SpaceX CEO Elon Musk extended his support to&nbsp;former president Donald Trump in denouncing a potential ban on the Chinese app TikTok, which is popular among the youth in the US.&nbsp;

Lawmakers have been discussing a measure which will force Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US by September 30. President Joe Biden said he would sign the bill if it is cleared by US Congress.

In the wake of legislation likely to be passed by Congress this week, Musk took to his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and said the bill will amount to "censorship and government control".

“This law is not just about TikTok, it is about censorship and government control! If it were just about TikTok, it would only cite “foreign control” as the issue, but it does not,” he wrote on X.

Musk also re-shared a post of Representative Thomas Massie, who had spoken up against the potential TikTok ban, calling it a 'Trojan horse' that&nbsp; will only empower the president to ban not only apps but also websites.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-takes-a-u-turn-on-tiktok-ban-says-facebook-is-enemy-of-the-people-699215">Trump's TikTok U-turn: Says some kids will 'go crazy without it', Facebook 'enemy of the people'</a>

“The so-called TikTok ban is a trojan horse. The President will be given the power to ban WEBSITES, not just Apps. The person breaking the new law is deemed to be the U.S. (or offshore) INTERNET HOSTING SERVICE or App Store, not the “foreign adversary”,” Massie had said in the post.

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This law is not just about TikTok, it is about censorship and government control! 
 
If it were just about TikTok, it would only cite “foreign control” as the issue, but it does not. <a href="https://t.co/3hpePCE1nS">https://t.co/3hpePCE1nS</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1767540775762411525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<h2>What did Trump say about the TikTok ban?</h2>

Musk's comments follows Trump's opposition to the TikTok ban. 
 
Trump noted that lots of kids 'will go crazy' without the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform which is being seen as a national security threat for the US due to alleged links to the Communist Party as well as concerns over user data sharing and privacy.

Trump, who himself in 2020 tried to ban TikTok, also said that if the proposal is implemented, it will give unfair advantages to Facebook owner Meta.

"There's a lot of good and there's a lot of bad with TikTok, but the thing I don't like is that without TikTok, you're going to make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, along with a lot of the media," he told CNBC.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: TikTok's desperate lobbying effort backfires in US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tiktoks-desperate-lobbying-effort-backfires-in-us-699466/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I'm not looking to make Facebook double the size. I think Facebook has been very bad for our country," he said.

"There are a lot of people on TikTok that love it. There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it," Trump further said.

&nbsp;

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk extended his support to former president Donald Trump in denouncing a potential ban on the Chinese app TikTok, which is popular among the youth in the US.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk extended his support to former president Donald Trump in denouncing a potential ban on the Chinese app TikTok, which is popular among the youth in the US. Lawmakers have been discussing a measure which will force Chinese company ByteDance to sell TikTok in the US by September 30. President Joe Biden said he would sign the bill if it is cleared by US Congress. In the wake of legislation likely to be passed by Congress this week, Musk took to his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, and said the bill will amount to "censorship and government control". “This law is not just about TikTok, it is about censorship and government control! If it were just about TikTok, it would only cite “foreign control” as the issue, but it does not,” he wrote on X. Musk also re-shared a post of Representative Thomas Massie, who had spoken up against the potential TikTok ban, calling it a 'Trojan horse' that will only empower the president to ban not only apps but also websites. Also Read: Trump's TikTok U-turn: Says some kids will 'go crazy without it', Facebook 'enemy of the people' “The so-called TikTok ban is a trojan horse. The President will be given the power to ban WEBSITES, not just Apps. The person breaking the new law is deemed to be the U.S. (or offshore) INTERNET HOSTING SERVICE or App Store, not the “foreign adversary”,” Massie had said in the post. This law is not just about TikTok, it is about censorship and government control! If it were just about TikTok, it would only cite “foreign control” as the issue, but it does not. https://t.co/3hpePCE1nS — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 12, 2024 × What did Trump say about the TikTok ban? Musk's comments follows Trump's opposition to the TikTok ban. Trump noted that lots of kids 'will go crazy' without the Chinese-owned video-sharing platform which is being seen as a national security threat for the US due to alleged links to the Communist Party as well as concerns over user data sharing and privacy. Trump, who himself in 2020 tried to ban TikTok, also said that if the proposal is implemented, it will give unfair advantages to Facebook owner Meta. "There's a lot of good and there's a lot of bad with TikTok, but the thing I don't like is that without TikTok, you're going to make Facebook bigger, and I consider Facebook to be an enemy of the people, along with a lot of the media," he told CNBC. Watch: Gravitas: TikTok's desperate lobbying effort backfires in US "I'm not looking to make Facebook double the size. I think Facebook has been very bad for our country," he said. "There are a lot of people on TikTok that love it. There are a lot of young kids on TikTok who will go crazy without it," Trump further said.

