NASA&nbsp;is&nbsp;exploring&nbsp;ways&nbsp;to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;the&nbsp;International Space Station&nbsp;in orbit&nbsp;without&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior&nbsp;official&nbsp;said Monday.

Kathy Lueders, who heads the agency's human spaceflight program, told reporters on a call that operations on the research platform were proceeding "nominally" and "we're not getting&nbsp;any&nbsp;indications at a working level that our counterparts are not committed."

"That said, we always look for how do we get more operational flexibility and our cargo providers are looking at how do we add different capabilities," she continued.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-artificial-intelligence-model-shows-hidden-turbulence-in-suns-atmosphere-457528">&nbsp;New artificial intelligence model shows hidden turbulence in Sun's atmosphere</a>

While the US side of the ISS supplies power and life support, Russia is responsible for propulsion and keeping the&nbsp;station&nbsp;afloat: it does this by using docked Progress spacecraft to periodically give the&nbsp;station&nbsp;a boost to maintain its altitude, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) high.&nbsp;

Last week, though, Russia's&nbsp;space&nbsp;chief Dmitry Rogozin raised the prospect of pulling out of the partnership in response to US sanctions, allowing the 400 ton structure to come crashing down to Earth while most likely avoiding his country, since its&nbsp;orbit&nbsp;doesn't&nbsp;fly much over it.

Lueders said: "Northrop Grumman has been offering up a reboost capability, and you know, our SpaceX folks are looking at can we have additional capability."

The last Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel that arrived at the ISS on February 21 was the first to boast a capacity to "reboost" the outpost&nbsp;without&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;help.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-curiosity-rover-captures-image-of-mineral-flower-on-mars-457155">&nbsp;NASA's Curiosity rover captures image of mineral 'flower' on Mars</a>

On Friday, SpaceX boss Elon Musk tweeted his company's logo in response to Rogozin's rhetorical question about who would save the ISS&nbsp;from&nbsp;an uncontrolled de-orbit.

But Lueders stressed that such plans were a contingency measure only.&nbsp;

"It would be very difficult for us to be operating on our own -- ISS is an&nbsp;international&nbsp;partnership that was created...with joint dependencies," she said.

"As a team, we are looking at where we may have operational flexibilities, but... it would be a sad day for&nbsp;international&nbsp;operations if we can't&nbsp;continue to peacefully operate in&nbsp;space," she concluded.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun

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A symbol of post Cold War detente, the ISS has been continuously habited for more than 21 years and has weathered past geopolitical storms, notably Russia's&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of Crimea in 2014. But some observers believe the&nbsp;invasion&nbsp;of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;could hasten the demise of US-Russian&nbsp;space&nbsp;cooperation.

NASA is exploring ways to keep the International Space Station in orbit without Russian help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior official said Monday.

NASA is exploring ways to keep the International Space Station in orbit without Russian help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior official said Monday. Kathy Lueders, who heads the agency's human spaceflight program, told reporters on a call that operations on the research platform were proceeding "nominally" and "we're not getting any indications at a working level that our counterparts are not committed." "That said, we always look for how do we get more operational flexibility and our cargo providers are looking at how do we add different capabilities," she continued. Also read | New artificial intelligence model shows hidden turbulence in Sun's atmosphere While the US side of the ISS supplies power and life support, Russia is responsible for propulsion and keeping the station afloat: it does this by using docked Progress spacecraft to periodically give the station a boost to maintain its altitude, approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) high. Last week, though, Russia's space chief Dmitry Rogozin raised the prospect of pulling out of the partnership in response to US sanctions, allowing the 400 ton structure to come crashing down to Earth while most likely avoiding his country, since its orbit doesn't fly much over it. Lueders said: "Northrop Grumman has been offering up a reboost capability, and you know, our SpaceX folks are looking at can we have additional capability." The last Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo vessel that arrived at the ISS on February 21 was the first to boast a capacity to "reboost" the outpost without Russian help. Also read | NASA's Curiosity rover captures image of mineral 'flower' on Mars On Friday, SpaceX boss Elon Musk tweeted his company's logo in response to Rogozin's rhetorical question about who would save the ISS from an uncontrolled de-orbit. But Lueders stressed that such plans were a contingency measure only. "It would be very difficult for us to be operating on our own -- ISS is an international partnership that was created...with joint dependencies," she said. "As a team, we are looking at where we may have operational flexibilities, but... it would be a sad day for international operations if we can't continue to peacefully operate in space," she concluded. Watch | Gravitas: A NASA spacecraft has reached the sun A symbol of post Cold War detente, the ISS has been continuously habited for more than 21 years and has weathered past geopolitical storms, notably Russia's invasion of Crimea in 2014. But some observers believe the invasion of Ukraine could hasten the demise of US-Russian space cooperation.

NASA exploring ways to keep International Space Station afloat without Russia

TikTok&nbsp;on Monday began letting users upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's&nbsp;challenge&nbsp;to veteran titan&nbsp;YouTube.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded&nbsp;videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

"Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload&nbsp;videos&nbsp;up to 10 minutes long,"&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;said in response to an AFP inquiry.

"We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtubes-ai-algorithm-adds-explicit-language-in-captions-to-childrens-clips-456700">YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips</a>

TikTok&nbsp;more than tripling the length of&nbsp;videos&nbsp;comes as&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences.

"YouTube&nbsp;is still ahead of&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok&nbsp;effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP.

"The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and&nbsp;longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could help&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-temporarily-disables-google-maps-live-traffic-data-in-ukraine-457341">Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine</a>

Longer&nbsp;videos&nbsp;could also enable&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added.

