Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague. Barcelona are aiming to win the Champions League for the third time in four seasons and their strength in depth was summed up by the presence of six players in their starting line-up who played in August's World Cup final in Sydney, when Spain beat England 1-0.

A crowd of fewer than 5,000 watched Putellas, who was a substitute in the World Cup final after missing almost all of last season due to a serious knee injury, head in the opener with quarter of an hour played. Putellas then followed up to make it 2-0 on the line when a header by Esmee Brugts beat the Portuguese side's goalkeeper, and Bonmati got the third with a composed finish just before the interval.

Putellas was replaced at the break and Bonmati then netted again seven minutes after the restart having been set up by Caroline Graham Hansen. Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala wrapped up a convincing victory by scoring with an overhead kick just seconds after coming on as a substitute.

"The motivation for this club is to arrive in the Champions League final every year," Barcelona's England midfielder Keira Walsh told DAZN. "If you look at the mentality of these girls, that's what I saw when I came in here. "It was always, constantly being at the top in training every single day. It's so competitive and that speaks for itself."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-joel-embiid-lead-helps-philadelphia-76ers-defeat-los-angeles-lakers-663722">NBA: Joel Embiid stars as Philadelphia 76ers defeat Los Angeles Lakers</a>

Also in Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt won 2-1 away to Rosengard of Sweden, with captain Tanja Pawollek opening the scoring before Barbara Dunst netted the second for the Germans, who have won the competition four times. Captain Olivia Schough pulled a goal back for Rosengard, the Swedish champions.

<h2>Hegerberg's 60th goal</h2>

Lyon, the record eight-time Champions League winners, are expected to make short work of Group B and they showed no mercy to their hosts in the Czech Republic. France star Kadidiatou Diani, a close-season signing from Paris Saint-Germain, netted twice for Lyon while 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty in the second half.

The Norwegian is the Champions League's all-time top scorer and that was her 60th goal in the competition. There was also a brace for Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles, with Sara Daebritz, Danielle van de Donk, Eugenie Le Sommer and substitute Amel Majri getting their other goals.

Seen as one of the main threats to Barcelona's hopes of retaining the trophy, Lyon's next game will be at home to the Austrian side St Poelten. "If everything goes the way we want it to go, we can go far in every competition," said the Lyon coach, Sonia Bompastor.

St Poelten were beaten 2-1 at home by Brann of Norway on Tuesday, with US-born Icelandic international defender Natasha Anasi scoring the winner for the visitors. The other groups get underway on Wednesday, when English champions Chelsea travel to play Real Madrid in Group D. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was on Tuesday confirmed as the next coach of the United States, a position she will take up after this season.

Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague.

Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas both scored twice as Barcelona began their defence of the Women's Champions League title on Tuesday with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Benfica, while a ruthless Lyon hit nine against Slavia Prague. Barcelona are aiming to win the Champions League for the third time in four seasons and their strength in depth was summed up by the presence of six players in their starting line-up who played in August's World Cup final in Sydney, when Spain beat England 1-0. A crowd of fewer than 5,000 watched Putellas, who was a substitute in the World Cup final after missing almost all of last season due to a serious knee injury, head in the opener with quarter of an hour played. Putellas then followed up to make it 2-0 on the line when a header by Esmee Brugts beat the Portuguese side's goalkeeper, and Bonmati got the third with a composed finish just before the interval. Putellas was replaced at the break and Bonmati then netted again seven minutes after the restart having been set up by Caroline Graham Hansen. Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala wrapped up a convincing victory by scoring with an overhead kick just seconds after coming on as a substitute. "The motivation for this club is to arrive in the Champions League final every year," Barcelona's England midfielder Keira Walsh told DAZN. "If you look at the mentality of these girls, that's what I saw when I came in here. "It was always, constantly being at the top in training every single day. It's so competitive and that speaks for itself." Also Read: NBA: Joel Embiid stars as Philadelphia 76ers defeat Los Angeles Lakers Also in Group A, Eintracht Frankfurt won 2-1 away to Rosengard of Sweden, with captain Tanja Pawollek opening the scoring before Barbara Dunst netted the second for the Germans, who have won the competition four times. Captain Olivia Schough pulled a goal back for Rosengard, the Swedish champions. Hegerberg's 60th goal Lyon, the record eight-time Champions League winners, are expected to make short work of Group B and they showed no mercy to their hosts in the Czech Republic. France star Kadidiatou Diani, a close-season signing from Paris Saint-Germain, netted twice for Lyon while 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg scored a penalty in the second half. The Norwegian is the Champions League's all-time top scorer and that was her 60th goal in the competition. There was also a brace for Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles, with Sara Daebritz, Danielle van de Donk, Eugenie Le Sommer and substitute Amel Majri getting their other goals. Seen as one of the main threats to Barcelona's hopes of retaining the trophy, Lyon's next game will be at home to the Austrian side St Poelten. "If everything goes the way we want it to go, we can go far in every competition," said the Lyon coach, Sonia Bompastor. St Poelten were beaten 2-1 at home by Brann of Norway on Tuesday, with US-born Icelandic international defender Natasha Anasi scoring the winner for the visitors. The other groups get underway on Wednesday, when English champions Chelsea travel to play Real Madrid in Group D. Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was on Tuesday confirmed as the next coach of the United States, a position she will take up after this season.

