The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP.

Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-records-first-recent-case-of-monkeypox-in-a-british-flight-attendant-490715">Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant</a>

Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations.

Watch |&nbsp;WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name

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According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-virus-cdc-issues-sex-guidelines-on-monkeypox-why-india-should-get-battle-ready-for-monkeypox-490589">Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox</a>

More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year.&nbsp;

Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus.

A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19.

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP. Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic. Also read | Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations. Watch | WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV. Also read | Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year. Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus. A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency

Seems like all is not well between media mogul Rupert Murdoch and model-actor Jerry Hall. The couple is divorcing after six years of marriage, according to Variety. In 2016, the 91-year-old media mogul and the 65-year-old model married. It was Murdoch's fourth marriage. From 1999 to 2013, he was married to Wendi Deng, from 1967 to 1999, to Anna Maria Torv, and from 1956 to 1967, to Patricia Booker. Hall, who also acted in such films as Tim Burton's 'Batman' and starred as Mrs. Robinson in a Broadway production of 'The Graduate,' had been married to Mick Jagger, the rock star and lead singer of the Rolling Stones.&nbsp;

Across their marriages, Murdoch and Hall have 10 children. Murdoch, the CEO and chairman of Fox`s parent company, Newscorp, was so happy about his fourth marriage, that he took to Twitter at the time and said, "No more tweets for ten days or ever! Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world." During the marriage, Murdoch orchestrated the sale of most of 21st Century Fox to The Walt Disney Company in 2019 in a deal valued at $71.3 billion.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-singer-luke-combs-wife-nicole-combsblessed-with-a-baby-boy-shares-adorable-family-pic-490667">Singer Luke Combs, wife Nicole Combs&nbsp;blessed with a baby boy, see adorable family pic</a>

However, he continues to serve as chairman of Fox Corporation, a publicly-traded entity that owns Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Television Stations, Fox News, Fox Business and Fox Sports. Murdoch and Hall have not officially announced their separation yet.&nbsp;

Seems like all is not well between media mogul Rupert Murdoch and model-actor Jerry Hall. The couple is divorcing after six years of marriage, according to Variety.

Seems like all is not well between media mogul Rupert Murdoch and model-actor Jerry Hall. The couple is divorcing after six years of marriage, according to Variety. In 2016, the 91-year-old media mogul and the 65-year-old model married. It was Murdoch's fourth marriage. From 1999 to 2013, he was married to Wendi Deng, from 1967 to 1999, to Anna Maria Torv, and from 1956 to 1967, to Patricia Booker. Hall, who also acted in such films as Tim Burton's 'Batman' and starred as Mrs. Robinson in a Broadway production of 'The Graduate,' had been married to Mick Jagger, the rock star and lead singer of the Rolling Stones. Across their marriages, Murdoch and Hall have 10 children. Murdoch, the CEO and chairman of Fox`s parent company, Newscorp, was so happy about his fourth marriage, that he took to Twitter at the time and said, "No more tweets for ten days or ever! Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world." During the marriage, Murdoch orchestrated the sale of most of 21st Century Fox to The Walt Disney Company in 2019 in a deal valued at $71.3 billion. Also Read: Singer Luke Combs, wife Nicole Combs blessed with a baby boy, see adorable family pic However, he continues to serve as chairman of Fox Corporation, a publicly-traded entity that owns Fox Broadcasting Company, Fox Television Stations, Fox News, Fox Business and Fox Sports. Murdoch and Hall have not officially announced their separation yet.

Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, wife Jerry Hall to end their six years of marriage

India's northeastern state of Assam is suffering from heavy flooding. All major rivers are in spate, affecting over 5&nbsp;million people and claiming 11 more lives. Bank erosion caused by the river Brahmaputra is one of the major reasons why Assam gets flooded every year. Due to erosion, the width of the river increases and it changes its course. Meanwhile, a video is becoming viral of a newborn baby being moved safely in a basket, which people said reminded them of Lord Krishna. The government and national disaster agencies are constantly giving Asaam floods updates and requesting people to stay indoors. Barpeta is the worst-hit district with over 1.2 million people being affected due to floods in the area. This was followed by Darrang with over 400,000 people hit by the deluge and Nagaon with over 440,000 people affected. Authorities are running 1,425 relief camps and distribution centres in over 25 districts. Also, 3.4 million animals remain affected in inundated areas, while 5,232 have been washed away by floods.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bts-army-gather-more-than-8000-for-assam-flood-relief-funds-314296">&nbsp;BTS 'Army' gather more than $8,000 for Assam flood relief funds</a>

<h2> 
Death Toll rises to 89&nbsp;and over 5&nbsp;Million Affected people&nbsp;</h2>

Assam reported seven more deaths, which include three children on Tuesday. In the past 24 hours, 11 people have died, including 2 children, increasing the death toll to 89. Besides, seven more people went missing across five districts, the Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in its report. Rescue operations are underway. Over 1 lakh people are displaced.&nbsp;Three new fatalities were recorded in Darrang, two in Nagaon -- police personnel who got washed away while trying to rescue marooned people, and one each in Cachar, Dibrugarh, Hailakandi, Hojai, Kamrup and Lakhimpur. Seven people were reported missing, with two each in Udalguri and Kamrup and one each in Cachar, Darrang and Lakhimpur.

<h2>Check all the latest updates related to Assam Floods</h2>

 
Army led rescue operations are also going on in Assam. An army team helped evacuate a cancer patient in her 40s, stuck at her flooded home in Kamrup district’s Palepara vilage for three days, and sent her to an advanced healthcare centre in Guwahati. Three people in their 90s were also evacuated to safety from Kadamtola and Holapara village in Baksa district. They have rescued over a 100 people.&nbsp; 
Over 10,000 people have been rendered homeless in Tripura due to the flooding caused by incessant rainfall since Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called up Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to enquire about the state of affairs, officials said. However, the situation has deteriorated further on Monday with the death toll rising. In all, 810 relief camps and 615 relief distribution centres have been opened in all the affected areas. According to a report by ASDMA, a total of 2,31,819 people are staying in the relief camps while over 1,13,485 hectares of crops have been damaged. The water in five rivers -- Brahmaputra, Kopili, Beki, Pagladiya, Puthimari -- is flowing above the danger level at several places.

Watch |&nbsp;Assam floods: Situation worsens in India's Northeast as half a million affected across 27 districts

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Assam Chief Miinster, Himanta Biswa Sharma tweeted about the rescue operations,&nbsp;

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An NDRF team from Bhubaneswar just landed at Silchar airport to help the administration intensify rescue &amp; relief operation in the flood-affected town. 
 