YouTube&nbsp;recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals&nbsp;TikTok.

The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan.

"YouTube&nbsp;creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post.

"To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats."

Watch |&nbsp;YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on

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Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;are incredibly popular.&nbsp;YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan.

Short&nbsp;videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes.

Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year.

TikTok on Monday began letting users upload videos as long as 10 minutes, ramping up the young platform's challenge to veteran titan YouTube. TikTok, owned by ByteDance in China, launched with a one-minute limit on uploaded videos, but bumped the cap to three minutes last year. "Today we are happy to start rolling out the ability to upload videos up to 10 minutes long," TikTok said in response to an AFP inquiry. "We hope this will further stimulate the creativity of our creators around the world." Also read | YouTube’s AI algorithm adds explicit language in captions to children's clips TikTok more than tripling the length of videos comes as YouTube and Facebook-parent Meta strive to counter the rival with short-form content options and incentives to creators whose posts draw audiences. "YouTube is still ahead of TikTok in terms of time spent, but its not immune to the 'TikTok effect'," Insider Intelligence analyst Jasmine Enberg told AFP. "The gap in time spent between the two platforms is narrow, and longer videos could help TikTok catch up in terms of both eyeballs and engagement." Also read | Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine Longer videos could also enable TikTok creators make more money and boost the platform's advertising business, the analyst added. YouTube recently laid out goals for this year that included making the lives of creators easier and boosting a popular format that rivals TikTok. The video-sharing platform is investing in short-form and live video, along with tools to help creators make money and produce fresh content, according to chief product officer Neal Mohan. "YouTube creators are the heart and soul of the platform," Mohan said in a blog post. "To give them every opportunity possible, we'll continue to invest across our multiple formats." Watch | YouTube blocks Russia-backed channels as Russia-Ukraine Conflict rages on Short-form content like the video snippets that are a winning ingredient at TikTok are incredibly popular. YouTube's take on the concept, called "Shorts," has logged more than five trillion all-time views, according to Mohan. Short videos, typically made using smartphones, can be as long as 60 seconds, with music and comedy as popular themes. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta has its own spin on the offering called Reels, which chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has said is a priority for the tech firm and growing fast.

TikTok videos get longer in challenge to YouTube

Twitter&nbsp;will put warnings on&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;sharing links to&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Pressure is on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation.

Kremlin-run&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war.&nbsp;

Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000&nbsp;tweets&nbsp;per day that are sharing links to&nbsp;state-affiliated&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlets.

"Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-ukraines-tank-man-halts-russian-military-convoy-twitter-applauds-as-video-goes-viral-456656">Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral</a>

In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on&nbsp;Twitter."

The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social&nbsp;media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity.

The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social&nbsp;media&nbsp;scheme to undermine Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/whatsapp-to-come-up-with-a-range-of-new-features-for-its-users-457296">WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users</a>

The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia.

Twitter&nbsp;and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation

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Social&nbsp;media&nbsp;networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Twitter will put warnings on tweets sharing links to Russian state-affiliated media, the platform said Monday, as Kremlin-tied outlets are accused of spreading misinformation on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Pressure is on social media giants to squelch misleading or false information about the attack, which has drawn fierce international condemnation. Kremlin-run media outlets RT and Sputnik have both faced accusations of using false narratives in an effort to argue in favor of war. Twitter's head of site integrity, Yoel Roth, wrote that the platform has been seeing more than 45,000 tweets per day that are sharing links to state-affiliated media outlets. "Our product should make it easy to understand who's behind the content you see, and what their motivations and intentions are," he added. Also read | Watch: Ukraine's 'tank man' halts Russian military convoy; Twitter applauds as video goes viral In addition to adding labels that identify the sources of links, Roth said the platform is also "taking steps to significantly reduce the circulation of this content on Twitter." The announcement came the day after Facebook's parent Meta said pro-Russia groups were orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity. The cyber security team at the tech giant -- also parent to Instagram -- said it blocked a set of Russia-linked fake accounts that were part of a social media scheme to undermine Ukraine. Also read | WhatsApp to come up with a range of new features for its users The small network of Facebook and Instagram accounts targeted people in Ukraine, using posts to try to get people to visit websites featuring bogus news about the country's effort to defend itself from the invasion by Russia. Twitter and Facebook have both been hit with access restrictions in Russia since the invasion and are now "largely unusable", said web monitoring group NetBlocks. Watch | Twitter bans prominent US vaccine scientists' account over alleged misinformation Social media networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.

Twitter to label tweets linking to Russian state media

The United States barred on Friday travel by&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining&nbsp;the democratic process" in&nbsp;Somalia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after&nbsp;Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-us-eu-uk-sanction-russian-president-vladimir-putin-top-officials-456616">Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials</a>

"We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department.

No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in&nbsp;Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-president-suspends-prime-minister-over-corruption-charges-440324">Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges</a>

The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed.

Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in&nbsp;Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result.

The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in&nbsp;Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election.

Watch |&nbsp;UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions

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In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday. Also read | Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials "We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of Somali officials and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department. No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble. Also read | Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed. Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election. Watch | UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

US restricts visas for Somali officials accused of undermining democracy

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. 
 
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security. 
 
The security forces covered many parts of Kabul on Friday, TOLOnews reported.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-detain-29-women-and-their-families-in-kabul-claims-us-diplomat-452857">&nbsp;Taliban detain 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat</a> 
 
"Around 10 to 15 individuals stormed into the residence suddenly. They spread everywhere in the residence, including rooms, roofs and the kitchen and searched everywhere inside the house," said Sayed Azim, a resident of Kabul. 
 
