<p>AI-generated human avatars can deliver your scripts with perfect diction and look so natural. But what if the videos&nbsp;are used to support repressive regimes and criminal enterprises? This is what happened with avatars generated through the AI app Syenthesia, and the actual humans used for creating the AI models are now speaking up.</p>

<p>According to a report in The Guardian, the technology of the London-based startup that recently achieved unicorn status (market value of $1 billion) was deployed to support Ibrahim Traoré, who led the military coup of 2023 in Burkina Faso.</p>

<p>Well-groomed AI anchors were used in the videos that appeared on platforms like Telegram, asking people to rally behind the junta leader-turned-president.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Risks and dangers of artificial intelligence</strong></p>

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<p>Synthesia mainly is intended for creating marketing videos. But the deepfakes were used for generating propaganda videos on the platform, violating its own terms of service.</p>

<p>The actors, on whose body language the AI models were trained, are feeling betrayed and their mental health impacted due to negative association.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-says-cybercriminals-using-chatgpt-to-influence-us-elections-766330">Also read: OpenAI says cybercriminals using ChatGPT to influence US elections</a></strong><br />
<br />
Synthesia, which claims it has improved its content moderation, was belied as The Guardian was still able to generate videos by giving it controversial scripts.</p>

<p>The Synthesia videos were used in misinformation by states including Russia&nbsp;and China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two pro-Venezuela videos featuring fake news segments presented by Synthesia avatars&nbsp; appeared on YouTube and Facebook.&nbsp;One fake anchor condemned “western media claims” of economic instability and poverty in Venezuela.</p>

<p>In one video, an AI avatar said he is the chief executive of a cryptocurrency platform.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artist-filed-copyright-for-this-ai-generated-art-it-was-denied-he-is-not-appealing-decision-765625">Also read: Artist filed copyright for this AI-generated art. It was denied. He is now appealing decision</a></strong><br />
<br />
Mark Torres, the actor who was the model behind the Burkina Faso video, told The Guardian he felt violated and vulnerable to see his image coopted.</p>

<p>“I’m in shock, there are no words right now....I have never felt so violated and vulnerable,” The Guardian quoted Torres as saying.</p>

<p>“I don’t want anyone viewing me like that. Just the fact that my image is out there, could be saying anything...People will think I am involved in the coup,” added Torres.</p>

<p>“Knowing that this company I trusted my image with will get away with such a thing makes me so angry. This could potentially cost lives, cost me my life when crossing a border for immigration.”</p>

<p>"It’s not me, it’s just my face. But they’ll think I’ve agreed to it,” said Dan Dewhirst, who acted in creating the original anchor that was used in the Venezuela video.</p>

<p>“Countless people contacted me about it … But there were probably other people who saw it and didn’t say anything, or quietly judged me for it."</p>

<p>“I was furious. It was really, really damaging to my mental health," he said, adding it caused an overwhelming amount of anxiety.</p>

<p>The Guardian also quoted an unidentified former Synthesia employee, who said that the AI cannot unlearn once its trained to create a model based on a real person's body language.</p>

<p>That would require the complete removal of the AI model, he said.</p>

<p>Synthesia told the paper that it does not allow stock avatars for political content, including 'content that is factually accurate but may create polarisation'.<br />
<br />
Founded in 2017 by a team including Victor Riparbelli and Steffen Tjerrild,&nbsp;Synthesia's clients include Microsoft, Zoom, Xerox and Ernst &amp; Young.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


AI-generated human avatars can deliver your scripts with perfect diction and look so natural. But what if the videos are used to support repressive regimes and criminal enterprises?

AI-generated human avatars can deliver your scripts with perfect diction and look so natural. But what if the videos are used to support repressive regimes and criminal enterprises? This is what happened with avatars generated through the AI app Syenthesia, and the actual humans used for creating the AI models are now speaking up. According to a report in The Guardian, the technology of the London-based startup that recently achieved unicorn status (market value of $1 billion) was deployed to support Ibrahim Traoré, who led the military coup of 2023 in Burkina Faso. Well-groomed AI anchors were used in the videos that appeared on platforms like Telegram, asking people to rally behind the junta leader-turned-president. Watch: Risks and dangers of artificial intelligence × Synthesia mainly is intended for creating marketing videos. But the deepfakes were used for generating propaganda videos on the platform, violating its own terms of service. The actors, on whose body language the AI models were trained, are feeling betrayed and their mental health impacted due to negative association. Also read: OpenAI says cybercriminals using ChatGPT to influence US elections Synthesia, which claims it has improved its content moderation, was belied as The Guardian was still able to generate videos by giving it controversial scripts. The Synthesia videos were used in misinformation by states including Russia and China. Two pro-Venezuela videos featuring fake news segments presented by Synthesia avatars appeared on YouTube and Facebook. One fake anchor condemned “western media claims” of economic instability and poverty in Venezuela. In one video, an AI avatar said he is the chief executive of a cryptocurrency platform. Also read: Artist filed copyright for this AI-generated art. It was denied. He is now appealing decision Mark Torres, the actor who was the model behind the Burkina Faso video, told The Guardian he felt violated and vulnerable to see his image coopted. “I’m in shock, there are no words right now....I have never felt so violated and vulnerable,” The Guardian quoted Torres as saying. “I don’t want anyone viewing me like that. Just the fact that my image is out there, could be saying anything...People will think I am involved in the coup,” added Torres. “Knowing that this company I trusted my image with will get away with such a thing makes me so angry. This could potentially cost lives, cost me my life when crossing a border for immigration.” "It’s not me, it’s just my face. But they’ll think I’ve agreed to it,” said Dan Dewhirst, who acted in creating the original anchor that was used in the Venezuela video. “Countless people contacted me about it … But there were probably other people who saw it and didn’t say anything, or quietly judged me for it." “I was furious. It was really, really damaging to my mental health," he said, adding it caused an overwhelming amount of anxiety. The Guardian also quoted an unidentified former Synthesia employee, who said that the AI cannot unlearn once its trained to create a model based on a real person's body language. That would require the complete removal of the AI model, he said. Synthesia told the paper that it does not allow stock avatars for political content, including 'content that is factually accurate but may create polarisation'. Founded in 2017 by a team including Victor Riparbelli and Steffen Tjerrild, Synthesia's clients include Microsoft, Zoom, Xerox and Ernst & Young. (With inputs from agencies)

Fake videos of AI avatars were used to promote brutal regimes. Now actors behind them are speaking up

<p>Taylor Swift is the unlikely cause of a political storm for Keir Starmer, whose government alleged gave the US pop star VVIP treatment during her Eras Tour concerts in London, with sources in his office now confirming that the UK prime minister also met her during one of her massive gigs.</p>

<p>A section of the media and the opposition Conservatives have been hammering Starmer over this for weeks now, which is part of the larger freebies and donations row facing the Labour government.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: UK PM Keir Starmer Repays More Than £6,000 In Gifts After Donations Row</strong></p>

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<p>The Guardian reported on Tuesday (Oct 15) citing No 10, Downing Street sources that Starmer indeed met Swift at the backstage of a concert, a day after his government decided to grant her a so-called 'blue light' police escort. An official spokesperson, however, denied that tickets that Starmer and family got for the concerts were a 'thank you' gift.</p>

<p>According to the report, Starmer and his family met Swift and her mother Andrea for 10 minutes backstage at Wembley Stadium on August 20. They talked about the stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed children's party that left three kids dead, and sparked off a series of racially charged riots in July.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-latest-gaffe-calls-for-return-of-sausages-from-hamas-captivity-watch-761695">Also read: British PM Keir Starmer's latest gaffe, calls for 'return of sausages' from Hamas captivity - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>But the sources who spoke to The Guardian said Starmer did not discuss the police motorcade convoy that had been given to Swift and her entourage.</p>

