Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said that the bankruptcy will last for three more years, as he works his way to repair the country’s finances. The president took office last year after the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to resign and flee the country amid widespread protests. In&nbsp;a&nbsp;parliament address, the president said, "If we continue according to this plan, we can rise out of bankruptcy by 2026."

His initiatives include tax hikes and negotiations with international creditors after a default on the country's foreign debt to clear its way for the IMF bailout, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The tax hikes and removal of fuel subsidies have been unpopular in the already crisis-hit country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/not-rebooting-economy-through-painkillers-says-sri-lanka-president-559000">Also read |&nbsp;Not rebooting economy through 'painkillers', says Sri Lanka president</a>

But assuring the public, Wickremesinghe said, "Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. Remember, I'm not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis it has fallen into."&nbsp;

The South Asian island country has been in an economic crisis for over a year, which led to financial loans, violence and ouster&nbsp;of its former president over his mismanagement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-confirms-offer-of-two-year-moratorium-to-sri-lanka-on-loan-repayments-558581">China confirms offer of two-year moratorium on loan repayments to Sri Lanka</a>

He also mentioned that though the country's GDP contracted by up to 11 per cent last year, it will be back to its position by the end of 2023.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has reached the final stage of IMF discussions to secure a preliminary $2.9 billion bailout. This process has been delayed by protracted debt restructuring negotiations with China and other major creditors. Wickremesinghe&nbsp;said that the country is in direct discussions with China regarding its outstanding debt and has received a positive response from all the parties and is working towards a final agreement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said that the bankruptcy will last for three more years, as he works his way to repair the country’s finances.

Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday said that the bankruptcy will last for three more years, as he works his way to repair the country’s finances. The president took office last year after the former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced to resign and flee the country amid widespread protests. In a parliament address, the president said, "If we continue according to this plan, we can rise out of bankruptcy by 2026." His initiatives include tax hikes and negotiations with international creditors after a default on the country's foreign debt to clear its way for the IMF bailout, AFP reported. The tax hikes and removal of fuel subsidies have been unpopular in the already crisis-hit country. Also read | Not rebooting economy through 'painkillers', says Sri Lanka president But assuring the public, Wickremesinghe said, "Introducing new tax policies is a politically unpopular decision. Remember, I'm not here to be popular. I want to rebuild this nation from the crisis it has fallen into." The South Asian island country has been in an economic crisis for over a year, which led to financial loans, violence and ouster of its former president over his mismanagement. Also read | China confirms offer of two-year moratorium on loan repayments to Sri Lanka He also mentioned that though the country's GDP contracted by up to 11 per cent last year, it will be back to its position by the end of 2023. Sri Lanka has reached the final stage of IMF discussions to secure a preliminary $2.9 billion bailout. This process has been delayed by protracted debt restructuring negotiations with China and other major creditors. Wickremesinghe said that the country is in direct discussions with China regarding its outstanding debt and has received a positive response from all the parties and is working towards a final agreement. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE Live TV

Tax hikes, subsidy withdrawal will help pull Sri Lanka out of bankruptcy by 2026: Wickremesinghe

In pics | North Korea marks 75 years of the troops' founding, Kim's daughter joins celebrations

The Swiss on Wednesday handed a large stone-carved head back to&nbsp;Peru, where it was sculpted around 2,500 years ago by one of the country's earliest civilisations, the culture office said.

The monolithic sculpture, which weighs almost 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds), was brought into Switzerland by truck in 2016 from Germany at the request of a German art dealer.

Switzerland's Federal Office of Culture (FOC) said in a statement that the sculpture had not been properly declared as a cultural property. It was later confiscated as there was "substantiated suspicion" it had been illegally taken from&nbsp;Peru.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-a-first-saudi-arabia-to-unveil-reconstructed-face-of-a-2000-year-old-nabataean-woman-560072">'First of its kind': Saudi Arabia to unveil reconstructed face of a 2000-year-old Nabataean woman. Watch!</a>

FOC head Carine Bachmann presented the decorative stone sculpture to Peruvian ambassador Luis Alberto Castro Joo at the Basel-Weil am Rhein customs office, where the piece was discovered seven years ago.

After it was discovered, FOC specialists reviewed the piece and determined that the "2,500-year-old stone head from the pre-Hispanic Chavin culture (circa 1200 to 550 BC) originates in what is now&nbsp;Peru," Wednesday's statement said.

"That makes it a significant piece of cultural property that should have been declared as such when it was imported."

Peru&nbsp;is heavily affected by the plundering and destruction of archaeological sites.

And pre-Columbian pieces like the stone head returned Wednesday are among&nbsp;Peru's most endangered categories of cultural property, the FOC said.

Switzerland and&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;are both signatories of a 1970 UNESCO convention banning the illegal import and export of cultural property.

The two countries also signed a bilateral deal in 2016 to strengthen their cooperation on the issue.

"This restitution underlines the shared commitment of Switzerland and&nbsp;Peru&nbsp;to combating the illegal transfer of cultural property," the FOC said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Swiss on Wednesday handed a large stone-carved head back to Peru, where it was sculpted around 2,500 years ago by one of the country's earliest civilisations, the culture office said.