My gratitude to Adarniya HM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for promptly responding to our request to help tackle the challenge.<a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRFHQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/mIwMNZIWAL">pic.twitter.com/mIwMNZIWAL</a>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1539175639525498887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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DGP Assam also tweeted,&nbsp;

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Almost entire Assam is now under an unprecedented deluge. Situation becoming grimmer by the hour. And in situations like these, Assam Police personnel are offering exemplary service to the flood affected.<a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@himantabiswa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CMOfficeAssam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CMOfficeAssam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovassam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mygovassam</a> <a href="https://t.co/mopYqB6hhT">pic.twitter.com/mopYqB6hhT</a>
— DGP Assam (@DGPAssamPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/DGPAssamPolice/status/1538034707010424832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ASDMA tweeted regarding distribution of Sanitary napkins and baby food,

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Baby food and sanitary napkins were distributed at Relief Distribution Center under Udalguri RC. <a href="https://t.co/dZwsPUQ9W7">pic.twitter.com/dZwsPUQ9W7</a>
— Assam State Disaster Management Authority (@sdma_assam) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdma_assam/status/1538923742159843328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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They also tweeted about Rescue operations,&nbsp;

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Rescue operation going on at Bakulaguri, Ulumguri NC, Ranipukhuri NC, Lutumari NC, Dapara, Manupathar, Naamkahunda.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ASDMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ASDMA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/assamflood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#assamflood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/landslide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#landslide</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/relief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#relief</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ReliefCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ReliefCamp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FloodRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FloodRelief</a> <a href="https://t.co/b6M0EGDATa">pic.twitter.com/b6M0EGDATa</a>
— Assam State Disaster Management Authority (@sdma_assam) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdma_assam/status/1537755945945616385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Viral Video of Father moving baby in a basket

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Heartwarming picture from Silchar Floods! 
This video of a father crossing the waters with his newborn baby in Silchar reminds of Vasudeva crossing river Yamuna taking newborn Bhagwan Krishna over his head! 
Everyday is Father’s Day!<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@himantabiswa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/drrajdeeproy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@drrajdeeproy</a> <a href="https://t.co/1PEfaiCxA5">pic.twitter.com/1PEfaiCxA5</a>
— Sashanka Chakraborty 🇮🇳 (@SashankGuw) <a href="https://twitter.com/SashankGuw/status/1539088979814801408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ANI also tweeted giving people information about rescue operation of nine pregnant women,

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Assam flood: Cachar district admin rescues nine months pregnant woman from Silchar 
 
Read <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> Story | <a href="https://t.co/TnE3XC80qA">https://t.co/TnE3XC80qA</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamFloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamFloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssamFloods2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssamFloods2022</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/silcharfloods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#silcharfloods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/floods?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#floods</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BarakValley?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarakValley</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a> <a href="https://t.co/LJYBSywlN1">pic.twitter.com/LJYBSywlN1</a>
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) <a href="https://twitter.com/ani_digital/status/1539484363166867457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Assam's CM tweeted about his visit to the flood-affected areas&nbsp;

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Reviewing the flood situation in different parts of Nagaon district. <a href="https://t.co/3zGIMEXVam">pic.twitter.com/3zGIMEXVam</a>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1539575408454430721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2> 
Assam Floods Helpline Numbers</h2>

1. State Control Room, Dispur 1070 (Toll- Free)&nbsp;

0361-2237219/2237460 (Landline Nos)

0361-2237377 (Fax No)

2.State Control Room, Dispur ( Disaster Management Services Helpline) 1079

&nbsp;

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India's northeastern state of Assam is suffering from heavy flooding. All major rivers are in spate, affecting over 5 million people and claiming 11 more lives. Bank erosion caused by the river Brahmaputra is one of the major reasons why Assam gets flooded every year.

India's northeastern state of Assam is suffering from heavy flooding. All major rivers are in spate, affecting over 5 million people and claiming 11 more lives. Bank erosion caused by the river Brahmaputra is one of the major reasons why Assam gets flooded every year. Due to erosion, the width of the river increases and it changes its course. Meanwhile, a video is becoming viral of a newborn baby being moved safely in a basket, which people said reminded them of Lord Krishna. The government and national disaster agencies are constantly giving Asaam floods updates and requesting people to stay indoors. Barpeta is the worst-hit district with over 1.2 million people being affected due to floods in the area. This was followed by Darrang with over 400,000 people hit by the deluge and Nagaon with over 440,000 people affected. Authorities are running 1,425 relief camps and distribution centres in over 25 districts. Also, 3.4 million animals remain affected in inundated areas, while 5,232 have been washed away by floods. Also read | BTS 'Army' gather more than $8,000 for Assam flood relief funds Death Toll rises to 89 and over 5 Million Affected people Assam reported seven more deaths, which include three children on Tuesday. In the past 24 hours, 11 people have died, including 2 children, increasing the death toll to 89. Besides, seven more people went missing across five districts, the Assam Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in its report. Rescue operations are underway. Over 1 lakh people are displaced. Three new fatalities were recorded in Darrang, two in Nagaon -- police personnel who got washed away while trying to rescue marooned people, and one each in Cachar, Dibrugarh, Hailakandi, Hojai, Kamrup and Lakhimpur. Seven people were reported missing, with two each in Udalguri and Kamrup and one each in Cachar, Darrang and Lakhimpur. Check all the latest updates related to Assam Floods Army led rescue operations are also going on in Assam. An army team helped evacuate a cancer patient in her 40s, stuck at her flooded home in Kamrup district’s Palepara vilage for three days, and sent her to an advanced healthcare centre in Guwahati. Three people in their 90s were also evacuated to safety from Kadamtola and Holapara village in Baksa district. They have rescued over a 100 people. Over 10,000 people have been rendered homeless in Tripura due to the flooding caused by incessant rainfall since Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called up Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to enquire about the state of affairs, officials said. However, the situation has deteriorated further on Monday with the death toll rising. In all, 810 relief camps and 615 relief distribution centres have been opened in all the affected areas. According to a report by ASDMA, a total of 2,31,819 people are staying in the relief camps while over 1,13,485 hectares of crops have been damaged. The water in five rivers -- Brahmaputra, Kopili, Beki, Pagladiya, Puthimari -- is flowing above the danger level at several places. Watch | Assam floods: Situation worsens in India's Northeast as half a million affected across 27 districts Assam Chief Miinster, Himanta Biswa Sharma tweeted about the rescue operations, An NDRF team from Bhubaneswar just landed at Silchar airport to help the administration intensify rescue & relief operation in the flood-affected town. My gratitude to Adarniya HM Shri @AmitShah ji for promptly responding to our request to help tackle the challenge.@NDRFHQ pic.twitter.com/mIwMNZIWAL — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 21, 2022 × DGP Assam also tweeted, Almost entire Assam is now under an unprecedented deluge. Situation becoming grimmer by the hour. And in situations like these, Assam Police personnel are offering exemplary service to the flood affected.@himantabiswa @CMOfficeAssam @mygovassam pic.twitter.com/mopYqB6hhT — DGP Assam (@DGPAssamPolice) June 18, 2022 × ASDMA tweeted regarding distribution of Sanitary napkins and baby food, Baby food and sanitary napkins were distributed at Relief Distribution Center under Udalguri RC. pic.twitter.com/dZwsPUQ9W7 — Assam State Disaster Management Authority (@sdma_assam) June 20, 2022 × They also tweeted about Rescue operations, Rescue operation going on at Bakulaguri, Ulumguri NC, Ranipukhuri NC, Lutumari NC, Dapara, Manupathar, Naamkahunda.#ASDMA #assamflood #flood #landslide #relief #ReliefCamp #FloodRelief pic.twitter.com/b6M0EGDATa — Assam State Disaster Management Authority (@sdma_assam) June 17, 2022 × Viral Video of Father moving baby in a basket Heartwarming picture from Silchar Floods! This video of a father crossing the waters with his newborn baby in Silchar reminds of Vasudeva crossing river Yamuna taking newborn Bhagwan Krishna over his head! Everyday is Father’s Day!@narendramodi @himantabiswa @drrajdeeproy pic.twitter.com/1PEfaiCxA5 — Sashanka Chakraborty 🇮🇳 (@SashankGuw) June 21, 2022 × ANI also tweeted giving people information about rescue operation of nine pregnant women, Assam flood: Cachar district admin rescues nine months pregnant woman from Silchar Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/TnE3XC80qA#AssamFloods #AssamFloods2022 #silcharfloods #floods #BarakValley #Assam pic.twitter.com/LJYBSywlN1 — ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 22, 2022 × Assam's CM tweeted about his visit to the flood-affected areas Reviewing the flood situation in different parts of Nagaon district. pic.twitter.com/3zGIMEXVam — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 22, 2022 × Assam Floods Helpline Numbers 1. State Control Room, Dispur 1070 (Toll- Free) 0361-2237219/2237460 (Landline Nos) 0361-2237377 (Fax No) 2.State Control Room, Dispur ( Disaster Management Services Helpline) 1079 WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Assam Floods: Death toll rises to 89, over 5 million people affected by Assam floods. Check all Updates here.

Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation Private Limited, is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is backed by billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The airline plans to start flights in July of 2022, after getting its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It was founded in December 2021. Akasa air's vision is that "the Sky embraces everyone, and so air travel should be inclusive and affordable for all." Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is famous for&nbsp;his successful stock investments. He has partnered with IndiGo's Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube to launch the airline.&nbsp;Akasa Air plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in the country. The airline plans to operate approximately 70 planes in the next four years and has placed an order of&nbsp;72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The deal was signed at the 2022 Dubai Air Show. It has&nbsp;recently received its code from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)&nbsp;and will be called 'QP'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-india-set-to-make-one-of-the-largest-aircraft-deals-in-the-history-490213">Tata-owned Air India set to make one of the largest aircraft deals in history</a>

<h2>Akasa Air Boeing 737 Max landed in Delhi</h2>

Akasa air has finally arrived, with its first plane, Boeing 737 Max landing in Delhi.&nbsp;The aircraft touched down at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on 21st June 2022.&nbsp;It flew all the way from Seattle in the United States. It was only last week that the airline took delivery of its first 737 Max aircraft from Boeing in Seattle.&nbsp;People really liked the look of the aircraft and shared their excitement to travel in it on social media. Vinay Dube,&nbsp;Founder,&nbsp;Akasa Air,&nbsp; said, “The arrival of our first aircraft is a very happy moment for all of us and marks an important milestone, bringing us closer to our vision of building India’s greenest, most dependable, and most affordable airline".

<h2>What routes will Akasa Air&nbsp;run on?</h2>

While no announcement has been made in this regards, it is expected that&nbsp;Akasa air will serve the major domestic routes with a very&nbsp;low cost to attract the potential flyers. The company recently announced plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in India, focusing on metro to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Everyone is waiting for the official announcement from the airlines. It may be possible that once the airline starts operations and runs smoothly, it may extended it services internationally as well.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Air India considers buying 300 planes

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<h2>Will Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Akasa Air bring revolution in Indian Aviation Industry?</h2>

Due to the Covid pandemic, the aviation sector is facing a huge downfall, leaving many people in the industry unemployed. However, the launch of Akasa air especially due to its ultra low cost, may result in a boom for the industry. Many people wish to travel by air but can't because of the high ticket cost, but if the price lowers, the sale of tickets will increase and help the aviation sector to grow. It will also help provide employment to more people. If the tickets become low cost, people would want to travel more frequently. All this can bring a revolution in the aviation sector.

<h2>Will Akasa Air work on the&nbsp;Wizz Air and Ryan Air Model in India?</h2>

Ryan Air and Wizz Air are both Europe-based airlines that also provide people with low cost travels. Due to this, they are proving to be a boom for the aviation sector there, and are getting a lot of customers. However there is a neck-to-neck competition between both of them, on which one is better. Akasa air also works on a similar model. However in India, Akasa would be the first ultra low cost airline, and everyone wants to see what it serves.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-air-transport-association-says-aviation-industrys-return-to-profit-is-within-reach-in-2023-489991">International Air Transport Association says aviation industry's return to profit is 'within reach' in 2023</a>

<h2>What strategy will be taken by existing airlines in India after Akasa Air launch?</h2>

With the launch of the ultra low-cost&nbsp;airline, Akasa air, the existing airlines like Indigo, Vistara, Spice Jet, etc. are expected to face further pressure. However, in response to the launch of low cost airline, they can also start to lower their ticket prices and improve their services. The tough competition would also force the other airlines to perform better than they were doing before, which may also aid in the growth of the aviation sector after the pandemic damages. Speaking at the post-earnings conference call on July 27, IndiGo’s CFO Jiten Chopra said: “The strength of our balance sheet is our biggest defence in the fight against Covid19 and we will continue to enhance this strength by focusing on cost reduction, liquidity enhancement and capacity addition”.&nbsp;CAPA said that it expects Indian airlines to lose a consolidated $4.1 billion in FY2022, similar to that in FY2021.

Everyone is excited to travel in the ultra low cost airline, and to see will it prove to be a boom for the aviation sector. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is also known for his successful investments and hence everyone is looking forward to his airlines. Also his partners,&nbsp;IndiGo's Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube would help him strengthen the business as they already have a lot of knowledge about this industry.&nbsp;

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Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation Private Limited, is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is backed by billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala.

Akasa Air, a brand of SNV Aviation Private Limited, is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is backed by billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. The airline plans to start flights in July of 2022, after getting its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. It was founded in December 2021. Akasa air's vision is that "the Sky embraces everyone, and so air travel should be inclusive and affordable for all." Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is famous for his successful stock investments. He has partnered with IndiGo's Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube to launch the airline. Akasa Air plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in the country. The airline plans to operate approximately 70 planes in the next four years and has placed an order of 72 Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The deal was signed at the 2022 Dubai Air Show. It has recently received its code from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and will be called 'QP'. Also read | Tata-owned Air India set to make one of the largest aircraft deals in history Akasa Air Boeing 737 Max landed in Delhi Akasa air has finally arrived, with its first plane, Boeing 737 Max landing in Delhi. The aircraft touched down at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on 21st June 2022. It flew all the way from Seattle in the United States. It was only last week that the airline took delivery of its first 737 Max aircraft from Boeing in Seattle. People really liked the look of the aircraft and shared their excitement to travel in it on social media. Vinay Dube, Founder, Akasa Air, said, “The arrival of our first aircraft is a very happy moment for all of us and marks an important milestone, bringing us closer to our vision of building India’s greenest, most dependable, and most affordable airline". What routes will Akasa Air run on? While no announcement has been made in this regards, it is expected that Akasa air will serve the major domestic routes with a very low cost to attract the potential flyers. The company recently announced plans to fly 18 aircraft by the end of March 2023 across domestic routes in India, focusing on metro to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Everyone is waiting for the official announcement from the airlines. It may be possible that once the airline starts operations and runs smoothly, it may extended it services internationally as well. Watch | Report: Air India considers buying 300 planes Will Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Akasa Air bring revolution in Indian Aviation Industry? Due to the Covid pandemic, the aviation sector is facing a huge downfall, leaving many people in the industry unemployed. However, the launch of Akasa air especially due to its ultra low cost, may result in a boom for the industry. Many people wish to travel by air but can't because of the high ticket cost, but if the price lowers, the sale of tickets will increase and help the aviation sector to grow. It will also help provide employment to more people. If the tickets become low cost, people would want to travel more frequently. All this can bring a revolution in the aviation sector. Will Akasa Air work on the Wizz Air and Ryan Air Model in India? Ryan Air and Wizz Air are both Europe-based airlines that also provide people with low cost travels. Due to this, they are proving to be a boom for the aviation sector there, and are getting a lot of customers. However there is a neck-to-neck competition between both of them, on which one is better. Akasa air also works on a similar model. However in India, Akasa would be the first ultra low cost airline, and everyone wants to see what it serves. Also read | International Air Transport Association says aviation industry's return to profit is 'within reach' in 2023 What strategy will be taken by existing airlines in India after Akasa Air launch? With the launch of the ultra low-cost airline, Akasa air, the existing airlines like Indigo, Vistara, Spice Jet, etc. are expected to face further pressure. However, in response to the launch of low cost airline, they can also start to lower their ticket prices and improve their services. The tough competition would also force the other airlines to perform better than they were doing before, which may also aid in the growth of the aviation sector after the pandemic damages. Speaking at the post-earnings conference call on July 27, IndiGo’s CFO Jiten Chopra said: “The strength of our balance sheet is our biggest defence in the fight against Covid19 and we will continue to enhance this strength by focusing on cost reduction, liquidity enhancement and capacity addition”. CAPA said that it expects Indian airlines to lose a consolidated $4.1 billion in FY2022, similar to that in FY2021. Everyone is excited to travel in the ultra low cost airline, and to see will it prove to be a boom for the aviation sector. Rakesh Jhunjhunwala is also known for his successful investments and hence everyone is looking forward to his airlines. Also his partners, IndiGo's Aditya Ghosh and Vinay Dube would help him strengthen the business as they already have a lot of knowledge about this industry. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Akasa Air: Why is everyone waiting for Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s airlines?