<p>The prime minister's office has maintained that the decision to offer such protection to Swift was an operational matter taken by Scotland Yard, the UK's police department.</p>

<p>The report comes amid initial refusal from Starmer's office to confirm if he had met Swift.</p>

<p>Starmer was under pressure to share details of his brush-by with Swift after The Sun and others reported it, after he was invited to the concert at Wembley stadium on August 16 along with family by Universal Music.</p>

<p>As required by parliament rules, Starmer declared that he got the tickets worth&nbsp;£2,800 for the concert. He later coughed up the money for it, after massive criticism that he had been accepting such freebies worth thousands of pounds.</p>

<h2><strong>Taylor Swift VIP treatment in London. Why is it controversial?</strong></h2>

<p>The issue is the decision by authorities to provide Swift a police convoy by the Special Escort Group or SEG. The elite group of the Metropolitan police was apparently brought in for Swift's security because she pulled out of her scheduled concerts in Vienna following a foiled Islamic State-inspired terror attack plot there.</p>

<p>According to reports, Met Police was not interested in giving such treatment, but the decision was taken anyway after London Mayor Sadiq Khan and home secretary Yvette Cooper made representations about the negative economic fallout if Swift cancelled the London tour. Sue Gray, the now-former chief of staff of Starmer, was involved in the preparations, and&nbsp;Swift's mother Andrea personally coordinated the security details provided to her, claimed the reports.</p>

<p>As the controversy mounted, a spokersperson for Starmer, while not denying that his office may have had 'conversation and dialogue' with Swift's team, characterised it as 'completely routine'.</p>

<h2><strong>Starmer's appetite for 'freebies' is becoming a political liability for Labour</strong></h2>

<p>As the controversies mounted over Starmer accepting gifts, donations and freebies, the UK PM repaid £598 for two tickets to Swift’s Wembley concert, which had earlier been paid for by the Football Association that also owns the stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Oddly enough, records showed that Starmer did not attend the concert, but his wife did.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-keir-starmers-wife-attended-two-taylor-swift-concerts-without-paying-a-penny-759730"><strong>Also read: British PM Keir Starmer's wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny</strong></a><br />
<br />
For a month now, Starmer and other senior Labour leaders have been accused of accepting lavish gifts and hospitality. The freebies declared by the Starmer government are worth more than 100,000 pounds and include tickets worth nearly 700 pounds for the Coldplay concert in Manchester.</p>

<p>The freebie culture, however, is nothing new in British politics. The previous Tory regime had been accused of taking gifts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, and giving Covid pandemic-related contracts to Conservative cronies and friends.</p>

<p>But the problem is, Labour is expected to know and do better, having won this year's elections on the promise that it would be more in touch with the common folk, and a commitment to rein in the cost of living crisis in the UK.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taylor Swift is the unlikely cause of a political storm for Keir Starmer, whose government alleged gave the US pop star VVIP treatment during her Eras Tour concerts in London, with sources in his office now confirming that the UK prime minister also met her during one of her massive gigs.

Taylor Swift is the unlikely cause of a political storm for Keir Starmer, whose government alleged gave the US pop star VVIP treatment during her Eras Tour concerts in London, with sources in his office now confirming that the UK prime minister also met her during one of her massive gigs. A section of the media and the opposition Conservatives have been hammering Starmer over this for weeks now, which is part of the larger freebies and donations row facing the Labour government. Watch: UK PM Keir Starmer Repays More Than £6,000 In Gifts After Donations Row × The Guardian reported on Tuesday (Oct 15) citing No 10, Downing Street sources that Starmer indeed met Swift at the backstage of a concert, a day after his government decided to grant her a so-called 'blue light' police escort. An official spokesperson, however, denied that tickets that Starmer and family got for the concerts were a 'thank you' gift. According to the report, Starmer and his family met Swift and her mother Andrea for 10 minutes backstage at Wembley Stadium on August 20. They talked about the stabbing incident at a Taylor Swift-themed children's party that left three kids dead, and sparked off a series of racially charged riots in July. Also read: British PM Keir Starmer's latest gaffe, calls for 'return of sausages' from Hamas captivity - WATCH But the sources who spoke to The Guardian said Starmer did not discuss the police motorcade convoy that had been given to Swift and her entourage. The prime minister's office has maintained that the decision to offer such protection to Swift was an operational matter taken by Scotland Yard, the UK's police department. The report comes amid initial refusal from Starmer's office to confirm if he had met Swift. Starmer was under pressure to share details of his brush-by with Swift after The Sun and others reported it, after he was invited to the concert at Wembley stadium on August 16 along with family by Universal Music. As required by parliament rules, Starmer declared that he got the tickets worth £2,800 for the concert. He later coughed up the money for it, after massive criticism that he had been accepting such freebies worth thousands of pounds. Taylor Swift VIP treatment in London. Why is it controversial? The issue is the decision by authorities to provide Swift a police convoy by the Special Escort Group or SEG. The elite group of the Metropolitan police was apparently brought in for Swift's security because she pulled out of her scheduled concerts in Vienna following a foiled Islamic State-inspired terror attack plot there. According to reports, Met Police was not interested in giving such treatment, but the decision was taken anyway after London Mayor Sadiq Khan and home secretary Yvette Cooper made representations about the negative economic fallout if Swift cancelled the London tour. Sue Gray, the now-former chief of staff of Starmer, was involved in the preparations, and Swift's mother Andrea personally coordinated the security details provided to her, claimed the reports. As the controversy mounted, a spokersperson for Starmer, while not denying that his office may have had 'conversation and dialogue' with Swift's team, characterised it as 'completely routine'. Starmer's appetite for 'freebies' is becoming a political liability for Labour As the controversies mounted over Starmer accepting gifts, donations and freebies, the UK PM repaid £598 for two tickets to Swift’s Wembley concert, which had earlier been paid for by the Football Association that also owns the stadium. Oddly enough, records showed that Starmer did not attend the concert, but his wife did. Also read: British PM Keir Starmer's wife attended two Taylor Swift concerts without paying a penny For a month now, Starmer and other senior Labour leaders have been accused of accepting lavish gifts and hospitality. The freebies declared by the Starmer government are worth more than 100,000 pounds and include tickets worth nearly 700 pounds for the Coldplay concert in Manchester. The freebie culture, however, is nothing new in British politics. The previous Tory regime had been accused of taking gifts worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, and giving Covid pandemic-related contracts to Conservative cronies and friends. But the problem is, Labour is expected to know and do better, having won this year's elections on the promise that it would be more in touch with the common folk, and a commitment to rein in the cost of living crisis in the UK. (With inputs from agencies)

Taylor Swift headache for Keir Starmer: PM office sources admit he met pop star backstage, say reports

<p>After some beach closures and tense hours over hundreds of black balls washing up on Australian sea shores, the mystery appears to have been solved.</p>

<p>Earlier reported to be the result of a possible oil spill in the ocean or even speculated as dinosaur eggs, the black objects have now been identified as tar balls, reports said on Wednesday (Oct 16).</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Oil spill in Trinidad &amp; Tobago; 10 miles of coastline affected due to oil spillage</strong></p>

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<p>A tar ball is a hardened blob of petroleum. It can form naturally or as a result of oil spills and after floating in the waters for long periods of time. They are considered a pollutant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-singapore-intensifies-clean-up-as-rare-oil-spill-prompts-closure-of-public-beach-732295/singapore-intensifies-clean-up-efforts-after-rare-oil-spill-732292"><strong>Also read: In pics | Singapore intensifies clean up as rare oil spill prompts closure of public beach</strong></a></p>