Football: Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas score brace as Barcelona beat Benfica in Champions League

Priyanka Chopra conducted a special puja for her late father, Ashok Chopra, and this time her little companion, daughter Malti Marie, was at her side. The puja was held in remembrance of her late father, Ashok Chopra, who died in 2013 at the age of 62.&nbsp;

Taking to her Instagram handle, Chopra shared photos from her father's 10th death anniversary. In the first picture, Malti Marie, who looks very cute, is seen playing on the floor with the Pooja items. In the picture, Marie is wearing a purple lehenga and is looking adorable.&nbsp;

Priyanka captioned her post, "Puja time. Miss u nana.''

The second picture showed Malti and her in front of her father's&nbsp;picture.&nbsp;In the photo, the baby is seen sitting in front of her Nana's picture, in which he is seen in his defence uniform. Priyanka wrote "Miss u dad," on her Instagram story.

Peecee is a complete family person when it comes to her personal life. The Citadel star grew up as a complete daddy's girl and her wrist tattoo is a big proof of that.&nbsp; She has time and again brought up how her father raised her as a strong and independent woman and supported all her dreams and aspirations.&nbsp;

The actress also shared a cute picture of Malti,&nbsp;in which she's looking at her belly button.&nbsp;"Someone found her belly button in her gorgeous lehenga by @poojarajpaljaggiofficial." Priyanka wrote with a picture. The lehenga was laced and embroidered with a top and dupatta.&nbsp;

In the second picture, Marie was seen crawling on the floor, as she went through flowers and other elements kept for the ceremony.&nbsp;

The global citizen also shared another photo. In this picture, Malti Marie had changed into a jumpsuit and sat on a highchair in front of a table. The table had her late grandfather’s photo, some candles, flowers and a small mandir. The picture seemingly was taken after the puja.

Malti Marie also recently went on her first trip to India with her parents. Priyanka even took time out from her promotions at Citadel and went to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai with her daughter.

&nbsp;

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Priyanka Chopra conducted a special puja for her late father, Ashok Chopra, and this time her little companion, daughter Malti Marie, was at her side. The puja was held in remembrance of her late father, Ashok Chopra, who died in 2013 at the age of 62.

Priyanka Chopra conducted a special puja for her late father, Ashok Chopra, and this time her little companion, daughter Malti Marie, was at her side. The puja was held in remembrance of her late father, Ashok Chopra, who died in 2013 at the age of 62. Taking to her Instagram handle, Chopra shared photos from her father's 10th death anniversary. In the first picture, Malti Marie, who looks very cute, is seen playing on the floor with the Pooja items. In the picture, Marie is wearing a purple lehenga and is looking adorable. Priyanka captioned her post, "Puja time. Miss u nana.'' The second picture showed Malti and her in front of her father's picture. In the photo, the baby is seen sitting in front of her Nana's picture, in which he is seen in his defence uniform. Priyanka wrote "Miss u dad," on her Instagram story. Peecee is a complete family person when it comes to her personal life. The Citadel star grew up as a complete daddy's girl and her wrist tattoo is a big proof of that. She has time and again brought up how her father raised her as a strong and independent woman and supported all her dreams and aspirations. The actress also shared a cute picture of Malti, in which she's looking at her belly button. "Someone found her belly button in her gorgeous lehenga by @poojarajpaljaggiofficial." Priyanka wrote with a picture. The lehenga was laced and embroidered with a top and dupatta. In the second picture, Marie was seen crawling on the floor, as she went through flowers and other elements kept for the ceremony. The global citizen also shared another photo. In this picture, Malti Marie had changed into a jumpsuit and sat on a highchair in front of a table. The table had her late grandfather’s photo, some candles, flowers and a small mandir. The picture seemingly was taken after the puja. Malti Marie also recently went on her first trip to India with her parents. Priyanka even took time out from her promotions at Citadel and went to Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai with her daughter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Miss you dad! Priyanka Chopra remembers her father on his death anniversary