Social media influencers and doctors in India will now be subjected to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from July 1, for benefits received from businesses for sales promotions. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued recommendations on the new provision’s applicability. The Union Budget made provision for TDS on incomes in order to prevent tax revenue leakage by incorporating a new section, 194R into the income Tax Act, 1961. Any individual who gives a resident a benefit of more than 20,000 in a year must pay TDS of 10 per cent, NDTV reported.

The Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Kamlesh C Varshney explained advantages which includes free medicine samples for doctors, overseas flight tickets and free tickets of Indian Premier League (IPL) of business and many more things. He stressed that these items should be revealed while submitting an income tax return and shall not be hidden as they are not being sold.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/upi-records-nearly-6-billion-transactions-worth-rs-10-trillion-in-may-489280">UPI records nearly 6 billion transactions worth Rs 10 trillion in May&nbsp;</a>

The section 194R applies to sellers that offer incentives in cash or any kind such as car, computer, gold coins, mobile phones in addition to discounts.&nbsp;

This gave a break for the customers by exempting sales discounts or cash discounts from the section, claiming if it gets included will put the seller in difficulty. &nbsp;However, if perks such as mobile was returned to the manufacturer after being used for the purpose of service like for a social media influencer, then this new rule doesn’t apply in such cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-india-to-hold-spectrum-auction-in-july-mobile-connectivity-set-to-get-10-times-faster-488302">5G: India to hold spectrum auction in July, mobile connectivity set to get 10 times faster</a>

The CBDT specifies that if doctors receive free samples of drugs while working in a hospital, section 194R applies free distribution of samples to the hospital. In case for doctors who work as consultants for a hospital and receive free samples, TDS should be applied first to the hospital which will deduct necessary tax under the section for doctors.&nbsp;

According to CBDT the section doesn’t apply the benefits to if supplied to a government institution that is not engaged in business or profession such as a government hospital.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

Social media influencers and doctors in India will now be subjected to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from July 1, for benefits received from businesses for sales promotions.

Social media influencers and doctors in India will now be subjected to Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) from July 1, for benefits received from businesses for sales promotions. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued recommendations on the new provision’s applicability. The Union Budget made provision for TDS on incomes in order to prevent tax revenue leakage by incorporating a new section, 194R into the income Tax Act, 1961. Any individual who gives a resident a benefit of more than 20,000 in a year must pay TDS of 10 per cent, NDTV reported. The Joint Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Kamlesh C Varshney explained advantages which includes free medicine samples for doctors, overseas flight tickets and free tickets of Indian Premier League (IPL) of business and many more things. He stressed that these items should be revealed while submitting an income tax return and shall not be hidden as they are not being sold. Also read | UPI records nearly 6 billion transactions worth Rs 10 trillion in May The section 194R applies to sellers that offer incentives in cash or any kind such as car, computer, gold coins, mobile phones in addition to discounts. This gave a break for the customers by exempting sales discounts or cash discounts from the section, claiming if it gets included will put the seller in difficulty. However, if perks such as mobile was returned to the manufacturer after being used for the purpose of service like for a social media influencer, then this new rule doesn’t apply in such cases. Also read | 5G: India to hold spectrum auction in July, mobile connectivity set to get 10 times faster The CBDT specifies that if doctors receive free samples of drugs while working in a hospital, section 194R applies free distribution of samples to the hospital. In case for doctors who work as consultants for a hospital and receive free samples, TDS should be applied first to the hospital which will deduct necessary tax under the section for doctors. According to CBDT the section doesn’t apply the benefits to if supplied to a government institution that is not engaged in business or profession such as a government hospital. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

India to introduce new tax rules for social media influencers, doctors

June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day (IDY) around the world, following its establishments at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, when the global organisation acknowledged multiple advantages of yoga.&nbsp; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed June 21 as the date for Yoga Day at the United Nations, noting that it is the longest day of the year.

What's the topic of this year's Yoga Day?

The topic for this year’s Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Humanity,’ which focuses on how yoga helps people in achieving holistic health. The theme also depicts how yoga has helped humanity during the peak of the Covid pandemic by easing suffering. The Indian prime minister talked about this subject in his ‘Mann ki Baat.’

What is meaning of Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual discipline that dates back thousands of years. The word ‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word that means “to connect” or “to merge,” and represents integration of body and consciousness. Yoga is now performed globally in various forms all around the world and is still growing in its popularity.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-swami-sivananda-a-125-year-old-yoga-guru-receives-padma-shri-pm-modis-reaction-is-unmissable-464517">Watch: Swami Sivananda, a 125-year-old yoga guru receives Padma Shri; PM Modi's reaction is unmissable</a>

India proposed the draftt resolution of creating International Yoga Day, which was endorsed by175 UN member states. The Indian Prime Minister mentioned this during the 69th session of the general Assembly, saying, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”

Watch |&nbsp;WION Exclusive: Meet the woman, Nouf Marwaai, who brought yoga to Saudi Arabia

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The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a human disaster unlike any other. Other than its immediate impact on the physical health, the pandemic intensified psychological distress and mental health problems like anxiety, sadness in many countries. This underlined the importance of addressing both mental and physical health components of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-indian-soldiers-perform-yoga-at-15000-feet-in-snow-capped-himalayas-475014">Watch | Indian soldiers perform yoga at 15,000 feet in snow-capped Himalayas</a>

During the pandemic, people around the world turned to yoga to stay fit and revitalised as well as combat social isolation and sadness. It helps in calming with concerns and anxiety.&nbsp;

Not just this, Yoga is also helping Covid patients in quarantine and isolation psychological treatment and rehabilitation.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies) 
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June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day (IDY) around the world, following its establishments at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, when the global organisation acknowledged multiple advantages of yoga.

