<p>The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A bench of justices comprising SVN Bhatti and Sanjiv Khanna said that they were not inclined to interfere with the order of the Bombay High Court which had junked the plea filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who claimed that he was an artiste and a cine worker.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You should not press this appeal. Do not be so narrow-minded," stated the bench. Supreme Court further refused the submission of the plea to expunge some remarks which were made against the petitioner by the high court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-20-year-old-medical-aspirant-found-dead-in-rajasthans-kota-663788">India: 20-year-old medical aspirant found dead in Rajasthan's Kota</a></p>

<p>The petitioner had sought the direction of the court for the central government to impose a complete ban on companies, Indian citizens, associations and firms from soliciting or employing any work or performance, entering into any association, or taking any services and so on with any Pakistani artist like musicians, singers, cine workers, technicians and lyricists.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Bombay High Court calls petition ‘a retrograde step’&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The petition was dismissed by the Bombay High Court which stated that the measures being sought by the petitioner were a retrograde step in the promotion of peace, unity and cultural harmony, and there is no merit in it. "One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country," the court stated.</p>

<p>"A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart. A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquility within the country and across the border," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-visits-tirupati-shrine-new-zealand-to-scrap-smoking-ban-trending-on-wion-663438/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In its order, the high court had stated that music, arts, sports, dance, culture and so on are the kinds of activities which are above cultures, nationalities and nations, and these events bring unity, harmony, tranquility and peace in the country and between countries. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The high court stated how Pakistan was a participant in the Cricket World Cup. He added that this occurred because the Indian government took appreciable positive steps in the interest of harmony and overall peace in consonance with Article 51 of the Constitution of India which is regarding the promotion of international security and peace.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Nov 28) rejected a plea which sought a complete ban on the performance or working of artists from Pakistan in the country, and appealed to the petitioner to not be “so narrow-minded”. A bench of justices comprising SVN Bhatti and Sanjiv Khanna said that they were not inclined to interfere with the order of the Bombay High Court which had junked the plea filed by Faaiz Anwar Qureshi, who claimed that he was an artiste and a cine worker. "You should not press this appeal. Do not be so narrow-minded," stated the bench. Supreme Court further refused the submission of the plea to expunge some remarks which were made against the petitioner by the high court. Also read: India: 20-year-old medical aspirant found dead in Rajasthan's Kota The petitioner had sought the direction of the court for the central government to impose a complete ban on companies, Indian citizens, associations and firms from soliciting or employing any work or performance, entering into any association, or taking any services and so on with any Pakistani artist like musicians, singers, cine workers, technicians and lyricists. Bombay High Court calls petition ‘a retrograde step’ The petition was dismissed by the Bombay High Court which stated that the measures being sought by the petitioner were a retrograde step in the promotion of peace, unity and cultural harmony, and there is no merit in it. "One must understand that in order to be a patriot, one need not be inimical to those from abroad especially, from the neighbouring country," the court stated. "A true patriot is a person who is selfless, who is devoted to the cause of his country, which he cannot be unless he is a person who is good at heart. A person who is good at heart would welcome in his country any activity which promotes peace, harmony, and tranquility within the country and across the border," it added. Watch: India PM Modi visits Tirupati shrine | New Zealand to scrap 'smoking ban' In its order, the high court had stated that music, arts, sports, dance, culture and so on are the kinds of activities which are above cultures, nationalities and nations, and these events bring unity, harmony, tranquility and peace in the country and between countries. The high court stated how Pakistan was a participant in the Cricket World Cup. He added that this occurred because the Indian government took appreciable positive steps in the interest of harmony and overall peace in consonance with Article 51 of the Constitution of India which is regarding the promotion of international security and peace. (With inputs from agencies)

SC calls out ‘narrow-mindedness’, rejects plea seeking complete ban on Pak artists

New zealand has made a u-turn on one of its praise-worthy policies, the government will scrap its smoking ban to fund tax cuts.

