<p>The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden. The highly anticipated visit of President Joe Biden to Papua New Guinea was cancelled earlier this week due to the ongoing debt crisis in the United States.</p>

<p>President Biden, who was en route to the G7 summit in Japan, took the opportunity to call Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape from Air Force One. During the call, Biden explained the need for his sudden return to the United States to participate in negotiations with Republican opponents, with the aim of averting a potential default.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden regrets his absence at the Pacific summit</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement issued by the White House, it was highlighted that President Biden emphasised the United States' commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific Islands. He conveyed his regret for being unable to personally attend the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting and assured Prime Minister Marape that Secretary Blinken would represent him.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to visit Japan's Hiroshima for G7 summit</strong></p>

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<p>The planned visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday would have marked the first time a sitting US president visited the Pacific island nation. The Biden administration has been striving to reinvigorate US leadership in the Pacific region amidst growing influence from China. However, the president's trip to the Asia-Pacific region has been disrupted due to the ongoing negotiations with Republicans on raising the national debt limit.</p>

<h2><strong>Quad summit in Australia also cancelled</strong></h2>

<p>In addition to cancelling the visit to Papua New Guinea, President Biden also had to axe a scheduled meeting with the leaders of the Quad regional grouping, consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, during his visit to Australia.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-holds-talks-with-japans-kishida-ahead-of-g7-summit-in-hiroshima-593683"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;US President Biden holds talks with Japan’s Kishida ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima</strong></a></p>

<p>Despite the setbacks, the White House has expressed its commitment to further engagement with Pacific leaders. President Biden extended an invitation to Prime Minister Marape and other Pacific leaders to visit Washington, D.C. later this year for the second US summit with the Pacific Islands Forum.</p>

<h2><strong>The debt crisis in the US</strong></h2>

<p>Although the US economy has grown over the past years, the total national debt has also soared from $9.49 trillion in June 2008 to over $31.4 trillion now. The ratio of the entire US government's debt to its GDP in June 2008 was 63.85 per cent. The percentage has now crossed the 120 per cent mark.</p>

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The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden.

The White House announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be attending the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on behalf of President Biden. The highly anticipated visit of President Joe Biden to Papua New Guinea was cancelled earlier this week due to the ongoing debt crisis in the United States. President Biden, who was en route to the G7 summit in Japan, took the opportunity to call Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister James Marape from Air Force One. During the call, Biden explained the need for his sudden return to the United States to participate in negotiations with Republican opponents, with the aim of averting a potential default. Biden regrets his absence at the Pacific summit In a statement issued by the White House, it was highlighted that President Biden emphasised the United States' commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Pacific Islands. He conveyed his regret for being unable to personally attend the US-Pacific Islands Forum meeting and assured Prime Minister Marape that Secretary Blinken would represent him. Watch: US President Joe Biden to visit Japan's Hiroshima for G7 summit × The planned visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday would have marked the first time a sitting US president visited the Pacific island nation. The Biden administration has been striving to reinvigorate US leadership in the Pacific region amidst growing influence from China. However, the president's trip to the Asia-Pacific region has been disrupted due to the ongoing negotiations with Republicans on raising the national debt limit. Quad summit in Australia also cancelled In addition to cancelling the visit to Papua New Guinea, President Biden also had to axe a scheduled meeting with the leaders of the Quad regional grouping, consisting of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, during his visit to Australia. Also Read | US President Biden holds talks with Japan’s Kishida ahead of G7 summit in Hiroshima Despite the setbacks, the White House has expressed its commitment to further engagement with Pacific leaders. President Biden extended an invitation to Prime Minister Marape and other Pacific leaders to visit Washington, D.C. later this year for the second US summit with the Pacific Islands Forum. The debt crisis in the US Although the US economy has grown over the past years, the total national debt has also soared from $9.49 trillion in June 2008 to over $31.4 trillion now. The ratio of the entire US government's debt to its GDP in June 2008 was 63.85 per cent. The percentage has now crossed the 120 per cent mark. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Secretary of State Antony Blinken to attend US-Pacific Islands summit as Biden cancels his PNG trip

<p>As per a study published on May 17 in the journal Science Advances, results from almost 36 years of data of 200 baboons in southern Kenya indicate that forging strong social relationships can help eliminate the effects of a traumatic childhood, both in humans and baboons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A deeper delve into the study</strong></h2>

<p>As per this new study, researchers have analysed how the early life experiences and adult social connections have affected the long-term survival in 199 female baboons from 1983 to 2019.</p>

<p>The team responsible for conducting the study equated each female’s exposure to six potential sources of early adversity, such as whether she had a low-ranking or socially isolated mother or if her mother died before she reached maturity, whether she had a sibling close to her age, if she was born in a drought year or if she was born into a large group. All these factors could contribute to a better understanding of the childhood experiences of the baboons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-addressing-mental-health-improves-skin-health-and-boosts-confidence-says-dermatologist--exclusive-592860">Addressing mental health improves skin health and boosts confidence, says dermatologist</a></strong></p>

<p>The study further found that stressful experiences are very common for the baboons growing up in the semi-arid and unpredictable landscape of Amboseli. Out of the 199 baboons in the study, 75 per cent suffered through at least one stressor, and 33 per cent had two or more. Also, baboons who have had a bad experience at a young age are more likely to be socially isolated as adults.</p>

<h2><strong>Early hardships translate to premature deaths?</strong></h2>

<p>Consistent studies in the area have proven that people who go through bad experiences in their childhood, such as abuse, neglect or a parent with mental illness are likely to die early. As per the report published in the journal Science Advances, study found that people who experienced more than three sources of socio-environmental adversity before age 18 faced a 9.5-year reduction in quality-adjusted adult life expectancy. However, determining the mechanisms behind premature death has been difficult for researchers to find.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Studies say your balance is an indicator of your health</strong></p>

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<p>Baboons who had traumatic childhood experiences were able to reclaim two years of life expectancy by forming strong friendships. These results are in sync with the previous findings that the more hardship a female baboon faces, the shorter her lifespan.</p>

<p>One hypothesis to support this claim is that trauma survivors often grow up to have troubled relationships as adults and the lack of social support cuts their life short.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Baboons and humans</strong></h2>

<p>Even though the childhood of baboons is different from that of humans, the former share more than 90 per cent of their DNA with humans. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement given to The Print, co-author and Duke University biologist and evolutionary anthropologist Susan Alberts said, “It’s like the saying from the King James Apocrypha, ‘a faithful friend is the medicine of life’.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
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As per a study published on May 17 in the journal Science Advances, results from almost 36 years of data of 200 baboons in southern Kenya indicate that forging strong social relationships can help eliminate the effects of a traumatic childhood, both in humans and baboons.

