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'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-american-xl-bully-dogs-to-be-banned-pm-sunak-says-urgent-need-to-ban-this-crossbreed-636346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-italy-move-forward-in-melodi-era-with-approval-of-key-migration-and-mobility-pact-674259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. 
 
The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported. 
 
The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020. 
 
Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-odyssey-orbiter-acts-as-space-station-to-mars-to-capture-its-atmosphere-from-top-664467">NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top</a>

As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”.

<h2>NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case</h2>

The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China. 
 
According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans. 
 
“Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency.

Watch:&nbsp;NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-satellites-discover-a-6-planet-in-sync-solar-system-665105/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said. 
 
He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”.

(With inputs from agencies)

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries.

The researchers at NASA, while sidestepping the ban imposed by the United States, have been allowed to study the moon samples collected by China, in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the space agencies of the two countries. The laws by the US have till now kept NASA and its counterpart the China National Space Administration (CNSA) at a distance, but now they have been allowed to work together, the South China Morning Post reported. The US space agency, in an email, said that it had “certified its intent to Congress” to allow the researchers funded by NASA to apply to the CNSA for gaining access to the lunar samples, which have been collected by Chang’e 5 mission of China in 2020. Normally, as per the Wolf Amendment which was passed in 2011 by the US Congress and given name after then-Republican senator Frank Wolf, the applications will be illegal as it places a ban on NASA from cooperating with China unless they have been authorised by lawmakers. Also read: NASA's Odyssey orbiter acts as Space Station to Mars to capture its atmosphere from top As per the email from NASA, the application for access to moon samples was important because of the “unique value” of the Chinese samples, which were “made available recently to the international scientific community for research purposes”. NASA gives green light to applications in exceptional case The email clearly stated that the applications were given a green light in an exceptional case. “This allowance applies specifically to Chang’e 5 mission samples; the normal prohibition on bilateral activity with PRC on Nasa-funded projects remains in place,” it said, making reference to the People’s Republic of China. According to the email, the samples come from a lunar region “not yet sampled by NASA” and are expected to provide insights into the geological history of the moon, and the Earth-moon system, and potentially help Nasa make future lunar exploration plans. “Applying for samples will ensure that United States researchers have the same research opportunities as scientists around the world,” said the agency. Watch: NASA satellites discover a 6-planet in-sync solar system Planetary geoscientist at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island James Head said that internationally there has been “great enthusiasm” for studying the samples. He added that “many colleagues will be applying”, now that access has been allowed by NASA. “It should be a very large set of applications,” he said. He added that although multiple fundamental questions have been addressed by the scientists after analysing a few samples, the participation of foreign scientists can “bring even more interest and different perspectives to tackle these critical problems”. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA sidesteps ban by US, appeals researchers to gather moon samples from China

Russia banned the "international LGBT movement" on Thursday (Nov 30), claiming that it was an extremist group, a step which cements the long crackdown on the LGBTQ community as the country pushes for conservative social values. 
 
In the past decade, President Vladimir Putin has informed Russians to follow the conservative social values which have been promoted by the Orthodox Church. 
 
The ruling was handed down by the Supreme Court in Moscow on Thursday (Nov 30), as reported by AFP. 
 
It did not clarify if certain organisations or individuals will be affected by the ruling. 
 
The judge ruled that "the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions" were extremist, and issued a "ban on its activities on the territory of Russia”. 
 
He added that the order was placed into effect immediately.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-takes-steps-to-make-foreigners-sign-a-loyalty-agreement-664324">Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement'</a>

If the law is applied to citizens, the "extremist" label will place gay, lesbian, transgender or queer people who are residents in Russia at risk of facing years of imprisonment. 
 
The court hearing happened behind closed doors and there was no defence present in the case, as reported by Russian media ahead of the verdict. 
 
"One day it will be over but for now we need to try to continue to live and save ourselves," said the Feminist Anti-War Resistance on social media, while responding to the verdict.

<h2>'New low point of insanity'</h2>

Other NGOs, which include transgender rights group "Center T", said that they will publish the safety guidelines for the LGBTQ community's members. 
 
Director of the NGO Yan Dvorkin, who fled from Russia citing security issues, said that the legal proceeding is a "new low point of insanity".

Watch:&nbsp;All eight Finland-Russia border crossing points closed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/all-eight-finland-russia-border-crossing-points-closed-wion-664692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian administration is said to have taken a steep conservative turn after it deployed troops to Ukraine last year. Dvorkin said that he feels all LGBTQ people are being used by the Russian authorities as scapegoats. 
 
"They're losing the war. This makes people very frustrated and dissatisfied with the government. It's very easy to take that anger out on LGBTQ people,” the director said. 
 
Any kind of administrative procedure and medical intervention which helped in gender reassignment was banned by Russia in July. 
 
At that time, lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy said that the measure was about “erecting a barrier to the penetration of Western anti-family ideology”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia banned the "international LGBT movement" on Thursday (Nov 30), claiming that it was an extremist group, a step which cements the long crackdown on the LGBTQ community as the country pushes for conservative social values.

Russia banned the "international LGBT movement" on Thursday (Nov 30), claiming that it was an extremist group, a step which cements the long crackdown on the LGBTQ community as the country pushes for conservative social values. In the past decade, President Vladimir Putin has informed Russians to follow the conservative social values which have been promoted by the Orthodox Church. The ruling was handed down by the Supreme Court in Moscow on Thursday (Nov 30), as reported by AFP. It did not clarify if certain organisations or individuals will be affected by the ruling. The judge ruled that "the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions" were extremist, and issued a "ban on its activities on the territory of Russia”. He added that the order was placed into effect immediately. Also read: Russia takes steps to make foreigners sign a 'loyalty agreement' If the law is applied to citizens, the "extremist" label will place gay, lesbian, transgender or queer people who are residents in Russia at risk of facing years of imprisonment. The court hearing happened behind closed doors and there was no defence present in the case, as reported by Russian media ahead of the verdict. "One day it will be over but for now we need to try to continue to live and save ourselves," said the Feminist Anti-War Resistance on social media, while responding to the verdict. 'New low point of insanity' Other NGOs, which include transgender rights group "Center T", said that they will publish the safety guidelines for the LGBTQ community's members. Director of the NGO Yan Dvorkin, who fled from Russia citing security issues, said that the legal proceeding is a "new low point of insanity". Watch: All eight Finland-Russia border crossing points closed Russian administration is said to have taken a steep conservative turn after it deployed troops to Ukraine last year. Dvorkin said that he feels all LGBTQ people are being used by the Russian authorities as scapegoats. "They're losing the war. This makes people very frustrated and dissatisfied with the government. It's very easy to take that anger out on LGBTQ people,” the director said. Any kind of administrative procedure and medical intervention which helped in gender reassignment was banned by Russia in July. At that time, lawmaker Pyotr Tolstoy said that the measure was about “erecting a barrier to the penetration of Western anti-family ideology”. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia imposes ban on 'international LGBT movement', terming it 'extremist group'

French President Emmanuel Macron has promised to create “the first tobacco-free generation” by 2032. For this, France will ban smoking on all beaches, public parks, forests and near schools.

How is France planning to create the “first tobacco-free generation” by 2032?

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