<p>Local news channel 9 News reported that Randwick City Council determined after tests that the objects were tar balls.</p>

<p>The council said preliminary test results from samples collected on Tuesday showed the balls were a hydrocarbon-based pollutant consistent with the makeup of tar balls, as was suspected, News.co.au said in an update.</p>

<p>Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said council staff were working to remove the balls from the beaches.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/typhoon-gaemi-causes-ship-sinkings-and-major-oil-spill-risk-in-manila-bay-744126"><strong>Also read: Typhoon Gaemi: Oil tanker and cargo ship sink, huge oil spill risk in Manila Bay</strong></a><br />
<br />
"Our community is rightfully very protective of our natural environment and this has been a very concerning incident," 9 News&nbsp;quoted Parker as saying.</p>

<p>Since Tuesday when the balls were first noticed by lifeguards in Sydney's iconic Coogee beach, authorities had closed access to it, as well as the nearby Gordons Bay beach. Both beaches remained closed as of&nbsp;Wednesday evening.</p>

<p>Cleaning crews are at work to clear the debris.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After some beach closures and tense hours over hundreds of black balls washing up on Australian sea shores, the mystery appears to have been solved. Earlier reported to be the result of a possible oil spill in the ocean or even speculated as dinosaur eggs, the black objects have now been identified as tar balls, reports said on Wednesday (Oct 16).

After some beach closures and tense hours over hundreds of black balls washing up on Australian sea shores, the mystery appears to have been solved. Earlier reported to be the result of a possible oil spill in the ocean or even speculated as dinosaur eggs, the black objects have now been identified as tar balls, reports said on Wednesday (Oct 16). Watch: Oil spill in Trinidad & Tobago; 10 miles of coastline affected due to oil spillage × A tar ball is a hardened blob of petroleum. It can form naturally or as a result of oil spills and after floating in the waters for long periods of time. They are considered a pollutant. Also read: In pics | Singapore intensifies clean up as rare oil spill prompts closure of public beach Local news channel 9 News reported that Randwick City Council determined after tests that the objects were tar balls. The council said preliminary test results from samples collected on Tuesday showed the balls were a hydrocarbon-based pollutant consistent with the makeup of tar balls, as was suspected, News.co.au said in an update. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said council staff were working to remove the balls from the beaches. Also read: Typhoon Gaemi: Oil tanker and cargo ship sink, huge oil spill risk in Manila Bay "Our community is rightfully very protective of our natural environment and this has been a very concerning incident," 9 News quoted Parker as saying. Since Tuesday when the balls were first noticed by lifeguards in Sydney's iconic Coogee beach, authorities had closed access to it, as well as the nearby Gordons Bay beach. Both beaches remained closed as of Wednesday evening. Cleaning crews are at work to clear the debris. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia solves mystery of black balls washing up after two Sydney beaches closed. Here is what they are

<p>One in seven Australian adults, including one in five women, have been victims of stalking in Australia, according to a shocking report released by the conuntry's statitics department on Wednesday (Oct 16).</p>

<p>The Australian Bureau of Statistc (ABS) found in its 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) that 2.7 million adults in the country faced some sort of stalking since the age of 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This includes one in 15 men, ABS said in a release, adding that women are eight times more likely to be stalked by a male than a female.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Gravitas: Man stalks woman from his plane</strong></p>

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<p>Particularly at risk are young women, students, those living on rent and those under financial stress, it noted.</p>

<p>In the last 10 years, one million women reported being stalked, mostly by men they knew, with 78 per cent of them stalked by an acquaintance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Out of these, 45 per cent were current or former partners.</p>

<p>“Half of the women who were stalked by a male intimate partner were assaulted or threatened with assault by that same partner,” said&nbsp;William Milne, ABS head of crime and justice statistics.</p>

<p>Th stalking behaviours included unwanted online or phone contact (78 per cent), loitering near the victim's location (60 per cent), and following or tracking them (53 per cent), ABS said in the release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-slater-ex-australia-opener-arrested-over-19-charges-related-to-assault-and-stalking-711498">Also read: Michael Slater, ex-Australia opener, arrested over 19 charges related to assault and stalking</a></strong><br />
<br />
At least half of the women said the stalking went on for more than a year, while 115,900 women said the it lasted more than three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study found that stalking is affecting the victims' social, home and work life, with 83 per cent reporting that at least one area of their life was impacted.</p>

<h2><strong>What is stalking?</strong></h2>

<p>As per ABS definition, stalking involves various behaviours, such as loitering and following with intention to cause fear or distress. To be classified as stalking, more than one type of behaviour had to occur, or the same type of behaviour in more than one occasion, as ABS.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-horror-accused-sanjay-roy-stalked-victim-earlier-cbi-investigating-broken-door-bolt-of-seminar-hall-752772">Also read: Kolkata horror: Accused Sanjay Roy stalked victim earlier; CBI investigating broken door bolt of seminar hall</a></strong></p>

<p>Following or tracking could include being watched in person, using electronic tracking devices like GPS tracking system, spyware or hacked or accessed email, social media or other online account without consent, said the release.</p>

<p>Inappropriate online posting and impersonation includes sharing on the internet some offensive or unwanted messages, images or personal information with aim to damage the victim's reputation, it said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


One in seven Australian adults, including one in five women, have been victims of stalking in Australia, according to a shocking report released by the conuntry's statitics department on Wednesday (Oct 16).

One in seven Australian adults, including one in five women, have been victims of stalking in Australia, according to a shocking report released by the conuntry's statitics department on Wednesday (Oct 16). The Australian Bureau of Statistc (ABS) found in its 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) that 2.7 million adults in the country faced some sort of stalking since the age of 15. This includes one in 15 men, ABS said in a release, adding that women are eight times more likely to be stalked by a male than a female. Watch: Gravitas: Man stalks woman from his plane × Particularly at risk are young women, students, those living on rent and those under financial stress, it noted. In the last 10 years, one million women reported being stalked, mostly by men they knew, with 78 per cent of them stalked by an acquaintance. Out of these, 45 per cent were current or former partners. “Half of the women who were stalked by a male intimate partner were assaulted or threatened with assault by that same partner,” said William Milne, ABS head of crime and justice statistics. Th stalking behaviours included unwanted online or phone contact (78 per cent), loitering near the victim's location (60 per cent), and following or tracking them (53 per cent), ABS said in the release. Also read: Michael Slater, ex-Australia opener, arrested over 19 charges related to assault and stalking At least half of the women said the stalking went on for more than a year, while 115,900 women said the it lasted more than three years. The study found that stalking is affecting the victims' social, home and work life, with 83 per cent reporting that at least one area of their life was impacted. What is stalking? As per ABS definition, stalking involves various behaviours, such as loitering and following with intention to cause fear or distress. To be classified as stalking, more than one type of behaviour had to occur, or the same type of behaviour in more than one occasion, as ABS. Also read: Kolkata horror: Accused Sanjay Roy stalked victim earlier; CBI investigating broken door bolt of seminar hall Following or tracking could include being watched in person, using electronic tracking devices like GPS tracking system, spyware or hacked or accessed email, social media or other online account without consent, said the release. Inappropriate online posting and impersonation includes sharing on the internet some offensive or unwanted messages, images or personal information with aim to damage the victim's reputation, it said. (With inputs from agencies)

One in 5 women, and one in 7 adults were stalked in this country, shocking data reveals