New zealand makes U-turn on smoking, to fund tax cuts

<p>Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country.<br />
<br />
"The Russian justice ministry has lodged an administrative legal claim with the Supreme Court to recognise the International LGBT public movement as extremist and ban its activity in Russia," Moscow said in a statement, adding that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's&nbsp;crackdown on the LGBTQ community</strong></h2>

<p>This is the latest move by Russia in its ongoing crackdown on the LGBTQ community and its people, whom the authorities term as "non-traditional" gender identities and sexual orientation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-meteorite-new-footage-reveals-russian-missile-with-nuclear-capable-glide-vehicle-loaded-in-silo-659741">&nbsp;'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo</a></p>

<p>Russian authorities have used the extremist label against many rights organisations as well as opposition groups, which increases the chances of prosecution of its members.<br />
<br />
The ministry has accused the "LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation" of "various signs and manifestations of extremism, including incitement to social and religious hatred."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-says-artist-was-spreading-misinformation-about-military-659688/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The ministry did not clarify what it meant by that movement but added that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30.<br />
<br />
Since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, it has increased its campaign against LGBTQ communities.<br />
<br />
"Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBT+ community are human beings," stated Dilya Gafurova, the head of the LGBTQ rights group Sphere.<br />
<br />
Authorities "don't just want to erase us from the public field: they want to ban us as a social group," added Gafurova.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country.

Russia on Friday (Nov 17) requested to impose a ban on the "International LGBT public movement" without stating if they are seeking the closure of various communities in general or some specific groups in the country. "The Russian justice ministry has lodged an administrative legal claim with the Supreme Court to recognise the International LGBT public movement as extremist and ban its activity in Russia," Moscow said in a statement, adding that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30. Russia's crackdown on the LGBTQ community This is the latest move by Russia in its ongoing crackdown on the LGBTQ community and its people, whom the authorities term as "non-traditional" gender identities and sexual orientation. Also read: 'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo Russian authorities have used the extremist label against many rights organisations as well as opposition groups, which increases the chances of prosecution of its members. The ministry has accused the "LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation" of "various signs and manifestations of extremism, including incitement to social and religious hatred." Watch: Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military The ministry did not clarify what it meant by that movement but added that a court hearing will be held on the matter on November 30. Since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, it has increased its campaign against LGBTQ communities. "Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBT+ community are human beings," stated Dilya Gafurova, the head of the LGBTQ rights group Sphere. Authorities "don't just want to erase us from the public field: they want to ban us as a social group," added Gafurova. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia appeals to recognise 'International LGBT public movement' as 'extremist'

<p>On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region.<br />
<br />
The clarification was given by a bench, comprising Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh, when they were hearing an application which was seeking direction to the Rajasthan government for complying with the order of the top court on the on barium crackers and decreasing air and noise pollution.<br />
<br />
“At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” stated a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, in its order.<br />
<br />
“Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter," it added.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court's order came as India is gearing up for Diwali celebrations on November 12. The order raised questions like what type of firecrackers are permitted in the country and what are these firecrackers made of?</p>

<h2><strong>What orders have been issued by the Supreme Court on firecrackers?</strong></h2>

<p>The apex court in October 2018 placed a ban on the sale and production of all crackers except ‘green crackers’ and also those which have reduced emissions or improved crackers.<br />
<br />
The sale and manufacture of ‘joined crackers’ (which are long rows of joined crackers) was also banned and the use of barium salts in firecrackers was not permitted. The court had also stated that their noise levels should remain within permissible limits.<br />
<br />
This was reiterated by the October in its order issued on October 29, 2021. In September, the Supreme Court turned down a plea submitted by the firecracker manufacturers’ association which sought permission to the use of joined crackers and to add barium salt along with improved additives in the green crackers.<br />
<br />
The use and sale of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2020, which stated that the green crackers would only be allowed in towns and cities where air quality was poor or moderate.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/directions-meant-to-regulate-firecrackers-meant-for-entire-india-not-just-delhi-supreme-court-656152">Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court</a></p>

<h2><strong>What are firecrackers made of?</strong></h2>

<p>Generally, the firecrackers are made with four primary ingredients — colouring agents, fuel, oxidiser, and binder. An oxidiser is added to the cracker so that it can catch fire, the fuel helps in sustaining it and colouring agents add the colours and sparkles to the crackers, while the mixture is held in place by the binder till the cracker has been spent completely.<br />
<br />
Chemicals such as barium are a type of colouring agent, and they were banned by the court because they harmfully impact the health of human beings. These chemicals cause skin allergies, breathing difficulties, irritation in the respiratory tract, and even cancer.<br />
<br />
In a cracker, aluminium, magnesium and titanium emit the white colour, while carbon or iron emit&nbsp;orange colour.<br />
<br />
Similarly, sodium compounds work as yellow agents, while copper compounds and strontium carbonates emit blue and red colours, respectively. The green agent is barium chlorate barium nitrate or barium monochloride salts.</p>