The Swiss on Wednesday handed a large stone-carved head back to Peru, where it was sculpted around 2,500 years ago by one of the country's earliest civilisations, the culture office said. The monolithic sculpture, which weighs almost 200 kilogrammes (440 pounds), was brought into Switzerland by truck in 2016 from Germany at the request of a German art dealer. Switzerland's Federal Office of Culture (FOC) said in a statement that the sculpture had not been properly declared as a cultural property. It was later confiscated as there was "substantiated suspicion" it had been illegally taken from Peru. Also read | 'First of its kind': Saudi Arabia to unveil reconstructed face of a 2000-year-old Nabataean woman. Watch! FOC head Carine Bachmann presented the decorative stone sculpture to Peruvian ambassador Luis Alberto Castro Joo at the Basel-Weil am Rhein customs office, where the piece was discovered seven years ago. After it was discovered, FOC specialists reviewed the piece and determined that the "2,500-year-old stone head from the pre-Hispanic Chavin culture (circa 1200 to 550 BC) originates in what is now Peru," Wednesday's statement said. "That makes it a significant piece of cultural property that should have been declared as such when it was imported." Peru is heavily affected by the plundering and destruction of archaeological sites. And pre-Columbian pieces like the stone head returned Wednesday are among Peru's most endangered categories of cultural property, the FOC said. Switzerland and Peru are both signatories of a 1970 UNESCO convention banning the illegal import and export of cultural property. The two countries also signed a bilateral deal in 2016 to strengthen their cooperation on the issue. "This restitution underlines the shared commitment of Switzerland and Peru to combating the illegal transfer of cultural property," the FOC said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swiss to give 2,500-year-old stone sculpture back to Peru

After years of work by historians and archaeologists, Saudi Arabia will finally unveil its first reconstruction of a face of an ancient Nabataean woman. Being the first of its kind, the display will start&nbsp;this coming Monday (Feb 13), where the reconstructed model of Hannat, who was discovered in 2015 in a 2,000-year-old tomb in Hegra, &nbsp;an archaeological site located in the&nbsp;ancient oasis city AlUla, northwestern Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The display will be at Hegra's, welcome centre in AlUla. &nbsp;

The process of reconstruction began in 2019 in the UK, where a group of experts rebuilt bone fragments found in the tomb to reconstruct the image of Hinat using anthropological and archaeological data, CNN reported.&nbsp;

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تحقيقا لالتزامنا في مشاركة إرث <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#العلا</a> مع العالم، أنهى خبراء في مجال الآثار ترميم وإعادة بناء رقمية لهيكل وجه امرأة تعود للعصر النبطي وتُعرف باسم "حنّات". حيث تم اكتشافها في مدينة "الحِجر" التاريخية.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%85%D8%A9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#الممالك_العربية_القديمة</a> <a href="https://t.co/3n0kp06kuS">pic.twitter.com/3n0kp06kuS</a>
— الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا (@RCU_SA) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCU_SA/status/1622580560731205632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-archaeologists-in-egypt-discover-4300-year-old-mummy-556503">Also read |&nbsp;In Pics | Archaeologists in Egypt discover 4,300-year-old mummy</a>

A sculptor then used a 3D printer to bring Hannat's face to life.

Liala Nehme, Lebanese-french archaeologist said, "the Nabataeans are a bit of a mystery: We know a lot, but at the same time we know very little because they didn't leave any literary texts or records."

According to experts, the Nabatean civilisation didn't leave much significant texts or records, and the information regarding it is mainly derived from inscriptions on tombs and rocks. It was an ancient civilisation that inhabited northern Arabia and the Levant more than 2,000 years ago.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/researchers-discover-ruins-of-2000-year-old-mayan-town-buried-in-guatemalas-rainforest-552940">Also read |&nbsp;Researchers discover ruins of 2,000-year-old Mayan town buried in Guatemala's rainforest</a>

Nheme said, "excavating this tomb was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their idea of the afterlife."

Nehme added that the tomb has a nice inscription carved on its facade, which says that it belongs to 'Hannat.'

According to her, &nbsp;the Nabataeans' alphabet evolved into modern-day Arabic.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

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After years of work by historians and archaeologists, Saudi Arabia will finally unveil its first reconstruction of a face of an ancient Nabataean woman. Being the first of its kind, the display will start this coming Monday (Feb 13), where the reconstructed model of Hannat, who was discovered in 2015 in a 2,000-year-old tomb in Hegra, an archaeological site located in the ancient oasis city AlUla, northwestern Saudi Arabia.