10 must watch underrated queer films this Pride month

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama failed to win a majority in the recently concluded general election, leaving the country facing a hung parliament. Bainimarama's First party has won 26 seats which are two short of the majority needed to form the government, news agency Bloomberg reported on Sunday citing data from the Fiji Elections Office.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama failed to win a majority in the recently concluded general election, leaving the country facing a hung parliament. Bainimarama's First party has won 26 seats which are two short of the majority needed to form the government, news agency Bloomberg reported on Sunday citing data from the Fiji Elections Office. The People’s Alliance Party secured the second position with 21 seats while the Social Democratic Liberal Party won three seats. This general election's result marked the first time since democratic polls resumed in 2014 that the Fiji First failed to secure the majority needed to form the government. ALSO READ| Fiji's biggest threat 'climate change, not conflict' According to Radio New Zealand International, Frank Bainimarama will now have to woo at least one of the other political parties into a coalition to maintain power. Bainimarama, 68, has been leading Fiji since 2006 when the then-army chief seized power in a military coup. In the 2014 election, the Fiji First won a clear majority and Bainimarama became the Prime Minister. He won again the 2018 election. With the counting of all votes concluded, the Prime Minister and the next government in Fiji will now likely be determined through party horsetrading and what could be a drawn-out negotiation process, a report by news agency AFP said on Sunday. The 2022 election marred by late-night glitch Fijians cast their votes on Wednesday to elect the government for the next four years. However, the vote counting was marred by a glitch late Wednesday night which hid the tally from the public for four hours. The interference in counting was met with widespread anger on social media. On Thursday, opposition leaders in Fiji, including two-time coup leader Sitiveni Rabuka, called for a halt to the vote counting alleging anomalies and an urgent forensic audit. The leaders threatened to boycott the next parliament if these two demands were not met. Sitiveni Rabuka, 74, former Prime Minister and one of the contenders for the top post in this election, claimed anomalies in counting and asked the military to step in. He was then hauled in for questioning by detectives. Upon being released, Rabuka told AFP the questioning was a part of the current government's effort to intimidate him. No significant concerns about conduct of poll: International observers Amid calls for a halt to the vote counting, international observers said on Friday that they had no significant concerns about the conduct of the Fiji general election. Rebekha Sharkie, one of the observers and Australian member of Parliament told AFP that no significant irregularities or issues during pre-polling, postal voting or election day voting were observed. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama fails to win majority in general election

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi on Thursday lost the bid to take his fight against extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering to the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court, a report by news agency Reuters said. Modi, an accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, fled India back in 2018 before details of his involvement in the scandal emerged.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-subhash-shankar-parab-nirav-modis-close-aide-who-is-deported-from-egypt-to-india-470400">Who is Subhash Shankar Parab? Nirav Modi's close aide deported to India from Egypt</a>

On Thursday, London's high court refused Modi's application to certify a “point of law of general public importance” and rejected his application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court.

On <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pnb-scam-major-setback-for-nirav-modi-as-uk-high-court-orders-his-extradition-to-india-532584">November 9, the high court ordered Modi's extradition to India</a> as he lost his appeal on mental health grounds. The court's ruling noted that Modi's&nbsp;&nbsp;"risk of suicide" was not such that it would be either "unjust or oppressive" to extradite him to India to face charges.&nbsp;

Also in November, Judge Jeremy Stuart-Smith ruled that the diamantaire could be kept safe at Mumbai's Arthur Road jail. Judge Smith said the risk of suicide if Modi was extradited might be high, but the arrangements at the prison would enable the authorities to cope properly with his condition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

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&nbsp;

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi on Thursday lost the bid to take his fight against extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering to the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court, a report by news agency Reuters said.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi on Thursday lost the bid to take his fight against extradition to India on charges of fraud and money laundering to the United Kingdom (UK) Supreme Court, a report by news agency Reuters said. Modi, an accused in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, fled India back in 2018 before details of his involvement in the scandal emerged. ALSO READ | Who is Subhash Shankar Parab? Nirav Modi's close aide deported to India from Egypt On Thursday, London's high court refused Modi's application to certify a “point of law of general public importance” and rejected his application for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. On November 9, the high court ordered Modi's extradition to India as he lost his appeal on mental health grounds. The court's ruling noted that Modi's "risk of suicide" was not such that it would be either "unjust or oppressive" to extradite him to India to face charges. Also in November, Judge Jeremy Stuart-Smith ruled that the diamantaire could be kept safe at Mumbai's Arthur Road jail. Judge Smith said the risk of suicide if Modi was extradited might be high, but the arrangements at the prison would enable the authorities to cope properly with his condition. (With inputs from Reuters) 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.

