Britain on Monday ordered sanctions against top Iranian military figures after the Islamic republic's October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Iran had ignored repeated warnings that its "dangerous actions" -- and those of its proxies -- were fuelling conflict in the Middle East.

Among the individuals subject to a travel ban and asset freeze are the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army, &nbsp;Abdolrahim Mousavi, and the head of the air force Hamid Vahedi.

Iran said it launched the missile attack in response to Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, and the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing widely blamed on Israel.

It was Iran's second direct attack on Israel after a missile and drone attack in April in response to an air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that it blamed on Israel.

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Lammy, in Luxembourg at a meeting with EU foreign ministers, said in a statement that the sanctions were a way to hold Iran to account and expose those behind the attacks.&nbsp;

"Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran's unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region," he added.

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The British list also features the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi. Two companies, including Iran's space agency, whose technology can be used in cruise and ballistic missiles were hit with an assets freeze.

Last week, the US government imposed restrictions on dozens of companies in Iran's oil and petrochemicals sectors, to cut off funding of what it said was the country's "destabilising activity".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for&nbsp;WION&nbsp;audience.

Britain on Monday ordered sanctions against top Iranian military figures after the Islamic republic's October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Iran had ignored repeated warnings that its "dangerous actions" -- and those of its proxies -- were fuelling conflict in the Middle East.

Britain on Monday ordered sanctions against top Iranian military figures after the Islamic republic's October 1 ballistic missile attack on Israel. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Iran had ignored repeated warnings that its "dangerous actions" -- and those of its proxies -- were fuelling conflict in the Middle East. Among the individuals subject to a travel ban and asset freeze are the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army, Abdolrahim Mousavi, and the head of the air force Hamid Vahedi. Iran said it launched the missile attack in response to Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon, and the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing widely blamed on Israel. It was Iran's second direct attack on Israel after a missile and drone attack in April in response to an air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that it blamed on Israel. Read More | World Bank reports that 26 poorest countries are in worst financial shape since 2006 Lammy, in Luxembourg at a meeting with EU foreign ministers, said in a statement that the sanctions were a way to hold Iran to account and expose those behind the attacks. "Alongside allies and partners, we will continue to take necessary measures to challenge Iran's unacceptable threats and press for de-escalation across the region," he added. Read More | Afghan Taliban pledge to enforce media ban on images of all living things The British list also features the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi. Two companies, including Iran's space agency, whose technology can be used in cruise and ballistic missiles were hit with an assets freeze. Last week, the US government imposed restrictions on dozens of companies in Iran's oil and petrochemicals sectors, to cut off funding of what it said was the country's "destabilising activity". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UK government sanctions Iranian military chiefs after Israel missile attack

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources.

The city's air quality has reached the 'poor' category, prompting the government to take action. Rai said, "We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources."

"We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi. We appeal to everyone that every little bit contributes to the ocean. If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi's residents will&nbsp; improve," the Environment Minister told ANI.

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In response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi during the winter season, the minister announced the escalation of an anti-dust campaign across the city. "In Delhi, during the winter season, when the air becomes still, it stops raining, and the temperature drops, pollution levels rise," he explained. The campaign began on October 7, and since then, surprise inspections have revealed that many construction sites are not following regulations, leading to dust pollution.

On Monday, the campaign intensified, with inspection operations starting in various locations. 
 
Rai visited Pritam Pura, where a sports complex hostel is being built by Tevatia Construction Private Limited. He noted that compliance with regulations was minimal at the site, resulting in a Rs 50,000 fine being imposed on the company by the DPCC. As per Rai, the company has been given one week to comply with the regulations, and failure to do so will lead to increased penalties.

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Regarding previously imposed fines, Rai said, "Last time, we had imposed fines on certain individuals and given them a week to respond. That period ended yesterday. If they do not provide a response today and fail to comply with the regulations, stricter actions will be taken against them."

The minister addressed concerns about the recent decline in air quality. "The weather department's forecast suggests that temperatures will rapidly drop now. As the cold increases, the pollution particles in the atmosphere will settle lower," Rai said. He emphasised that to combat pollution, the government must focus on reducing pollution sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning.

"There is certainly one weapon: we need to reduce the sources. To this end, the government is advancing with 11 measures, and as needed, in emergency situations, the government will also move towards emergency measures," Rai said.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources.

Delhi's Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Monday announced a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers in the city until January 1. He appealed to everyone to help control pollution sources. The city's air quality has reached the 'poor' category, prompting the government to take action. Rai said, "We cannot change the weather, but we are trying to reduce pollution sources." "We have imposed a ban on firecrackers. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has issued a directive today. From now until January 1, there will be a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and use of firecrackers within Delhi. We appeal to everyone that every little bit contributes to the ocean. If we all work together to control the sources of pollution, the quality of life for Delhi's residents will improve," the Environment Minister told ANI. Also Read | Poland welcomes India joining UN peacekeeping joint statement In response to increasing pollution levels in Delhi during the winter season, the minister announced the escalation of an anti-dust campaign across the city. "In Delhi, during the winter season, when the air becomes still, it stops raining, and the temperature drops, pollution levels rise," he explained. The campaign began on October 7, and since then, surprise inspections have revealed that many construction sites are not following regulations, leading to dust pollution. On Monday, the campaign intensified, with inspection operations starting in various locations. Rai visited Pritam Pura, where a sports complex hostel is being built by Tevatia Construction Private Limited. He noted that compliance with regulations was minimal at the site, resulting in a Rs 50,000 fine being imposed on the company by the DPCC. As per Rai, the company has been given one week to comply with the regulations, and failure to do so will lead to increased penalties. Also Read | Chennai company gifts 28 cars including Mercedes Benz as Diwali gift to 'boost morale' of employees Regarding previously imposed fines, Rai said, "Last time, we had imposed fines on certain individuals and given them a week to respond. That period ended yesterday. If they do not provide a response today and fail to comply with the regulations, stricter actions will be taken against them." The minister addressed concerns about the recent decline in air quality. "The weather department's forecast suggests that temperatures will rapidly drop now. As the cold increases, the pollution particles in the atmosphere will settle lower," Rai said. He emphasised that to combat pollution, the government must focus on reducing pollution sources, including dust, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. "There is certainly one weapon: we need to reduce the sources. To this end, the government is advancing with 11 measures, and as needed, in emergency situations, the government will also move towards emergency measures," Rai said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Delhi bans firecrackers until January 1 to control pollution levels

China ended a day of military drills around Taiwan on Monday in which it deployed fighter jets and warships in what Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island.

Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, and Monday's drills represented its fourth round of large-scale war games in just over two years.

The United States said China's actions were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint.

Beijing announced at around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT), 13 hours after the drills started, that they had been "successfully completed".