As per a study published on May 17 in the journal Science Advances, results from almost 36 years of data of 200 baboons in southern Kenya indicate that forging strong social relationships can help eliminate the effects of a traumatic childhood, both in humans and baboons. A deeper delve into the study As per this new study, researchers have analysed how the early life experiences and adult social connections have affected the long-term survival in 199 female baboons from 1983 to 2019. The team responsible for conducting the study equated each female’s exposure to six potential sources of early adversity, such as whether she had a low-ranking or socially isolated mother or if her mother died before she reached maturity, whether she had a sibling close to her age, if she was born in a drought year or if she was born into a large group. All these factors could contribute to a better understanding of the childhood experiences of the baboons. ALSO READ | Addressing mental health improves skin health and boosts confidence, says dermatologist The study further found that stressful experiences are very common for the baboons growing up in the semi-arid and unpredictable landscape of Amboseli. Out of the 199 baboons in the study, 75 per cent suffered through at least one stressor, and 33 per cent had two or more. Also, baboons who have had a bad experience at a young age are more likely to be socially isolated as adults. Early hardships translate to premature deaths? Consistent studies in the area have proven that people who go through bad experiences in their childhood, such as abuse, neglect or a parent with mental illness are likely to die early. As per the report published in the journal Science Advances, study found that people who experienced more than three sources of socio-environmental adversity before age 18 faced a 9.5-year reduction in quality-adjusted adult life expectancy. However, determining the mechanisms behind premature death has been difficult for researchers to find. WATCH | Gravitas: Studies say your balance is an indicator of your health × Baboons who had traumatic childhood experiences were able to reclaim two years of life expectancy by forming strong friendships. These results are in sync with the previous findings that the more hardship a female baboon faces, the shorter her lifespan. One hypothesis to support this claim is that trauma survivors often grow up to have troubled relationships as adults and the lack of social support cuts their life short. Baboons and humans Even though the childhood of baboons is different from that of humans, the former share more than 90 per cent of their DNA with humans. In a statement given to The Print, co-author and Duke University biologist and evolutionary anthropologist Susan Alberts said, “It’s like the saying from the King James Apocrypha, ‘a faithful friend is the medicine of life’.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Forging strong social relationships helps overcome childhood trauma, prolongs life: Study

<p><strong>Loafers Lodge hostel fire:&nbsp;</strong>New Zealand authorities have arrested a man for arson over a deadly hostel blaze in Wellington which killed at least six people on Monday. The suspect&nbsp;will appear in Wellington District Court on Friday. Police say further imposition of more serious charges can’t be ruled out. The authorities have not been able to confirm the death toll even as 20 people were still considered missing.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The four-storey Loafers Lodge hostel, which is used as an emergency housing hotel in the capital, was severely damaged which led to the collapse of the rooftop.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Loafers Lodge hostel fire: Death toll expected to rise</strong></h2>

<p>The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days as a team of investigators was sent into the building on Wednesday. "Officers will be working to locate and recover those who have lost their lives tragically in this fire," Acting Wellington District Commander Dion Bennett told reporters on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “We know there are many people waiting for news of family and friends including residents who escaped the fire and who are keenly waiting for news of their fellow tenants.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New Zealand fire: At least 6 killed, many injured after fire in a hostel in Wellington</strong></p>

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<p>The authorities have clarified that the process could take several days to conclude, as people were advised to show patience. "This scene examination will be an extensive and methodical process, and we expect it to take some time - likely several days," Dion Bennett was quoted as saying by BBC.</p>

<h2><strong>More details about the Loafers Lodge hostel</strong></h2>

<p>The four-storey hotel is known for housing people from socially backward and marginalised communities. It was designated as an emergency accommodation provider by New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development in 2011. The government said the contract had ended with the hostel, although it still was part of an informal network of temporary lodging sites that the government used to house vulnerable people.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-police-launch-homicide-inquiry-into-deadly-hostel-blaze-to-treat-it-as-act-of-arson-593304">New Zealand police launch homicide inquiry into deadly hostel blaze, to treat it as act of arson</a></strong></p>

<p>Reacting to the fire incident, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was an “absolute tragedy”, adding that the incident raised concerns about the prevailing housing crisis in the country.</p>

<h2><strong>New Zealand’s housing crisis</strong></h2>

<p>A severe housing shortage and exorbitant private property prices and rentals have triggered a housing crisis in New Zealand. According to verified data, more than 3,300 households were living in emergency housing as of February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country's housing market is unusually susceptible to a crash due to a number of factors, including the fact that it has one of the highest price-to-income ratios in the world and that the majority of mortgages are fixed for very brief periods of one to three years, with about half of all mortgages due for refinancing within the next year.<br />
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Loafers Lodge hostel fire: New Zealand authorities have arrested a man for arson over a deadly hostel blaze in Wellington which killed at least six people on Monday.