June 21 is observed as International Yoga Day (IDY) around the world, following its establishments at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, when the global organisation acknowledged multiple advantages of yoga. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed June 21 as the date for Yoga Day at the United Nations, noting that it is the longest day of the year. What's the topic of this year's Yoga Day? The topic for this year’s Yoga Day is ‘Yoga for Humanity,’ which focuses on how yoga helps people in achieving holistic health. The theme also depicts how yoga has helped humanity during the peak of the Covid pandemic by easing suffering. The Indian prime minister talked about this subject in his ‘Mann ki Baat.’ What is meaning of Yoga? Yoga is an ancient Indian physical, mental and spiritual discipline that dates back thousands of years. The word ‘Yoga’ is a Sanskrit word that means “to connect” or “to merge,” and represents integration of body and consciousness. Yoga is now performed globally in various forms all around the world and is still growing in its popularity. Also read | Watch: Swami Sivananda, a 125-year-old yoga guru receives Padma Shri; PM Modi's reaction is unmissable India proposed the draftt resolution of creating International Yoga Day, which was endorsed by175 UN member states. The Indian Prime Minister mentioned this during the 69th session of the general Assembly, saying, “Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.” Watch | WION Exclusive: Meet the woman, Nouf Marwaai, who brought yoga to Saudi Arabia The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a human disaster unlike any other. Other than its immediate impact on the physical health, the pandemic intensified psychological distress and mental health problems like anxiety, sadness in many countries. This underlined the importance of addressing both mental and physical health components of the pandemic. Also read | Watch | Indian soldiers perform yoga at 15,000 feet in snow-capped Himalayas During the pandemic, people around the world turned to yoga to stay fit and revitalised as well as combat social isolation and sadness. It helps in calming with concerns and anxiety. Not just this, Yoga is also helping Covid patients in quarantine and isolation psychological treatment and rehabilitation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

International Yoga Day 2022: ‘Yoga for Humanity’ a mission to achieve holistic health

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report.

The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-fires-heat-waves-cause-climate-anxiety-in-youth-488683">Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth</a>

"The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said.

The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added.

The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking.

By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said.

While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine.

"Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II'&nbsp;and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said.

Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage

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The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad.

Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200).

By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.

"Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

"Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue."

Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-biggest-methane-gas-leak-occurred-at-russian-coalmine">Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports</a>

The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added.

"Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said.

Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar.

The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad.

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Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan.

Nearly five million people in India were internally displaced due to climate change and disasters in 2021, the United Nations has said in a report. The annual Global Trends Report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) highlighted that globally 100 million people were forced to flee their homes last year due to violence, human rights abuses, food insecurity, the climate crisis, war in Ukraine and other emergencies from Africa to Afghanistan. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), in 2021, there were 23.7 million new internal displacements globally due to disasters (these are in addition to those internally displaced due to conflict and violence). This represented a decrease of seven million, or 23 per cent, compared to the previous year, the report said. Also read | Report: Fires, heat waves cause 'climate anxiety' in youth "The largest displacements in the context of disasters in 2021 occurred in China (6.0 million), the Philippines (5.7 million) and India (4.9 million). Most disaster displacements during the year were temporary," it said. The majority of the internally displaced persons returned to their home areas, but 5.9 million people worldwide remained displaced at the end of the year due to disasters, the report added. The UN agency said that the number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, a trend that can be only reversed by a new, concerted push towards peacemaking. By the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up eight per cent on a year earlier and well over double the figure of 10 years ago, the report said. While the latest global trends report reflects the period of January 2021 to December 2021, the UN agency said it is impossible to ignore the developments that have happened in early 2022, including the Russian war against Ukraine. "Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine 'causing the fastest and one of the largest forced displacement crises since World War II' and other emergencies, from Africa to Afghanistan and beyond, pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million," the report said. Watch | Gravitas: India asks rich countries to pay for climate damage The report said that at the end of 2021, 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, including 27.1 million refugees, 21.3 million refugees under UNHCR's mandate, 5.8 million Palestine refugees under United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East's (UNRWA) mandate, 53.2 million internally displaced people, 4.6 million asylum seekers and 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad. Asylum seekers submitted 1.4 million new claims. The United States of America was the world's largest recipient of new individual applications (188,900), followed by Germany (148,200), Mexico (132,700), Costa Rica (108,500) and France (90,200). By May 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide by persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. "Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed," said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. "Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue." Last year was notable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared; 23 countries, with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts, according to the World Bank. Also read | Climate change: Biggest methane gas leak occurred at Russian coalmine, say reports The UN agency said that food scarcity, inflation and the climate crisis are adding to people's hardship. The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million. Arrivals climbed in Uganda, Chad and Sudan among others, it added. "Most refugees were, once again, hosted by neighbouring countries with few resources. The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, up 11 per cent," the report said. Last year also saw the 15th straight annual rise in people displaced within their countries by conflict, to 53.2 million. The increase was driven by mounting violence or conflict in some places, for example Myanmar. The conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray and other regions has spurred the flight of millions within the country. Insurgencies in the Sahel drove fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nearly 5 million people in India internally displaced due to climate change, disasters in 2021: UN

A Swedish court on Thursday found an Italian surgeon, once hailed for pioneering windpipe surgery, guilty of causing bodily harm to a patient, but cleared him of assault charges.

Paolo Macchiarini won praise in 2011 after claiming to have performed the world's first synthetic trachea transplants using stem cells, while he was a surgeon at Stockholm's Karolinska University Hospital.

The experimental procedure was hailed as a breakthrough in regenerative medicine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-man-blames-surgeon-for-back-pain-after-surgery-kills-him-three-others-in-shooting-at-hospital-police-484645">US man blames surgeon for back pain after surgery, kills him, three others in shooting at hospital: Police</a>

But allegations soon emerged that the procedure had been carried out on at least one person who had not been critically ill at the time of the surgery.

During the May trial held in the Solna district court, prosecutors argued that the surgeries on three patients in Sweden constituted assault, or alternatively bodily harm due to negligence, as Macchiarini disregarded "science and proven experience".

The district court agreed with the prosecutors that the procedures were not consistent with "science and proven experience," but cleared Macchiarini on two counts as the patients' health was in such a dire state.

"Given the patients' condition the district court finds that the procedures on the first two patients were justifiable," it said in a statement.

However, in the case of the third patient, the court found him guilty of "causing bodily harm".

"At the time of the procedure of the third patient, the experience from the first procedures was such that the surgeon should have refrained from letting yet another patient go through the operation," the court said.

Macchiarini was handed a suspended sentence, which in Sweden means that if he were to commit another crime during a two-year probation period, the court would re-evaluate his sentence.

Watch |&nbsp;'Turkiye's concern on Finland, Sweden membership are legitimate,' says NATO chief

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'Plan B'

Together with his colleagues, Macchiarini, 63, performed a total of eight such transplants between 2011 and 2014 three in Sweden in 2011 and 2012, and five in Russia.

The three patients in Sweden died, though the deaths have not been directly linked to the surgeries. Four of the five Russian patients have also died, according to Swedish media reports.

Macchiarini himself insisted in court that the transplants were an alternative decided upon after all other options had been excluded what he referred to as a "Plan B".&nbsp;

His lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, meanwhile insisted that the surgeries were the result of "teamwork" and had been discussed with other senior colleagues.

Following Thursday's ruling, Hurtig said that while his client had hoped to be cleared on all counts, the court had acquitted him on "significant parts".