Elon Musk joins Trump in denouncing proposed TikTok ban in US: 'It's about censorship, govt control'

The PML-N and PPP are technically the two largest parties, with 79 seats and 54 seats respectively, because the candidates loyal to former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had to run as independents.

Historic agreement: PPP and PML-N agree to form Coalition Government in Pakistan

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, confirmed on Friday that he had sent a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) demanding that it hold an audit of the election results before approving any new loan for Islamabad.

Pakistan: Jailed Imran Khan writes to IMF, seeks election audit before new loan

Pakistan: PPP and PML-N Agree to Form Coalition Government

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. 
 
The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. 
 
The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. 
 
The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-bidens-dog-bit-secret-service-members-at-least-24-times-in-less-than-a-year-692737">US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year</a>

<h2 lang="en-US">Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation</h2>

DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. 
 
"We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). 
 
However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. 
 
"A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education.

Watch:&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-presidential-elections-2024-donald-trump-to-face-off-nikki-haley-in-south-carolina-primary-692926/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. 
 
The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. 
 
As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. 
 
Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision.

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor.

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Also Read: US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. "We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. "A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education. Watch: US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida moves ahead with bill imposing social media ban on kids, governor's nod remains

After days of negotiations, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have come to an agreement to establish a new coalition government in Pakistan.

PML-N & PPP to form coalition government, Sharif set to become PM

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif set to become Pakistan PM as PML-N and PPP forge coalition pact

Pakistan: PML-N and PPP strike deal to form government in Pakistan; Shehbaz Sharif set to become PM

Just days after general elections were held in Pakistan there is still no clarity on who will form the government. In the latest Pakistan People's Party Chief Bilawal Zardari echoed concerns of election rigging in the polls held earlier. Bhutto claimed that he had proof to show that several candidates of his party the PPP had won polls in their respective constituencies but it was the PML-N candidates who were declared the winners. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: After Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto claims poll rigging

Pakistan Elections 2024: PPP's Bilawal Bhutto claims Pak poll rigged

Protests surge across Pakistan amidst claims of vote rigging. Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has announced protests across the country on Saturday against what it called widespread rigging in the general elections. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections: PTI supporters protest over alleged rigging in election

The new government in Pakistan faces mammoth challenges as it begins its tenure. Primary among them will be repairing an economy in a tizzy. Talks with the IMF, controlling soaring inflation and prices, plummeting forex reserves and worse await the incumbent. That's the first story on Inside South Asia this week.

New govt in Pakistan: Big challenges ahead

United States President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans on Wednesday (Feb 14) to support his appeal to Congress to ban assault weapons, stating that the deadly shootout which took place at a Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City "cuts deep". 
 
"Today's events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting," said Biden, in a White House statement. 
 
“It is time to act. That’s where I stand. And I ask the country to stand with me. To make your voice heard in Congress so we finally act to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them,” said Biden, in a statement released by the White House.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kansas-parade-shootout-bystanders-tackle-suspected-gunman-after-firing-video-690385">Kansas parade shootout: Bystanders tackle suspected gunman after firing</a>

Biden said that the Super Bowl victory must have been a joyous occasion. 
 
He said, “For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul. Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?”