Some residents of capital Kabul criticised the house raids by the Islamic Emirate's forces. 
 
"This arbitrary action is wrong. They should have a permit for searches and there should be women among them to search the houses," said Rashid, a resident. 
 
"If they have information about a crime, they should go search for it, but innocent people should not be disturbed," said Haroon, a resident.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-releases-14-women-prisoners-in-kabul-amid-global-pressure-450684">Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure</a> 
 
But the Islamic Emirate's Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a statement that the raids are aimed to detain the robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who have been already recognised by the intelligence service. According to the statement, all necessary measures have been taken to protect civilians and innocent people. 
 
"We have already detected all the (spots) through intelligence, and after full detection, the operations were launched and criminals were detained. There will be searching -- of course -- if there is nothing no one will be harmed but if the criminals are hiding anywhere, they will be detained," Mujahid said in a voice clip to TOLOnews.

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security.

Residents of Kabul city reported house-to-house searches, saying the raiding of homes has caused panic among children and women. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said it has launched a clearing operation under the command of Mullah Mohammad Fazal Mazloom, Deputy Minister of Defense, in some parts of Kabul and its neighbouring provinces in order to tighten security. The security forces covered many parts of Kabul on Friday, TOLOnews reported. Also read | Taliban detain 29 women and their families in Kabul, claims US diplomat "Around 10 to 15 individuals stormed into the residence suddenly. They spread everywhere in the residence, including rooms, roofs and the kitchen and searched everywhere inside the house," said Sayed Azim, a resident of Kabul. Some residents of capital Kabul criticised the house raids by the Islamic Emirate's forces. "This arbitrary action is wrong. They should have a permit for searches and there should be women among them to search the houses," said Rashid, a resident. "If they have information about a crime, they should go search for it, but innocent people should not be disturbed," said Haroon, a resident. Also read | Taliban releases 14 women prisoners in Kabul amid global pressure But the Islamic Emirate's Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in a statement that the raids are aimed to detain the robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who have been already recognised by the intelligence service. According to the statement, all necessary measures have been taken to protect civilians and innocent people. "We have already detected all the (spots) through intelligence, and after full detection, the operations were launched and criminals were detained. There will be searching -- of course -- if there is nothing no one will be harmed but if the criminals are hiding anywhere, they will be detained," Mujahid said in a voice clip to TOLOnews.

Kabul residents panicked by house-to-house searches

&nbsp;An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. 
 
Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protesters-demand-release-of-afghanistans-frozen-assets-455272">Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets</a> 
 
She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. 
 
She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. 
 
"Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-6-womens-rights-activists-still-missing-un-human-rights-office-expresses-concern-451313">Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern</a> 
 
A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. 
 
"We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. 
 
This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. 
 
"What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" 
 
"If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor.

Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eight-polio-vaccinators-killed-in-series-of-afghan-attacks-un-456107">Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN</a>

"The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. 
 
Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption.

An United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (OCHA) Director in the operations and advocacy division, Reena Ghelani, said the organisation has established a new system to monitor the humanitarian aid process in order to prevent corruption. Ghelani, who is leading a nine-member delegation of the UN, which has arrived in Kabul to monitor the distribution of humanitarian aid, made the remarks in a special interview with TOLOnews. Also read | Protesters demand release of Afghanistan's frozen assets She said they are working with 180 Afghan and international organisations to conduct a transparent aid process, TOLOnews reported. She urged the international community to support the people of Afghanistan. "Absolutely, the UN and its -- NGO partners -- we have asked for $4.4 billion, which we do not have yet, we need to raise this money because we need to urgently get assistance to people. We saw horrible nutrition?. We saw children begging to go to school, both boys and girls," she added. Also read | Afghanistan: 6 women’s rights activists still missing; UN human rights office expresses concern A member of the delegation said there is a need to work with the local communities and organisations to provide aid for the people. "We urge the Joe Biden administration to work in close collaboration with (the) Afghans, especially women and local organisations..." she said. This comes as many Afghans have voiced concerns over what they called the unfair distribution of aid. "What are the necessary steps to be taken for countering corruption in the distribution of aid?" "If the aid was provided in cash, it would help the value of the Afghan currency and would solve the cash problems in the markets," said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, a university professor. Read | Eight polio vaccinators killed in series of Afghan attacks: UN "The government should assess the aid provided by the UN. The contracts of the UN organisations should be shared (with the government) and the government must investigate it to see if the aid is provided to the people who deserve it," said Muzamil Shinwari, an economist. Afghanistan has recently seen a dire humanitarian crisis with millions of people struggling with starvation.

UN team in Kabul to ensure transparency with aid

Americans are showing some of the highest levels of hostility toward the Russian Federation in 40 years, with Russophobia reaching Cold War levels.

The poll done for ABC News and the Washington Post found that 80% of Americans see Russia as unfriendly or an enemy of the United States. 
That’s the worst since 1983, when Russia was part of the Soviet Union - although Americans used to refer to the whole region as Russia. That was also the height of Cold War, when nuclear tensions between Russia and the West were at their peak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-anti-war-protests-solidarity-events-held-across-continents-456718">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Anti-war protests, solidarity events held across continents</a>

Now, just 12% of Americans see Russia as a friend of the US, found the new poll, which was conducted between Sunday and Thursday when Russia began its military operations targeting Ukraine.