Fugitive Nirav Modi loses bid to appeal extradition to India in UK Supreme Court

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, a monument of the 18th-century Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov was pulled down in Ukraine's southern city of Mykolaiv on Wednesday. A video shared by news agency Reuters on Thursday showed a crane lifting General Suvorov's monument off its pedestal and onto a truck to carry it away.

Earlier this month, the monument was attacked by red and green paint.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Monument of 18th century Russian General pulled down in Ukraine's Mykolaiv city

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It is not yet clear who removed the monument. Reuters reported that local authorities apparently had not sanctioned the move.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-likely-to-isolate-in-bunker-as-flu-outbreak-hits-kremlin-report-543058">Vladimir Putin likely to isolate in bunker as flu outbreak hits Kremlin: Report</a>

It was installed in 2010 in one of the universities in Mykolaiv city to mark the 280th birth anniversary of General Suvorov.&nbsp;

Apart from Mykolaiv, another statute of the general in Ukraine's southern town of Izmail was removed at the beginning of this month.&nbsp;

Born in November 1730, General Aleksandr Suvorov was one of the most famous generals of the Russian Empire and has been intensely used in Russian propaganda. He is called one of the founders of southern Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-patriot-missile-defence-system-to-ukraine-all-you-need-to-know-543385">US to send Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine: All you need to know</a>

Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine will soon enter the 11th month. In the latest news, the Ukrainian military warned on Thursday that Moscow is preparing for a long war.&nbsp;

“The Kremlin realises that in short-term perspective it is impossible to achieve victory in the war, thus seeking to turn the conflict into a prolonged armed confrontation aimed at the exhaustion of Ukraine and our partners," Brigadier General Oleskiy Gromov said during a press conference in Kyiv, Reuters reported.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
(With inputs from agencies)

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As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, a monument of the 18th-century Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov was pulled down in Ukraine's southern city of Mykolaiv on Wednesday.

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues, a monument of the 18th-century Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov was pulled down in Ukraine's southern city of Mykolaiv on Wednesday. A video shared by news agency Reuters on Thursday showed a crane lifting General Suvorov's monument off its pedestal and onto a truck to carry it away. Earlier this month, the monument was attacked by red and green paint. WATCH | Monument of 18th century Russian General pulled down in Ukraine's Mykolaiv city × It is not yet clear who removed the monument. Reuters reported that local authorities apparently had not sanctioned the move. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin likely to isolate in bunker as flu outbreak hits Kremlin: Report It was installed in 2010 in one of the universities in Mykolaiv city to mark the 280th birth anniversary of General Suvorov. Apart from Mykolaiv, another statute of the general in Ukraine's southern town of Izmail was removed at the beginning of this month. Born in November 1730, General Aleksandr Suvorov was one of the most famous generals of the Russian Empire and has been intensely used in Russian propaganda. He is called one of the founders of southern Ukraine. ALSO READ | US to send Patriot missile defence system to Ukraine: All you need to know Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine will soon enter the 11th month. In the latest news, the Ukrainian military warned on Thursday that Moscow is preparing for a long war. “The Kremlin realises that in short-term perspective it is impossible to achieve victory in the war, thus seeking to turn the conflict into a prolonged armed confrontation aimed at the exhaustion of Ukraine and our partners," Brigadier General Oleskiy Gromov said during a press conference in Kyiv, Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Monument of 18th century Russian General pulled down in Ukraine's Mykolaiv

Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers".

Speaking to news agency AFP, Google said that it handles ''billions of search queries every day'', so it builds ranking systems to automatically surface relevant, high-quality, and helpful information.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hong-kong-is-back-but-only-for-some-531775">Hong Kong is back, but only for some</a>

"We do not manually manipulate organic web listings to determine the ranking of a specific page," Google said. The tech giant added it was in contact with the Hong Kong government to explain how its platforms and removal policies work.&nbsp;

"We do not remove web results except for specific reasons outlined in our global policy documentation," Google further said.&nbsp;

The clarification came two days after &nbsp;Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang said that Google refused to change its search results to display China's national anthem rather than the protest song.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-hammer-and-sickle-effect-in-hong-kong-517733">The hammer and sickle effect in Hong Kong</a>

"We've approached Google to request that they put the correct national anthem at the top of their search results, but unfortunately Google refused," Tang said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Apart from Tang, Hong Kong leader John Lee said this week that the tech giant had a ''moral obligation'' to respect a nation's national anthem.&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign ministry, meanwhile, said that internet companies had a duty to deliver correct information to the public.&nbsp;

"Glory to Hong Kong", written in 2019, was accidentally played for Hong Kong athletes at two international sporting events in November this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers".