After years of work by historians and archaeologists, Saudi Arabia will finally unveil its first reconstruction of a face of an ancient Nabataean woman. Being the first of its kind, the display will start this coming Monday (Feb 13), where the reconstructed model of Hannat, who was discovered in 2015 in a 2,000-year-old tomb in Hegra, an archaeological site located in the ancient oasis city AlUla, northwestern Saudi Arabia. The display will be at Hegra's, welcome centre in AlUla. The process of reconstruction began in 2019 in the UK, where a group of experts rebuilt bone fragments found in the tomb to reconstruct the image of Hinat using anthropological and archaeological data, CNN reported. تحقيقا لالتزامنا في مشاركة إرث #العلا مع العالم، أنهى خبراء في مجال الآثار ترميم وإعادة بناء رقمية لهيكل وجه امرأة تعود للعصر النبطي وتُعرف باسم "حنّات". حيث تم اكتشافها في مدينة "الحِجر" التاريخية.#الممالك_العربية_القديمة pic.twitter.com/3n0kp06kuS — الهيئة الملكية لمحافظة العلا (@RCU_SA) February 6, 2023 × Also read | In Pics | Archaeologists in Egypt discover 4,300-year-old mummy A sculptor then used a 3D printer to bring Hannat's face to life. Liala Nehme, Lebanese-french archaeologist said, "the Nabataeans are a bit of a mystery: We know a lot, but at the same time we know very little because they didn't leave any literary texts or records." According to experts, the Nabatean civilisation didn't leave much significant texts or records, and the information regarding it is mainly derived from inscriptions on tombs and rocks. It was an ancient civilisation that inhabited northern Arabia and the Levant more than 2,000 years ago. Also read | Researchers discover ruins of 2,000-year-old Mayan town buried in Guatemala's rainforest Nheme said, "excavating this tomb was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about their idea of the afterlife." Nehme added that the tomb has a nice inscription carved on its facade, which says that it belongs to 'Hannat.' According to her, the Nabataeans' alphabet evolved into modern-day Arabic. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'First of its kind': Saudi Arabia to unveil reconstructed face of a 2000-year-old Nabataean woman. Watch!

Japan has abandoned its plans to build its first 'homegrown passenger jet' after years of technical setbacks and rising building costs. A decade after the aircraft was supposed to have gone for commercial services, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said that it will cancel the public-private SapceJet Project, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The company in its statement said that it was&nbsp;facing "difficulties to obtain an understanding and necessary cooperation from global partners."

The twin-engine plane, designed to carry passengers of fewer than 100, was invented for short flights and was supposed to open a new chapter in Japan's aviation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/with-rollout-of-delivery-robots-japan-set-to-welcome-newcomers-in-human-society-559958">Also read |&nbsp;With rollout of delivery robots, Japan set to welcome 'newcomers in human society'</a>

Being one of the most developed countries in the world, this project for Japan came as a disappointment.&nbsp;

The company in its statement said that the regional jet suffered several delivery delays and technical glitches and "failed to confirm sufficient business viability."

The firm's president, Seiji Izumisawa told reporters that Mitsubishi admits that it "lacked the know-how" to develop the passenger jets and that they are no longer sure of its viability.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sore-backs-and-shoulders-japanese-kids-as-young-as-six-complain-of-too-heavy-backpacks-559697">Also read |&nbsp;'Sore backs and shoulders': Japanese kids as young as six complain of 'too heavy' backpacks</a>

The project was launched in 2008 under the name Mitsubishi Regional Jet, suffered repeated setbacks and even missed its 2013 rollout.&nbsp;

It was put on hold in 2020 after a series of technical glitches and a dramatic fall in demand for the new aircraft.

Many suspects that the North American regulations, pilot shortages and the need to find "decarbonisation solutions" also contributed to the project's failure.&nbsp;

The aircraft which was renamed SapceJet in 2019 was supported by not only the government but many domestic companies like Toyota.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

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Japan has abandoned its plans to build its first 'homegrown passenger jet' after years of technical setbacks and rising building costs. A decade after the aircraft was supposed to have gone for commercial services, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said that it will cancel the public-private SapceJet Project, Guardian reported.

Japan has abandoned its plans to build its first 'homegrown passenger jet' after years of technical setbacks and rising building costs. A decade after the aircraft was supposed to have gone for commercial services, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries said that it will cancel the public-private SapceJet Project, Guardian reported. The company in its statement said that it was facing "difficulties to obtain an understanding and necessary cooperation from global partners." The twin-engine plane, designed to carry passengers of fewer than 100, was invented for short flights and was supposed to open a new chapter in Japan's aviation. Also read | With rollout of delivery robots, Japan set to welcome 'newcomers in human society' Being one of the most developed countries in the world, this project for Japan came as a disappointment. The company in its statement said that the regional jet suffered several delivery delays and technical glitches and "failed to confirm sufficient business viability." The firm's president, Seiji Izumisawa told reporters that Mitsubishi admits that it "lacked the know-how" to develop the passenger jets and that they are no longer sure of its viability. Also read | 'Sore backs and shoulders': Japanese kids as young as six complain of 'too heavy' backpacks The project was launched in 2008 under the name Mitsubishi Regional Jet, suffered repeated setbacks and even missed its 2013 rollout. It was put on hold in 2020 after a series of technical glitches and a dramatic fall in demand for the new aircraft. Many suspects that the North American regulations, pilot shortages and the need to find "decarbonisation solutions" also contributed to the project's failure. The aircraft which was renamed SapceJet in 2019 was supported by not only the government but many domestic companies like Toyota. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan's Mitsubishi abandons plans to build passenger jet, admits it 'lacked the know-how'

The recent layoffs at big tech firms show a clear target: the middle manager, according to a Bloomberg report.