That number was at its highest in 1993, two years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, when two-thirds of Americans saw Russia as friendly toward the US.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-taiwan-to-join-democratic-countries-in-sanctions-on-russia-456545">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Taiwan to join 'democratic countries' in sanctions on Russia</a>

Respondents were generally negative on Russia in spite of party affiliations. But it was slightly less for Republicans at 78% compared to 86% for Democrats, and 81% for independents.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global reaction to Russian invasion of Ukraine

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While 62% of Republicans said they supported anti-Russia sanction, 79% of Democrats and 63% of independents backed the measures.

Americans are showing some of the highest levels of hostility toward the Russian Federation in 40 years, with Russophobia reaching Cold War levels. The poll done for ABC News and the Washington Post found that 80% of Americans see Russia as unfriendly or an enemy of the United States.

Americans are showing some of the highest levels of hostility toward the Russian Federation in 40 years, with Russophobia reaching Cold War levels. The poll done for ABC News and the Washington Post found that 80% of Americans see Russia as unfriendly or an enemy of the United States. That’s the worst since 1983, when Russia was part of the Soviet Union - although Americans used to refer to the whole region as Russia. That was also the height of Cold War, when nuclear tensions between Russia and the West were at their peak. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Anti-war protests, solidarity events held across continents Now, just 12% of Americans see Russia as a friend of the US, found the new poll, which was conducted between Sunday and Thursday when Russia began its military operations targeting Ukraine. That number was at its highest in 1993, two years after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, when two-thirds of Americans saw Russia as friendly toward the US. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Taiwan to join 'democratic countries' in sanctions on Russia Respondents were generally negative on Russia in spite of party affiliations. But it was slightly less for Republicans at 78% compared to 86% for Democrats, and 81% for independents. Watch | Gravitas: Global reaction to Russian invasion of Ukraine While 62% of Republicans said they supported anti-Russia sanction, 79% of Democrats and 63% of independents backed the measures.

Russophobia in US nears Cold War levels, 80% see Russia as enemy: Poll

Protests are being held across continents against the war in Ukraine since the Russian invasion which entered the third day on Saturday, while Ukrainians living abroad held prayers and vigils in their host countries and hoped for an end to the violence.

As Russia pounded Ukrainian cities including its capital Kyiv with artillery and air strikes, people rallied from Australia to Argentina against the war unleashed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-war-will-last-ukraine-apartment-block-in-kyiv-hit-by-missiles-456699">'This&nbsp;war&nbsp;will last': Ukraine apartment block in Kyiv hit by missiles</a>

Protesters gathered across Australia and New Zealand to rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of the worst rains in recent memory didn't deter demonstrators from carrying Ukrainian flags and signs in a protest in Sydney's city centre. A similar rally was held in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, where demonstrators chanted "stop Putin."

<img alt="Protesters hold banners during a rally against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Tokyo, Japan, February 26, 2022." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a2256fb-ca8b-4de9-831d-19355fb1dba5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/tokyo%20protest.jpg" />

<h5>Protesters hold banners during a rally against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Tokyo, Japan, February 26, 2022. (Image courtesy: Reuters)</h5>

Hundreds of people gathered in Japanese capital Tokyo to protest Russia's invasion while Ukrainians in the South Korean city of Seoul gathered at a cathedral on Saturday to pray for their country. At Saint Nicholas Cathedral, expatriate Ukrainians along with Ukrainian Ambassador Dmytro Ponomarenko took part in a prayer service for peace and safety in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Protests were held inside Russia also, including in Moscow and St Petersburg. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in protests across the country. Residents laid flowers outside Ukraine's Embassy in Moscow as Russian troops bore down on Kyiv on Friday. They had gathered in solidarity in the Russian capital calling on Putin to stop the invasion of a democratic country.

The Ukrainian flag is flying alongside the Union Jack above 10 Downing Street as a show of solidarity while the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag illuminated the French landmark Eiffel Tower in Paris. The famous Parisian monument will be illuminated in yellow and blue for three nights in a row.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-not-surrendering-says-president-top-developments-in-russia-ukraine-war-right-now-456681">Ukraine not surrendering, says president: Top developments in Russia-Ukraine war right now</a>

Thousands protested outside Russian Embassy in Athens, Greece, as a similar number rallied outside Downing Street in London, chanting “Putin is a killer” and “Putin is a terrorist”.

Hundreds took to the street in Madrid, Spain against the war in Ukraine while in Berlin, Germany, choirs and singers gathered at Brandenburg Gate in support of Ukraine.

Ukrainians living in Italy and Italians gathered in front of Rome's city hall to demand an immediate end of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Accompanied by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri the crowd marches with candlelights toward the Colosseum lit with the colours of the Ukrainian flag.&nbsp;

<img alt="30,000 people rallied in the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0cbbc48-96a4-4988-b5af-93cb62603a09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Georgia_0.jpg" />

<h5>30,000 people rallied in the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Image courtesy: Twitter)</h5>

Some 30,000 people rallied in the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Huge crowds gathered outside the parliament buildings, also calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili who said that Tbilisi "will not join" the economic and financial sanctions the West has imposed on Russia over the invasion.&nbsp;

Protests were held in South America too. Many Argentina residents marched towards Russia's embassy in Buenos Aires on Friday as Russian troops were bearing down on Kyiv. They gathered in Argentina's capital calling on President Putin to stop the invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

In Brazil, residents protested in Sao Paulo as Russian troops bore down on Kyiv on Friday.They had gathered in solidarity, calling on President Putin to stop the invasion of a democratic country. The demonstrators, including Ukrainians, Russians and Georgians living in Brazil, gathered on the main avenue of Sao Paulo, to protest against the Russian invasion.