"We won most of the case", he told AFP.

Chief prosecutor Jim Westerberg meanwhile said his team had not expected the verdict.

It was "a surprise to us" that the court leaned heavily on the notion that the patients' dire health conditions justified drastic measures.

Neither side had decided whether to appeal the court's ruling.

Macchiarini was also employed by the Karolinska Institute research facility, which awards the Nobel Medicine Prize. An external review in 2015 found Macchiarini guilty of research misconduct.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/address-terror-related-concerns-erdogan-tells-finland-sweden-over-nato-bid-481104">Address terror-related concerns: Erdogan tells Finland, Sweden over NATO bid</a>

Even though the Institute sacked him in 2016, it repeatedly defended him&nbsp;until 2018, when its own review found him and several other researchers guilty of scientific misconduct.

The university's principal and several others stepped down over the scandal.

Medical journal The Lancet in 2018 retracted two papers authored by Macchiarini.

In 2013, the Karolinska Hospital suspended all trachea transplants and refused to extend Macchiarini's contract as a surgeon.

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A Swedish court on Thursday found an Italian surgeon, once hailed for pioneering windpipe surgery, guilty of causing bodily harm to a patient, but cleared him of assault charges.

A Swedish court on Thursday found an Italian surgeon, once hailed for pioneering windpipe surgery, guilty of causing bodily harm to a patient, but cleared him of assault charges. Paolo Macchiarini won praise in 2011 after claiming to have performed the world's first synthetic trachea transplants using stem cells, while he was a surgeon at Stockholm's Karolinska University Hospital. The experimental procedure was hailed as a breakthrough in regenerative medicine. Also read | US man blames surgeon for back pain after surgery, kills him, three others in shooting at hospital: Police But allegations soon emerged that the procedure had been carried out on at least one person who had not been critically ill at the time of the surgery. During the May trial held in the Solna district court, prosecutors argued that the surgeries on three patients in Sweden constituted assault, or alternatively bodily harm due to negligence, as Macchiarini disregarded "science and proven experience". The district court agreed with the prosecutors that the procedures were not consistent with "science and proven experience," but cleared Macchiarini on two counts as the patients' health was in such a dire state. "Given the patients' condition the district court finds that the procedures on the first two patients were justifiable," it said in a statement. However, in the case of the third patient, the court found him guilty of "causing bodily harm". "At the time of the procedure of the third patient, the experience from the first procedures was such that the surgeon should have refrained from letting yet another patient go through the operation," the court said. Macchiarini was handed a suspended sentence, which in Sweden means that if he were to commit another crime during a two-year probation period, the court would re-evaluate his sentence. Watch | 'Turkiye's concern on Finland, Sweden membership are legitimate,' says NATO chief 'Plan B' Together with his colleagues, Macchiarini, 63, performed a total of eight such transplants between 2011 and 2014 three in Sweden in 2011 and 2012, and five in Russia. The three patients in Sweden died, though the deaths have not been directly linked to the surgeries. Four of the five Russian patients have also died, according to Swedish media reports. Macchiarini himself insisted in court that the transplants were an alternative decided upon after all other options had been excluded what he referred to as a "Plan B". His lawyer, Bjorn Hurtig, meanwhile insisted that the surgeries were the result of "teamwork" and had been discussed with other senior colleagues. Following Thursday's ruling, Hurtig said that while his client had hoped to be cleared on all counts, the court had acquitted him on "significant parts". "We won most of the case", he told AFP. Chief prosecutor Jim Westerberg meanwhile said his team had not expected the verdict. It was "a surprise to us" that the court leaned heavily on the notion that the patients' dire health conditions justified drastic measures. Neither side had decided whether to appeal the court's ruling. Macchiarini was also employed by the Karolinska Institute research facility, which awards the Nobel Medicine Prize. An external review in 2015 found Macchiarini guilty of research misconduct. Also read | Address terror-related concerns: Erdogan tells Finland, Sweden over NATO bid Even though the Institute sacked him in 2016, it repeatedly defended him until 2018, when its own review found him and several other researchers guilty of scientific misconduct. The university's principal and several others stepped down over the scandal. Medical journal The Lancet in 2018 retracted two papers authored by Macchiarini. In 2013, the Karolinska Hospital suspended all trachea transplants and refused to extend Macchiarini's contract as a surgeon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Disgraced windpipe surgeon convicted in Sweden for harming patient

Italy's Eni said it will receive only 50 percent of the gas requested Friday from Gazprom, following accusations by Rome the Russian state-backed company was peddling "lies" over a series of cuts.

"Gazprom has announced that it will supply only 50 percent of what is requested (with actual delivered volumes almost unchanged with respect to the amounts delivered yesterday)," reducing supplies for the third day running, Eni said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nord-stream-gas-deliveries-to-be-cut-by-a-third-announces-gazprom-488496">Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes</a>

Several European countries, including Italy and Germany, are highly reliant upon Russian gas for their energy needs.

As tensions rage with the West over the Ukraine war, Russia has stepped up the energy pressure, slashing gas supplies to the continent in a move blasted as "political" by both Italy and Germany.

Gazprom said the supply reductions via the Nord Stream pipeline are the result of repair work, but EU officials believe Moscow is punishing allies of Ukraine, where Russian forces launched an invasion in February.

Watch |&nbsp;EU signs gas deal with Israel, Egypt to reduce dependency on Russia

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Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday rejected Gazprom's excuses, saying the reasons "we are told, are technical".

"We and Germany and others believe that these are lies."

Draghi said state-owned Gazprom which has said Moscow has every right to play by its own rules over the cuts was using the gas supply for "political" ends.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-egypt-sign-mou-with-eu-to-boost-gas-exports-to-europe-488729">&nbsp;Israel and Egypt sign MoU with EU to boost gas exports to Europe</a>

Italy has been seeking to reduce its reliance on Russian gas through alternative sources, while also promising to invest more in renewables.

The gas squeeze, which pushes prices up, "has consequences, not immediately on consumption, but on stockpiling", Draghi said.

EU countries have scrambled to wean themselves off Russian energy but are divided about imposing a natural gas embargo as several member states are heavily reliant on Moscow's supplies.

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Italy's Eni said it will receive only 50 percent of the gas requested Friday from Gazprom, following accusations by Rome the Russian state-backed company was peddling "lies" over a series of cuts.

Italy's Eni said it will receive only 50 percent of the gas requested Friday from Gazprom, following accusations by Rome the Russian state-backed company was peddling "lies" over a series of cuts. "Gazprom has announced that it will supply only 50 percent of what is requested (with actual delivered volumes almost unchanged with respect to the amounts delivered yesterday)," reducing supplies for the third day running, Eni said in a statement. Also read | Gazprom makes more cuts in Nord Stream gas supplies, Germany fumes Several European countries, including Italy and Germany, are highly reliant upon Russian gas for their energy needs. As tensions rage with the West over the Ukraine war, Russia has stepped up the energy pressure, slashing gas supplies to the continent in a move blasted as "political" by both Italy and Germany. Gazprom said the supply reductions via the Nord Stream pipeline are the result of repair work, but EU officials believe Moscow is punishing allies of Ukraine, where Russian forces launched an invasion in February. Watch | EU signs gas deal with Israel, Egypt to reduce dependency on Russia Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday rejected Gazprom's excuses, saying the reasons "we are told, are technical". "We and Germany and others believe that these are lies." Draghi said state-owned Gazprom which has said Moscow has every right to play by its own rules over the cuts was using the gas supply for "political" ends. Also read | Israel and Egypt sign MoU with EU to boost gas exports to Europe Italy has been seeking to reduce its reliance on Russian gas through alternative sources, while also promising to invest more in renewables. The gas squeeze, which pushes prices up, "has consequences, not immediately on consumption, but on stockpiling", Draghi said. EU countries have scrambled to wean themselves off Russian energy but are divided about imposing a natural gas embargo as several member states are heavily reliant on Moscow's supplies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Italy's Eni says Gazprom to reduce gas supply Friday by 50%

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) on Friday stuck to its monetary easing policy even as other central banks raise interest rates to tame inflation, but said it would "pay due attention" to forex markets after the yen hit a 24-year low.