<p>In case of an attack by China on Taiwan's internet, the island nation will still be online, thanks to a satellite internet service it has developed.</p>

<p>It is similar to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet, which Taiwan had negotiated for before talks fell through. That happened because of Taiwan's insistence that a government entity must have a majority stake in any potential joint venture.</p>

<p>Taiwan has a war chest of $10 billion for developing a space industry that includes the satellite internet network. Part of that is for putting&nbsp;its first communications satellite into space, which is expected to happen&nbsp;by 2026.</p>

<p>Taiwan's satellite internet defence has been in the works for several years now and will be operational by the end of October.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: China-Taiwan Tensions: What Happens If China Invades Taiwan?</strong></p>

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<p>The democratic nation's main telecom firm Chunghwa said that the coverage will be provided in collaboration with a UK-European company Eutelsat OneWeb, for which a deal was signed in 2023, The Guardian reported.</p>

<p>The low earth orbit satellite or LEO internet service will be able to provide 24-hour coverage by the end of October and commercial access is expected to follow soon, according to Chungwa co-president Alex Chien cited in the report.</p>

<p>Taiwan, a democratically governed island, is seen by China as a breakaway region that should be annexed back to the mainland, by force if needed.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-spots-more-chinese-balloons-over-strait-accuses-beijing-of-psychological-warfare-ahead-of-elections-677750">Also read: Taiwan spots more Chinese balloons over strait, accuses Beijing of 'psychological warfare' ahead of elections</a></strong></p>

<p>A technology powerhouse, Taiwan has faced intense and consistent cyber attacks from China.</p>

<p>This is in addition to other threatening actions from China&nbsp;including its fighter jets violating Taiwan air space.</p>

<p>According to official data released on Tuesday (Oct 15), Taiwan spotted 153 Chinese military aircraft around its skies after China held military drills near the island.</p>

<p>The intimidation follows warnings from Beijing that it would crush any attempts at independence after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te vowed to resist annexation attempts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-president-lai-vows-to-resist-annexation-amid-chinas-growing-pressure-766370">Also read: &nbsp;Taiwan President Lai vows to resist annexation amid China's growing pressure</a></strong></p>

<p>The satellite internet service will utilise low earth orbit satellites, which are above the Earth in a range of 200 and 2,000 kilometres.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are thousands of LEO satellites, more than half of which are operated by Musk's Starlink.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In case of an attack by China on Taiwan's internet, the island nation will still be online, thanks to a satellite internet service it has developed. It is similar to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet, which Taiwan had negotiated for before talks fell through.

In case of an attack by China on Taiwan's internet, the island nation will still be online, thanks to a satellite internet service it has developed. It is similar to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet, which Taiwan had negotiated for before talks fell through. That happened because of Taiwan's insistence that a government entity must have a majority stake in any potential joint venture. Taiwan has a war chest of $10 billion for developing a space industry that includes the satellite internet network. Part of that is for putting its first communications satellite into space, which is expected to happen by 2026. Taiwan's satellite internet defence has been in the works for several years now and will be operational by the end of October. Watch: China-Taiwan Tensions: What Happens If China Invades Taiwan? × The democratic nation's main telecom firm Chunghwa said that the coverage will be provided in collaboration with a UK-European company Eutelsat OneWeb, for which a deal was signed in 2023, The Guardian reported. The low earth orbit satellite or LEO internet service will be able to provide 24-hour coverage by the end of October and commercial access is expected to follow soon, according to Chungwa co-president Alex Chien cited in the report. Taiwan, a democratically governed island, is seen by China as a breakaway region that should be annexed back to the mainland, by force if needed. Also read: Taiwan spots more Chinese balloons over strait, accuses Beijing of 'psychological warfare' ahead of elections A technology powerhouse, Taiwan has faced intense and consistent cyber attacks from China. This is in addition to other threatening actions from China including its fighter jets violating Taiwan air space. According to official data released on Tuesday (Oct 15), Taiwan spotted 153 Chinese military aircraft around its skies after China held military drills near the island. The intimidation follows warnings from Beijing that it would crush any attempts at independence after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te vowed to resist annexation attempts. Also read: Taiwan President Lai vows to resist annexation amid China's growing pressure The satellite internet service will utilise low earth orbit satellites, which are above the Earth in a range of 200 and 2,000 kilometres. There are thousands of LEO satellites, more than half of which are operated by Musk's Starlink. (With inputs from agencies)

China might kill Taiwan's internet in case of an attack, but Taipei has a plan B. Here it is

<p>How good is our sense of smell? The general perception is that human olfactory senses are poor when compared to many other animals like dogs. But now a study says that we can sniff out different odours much more accurately and faster.</p>

<p>Humans can distinguish between two odours presented within a single sniff much more rapidly than previously thought, according to the study published in Nature Human Behaviour Journal.</p>

<p>The study found that the human sense of smell is also attuned to rapid changes in odours, almost similar to how our eyes distinguish between different colours.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health?</strong></p>

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<p>The research used a new sniff-triggered apparatus that did a controlled delivery of odorants with a precision of 18 milliseconds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For context, a sniff in humans typically lasts one to three seconds.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/babies-use-scent-of-their-mothers-to-see-faces-of-people-study-742706"><strong>Also read: Babies use scent of their mothers to 'see' faces of people: Study</strong></a></p>

<p>The research led by Dr Wen Zhou from the Chinese Academy of Sciences tested 229 participants across 649 sessions.</p>

<p>They found the participants could distinguish two separate odours presented in just 60 milliseconds apart.</p>

<p>The ability to distinguish the odours improved with longer time gaps.</p>

<p>The researchers concluded that human olfactory sensitivity is not only quick but also nuanced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What's more, the ability to sniff out different smells does not rely on conscious knowledge or the amount of odour molecules present.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/dogs-are-altering-their-behaviour-after-smelling-stress-in-humans-study-743304">Also read: Dogs are altering their behaviour after smelling stress in humans: Study</a></strong><br />
<br />
In one experiment, two scents – an apple-like odour and a floral scent – were precisely sequenced and delivered in a controlled manner via tubes of varying lengths.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One scent was set to reach the nose around 120 to 180 milliseconds before the other.</p>

<p>The participants were correctly able to identify the smells, as well as tell which odour came first in 597 out of 952 trials, an accuracy of 63 per cent.</p>

<p>They got similar results when the trials were done on another 70 individuals with odours similar to lemon and onion.</p>

<p>So according to the study, we can sniff out smells at a timescale far faster than what was understood earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Overall, the discrimination between a pair of temporal mixtures is not dependent on accurately recognising the order of the constituent odorants,” said Zhou.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Instead, it seems to be driven by a mechanism that operates on a much faster timescale than that involved in the serial recognition of mixture components,” she was quoted as saying in The Guardian.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


How good is our sense of smell? The general perception is that human olfactory senses are poor when compared to many other animals like dogs. But now a study says that we can sniff out different odours much more accurately and faster.