Loafers Lodge hostel fire: New Zealand authorities have arrested a man for arson over a deadly hostel blaze in Wellington which killed at least six people on Monday. The suspect will appear in Wellington District Court on Friday. Police say further imposition of more serious charges can’t be ruled out. The authorities have not been able to confirm the death toll even as 20 people were still considered missing. The four-storey Loafers Lodge hostel, which is used as an emergency housing hotel in the capital, was severely damaged which led to the collapse of the rooftop. Loafers Lodge hostel fire: Death toll expected to rise The death toll is expected to rise in the coming days as a team of investigators was sent into the building on Wednesday. "Officers will be working to locate and recover those who have lost their lives tragically in this fire," Acting Wellington District Commander Dion Bennett told reporters on Wednesday. He added, “We know there are many people waiting for news of family and friends including residents who escaped the fire and who are keenly waiting for news of their fellow tenants.” Watch: New Zealand fire: At least 6 killed, many injured after fire in a hostel in Wellington × The authorities have clarified that the process could take several days to conclude, as people were advised to show patience. "This scene examination will be an extensive and methodical process, and we expect it to take some time - likely several days," Dion Bennett was quoted as saying by BBC. More details about the Loafers Lodge hostel The four-storey hotel is known for housing people from socially backward and marginalised communities. It was designated as an emergency accommodation provider by New Zealand's Ministry of Social Development in 2011. The government said the contract had ended with the hostel, although it still was part of an informal network of temporary lodging sites that the government used to house vulnerable people. Also Read | New Zealand police launch homicide inquiry into deadly hostel blaze, to treat it as act of arson Reacting to the fire incident, New Zealand’s Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said it was an “absolute tragedy”, adding that the incident raised concerns about the prevailing housing crisis in the country. New Zealand’s housing crisis A severe housing shortage and exorbitant private property prices and rentals have triggered a housing crisis in New Zealand. According to verified data, more than 3,300 households were living in emergency housing as of February. The country's housing market is unusually susceptible to a crash due to a number of factors, including the fact that it has one of the highest price-to-income ratios in the world and that the majority of mortgages are fixed for very brief periods of one to three years, with about half of all mortgages due for refinancing within the next year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Loafers Lodge hostel fire: New Zealand police arrest man for arson; death toll expected to rise

<p>After announcing his candidacy for the 2024 US presidential elections on Wednesday, May 17, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed&nbsp;four bills that&nbsp;ban&nbsp;gender-affirming care for minors, restrict&nbsp;drag shows and discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force&nbsp;people to use certain bathrooms. DeSantis signed the&nbsp;bills on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.</p>

<p>The debate around LGBTQ+ legislations&nbsp;has become one of the major agendas for DeSantis as he prepares for his run for the presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The signing of the legislation</strong></h2>

<p>DeSantis signed the&nbsp;legislation that bans gender-affirming care for minors at the Cambridge Christian School in Tampa in front of a large crowd and promised to make Florida a “citadel of normalcy”. The crowd present welcomed the bill.</p>

<p>He also signed a bill extending the state’s controversial “don’t say gay” law, which will now prohibit any classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity through eighth grade.</p>

<p>In his statement, DeSantis pointed out that “It’s kind of sad that we even have some of these discussions, Let Kids Be Kids.” He further added that “We never did this through all of human history until like, what, two weeks ago? They’re having third-graders declare pronouns? We’re not doing the pronoun Olympics in Florida.”</p>

<h2><strong>Democrats oppose the LGBTQ+ bill</strong></h2>

<p>While DeSantis claims&nbsp;that he is protecting parents’ rights, his opponents have a completely different take on the issue. Democrats believe&nbsp;DeSantis is denying the rights of parents with transgender kids.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US | Kentucky anti-LGBTQ law: Legislature passes anti-Trans law</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement given to the AP, Democratic State Senator Shevrin Jones stated that “every other parent has the right to raise their child the way that they want to as long as your child is not gay, trans, bisexual. That’s freedom for some parents, but not for all parents.”</p>

<h2><strong>“God does not make mistakes with our children” - Republican Rep. Randy Fine</strong></h2>

<p>While faced with opposition from the Democratic Party, Republican Representative Randy Fine supported DeSantis’ move by saying that “God does not make mistakes with our children.”</p>

<p>So far, nearly three parents from Florida have asked a federal court to issue a temporary restraining order; blocking the new law’s enforcement. These families, who are represented by Southern Legal Counsel, GLBTQ Legal Advocates &amp; Defenders (GLAD), the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Human Rights Campaign will be present in court on Friday, May 19 to argue that their children should be able to receive proper medical care while the case continues.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-set-to-extend-the-ambit-of-dont-say-gay-law-to-all-school-grades-574975"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;Florida set to extend the ambit of 'Don't say gay' law to all school grades</strong></a></p>

<p>As reported by AP, even though transgender medical treatment for children and teenagers is available in the US and is endorsed by major medical associations, lately it has been subject to restrictions or outright bans. &nbsp;</p>

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After announcing his candidacy for the 2024 US presidential elections on Wednesday, May 17, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed four bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors, restrict drag shows and discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms.

After announcing his candidacy for the 2024 US presidential elections on Wednesday, May 17, Florida Governor Ron Desantis signed four bills that ban gender-affirming care for minors, restrict drag shows and discussion of personal pronouns in schools and force people to use certain bathrooms. DeSantis signed the bills on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. The debate around LGBTQ+ legislations has become one of the major agendas for DeSantis as he prepares for his run for the presidency. The signing of the legislation DeSantis signed the legislation that bans gender-affirming care for minors at the Cambridge Christian School in Tampa in front of a large crowd and promised to make Florida a “citadel of normalcy”. The crowd present welcomed the bill. He also signed a bill extending the state’s controversial “don’t say gay” law, which will now prohibit any classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation or gender identity through eighth grade. In his statement, DeSantis pointed out that “It’s kind of sad that we even have some of these discussions, Let Kids Be Kids.” He further added that “We never did this through all of human history until like, what, two weeks ago? They’re having third-graders declare pronouns? We’re not doing the pronoun Olympics in Florida.” Democrats oppose the LGBTQ+ bill While DeSantis claims that he is protecting parents’ rights, his opponents have a completely different take on the issue. Democrats believe DeSantis is denying the rights of parents with transgender kids. WATCH | US | Kentucky anti-LGBTQ law: Legislature passes anti-Trans law × In a statement given to the AP, Democratic State Senator Shevrin Jones stated that “every other parent has the right to raise their child the way that they want to as long as your child is not gay, trans, bisexual. That’s freedom for some parents, but not for all parents.” “God does not make mistakes with our children” - Republican Rep. Randy Fine While faced with opposition from the Democratic Party, Republican Representative Randy Fine supported DeSantis’ move by saying that “God does not make mistakes with our children.” So far, nearly three parents from Florida have asked a federal court to issue a temporary restraining order; blocking the new law’s enforcement. These families, who are represented by Southern Legal Counsel, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Human Rights Campaign will be present in court on Friday, May 19 to argue that their children should be able to receive proper medical care while the case continues. Also Read | Florida set to extend the ambit of 'Don't say gay' law to all school grades As reported by AP, even though transgender medical treatment for children and teenagers is available in the US and is endorsed by major medical associations, lately it has been subject to restrictions or outright bans. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Florida Governor DeSantis signs bills restricting LGBTQ+ rights ahead of 2024 presidential election campaign