The bank will hold rates at minus 0.1 per cent and continue buying unlimited government bonds to maintain a low cap on long-term yields part of a decade-old plan to boost the world's third-largest economy.

The decision, announced after a two-day policy meeting, bucks a global monetary tightening trend aimed at battling sky-high fuel and food prices caused by the Ukraine war and supply chain snarls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-national-bank-ready-for-more-rate-hikes-after-shock-move-488720">Swiss National Bank ready for more rate hikes after shock move</a>

Rate hikes have been led by the US Federal Reserve, which this week announced its most aggressive increase in nearly 30 years and signalled more were in the pipeline.

The European Central Bank has said it plans to start a series of increases next month, while the Bank of England announced a fifth straight increase on Thursday and Switzerland surprised markets with its own rate hike, the first since 2007.

The widening chasm between Japanese and US monetary policy this week pushed the yen to its lowest level against the dollar since 1998, a cause for increasing concern that even the central bank made reference to in its policy statement.

"It is necessary to pay due attention to developments in financial and foreign exchange markets and their impact on Japan's economic activity and prices," the BoJ said, in an unusual reference to forex movements.

After the announcement, one dollar bought 134.63 yen, up from 133.41 yen earlier in the day.

'Targeting price stability'

Bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda told reporters that the yen's rapid depreciation is "undesirable for the economy, because it has increased uncertainty about the future and made it difficult for companies to draft business plans".

However, he added that "central banks do not target exchange rates. We run monetary policy targeting price stability".

Watch |&nbsp;Global market meltdown: Series of hikes by central banks

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Kuroda said the BoJ was not considering expanding the trading range of 10-year bonds, a move analysts say could help support the yen.

A weaker currency helps Japanese exporters as it inflates repatriated profits, noted Yoshikiyo Shimamine, executive chief economist of Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

For the BoJ, it may be that "these benefits overwhelm the negative aspects of a cheaper yen high prices for imported goods, which causes people to suffer without sufficient pay rises," he told AFP.

The bank's ultra-loose monetary policy aims to achieve two-percent inflation, a target that has been stubbornly out of reach during years of price stagnation.

In April, core consumer prices hit the target for the first time since 2015, but the BoJ has cautioned that it sees recent rising prices as a temporary and volatile trend.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-airline-ditches-pro-russia-logo-letter-z-associated-with-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-488744">Japanese airline ditches letter 'Z' logo, which may seem pro-Russia</a>

Inflation has been rising for months in the United States and elsewhere as buoyant demand for cars and other goods clashes with supply problems caused by COVID-19 lockdowns.

The problem became dramatically worse after Russia invaded Ukraine in February and Western nations imposed steep sanctions on Moscow, sending food and fuel prices soaring, a particular problem in resource-poor Japan.

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The Bank of Japan (BoJ) on Friday stuck to its monetary easing policy even as other central banks raise interest rates to tame inflation, but said it would "pay due attention" to forex markets after the yen hit a 24-year low.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) on Friday stuck to its monetary easing policy even as other central banks raise interest rates to tame inflation, but said it would "pay due attention" to forex markets after the yen hit a 24-year low. The bank will hold rates at minus 0.1 per cent and continue buying unlimited government bonds to maintain a low cap on long-term yields part of a decade-old plan to boost the world's third-largest economy. The decision, announced after a two-day policy meeting, bucks a global monetary tightening trend aimed at battling sky-high fuel and food prices caused by the Ukraine war and supply chain snarls. Also read | Swiss National Bank ready for more rate hikes after shock move Rate hikes have been led by the US Federal Reserve, which this week announced its most aggressive increase in nearly 30 years and signalled more were in the pipeline. The European Central Bank has said it plans to start a series of increases next month, while the Bank of England announced a fifth straight increase on Thursday and Switzerland surprised markets with its own rate hike, the first since 2007. The widening chasm between Japanese and US monetary policy this week pushed the yen to its lowest level against the dollar since 1998, a cause for increasing concern that even the central bank made reference to in its policy statement. "It is necessary to pay due attention to developments in financial and foreign exchange markets and their impact on Japan's economic activity and prices," the BoJ said, in an unusual reference to forex movements. After the announcement, one dollar bought 134.63 yen, up from 133.41 yen earlier in the day. 'Targeting price stability' Bank governor Haruhiko Kuroda told reporters that the yen's rapid depreciation is "undesirable for the economy, because it has increased uncertainty about the future and made it difficult for companies to draft business plans". However, he added that "central banks do not target exchange rates. We run monetary policy targeting price stability". Watch | Global market meltdown: Series of hikes by central banks Kuroda said the BoJ was not considering expanding the trading range of 10-year bonds, a move analysts say could help support the yen. A weaker currency helps Japanese exporters as it inflates repatriated profits, noted Yoshikiyo Shimamine, executive chief economist of Dai-ichi Life Research Institute. For the BoJ, it may be that "these benefits overwhelm the negative aspects of a cheaper yen high prices for imported goods, which causes people to suffer without sufficient pay rises," he told AFP. The bank's ultra-loose monetary policy aims to achieve two-percent inflation, a target that has been stubbornly out of reach during years of price stagnation. In April, core consumer prices hit the target for the first time since 2015, but the BoJ has cautioned that it sees recent rising prices as a temporary and volatile trend. Also read | Japanese airline ditches letter 'Z' logo, which may seem pro-Russia Inflation has been rising for months in the United States and elsewhere as buoyant demand for cars and other goods clashes with supply problems caused by COVID-19 lockdowns. The problem became dramatically worse after Russia invaded Ukraine in February and Western nations imposed steep sanctions on Moscow, sending food and fuel prices soaring, a particular problem in resource-poor Japan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bank of Japan keeps monetary easing despite global rate hikes

China&nbsp;was hit this week by a rare convergence of record rainfall, heatwaves, and a tornado in the southern megacity of Guangzhou, displacing millions of people, damaging properties and swamping farmland, with more storms and floods on the way.

Southern&nbsp;China&nbsp;is expected to see torrential rain until Tuesday, state media reported on Friday, with no immediate reprieve to the region inundated by downpours in the past week.

At least seven provinces and regions in the south issued alerts for severe storms and floods for the next 24 hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-800000-residents-in-chinas-jiangxi-affected-by-heavy-rains-floods-485995">Over 800,000 residents in China's Jiangxi affected by heavy rains, floods</a>

Authorities had issued warnings of "extreme weather events" as early as April, ahead of the rainy season that signals the seasonal transition from spring to summer in June.

China&nbsp;is historically prone to floods, triggering landslides and swamping many acres of farmland.

In recent times, the country has grown even more vulnerable, owing to deforestation, the reclamation of wetlands and the storage of water for power generation and irrigation.