How good is our sense of smell? The general perception is that human olfactory senses are poor when compared to many other animals like dogs. But now a study says that we can sniff out different odours much more accurately and faster. Humans can distinguish between two odours presented within a single sniff much more rapidly than previously thought, according to the study published in Nature Human Behaviour Journal. The study found that the human sense of smell is also attuned to rapid changes in odours, almost similar to how our eyes distinguish between different colours. Watch: Is sense of smell linked to cognitive health? × The research used a new sniff-triggered apparatus that did a controlled delivery of odorants with a precision of 18 milliseconds. For context, a sniff in humans typically lasts one to three seconds. Also read: Babies use scent of their mothers to 'see' faces of people: Study The research led by Dr Wen Zhou from the Chinese Academy of Sciences tested 229 participants across 649 sessions. They found the participants could distinguish two separate odours presented in just 60 milliseconds apart. The ability to distinguish the odours improved with longer time gaps. The researchers concluded that human olfactory sensitivity is not only quick but also nuanced. What's more, the ability to sniff out different smells does not rely on conscious knowledge or the amount of odour molecules present. Also read: Dogs are altering their behaviour after smelling stress in humans: Study In one experiment, two scents – an apple-like odour and a floral scent – were precisely sequenced and delivered in a controlled manner via tubes of varying lengths. One scent was set to reach the nose around 120 to 180 milliseconds before the other. The participants were correctly able to identify the smells, as well as tell which odour came first in 597 out of 952 trials, an accuracy of 63 per cent. They got similar results when the trials were done on another 70 individuals with odours similar to lemon and onion. So according to the study, we can sniff out smells at a timescale far faster than what was understood earlier. “Overall, the discrimination between a pair of temporal mixtures is not dependent on accurately recognising the order of the constituent odorants,” said Zhou. “Instead, it seems to be driven by a mechanism that operates on a much faster timescale than that involved in the serial recognition of mixture components,” she was quoted as saying in The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Our sense of smell may not be as good as dogs', but we are better than earlier thought, says study

<p>A new cervical cancer treatment that can cut the risk of death by 40 per cent in patients has been found, the most significant improvement in treating this type of cancer that affects millions of women.</p>

<p>Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, the INTERLACE trial showed that a small course of chemotherapy before the standard chemoradiation treatment can reduce the risk of death by 40 per cent, and cut recurrence chances by 35 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: QUAD's 'Cancer Moonshot' Plan Explained: Initiative To Prevent Cervical Cancer</strong></p>

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<p>Cervical cancer treatment currently involves chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.</p>

<p>The new findings indicate that six weeks of induction chemotherapy before CRT can improve survival rates, much before opting for surgery.</p>

<p>The treatment was given to a group of patients five years ago, and 80 per cent of them are still alive, said Cancer Research UK on its website. Among the test participants, the cancer did not come back for 73 per cent.</p>

<p>Dr Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK stressed that timing is important in treating cervical cancer. “The simple act of adding induction chemotherapy to the start of chemoradiation treatment for cervical cancer has delivered remarkable results in this trial.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/cervical-cancer-experts-tell-importance-of-symptoms-and-preventive-measures-a-must-read-for-all-women-683639">Also read: Cervical Cancer: Experts talk about preventive measures. A must-read for all women</a></strong></p>

<p>Two already approved chemotherapy medicines were used, which are affordable and easily available, which makes the test treatment significant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is the biggest improvement in outcome in this disease in over 20 years,”&nbsp;Dr Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial from University College London’s Cancer Institute and University College London Hospital said.</p>

<p>“I’m incredibly proud of all the patients who participated in the trial; their contribution has allowed us to gather the evidence needed to improve treatment of cervical cancer patients everywhere,” Cancer Research UK quoted her as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-what-is-cervical-cancer-expert-answers-as-spotlight-turns-to-disease-after-poonam-pandeys-reported-death-686377">Also read: What is cervical cancer? Expert answers as spotlight turns to disease after Poonam Pandey's death stunt</a></strong><br />
<br />
&nbsp;As per data from WHO, 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths were reported across the world in 2022.</p>

<p>Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated at the early stages.</p>

<p>Cost-effective preventive strategies include prophylactic vaccination and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new cervical cancer treatment that can cut the risk of death by 40 per cent in patients has been found, the most significant improvement in treating this type of cancer that affects millions of women.

A new cervical cancer treatment that can cut the risk of death by 40 per cent in patients has been found, the most significant improvement in treating this type of cancer that affects millions of women. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, according to the World Health Organization. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to Cancer Research UK, which funded the research, the INTERLACE trial showed that a small course of chemotherapy before the standard chemoradiation treatment can reduce the risk of death by 40 per cent, and cut recurrence chances by 35 per cent. Watch: QUAD's 'Cancer Moonshot' Plan Explained: Initiative To Prevent Cervical Cancer × Cervical cancer treatment currently involves chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The new findings indicate that six weeks of induction chemotherapy before CRT can improve survival rates, much before opting for surgery. The treatment was given to a group of patients five years ago, and 80 per cent of them are still alive, said Cancer Research UK on its website. Among the test participants, the cancer did not come back for 73 per cent. Dr Iain Foulkes from Cancer Research UK stressed that timing is important in treating cervical cancer. “The simple act of adding induction chemotherapy to the start of chemoradiation treatment for cervical cancer has delivered remarkable results in this trial.” Also read: Cervical Cancer: Experts talk about preventive measures. A must-read for all women Two already approved chemotherapy medicines were used, which are affordable and easily available, which makes the test treatment significant. “This is the biggest improvement in outcome in this disease in over 20 years,” Dr Mary McCormack, the lead investigator of the trial from University College London’s Cancer Institute and University College London Hospital said. “I’m incredibly proud of all the patients who participated in the trial; their contribution has allowed us to gather the evidence needed to improve treatment of cervical cancer patients everywhere,” Cancer Research UK quoted her as saying. Also read: What is cervical cancer? Expert answers as spotlight turns to disease after Poonam Pandey's death stunt As per data from WHO, 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and 350,000 deaths were reported across the world in 2022. Cervical cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated at the early stages. Cost-effective preventive strategies include prophylactic vaccination and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions. (With inputs from agencies)

Cervical cancer treatment breakthrough that can cut risk of death by 40 per cent found

<p>If you exercise regularly and are still not losing weight, it could be because you do not have 'skinny genes'.</p>

<p>According to a new study, some so-called skinny genes are responsible for how our bodies respond to exercise.</p>

<p>The researchers from the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University found that there are 14 skinny genes that influence weight loss.</p>

<p>"We hypothesised that eight weeks of endurance training could reduce body mass, but participants would improve at different rates, and that this could be explained, in part, by their genetic differences," wrote the researchers in the study.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;The right reasons to exercise: Decoding health and fitness myths</strong></p>

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<p>They examined 38 subjects aged 23 to 40. The volunteers were divided into an exercise group and a control group.</p>

<p>Their exercise regimen&nbsp;was monitored for eight weeks, during which one group completed a running programme of 20 to 30 minutes per week while the control group remained inactive.</p>

<p>The results made the researchers posit that genetic differences were behind the difference in the weight loss, though all followed the same training regimen.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/exercise-drug-will-deliver-the-benefits-of-working-out-minus-the-work-766367"><strong>Also read: 'Exercise drug' will deliver the benefits of working out minus the work</strong></a></p>

<p>Those with some specific gene variants lost an average of five kilogrammes as opposed to two kg weight loss for those without these variants.</p>

<p>The gene PPARGC1A, which is linked to energy metabolism, was present in those who lost the most weight, found the study published in the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport.</p>

<p>PPARGC1A is associated with the way our cells process and manage energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>DNA analysis showed that 17 specific single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs were linked to the differences in weight loss.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sit-stand-exercise-and-sleep-this-much-every-day-for-tip-top-health-717985"><strong>Also read: Sit, stand, exercise and sleep this much every day for tip-top health</strong></a></p>

<p>This led the researchers to suggest that people with these genetic variants are capable of better weight management through exercise.</p>

<p>Significantly, they also found that five skinny genes affect mental health, such as depression and intelligence.</p>

<h2><strong>Does it mean you can't lose weight? No. </strong></h2>

<p>What the researchers are suggesting is that 'one size fits all' approach will not work when trying to lose weight through fitness regimens.</p>

<p>Our bodies are unique, and personalised approaches are needed for each of us for seeing benefits of excercise, as genetics can affect its effectiveness.<br />
<br />
"This study highlighted some important genes associated with taking inches off the jeans, but it's important to remember that the genes will do nothing without exercise and lifestyle changes as they are all interlinked," exercise scientist Henry Chung from the University of Essex said.</p>

<p>"Without intervention, they won't show their true potential and then it doesn't matter what genes you have," he was quoted as saying in ScienceAlert.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


If you exercise regularly and are still not losing weight, it could be because you do not have 'skinny genes'. According to a new study, some so-called skinny genes are responsible for how our bodies respond to exercise.