As big tech firms like Meta, Google, Microsoft and other Silicon Valley giants took to layoffs to lower costs, a report revealed a startling stat - the 'Middle Managers' are the target.

On Wednesday, Meta's Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said the company would be firing some layers of management during a tough year, which he named a "year of efficiency".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tech-layoffs-2023-dell-to-lay-off-6500-employees-cut-5-of-its-global-workforce-amid-uncertain-future-559204">Also read |&nbsp;Tech layoffs 2023: Dell to lay off 6,500 employees, cut 5% of its global workforce amid 'uncertain future'</a>

That comes after the tech giant cut 11,000 jobs last year, or about 13 per cent&nbsp;of its workforce and called those layoffs "just the beginning".

In addition to layoffs, Intel cut its managers' and executives' pay in anticipation of a sharp fall in computer demand.

Beyond tech firms, similar trends were seen in other large companies on job cuts.

A Slack Technologies survey showed employees in the 'middle management' are the most worked. The survey also showed that over 40 per cent of middle managers are already 'burned out'.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-washington-post-ceo-announces-impending-layoffs-leaves-meeting-midway-infuriating-employees-543717">Watch:&nbsp;Washington Post CEO announces impending layoffs, leaves meeting midway infuriating employees</a>

Middle managers everywhere are under extreme pressure from the above and the below levels of the organisation.

In addition to handling dictates from their bosses "to do more with fewer resources", they have had to deal with their reports.

They have had to implement changing and challenging "return to the office" policies and balance between "work from home and the office" or the hybrid work of their junior.

The changing dynamics in the tech world on management and the importance of those roles beyond core engineering teams are more evident with Twitter after Elon Musk took over.

Musk fired over 7,000 staff and said, "there seem to be ten people 'managing' for every one-person coding". That was in response to a question on "what was the most messed up in Twitter" back then.

Words like restructuring, reorganising, more efficient, agile, lean, and mean are what companies are using to lower costs and cut jobs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/layoffs-and-firings-german-software-maker-sap-to-cut-thousands-of-jobs-556249">Also read |&nbsp;Layoffs and firings: German software-maker SAP to cut thousands of jobs</a>

The recent layoffs clearly show that narrative, with core engineering teams back in focus.

Google's parent Alphabet revealed that the firm has over 30,000 managers. Previously, Alphabet had laid off 12,000 employees or about 6 per cent&nbsp;of its workforce.

At Google, "management" was a bad word not too long ago, and that seems to be the clear directive now.

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The recent layoffs at big tech firms show a clear target: the middle manager, according to a Bloomberg report. As big tech firms like Meta, Google, Microsoft and other Silicon Valley giants took to layoffs to lower costs, a report revealed a startling stat - the 'Middle Managers' are the target.

The recent layoffs at big tech firms show a clear target: the middle manager, according to a Bloomberg report. As big tech firms like Meta, Google, Microsoft and other Silicon Valley giants took to layoffs to lower costs, a report revealed a startling stat - the 'Middle Managers' are the target. On Wednesday, Meta's Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg said the company would be firing some layers of management during a tough year, which he named a "year of efficiency". Also read | Tech layoffs 2023: Dell to lay off 6,500 employees, cut 5% of its global workforce amid 'uncertain future' That comes after the tech giant cut 11,000 jobs last year, or about 13 per cent of its workforce and called those layoffs "just the beginning". In addition to layoffs, Intel cut its managers' and executives' pay in anticipation of a sharp fall in computer demand. Beyond tech firms, similar trends were seen in other large companies on job cuts. A Slack Technologies survey showed employees in the 'middle management' are the most worked. The survey also showed that over 40 per cent of middle managers are already 'burned out'. Watch: Washington Post CEO announces impending layoffs, leaves meeting midway infuriating employees Middle managers everywhere are under extreme pressure from the above and the below levels of the organisation. In addition to handling dictates from their bosses "to do more with fewer resources", they have had to deal with their reports. They have had to implement changing and challenging "return to the office" policies and balance between "work from home and the office" or the hybrid work of their junior. The changing dynamics in the tech world on management and the importance of those roles beyond core engineering teams are more evident with Twitter after Elon Musk took over. Musk fired over 7,000 staff and said, "there seem to be ten people 'managing' for every one-person coding". That was in response to a question on "what was the most messed up in Twitter" back then. Words like restructuring, reorganising, more efficient, agile, lean, and mean are what companies are using to lower costs and cut jobs. Also read | Layoffs and firings: German software-maker SAP to cut thousands of jobs The recent layoffs clearly show that narrative, with core engineering teams back in focus. Google's parent Alphabet revealed that the firm has over 30,000 managers. Previously, Alphabet had laid off 12,000 employees or about 6 per cent of its workforce. At Google, "management" was a bad word not too long ago, and that seems to be the clear directive now. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Layoffs: Which jobs, in particular, are at risk?