Google on Thursday said that it does not manipulate search results amid a row over the national anthem of Hong Kong. The controversy started when people searching for Hong Kong's anthem online, found that links to a protest song (song of the city's pro-democracy movement) ''Glory to Hong Kong'' appeared ahead of the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers". Speaking to news agency AFP, Google said that it handles ''billions of search queries every day'', so it builds ranking systems to automatically surface relevant, high-quality, and helpful information. ALSO READ | Hong Kong is back, but only for some "We do not manually manipulate organic web listings to determine the ranking of a specific page," Google said. The tech giant added it was in contact with the Hong Kong government to explain how its platforms and removal policies work. "We do not remove web results except for specific reasons outlined in our global policy documentation," Google further said. The clarification came two days after Hong Kong's security chief Chris Tang said that Google refused to change its search results to display China's national anthem rather than the protest song. ALSO READ | The hammer and sickle effect in Hong Kong "We've approached Google to request that they put the correct national anthem at the top of their search results, but unfortunately Google refused," Tang said on Monday, news agency Reuters reported. Apart from Tang, Hong Kong leader John Lee said this week that the tech giant had a ''moral obligation'' to respect a nation's national anthem. The Chinese foreign ministry, meanwhile, said that internet companies had a duty to deliver correct information to the public. "Glory to Hong Kong", written in 2019, was accidentally played for Hong Kong athletes at two international sporting events in November this year. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Google says it does not change search results amid Hong Kong anthem row

English novelist George Orwell's dystopian novel ''1984''&nbsp;has topped electronic bestsellers in Russia. The novel is set in an imagined future where totalitarian rulers deprive citizens of all agency to maintain support for senseless wars. State news agency Tass reported on Tuesday that ''1984'' is the most popular fiction download of this year on LitRes. a Russian online bookseller.&nbsp;

As the name suggests, the novel is set in the year 1984 in Oceania, which is governed by the all-controlling Party, according to Britannica. The Party has brainwashed the citizens into unthinking obedience to its leader Big Brother. The Party has come up with Newspeak, a propagandistic language that has been designed to limit free thought and promote its doctrines.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-quoting-national-anthem-to-referencing-orwells-1984-what-chinese-netizens-are-doing-to-dodge-censorship-476996">From quoting national anthem to referencing Orwell's 1984: What Chinese netizens are doing to dodge censorship</a>

Orwell's ''1984'' was published in 1949 as a warning against totalitarianism and it was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, a report by news agency Reuters said. Orwell said that he used Joseph Stalin's (the former premier of the Soviet Union) dictatorship for the personality cult of Big Brother, whose ''Thought Police''&nbsp;force citizens to engage in doublethink (the acceptance of contrary opinions at the same time) to believe that "War is peace, freedom is slavery."

But some people see contemporary echoes in the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who eradicated political opposition and critical media from the public, the Reuters report said.&nbsp;

Putin's war on Ukraine, which he calls a ''special military operation''&nbsp;will soon enter the eleventh month, prompted new laws that made it a crime to publish any information about the war which was at variants with statements given by the government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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English novelist George Orwell's dystopian novel ''1984'' has topped electronic bestsellers in Russia. The novel is set in an imagined future where totalitarian rulers deprive citizens of all agency to maintain support for senseless wars.

English novelist George Orwell's dystopian novel ''1984'' has topped electronic bestsellers in Russia. The novel is set in an imagined future where totalitarian rulers deprive citizens of all agency to maintain support for senseless wars. State news agency Tass reported on Tuesday that ''1984'' is the most popular fiction download of this year on LitRes. a Russian online bookseller. As the name suggests, the novel is set in the year 1984 in Oceania, which is governed by the all-controlling Party, according to Britannica. The Party has brainwashed the citizens into unthinking obedience to its leader Big Brother. The Party has come up with Newspeak, a propagandistic language that has been designed to limit free thought and promote its doctrines. ALSO READ| From quoting national anthem to referencing Orwell's 1984: What Chinese netizens are doing to dodge censorship Orwell's ''1984'' was published in 1949 as a warning against totalitarianism and it was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, a report by news agency Reuters said. Orwell said that he used Joseph Stalin's (the former premier of the Soviet Union) dictatorship for the personality cult of Big Brother, whose ''Thought Police'' force citizens to engage in doublethink (the acceptance of contrary opinions at the same time) to believe that "War is peace, freedom is slavery." But some people see contemporary echoes in the rule of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who eradicated political opposition and critical media from the public, the Reuters report said. Putin's war on Ukraine, which he calls a ''special military operation'' will soon enter the eleventh month, prompted new laws that made it a crime to publish any information about the war which was at variants with statements given by the government. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

George Orwell's novel 1984, banned in the Soviet Union until 1988, tops Russian bestseller list

A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found&nbsp;that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India.&nbsp;The study, carried out by Vivo along with the Cybermedia Research on ''Smartphones and their impact on human relationships 2022'', found that 67% of the respondents confessed to being on their smartphones even while they are spending time with their spouse. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents, on the other hand, said that they spend less time engaging in relaxed conversation with their spouse than possible.