The drills, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, had "fully tested the integrated joint operation capabilities of its troops", military spokesperson Captain Li Xi said in a statement.

"Always on high alert, troops of the theater command keep strengthening combat readiness with arduous training, and will foil the 'Taiwan Independence separatist attempts'," Li said.

President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist".

Lai vowed on Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security", while the defence ministry said it had dispatched "appropriate forces" in response to the drills.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said "Taiwan independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are irreconcilable".

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Taiwan detected 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, around the island between 5:02 am (2102 GMT) and 4:30 pm, a defence ministry official said, describing it as a record for a single day. Seventeen warships were also spotted.

Outlying islands administered by Taipei had been put on "heightened alert", Taiwan's defence ministry said.

Beijing said its exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces".&nbsp;

The drills took place in "areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island", Li said earlier.

Their aim was to focus "on subjects of sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas", Li said.

They also practised an "assault on maritime and ground targets".&nbsp;

The previous large-scale drills held in May, three days after Lai's inauguration, were called "Joint Sword-2024A" and lasted two days.

- China coast guard 'inspections' -

China's coast guard was also sent to conduct "inspections", with a diagram released by the coast guard showing four fleets encircling Taiwan and moving in an anti-clockwise direction around the island.

The coast guard of the eastern province of Fujian -- the closest area on the mainland to Taiwan -- also said it conducted "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taipei-controlled Matsu islands.

Taiwan said four "formations" of China coast guard ships had patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters, but not its prohibited waters.

China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending warplanes and other military aircraft while its ships maintain a near-constant presence around the island's waters.

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"In the face of enemy threats, all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness," Taiwan's defence ministry said on Monday.

Lai convened a high-level security meeting over the drills, said Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council, who described the exercises as "inconsistent with international law".

He vowed in his National Day speech on Thursday to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other".

Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of Taiwan, which has its own government, military and currency.

Beijing said on Monday the drills were "a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity".

- 'Feel a bit numb' -

Lieutenant Colonel Fu Zhengnan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, said in a video shared by state media that the drills could "switch from training to combat at any time".

"If Taiwan separatists provoke once, the PLA's operation around the island will make their first move," Fu said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army.

Taiwan's coast guard said on Monday it had detained a Chinese man on one of its outlying islands after a possible "grey zone intrusion", referring to tactics that fall short of a direct act of war.

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In Taipei, people appeared to be largely unperturbed.

"I won't panic too much because they quite often have drills," 34-year-old engineer Benjamin Hsiao told AFP.

"It's not the first time in recent years anyway, so I feel a bit numb."

AFP journalists saw about five military jeeps mounted with machine guns on Monday afternoon patrolling around Taipei Songshan Airport, which is also a military air base.

The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949.

China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China ended a day of military drills around Taiwan on Monday in which it deployed fighter jets and warships in what Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island.

China ended a day of military drills around Taiwan on Monday in which it deployed fighter jets and warships in what Beijing said was a "stern warning" to "separatist" forces on the self-ruled island. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, and Monday's drills represented its fourth round of large-scale war games in just over two years. The United States said China's actions were "unwarranted" and risked "escalation" as it called on Beijing to act with restraint. Beijing announced at around 6:00 pm (1000 GMT), 13 hours after the drills started, that they had been "successfully completed". The drills, dubbed Joint Sword-2024B, had "fully tested the integrated joint operation capabilities of its troops", military spokesperson Captain Li Xi said in a statement. "Always on high alert, troops of the theater command keep strengthening combat readiness with arduous training, and will foil the 'Taiwan Independence separatist attempts'," Li said. President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, has been more outspoken than his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen in defending Taiwan's sovereignty, angering Beijing, which calls him a "separatist". Lai vowed on Monday to "protect democratic Taiwan and safeguard national security", while the defence ministry said it had dispatched "appropriate forces" in response to the drills. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said "Taiwan independence and peace in the Taiwan Strait are irreconcilable". Also Read | EU sanctions Iran for supplying ballistic missiles to Russia Taiwan detected 125 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, around the island between 5:02 am (2102 GMT) and 4:30 pm, a defence ministry official said, describing it as a record for a single day. Seventeen warships were also spotted. Outlying islands administered by Taipei had been put on "heightened alert", Taiwan's defence ministry said. Beijing said its exercises served as a "stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan Independence' forces". The drills took place in "areas to the north, south and east of Taiwan Island", Li said earlier. Their aim was to focus "on subjects of sea-air combat-readiness patrol, blockade on key ports and areas", Li said. They also practised an "assault on maritime and ground targets". The previous large-scale drills held in May, three days after Lai's inauguration, were called "Joint Sword-2024A" and lasted two days. - China coast guard 'inspections' - China's coast guard was also sent to conduct "inspections", with a diagram released by the coast guard showing four fleets encircling Taiwan and moving in an anti-clockwise direction around the island. The coast guard of the eastern province of Fujian -- the closest area on the mainland to Taiwan -- also said it conducted "comprehensive law enforcement patrols" in waters near the Taipei-controlled Matsu islands. Taiwan said four "formations" of China coast guard ships had patrolled the island and briefly entered its restricted waters, but not its prohibited waters. China has ramped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, sending warplanes and other military aircraft while its ships maintain a near-constant presence around the island's waters. Also Read | US Presidential Elections 2024: What are the key issues driving the polls? "In the face of enemy threats, all officers and soldiers of the country are in full readiness," Taiwan's defence ministry said on Monday. Lai convened a high-level security meeting over the drills, said Joseph Wu, secretary-general of the National Security Council, who described the exercises as "inconsistent with international law". He vowed in his National Day speech on Thursday to "resist annexation" and insisted that Beijing and Taipei were "not subordinate to each other". Lai's Democratic Progressive Party has long defended the sovereignty and democracy of Taiwan, which has its own government, military and currency. Beijing said on Monday the drills were "a legitimate and necessary operation for safeguarding state sovereignty and national unity". - 'Feel a bit numb' - Lieutenant Colonel Fu Zhengnan, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences, said in a video shared by state media that the drills could "switch from training to combat at any time". "If Taiwan separatists provoke once, the PLA's operation around the island will make their first move," Fu said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army. Taiwan's coast guard said on Monday it had detained a Chinese man on one of its outlying islands after a possible "grey zone intrusion", referring to tactics that fall short of a direct act of war. Also Read | Two IndiGo flights travelling from Mumbai to West Asia receive bomb threats In Taipei, people appeared to be largely unperturbed. "I won't panic too much because they quite often have drills," 34-year-old engineer Benjamin Hsiao told AFP. "It's not the first time in recent years anyway, so I feel a bit numb." AFP journalists saw about five military jeeps mounted with machine guns on Monday afternoon patrolling around Taipei Songshan Airport, which is also a military air base. The dispute between China and Taiwan dates back to a civil war in which the nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-shek were defeated by Mao Zedong's communist fighters and fled to the island in 1949. China and Taiwan have been ruled separately since then. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China concludes a day of military 'warning' drills around Taiwan

Afghanistan's Taliban morality ministry pledged Monday to implement a law banning news media from publishing images of all living things, with journalists told the rule will be gradually enforced.