In pics | French police fire tear gas at Paris pension reform protests; unions to keep up the momentum

In a first, LGBT Brazilians compete in drag king contest- see pics

Iran&nbsp;revealed "Eagle 44", an underground air force base on Tuesday. The Iranian state media reported Eagle 44 as the first of its kind large enough underground air force base that can house fighter jets. In other news,&nbsp;Russia on Tuesday (February 7) claimed that its forces are advancing with success in eastern Ukraine. Finally,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled several government ministries on Tuesday (February 7), and named a new head of the Conservative Party, following the dismissal of a key ally last month over dubious tax dealings.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/turkey-syria-earthquake-live-un-says-death-toll-likely-to-cross-20000-countries-send-aid-559432">Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Erdogan imposes three-month state of emergency as combined death toll surpasses 5,000</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330726-live-blog.png?imwidth=1920" />

More than 5,000 people have been killed and thousands of buildings reduced to rubble after a devastating earthquake of 7.8-magnitude&nbsp;struck Turkey and Syria, even as rescuers try to look for survivors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-rishi-sunak-creates-four-ministries-appoints-new-tory-chair-in-mini-cabinet-reshuffle-559707">UK: Rishi Sunak creates four ministries, appoints new Tory chair in mini Cabinet reshuffle</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330772-1258345274a2ef8c7-87bb-49cb-8bbf-b780cbddb92a.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Sunak, who last week celebrated his 100th day in office at 10 Downing Street, said that party leader and cabinet minister&nbsp;Nadhim Zahawi had been replaced by close ally Greg Hands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-reveals-underground-air-force-base-threatens-israel-with-response-559681">Iran reveals underground air force base, threatens Israel with 'response'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330752-capture.PNG?imwidth=1920" />

The "Eagle 44" base is capable of storing and operating fighter jets and drones, Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said. The report did not specify the location of the base.

The IRNA reported that it was one of the country's most important air force bases. It is reportedly built deep underground, housing fighters equipped with long-range cruise missiles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-release-new-footage-moments-before-black-amputee-anthony-lowe-was-shot-multiple-times-559574">Police release new footage moments before Black amputee Anthony Lowe was shot multiple times</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330658-untitled-design.png?imwidth=1920" />

The US authorities have released new footage of the moments before the death of Anthony Lowe, a 36-year-old Black double amputee who was shot by police last month near Los Angeles. Anthony Lowe was shot dead by police last month. The police alleged that Lowe was shot after he refused to drop a butcher's knife.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-moscows-forces-progressing-with-success-in-east-ukraine-559649">Russia claims Moscow's forces 'progressing with success' in east Ukraine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330719-bakhmut-donetsk-region.png?imwidth=1920" />

As quoted by news agencies, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu issued a warning to the West against increasing arms supplies to Kyiv and stated that the Russian forces were "progressing with success" near the eastern Ukrainian towns of Bakhmut and Vugledar.&nbsp;

The Russia-Ukraine war is escalating with incessant fighting on the eastern front as two towns in the Donetsk region have become the epicentre of hostilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-london-cop-jailed-for-life-over-series-of-rapes-as-met-police-officer-559654">Former London cop jailed for life over series of rapes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330727-untitled-design-2.png?imwidth=1920" />

David Carrick, a London cop, who was accused of sexually assaulting women during a course of 17 years, has been jailed for life after being convicted of&nbsp;85 serious offences, including rapes, sexual assaults, false imprisonment, and coercive and controlling behaviour.&nbsp;The 48-year-old was sentenced to life and must serve a minimum term of 32 years&nbsp;before he can even be considered for release, a London court judge ruled.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/daniel-suidani-solomon-islands-prominent-china-critic-ousted-from-office-559700">Daniel Suidani, Solomon Islands' prominent China critic, ousted from office</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/07/330768-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=1920" />

A Solomon Islands lawmaker attributed as a 'vocal critic of China' was removed from the office after he lost a no-confidence vote in a provincial legislature. Daniel Suidani, premier of the Solomon Islands' Malaita province has been a longtime critic of his South Pacific nation's deepening relations with China. He has banned Chinese companies from Malaita and chose to accept development aid from the United States.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-gave-musharraf-a-second-chance-but-his-sins-could-not-be-washed-away-ex-envoy-to-pakistan-559678">Exclusive: India gave Musharraf a second chance, but his sins could not be washed away: Ex-envoy to Pakistan&nbsp;</a>

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Pervez Musharraf, the former president of Pakistan, was laid to rest on Tuesday (Feb 7) in Karachi. What's left for India is his ambiguous legacy. In an interview with WION, the former envoy to Pakistan from&nbsp;2017 to 2020,&nbsp;Ajay Bisaria, discussed how Musharraf, the former military dictator, had “a mind of a guerrilla," with surprise and deceit as his weapons.

Watch |&nbsp;A look at the int'l aid promised to Turkiye

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Watch |&nbsp;Historical milestone for Indian Navy

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Iran revealed "Eagle 44", an underground air force base on Tuesday. The Iranian state media reported Eagle 44 as the first of its kind large enough underground air force base that can house fighter jets.