If you exercise regularly and are still not losing weight, it could be because you do not have 'skinny genes'. According to a new study, some so-called skinny genes are responsible for how our bodies respond to exercise. The researchers from the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University found that there are 14 skinny genes that influence weight loss. "We hypothesised that eight weeks of endurance training could reduce body mass, but participants would improve at different rates, and that this could be explained, in part, by their genetic differences," wrote the researchers in the study. Watch: The right reasons to exercise: Decoding health and fitness myths × They examined 38 subjects aged 23 to 40. The volunteers were divided into an exercise group and a control group. Their exercise regimen was monitored for eight weeks, during which one group completed a running programme of 20 to 30 minutes per week while the control group remained inactive. The results made the researchers posit that genetic differences were behind the difference in the weight loss, though all followed the same training regimen. Also read: 'Exercise drug' will deliver the benefits of working out minus the work Those with some specific gene variants lost an average of five kilogrammes as opposed to two kg weight loss for those without these variants. The gene PPARGC1A, which is linked to energy metabolism, was present in those who lost the most weight, found the study published in the Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. PPARGC1A is associated with the way our cells process and manage energy. DNA analysis showed that 17 specific single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs were linked to the differences in weight loss. Also read: Sit, stand, exercise and sleep this much every day for tip-top health This led the researchers to suggest that people with these genetic variants are capable of better weight management through exercise. Significantly, they also found that five skinny genes affect mental health, such as depression and intelligence. Does it mean you can't lose weight? No. What the researchers are suggesting is that 'one size fits all' approach will not work when trying to lose weight through fitness regimens. Our bodies are unique, and personalised approaches are needed for each of us for seeing benefits of excercise, as genetics can affect its effectiveness. "This study highlighted some important genes associated with taking inches off the jeans, but it's important to remember that the genes will do nothing without exercise and lifestyle changes as they are all interlinked," exercise scientist Henry Chung from the University of Essex said. "Without intervention, they won't show their true potential and then it doesn't matter what genes you have," he was quoted as saying in ScienceAlert. (With inputs from agencies)

Exercising but not losing weight? You may not have 'skinny genes', say scientists

<p>You can get pregnant by having a cough medicine, claim some women in TikTok. Like many other health hacks and 'home remedies', this has been going viral on the video-sharing platform, but medical experts are throwing in some reality checks now.</p>

<p>The medicine doing the rounds as a fertility treatment is Mucinex, or more specifically, the ingredient guaifenesin, which clears mucus and phlegm from the chest.</p>

<p>The 'Mucinex Method' claims have been doing the rounds for months now, with millions of views and even a hashtag #mucinexdpregnancy on TikTok.</p>

<p>In one such TikTok video, a woman said she took the medicine 30 minutes before sexual intercourse and it worked. Any kind of Mucinex or medicine with guaifenesin will work, claimed Amanda MacGibbon, a lifestyle influencer.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-key-part-of-womens-brains-is-shrinking-by-80-during-pregnancy-creating-permanent-etchings-study-759326">Also read:&nbsp; A key part of women's brains is shrinking by 80% during pregnancy, creating 'permanent etchings': Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Now, writing in The Conversation, two medical experts have sought to dispel the unusual medical properties being attributed to Mucinex, which is manufactured by Reckitt.</p>

<p>Adam Watkins from the University of Nottingham and Emma Lucas from the University of Sheffield say that there's little scientific evidence to back the claim that Mucinex is good for fertility.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Metabolic changes mapped by scientists to regulate pregnancy health</strong></p>

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<p>The most cited study is also outdated. Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the&nbsp;1982 study involved 40 couples, pointed out the experts.</p>

<p>The female subjects of the study took 200mg of guaifenesin three times per day from the fifth day of their menstruation onwards.</p>

<p>Eventually, 15 out of 40 couples had babies. But there's a catch. This group of couples were not compared with a set of subjects who did not take guaifenesin, meaning there was no control group to countercheck the results.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/pregnancy-can-make-you-age-faster-says-new-study-709459">Also read: Pregnancy takes a toll on the biological age of women: Study</a></strong><br />
<br />
There was also a study on a 32-year-old man who saw a dramatic increase in sperm production and motility after taking 600mg of guaifenesin twice a day for two months. However, a single individual cannot be taken as a case study for a medical breakthrough, noted the experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reckitt, the pharma giant, had said that Mucinex should be used only "in line with label directions" as intended, which means taking it as a fertility treatment amounts to off-label use.</p>

<h2><strong>So, how to get pregnant?</strong></h2>

<p>Approved fertility medication and treatment, as well as changes in diet and lifestyle are crucial for becoming pregnant, noted the experts.<br />
<br />
They suggested avoiding smoking, limiting the use of alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and lowering stress as other ways to help achieve the desired result.</p>

<p>Consulting your physician is the simplest and best way, they concluded.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


You can get pregnant by having a cough medicine, claim some women in TikTok. Like many other health hacks and 'home remedies', this has been going viral on the video-sharing platform, but medical experts are throwing in some reality checks now.

You can get pregnant by having a cough medicine, claim some women in TikTok. Like many other health hacks and 'home remedies', this has been going viral on the video-sharing platform, but medical experts are throwing in some reality checks now. The medicine doing the rounds as a fertility treatment is Mucinex, or more specifically, the ingredient guaifenesin, which clears mucus and phlegm from the chest. The 'Mucinex Method' claims have been doing the rounds for months now, with millions of views and even a hashtag #mucinexdpregnancy on TikTok. In one such TikTok video, a woman said she took the medicine 30 minutes before sexual intercourse and it worked. Any kind of Mucinex or medicine with guaifenesin will work, claimed Amanda MacGibbon, a lifestyle influencer. Also read: A key part of women's brains is shrinking by 80% during pregnancy, creating 'permanent etchings': Study Now, writing in The Conversation, two medical experts have sought to dispel the unusual medical properties being attributed to Mucinex, which is manufactured by Reckitt. Adam Watkins from the University of Nottingham and Emma Lucas from the University of Sheffield say that there's little scientific evidence to back the claim that Mucinex is good for fertility. Watch: Metabolic changes mapped by scientists to regulate pregnancy health × The most cited study is also outdated. Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the 1982 study involved 40 couples, pointed out the experts. The female subjects of the study took 200mg of guaifenesin three times per day from the fifth day of their menstruation onwards. Eventually, 15 out of 40 couples had babies. But there's a catch. This group of couples were not compared with a set of subjects who did not take guaifenesin, meaning there was no control group to countercheck the results. Also read: Pregnancy takes a toll on the biological age of women: Study There was also a study on a 32-year-old man who saw a dramatic increase in sperm production and motility after taking 600mg of guaifenesin twice a day for two months. However, a single individual cannot be taken as a case study for a medical breakthrough, noted the experts. Reckitt, the pharma giant, had said that Mucinex should be used only "in line with label directions" as intended, which means taking it as a fertility treatment amounts to off-label use. So, how to get pregnant? Approved fertility medication and treatment, as well as changes in diet and lifestyle are crucial for becoming pregnant, noted the experts. They suggested avoiding smoking, limiting the use of alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and lowering stress as other ways to help achieve the desired result. Consulting your physician is the simplest and best way, they concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Cough medicine can help women get pregnant, say some on TikTok. Experts say...