It comes after the Taliban government recently announced legislation formalising their strict interpretations of Islamic law that have been imposed since they swept to power in 2021.

"The law applies to all Afghanistan... and it will be implemented gradually," the spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV) Saiful Islam Khyber told AFP, adding that officials would work to persuade people that images of living things are against Islamic law.

"Coercion has no place in the implementation of the law," he said.&nbsp;

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"It's only advice, and convincing people that these things are really contrary to sharia (law) and must be avoided."

The new law detailed several rules for news media, including banning the publication of images of all living things and ordering outlets not to mock or humiliate Islam, or contradict Islamic law.

Aspects of the new law have not yet been strictly enforced.

Taliban officials continue to regularly post photos of people on social media.&nbsp;

"Until now, regarding the articles of the law related to media, there are ongoing efforts in many provinces to implement it but that has not started in all provinces," Khyber said.&nbsp;

He added "work has started" in the southern Taliban stronghold of Kandahar and the neighbouring Helmand province, as well as northern Takhar.&nbsp;

- Journalists summoned -

Journalists in Kandahar told AFP on Monday they had not received any statement from the ministry or been stopped by morality police for taking photos and videos.&nbsp;

In central Ghazni province on Sunday, PVPV officials summoned local journalists and told them the morality police would start gradually implementing the law.&nbsp;

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They advised visual journalists to take photos from further away and film fewer events "to get in the habit", a journalist who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisal told AFP.&nbsp;

Reporters in Maidan Wardak province were also told the rules would be implemented gradually in a similar meeting.&nbsp;

Television and pictures of living things were banned across the country under the previous Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, but a similar edict has so far not been broadly imposed since their return to power.&nbsp;

When the Taliban authorities seized control of the country after a two-decade-long insurgency against foreign-backed governments, Afghanistan had 8,400 media employees.&nbsp;

Only 5,100 remain in the profession, including 560 women, according to media industry sources.

Afghanistan has also slipped from 122nd place to 178th out of 180 countries in a press freedom ranking compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Afghanistan's Taliban morality ministry pledged Monday to implement a law banning news media from publishing images of all living things, with journalists told the rule will be gradually enforced.

Afghanistan's Taliban morality ministry pledged Monday to implement a law banning news media from publishing images of all living things, with journalists told the rule will be gradually enforced. It comes after the Taliban government recently announced legislation formalising their strict interpretations of Islamic law that have been imposed since they swept to power in 2021. "The law applies to all Afghanistan... and it will be implemented gradually," the spokesman for the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV) Saiful Islam Khyber told AFP, adding that officials would work to persuade people that images of living things are against Islamic law. "Coercion has no place in the implementation of the law," he said. Also Read | Goldman Sachs upgrades China’s growth forecast amid economic recovery "It's only advice, and convincing people that these things are really contrary to sharia (law) and must be avoided." The new law detailed several rules for news media, including banning the publication of images of all living things and ordering outlets not to mock or humiliate Islam, or contradict Islamic law. Aspects of the new law have not yet been strictly enforced. Taliban officials continue to regularly post photos of people on social media. "Until now, regarding the articles of the law related to media, there are ongoing efforts in many provinces to implement it but that has not started in all provinces," Khyber said. He added "work has started" in the southern Taliban stronghold of Kandahar and the neighbouring Helmand province, as well as northern Takhar. - Journalists summoned - Journalists in Kandahar told AFP on Monday they had not received any statement from the ministry or been stopped by morality police for taking photos and videos. In central Ghazni province on Sunday, PVPV officials summoned local journalists and told them the morality police would start gradually implementing the law. Also Read | West Asia crisis | It's painful: Israeli army chief reacts to Hezbollah strike on military base They advised visual journalists to take photos from further away and film fewer events "to get in the habit", a journalist who did not want to give his name for fear of reprisal told AFP. Reporters in Maidan Wardak province were also told the rules would be implemented gradually in a similar meeting. Television and pictures of living things were banned across the country under the previous Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001, but a similar edict has so far not been broadly imposed since their return to power. When the Taliban authorities seized control of the country after a two-decade-long insurgency against foreign-backed governments, Afghanistan had 8,400 media employees. Only 5,100 remain in the profession, including 560 women, according to media industry sources. Afghanistan has also slipped from 122nd place to 178th out of 180 countries in a press freedom ranking compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Afghan Taliban pledge to enforce media ban on images of all living things 

China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities.

In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-strait ties.

Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest men who pledged two years ago to provide millions to two civilian defence training programmes, including the Black Bear Academy. Shen, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), helps run Black Bear Academy training.

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The State Council-level Taiwan Affairs Office said it would include Tsao and Shen on a list of "Taiwan independence" diehards and impose sanctions on them and the academy.

The move comes as China on Monday launched fresh military drills around the democratically governed island that China claims as its own. Beijing said the drills were a warning against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" while denouncing Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of the DPP.

"This is one of China's many acts of intimidation against Taiwan, including economic coercion, military threats...," a DPP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

"These irrational acts will only further hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and damage cross-strait relations."

Tsao and Shen would be barred from travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau, the statement added, while all affiliated enterprises and businesses linked to the pair would not be allowed to "seek profit" in China.

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"The Black Bear Academy, with the support of the DPP authorities and external interference forces, has brazenly cultivated violent Taiwan independence elements and openly engaged in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities under the guise of lectures, training, and outdoor drills," the statement read, citing spokesman Chen Binhua.

Shen, speaking to reporters, described this as a provocation from China, rather than the other way around and said it reflected Beijing's great sensitivity towards any civilian defence initiatives in Taiwan.

"They will definitely use the threat of (economic) sanctions to conduct further grey zone warfare against Taiwan," he said.

The Black Bear Academy, also known as the Kuma Academy, said in a statement the moves are "nothing more than politically motivated attempts to undermine our mission and silence those who support Taiwan's right to self-determination and democratic values."

Tsao is the founder and former chairman of chip maker, United Microelectronics Corp, and has said he hoped his programmes would help train millions of "civilian warriors" through a mix of survival, military and counter surveillance, and technology courses.

Tsao and UMC gave no immediate response to Reuters' requests for comment.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities.