Iran revealed "Eagle 44", an underground air force base on Tuesday. The Iranian state media reported Eagle 44 as the first of its kind large enough underground air force base that can house fighter jets. In other news, Russia on Tuesday (February 7) claimed that its forces are advancing with success in eastern Ukraine. Finally, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled several government ministries on Tuesday (February 7), and named a new head of the Conservative Party, following the dismissal of a key ally last month over dubious tax dealings. Click on the headlines to read more: Turkey-Syria earthquake Live Updates | Erdogan imposes three-month state of emergency as combined death toll surpasses 5,000 More than 5,000 people have been killed and thousands of buildings reduced to rubble after a devastating earthquake of 7.8-magnitude struck Turkey and Syria, even as rescuers try to look for survivors. UK: Rishi Sunak creates four ministries, appoints new Tory chair in mini Cabinet reshuffle Sunak, who last week celebrated his 100th day in office at 10 Downing Street, said that party leader and cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi had been replaced by close ally Greg Hands. Iran reveals underground air force base, threatens Israel with 'response' The "Eagle 44" base is capable of storing and operating fighter jets and drones, Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) said. The report did not specify the location of the base. The IRNA reported that it was one of the country's most important air force bases. It is reportedly built deep underground, housing fighters equipped with long-range cruise missiles. Police release new footage moments before Black amputee Anthony Lowe was shot multiple times The US authorities have released new footage of the moments before the death of Anthony Lowe, a 36-year-old Black double amputee who was shot by police last month near Los Angeles. Anthony Lowe was shot dead by police last month. The police alleged that Lowe was shot after he refused to drop a butcher's knife. Russia claims Moscow's forces 'progressing with success' in east Ukraine As quoted by news agencies, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu issued a warning to the West against increasing arms supplies to Kyiv and stated that the Russian forces were "progressing with success" near the eastern Ukrainian towns of Bakhmut and Vugledar. The Russia-Ukraine war is escalating with incessant fighting on the eastern front as two towns in the Donetsk region have become the epicentre of hostilities. Former London cop jailed for life over series of rapes David Carrick, a London cop, who was accused of sexually assaulting women during a course of 17 years, has been jailed for life after being convicted of 85 serious offences, including rapes, sexual assaults, false imprisonment, and coercive and controlling behaviour. The 48-year-old was sentenced to life and must serve a minimum term of 32 years before he can even be considered for release, a London court judge ruled. Daniel Suidani, Solomon Islands' prominent China critic, ousted from office A Solomon Islands lawmaker attributed as a 'vocal critic of China' was removed from the office after he lost a no-confidence vote in a provincial legislature. Daniel Suidani, premier of the Solomon Islands' Malaita province has been a longtime critic of his South Pacific nation's deepening relations with China. He has banned Chinese companies from Malaita and chose to accept development aid from the United States. Exclusive: India gave Musharraf a second chance, but his sins could not be washed away: Ex-envoy to Pakistan Pervez Musharraf, the former president of Pakistan, was laid to rest on Tuesday (Feb 7) in Karachi. What's left for India is his ambiguous legacy. In an interview with WION, the former envoy to Pakistan from 2017 to 2020, Ajay Bisaria, discussed how Musharraf, the former military dictator, had “a mind of a guerrilla," with surprise and deceit as his weapons. Watch | A look at the int'l aid promised to Turkiye Watch | Historical milestone for Indian Navy

Top 10 world news: Turkey-Syria earthquake updates, Rishi Sunak appoints new Tory chair, and more

Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks.&nbsp;

According to the police, the victims paid almost Rs 200,000 ($2,400) to Rs 2.4 million ($29,528) each to secure their jobs as ticket examiners, traffic assistants or clerks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/keralas-drug-issue-escalates-as-cases-jump-by-300-per-cent-in-six-years-559221">Kerala's drug issue escalates, as cases jump by 300 per cent in six years</a>

The deputy commissioner of police (EOW) MI Haider said that Rana, who is from Delhi, earlier used to work at the National Museum of Natural History but left his job last year in March. Sivaraman on the other hand is from Tamil Nadu, the Times Of India reported.&nbsp;

Officials&nbsp;have also identified Satender Dubey, a 35-year-old man from Bihar as the leader of the gang, who lived in Uttam Nagar, southwest Delhi. He and his 24-year-old accomplice are on the run.&nbsp;

A senior official told PTI that Rana placed two people and was paid Rs 6,000 ($72.5) for each placement, the Daily Pioneer reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rushes-support-in-the-aftermath-of-turkiye-earthquake-559261">Also read |&nbsp;India rushes support in the aftermath of Türkiye earthquake</a>

He said, "Dubey floated the idea of engaging in a bigger scam and discussed his plan with Rana. He knew that Rana was in debt and had got his kidney operation done in 2017 for which he had also taken Rs 2 lakh ($ 2,418) loan from a bank and had to return money to others as well. Taking advantage of his financial crisis, Dubey convinced Rana to join him and dupe people on the pretext of getting them jobs in Indian Railways."

The investigation began in November last year.&nbsp;

Indian Railways is one of the world's largest employers.&nbsp;Scams for government jobs are rising, especially when millions of young individuals are desperate for stable and secure employment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks.