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid27IkNeH5XKaF" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Indians using credit cards for international transactions should be ready for paying more taxes. A notification issued by India’s Ministry of Finance has now brought international credit card transactions under the Reserve Bank of India’s liberalised remittance scheme (LRS).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has paved the way for the government to levy 20 per cent TCS (Tax Collection at Source) on credit card usage outside India. It must be noted that only debit cards, forex cards, and bank transfers were included in the LRS limit earlier.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the new credit card rules?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the notification released by the government in consultation with the RBI, Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000, has been omitted, which effectively brings the usage of credit cards outside India, or for international transactions under LRS.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Exclusive: Pak finance minister speaks on trade with India, says will look into options</strong></p>

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<p>After this change, a TCS levy of 5 per cent will come into effect immediately till July 1. And after 1 July, international credit transactions will start attracting 20 per cent TCS.</p>

<h2><strong>How will the new credit card scheme affect people?</strong></h2>

<p>Let’s understand it with the help of an example. Suppose, a person named “X” goes on a vacation to Maldives, and spends INR 200,000 there using his Indian credit card. Now, the credit card company will generate a bill of a total INR 240,000 on behalf of X and will pay 40,000 rupees (20 per cent of the total amount spent) towards TCS. Later, X can claim the TCS worth 40,000 rupees while filing his income tax return.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/nearly-1-trillion-counting-us-households-are-drowning-in-credit-card-debt-592941">Also Read |&nbsp;Nearly $1 trillion &amp; counting: US households are drowning in credit card debt</a></strong></p>

<p>Experts say that the new rule could increase the financial obligation of Indian travellers going abroad. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “It is essential for Indian travellers to factor in this additional financial obligation while making payments for overseas travel which may increase the overall expenditure for their trip. However, travellers can claim TCS credit while filing their tax return, which means that the net impact on their travel costs will not change."</p>

<h2><strong>Government facing backlash</strong></h2>

<p>While some believe that the new credit card rules will discourage tax evasion and encourage compliance, people on social media are criticising the move. Some said it will have ramifications from the perspective of ease of doing business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Twitter user named Ajay Rotti tagged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while saying that the 20 per cent TCS was “too high.” He said, “And 20 per cent&nbsp;is too high notwithstanding all that I have said above. It is clearly a provision that needs a rethink. The proposal to introduce it needs to be dropped. Overseas payments can't go unnoticed. Agreed. But please don't throw the baby with the bath water.”</p>

<p>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Indians using credit cards for international transactions should be ready for paying more taxes. A notification issued by India’s Ministry of Finance has now brought international credit card transactions under the Reserve Bank of India’s liberalised remittance scheme (LRS).

Indians using credit cards for international transactions should be ready for paying more taxes. A notification issued by India’s Ministry of Finance has now brought international credit card transactions under the Reserve Bank of India’s liberalised remittance scheme (LRS). This has paved the way for the government to levy 20 per cent TCS (Tax Collection at Source) on credit card usage outside India. It must be noted that only debit cards, forex cards, and bank transfers were included in the LRS limit earlier. What are the new credit card rules? According to the notification released by the government in consultation with the RBI, Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000, has been omitted, which effectively brings the usage of credit cards outside India, or for international transactions under LRS. Watch: Exclusive: Pak finance minister speaks on trade with India, says will look into options × After this change, a TCS levy of 5 per cent will come into effect immediately till July 1. And after 1 July, international credit transactions will start attracting 20 per cent TCS. How will the new credit card scheme affect people? Let’s understand it with the help of an example. Suppose, a person named “X” goes on a vacation to Maldives, and spends INR 200,000 there using his Indian credit card. Now, the credit card company will generate a bill of a total INR 240,000 on behalf of X and will pay 40,000 rupees (20 per cent of the total amount spent) towards TCS. Later, X can claim the TCS worth 40,000 rupees while filing his income tax return. Also Read | Nearly $1 trillion & counting: US households are drowning in credit card debt Experts say that the new rule could increase the financial obligation of Indian travellers going abroad. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “It is essential for Indian travellers to factor in this additional financial obligation while making payments for overseas travel which may increase the overall expenditure for their trip. However, travellers can claim TCS credit while filing their tax return, which means that the net impact on their travel costs will not change." Government facing backlash While some believe that the new credit card rules will discourage tax evasion and encourage compliance, people on social media are criticising the move. Some said it will have ramifications from the perspective of ease of doing business. A Twitter user named Ajay Rotti tagged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while saying that the 20 per cent TCS was “too high.” He said, “And 20 per cent is too high notwithstanding all that I have said above. It is clearly a provision that needs a rethink. The proposal to introduce it needs to be dropped. Overseas payments can't go unnoticed. Agreed. But please don't throw the baby with the bath water.”

New credit card rule in India: International transactions to attract 20 per cent tax, govt faces pushback 

10 Nations with Highest Literacy Among Elementary Students 

Timss and Pirls International Study Centre, at Boston College, US, has ranked different nations on the basis of average literacy among fourth grade students. It must be noted that several nations, including US and India, were omitted from the assessment. 

Timss and Pirls International Study Centre, US, has ranked different nations on the basis of average literacy among fourth-grade students.

<p>Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other.</p>

<h2><strong>Spain “becoming a desert”</strong></h2>

<p>The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage.</p>

<p>Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years."</p>

<h2><strong>France facing its driest winter since 1959</strong></h2>

<p>Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation.</p>

<p>Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. &nbsp;90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/592586">Also Read |&nbsp;Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker</a></p>

<p>The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.”</p>

<h2><strong>Climate change behind the summer crisis</strong></h2>

<p>Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.”</p>

<p>Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers.</p>

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Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades.