China said on Monday it would punish and sanction Taiwanese businessman Robert Tsao and lawmaker Puma Shen for their alleged criminal and pro-Taiwan independence activities. In a statement, the Taiwan Affairs Office said the "Black Bear Academy" that both men were associated with was seeking to incite separatism that would endanger cross-strait ties. Tsao is one of Taiwan's richest men who pledged two years ago to provide millions to two civilian defence training programmes, including the Black Bear Academy. Shen, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), helps run Black Bear Academy training. Also Read | Goldman Sachs upgrades China’s growth forecast amid economic recovery The State Council-level Taiwan Affairs Office said it would include Tsao and Shen on a list of "Taiwan independence" diehards and impose sanctions on them and the academy. The move comes as China on Monday launched fresh military drills around the democratically governed island that China claims as its own. Beijing said the drills were a warning against "separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces" while denouncing Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te of the DPP. "This is one of China's many acts of intimidation against Taiwan, including economic coercion, military threats...," a DPP spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. "These irrational acts will only further hurt the feelings of the Taiwanese people and damage cross-strait relations." Tsao and Shen would be barred from travelling to China, Hong Kong and Macau, the statement added, while all affiliated enterprises and businesses linked to the pair would not be allowed to "seek profit" in China. Also Read | TSMC's third-quarter profit predicted to soar 40% amid booming AI chip demand "The Black Bear Academy, with the support of the DPP authorities and external interference forces, has brazenly cultivated violent Taiwan independence elements and openly engaged in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities under the guise of lectures, training, and outdoor drills," the statement read, citing spokesman Chen Binhua. Shen, speaking to reporters, described this as a provocation from China, rather than the other way around and said it reflected Beijing's great sensitivity towards any civilian defence initiatives in Taiwan. "They will definitely use the threat of (economic) sanctions to conduct further grey zone warfare against Taiwan," he said. The Black Bear Academy, also known as the Kuma Academy, said in a statement the moves are "nothing more than politically motivated attempts to undermine our mission and silence those who support Taiwan's right to self-determination and democratic values." Tsao is the founder and former chairman of chip maker, United Microelectronics Corp, and has said he hoped his programmes would help train millions of "civilian warriors" through a mix of survival, military and counter surveillance, and technology courses. Tsao and UMC gave no immediate response to Reuters' requests for comment. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China imposes sanctions on Taiwanese businessman Tsao, lawmaker Shen for ‘separatist’ acts

In 1940, the Nazis seized a Claude Monet pastel and seven other works of art from Adalbert "Bela" and Hilda Parlagi, a Jewish couple forced to flee their Vienna home after Austria was annexed into Adolf Hitler's Germany.

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After the war, Bela Parlagi searched for his art to no avail until his death in 1981. His son continued the search without success until he died in 2012.

But on Wednesday (Oct&nbsp;8), more than 80 years later, Parlagi's granddaughters Helen Lowe and Francoise Parlagi were reunited with the missing Monet after the FBI and a Britain-based nonprofit located it in the United States.

"We never give up looking," said Anne Webber, the co-chair of the Commission for Looted Art in Europe, the non-profit that started helping Parlagis' heirs search for the missing art in 2014. "It's the one thing about this work, you have to be very persistent."

The 7- by 11-inch (18- by 28-centimetre) pastel, called "Bord de Mer," dates back to 1865 and features a scene from France's Normandy shoreline.

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The family stored the piece with the rest of their belongings at a shipping company warehouse in 1938. The Nazis seized their property in 1940 and the Monet pastel was sold at auction in 1941.

The FBI got involved in 2021, after the commission discovered that a New Orleans-based art dealer had acquired the painting in 2017 and sold it to private collectors in 2019.

The FBI recovered the painting in 2023, after it appeared for sale at a Houston-based gallery.

The FBI said the owners of the pastel - Bridget Vita and her late husband Kevin Schlamp, did not realise the Nazis had stolen the Monet and they voluntarily surrendered it.

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In March, the Parlagi family recovered another artwork when the Austrian government returned a chalk drawing of German composer Richard Wagner by Franz von Lenbach, after the commission located it at the Albertina Museum in Vienna.

Webber, who advises anyone buying art to carefully check its provenance, estimates about 90 per cent&nbsp;of the artwork and other possessions stolen by the Nazis is still missing.

The Parlagi family is still searching for six artworks, including a signed watercolour by Paul Signac called Seine in Paris, and the FBI's investigation is ongoing.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In 1940, the Nazis seized a Claude Monet pastel and seven other works of art from Adalbert "Bela" and Hilda Parlagi, a Jewish couple forced to flee their Vienna home after Austria was annexed into Adolf Hitler's Germany.

In 1940, the Nazis seized a Claude Monet pastel and seven other works of art from Adalbert "Bela" and Hilda Parlagi, a Jewish couple forced to flee their Vienna home after Austria was annexed into Adolf Hitler's Germany. After the war, Bela Parlagi searched for his art to no avail until his death in 1981. His son continued the search without success until he died in 2012. But on Wednesday (Oct 8), more than 80 years later, Parlagi's granddaughters Helen Lowe and Francoise Parlagi were reunited with the missing Monet after the FBI and a Britain-based nonprofit located it in the United States. "We never give up looking," said Anne Webber, the co-chair of the Commission for Looted Art in Europe, the non-profit that started helping Parlagis' heirs search for the missing art in 2014. "It's the one thing about this work, you have to be very persistent." The 7- by 11-inch (18- by 28-centimetre) pastel, called "Bord de Mer," dates back to 1865 and features a scene from France's Normandy shoreline. Also Read | UN chief Guterres urges peace in Lebanon, addresses Myanmar crisis at ASEAN-United Nations summit in Laos The family stored the piece with the rest of their belongings at a shipping company warehouse in 1938. The Nazis seized their property in 1940 and the Monet pastel was sold at auction in 1941. The FBI got involved in 2021, after the commission discovered that a New Orleans-based art dealer had acquired the painting in 2017 and sold it to private collectors in 2019. The FBI recovered the painting in 2023, after it appeared for sale at a Houston-based gallery. The FBI said the owners of the pastel - Bridget Vita and her late husband Kevin Schlamp, did not realise the Nazis had stolen the Monet and they voluntarily surrendered it. Also Read | US presidential election: Obama tells Black men to stop 'excuses' and support Harris instead of Trump In March, the Parlagi family recovered another artwork when the Austrian government returned a chalk drawing of German composer Richard Wagner by Franz von Lenbach, after the commission located it at the Albertina Museum in Vienna. Webber, who advises anyone buying art to carefully check its provenance, estimates about 90 per cent of the artwork and other possessions stolen by the Nazis is still missing. The Parlagi family is still searching for six artworks, including a signed watercolour by Paul Signac called Seine in Paris, and the FBI's investigation is ongoing. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

FBI returns Nazi-looted Monet pastel to Jewish owners after 84 years

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said.

The official also said any action by Gulf states to balance oil markets should Iranian energy facilities be hit by Israel was not part of the discussions so far.

The comments come amid growing concern over possible Israeli retaliation for last week's Iranian missile attack, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visits Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states including Qatar for talks on Wednesday.