<h2 lang="en-US">Kamala Harris appeals to Congress to pass 'reasonable gun safety laws'</h2>

Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, called on the members of Congress to pass “reasonable gun safety laws” after the shooting that took place on Wednesday (Feb 14) towards the end of a parade for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs. 
 
“The reality of it is a lot of this can be prevented if members of legislatures, including the United States Congress, just have the courage to act with reasonable gun safety law,” said Harris, while speaking to the reporters at Joint Base Andrews before stepping aboard Air Force 2 en route to the Munich Security Conference. Harris said that she has been praying for those affected by the shootout.

Watch:&nbsp;US: One dead, 22 injured in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-one-dead-22-injured-in-shooting-at-kansas-city-chiefs-super-bowl-celebration-690399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The shooting happened west of Union Station, near the garage, when the fans of Kansas City Chiefs were leaving, as per Kansas City police. In the incident, one person, a DJ, was killed and 21 others suffered injuries. 
 
In a press conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said that they have detained three people and are carrying out an investigation into the deadly shooting, which she termed a "tragedy". 
 
In September 2023, the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention was established by Biden and tasked the vice president to oversee the office.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans on Wednesday (Feb 14) to support his appeal to Congress to ban assault weapons, stating that the deadly shootout which took place at a Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City "cuts deep".

United States President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans on Wednesday (Feb 14) to support his appeal to Congress to ban assault weapons, stating that the deadly shootout which took place at a Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City "cuts deep". "Today's events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting," said Biden, in a White House statement. “It is time to act. That’s where I stand. And I ask the country to stand with me. To make your voice heard in Congress so we finally act to ban assault weapons, to limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, keep guns out of the hands of those who have no business owning them or handling them,” said Biden, in a statement released by the White House. Also Read: Kansas parade shootout: Bystanders tackle suspected gunman after firing Biden said that the Super Bowl victory must have been a joyous occasion. He said, “For this joy to be turned to tragedy today in Kansas City cuts deep in the American soul. Today’s events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart?” Kamala Harris appeals to Congress to pass 'reasonable gun safety laws' Vice President Kamala Harris, meanwhile, called on the members of Congress to pass “reasonable gun safety laws” after the shooting that took place on Wednesday (Feb 14) towards the end of a parade for the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs. “The reality of it is a lot of this can be prevented if members of legislatures, including the United States Congress, just have the courage to act with reasonable gun safety law,” said Harris, while speaking to the reporters at Joint Base Andrews before stepping aboard Air Force 2 en route to the Munich Security Conference. Harris said that she has been praying for those affected by the shootout. Watch: US: One dead, 22 injured in shooting at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration The shooting happened west of Union Station, near the garage, when the fans of Kansas City Chiefs were leaving, as per Kansas City police. In the incident, one person, a DJ, was killed and 21 others suffered injuries. In a press conference, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said that they have detained three people and are carrying out an investigation into the deadly shooting, which she termed a "tragedy". In September 2023, the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention was established by Biden and tasked the vice president to oversee the office. (With inputs from agencies)

Kansas shooting: Biden calls for ban on assault weapons after deadly shooting at Super Bowl parade

After days of deadlock, Pakistan is stepping closer to getting a new government. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has dropped out of the PM race and has said that his party would support any candidate proposed by the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N. The question emerges, will the shaky coalition survive? Will the next government be able to save Pakistan from economic ruin?

Pakistan Race To Power: Bilawal Bhutto says, 'PPP aims to take Pak out of the current crisis'

Pakistan People's Party leader Aseefa Bhutto is leading the campaign for Bilawal Bhutto. Aseefa Bhutto has vowed to carry forward her late mother's (Benazir Bhutto) vision for the marginalized. She's not running for the elections but is actively campaigning for her brother Bilawal Bhutto. Watch to know more!

Pakistan Elections 2024: Bhutto siblings lead PPP's political campaign

Pakistan is headed for polls on the 8th of February, and the road to the elections has been anything but smooth. Can Imran Khan's influence permeate the walls of the prison? Barrister Muhammad Ahmad Pansota, Advocate Supreme Court joins us to discuss

Can Imran Khan defy the odds?