Another war, another refugee flow

Traffic built up along the western Ukraine border with Poland near the town of Krakovets as Ukrainians fled their homes amid the Russian military attacks. Ukrainian refugees arriving in Poland on buses on Friday night, were welcomed by local volunteers.

<img alt="According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion two days ago." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ba286363-ccd8-4b89-a409-42128552c2d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mother%20ukraine.jpg" />

<h5>According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion two days ago.&nbsp;(Image courtesy: AFP)</h5>

According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion two days ago.&nbsp; 
Dozens of vehicles formed a 6.5km queue at Ukraine's border with Romania on Friday (February 25), captured by satellite images.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How the war has ripped apart the lives of Ukrainians

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-the-war-has-ripped-apart-the-lives-of-ukrainians-456599/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cars and trucks lined the road towards the Siret border crossing in images released by Maxar Technologies.

Those seen crossing borders were mostly women and children, since Ukraine has banned men of fighting age from leaving.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests are being held across continents against the war in Ukraine since the Russian invasion which entered the third day on Saturday, while Ukrainians living abroad held prayers and vigils in their host countries and hoped for an end to the violence.

Protests are being held across continents against the war in Ukraine since the Russian invasion which entered the third day on Saturday, while Ukrainians living abroad held prayers and vigils in their host countries and hoped for an end to the violence. As Russia pounded Ukrainian cities including its capital Kyiv with artillery and air strikes, people rallied from Australia to Argentina against the war unleashed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also read | 'This war will last': Ukraine apartment block in Kyiv hit by missiles Protesters gathered across Australia and New Zealand to rally against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. One of the worst rains in recent memory didn't deter demonstrators from carrying Ukrainian flags and signs in a protest in Sydney's city centre. A similar rally was held in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, where demonstrators chanted "stop Putin." Protesters hold banners during a rally against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in Tokyo, Japan, February 26, 2022. (Image courtesy: Reuters) Hundreds of people gathered in Japanese capital Tokyo to protest Russia's invasion while Ukrainians in the South Korean city of Seoul gathered at a cathedral on Saturday to pray for their country. At Saint Nicholas Cathedral, expatriate Ukrainians along with Ukrainian Ambassador Dmytro Ponomarenko took part in a prayer service for peace and safety in Ukraine. Protests were held inside Russia also, including in Moscow and St Petersburg. More than 1,000 people have been arrested in protests across the country. Residents laid flowers outside Ukraine's Embassy in Moscow as Russian troops bore down on Kyiv on Friday. They had gathered in solidarity in the Russian capital calling on Putin to stop the invasion of a democratic country. The Ukrainian flag is flying alongside the Union Jack above 10 Downing Street as a show of solidarity while the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag illuminated the French landmark Eiffel Tower in Paris. The famous Parisian monument will be illuminated in yellow and blue for three nights in a row. Also read | Ukraine not surrendering, says president: Top developments in Russia-Ukraine war right now Thousands protested outside Russian Embassy in Athens, Greece, as a similar number rallied outside Downing Street in London, chanting “Putin is a killer” and “Putin is a terrorist”. Hundreds took to the street in Madrid, Spain against the war in Ukraine while in Berlin, Germany, choirs and singers gathered at Brandenburg Gate in support of Ukraine. Ukrainians living in Italy and Italians gathered in front of Rome's city hall to demand an immediate end of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Accompanied by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri the crowd marches with candlelights toward the Colosseum lit with the colours of the Ukrainian flag. 30,000 people rallied in the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Image courtesy: Twitter) Some 30,000 people rallied in the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Huge crowds gathered outside the parliament buildings, also calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili who said that Tbilisi "will not join" the economic and financial sanctions the West has imposed on Russia over the invasion. Protests were held in South America too. Many Argentina residents marched towards Russia's embassy in Buenos Aires on Friday as Russian troops were bearing down on Kyiv. They gathered in Argentina's capital calling on President Putin to stop the invasion of Ukraine. In Brazil, residents protested in Sao Paulo as Russian troops bore down on Kyiv on Friday.They had gathered in solidarity, calling on President Putin to stop the invasion of a democratic country. The demonstrators, including Ukrainians, Russians and Georgians living in Brazil, gathered on the main avenue of Sao Paulo, to protest against the Russian invasion. Another war, another refugee flow Traffic built up along the western Ukraine border with Poland near the town of Krakovets as Ukrainians fled their homes amid the Russian military attacks. Ukrainian refugees arriving in Poland on buses on Friday night, were welcomed by local volunteers. According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion two days ago. (Image courtesy: AFP) According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion two days ago. Dozens of vehicles formed a 6.5km queue at Ukraine's border with Romania on Friday (February 25), captured by satellite images. Watch | Gravitas: How the war has ripped apart the lives of Ukrainians Cars and trucks lined the road towards the Siret border crossing in images released by Maxar Technologies. Those seen crossing borders were mostly women and children, since Ukraine has banned men of fighting age from leaving. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Anti-war protests, solidarity events held across continents

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'.

A mere coincidence? Or did the showrunners and industry insiders know that the avalanche of scandal was around the corner, and decide to give his character a heart attack on a Peloton machine?

For the moment, let us put the conspiracy theories aside. It may well have been a coincidence. 
But what is not a coincidence, is the predictable reaction cycle.