<p>Donald Trump is livid at his portrayal in the new film <em>The Apprentice</em>, and the director has responded to the Republican presidential candidate's rant, thanking him for helping in its publicity.</p>

<p>In a Truth Social post&nbsp;on Monday (Oct 13), Trump called the film a "fake and classless movie". He wondered if the makers had the right to use the name without approval, as&nbsp;<em>The Apprentice</em> was also the name of his reality show back in the day.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Another Assassination Attempt On Trump?</strong></p>

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<p>Wishing that the film will 'hopefully bomb', the former US president called it a "cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job, put out right before the 2024 Presidential Election, to try and hurt the Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Disagreeing with the portrayal of his former wife in the film, he said Ivana "was a kind and wonderful person, and I had a great relationship with her until the day she died."</p>

<p>"The writer of this pile of garbage, Gabe Sherman, a lowlife and talentless hack, who has long been widely discredited, knew that, but chose to ignore it," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harris-labels-trump-unstable-unhinged-over-enemy-within-comment-puts-him-on-big-screen-in-pennsylvania-767499">Also read: Harris labels Trump 'unstable, unhinged' over 'enemy within' comment, puts him on big screen in Pennsylvania</a></strong></p>

<p>"So sad that HUMAN SCUM, like the people involved in this hopefully unsuccessful enterprise, are allowed to say and do whatever they want in order to hurt a Political Movement, which is far bigger than any of us," Trump said.</p>

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<h2><strong>The Apprentice: What is the film about?</strong></h2>

<p><em>The Apprentice,</em> directed by Ali Abbasi narrates the life of Trump as a New York real estate businessman mentored by Roy Cohn. Trump is portrayed by Sebastian Stan while Jeremy Strong of <em>Succession</em> fame&nbsp;plays Cohn. Maria Bakalova features as Ivana Trump.</p>

<p>Having premiered at the Cannes Festival this May, <em>The Apprentice</em> is now running in theatres. Ahead of its Cannes screening, the Trump campaign had even threatened to sue the film's makers, calling it 'pure fiction'.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-goes-full-trump-challenges-78-year-old-republican-to-reveal-his-health-report-766957"><strong>Also read: Kamala Harris goes full Trump, challenges 78-year-old Republican to reveal his health report</strong></a></p>

<p>“We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers. This garbage is pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked," said the campaign in a statement at the time, while calling the movie an "election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House."</p>

<h2><strong>What did the director say about Trump's reaction to The Apprentice?</strong></h2>

<p>In a chat with TMZ, director Ali Abbasi said Trump's rants are helping the film. "Thanks to him, we get better publicity and we get more people to come and watch it now. So, I'm grateful," he told the entertainment website.</p>

<p>Separately in a post on X, Abbasi wrote: “Thanks for getting back to us, Donald Trump. I am available to talk further if you want.”</p>

<p>The film, as Trump wished, is not a box office hit, having collected only $1.5 million in its opening weekend, according to reports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Donald Trump is livid at his portrayal in the new film The Apprentice, and the director has responded to the Republican presidential candidate's rant, thanking him for helping in its publicity.

Donald Trump is livid at his portrayal in the new film The Apprentice, and the director has responded to the Republican presidential candidate's rant, thanking him for helping in its publicity. In a Truth Social post on Monday (Oct 13), Trump called the film a "fake and classless movie". He wondered if the makers had the right to use the name without approval, as The Apprentice was also the name of his reality show back in the day. Watch: Another Assassination Attempt On Trump? × Wishing that the film will 'hopefully bomb', the former US president called it a "cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job, put out right before the 2024 Presidential Election, to try and hurt the Greatest Political Movement in the History of our Country, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Disagreeing with the portrayal of his former wife in the film, he said Ivana "was a kind and wonderful person, and I had a great relationship with her until the day she died." "The writer of this pile of garbage, Gabe Sherman, a lowlife and talentless hack, who has long been widely discredited, knew that, but chose to ignore it," he added. Also read: Harris labels Trump 'unstable, unhinged' over 'enemy within' comment, puts him on big screen in Pennsylvania "So sad that HUMAN SCUM, like the people involved in this hopefully unsuccessful enterprise, are allowed to say and do whatever they want in order to hurt a Political Movement, which is far bigger than any of us," Trump said. × The Apprentice: What is the film about? The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi narrates the life of Trump as a New York real estate businessman mentored by Roy Cohn. Trump is portrayed by Sebastian Stan while Jeremy Strong of Succession fame plays Cohn. Maria Bakalova features as Ivana Trump. Having premiered at the Cannes Festival this May, The Apprentice is now running in theatres. Ahead of its Cannes screening, the Trump campaign had even threatened to sue the film's makers, calling it 'pure fiction'. Also read: Kamala Harris goes full Trump, challenges 78-year-old Republican to reveal his health report “We will be filing a lawsuit to address the blatantly false assertions from these pretend filmmakers. This garbage is pure fiction which sensationalizes lies that have been long debunked," said the campaign in a statement at the time, while calling the movie an "election interference by Hollywood elites, who know that President Trump will retake the White House." What did the director say about Trump's reaction to The Apprentice? In a chat with TMZ, director Ali Abbasi said Trump's rants are helping the film. "Thanks to him, we get better publicity and we get more people to come and watch it now. So, I'm grateful," he told the entertainment website. Separately in a post on X, Abbasi wrote: “Thanks for getting back to us, Donald Trump. I am available to talk further if you want.” The film, as Trump wished, is not a box office hit, having collected only $1.5 million in its opening weekend, according to reports. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump is livid at his portrayal in new biopic The Apprentice, calls it a hatchet job; director says...

<p>Humans handed over the baton of music to a robot, quite literally: A three-armed robot conducted a symphony orchestra over the weekend in Germany, in a jaw-dropping fusion of art and technology.</p>

<p>The robot, MAiRA Pro S, led the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra in the concert 'Robotersinfonie', held to mark the ensemble's 25th anniversary.</p>

<p><strong>Watch it here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">Roboter-Dirigent mit Taktstöcken in Laserschwert-Manier: In der "Robotersinfonie" der Dresdner Sinfoniker hat zwar der Mensch die kreative Kontrolle - doch die Grenzen werden fließender.<a href="https://t.co/BNlq8k4uSD">https://t.co/BNlq8k4uSD</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y2fhycNKnc">pic.twitter.com/Y2fhycNKnc</a></p>
— WDR aktuell (@WDRaktuell) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDRaktuell/status/1845457337886048345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>MAiRA Pro S conducted music through its three lightsaber-like arms. Each arm was assigned to different sections of the orchestra, thus enabling intricate rhythmic coordination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch : China's robots enhancing human capabilities</strong></p>

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<p>The Robot Symphony concert at Festspielhaus Hellerau had three world premieres.</p>

<p>One was “#kreuzknoten” by Wieland Reissmann, which required the robot to navigate overlapping tempos.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/researchers-turn-horror-story-to-reality-develop-cyborg-jizai-arms-that-can-be-strapped-on-watch-609090">Also read: Japanese researchers turn horror story to reality, develop cyborg 'Jizai Arms' that can be strapped on. Watch!</a></strong><br />
<br />
It also performed "Semiconductor's Masterpiece," a work by composer-pianist Andreas Gundlach, which drew on the robot's&nbsp;ability to guide three sections of the orchestra separately through its separate arms, DW News said in a report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last performance was of "Musica Celestis" by Aaron J Kernis for which the conductor and robot appeared side by side.</p>

<p>Developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Dresden, the technology can execute complex musical pieces that human conductors would find impossible to perform.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/robots-set-to-clean-international-airport-in-thiruvananthapuram-in-what-could-be-a-first-for-india-741663"><strong>Also read: Robots set to clean international airport in Thiruvananthapuram in what could be a first for India</strong></a></p>

<p>Artistic director Markus Rindt trained the robot over two years, using the same techniques for teaching human conductors.</p>

<p>The intention was not to replace human conductors but to explore new artistic possibilities Rindt said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Humans handed over the baton of music to a robot, quite literally: A three-armed robot conducted a symphony orchestra over the weekend in Germany, in a jaw-dropping fusion of art and technology.