Southern Europe is all set to face another year of brutal summers and heatwaves, triggering fears that Europe might be on its way to facing water shortages of a level never seen in decades. The trend, attributed to climate change, is expected to spell doom for Europe’s agriculture as well as the power industry. Where farmers are expecting the lowest yield in decades on one hand, hydropower production is also expected to take a severe hit on the other. Spain “becoming a desert” The country suffered a long and painful drought last year. And no relief is expected this year either, thus severely threatening Spain’s food exports to other European Union nations. As per France 24, the month of April was the driest on record, and several cities recorded their highest temperatures in decades. Jorge Olcina, head of the climatology laboratory at the University of Alicante, said, “The situation is particularly alarming in the regions of Catalonia and Andalusia, where the water reservoirs are at less than 25 per cent of their capacity." Watch: Seattle records high of 31°c | WION Climate Tracker × Spain is known as “Europe’s back garden” because it exports a large part of its agricultural production, and Spanish farmers are, unsurprisingly, among the first to suffer the consequences of a water shortage. Patricio Garcia-Fayos, director of the Desertification Research Centre in Valencia, even fretted that a large part of Spain will become desert in the coming years. He said, "It’s essential to fight against climate change and at the same time learn how to manage our water better. Otherwise, a large part of Spain will be a desert in a few years." France facing its driest winter since 1959 Paris has already activated the drought crisis alert in the country’s four departmental prefects. People living in Ain, Isère, Bouches-du-Rhône and the Pyrénées-Orientales are prohibited from using water for non-priority purposes, including watering their lawns and filling their swimming pools. The irony is that the country which was on the verge of facing a food crisis last year has now asked its farmers in these regions to avoid using water for irrigation. Similarly, Portugal is also experiencing an early arrival of drought. 90 per cent of the mainland is facing drought, with 20 per cent of the country facing extreme drought. Also Read | Cities reel under heatwave as temperatures soar in India | WION Climate Tracker The agriculture sector of Italy is also under stress after two years of water scarcity. According to Luca Brocca, a director of research at Italy's National Research Council, “Northern Italy has a 70% deficit in snow water reserves and a 40% deficit of soil moisture.” Climate change behind the summer crisis Experts blame climate change for excruciating summer and water shortages in southern Europe as well as in the Horn of Africa. Hayley Fowler, Professor of Climate Change Impacts at Newcastle University, said, "In terms of the climate change signal, it very much fits with what we're expecting.” Many farming regions have yet to adopt water-saving methods like precision irrigation or switch to more drought-hardy crops, such as sunflowers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Southern Europe 'turning into desert', France, Italy and Spain to face brutal summer of drought

<p>A shocking incident unfolded in the streets of Riverside, California, over the weekend, as a man was brutally attacked with a sword, resulting in the severing of his hand. The police earlier dismissed the report of the discovery of a detached hand as a movie prop, but later they were stunned to hear that someone in the area was seeking medical assistance for getting his hand sliced off with a sword.</p>

<p>The incident has left the local community in a state of shock and has raised concerns about the escalating violence against homeless individuals in American cities.</p>

<h2><strong>Police yet to apprehend the assailant</strong></h2>

<p>According to Officer Ryan Railsback, a spokesperson for the Riverside Police, the victim had been attacked by an unidentified person wielding a sword on Saturday night. Preliminary findings suggest that both the victim and the perpetrator were homeless and may have been acquainted with each other. The Riverside police's robbery-homicide unit is currently investigating the incident but has yet to apprehend the assailant.</p>

<h2><strong>The local community comes forward to support&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The victim is well-known and respected within the community and has garnered immense support from those residing and working in the downtown area. “He’s a really nice guy, he’s one of our regulars,” said Nikki Hernandez, who works at a restaurant. “If someone were to upset him he would argue with them, but he would never get into a fight or altercation like that,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Biden family knee-deep in corruption?</strong></p>

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<p>A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for his recovery. The campaign highlights the community's fears that the victim may lack a safe and sanitary environment to recuperate in once released from the hospital.</p>

<h2><strong>Growing violence against homeless people in the US</strong></h2>

<p>The incident shines a light on the growing issue of violence targeting unhoused individuals in cities across the United States. For instance, a former San Francisco fire commissioner was recently accused of using bear mace to spray several homeless people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mailing-used-condoms-to-australian-women-police-open-up-investigation-593154"><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open up investigation</strong></a></p>

<p>The city of Los Angeles, located near Riverside, has also witnessed a concerning rise in violence against homeless residents in recent years. Despite constituting just 1 per cent of the population, unhoused individuals account for a staggering 24 per cent of the city's homicide victims, according to a January report by NBC Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

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A shocking incident unfolded in the streets of Riverside, California, over the weekend, as a man was brutally attacked with a sword, resulting in the severing of his hand.

A shocking incident unfolded in the streets of Riverside, California, over the weekend, as a man was brutally attacked with a sword, resulting in the severing of his hand. The police earlier dismissed the report of the discovery of a detached hand as a movie prop, but later they were stunned to hear that someone in the area was seeking medical assistance for getting his hand sliced off with a sword. The incident has left the local community in a state of shock and has raised concerns about the escalating violence against homeless individuals in American cities. Police yet to apprehend the assailant According to Officer Ryan Railsback, a spokesperson for the Riverside Police, the victim had been attacked by an unidentified person wielding a sword on Saturday night. Preliminary findings suggest that both the victim and the perpetrator were homeless and may have been acquainted with each other. The Riverside police's robbery-homicide unit is currently investigating the incident but has yet to apprehend the assailant. The local community comes forward to support The victim is well-known and respected within the community and has garnered immense support from those residing and working in the downtown area. “He’s a really nice guy, he’s one of our regulars,” said Nikki Hernandez, who works at a restaurant. “If someone were to upset him he would argue with them, but he would never get into a fight or altercation like that,” he said. Watch: Gravitas: Biden family knee-deep in corruption? × A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for his recovery. The campaign highlights the community's fears that the victim may lack a safe and sanitary environment to recuperate in once released from the hospital. Growing violence against homeless people in the US The incident shines a light on the growing issue of violence targeting unhoused individuals in cities across the United States. For instance, a former San Francisco fire commissioner was recently accused of using bear mace to spray several homeless people. Also Read: Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open up investigation The city of Los Angeles, located near Riverside, has also witnessed a concerning rise in violence against homeless residents in recent years. Despite constituting just 1 per cent of the population, unhoused individuals account for a staggering 24 per cent of the city's homicide victims, according to a January report by NBC Los Angeles. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

California police begin hunt for assailant who severed homeless man’s hand with sword