<h2><strong>What are green crackers that cause less pollution?</strong></h2>

<p>Former director of the Council of Scientific &amp; Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) Dr Rakesh Kumar, while speaking to The Indian Express in 2018, stated that green crackers have been named so because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” which can cause air pollution.<br />
<br />
In the green crackers, the components used in traditional crackers are replaced with others which are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere.<br />
<br />
A network of CSIR labs, which included the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research Institute and National Chemical Laboratory, had researched the ways of producing green crackers.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: New Delhi puts firecracker ban ahead of Diwali, 3 years in jail if caught bursting crackers</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhi-puts-firecracker-ban-ahead-of-diwali-3-years-in-jail-if-caught-bursting-crackers-527821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>These green crackers release water vapour that works as a dust suppressant and emits less-harmful chemicals. Such crackers are divided into three broad categories SWAS, SAFAL and STAR, which have been defined by CSIR.<br />
<br />
SWAS stands for “safe water releaser” and it contains a small water pocket which gets released in the form of vapour after the cracker bursts. This release of vapour suppresses the dust.<br />
<br />
STAR, which is known as a “safe thermite cracker”, does not contain sulphur and potassium nitrate, and releases reduced particulate matter at lesser sound intensity.<br />
<br />
SAFAL refers to safe minimal aluminium in which aluminium is minimally used and magnesium is used instead. This also emits less noise compared to traditional crackers.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region.

On November 7, India's Supreme Court gave a clarification over its order to ban firecrackers across the country. The Court stated that the use of firecrackers, which are filled with barium and other banned chemicals, is banned in the entire nation, and not only in the National Capital Region. The clarification was given by a bench, comprising Justices A S Bopanna and M M Sundresh, when they were hearing an application which was seeking direction to the Rajasthan government for complying with the order of the top court on the on barium crackers and decreasing air and noise pollution. “At this juncture, no specific order will be necessary in as much as this Court in the course of hearing the petitions has passed several orders, where steps have been indicated to minimise and avoid air as well as noise pollution. Hence the said orders will bind every state in the country, including the state of Rajasthan,” stated a bench of Justice A S Bopanna and Justice M M Sundresh, in its order. “Therefore, we make it clear that the state of Rajasthan would also take note of this and take all steps to minimise air and noise pollution, not only during the festival season but even thereafter," it added. The Supreme Court's order came as India is gearing up for Diwali celebrations on November 12. The order raised questions like what type of firecrackers are permitted in the country and what are these firecrackers made of? What orders have been issued by the Supreme Court on firecrackers? The apex court in October 2018 placed a ban on the sale and production of all crackers except ‘green crackers’ and also those which have reduced emissions or improved crackers. The sale and manufacture of ‘joined crackers’ (which are long rows of joined crackers) was also banned and the use of barium salts in firecrackers was not permitted. The court had also stated that their noise levels should remain within permissible limits. This was reiterated by the October in its order issued on October 29, 2021. In September, the Supreme Court turned down a plea submitted by the firecracker manufacturers’ association which sought permission to the use of joined crackers and to add barium salt along with improved additives in the green crackers. The use and sale of all types of firecrackers in the National Capital Region was banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2020, which stated that the green crackers would only be allowed in towns and cities where air quality was poor or moderate. ALSO READ | Directions to regulate firecrackers meant for entire India, not just Delhi: Supreme Court What are firecrackers made of? Generally, the firecrackers are made with four primary ingredients — colouring agents, fuel, oxidiser, and binder. An oxidiser is added to the cracker so that it can catch fire, the fuel helps in sustaining it and colouring agents add the colours and sparkles to the crackers, while the mixture is held in place by the binder till the cracker has been spent completely. Chemicals such as barium are a type of colouring agent, and they were banned by the court because they harmfully impact the health of human beings. These chemicals cause skin allergies, breathing difficulties, irritation in the respiratory tract, and even cancer. In a cracker, aluminium, magnesium and titanium emit the white colour, while carbon or iron emit orange colour. Similarly, sodium compounds work as yellow agents, while copper compounds and strontium carbonates emit blue and red colours, respectively. The green agent is barium chlorate barium nitrate or barium monochloride salts. What are green crackers that cause less pollution? Former director of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) Dr Rakesh Kumar, while speaking to The Indian Express in 2018, stated that green crackers have been named so because they “do not contain harmful chemicals” which can cause air pollution. In the green crackers, the components used in traditional crackers are replaced with others which are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere. A network of CSIR labs, which included the Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, National Botanical Research Institute and National Chemical Laboratory, had researched the ways of producing green crackers. WATCH | India: New Delhi puts firecracker ban ahead of Diwali, 3 years in jail if caught bursting crackers These green crackers release water vapour that works as a dust suppressant and emits less-harmful chemicals. Such crackers are divided into three broad categories SWAS, SAFAL and STAR, which have been defined by CSIR. SWAS stands for “safe water releaser” and it contains a small water pocket which gets released in the form of vapour after the cracker bursts. This release of vapour suppresses the dust. STAR, which is known as a “safe thermite cracker”, does not contain sulphur and potassium nitrate, and releases reduced particulate matter at lesser sound intensity. SAFAL refers to safe minimal aluminium in which aluminium is minimally used and magnesium is used instead. This also emits less noise compared to traditional crackers. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What kind of fireworks are allowed across India after SC's ban on crackers?