Humans handed over the baton of music to a robot, quite literally: A three-armed robot conducted a symphony orchestra over the weekend in Germany, in a jaw-dropping fusion of art and technology. The robot, MAiRA Pro S, led the Dresdner Sinfoniker orchestra in the concert 'Robotersinfonie', held to mark the ensemble's 25th anniversary. Watch it here: Roboter-Dirigent mit Taktstöcken in Laserschwert-Manier: In der "Robotersinfonie" der Dresdner Sinfoniker hat zwar der Mensch die kreative Kontrolle - doch die Grenzen werden fließender.https://t.co/BNlq8k4uSD pic.twitter.com/Y2fhycNKnc — WDR aktuell (@WDRaktuell) October 13, 2024 × MAiRA Pro S conducted music through its three lightsaber-like arms. Each arm was assigned to different sections of the orchestra, thus enabling intricate rhythmic coordination. Watch : China's robots enhancing human capabilities × The Robot Symphony concert at Festspielhaus Hellerau had three world premieres. One was “#kreuzknoten” by Wieland Reissmann, which required the robot to navigate overlapping tempos. Also read: Japanese researchers turn horror story to reality, develop cyborg 'Jizai Arms' that can be strapped on. Watch! It also performed "Semiconductor's Masterpiece," a work by composer-pianist Andreas Gundlach, which drew on the robot's ability to guide three sections of the orchestra separately through its separate arms, DW News said in a report. The last performance was of "Musica Celestis" by Aaron J Kernis for which the conductor and robot appeared side by side. Developed in collaboration with the Technical University of Dresden, the technology can execute complex musical pieces that human conductors would find impossible to perform. Also read: Robots set to clean international airport in Thiruvananthapuram in what could be a first for India Artistic director Markus Rindt trained the robot over two years, using the same techniques for teaching human conductors. The intention was not to replace human conductors but to explore new artistic possibilities Rindt said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Three-armed robot conducts orchestra with 'lightsaber' baton - Is this the future of music?

<p><strong>Israel targets UNIFIL:</strong> During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL. The UN secretary-general warned that the attacks that injured at least five of the 'Blue Helmets' could amount to a war crime.</p>

<p>UNIFIL personnel and its premises "must never be targeted," said a spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that such attacks breach international law and may constitute a war crime.</p>

<p>The entrance door of a UN position "was deliberately breached by IDF armoured vehicles," the spokesperson said on Sunday (Oct 13) in a statement, describing it as a "deeply worrying incident."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What is United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL?</strong></h2>

<p>UNIFIL, though it has 'interim' in its name, is one of the oldest and most longstanding peacekeeping deployments of the UN in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Deployed for more than 46 years, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established on 19 March 1978 through UN Security Council resolutions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The immediate reason was the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, which happened in the larger context of the Lebanese civil war. This so-called First Israeli invasion of Lebanon was in response to a massacre near Tel Aviv by Palestinian militants based out of Lebanon.</p>

<p>UNIFIL's mandate was expanded over the years to include the demilitarisation of Hezbollah and supporting the Lebanese Army in its fight against insurgents and arms smuggling. Besides confirming Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restoration of the Lebanese government's authority in the region,&nbsp;UNIFIL is also mandated to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilian populations, as well as the safe return of displaced persons.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-intercepts-about-five-projectiles-from-lebanon-top-updates-767006">Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates</a></strong><br />
<br />
The UNIFIL's mandate is renewed every year by the UNSC, with the last extension having taken place this August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNIFIL is funded annually by the General Assembly, with its approved budget as of 2022 crossing $510 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNIFIL currently has 10,541 personnel from 46 nations, which includes 9,532 soldiers, 207 staff officers, 553 local civilians and 249 international civilians.</p>

<p>Indonesia and India are the top countries contributing troops and police to the mission, having sent 1,234 and 895 personnel respectively as of April 2024.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-warns-to-attack-ambulances-in-southern-lebanon-claims-hezbollah-misusing-them-766935">Also read: Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them</a></p>

<p>The UN peacekeepers are also mandated to protect and ensure freedom of movement of UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment in the area.</p>

<p>UNIFIL personnel can resist attempts to prevent it from discharging its duties.</p>

<p>According to the UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL lost 334 of its personnel since its inception in various clashes and incidents.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel targets UNIFIL: During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL.

Israel targets UNIFIL: During its ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah militants this month, Israel Defence Forces fired at the bases and peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL. The UN secretary-general warned that the attacks that injured at least five of the 'Blue Helmets' could amount to a war crime. UNIFIL personnel and its premises "must never be targeted," said a spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, adding that such attacks breach international law and may constitute a war crime. The entrance door of a UN position "was deliberately breached by IDF armoured vehicles," the spokesperson said on Sunday (Oct 13) in a statement, describing it as a "deeply worrying incident." Watch: France, Italy And Spain Condemn Targeting Of UNIFIL By IDF × What is United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon or UNIFIL? UNIFIL, though it has 'interim' in its name, is one of the oldest and most longstanding peacekeeping deployments of the UN in the world. Deployed for more than 46 years, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was established on 19 March 1978 through UN Security Council resolutions. The immediate reason was the aftermath of the Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon, which happened in the larger context of the Lebanese civil war. This so-called First Israeli invasion of Lebanon was in response to a massacre near Tel Aviv by Palestinian militants based out of Lebanon. UNIFIL's mandate was expanded over the years to include the demilitarisation of Hezbollah and supporting the Lebanese Army in its fight against insurgents and arms smuggling. Besides confirming Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restoration of the Lebanese government's authority in the region, UNIFIL is also mandated to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilian populations, as well as the safe return of displaced persons. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel intercepts about five projectiles from Lebanon- Top updates The UNIFIL's mandate is renewed every year by the UNSC, with the last extension having taken place this August. UNIFIL is funded annually by the General Assembly, with its approved budget as of 2022 crossing $510 million. UNIFIL currently has 10,541 personnel from 46 nations, which includes 9,532 soldiers, 207 staff officers, 553 local civilians and 249 international civilians. Indonesia and India are the top countries contributing troops and police to the mission, having sent 1,234 and 895 personnel respectively as of April 2024. Also read: Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them The UN peacekeepers are also mandated to protect and ensure freedom of movement of UN personnel, facilities, installations and equipment in the area. UNIFIL personnel can resist attempts to prevent it from discharging its duties. According to the UN Peacekeepers, UNIFIL lost 334 of its personnel since its inception in various clashes and incidents. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's attacks on UN peacekeepers could be 'war crime'. What's United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon?

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