<p>The Quad summit slated to be held in Australia's Sydney next week has been cancelled after Biden cut short his foreign trip due to the debt-ceiling crisis back home. The leaders of four nations will instead meet in Japan's G7 summit. Meanwhile, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has again shocked the world with his plans to launch the country's first spy satellite into space. He is believed to have inspected a secret military site on Tuesday. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is back in the news after police questioned him over alleged forgery of Covid vaccination certificates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more.</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-biden-no-quad-australian-pm-cancels-meeting-in-sydney-after-us-president-postpones-trip-593125"><strong>No Biden, no Quad: Australian PM cancels meeting in Sydney after US president postpones trip</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Quad" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c3670e9-1ebf-403f-9eb7-b3895b1f8a18" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352247-the-battle-for-kyiv.jpg" />
<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (May 17) that the Quad meeting in Sydney next week will not take place without US President Joe Biden, who cancelled his trip to Australia due to debt limit talks in Washington.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-crisis-forces-joe-biden-to-shorten-upcoming-asia-tour-report-593076"><strong>US debt crisis forces Joe Biden to shorten upcoming Asia tour</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Biden" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8612a4b-fea5-4c06-8b4b-d1b88ec8ac7d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352232-joe-biden-4.jpg" />
<p>The White House said on Tuesday (May 16) that President Joe Biden may skip a visit to Australia on an upcoming Asia trip because of the US debt ceiling crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccination-forgery-case-ex-brazil-prez-bolsonaro-questioned-by-cops-denies-tampering-records-593126"><strong>Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Brazil" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="873affd8-2bff-4fe4-a07d-8444a82e1dcf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352246-00033fb8v3.jpg" />
<p>Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was questioned by the police on Tuesday (May 16) as part of the investigation into alleged forgery of Covid vaccination certificates for himself and his inner circle.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kuwaiti-jordanian-embassies-attacked-in-sudan-saudi-arabia-condemns-the-act-593122"><strong>Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Kuwait" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="41b7e2c4-b060-4ff6-beec-89699f6b5a07" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/351214-wion-images-2023-05-12t051121595.jpg" />
<p>The embassies of Kuwait and Jordan were reportedly attacked in Sudan over Monday and Tuesday, as the fighting between the Sudanese Army and Paramilitary forces continued a month after the start of the tensions.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-inspects-military-satellite-facility-593085"><strong>North Korea is about to launch its 1st spy satellite as Kim Jong Un seen on site</strong></a></p>
<img alt="North Korea" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e5b4d74-1202-466e-ae8c-9e0d24d6f37a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352235-kim-jong-un-2.jpg" />
<p>North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a military satellite facility on Tuesday from where the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1 will be launched.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/chatgpts-sam-altman-urges-us-lawmakers-to-regulate-artificial-intelligence-593096"><strong>ChatGPT's Sam Altman urges US lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence</strong></a></p>
<img alt="ChatGPT" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="363e5689-3e3f-428a-b193-75d7f86d57e9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352238-sam-altman.jpg" />
<p>Sam Altman, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, urged lawmakers in the United States on Tuesday to regulate artificial intelligence (AI).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kevin-mccarthy-says-still-a-lot-of-work-to-do-on-debt-ceiling-talks-593083"><strong>Biden 'optimistic', Kevin McCarthy says 'a lot of work to do' on debt ceiling talks</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Biden" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53245101-e5d6-4b81-8418-ab7556ff5416" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/347971-untitled-design-2023-04-27t085512593.jpg" />
<p>United States President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks to discuss the "catastrophic" debt crisis, but the negotiations ended on Tuesday (May 16) after less than an hour, without any breakthrough.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/motivated-and-biased-india-slams-us-report-on-religious-freedom-593151"><strong>'Motivated and biased': India slams US report on religious freedom</strong></a></p>
<img alt="India" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f43db78d-f096-4595-9241-0a938d73aa80" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/326261-untitled-design-2023-01-17t214901232.jpg" />
<p>India on Tuesday slammed the US State Department's 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom, calling the commentary 'motivated and biased' that criticised the country for not upholding the rights of minorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba-san-antonio-spurs-win-draft-lottery-2023-poised-to-pick-victor-wembanyama-593103"><strong>NBA: San Antonio Spurs win Draft lottery 2023, poised to pick Victor Wembanyama</strong></a></p>
<img alt="NBA" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="49cb3a00-ea78-41cc-b528-a42cb9ebd1a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352241-untitled-design-2023-05-17t070243804.jpg" />
<p>The San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday were awarded the top pick in next month's NBA draft, leaving them in pole position to land French prodigy Victor Wembanyama.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-martin-scorsese-defends-killers-of-the-flower-moons-hefty-runtime-it%E2%80%99s-a-commitment-593141"><strong>Martin Scorsese defends Killers of the Flower Moon's hefty runtime: 'It’s a commitment'</strong></a></p>
<img alt="Martin" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b5ab532-c771-4ac7-bf96-d06d1f876a6e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/352257-martin-scorsese.jpg" />
<p>Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese faces criticism for the length of his movies, including his latest work,<em> The Irishman</em>, which ran for 209 minutes. Despite their extended duration, Scorsese's films have earned acclaim and solidified his status in Hollywood.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Quad summit slated to be held in Australia's Sydney next week has been cancelled after Biden cut short his foreign trip due to the debt-ceiling crisis back home.