Noth loses work: His talent agency drops him, CBS drama 'The Equalizer' fires him. 
He loses business: a $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand is now off. 
His marriage is reportedly in trouble: wife Tara Wilson has removed her wedding ring, according to reports. 
His 'Sex and the City' co-stars <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chris-noth-sexual-assault-case-sarah-jessica-parker-cynthia-nixon-and-kristin-davis-respond-438665">support the accusers.</a>

Now rewind. Does it all smell like de ja vu?

And will it all fall by the wayside, like it appears in some of the most widely covered #MeToo cases?

Legendary comic Bill Cosby walked out of prison this year after reams of paper and television and internet hours were spent dissecting the charges against him. 
His sex assault conviction has now been overturned.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-slams-%E2%80%9Cmetoo-mob%E2%80%9D-on-wanting-to-overturn-rape-conviction-432939" hreflang="en">Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction</a>

Kevin Spacey, who was killed off from 'House of Cards' series, and edited out of 'All the Money in the World' where he played Paul Getty, is back at movie sets, after fighting off a series of allegations, mostly from younger men.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-kevin-spacey-back-to-filming-on-american-soil-following-sexual-assault-allegations-409324" hreflang="en">Kevin Spacey back to filming on American soil following sexual assault allegations</a>

 
And Harvey Weinstein, the most notorious of them all, is likely to go scot-free, if reports are to be believed. Apparently an appeals court in New York is not very sure about the conviction of the disgraced producer, allegations against whom actually started off the #MeToo movement.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-major-blow-to-metoo-harvey-weinstein-could-go-scot-free-as-appeals-court-raises-objection-on-conviction-437587" hreflang="en">Major blow to #MeToo? Harvey Weinstein could go scot free as appeals court raises objection on conviction</a>

The pattern, and its predictability, is nauseating: Knee-jerk reactions, statements of political correctness that involves taking the accused out of projects, ex-colleagues ditching the accused in public, press conferences, courtroom drama, quiet settlements, cooling off period, and back to normal.

Some of the accused, like Jeoffry Rush, successfully sued their way out of the scandals.

It remains to be seen if others who face similar accusations - &nbsp;R Kelly, James Franco- will go scot-free too.

The workplace remains a dangerous pit for many women, irrespective of country or continent.

Male chauvinism prevails in a world where hero-- and not heroine-- worship is the order of the day.

In South Korea, a K-Pop star Seungri ran a prostitution ring, while K-drama star Kim Seon Ho allegedly forced his former lover to abort their child and reportedly even set her on fire. Pop idol Kris Wu is accused of drugging and raping minor girls. Many of them issued apologies, and are 're-instated'.

No amount of campaigning seems to be able to bring justice to the victims, except in some rare cases.

The 'hero' invariably returns. Because the show must go on.

&nbsp;

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(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'.

Just a few days before sexual assault claims against Chris Noth came up, his beloved character Mr Big was killed off from 'And Just Like That', a sequel of the wildly popular series 'Sex and the City'. A mere coincidence? Or did the showrunners and industry insiders know that the avalanche of scandal was around the corner, and decide to give his character a heart attack on a Peloton machine? For the moment, let us put the conspiracy theories aside. It may well have been a coincidence. But what is not a coincidence, is the predictable reaction cycle. Noth loses work: His talent agency drops him, CBS drama 'The Equalizer' fires him. He loses business: a $12 million deal to sell his tequila brand is now off. His marriage is reportedly in trouble: wife Tara Wilson has removed her wedding ring, according to reports. His 'Sex and the City' co-stars support the accusers. Now rewind. Does it all smell like de ja vu? And will it all fall by the wayside, like it appears in some of the most widely covered #MeToo cases? Legendary comic Bill Cosby walked out of prison this year after reams of paper and television and internet hours were spent dissecting the charges against him. His sex assault conviction has now been overturned. Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction Kevin Spacey, who was killed off from 'House of Cards' series, and edited out of 'All the Money in the World' where he played Paul Getty, is back at movie sets, after fighting off a series of allegations, mostly from younger men. Kevin Spacey back to filming on American soil following sexual assault allegations And Harvey Weinstein, the most notorious of them all, is likely to go scot-free, if reports are to be believed. Apparently an appeals court in New York is not very sure about the conviction of the disgraced producer, allegations against whom actually started off the #MeToo movement. Major blow to #MeToo? Harvey Weinstein could go scot free as appeals court raises objection on conviction The pattern, and its predictability, is nauseating: Knee-jerk reactions, statements of political correctness that involves taking the accused out of projects, ex-colleagues ditching the accused in public, press conferences, courtroom drama, quiet settlements, cooling off period, and back to normal. Some of the accused, like Jeoffry Rush, successfully sued their way out of the scandals. It remains to be seen if others who face similar accusations - R Kelly, James Franco- will go scot-free too. The workplace remains a dangerous pit for many women, irrespective of country or continent. Male chauvinism prevails in a world where hero-- and not heroine-- worship is the order of the day. In South Korea, a K-Pop star Seungri ran a prostitution ring, while K-drama star Kim Seon Ho allegedly forced his former lover to abort their child and reportedly even set her on fire. Pop idol Kris Wu is accused of drugging and raping minor girls. Many of them issued apologies, and are 're-instated'. No amount of campaigning seems to be able to bring justice to the victims, except in some rare cases. The 'hero' invariably returns. Because the show must go on. × (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Here we go again: Chris Noth sex allegations, Hollywood's political correctness and de ja vu

Direct-to-home television service provider&nbsp;Dish TV has moved India's securities regulator against Yes Bank for violating takeover regulations of the country while allegedly attempting to oust its board.

The bank, which owns nearly 26% of Dish TV, had sent a notice for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to seek approval for its proposal to revamp the board. The EGM is scheduled for December 30.

