;people who are obese and have some sort of dysfunction because of their weight, second to people who are obese but aren't able to lose weight the traditional way and third for those who are obese with uncontrolled diabetes despite taking medicines. But all of this should be prescribed by a doctor or else it can cause major health harm.&nbsp;

However, Dr Misra also mentioned that one will gain some of the weight back once he or she stops taking the medicine. He added that irrespective of what method one chooses to lose weight including surgery, some weight initially comes back.&nbsp;

What are the side effects?

Some side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and burping.&nbsp;

While these are some light effects, many can witness major or severe side effects such as vision changes, fainting or dizziness and ongoing pain that begins in the left or right stomach but can later spread to the back with vomiting, rashes, itchiness and swelling of face, eyes, tongue and other body parts.&nbsp;

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic.

Oscars 2023 comes to an end, however, drugs and medicines were also mentioned along with awards and applauses. Jimmy Kimmel the award show presenter sparked some amusement in viewers after joking about the rumoured diabetic drug Ozempic. Kimmel said, "Everybody looks so great. When I look around this room, I can’t help but wonder ‘Is Ozempic right for me?’” This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight. This comes as Kimmel during his opening monologue, where he spoke about the use of the objectionable prescription drug that is used to lose weight by Hollywood A-listers. The fact that this reference was made in a good, as per experts does not have good side effects, meaning a serious conversation is required. Now let's see what exactly the drug is, what is its function, what the experts' advice on the medicine and most importantly what are its side effects: What is Ozempic and what does it do? Ozempic or semaglutide is a once-weekly injectable drug that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved but for only adults with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels. It is only used by patients who have heart and blood vessel disease to reduce the risk of a stroke, heart attack or death. The drug was found to have given remarkable results in weight loss. The drug has been connected to weight loss due to semaglutide present in it, which is FDA-approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy, but the Ozempic brand of semaglutide is not FDA-approved yet. The medicine is currently not available in India. However, as per medical experts, with rising obesity statistics almost 9.5 per cent of all men and 13.9 per cent of all women will be obese by the year 2040 in India. As per Indian Express, in a study participants lost around 15 per cent of their body weight, with some even losing up to 20 per cent, which is uncommon for any drug to do or even in case of surgeries. Experts' advice for medicine on weight loss: Experts have advised people to not take the medicine as their first choice for treatment for obesity and all, even when it is available in India. The medicine is expected to cost almost Rs 8,000 to 9,000 ($97-$100) a month. Dr Misra as quoted by Indian Express said that the medicine should be prescribed to people of these three categories: people who are obese and have some sort of dysfunction because of their weight, second to people who are obese but aren't able to lose weight the traditional way and third for those who are obese with uncontrolled diabetes despite taking medicines. But all of this should be prescribed by a doctor or else it can cause major health harm. However, Dr Misra also mentioned that one will gain some of the weight back once he or she stops taking the medicine. He added that irrespective of what method one chooses to lose weight including surgery, some weight initially comes back. What are the side effects? Some side effects of the drug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and burping. While these are some light effects, many can witness major or severe side effects such as vision changes, fainting or dizziness and ongoing pain that begins in the left or right stomach but can later spread to the back with vomiting, rashes, itchiness and swelling of face, eyes, tongue and other body parts.

Jimmy Kimmel jokes about weight loss drug 'Ozempic' at Oscars 2023. What is it and what are the side effect?

Pope Francis on Monday (March 13) will mark 10 years as the head of the Roman Catholic Church&nbsp;and will be celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has been living since being elected as the catholic head. The 86-year-old is the first Jesuit and Latin American pope. He is the 266th pope elected, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down. With living such a religious life, Francis grabbed global attention for his remarks on the LGBTQ community, divorce/ remarriages and so on. Lets's take look at some of the controversies Francis was involved in:

Early life:

Jorge Mario Bergoglio or Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 17 December 1936 and worked as a bouncer, janitor and chemist in his early life before being elected as the pope. After being elected as he changed his name to Francis&nbsp;

His religious life began in 1969 when he ordained a Catholic priest and was the Jesuit provincial superior from 1973 to 1979 in Argentina. Being considered a rival by many, he became papal to Bergoglio after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.&nbsp;

Francis has always been lauded for his humility, concern for the poor and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He maintained the views of the Church regarding the ordination of women as priests and even initiated dialogue where women were made full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia.&nbsp;