They followed discussions between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals last week on the sidelines of an Asia conference in Qatar, when Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict between Tehran and Israel.

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"Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told Reuters.

"The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability," he said.

"It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable."

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden is expected to hold a telephone call on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that will include discussion of any plans to strike Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Washington hopes to weigh in on whether the response is appropriate, a separate person briefed on the discussions said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Biden said last Friday he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel's shoes. Last week he also said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites.

<h2>OPEC ACTION NOT PART OF DISCUSSIONS</h2>

The Iranian official said Tehran did not discuss the issue of Gulf Arab oil producers raising output if Iranian production were disrupted during any escalation.

US&nbsp;news website Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported last week that Israel could target oil production facilities within Iran as retaliation.

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, which is de-facto led by Saudi Arabia, has enough spare oil capacity to make up any loss of Iranian supply if an Israeli retaliation knocks out some of the country's facilities.

Much of OPEC's spare capacity is in the Middle East Gulf region. Iran has not threatened to attack Gulf oil facilities but has previously warned that if "Israel supporters" intervene directly their interests in the region would be targeted.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has had a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, which has helped ease regional tensions, but relations remain difficult.

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Saudi Arabia has been wary of an Iranian strike on its oil facilities since a 2019 attack on its key refinery at Abqaiq briefly shut down more than five per cent&nbsp;of the global oil supply. Iran denied involvement.

A Western diplomat in the Gulf said that during Thursday's Gulf-Iran meeting in Doha, Iran made clear that Tehran had called for regional unity in the face of an Israeli attack and that it considered neutrality of Gulf states a bare minimum.

The diplomat said Iran had made clear that Tehran would keep a close eye on how each Gulf country responded in the case of an Israeli attack, and also how US&nbsp;bases housed in their countries were used.

Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all host US&nbsp;military facilities or troops.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said.

Tehran has told Gulf Arab states it would be "unacceptable" if they allowed use of their airspace or military bases against Iran and warned that any such move would draw a response, a senior Iranian official said. The official also said any action by Gulf states to balance oil markets should Iranian energy facilities be hit by Israel was not part of the discussions so far. The comments come amid growing concern over possible Israeli retaliation for last week's Iranian missile attack, as Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi visits Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states including Qatar for talks on Wednesday. They followed discussions between Iran and Gulf Arab capitals last week on the sidelines of an Asia conference in Qatar, when Gulf states sought to reassure Iran of their neutrality in any conflict between Tehran and Israel. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize winner 2024: Know all about Nihon Hidankyo group "Iran made it clear that any action by a Persian Gulf country against Tehran, whether through the use of airspace or military bases, will be regarded by Tehran as an action taken by the entire group, and Tehran will respond accordingly," the senior Iranian official told Reuters. "The message emphasised the need for regional unity against Israel and the importance of securing stability," he said. "It also made clear that any assistance to Israel, such as allowing the use of a regional country’s airspace for actions against Iran, is unacceptable." US President Joe Biden is expected to hold a telephone call on Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that will include discussion of any plans to strike Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter. Washington hopes to weigh in on whether the response is appropriate, a separate person briefed on the discussions said. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. Biden said last Friday he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields if he were in Israel's shoes. Last week he also said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites. OPEC ACTION NOT PART OF DISCUSSIONS The Iranian official said Tehran did not discuss the issue of Gulf Arab oil producers raising output if Iranian production were disrupted during any escalation. US news website Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported last week that Israel could target oil production facilities within Iran as retaliation. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, which is de-facto led by Saudi Arabia, has enough spare oil capacity to make up any loss of Iranian supply if an Israeli retaliation knocks out some of the country's facilities. Much of OPEC's spare capacity is in the Middle East Gulf region. Iran has not threatened to attack Gulf oil facilities but has previously warned that if "Israel supporters" intervene directly their interests in the region would be targeted. Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia has had a political rapprochement with Tehran in recent years, which has helped ease regional tensions, but relations remain difficult. Also Read | Obama tells Black men to stop 'excuses' and support Harris instead of Trump Saudi Arabia has been wary of an Iranian strike on its oil facilities since a 2019 attack on its key refinery at Abqaiq briefly shut down more than five per cent of the global oil supply. Iran denied involvement. A Western diplomat in the Gulf said that during Thursday's Gulf-Iran meeting in Doha, Iran made clear that Tehran had called for regional unity in the face of an Israeli attack and that it considered neutrality of Gulf states a bare minimum. The diplomat said Iran had made clear that Tehran would keep a close eye on how each Gulf country responded in the case of an Israeli attack, and also how US bases housed in their countries were used. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates all host US military facilities or troops. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iranian official says Gulf states must not allow the use of airspace against Iran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the first leader to speak at the 19th East Asia Summit on Friday following the host and the incoming chair Lao PDR, has termed the Summit as an "important pillar" of India's Act East Policy. He stressed that the revival of Nalanda was India's commitment given at the East Asia Summit.

India is marking 10 years of its Act East Policy.

In his address at the East Asia Summit PM Modi said India has always supported ASEAN unity and centrality and that ASEAN is at the centre of ASEAN's Indo-Pacific vision as well as Quad cooperation.

PM Modi said, "The revival of Nalanda was our commitment given in the East Asia Summit. In June this year, we have fulfilled it by inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. I invite all the countries present here to the Heads of Higher Education Conclave to be held in Nalanda. The East Asia Summit is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy."

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He congratulated his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone for organising East Asia Summit well and conveyed his best wishes to the upcoming chair Malaysia. He assured full support to Malaysia for their successful Presidency.

In his remarks on West Asia, PM Modi stated that "everyone wants whether it is Eurasia or West Asia, peace and stability should be restored as soon as possible."

"The conflicts going on in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on countries of the Global South," he stated.

PM Modi said that he has repeatedly said that "this is not an era of war" and the solutions to problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. He said it is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws.

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In his address, PM Modi stated, "I come from the land of Buddha, and I have repeatedly said that this is not the era of war. The problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. It is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given priority. Fulfilling the responsibility of a 'Vishwabandhu', India will continue to make every possible contribution in this direction."

Terming terrorism as a "serious challenge" to global peace, PM Modi stated, "Terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face this, forces believing in humanity will have to work together. And, mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space will also have to be strengthened."

The East Asia Summit refers to the Meeting of Heads of States/Governments of the EAS participating countries which is convened annually. The EAS process was initiated in 2005 with the convening of the 1st East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

At its inception, the East Asia Summit comprised 16 participating countries, namely ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. In 2011, the US and Russia joined at the 6th East Asia Summit in Bali.

At the Summit, the Prime Minister also called for a "peaceful" South China Sea and also stressed upon following UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and air space in the region.