"Eighty-four per cent of respondents wish to spend more time with their spouse. People are accepting the problems and are willing to change. 88 per cent of respondents agreed that increased usage of smartphones is hurting their relationship with their spouses," the study said.&nbsp;

The study added that 90% of respondents would want to devote more leisure time to meaningful conversations with their spouses.&nbsp;

It revealed that 70% of people get irritated when their spouse asks for something while they are immersed in their phones.&nbsp;

''Sixty-six per cent of people feel that excessive usage of smartphones has weakened their relationship with their spouse," the study said.

It also found out that 69% of the respondents felt occasionally distracted by their smartphone, or not attentive enough to their spouse at times and 68% of partners felt guilty at some point in time for being distracted by their phone while spending time with their spouse.

Yogendra Sriramula, the Vivo India Head, Brand Strategy, said while the significance of smartphones in today's life is ''undisputed'', however, excessive usage remains an area that users need to be cautious of. "As a responsible brand, we aim to underline the importance of spending time with our loved ones, for that is the true meaning of leisure time," Sriramula said, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India.

A recent study conducted in some of the major cities of India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, has found that excessive use of smartphones is hurting the relationship of married couples in India. The study, carried out by Vivo along with the Cybermedia Research on ''Smartphones and their impact on human relationships 2022'', found that 67% of the respondents confessed to being on their smartphones even while they are spending time with their spouse. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents, on the other hand, said that they spend less time engaging in relaxed conversation with their spouse than possible. "Eighty-four per cent of respondents wish to spend more time with their spouse. People are accepting the problems and are willing to change. 88 per cent of respondents agreed that increased usage of smartphones is hurting their relationship with their spouses," the study said. The study added that 90% of respondents would want to devote more leisure time to meaningful conversations with their spouses. It revealed that 70% of people get irritated when their spouse asks for something while they are immersed in their phones. ''Sixty-six per cent of people feel that excessive usage of smartphones has weakened their relationship with their spouse," the study said. It also found out that 69% of the respondents felt occasionally distracted by their smartphone, or not attentive enough to their spouse at times and 68% of partners felt guilty at some point in time for being distracted by their phone while spending time with their spouse. Yogendra Sriramula, the Vivo India Head, Brand Strategy, said while the significance of smartphones in today's life is ''undisputed'', however, excessive usage remains an area that users need to be cautious of. "As a responsible brand, we aim to underline the importance of spending time with our loved ones, for that is the true meaning of leisure time," Sriramula said, news agency PTI reported. 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.

Study shows excessive smartphone use hurting relationship of married Indians

A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed.&nbsp;British radio station LBC has earlier said that 43 people had been rescued and a small number had died.&nbsp;

According to media reports, lifeboats, helicopters and rescue teams are working&nbsp;with the French and British navies to respond to the event. A government spokesperson, in a statement, said that "At 3:05 (GMT) today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress."

It added, "After a coordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident." The spokesperson also said that an investigation&nbsp;is underway.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, ambulances and emergency crews gathered on the quayside at the port of Dover to handle the sinking incident. According to Sky News, some of the migrants were transferred to a hospital in Kent's Ashford town.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, British interior minister Suella Braverman tweeted, "I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.''

The sinking incident comes a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to toughen the laws to stop the small boats crossing the Channel, including legislation to prevent migrants from remaining in the country, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

In the last week, temperatures have plunged across Britain. Despite this, over 500 migrants have made the journey in small boats since the weekend alone.&nbsp;

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A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed.

A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed. British radio station LBC has earlier said that 43 people had been rescued and a small number had died. According to media reports, lifeboats, helicopters and rescue teams are working with the French and British navies to respond to the event. A government spokesperson, in a statement, said that "At 3:05 (GMT) today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress." It added, "After a coordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident." The spokesperson also said that an investigation is underway. On Wednesday, ambulances and emergency crews gathered on the quayside at the port of Dover to handle the sinking incident. According to Sky News, some of the migrants were transferred to a hospital in Kent's Ashford town. Taking to Twitter, British interior minister Suella Braverman tweeted, "I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.'' The sinking incident comes a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to toughen the laws to stop the small boats crossing the Channel, including legislation to prevent migrants from remaining in the country, Reuters reported. In the last week, temperatures have plunged across Britain. Despite this, over 500 migrants have made the journey in small boats since the weekend alone. 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.