In its complaint to the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Jawahar Goel-backed Dish TV said YES Bank violated India's takeover regulations by not announcing an open offer while seeking to oust the board of directors.

Under Indian regulations, such a move should have triggered an open offer.

In an open offer, which is a secondary market operation, a company may offer its existing shareholders the right to buy new shares at a discount to the market price.

 
YES Bank, along with IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd, owns 25.63% stake in Dish TV, which the lender acquired after invocation of pledged shares in 2020.&nbsp;

YES Bank did not make an open offer of shares as per law, allegedly taking the stance that it had acquired the shares pursuant to invocation of pledged shares.

 
Dish TV maintains that the exemption became invalid the moment the bank sent a notice in September to oust the existing board members and appoint new directors nominated by the bank as it amounts to taking control of the company.

“The company believes that the actions of YES Bank in sending the September 3 notices, September 9 notices and the EGM notice are in violation of the Takeover Regulations," Dish TV said in its complaint to SEBI.&nbsp;

"If YES Bank’s proposal to appoint certain individuals to the board of the company, together with the resolution (s) proposed for removal of the existing directors (except for Anil Kumar Dua), is given effect, it shall lead to YES Bank acquiring control over the company.”

The company said the notices would have necessitated an open offer to be made by YES Bank for acquiring shares from the public shareholders. “No such public announcement has been made by YES Bank, and thus, the aforesaid notices are in violation of the Takeover Regulations.”

Dish TV said that even if YES Bank makes an open offer, there remains a possibility that the shareholding of YES Bank in the company may cross 30%, “which shall be in complete violation of Section 19 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). Section 19 of the BR Act prescribes that no banking company shall hold shares in any company, whether as pledgee, mortgagee, or absolute owner, of an amount exceeding 30 per cent of the paid-up share capital of that company or 30 per cent of its own paid-up share capital and reserves, whichever is less.”&nbsp;

The company has asked SEBI to investigate the actions of YES Bank in proposing the revamping of the board.

“The company further requests your good offices to issue necessary directions in the matter to YES Bank to immediately withdraw the EGM notice sent to the company and to cease and desist from taking any further actions in respect of the EGM notice and not continue the violations of the Takeover Regulations,” Dish TV said.

Direct-to-home television service provider Dish TV has moved India's securities regulator against Yes Bank for violating takeover regulations of the country while allegedly attempting to oust its board.

Direct-to-home television service provider Dish TV has moved India's securities regulator against Yes Bank for violating takeover regulations of the country while allegedly attempting to oust its board. The bank, which owns nearly 26% of Dish TV, had sent a notice for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders to seek approval for its proposal to revamp the board. The EGM is scheduled for December 30. In its complaint to the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Jawahar Goel-backed Dish TV said YES Bank violated India's takeover regulations by not announcing an open offer while seeking to oust the board of directors. Under Indian regulations, such a move should have triggered an open offer. In an open offer, which is a secondary market operation, a company may offer its existing shareholders the right to buy new shares at a discount to the market price. YES Bank, along with IDBI Trusteeship Services Ltd, owns 25.63% stake in Dish TV, which the lender acquired after invocation of pledged shares in 2020. YES Bank did not make an open offer of shares as per law, allegedly taking the stance that it had acquired the shares pursuant to invocation of pledged shares. Dish TV maintains that the exemption became invalid the moment the bank sent a notice in September to oust the existing board members and appoint new directors nominated by the bank as it amounts to taking control of the company. “The company believes that the actions of YES Bank in sending the September 3 notices, September 9 notices and the EGM notice are in violation of the Takeover Regulations," Dish TV said in its complaint to SEBI. "If YES Bank’s proposal to appoint certain individuals to the board of the company, together with the resolution (s) proposed for removal of the existing directors (except for Anil Kumar Dua), is given effect, it shall lead to YES Bank acquiring control over the company.” The company said the notices would have necessitated an open offer to be made by YES Bank for acquiring shares from the public shareholders. “No such public announcement has been made by YES Bank, and thus, the aforesaid notices are in violation of the Takeover Regulations.” Dish TV said that even if YES Bank makes an open offer, there remains a possibility that the shareholding of YES Bank in the company may cross 30%, “which shall be in complete violation of Section 19 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). Section 19 of the BR Act prescribes that no banking company shall hold shares in any company, whether as pledgee, mortgagee, or absolute owner, of an amount exceeding 30 per cent of the paid-up share capital of that company or 30 per cent of its own paid-up share capital and reserves, whichever is less.” The company has asked SEBI to investigate the actions of YES Bank in proposing the revamping of the board. “The company further requests your good offices to issue necessary directions in the matter to YES Bank to immediately withdraw the EGM notice sent to the company and to cease and desist from taking any further actions in respect of the EGM notice and not continue the violations of the Takeover Regulations,” Dish TV said.

Dish TV moves India's securities regulator SEBI against Yes Bank for violating takeover regulations

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year.

He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

“It was on the table that I may lose my leg so when I woke up I tested it and I had full weight in both legs. That was a positive,” he said when asked if he ever thought he might not be able to play again or even walk again. “I waited for the day I could get out of hospital.”

“There were tough days but I am here, I am alive, I did not lose a limb and they were huge positives,” he said.&nbsp;

He also said that the thought of losing to his young son Charlie is a huge motivation.

“It is up to me to see how far I can get back with strength, mobility and connection to ensure my son never beats me at a game of Golf. The day is coming soon but while I am looking forward to that day I am also not looking forward to that day. I am trying to postpone it as long as possible.”