PM Modi also called for a code of conduct in the South China Sea that doesn't impinge on the rights of others. "Peace, security and stability of the South China Sea are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region," he said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the Summit and extended condolences on the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton since Wednesday.

On Thursday, PM Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. His visit is significant as this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy.

Sharing the details of PM Modi's visit to Laos, the MEA said on Thursday, "PM Modi has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. At the airport, he was received by senior ministers of the Laos government and accorded a ceremonial welcome but what was truly special was the warm and very significant, meaningful welcome that he received at the hotel."

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Minister of Home Affairs of Laos, Vilayvong Bouddakham. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in the capital city of Vientiane.

Following that, he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane. He greeted Indian community members as they were excited to meet him outside the hotel in Laos.

Upon his arrival in Laos, PM Modi also witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan - called Phalak Phalam performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, along with several other facets of Indian culture and tradition that have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the first leader to speak at the 19th East Asia Summit on Friday following the host and the incoming chair Lao PDR, has termed the Summit as an "important pillar" of India's Act East Policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the first leader to speak at the 19th East Asia Summit on Friday following the host and the incoming chair Lao PDR, has termed the Summit as an "important pillar" of India's Act East Policy. He stressed that the revival of Nalanda was India's commitment given at the East Asia Summit. India is marking 10 years of its Act East Policy. In his address at the East Asia Summit PM Modi said India has always supported ASEAN unity and centrality and that ASEAN is at the centre of ASEAN's Indo-Pacific vision as well as Quad cooperation. PM Modi said, "The revival of Nalanda was our commitment given in the East Asia Summit. In June this year, we have fulfilled it by inaugurating the new campus of Nalanda University. I invite all the countries present here to the Heads of Higher Education Conclave to be held in Nalanda. The East Asia Summit is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy." Also Read | UN Chief Guterres urges peace in Lebanon, addresses Myanmar crisis at ASEAN-UN summit in Laos He congratulated his Laos counterpart Sonexay Siphandone for organising East Asia Summit well and conveyed his best wishes to the upcoming chair Malaysia. He assured full support to Malaysia for their successful Presidency. In his remarks on West Asia, PM Modi stated that "everyone wants whether it is Eurasia or West Asia, peace and stability should be restored as soon as possible." "The conflicts going on in different parts of the world are having the most negative impact on countries of the Global South," he stated. PM Modi said that he has repeatedly said that "this is not an era of war" and the solutions to problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. He said it is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Also Read | Noel Tata, half-brother of late Ratan Tata, appointed chairman of Tata Trusts In his address, PM Modi stated, "I come from the land of Buddha, and I have repeatedly said that this is not the era of war. The problems cannot be solved on the battlefield. It is necessary to respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and international laws. Keeping a humanitarian approach, dialogue and diplomacy will have to be given priority. Fulfilling the responsibility of a 'Vishwabandhu', India will continue to make every possible contribution in this direction." Terming terrorism as a "serious challenge" to global peace, PM Modi stated, "Terrorism is also a serious challenge to global peace and security. To face this, forces believing in humanity will have to work together. And, mutual cooperation in the areas of cyber, maritime and space will also have to be strengthened." The East Asia Summit refers to the Meeting of Heads of States/Governments of the EAS participating countries which is convened annually. The EAS process was initiated in 2005 with the convening of the 1st East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At its inception, the East Asia Summit comprised 16 participating countries, namely ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. In 2011, the US and Russia joined at the 6th East Asia Summit in Bali. At the Summit, the Prime Minister also called for a "peaceful" South China Sea and also stressed upon following UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and air space in the region. PM Modi also called for a code of conduct in the South China Sea that doesn't impinge on the rights of others. "Peace, security and stability of the South China Sea are in the interest of the entire Indo-Pacific region," he said. Earlier in the day, PM Modi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the Summit and extended condolences on the loss of at least 14 lives in the US due to Hurricane Milton since Wednesday. On Thursday, PM Modi participated in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit. His visit is significant as this year marks a decade of India's Act East Policy. Sharing the details of PM Modi's visit to Laos, the MEA said on Thursday, "PM Modi has arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. At the airport, he was received by senior ministers of the Laos government and accorded a ceremonial welcome but what was truly special was the warm and very significant, meaningful welcome that he received at the hotel." Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the Minister of Home Affairs of Laos, Vilayvong Bouddakham. He was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour in the capital city of Vientiane. Following that, he interacted with the Indian diaspora in Vientiane. He greeted Indian community members as they were excited to meet him outside the hotel in Laos. Upon his arrival in Laos, PM Modi also witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan - called Phalak Phalam performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, along with several other facets of Indian culture and tradition that have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

East Asia Summit an 'important pillar' of India's Act East Policy: PM Modi

More than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in every eight worldwide, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, the United Nations children's agency said on Wednesday.

The number rises to 650 million, or one in five, when taking into account "non-contact" forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, UNICEF reported, in what it called the first global survey of the problem.

The report said that while girls and women were worst affected, 240 to 310 million boys and men, or around 1&nbsp;in 11, have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood.

"The scale of this human rights violation is overwhelming, and it's been hard to fully grasp because of stigma, challenges in measurement, and limited investment in data collection," UNICEF said in releasing the report.

It comes ahead of an inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia next month.

UNICEF said its findings highlight the urgent need for intensified global action, including by&nbsp;strengthening laws and helping children recognize and report sexual violence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-chief-guterres-urges-peace-in-lebanon-addresses-myanmar-crisis-at-asean-un-summit-in-laos-766671">UN Chief Guterres urges peace in Lebanon, addresses Myanmar crisis at ASEAN-UN summit in Laos</a>

UNICEF said sexual violence cuts across geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries, but Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women, or 22 per cent affected. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia follow with 75 million, or 8 per cent.

In its data for women and girls, UNICEF estimated 73 million, or nine&nbsp;per cent, were affected in Central and Southern Asia; 68 million, or 14 per cent, in Europe and Northern America; 45 million, or 18 per cent, in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 29 million, or 15 per cent, in Northern Africa and Western Asia.

Oceania, with six&nbsp;million, had the highest number affected by percentage, at 34 per cent.

Risks were higher, rising to one&nbsp;in four, in "fragile settings," including those with weak institutions, UN&nbsp;peacekeeping forces, or large numbers of refugees, the report found.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called sexual violence against children "a stain on our moral conscience.”

"It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe."

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UNICEF said most childhood sexual violence occurs during adolescence, especially between ages 14 and 17, and those who suffer it face higher risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse and mental health issues.

"(T)he impact is further compounded when children delay disclosing their experiences ... or keep the abuse secret altogether," UNICEF said.

It said increased investment in data collection was needed to capture the full scale the problem, given persistent data gaps, particularly on boys’ experiences.