UK: Boat carrying migrants sinks off English Coast, four dead

The Barbados High Court on Tuesday struck down colonial-era laws that criminalise gay sex. The court ruled that the criminalisation of gay sex is unconstitutional.&nbsp;With this ruling, Barbados becomes the third country in the Caribbean after Saint Kitts and Nevis and Antigua to overthrow such legislation this year, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;

The High Court's decision, which was announced by Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall on Tuesday, was welcomed by activists and non-profit organisations who have campaigned against laws that banned gay and lesbian sex for long.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-parliament-passes-law-banning-lgbt-propaganda-among-adults-537182">Russian parliament passes law banning 'LGBT propaganda' among adults</a>

Attorney General Marshall said in a statement that Justice Michelle Weekes issued the ruling on Monday, concluding that Sections 9 and 12 of the Sexual Offences act were unconstitutional.

"In short, (the ruling means) we can no longer prosecute persons under these two sections," Marshall said and added charges for offences relating to consensual gay sex could not now be maintained.&nbsp;

The High Court has only issued an oral ruling, for now, saying it found such laws unconstitutional. The court won't release a written judgement detailing its reasons until late January.&nbsp;

Reacting to the court's decision, Michael Rapley, a member of an NGO Equals, told Reuters "We are very pleased with the result of this case, which is a result of years of advocacy efforts by the community organizations as well as the litigants." Rapley added the decision was a step in the right direction for the protection of the LGBTQ+ people in Barbados.&nbsp;

Téa Braun, the chief executive of Human Dignity Trust- a London-based human rights organisation- also reacted to the ruling and told the Associated Press, ''It’s gone from a certain ripple effect to a tidal wave in the Caribbean, which is what everyone involved set out to achieve.''

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-bans-prominent-lgbt-rights-group-504539">Uganda bans prominent LGBT rights group</a>

Braun said while the laws (that criminalise gay sex) were rarely invoked, they signalled that LGBTQ people were criminal and lesser citizens.&nbsp;

“The striking down of the laws reverses that and overnight tells the entire society that this is consensual contact and that what people choose to do with their private relationships is not the business of the law,” Braun told the Associated Press.&nbsp;

She, however, said the striking down of these laws does not solve all problems and highlighted that the LGBTQ community still faces violence and discrimination. The dismantling of these laws is the first major step, but not the last step,” she said.&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)

 
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The Barbados High Court on Tuesday struck down colonial-era laws that criminalise gay sex. The court ruled that the criminalisation of gay sex is unconstitutional.

The Barbados High Court on Tuesday struck down colonial-era laws that criminalise gay sex. The court ruled that the criminalisation of gay sex is unconstitutional. With this ruling, Barbados becomes the third country in the Caribbean after Saint Kitts and Nevis and Antigua to overthrow such legislation this year, a report by news agency Reuters said. The High Court's decision, which was announced by Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall on Tuesday, was welcomed by activists and non-profit organisations who have campaigned against laws that banned gay and lesbian sex for long. ALSO READ| Russian parliament passes law banning 'LGBT propaganda' among adults Attorney General Marshall said in a statement that Justice Michelle Weekes issued the ruling on Monday, concluding that Sections 9 and 12 of the Sexual Offences act were unconstitutional. "In short, (the ruling means) we can no longer prosecute persons under these two sections," Marshall said and added charges for offences relating to consensual gay sex could not now be maintained. The High Court has only issued an oral ruling, for now, saying it found such laws unconstitutional. The court won't release a written judgement detailing its reasons until late January. Reacting to the court's decision, Michael Rapley, a member of an NGO Equals, told Reuters "We are very pleased with the result of this case, which is a result of years of advocacy efforts by the community organizations as well as the litigants." Rapley added the decision was a step in the right direction for the protection of the LGBTQ+ people in Barbados. Téa Braun, the chief executive of Human Dignity Trust- a London-based human rights organisation- also reacted to the ruling and told the Associated Press, ''It’s gone from a certain ripple effect to a tidal wave in the Caribbean, which is what everyone involved set out to achieve.'' ALSO READ| Uganda bans prominent LGBT rights group Braun said while the laws (that criminalise gay sex) were rarely invoked, they signalled that LGBTQ people were criminal and lesser citizens. “The striking down of the laws reverses that and overnight tells the entire society that this is consensual contact and that what people choose to do with their private relationships is not the business of the law,” Braun told the Associated Press. She, however, said the striking down of these laws does not solve all problems and highlighted that the LGBTQ community still faces violence and discrimination. The dismantling of these laws is the first major step, but not the last step,” she said. (With agency inputs) 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. Live TV

Barbados court strikes down laws criminalising gay sex; 3rd Caribbean nation to do so this year