Delhi Police on Sunday arrested two men for allegedly duping several applicants seeking jobs with the Indian Railways. The two arrested men, Sivaraman V and Vikas Rana are accused of falsely offering jobs to victims and making them count trains at the New Delhi Railway Station for several weeks. According to the police, the victims paid almost Rs 200,000 ($2,400) to Rs 2.4 million ($29,528) each to secure their jobs as ticket examiners, traffic assistants or clerks. Also read | Kerala's drug issue escalates, as cases jump by 300 per cent in six years The deputy commissioner of police (EOW) MI Haider said that Rana, who is from Delhi, earlier used to work at the National Museum of Natural History but left his job last year in March. Sivaraman on the other hand is from Tamil Nadu, the Times Of India reported. Officials have also identified Satender Dubey, a 35-year-old man from Bihar as the leader of the gang, who lived in Uttam Nagar, southwest Delhi. He and his 24-year-old accomplice are on the run. A senior official told PTI that Rana placed two people and was paid Rs 6,000 ($72.5) for each placement, the Daily Pioneer reported. Also read | India rushes support in the aftermath of Türkiye earthquake He said, "Dubey floated the idea of engaging in a bigger scam and discussed his plan with Rana. He knew that Rana was in debt and had got his kidney operation done in 2017 for which he had also taken Rs 2 lakh ($ 2,418) loan from a bank and had to return money to others as well. Taking advantage of his financial crisis, Dubey convinced Rana to join him and dupe people on the pretext of getting them jobs in Indian Railways." The investigation began in November last year. Indian Railways is one of the world's largest employers. Scams for government jobs are rising, especially when millions of young individuals are desperate for stable and secure employment. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Train counting scam: Delhi police arrest two men for cheating railway job seekers

It's a familiar site every day to see kids as young as five or six carrying a heavy-leather backpack loaded with textbooks. Earlier it was considered fine, but children in Japan are speaking out, complaining that their backpacks are so heavy that they leave them with sore backs and shoulders.&nbsp;

The concept of bags was initially introduced to encourage kids to walk to and from schools and was made compulsory through their first six years of education. It was originally used by Japanese foot soldiers and was first taken by schoolchildren in the 1800s.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-origin-natasha-perianayagam-named-worlds-brightest-student-by-johns-hopkins-for-2nd-time-in-a-row-559554">Also read |&nbsp;Indian-origin Natasha Perianayagam named ‘world’s brightest’ student by Johns Hopkins for 2nd time in a row</a>

A recent survey by Footmark revealed that over 90 per cent of kids aged six and 12 who use randoseru, a Japanese derivation of the Dutch word 'backpack,' have said that the weight is a problem.&nbsp;

The report conducted a survey of 1,200 parents and their first, second and third-grade kids. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun said that around 93 per cent of kids that their bags are too heavy.

Some 65 per cent of respondents said that they would like to trade bags for something lighter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-pm-fumio-kishida-sacks-aide-over-his-same-sex-couple-comments-558777">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Japanese PM Fumio Kishida sacks aide over his same-sex couple comments</a>

The newspaper added that the average weight of a backpack filled with textbooks was around 4.28 kg in 2022. Some also struggled with backpacks weighing over 10 kg.&nbsp;

The survey also showed that it was just not kids complaining, even parents were upset, but about its hefty price tag. According to them, in 2022 an average bag cost around ¥56,425 ($353). The price range has increased by almost ¥20,000 ($151) over the past 10 years.&nbsp;

Responding to the complaints, some local authorities have allowed children to leave their textbooks in their classrooms overnight particularly during their summer months, despite the fact that it might discourage them to do their homework.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

It's a familiar site every day to see kids as young as five or six carrying a heavy-leather backpack loaded with textbooks. Earlier it was considered fine, but children in Japan are speaking out, complaining that their backpacks are so heavy that they leave them with sore backs and shoulders.

It's a familiar site every day to see kids as young as five or six carrying a heavy-leather backpack loaded with textbooks. Earlier it was considered fine, but children in Japan are speaking out, complaining that their backpacks are so heavy that they leave them with sore backs and shoulders. The concept of bags was initially introduced to encourage kids to walk to and from schools and was made compulsory through their first six years of education. It was originally used by Japanese foot soldiers and was first taken by schoolchildren in the 1800s. Also read | Indian-origin Natasha Perianayagam named ‘world’s brightest’ student by Johns Hopkins for 2nd time in a row A recent survey by Footmark revealed that over 90 per cent of kids aged six and 12 who use randoseru, a Japanese derivation of the Dutch word 'backpack,' have said that the weight is a problem. The report conducted a survey of 1,200 parents and their first, second and third-grade kids. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun said that around 93 per cent of kids that their bags are too heavy. Some 65 per cent of respondents said that they would like to trade bags for something lighter. Also read | Japanese PM Fumio Kishida sacks aide over his same-sex couple comments The newspaper added that the average weight of a backpack filled with textbooks was around 4.28 kg in 2022. Some also struggled with backpacks weighing over 10 kg. The survey also showed that it was just not kids complaining, even parents were upset, but about its hefty price tag. According to them, in 2022 an average bag cost around ¥56,425 ($353). The price range has increased by almost ¥20,000 ($151) over the past 10 years. Responding to the complaints, some local authorities have allowed children to leave their textbooks in their classrooms overnight particularly during their summer months, despite the fact that it might discourage them to do their homework. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Sore backs and shoulders': Japanese kids as young as six complain of 'too heavy' backpacks