Canada has taken decisive action to combat its housing affordability crisis. The government announced a two-year extension on the ban on foreign ownership of Canadian housing. Canada is grappling with a housing affordability crisis attributed to increased migration and international student numbers. The surge in demand for homes, coupled with rising costs hindering construction, has created a pressing issue.

Canada extends ban on foreign ownership amid affordability crisis

The Reserve Bank of India's action against Paytm payments bank has shaken India's Fintech industry. The central bank's action has raised concerns about regulatory compliance in the industry.

Fintech sector worried in aftermath

The Central Bank of India has imposed new restrictions on Paytm. The curbs will be effective from February 29th. What do they entail? Should you as a user be worried?

Gravitas | New Paytm restrictions explained | How will the curbs affect you?

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison. Both were found guilty of acquiring expensive gifts illegally from the Toshakhana, or the country's state treasury while in power.

Toshakhana case: Imran Khan, wife sentenced to 14 years

Pakistan’s Supreme Court late Saturday (Jan 13) stripped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) off its iconic ‘bat’ election symbol, a move after which those contesting in elections from the party will have to fight as independent candidates. This is a major setback for Pakistan's jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan: Imran Khan’s party loses cricket bat electoral symbol

Imran Khan's party loses 'bat' symbol, PTI candidates to contest as independents

Pope Francis has called for a universal ban on parenting via surrogacy while terming the practice deplorable in his New Year's address to diplomats at the Vatican. Pope Francis also termed the practice a great violation of the dignity of both mothers and children.

Pope Francis calls for a universal ban on surrogate parenting

Pope Francis on Monday (January 8) called for a global ban on parenting via surrogacy, which is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple. The woman is known as the surrogate and the other party is called the intended parent/s.&nbsp;

Pope called the practice of surrogacy "deplorable" and a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child.&nbsp;

Critics believe that his remarks will likely antagonise pro-LGBT+ groups since surrogacy is often used by gay or lesbian partners who want to have children.&nbsp;

This controversial remark comes after the Pope's landmark decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples.&nbsp;

"I deem deplorable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother's material needs," he said.&nbsp;

"Consequently, I express my hope for an effort by the international community to prohibit this practice universally," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/75-of-gym-goers-report-enhanced-mental-health-benefits-survey-finds-677854">75% of gym-goers report enhanced mental health benefits, survey finds</a>&nbsp;

The 87-year-old made his comments in a 45-minute address to Vatican-accredited diplomats. He slammed that 2024 had dawned at a time in which peace is "increasingly threatened, weakened and in some part lost" in his foreign policy address to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.&nbsp;

Pope mentioned the ongoing wars — Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war — and also migration, climate crises and the production of nuclear and conventional weapons.&nbsp;

He weighed in on the ills afflicting humanity and the increasing violation of international humanitarian law that allows them.&nbsp;

He also listed smaller-scale issues that he said were threats to peace and human dignity, including surrogacy. He said the life of the unborn child must be protected and not "suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking".&nbsp;

He said, "I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs."&nbsp;

He said there must be a global ban on surrogacy and said that a child is a gift and "never the basis of a commercial contract". He asked everyone "to prohibit this practice universally".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaire-accuses-sothebys-of-art-fraud-in-high-stakes-legal-battle-677899">Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby's of art fraud in high-stakes legal battle</a>

<h2>Stats related to surrogacy</h2>

The practice of surrogacy is illegal in many countries around the world, as well as in some US states due to ethical concerns. The practice has also been criticised because of the potential for a "poverty bias" against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need.&nbsp;

But interest continues to grow as more women opt to postpone pregnancy until later in life when fertility wanes, and as more same-sex couples look for ways to start families when they can't conceive on their own.&nbsp;

In Italy, the country that surrounds the Vatican, surrogacy is illegal, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition ruling is pushing through parliament a law that would extend the existing ban to punish couples who go abroad to carry out the procedure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Monday (January 8) called for a global ban on parenting via surrogacy, which is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple.