Here is the list of controversies under the papacy of Francis:

Hell does not exist:

The Catholic leader was quoted saying "there is no hell; there is the disappearance of sinful souls," by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica implying that sinners who die without achieving eternal salvation are not punished. This quote apparently caused panic within the church and even the news surfaced on social media slamming him for such a response. However, Francis dismissed the news and said that the interview with La Repubblica was a "reconstruction" and not a transcript of what the pope actually said. &nbsp;This controversy erupted as Pope washed the feet of 12 prisoners at Rome's Regina Coeli prison among which two were Muslims, an orthodox Christian and a Buddhist. Responding to this, Francis said that everyone has the opportunity to change life and one cannot judge.&nbsp;

Francis on LGBTQ- 'Who am I to judge?"

Back in 2013, Pope sent a shockwave over his remarks on the LGBTQ community. He was asked whether there was a gay lobby at the church or not to which he replied, "if someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?"&nbsp;

The comment was hailed by all LGBTQ advocacies and mainstream media, marking it as a sign of change in the views of the Catholic church. The LGBT publication "The Advocate" even gave Francis their person of the year award and some even speculated that the church might become more open to blessing the communities.&nbsp;

The comment was appreciated largely because, Frabncis's predecessors like Pope Benedict XVI suggested that gay marriages are a threat to global peace, while on the other hand, Francis said that transsexuals and homosexuals should also be accepted and embraced by the Church, though he mentioned that he opposes schools and other institutions promoting or endorsing such tendencies.&nbsp;

Many advocacies celebrating the comment did not note that Francis also said that one must distinguish between a person who is gay and someone who makes a gay lobby, saying that a gay lobby isn't good

However, contradicting his own statement, in 2014 in Rome at a major gathering Francis said that "the complementarily of man and woman...is the root of marriage and family."

Marriage and Divorce

Speaking in Catholic terms, Francis issued an endorsement of major changes in the way priests approach Catholics who are either divorced or remarried. He outlined his vision on how the Vatican will promote family and family issues, by naming an American moderate to head the n ed VCatcian offside for families, directing to related institutes to give merciful care to spiritually wounded Catholics.&nbsp;

He even emphasised how he wants to focus on establishing church teaching on life and marriage issues with mercy, with an opening dialogue with other academic and scientific users, whether they are Christians or not.&nbsp;

Accuses sex abuse victims of slander

In Jan 2018, Pope shocked Chile by accusing the most notorious paedophile of slander that cost the Catholic church its credibility in the country. Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was involved in covering up the sex crimes of the Rev. Fernando Karadimas, all such accusations are "all calumny." His comments on the sex abuse scandals haunted the Vatican and it later announced that it is reviving its anti-paedophile community.

Pope Francis on Monday (March 13) will mark 10 years as the head of the Roman Catholic Church and will be celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has been living since being elected as the catholic head.