Contrary to popular belief abortion is healthcare; which should be available to all women irrespective of their social and economic status. However, a study has found that Google ads promoting anti-abortion have been targeting low-income women.&nbsp;

Researchers at the Tech Transparency Project have claimed that low-income women in some cities are more likely to be targeted for anti-abortion centre ads when searching for abortion care, Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Katie Paul, the director of the transparency project said, "by pointing low-income women to crisis pregnancy centres more frequently than higher-income women in states with restrictive laws, Google may delay these women from finding an actual abortion clinic to get a legal and safe abortion."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-women-march-for-abortion-rights-on-50th-anniversary-of-roe-vs-wade-555045">Also read |&nbsp;In pics | Women march for abortion rights on 50th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade</a>

This research is based on previous findings that gave a brief on how Google directs users searching for abortion services to so-called abortion crisis pregnancy centres that pose as abortion clinics to steer women away from accessing abortion centres.

The results are based on the test that was set up in Atlanta, Miami and Phoenix targeting women of three income groups suggested by the tech giant which included: average or low-income rate, moderately high-income rate and high-income rate.&nbsp;

Women were asked to search terms like "abortion clinic near me" or "I want an abortion."&nbsp;

In Phoneix, 56 per cent of the search ads shown to low-to-moderate income were of crisis centres, 41 per cent of ads served moderately high-income and 7 per cent for high income.&nbsp;

In Atlanta, 42 per cent of the ads were shown to lower-income women, compared to 18 per cent and 29 per cent for moderately high-income women and high-income women respectively.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-calls-for-renewed-effort-to-secure-abortion-rights-on-50th-anniversary-of-roe-v-wade-554983">Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris calls for renewed effort to 'secure' abortion rights on 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade</a>

However, the results were inverse in the case of Miami. Researchers found that high-income women were more likely to get ads from crisis centres than lower-income women.&nbsp;

Researchers are not certain as to why results in Miami are different from Atlanta and Phoenix but suspect that crisis pregnancy centres might be more active in abortion-restrictive states. Both Florida and Arizona have banned abortion after 15 weeks.&nbsp;

Paul said that many users don't realise that they are being targeted by Google.&nbsp;

"Google has a large share of influence, particularly in the United States when people are trying to search for authoritative information. And people generally tend to consider Google’s search engine as an equaliser. They think the results they get are the results that everyone’s going to get. But that’s just not the case."

The tech giant has been under fire since last year over its search engine and has been repeatedly asked to make changes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Contrary to popular belief abortion is healthcare; which should be available to all women irrespective of their social and economic status. However, a study has found that Google ads promoting anti-abortion have been targeting low-income women.

Contrary to popular belief abortion is healthcare; which should be available to all women irrespective of their social and economic status. However, a study has found that Google ads promoting anti-abortion have been targeting low-income women. Researchers at the Tech Transparency Project have claimed that low-income women in some cities are more likely to be targeted for anti-abortion centre ads when searching for abortion care, Guardian reported. Katie Paul, the director of the transparency project said, "by pointing low-income women to crisis pregnancy centres more frequently than higher-income women in states with restrictive laws, Google may delay these women from finding an actual abortion clinic to get a legal and safe abortion." Also read | In pics | Women march for abortion rights on 50th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade This research is based on previous findings that gave a brief on how Google directs users searching for abortion services to so-called abortion crisis pregnancy centres that pose as abortion clinics to steer women away from accessing abortion centres. The results are based on the test that was set up in Atlanta, Miami and Phoenix targeting women of three income groups suggested by the tech giant which included: average or low-income rate, moderately high-income rate and high-income rate. Women were asked to search terms like "abortion clinic near me" or "I want an abortion." In Phoneix, 56 per cent of the search ads shown to low-to-moderate income were of crisis centres, 41 per cent of ads served moderately high-income and 7 per cent for high income. In Atlanta, 42 per cent of the ads were shown to lower-income women, compared to 18 per cent and 29 per cent for moderately high-income women and high-income women respectively. Also read | Kamala Harris calls for renewed effort to 'secure' abortion rights on 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade However, the results were inverse in the case of Miami. Researchers found that high-income women were more likely to get ads from crisis centres than lower-income women. Researchers are not certain as to why results in Miami are different from Atlanta and Phoenix but suspect that crisis pregnancy centres might be more active in abortion-restrictive states. Both Florida and Arizona have banned abortion after 15 weeks. Paul said that many users don't realise that they are being targeted by Google. "Google has a large share of influence, particularly in the United States when people are trying to search for authoritative information. And people generally tend to consider Google’s search engine as an equaliser. They think the results they get are the results that everyone’s going to get. But that’s just not the case." The tech giant has been under fire since last year over its search engine and has been repeatedly asked to make changes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Google targets low-income women more with ads for anti-abortion pregnancy centres, says study

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