Pope Francis on Monday (January 8) called for a global ban on parenting via surrogacy, which is an arrangement in which a woman agrees to carry and give birth to a child on behalf of another person or couple. The woman is known as the surrogate and the other party is called the intended parent/s. Pope called the practice of surrogacy "deplorable" and a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child. Critics believe that his remarks will likely antagonise pro-LGBT+ groups since surrogacy is often used by gay or lesbian partners who want to have children. This controversial remark comes after the Pope's landmark decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples. "I deem deplorable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother's material needs," he said. "Consequently, I express my hope for an effort by the international community to prohibit this practice universally," he added. Also read: 75% of gym-goers report enhanced mental health benefits, survey finds The 87-year-old made his comments in a 45-minute address to Vatican-accredited diplomats. He slammed that 2024 had dawned at a time in which peace is "increasingly threatened, weakened and in some part lost" in his foreign policy address to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See. Pope mentioned the ongoing wars — Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas war — and also migration, climate crises and the production of nuclear and conventional weapons. He weighed in on the ills afflicting humanity and the increasing violation of international humanitarian law that allows them. He also listed smaller-scale issues that he said were threats to peace and human dignity, including surrogacy. He said the life of the unborn child must be protected and not "suppressed or turned into an object of trafficking". He said, "I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs." He said there must be a global ban on surrogacy and said that a child is a gift and "never the basis of a commercial contract". He asked everyone "to prohibit this practice universally". Also read: Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby's of art fraud in high-stakes legal battle Stats related to surrogacy The practice of surrogacy is illegal in many countries around the world, as well as in some US states due to ethical concerns. The practice has also been criticised because of the potential for a "poverty bias" against women who become surrogate mothers due to financial need. But interest continues to grow as more women opt to postpone pregnancy until later in life when fertility wanes, and as more same-sex couples look for ways to start families when they can't conceive on their own. In Italy, the country that surrounds the Vatican, surrogacy is illegal, and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition ruling is pushing through parliament a law that would extend the existing ban to punish couples who go abroad to carry out the procedure. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope calls for universal ban on ‘despicable’ practice of surrogate motherhood

In a disturbing incident just hours before a government ban on XL bully-type dogs, a severely abused dog was discovered burnt and mutilated in a south London alleyway. The RSPCA reported that the male dog, exhibiting characteristics of the XL bully breed, had been set on fire, had one ear cut off, and was found dead with its legs tied together. The harrowing photos provided by the animal welfare charity showed the dog with badly burnt front feet, lying in front of garages in Waltham Road, Carshalton.

A member of the public stumbled upon this gruesome scene on Saturday (Dec&nbsp;30), in the residential area. The initial investigation by the RSPCA revealed that the dog had escaped from its garden during the recent storms when a fence was blown down.

<h2>Details of the brutal attack</h2>

RSPCA inspector Harriet Daliday, currently leading the investigation told The Standard&nbsp;that the dog also had a fractured skull, though it remains unclear whether this injury resulted from a car accident or was inflicted deliberately.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-sunaks-ban-internet-floods-with-ads-of-american-xl-bully-at-dirt-cheap-prices-654466">Also read |&nbsp;After Sunak's ban, internet is flooded with sale ads for American XL Bully dogs at dirt-cheap prices</a>

<h2>Government ban: New rules for XL bully dogs</h2>

Coincidentally, the discovery occurred just before the enforcement of new rules governing the ownership of XL bully dogs.

These regulations, effective from December 31, make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales. Additionally, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public spaces.

Starting from February 1, owning an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate will become a criminal offence. The breed has been added to the government's banned breeds list, which already includes the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and Dogo Argentino. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took this step on October 31 following a concerning increase in fatal attacks by XL bully dogs.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK: American XL Bully Dogs to be banned; PM Sunak says, 'urgent need to ban this crossbreed'

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Animal welfare groups have expressed apprehensions about the ban, fearing it may overwhelm vets and rescue centers. The RSPCA emphasised that such measures are not the solution and warned of a "huge risk" that rescue centers and vets might struggle to cope with the anticipated surge in demand.