Pope Francis on Monday (March 13) will mark 10 years as the head of the Roman Catholic Church and will be celebrating Mass with cardinals in the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has been living since being elected as the catholic head. The 86-year-old is the first Jesuit and Latin American pope. He is the 266th pope elected, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, who stepped down. With living such a religious life, Francis grabbed global attention for his remarks on the LGBTQ community, divorce/ remarriages and so on. Lets's take look at some of the controversies Francis was involved in: Early life: Jorge Mario Bergoglio or Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 17 December 1936 and worked as a bouncer, janitor and chemist in his early life before being elected as the pope. After being elected as he changed his name to Francis His religious life began in 1969 when he ordained a Catholic priest and was the Jesuit provincial superior from 1973 to 1979 in Argentina. Being considered a rival by many, he became papal to Bergoglio after the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Francis has always been lauded for his humility, concern for the poor and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He maintained the views of the Church regarding the ordination of women as priests and even initiated dialogue where women were made full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia. Here is the list of controversies under the papacy of Francis: Hell does not exist: The Catholic leader was quoted saying "there is no hell; there is the disappearance of sinful souls," by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica implying that sinners who die without achieving eternal salvation are not punished. This quote apparently caused panic within the church and even the news surfaced on social media slamming him for such a response. However, Francis dismissed the news and said that the interview with La Repubblica was a "reconstruction" and not a transcript of what the pope actually said. This controversy erupted as Pope washed the feet of 12 prisoners at Rome's Regina Coeli prison among which two were Muslims, an orthodox Christian and a Buddhist. Responding to this, Francis said that everyone has the opportunity to change life and one cannot judge. Francis on LGBTQ- 'Who am I to judge?" Back in 2013, Pope sent a shockwave over his remarks on the LGBTQ community. He was asked whether there was a gay lobby at the church or not to which he replied, "if someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" The comment was hailed by all LGBTQ advocacies and mainstream media, marking it as a sign of change in the views of the Catholic church. The LGBT publication "The Advocate" even gave Francis their person of the year award and some even speculated that the church might become more open to blessing the communities. The comment was appreciated largely because, Frabncis's predecessors like Pope Benedict XVI suggested that gay marriages are a threat to global peace, while on the other hand, Francis said that transsexuals and homosexuals should also be accepted and embraced by the Church, though he mentioned that he opposes schools and other institutions promoting or endorsing such tendencies. Many advocacies celebrating the comment did not note that Francis also said that one must distinguish between a person who is gay and someone who makes a gay lobby, saying that a gay lobby isn't good However, contradicting his own statement, in 2014 in Rome at a major gathering Francis said that "the complementarily of man and woman...is the root of marriage and family." Marriage and Divorce Speaking in Catholic terms, Francis issued an endorsement of major changes in the way priests approach Catholics who are either divorced or remarried. He outlined his vision on how the Vatican will promote family and family issues, by naming an American moderate to head the n ed VCatcian offside for families, directing to related institutes to give merciful care to spiritually wounded Catholics. He even emphasised how he wants to focus on establishing church teaching on life and marriage issues with mercy, with an opening dialogue with other academic and scientific users, whether they are Christians or not. Accuses sex abuse victims of slander In Jan 2018, Pope shocked Chile by accusing the most notorious paedophile of slander that cost the Catholic church its credibility in the country. Francis said that until he sees proof that Bishop Juan Barros was involved in covering up the sex crimes of the Rev. Fernando Karadimas, all such accusations are "all calumny." His comments on the sex abuse scandals haunted the Vatican and it later announced that it is reviving its anti-paedophile community.

As Pope Francis completes a decade in Vatican here are some controversies he was embroiled in

At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control.&nbsp;

The port officials told AFP that the "Esther Miracle" ferry was on an overnight trip from the capital city Libreville with around 151 passengers onboard. The official on the condition of anonymity said that 28 people are missing.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-found-alive-on-greece-italy-ferry-after-blaze-11-still-missing-454784">Also read |&nbsp;Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing</a>

Eric Joel Bekale, the Deputy Transport Minister, said, "At the present moment, 121 people have been saved, and sadly two people have died." The authorities had launched a probe.

Gabonese Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze and Interior Minister Lamber Noel-Matha both were at the site.&nbsp;

Rescuers took a young woman to an ambulance on a stretcher, covered in a survival blanket, while a fireman took a baby wrapped up for treatment.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | World's first zero emissions ferry; special filter eliminates fine particles

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While some survivors disembarked from an oil company's supply barge, other passengers gathered on the quayside and knelt in prayer.

A survivor said, "Lord God, you saved us from the waters, we will make sacrifices to you, thank you, lord."&nbsp;

The site also saw some anxious relatives waiting for their loved ones at the port. A woman told AFP, "I have two relatives, my cousin and his wife, who were on the boat. I got a phone call at around 3:00 am and they said they were sinking."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control.

At least two people died and 28 are missing after a small ferry foundered off the Gabonese coast on Thursday, officials said. The ferry owner on Facebook said that the incident happened around 3:00 and 4:00 am after the vessel reported a "water intrusion" that led to a loss of control. The port officials told AFP that the "Esther Miracle" ferry was on an overnight trip from the capital city Libreville with around 151 passengers onboard. The official on the condition of anonymity said that 28 people are missing. Also read | Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing Eric Joel Bekale, the Deputy Transport Minister, said, "At the present moment, 121 people have been saved, and sadly two people have died." The authorities had launched a probe. Gabonese Prime Minister Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze and Interior Minister Lamber Noel-Matha both were at the site. Rescuers took a young woman to an ambulance on a stretcher, covered in a survival blanket, while a fireman took a baby wrapped up for treatment. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | World's first zero emissions ferry; special filter eliminates fine particles While some survivors disembarked from an oil company's supply barge, other passengers gathered on the quayside and knelt in prayer. A survivor said, "Lord God, you saved us from the waters, we will make sacrifices to you, thank you, lord." The site also saw some anxious relatives waiting for their loved ones at the port. A woman told AFP, "I have two relatives, my cousin and his wife, who were on the boat. I got a phone call at around 3:00 am and they said they were sinking." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least two dead, 28 missing as Gabonese ferry sinks; 121 rescued