The Quad summit slated to be held in Australia's Sydney next week has been cancelled after Biden cut short his foreign trip due to the debt-ceiling crisis back home. The leaders of four nations will instead meet in Japan's G7 summit. Meanwhile, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has again shocked the world with his plans to launch the country's first spy satellite into space. He is believed to have inspected a secret military site on Tuesday. Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is back in the news after police questioned him over alleged forgery of Covid vaccination certificates. Click on the headlines to read more. No Biden, no Quad: Australian PM cancels meeting in Sydney after US president postpones trip Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (May 17) that the Quad meeting in Sydney next week will not take place without US President Joe Biden, who cancelled his trip to Australia due to debt limit talks in Washington. US debt crisis forces Joe Biden to shorten upcoming Asia tour The White House said on Tuesday (May 16) that President Joe Biden may skip a visit to Australia on an upcoming Asia trip because of the US debt ceiling crisis. Covid vaccination forgery case: Ex-Brazil prez Bolsonaro questioned by cops, denies tampering records Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was questioned by the police on Tuesday (May 16) as part of the investigation into alleged forgery of Covid vaccination certificates for himself and his inner circle. Kuwaiti, Jordanian embassies attacked in Sudan; Saudi Arabia condemns the act The embassies of Kuwait and Jordan were reportedly attacked in Sudan over Monday and Tuesday, as the fighting between the Sudanese Army and Paramilitary forces continued a month after the start of the tensions. North Korea is about to launch its 1st spy satellite as Kim Jong Un seen on site North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a military satellite facility on Tuesday from where the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1 will be launched. ChatGPT's Sam Altman urges US lawmakers to regulate artificial intelligence Sam Altman, who is the chief executive officer (CEO) of OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, urged lawmakers in the United States on Tuesday to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). Biden 'optimistic', Kevin McCarthy says 'a lot of work to do' on debt ceiling talks United States President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks to discuss the "catastrophic" debt crisis, but the negotiations ended on Tuesday (May 16) after less than an hour, without any breakthrough. 'Motivated and biased': India slams US report on religious freedom India on Tuesday slammed the US State Department's 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom, calling the commentary 'motivated and biased' that criticised the country for not upholding the rights of minorities. NBA: San Antonio Spurs win Draft lottery 2023, poised to pick Victor Wembanyama The San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday were awarded the top pick in next month's NBA draft, leaving them in pole position to land French prodigy Victor Wembanyama. Martin Scorsese defends Killers of the Flower Moon's hefty runtime: 'It’s a commitment' Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese faces criticism for the length of his movies, including his latest work, The Irishman, which ran for 209 minutes. Despite their extended duration, Scorsese's films have earned acclaim and solidified his status in Hollywood.

Morning brief: Quad summit cancelled, North Korea to launch spy satellite, and more

<p>Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast. All of the incidents have happened over the past three months. Police believe all the victims are linked and part of a targeted attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, all of them attended the city's Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999, which indicates that their addresses must have been obtained from an old school yearbook.</p>

<h2><strong>Key points</strong></h2>

<ol>
	<li>65 women received letters with used condoms in Australia.</li>
	<li>Police say the victims are linked to a “targeted attack”.</li>
	<li>All the women attended Melbourne’s Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999.</li>
	<li>The Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team is investigating the case.</li>
	<li>Police are supposed to hold a press conference on Wednesday.</li>
</ol>

<h2><strong>Some women received multiple letters</strong></h2>

<p>"It is believed that most of those who reported the material have received multiple letters, all with the suspected used item included," Police said in a statement. "Officers believe the victims are linked and are part of a targeted attack," the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trending on WION: Australia wants to make cigarettes 'ugly' and 'tasteless'</strong></p>

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<p>One victim was quoted by Australia’s Herald Sun as saying that she received a letter with “very graphic (handwritten) messages”, following which she tried to contact her friends. “I didn’t sleep the night I received the letter, it really creeped me out,” the woman said, adding that this was extremely unnerving and some of the women have even received four letters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation going on&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Australian reported that the Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team was investigating the case. Police officials have also urged people having any information related to the case to come forward and help authorities find the culprit.</p>

<p>The authorities are supposed to hold a press conference later on Wednesday to brief the public about the case.</p>

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Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast.

Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast. All of the incidents have happened over the past three months. Police believe all the victims are linked and part of a targeted attack. Interestingly, all of them attended the city's Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999, which indicates that their addresses must have been obtained from an old school yearbook. Key points 65 women received letters with used condoms in Australia. Police say the victims are linked to a “targeted attack”. All the women attended Melbourne’s Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999. The Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team is investigating the case. Police are supposed to hold a press conference on Wednesday. Some women received multiple letters "It is believed that most of those who reported the material have received multiple letters, all with the suspected used item included," Police said in a statement. "Officers believe the victims are linked and are part of a targeted attack," the statement added. Watch: Trending on WION: Australia wants to make cigarettes 'ugly' and 'tasteless' × One victim was quoted by Australia’s Herald Sun as saying that she received a letter with “very graphic (handwritten) messages”, following which she tried to contact her friends. “I didn’t sleep the night I received the letter, it really creeped me out,” the woman said, adding that this was extremely unnerving and some of the women have even received four letters. Investigation going on The Australian reported that the Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team was investigating the case. Police officials have also urged people having any information related to the case to come forward and help authorities find the culprit. The authorities are supposed to hold a press conference later on Wednesday to brief the public about the case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open investigation 

<p>In a startling revelation, a recent international study has discovered that eight out of 10 South African school children face difficulties in reading by the age of ten. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessed the reading abilities of 400,000 students from 57 countries worldwide in 2021. Shockingly, South Africa ranked last in the study, highlighting the urgent need for attention and improvement in the country's education system.</p>

<h2><strong>COVID-19 blamed for South Africa’s poor performance</strong></h2>

<p>The study revealed that illiteracy rates among South African children have risen from 78 per cent in 2016 to a distressing 81 per cent. The country's Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, attributed these discouraging results to the prolonged school closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She also acknowledged the significant historical challenges faced by the education system, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure.</p>

<p>Motshekga expressed disappointment over the low literacy levels, emphasising that reading instruction in many primary schools primarily focuses on oral performance, neglecting vital aspects such as reading comprehension and understanding written words.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In many primary schools reading instruction often focuses solely on oral performance, neglecting reading comprehension and making sense of written words", she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Poor state of education in South Africa as 81% of 10-year old children unable to read: Study</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Three African nations were assessed&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>South Africa was among the three African countries, including Morocco and Egypt, that participated in the assessments monitoring literacy and reading comprehension among nine and ten-year-olds. The study, which evaluates countries every five years at the end of the school year, aims to create a global education league table.</p>

<h2><strong>Singapore tops the list with the highest score</strong></h2>

<p>The top-ranking country in the study was Singapore, with an impressive average score of 587. In contrast, South Africa lagged significantly behind, securing the last position with a meagre average score of 288, below Egypt, the second-to-last country, with an average score of 378. The scores are benchmarked against an international average of 500.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-african-army-chief-visits-moscow-for-bilateral-talks-593035">Also Read |&nbsp;WION South African army chief visits Moscow for bilateral talks</a></p>

<p>Although the study revealed an overall gender gap favouring girls in reading achievement across most assessed countries, it also indicated that this gap has narrowed in the most recent testing round.</p>

<p>Multiple factors have contributed to the educational crisis in South Africa, including a lack of suitable reading materials and inadequate infrastructure in schools.</p>

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In a startling revelation, a recent international study has discovered that eight out of 10 South African school children face difficulties in reading by the age of ten.