In the wake of the breed ban announcement, there has been a notable surge in abandonment and abuse cases. Disturbing footage surfaced in November of a man allegedly beating an XL bully with a shovel in east London, adding urgency to concerns surrounding the ban's consequences.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a disturbing incident just hours before a government ban on XL bully-type dogs, a severely abused dog was discovered burnt and mutilated in a south London alleyway.

In a disturbing incident just hours before a government ban on XL bully-type dogs, a severely abused dog was discovered burnt and mutilated in a south London alleyway. The RSPCA reported that the male dog, exhibiting characteristics of the XL bully breed, had been set on fire, had one ear cut off, and was found dead with its legs tied together. The harrowing photos provided by the animal welfare charity showed the dog with badly burnt front feet, lying in front of garages in Waltham Road, Carshalton. A member of the public stumbled upon this gruesome scene on Saturday (Dec 30), in the residential area. The initial investigation by the RSPCA revealed that the dog had escaped from its garden during the recent storms when a fence was blown down. Details of the brutal attack RSPCA inspector Harriet Daliday, currently leading the investigation told The Standard that the dog also had a fractured skull, though it remains unclear whether this injury resulted from a car accident or was inflicted deliberately. Also read | After Sunak's ban, internet is flooded with sale ads for American XL Bully dogs at dirt-cheap prices Government ban: New rules for XL bully dogs Coincidentally, the discovery occurred just before the enforcement of new rules governing the ownership of XL bully dogs. These regulations, effective from December 31, make it illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow XL bully dogs to stray in England and Wales. Additionally, these dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public spaces. Starting from February 1, owning an XL bully dog in England and Wales without a certificate will become a criminal offence. The breed has been added to the government's banned breeds list, which already includes the pit bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and Dogo Argentino. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took this step on October 31 following a concerning increase in fatal attacks by XL bully dogs. Also watch | UK: American XL Bully Dogs to be banned; PM Sunak says, 'urgent need to ban this crossbreed' Animal welfare groups have expressed apprehensions about the ban, fearing it may overwhelm vets and rescue centers. The RSPCA emphasised that such measures are not the solution and warned of a "huge risk" that rescue centers and vets might struggle to cope with the anticipated surge in demand. In the wake of the breed ban announcement, there has been a notable surge in abandonment and abuse cases. Disturbing footage surfaced in November of a man allegedly beating an XL bully with a shovel in east London, adding urgency to concerns surrounding the ban's consequences. (With inputs from agencies)

XL bully dog found burnt, mutilated in south London just hours before breed ban enforcement

Venice is set to impose a ban on loudspeakers as well as large tourist groups&nbsp; exceeding more than 25 people, so as to decrease the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city. 
 
In a statement, the city said that the new rules will be brought into effect from June 1. It added that they have banned the use of loudspeakers as they can "generate confusion and disturbances". 
 
Over-tourism in the Canal City – which is one of the favourite tourist places in Europe – is recognised widely as an urgent issue. In September, Venice approved the trial of charging a fee of €5 (£4.30; $5.35) for daily visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-italy-move-forward-in-melodi-era-with-approval-of-key-migration-and-mobility-pact-674079">India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact</a>

The rules are applicable to the city centre as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. In the press release, the city council said that they are aimed to protect residents from nuisance and noise.

<h2 lang="en-US">Number of visitors likely to increase in Venice&nbsp;</h2>

Elisabetta Pesce,&nbsp;official&nbsp;responsible&nbsp;for the city's security, stated that the latest policies are "aimed at improving the management of groups organised in the historic centre". 
 
She added that the ban on loudspeakers and restricting tour groups to less than 25 people will help in sustainable tourism. 
 