The outgoing president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, in a letter has accused China of "political warfare" in the Pacific nation and of bribing Palikir officials. Just two months before his presidency comes to an end, Panuelo said, "China is seeking to ensure that, in the event of a war in our Blue Pacific continent between themselves and Taiwan, that the FSM is, at best, aligned with the PRC [China] instead of the United States, and, at worst, that the FSM chooses to ‘abstain’ altogether."

These revelations come as China seeks to ramp up its efforts to influence the Indo-Pacific region, by creating a war battle with the US and its other allies.&nbsp;

Most of Panuelo’s letter was dedicated to castigating Beijing for its current activities in the FSM.

Further in his letter to the FSM's Congress and state governors, he suggested on switching the country's diplomatic recognition from Beijing to Taipei, even naming a price to do so, which is $50 million.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-secures-third-term-as-chinas-president-570435">Xi secures historic 3rd term as China’s president, Putin extends wishes</a>

Panuelo said he met Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, back in Feb to solicit from Taiwan what their potential assistance to the FSM could look like if they switch their diplomatic relation to support them instead of Beijing.&nbsp;

"I was transparent with foreign minister Wu; we project we need an injection of approximately $50 million to meet our future needs. We can and will receive this, over a three-year period, if and when we establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan," he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-shanghai-child-1-discovered-with-unborn-twin-in-brain-570641">China: One-year-old child in Shanghai found hosting ‘alive unborn twin’ in brain</a>

Micronesia is a longstanding ally of the United States, which is wholly responsible for the FSM's defence.&nbsp;

Last year, China signed a controversial security pact with the Solomon Islands, along with Kiribati and made the decision to break ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing.

In response to this, Australia launched high-profile visits to Pacific states, while US president Joe Biden, invited a bunch of leaders to the US-Pacific summit in September, the first event of its kind. Meanwhile, Washington rushed to reopen embassies in Pacific nations that had been closed for decades.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The outgoing president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, in a letter has accused China of "political warfare" in the Pacific nation and of bribing Palikir officials.

The outgoing president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), David Panuelo, in a letter has accused China of "political warfare" in the Pacific nation and of bribing Palikir officials. Just two months before his presidency comes to an end, Panuelo said, "China is seeking to ensure that, in the event of a war in our Blue Pacific continent between themselves and Taiwan, that the FSM is, at best, aligned with the PRC [China] instead of the United States, and, at worst, that the FSM chooses to ‘abstain’ altogether." These revelations come as China seeks to ramp up its efforts to influence the Indo-Pacific region, by creating a war battle with the US and its other allies. Most of Panuelo’s letter was dedicated to castigating Beijing for its current activities in the FSM. Further in his letter to the FSM's Congress and state governors, he suggested on switching the country's diplomatic recognition from Beijing to Taipei, even naming a price to do so, which is $50 million. ALSO READ | Xi secures historic 3rd term as China’s president, Putin extends wishes Panuelo said he met Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, back in Feb to solicit from Taiwan what their potential assistance to the FSM could look like if they switch their diplomatic relation to support them instead of Beijing. "I was transparent with foreign minister Wu; we project we need an injection of approximately $50 million to meet our future needs. We can and will receive this, over a three-year period, if and when we establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan," he said. ALSO READ | China: One-year-old child in Shanghai found hosting ‘alive unborn twin’ in brain Micronesia is a longstanding ally of the United States, which is wholly responsible for the FSM's defence. Last year, China signed a controversial security pact with the Solomon Islands, along with Kiribati and made the decision to break ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing. In response to this, Australia launched high-profile visits to Pacific states, while US president Joe Biden, invited a bunch of leaders to the US-Pacific summit in September, the first event of its kind. Meanwhile, Washington rushed to reopen embassies in Pacific nations that had been closed for decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Outgoing Micronesia President David Panuelo accuses China of bribery and political interference

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Tanisha Rajput

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