China&nbsp;also blames climate change for the increase in extreme weather events.

The aviation regulator on Friday cautioned airlines against flying through extreme weather, with severe convection storms to be expected over the summer.

Watch |&nbsp;Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative

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"Weather conditions in&nbsp;China&nbsp;will tend to be unfavourable this summer," an official at the regulator said at a news briefing on Friday.

Late on Thursday, a tornado ripped through parts of Guangzhou during a heavy rainstorm, local media reported, cutting off power supply to over 5,400 users in the sprawling southern city, capital of Guangdong province.

Media in Guangzhou reported dangerous water levels with high waves in the broader Pearl River Basin, prompting the central government to dispatch flood prevention workers.

Since May, precipitation in the Pearl River Basin - a vast river system encompassing Guangdong and parts of Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan - has risen to its highest since 1961, according to state media on Friday, citing&nbsp;China's National Climate Center.

In Fujian province north of the basin, authorities warned that recent record-breaking rainfall would persist into next week, posing a high risk of natural disasters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-boost-china-launches-most-advanced-aircraft-carrier-called-fujian-find-out-why-it-is-special-489015">Big boost: China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special</a>

Meanwhile, temperatures in central and northern&nbsp;China&nbsp;are expected to hit unusual highs into next week, surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The abnormally warm weather has already enveloped the Henan capital of Zhengzhou, which was hit by record rainfall and paralysed by devastating floods last summer.

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China was hit this week by a rare convergence of record rainfall, heatwaves, and a tornado in the southern megacity of Guangzhou, displacing millions of people, damaging properties and swamping farmland, with more storms and floods on the way.

China was hit this week by a rare convergence of record rainfall, heatwaves, and a tornado in the southern megacity of Guangzhou, displacing millions of people, damaging properties and swamping farmland, with more storms and floods on the way. Southern China is expected to see torrential rain until Tuesday, state media reported on Friday, with no immediate reprieve to the region inundated by downpours in the past week. At least seven provinces and regions in the south issued alerts for severe storms and floods for the next 24 hours. Also read | Over 800,000 residents in China's Jiangxi affected by heavy rains, floods Authorities had issued warnings of "extreme weather events" as early as April, ahead of the rainy season that signals the seasonal transition from spring to summer in June. China is historically prone to floods, triggering landslides and swamping many acres of farmland. In recent times, the country has grown even more vulnerable, owing to deforestation, the reclamation of wetlands and the storage of water for power generation and irrigation. China also blames climate change for the increase in extreme weather events. The aviation regulator on Friday cautioned airlines against flying through extreme weather, with severe convection storms to be expected over the summer. Watch | Countering China's influence in the Pacific: The US promises a new Pacific initiative "Weather conditions in China will tend to be unfavourable this summer," an official at the regulator said at a news briefing on Friday. Late on Thursday, a tornado ripped through parts of Guangzhou during a heavy rainstorm, local media reported, cutting off power supply to over 5,400 users in the sprawling southern city, capital of Guangdong province. Media in Guangzhou reported dangerous water levels with high waves in the broader Pearl River Basin, prompting the central government to dispatch flood prevention workers. Since May, precipitation in the Pearl River Basin - a vast river system encompassing Guangdong and parts of Guangxi, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan - has risen to its highest since 1961, according to state media on Friday, citing China's National Climate Center. In Fujian province north of the basin, authorities warned that recent record-breaking rainfall would persist into next week, posing a high risk of natural disasters. Also read | Big boost: China launches 'most advanced' aircraft carrier called Fujian. Find out why it is special Meanwhile, temperatures in central and northern China are expected to hit unusual highs into next week, surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The abnormally warm weather has already enveloped the Henan capital of Zhengzhou, which was hit by record rainfall and paralysed by devastating floods last summer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China hit by rare convergence of rainfall, heatwaves and a tornado

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&amp;P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent.&nbsp; Following a 0.1 per cent fall on Thursday (May 12), the S&amp;P 500 is now just beyond bear market levels, that is 20 per cent drop from a recent closing high.&nbsp;

The Dow, which fell about 104 points, or 0.3 per cent, on Thursday (May 12), is down more than 13 per cent this year.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-sec-probes-delayed-disclosure-of-elon-musks-initial-stake-in-twitter-says-report-478308">&nbsp;Now, SEC probes delayed disclosure of Elon Musk's initial stake in Twitter, says report</a>

Technology stocks have been hit very bad. The Nasdaq managed a small rise on Thursday, but it is still down 27 per cent this year, placing it in market territory, according to US media reports. The tech sector is responsible for about $3 trillion of the S&amp;P 500’s market cap decline.&nbsp;

As per the analysis from Bespoke Investment Group, a research firm, The Nasdaq has dropped more than 20 per cent in the last 30 trading days. According to the firm, a dip of that magnitude has only happened 11 times earlier, and nine of those declines were “related with recession.”

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Worst day for global markets since June 2020

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-worst-day-for-global-markets-since-june-2020-477982/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shares of many tech leaders such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Google owner Alphabet (GOOGL) and Tesla (TSLA) are all deeply in red. However, Netflix (NFLX) is the poorest performer in the S&amp;P 500 in 2022, down more than 70 per cent, CNN Business reported.&nbsp;

The sharp drop is alarming Main Street, which is concerned that the US economy is losing its speed after a remarkable rebound from the pandemic-induced recession.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-sets-inflation-agenda-discusses-end-to-china-tariffs-477964">Biden sets inflation agenda; discusses end to China tariffs</a>

Investors are now waiting for capitulation, the point at which it appears that everyone has completely given up. When sentiment appears to be at its lowest, it may be time to begin buying them again.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent.

The strong headwinds in the global economy have wiped off a whopping $7 trillion in market value from blue chip stocks in the S&P 500. Since the end of December last year, the index has dropped approximately 18 per cent. Following a 0.1 per cent fall on Thursday (May 12), the S&P 500 is now just beyond bear market levels, that is 20 per cent drop from a recent closing high. The Dow, which fell about 104 points, or 0.3 per cent, on Thursday (May 12), is down more than 13 per cent this year. Also read | Now, SEC probes delayed disclosure of Elon Musk's initial stake in Twitter, says report Technology stocks have been hit very bad. The Nasdaq managed a small rise on Thursday, but it is still down 27 per cent this year, placing it in market territory, according to US media reports. The tech sector is responsible for about $3 trillion of the S&P 500’s market cap decline. As per the analysis from Bespoke Investment Group, a research firm, The Nasdaq has dropped more than 20 per cent in the last 30 trading days. According to the firm, a dip of that magnitude has only happened 11 times earlier, and nine of those declines were “related with recession.” Watch | Gravitas: Worst day for global markets since June 2020 Shares of many tech leaders such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Google owner Alphabet (GOOGL) and Tesla (TSLA) are all deeply in red. However, Netflix (NFLX) is the poorest performer in the S&P 500 in 2022, down more than 70 per cent, CNN Business reported. The sharp drop is alarming Main Street, which is concerned that the US economy is losing its speed after a remarkable rebound from the pandemic-induced recession. Also read | Biden sets inflation agenda; discusses end to China tariffs Investors are now waiting for capitulation, the point at which it appears that everyone has completely given up. When sentiment appears to be at its lowest, it may be time to begin buying them again. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Big slump: US stock markets lost more than $7 trillion this year

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vinod Janardhanan

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