The United States has charged five Russian nationals and two Americans with conspiracy related to a global procurement and money laundering scheme on behalf of Moscow.&nbsp;

A statement issued by the Department of Justice on Tuesday said, "A 16-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in Brooklyn charging five Russian nationals, Yevgeniy Grinin, Aleksey Ippolitov, Boris Livshits, Svetlana Skvortsova and Vadim Konoshchenok with conspiracy and other charges related to a global procurement and money laundering network on behalf of the Russian government."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-six-months-into-the-russia-ukraine-war-what-are-the-consequences-so-far-509615">Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far?</a>

The statement said that Konoshchenok, a suspected officer with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was arrested in Estonia on December 6 and will undergo extradition proceedings to the US. On the other hand, Yevgeniy Grinin, Aleksey Ippolitov, Boris Livshits and Svetlana Skvortsova remain at large.&nbsp;

The statement said the two Americans charged are Alexey Brayman and Vadim Yermolenko and they have been arrested.&nbsp;

The 16-count superseding indictment alleged that these seven defendants unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive and heavily regulated electronic components- "some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing and other military applications,'' the statement said.&nbsp;

Following the war in Ukraine in February this year, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) levied sanctions against Serniya, Sertal, Yevgeniy Grinin and several companies used in the scheme, as well as multiple individuals affiliated with the network, including defendant Yevgeniy Grinin, calling them “instrumental to the Russian Federation’s war machine,” it added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-is-jailing-beating-up-own-soldiers-who-refuse-to-fight-in-ukraine-report-542465">Russia is jailing, beating up own soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine: Report</a>

Konoshchenok, a self-identified Colonel in the FSB, would ship or physically smuggle US-origin items from Estonia to Russia, including dual-use electronics, military-grade tactical ammunition and other export-controlled items. On October 27, &nbsp;Konoshchenok was stopped at the Estonia border with 35 different types of semiconductors and other electronic components ordered by Boris Livshits as well as thousands of US-made made 6.5mm bullets that are used in military sniper rifles, the Justice Department also said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The suspected FSB officer was again stopped on November 24 while attempting to cross into Russia with approximately twenty cases containing thousands of US-origin bullets, including tactical rounds and .338 military sniper rounds.&nbsp;

The Department further pointed out that if these defendants are convicted, they face a maximum of 30 years imprisonment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has charged five Russian nationals and two Americans with conspiracy related to a global procurement and money laundering scheme on behalf of Moscow.

The United States has charged five Russian nationals and two Americans with conspiracy related to a global procurement and money laundering scheme on behalf of Moscow. A statement issued by the Department of Justice on Tuesday said, "A 16-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in Brooklyn charging five Russian nationals, Yevgeniy Grinin, Aleksey Ippolitov, Boris Livshits, Svetlana Skvortsova and Vadim Konoshchenok with conspiracy and other charges related to a global procurement and money laundering network on behalf of the Russian government." ALSO READ | Explained: Six months into the Russia-Ukraine war, what are the consequences so far? The statement said that Konoshchenok, a suspected officer with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), was arrested in Estonia on December 6 and will undergo extradition proceedings to the US. On the other hand, Yevgeniy Grinin, Aleksey Ippolitov, Boris Livshits and Svetlana Skvortsova remain at large. The statement said the two Americans charged are Alexey Brayman and Vadim Yermolenko and they have been arrested. The 16-count superseding indictment alleged that these seven defendants unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive and heavily regulated electronic components- "some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing and other military applications,'' the statement said. Following the war in Ukraine in February this year, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) levied sanctions against Serniya, Sertal, Yevgeniy Grinin and several companies used in the scheme, as well as multiple individuals affiliated with the network, including defendant Yevgeniy Grinin, calling them “instrumental to the Russian Federation’s war machine,” it added. ALSO READ | Russia is jailing, beating up own soldiers who refuse to fight in Ukraine: Report Konoshchenok, a self-identified Colonel in the FSB, would ship or physically smuggle US-origin items from Estonia to Russia, including dual-use electronics, military-grade tactical ammunition and other export-controlled items. On October 27, Konoshchenok was stopped at the Estonia border with 35 different types of semiconductors and other electronic components ordered by Boris Livshits as well as thousands of US-made made 6.5mm bullets that are used in military sniper rifles, the Justice Department also said on Tuesday. The suspected FSB officer was again stopped on November 24 while attempting to cross into Russia with approximately twenty cases containing thousands of US-origin bullets, including tactical rounds and .338 military sniper rounds. The Department further pointed out that if these defendants are convicted, they face a maximum of 30 years imprisonment. (With inputs from agencies) 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. Live TV

US charges 5 Russians, 2 Americans for conspiring on behalf of Moscow

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