UNICEF said it based its estimates of girls' and women’s experiences on nationally representative surveys conducted between 2010 and 2022 in 120 countries and areas. It said estimates for boys and men were derived from a broader range of data sources and applied some indirect methods.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

More than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in every eight worldwide, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, the United Nations children's agency said on Wednesday.

More than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in every eight worldwide, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, the United Nations children's agency said on Wednesday. The number rises to 650 million, or one in five, when taking into account "non-contact" forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, UNICEF reported, in what it called the first global survey of the problem. The report said that while girls and women were worst affected, 240 to 310 million boys and men, or around 1 in 11, have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood. "The scale of this human rights violation is overwhelming, and it's been hard to fully grasp because of stigma, challenges in measurement, and limited investment in data collection," UNICEF said in releasing the report. It comes ahead of an inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Colombia next month. UNICEF said its findings highlight the urgent need for intensified global action, including by strengthening laws and helping children recognize and report sexual violence. Also Read | UN Chief Guterres urges peace in Lebanon, addresses Myanmar crisis at ASEAN-UN summit in Laos UNICEF said sexual violence cuts across geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries, but Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women, or 22 per cent affected. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia follow with 75 million, or 8 per cent. In its data for women and girls, UNICEF estimated 73 million, or nine per cent, were affected in Central and Southern Asia; 68 million, or 14 per cent, in Europe and Northern America; 45 million, or 18 per cent, in Latin America and the Caribbean, and 29 million, or 15 per cent, in Northern Africa and Western Asia. Oceania, with six million, had the highest number affected by percentage, at 34 per cent. Risks were higher, rising to one in four, in "fragile settings," including those with weak institutions, UN peacekeeping forces, or large numbers of refugees, the report found. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called sexual violence against children "a stain on our moral conscience.” "It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe." Also Read | Stumped UK probes 52 firms suspected of breaching ‘paper tiger’ sanctions imposed on Russia UNICEF said most childhood sexual violence occurs during adolescence, especially between ages 14 and 17, and those who suffer it face higher risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse and mental health issues. "(T)he impact is further compounded when children delay disclosing their experiences ... or keep the abuse secret altogether," UNICEF said. It said increased investment in data collection was needed to capture the full scale the problem, given persistent data gaps, particularly on boys’ experiences. UNICEF said it based its estimates of girls' and women’s experiences on nationally representative surveys conducted between 2010 and 2022 in 120 countries and areas. It said estimates for boys and men were derived from a broader range of data sources and applied some indirect methods. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UNICEF says one in every eight girls, women experienced rape and sexual assault before age of 18

A junior doctor on hunger strike in India over the rape and murder of a fellow medic has been hospitalised with severe dehydration, authorities said on Friday.

Aniket Mahato and six others began their hunger strike on Sunday, to protest against what they say are inadequate facilities and security for doctors, many of whom work long shifts in crowded, squalid hospitals.

"When he was admitted he was severely dehydrated, pulse rate was very high and was in a very unstable condition," Soma Mukhopadhyay, a professor at the hospital, said.

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His pulse, blood pressure and fluid levels had improved by Friday afternoon, she said, but added more investigation was needed about other possible damage.

Mahato, a junior doctor at R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, was taken to hospital on Thursday night.

The rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the hospital has triggered a wave of protests by doctors across the country, demanding greater workplace safety for women and justice for their colleague, prompting India's Supreme Court to create a hospital safety task force.

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The Indian Medical Association, the country's biggest doctors' body, sent a letter to the state's chief minister on Thursday, calling for immediate attention to the striking doctors.

The doctors' demands include increased police protection in hospitals and investigation of what they say is corruption in several medical colleges.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A junior doctor on hunger strike in India over the rape and murder of a fellow medic has been hospitalised with severe dehydration, authorities said on Friday. Aniket Mahato and six others began their hunger strike on Sunday, to protest against what they say are inadequate facilities and security for doctors, many of whom work long shifts in crowded, squalid hospitals.

A junior doctor on hunger strike in India over the rape and murder of a fellow medic has been hospitalised with severe dehydration, authorities said on Friday. Aniket Mahato and six others began their hunger strike on Sunday, to protest against what they say are inadequate facilities and security for doctors, many of whom work long shifts in crowded, squalid hospitals. "When he was admitted he was severely dehydrated, pulse rate was very high and was in a very unstable condition," Soma Mukhopadhyay, a professor at the hospital, said. Also Read | Audi driver crushes Pune delivery boy to death in another hit-and-run case His pulse, blood pressure and fluid levels had improved by Friday afternoon, she said, but added more investigation was needed about other possible damage. Mahato, a junior doctor at R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, was taken to hospital on Thursday night. The rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at the hospital has triggered a wave of protests by doctors across the country, demanding greater workplace safety for women and justice for their colleague, prompting India's Supreme Court to create a hospital safety task force. Also Read | India: Man arrested for harassing female passenger on Chennai-bound IndiGo flight The Indian Medical Association, the country's biggest doctors' body, sent a letter to the state's chief minister on Thursday, calling for immediate attention to the striking doctors. The doctors' demands include increased police protection in hospitals and investigation of what they say is corruption in several medical colleges. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Kolkata horror: Indian doctor on hunger strike over medic’s murder hospitalised with dehydration

China must "adapt its behaviour" to solve an escalating tariff row with Europe, EU chief Charles Michel told AFP Friday, warning of the dangers of the dispute escalating into a full-blown trade war.

The European Council president met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the margins of a Southeast Asian summit in Laos as Beijing and the European Union impose tit-for-tat penalties on each other's imports in a row about subsidies and protectionism.

Michel said in an interview with AFP that after his "frank and candid" talks with Li, he hoped a deal could be struck in the coming days or weeks -- but he warned that getting there would be tough.

"I have the impression that the door is not closed, but it's a very difficult situation, it's very challenging," he said.

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"We count on China to adapt its behaviour and to understand that we have to rebalance the economic relationships for more fairness, for fair competition, for a more level playing field."

China and the 27-member bloc are vehemently at odds over Beijing's generous subsidies for its industries, which Brussels says unfairly undercut European competitors.

Brussels has decided to impose swingeing new tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent on imports of Chinese-made electric cars.

A furious Beijing has responded with new tariffs on EU-made brandy, alarming French producers, while Brussels is also investigating Chinese subsidies for solar panels and wind turbines.

China is also tangled in a bitter, wide-ranging trade dispute with the United States, with Washington announcing sharp tariff hikes targeting $18 billion of Chinese goods including electric vehicles, EV batteries and solar cells.

Beijing reacted angrily to Michel's remarks Friday, condemning what it called the EU's "lose-lose" approach to the dispute.

"The EU should clearly recognise that imposing additional tariffs will not solve any problems," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, urging the bloc to "take concrete actions and work together with China to seek solutions through discussions".