Watch:&nbsp;Golfing great Tiger Woods speaks to WION on his road to recovery

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/big-challenge-to-come-back-after-injury-but-its-tiger-woods-he-proves-us-wrong-always-martin-dempster-433009" hreflang="en">Big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster</a>

Tiger Woods sustained life-threatening injuries in February and had to undergo emergency surgery on his lower right leg, foot and ankle.

In&nbsp;the horrific car accident,&nbsp;the 15-time major winner was driving in an LA suburb and veered off the road and his vehicle flipped multiple times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/have-to-prove-to-myself-that-i-am-good-enough-to-win-before-i-return-tiger-woods-433061" hreflang="en">Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods</a>

The single-vehicle roll-over collision sent shock waves in the sporting world. It was so bad that police at the scene said that the golfer was "lucky to be alive".&nbsp;

After spending weeks in the hospital, Woods returned to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year. He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Golf legend Tiger Woods has revealed to WION how the thought crossed his mind that he might lose his leg soon after his horrific car accident earlier this year. He was answering a question from WION's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo during an interaction at this week's Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. “It was on the table that I may lose my leg so when I woke up I tested it and I had full weight in both legs. That was a positive,” he said when asked if he ever thought he might not be able to play again or even walk again. “I waited for the day I could get out of hospital.” “There were tough days but I am here, I am alive, I did not lose a limb and they were huge positives,” he said. He also said that the thought of losing to his young son Charlie is a huge motivation. “It is up to me to see how far I can get back with strength, mobility and connection to ensure my son never beats me at a game of Golf. The day is coming soon but while I am looking forward to that day I am also not looking forward to that day. I am trying to postpone it as long as possible.” Watch: Golfing great Tiger Woods speaks to WION on his road to recovery × Also read: Big challenge to come back after injury but it's Tiger Woods, he proves us wrong always: Martin Dempster Tiger Woods sustained life-threatening injuries in February and had to undergo emergency surgery on his lower right leg, foot and ankle. In the horrific car accident, the 15-time major winner was driving in an LA suburb and veered off the road and his vehicle flipped multiple times. Also read: Have to prove to myself that I am good enough to win before I return: Tiger Woods The single-vehicle roll-over collision sent shock waves in the sporting world. It was so bad that police at the scene said that the golfer was "lucky to be alive". After spending weeks in the hospital, Woods returned to his home in Florida where he continued with his rehabilitation.

Tiger Woods reveals to WION his thoughts after accident: ‘It was on the table that I may lose my leg’

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport.&nbsp;

The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that&nbsp;Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

It will be Woods’ first public appearance since his brush with death in February.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Golfer Tiger Woods unlikely to play full-time again

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&nbsp;

Woods was driving to a television shoot when he lost control on a hilly descent in the suburbs of Los Angeles and his car overturned multiple times before coming to a halt.&nbsp;

First responders later revealed that Woods was lucky to be alive and he underwent multiple surgeries to repair substantial damage in his legs and ankle.&nbsp;

Since then, there have been fleeting glimpses and rare public posts on his social media handles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/tiger-woods-posts-photo-of-himself-on-crutches-says-rehab-is-coming-along-379656" hreflang="en">Tiger Woods posts photo of himself on crutches, says rehab is 'coming along'</a>

Last week he teased what many considered to be an improbable return to golf by posting a two-second video of what looked like a practice round.&nbsp;

Earlier this year in February doctors and medical experts believed the nature of the injuries would make any return to golf virtually impossible.&nbsp;

Tiger Woods though has a history of making barely believable comebacks. He has gone under the knife on multiple occasions over the last decade and remains the sport’s biggest draw.&nbsp;

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/excessive-speed-was-primary-cause-of-tiger-woods-car-crash-la-county-sheriff-375960" hreflang="en">Excessive speed was primary cause of Tiger Woods car crash: LA County Sheriff</a>

&nbsp;

Can he make another comeback, can he provide golf fans with one final hurrah or will it be the final act in a record-breaking career?&nbsp;

The world waits in anticipation, WION has a front row ticket.&nbsp;

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport. The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday.

It is the biggest story in golf and perhaps world sport. The atmosphere around Albany Golf Course crackled with anticipation as an email from the PGA tour dropped into our inboxes on Monday afternoon confirming that Tiger Woods would be making an appearance at the Hero World Challenge tournament on Tuesday. It will be Woods’ first public appearance since his brush with death in February. WATCH: Golfer Tiger Woods unlikely to play full-time again × Woods was driving to a television shoot when he lost control on a hilly descent in the suburbs of Los Angeles and his car overturned multiple times before coming to a halt. First responders later revealed that Woods was lucky to be alive and he underwent multiple surgeries to repair substantial damage in his legs and ankle. Since then, there have been fleeting glimpses and rare public posts on his social media handles. Also read: Tiger Woods posts photo of himself on crutches, says rehab is 'coming along' Last week he teased what many considered to be an improbable return to golf by posting a two-second video of what looked like a practice round. Earlier this year in February doctors and medical experts believed the nature of the injuries would make any return to golf virtually impossible. Tiger Woods though has a history of making barely believable comebacks. He has gone under the knife on multiple occasions over the last decade and remains the sport’s biggest draw. Also read : Excessive speed was primary cause of Tiger Woods car crash: LA County Sheriff Can he make another comeback, can he provide golf fans with one final hurrah or will it be the final act in a record-breaking career? The world waits in anticipation, WION has a front row ticket.

Tiger Woods to return to spotlight in first public appearance since brush with death

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Vinod Janardhanan

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