The city is only 7.6 sq km (2.7 sq miles) in size, however, it hosted nearly 13 million tourists in 2019, as per the Italian National Statistics Institute. 
 
In the coming years, the numbers of visitors are likely to go beyond pre-pandemic levels. Earlier in 2023, UNESCO said that the city needs to be added to a list of world heritage sites which are in danger because of mass tourism leading to irreversible changes in the city and the impact it is facing due to climate change.

Watch:&nbsp;India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact

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In 2021, the officials had placed a ban on large cruise ships from entering the historic centre of Venice through the Giudecca canal after a vessel crashed into a harbour. The critics have further stated that ships have been leading to pollution and eroding the foundations inside the city, which go through regular flooding. 
 
The historic centre, which boasts of the famous Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and the many canals, no longer has more than 50,000 permanent residents. During the high season, on some days the visitors outnumber the locals by more than two to one.

(With inputs from agencies)

Venice is set to impose a ban on loudspeakers as well as large tourist groups exceeding more than 25 people, so as to decrease the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city.

Venice is set to impose a ban on loudspeakers as well as large tourist groups exceeding more than 25 people, so as to decrease the impact of mass tourism on the Italian city. In a statement, the city said that the new rules will be brought into effect from June 1. It added that they have banned the use of loudspeakers as they can "generate confusion and disturbances". Over-tourism in the Canal City – which is one of the favourite tourist places in Europe – is recognised widely as an urgent issue. In September, Venice approved the trial of charging a fee of €5 (£4.30; $5.35) for daily visitors. Also read: India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact The rules are applicable to the city centre as well as the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. In the press release, the city council said that they are aimed to protect residents from nuisance and noise. Number of visitors likely to increase in Venice Elisabetta Pesce, official responsible for the city's security, stated that the latest policies are "aimed at improving the management of groups organised in the historic centre". She added that the ban on loudspeakers and restricting tour groups to less than 25 people will help in sustainable tourism. The city is only 7.6 sq km (2.7 sq miles) in size, however, it hosted nearly 13 million tourists in 2019, as per the Italian National Statistics Institute. In the coming years, the numbers of visitors are likely to go beyond pre-pandemic levels. Earlier in 2023, UNESCO said that the city needs to be added to a list of world heritage sites which are in danger because of mass tourism leading to irreversible changes in the city and the impact it is facing due to climate change. Watch: India-Italy move forward in ‘Melodi’ era with approval of key migration and mobility pact In 2021, the officials had placed a ban on large cruise ships from entering the historic centre of Venice through the Giudecca canal after a vessel crashed into a harbour. The critics have further stated that ships have been leading to pollution and eroding the foundations inside the city, which go through regular flooding. The historic centre, which boasts of the famous Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge and the many canals, no longer has more than 50,000 permanent residents. During the high season, on some days the visitors outnumber the locals by more than two to one. (With inputs from agencies)

Venice to impose ban on loudspeakers and large tourist groups

Pakistan's election body on Saturday rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's nomination to contest the 2024 national elections, the Election Commission body said.

Pakistan ex-PM Khan barred from election candidacy

A ban restricting imports of Apple Watches in the United States has gone into effect. Here is a look at what the ban means for consumers & what is next for Apple.

What's next after the US Apple Watch import ban?

China has decided to stop exporting a variety of rare-earth technology. The world's top supplier of minerals is acting in response to Beijing's geopolitical adversaries' call for a reduction in China's reliance on imported commodities.

China bans exports of some rare-earth processing tech

On Tuesday, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif cleared yet another legal hurdle ahead of the Feb 8 general election after the Islamabad High Court (IHC) acquitted him in the Al-Azizia reference. The Al-Azizia case was one of the two graft references that Nawaz was convicted in. He was acquitted in the Avenfield reference on Nov 29 by the same bench.

Acquittals in grafts case clear hurdles for Nawaz Sharif before 2024 polls

A Pakistani special court hearing the cipher case against former prime minister Imran Khan and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is set to indict them on Tuesday.

Cipher Case: Pak court all set to indict Imran Khan, Qureshi

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