<h2>- Defend EU interests -</h2>

With the global economy rattled by conflict in Ukraine and fresh turmoil in the Middle East, Michel said it was better for all to avoid a trade war.

But he insisted the EU would no longer be "naive" about massive government subsidies, though he offered some hope the two sides would find a way out of the row.

"I still hope that it will be possible in the days to come, in the weeks to come, to make an agreement to find some solutions," he said.

"But we have very strong and legitimate interests and it is the responsibility of the European Union to defend our people, to defend our citizens."

Beijing's new brandy tariffs of up to 38.1 per cent -- officially an anti-dumping measure to protect domestic spirit producers -- were due to take effect on Friday.

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China imported more brandy than any other spirit in 2022, most of it from France, and French cognac makers earlier this week pleaded for an end to the spat.

The EU has said it will challenge the "unfounded" measures at the World Trade Organization.

In a glimmer of hope for easing of international trade tensions, China on Thursday agreed to end a ban on the lucrative trade in Australian lobster.

Beijing banned rock lobster imports in 2020 as part of a raft of punitive measures imposed after Canberra cracked down on Chinese foreign influence operations and blocked tech giant Huawei from running Australia's 5G network.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China must "adapt its behaviour" to solve an escalating tariff row with Europe, EU chief Charles Michel told AFP Friday, warning of the dangers of the dispute escalating into a full-blown trade war.

China must "adapt its behaviour" to solve an escalating tariff row with Europe, EU chief Charles Michel told AFP Friday, warning of the dangers of the dispute escalating into a full-blown trade war. The European Council president met Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the margins of a Southeast Asian summit in Laos as Beijing and the European Union impose tit-for-tat penalties on each other's imports in a row about subsidies and protectionism. Michel said in an interview with AFP that after his "frank and candid" talks with Li, he hoped a deal could be struck in the coming days or weeks -- but he warned that getting there would be tough. "I have the impression that the door is not closed, but it's a very difficult situation, it's very challenging," he said. Also Read | Nobel Peace Prize winner 2024: What is Nihon Hidankyo group? "We count on China to adapt its behaviour and to understand that we have to rebalance the economic relationships for more fairness, for fair competition, for a more level playing field." China and the 27-member bloc are vehemently at odds over Beijing's generous subsidies for its industries, which Brussels says unfairly undercut European competitors. Brussels has decided to impose swingeing new tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent on imports of Chinese-made electric cars. A furious Beijing has responded with new tariffs on EU-made brandy, alarming French producers, while Brussels is also investigating Chinese subsidies for solar panels and wind turbines. China is also tangled in a bitter, wide-ranging trade dispute with the United States, with Washington announcing sharp tariff hikes targeting $18 billion of Chinese goods including electric vehicles, EV batteries and solar cells. Beijing reacted angrily to Michel's remarks Friday, condemning what it called the EU's "lose-lose" approach to the dispute. "The EU should clearly recognise that imposing additional tariffs will not solve any problems," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said, urging the bloc to "take concrete actions and work together with China to seek solutions through discussions". - Defend EU interests - With the global economy rattled by conflict in Ukraine and fresh turmoil in the Middle East, Michel said it was better for all to avoid a trade war. But he insisted the EU would no longer be "naive" about massive government subsidies, though he offered some hope the two sides would find a way out of the row. "I still hope that it will be possible in the days to come, in the weeks to come, to make an agreement to find some solutions," he said. "But we have very strong and legitimate interests and it is the responsibility of the European Union to defend our people, to defend our citizens." Beijing's new brandy tariffs of up to 38.1 per cent -- officially an anti-dumping measure to protect domestic spirit producers -- were due to take effect on Friday. Also Read | Watch: Elon Musk reveals Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robots at Tesla event, and they can dance too! China imported more brandy than any other spirit in 2022, most of it from France, and French cognac makers earlier this week pleaded for an end to the spat. The EU has said it will challenge the "unfounded" measures at the World Trade Organization. In a glimmer of hope for easing of international trade tensions, China on Thursday agreed to end a ban on the lucrative trade in Australian lobster. Beijing banned rock lobster imports in 2020 as part of a raft of punitive measures imposed after Canberra cracked down on Chinese foreign influence operations and blocked tech giant Huawei from running Australia's 5G network. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

EU chief says China must 'adapt its behaviour' to solve tariff row with Europe

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous".

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) said Israel had "perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system".

The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added, in a report released Thursday.

Israel said it firmly rejected the allegations, in a statement from its mission in Geneva.

"This latest report is another blatant attempt by the CoI to delegitimise the very existence of the State of Israel and obstruct its right to protect its population, while covering up the crimes of terrorist organisations.

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"This report shamelessly portrays Israel's operations in terror-infested health facilities in Gaza as a matter of policy against Gaza's health system, while entirely dismissing overwhelming evidence that medical facilities in Gaza have been systematically used by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for terrorist activities," it said.

Israel also rejected accusations of widespread and systematic abuse of Palestinian detainees, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"Israel is fully committed to international legal standards regarding the treatment of detainees. This includes prohibition of excessive use of force and ill-treatment," the mission said.

It accused the commission of creating an "alternate reality", and thereby contributing to "the exacerbation of this conflict".

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"We call on states to speak out against this prejudiced approach, which only serves to further stain the credibility of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations at large."

The three-person commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, was publishing its second report since Hamas's October 7 attack a year ago, which sparked the ongoing war.

Israel invaded the Gaza Strip after last year's October 7 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN has described as reliable.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous".

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous". The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) said Israel had "perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system". The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added, in a report released Thursday. Israel said it firmly rejected the allegations, in a statement from its mission in Geneva. "This latest report is another blatant attempt by the CoI to delegitimise the very existence of the State of Israel and obstruct its right to protect its population, while covering up the crimes of terrorist organisations. Also Read | India calls for investigation after deity's crown stolen from B'desh temple "This report shamelessly portrays Israel's operations in terror-infested health facilities in Gaza as a matter of policy against Gaza's health system, while entirely dismissing overwhelming evidence that medical facilities in Gaza have been systematically used by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for terrorist activities," it said. Israel also rejected accusations of widespread and systematic abuse of Palestinian detainees, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. "Israel is fully committed to international legal standards regarding the treatment of detainees. This includes prohibition of excessive use of force and ill-treatment," the mission said. It accused the commission of creating an "alternate reality", and thereby contributing to "the exacerbation of this conflict". Also Read | US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken "We call on states to speak out against this prejudiced approach, which only serves to further stain the credibility of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations at large." The three-person commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, was publishing its second report since Hamas's October 7 attack a year ago, which sparked the ongoing war. Israel invaded the Gaza Strip after last year's October 7 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN has described as reliable. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Outrageous': Israel slams UN probe accusing it of destroying Gaza healthcare system

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