In a startling revelation, a recent international study has discovered that eight out of 10 South African school children face difficulties in reading by the age of ten. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessed the reading abilities of 400,000 students from 57 countries worldwide in 2021. Shockingly, South Africa ranked last in the study, highlighting the urgent need for attention and improvement in the country's education system. COVID-19 blamed for South Africa’s poor performance The study revealed that illiteracy rates among South African children have risen from 78 per cent in 2016 to a distressing 81 per cent. The country's Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, attributed these discouraging results to the prolonged school closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She also acknowledged the significant historical challenges faced by the education system, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure. Motshekga expressed disappointment over the low literacy levels, emphasising that reading instruction in many primary schools primarily focuses on oral performance, neglecting vital aspects such as reading comprehension and understanding written words. “In many primary schools reading instruction often focuses solely on oral performance, neglecting reading comprehension and making sense of written words", she said. Watch: Poor state of education in South Africa as 81% of 10-year old children unable to read: Study × Three African nations were assessed South Africa was among the three African countries, including Morocco and Egypt, that participated in the assessments monitoring literacy and reading comprehension among nine and ten-year-olds. The study, which evaluates countries every five years at the end of the school year, aims to create a global education league table. Singapore tops the list with the highest score The top-ranking country in the study was Singapore, with an impressive average score of 587. In contrast, South Africa lagged significantly behind, securing the last position with a meagre average score of 288, below Egypt, the second-to-last country, with an average score of 378. The scores are benchmarked against an international average of 500. Also Read | WION South African army chief visits Moscow for bilateral talks Although the study revealed an overall gender gap favouring girls in reading achievement across most assessed countries, it also indicated that this gap has narrowed in the most recent testing round. Multiple factors have contributed to the educational crisis in South Africa, including a lack of suitable reading materials and inadequate infrastructure in schools. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

South Africa’s education crisis: Only two out of 10 children can read by age of 10

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrKYww6Jo3glt" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Theranos founder&nbsp;<strong>Elizabeth Holmes</strong>&nbsp;has been ordered to begin serving her prison sentence while she appeals against her conviction on charges of defrauding investors. A court in San Francisco ruled that Holmes must jointly pay $452 million in restitution to the victims of her crimes. Holmes, who gained fame by claiming that Theranos' blood-testing machines could run a variety of diagnostic tests with just a few drops of blood, was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison.</p>

<h2><strong>Holmes will pay $452 million in restitution</strong></h2>

<p>Holmes had requested the ninth US circuit court of appeals to pause her sentence, but her bail application was denied. The judge will set a new date for Holmes, 39, to report to prison. In a separate ruling, Judge Edward Davila held Holmes jointly liable for the restitution payments and ordered her to pay the $452 million along with her former partner and top Theranos executive, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors</strong></p>

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<p>Balwani, 57, began serving a nearly 13-year prison sentence in April after being convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges. Holmes and Balwani were involved in a scheme to deceive investors and raise nearly $1 billion for Theranos. Their technology was exposed as flawed after investigations and regulatory reviews, resulting in significant financial losses for investors.</p>

<h2><strong>Holmes directed to pay $125 mn to Rupert Murdoch</strong></h2>

<p>Judge Davila determined that Holmes and Balwani should pay the largest sum, $125 million, to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, one of the investors who suffered losses.</p>

<p>The restitution also includes payments of $40 million to Walgreens, a former investor, and $14.5 million to Safeway, a former business partner of Theranos.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jailed-fate-awaits-elizabeth-holmes-after-latest-court-ruling-581614">Also Read |&nbsp;Jail sentence awaits Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes after latest court ruling</a></strong></p>

<p>Prosecutors had sought a restitution penalty in the range of $800 million, but Holmes and Balwani's lawyers argued for lower amounts, claiming financial difficulties. Both defendants have claimed they are nearly broke after incurring significant legal expenses.</p>

<p>Holmes's lawyers have been challenging her conviction, alleging mistakes and misconduct during the trial. They have also argued for her to remain out of prison during the appeal, but their request has been rejected by the court.</p>

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Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has been ordered to begin serving her prison sentence while she appeals against her conviction on charges of defrauding investors.

Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has been ordered to begin serving her prison sentence while she appeals against her conviction on charges of defrauding investors. A court in San Francisco ruled that Holmes must jointly pay $452 million in restitution to the victims of her crimes. Holmes, who gained fame by claiming that Theranos' blood-testing machines could run a variety of diagnostic tests with just a few drops of blood, was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison. Holmes will pay $452 million in restitution Holmes had requested the ninth US circuit court of appeals to pause her sentence, but her bail application was denied. The judge will set a new date for Holmes, 39, to report to prison. In a separate ruling, Judge Edward Davila held Holmes jointly liable for the restitution payments and ordered her to pay the $452 million along with her former partner and top Theranos executive, Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani. Watch: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes sentenced to 11 years in prison for defrauding investors × Balwani, 57, began serving a nearly 13-year prison sentence in April after being convicted on fraud and conspiracy charges. Holmes and Balwani were involved in a scheme to deceive investors and raise nearly $1 billion for Theranos. Their technology was exposed as flawed after investigations and regulatory reviews, resulting in significant financial losses for investors. Holmes directed to pay $125 mn to Rupert Murdoch Judge Davila determined that Holmes and Balwani should pay the largest sum, $125 million, to media mogul Rupert Murdoch, one of the investors who suffered losses. The restitution also includes payments of $40 million to Walgreens, a former investor, and $14.5 million to Safeway, a former business partner of Theranos. Also Read | Jail sentence awaits Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes after latest court ruling Prosecutors had sought a restitution penalty in the range of $800 million, but Holmes and Balwani's lawyers argued for lower amounts, claiming financial difficulties. Both defendants have claimed they are nearly broke after incurring significant legal expenses. Holmes's lawyers have been challenging her conviction, alleging mistakes and misconduct during the trial. They have also argued for her to remain out of prison during the appeal, but their request has been rejected by the court. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Court orders Elizabeth Holmes to start serving prison sentence after rejecting her bail plea

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