The UK government plans to come down heavily on vaping e-cigarettes and the so-called New Age Gateway products it has shared its proposal for public consultation to weigh in on vaping by children. This comes after a 12-year-old was placed in a medically induced coma after her lungs were severely weakened all because of vaping.

UK: Child vaping crisis becomes public health catastrophe

<p>After a clampdown by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the American XL Bully dogs, people are rushing online to sell them at dirt-cheap prices.&nbsp;Days ago, the UK government announced a set of stringent rules pertaining to these dogs in view of the recent attacks where a number of people have sustained serious injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new regulations will come into effect on December 31 wherein these dogs will be declared illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow American XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uber-lyft-to-pay-total-of-usd-328-million-to-drivers-654442">Uber, Lyft to pay total of USD 328 million to drivers&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>As per the advertisements, the dogs are being sold for as low as £10 on online portals. With the looming deadline for a ban on these breeds, a stream of ads flooded an online marketplace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Revealing the findings of an online investigation by Sun Online, the portal said that over 700 were put on sale only this week. A few dogs held a price tag of only £25. Some are priced more decently.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-signs-law-revoking-nuclear-test-ban-treaty-ratification-654428">Russian President Putin signs law revoking nuclear test ban treaty ratification</a></p>

<h2><strong>'No fault of her own'</strong></h2>

<p>Another dog owner from West Yorkshire valued her six-month-old XL Bully at £150 and explained, "I’m at risk of being kicked out if I can’t find her a loving home."</p>

<p>"Due to no fault of her own. Six-month-old loving female XL Bully. Sad sale due to living in a high-rise flat."</p>

<p>A lot of these ads mainly cropped up in the last 24 hours after Sunak took cognizance of the prevailing issue and in alignment with his promise, put the ban on these dogs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israeli-army-surround-gaza-city-gaza-war-death-toll-crosses-9000-654462">Israel-Palestine war: Israeli army surround Gaza city | Gaza war death toll crosses 9,000</a></strong></p>

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<p>As per the report, an owner in Swansea, Wales posted an ad for a 14-month-old XL Bully for £25. "Walk with a harness but needs more training," read the description of the now-deleted post. It added, "He is just too heavy for us to walk and needs someone who can exercise him daily."</p>

<p>Another dog owner from Essex while vying to sell the dog for £75 wrote, "When I got him his skin wasn’t great and he wasn’t vaccinated or microchipped."</p>

<p>"I’ve done all those things now. He’s probably the best guard I’ve had - he’s really sharp and he’s also protective when out walking," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After a clampdown by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the American XL Bully dogs, people are rushing online to sell them at dirt-cheap prices. Days ago, the UK government announced a set of stringent rules pertaining to these dogs in view of the recent attacks where a number of people have sustained serious injuries.

After a clampdown by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the American XL Bully dogs, people are rushing online to sell them at dirt-cheap prices. Days ago, the UK government announced a set of stringent rules pertaining to these dogs in view of the recent attacks where a number of people have sustained serious injuries. The new regulations will come into effect on December 31 wherein these dogs will be declared illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon, or allow American XL Bully dogs to stray in England and Wales. Also Read | Uber, Lyft to pay total of USD 328 million to drivers As per the advertisements, the dogs are being sold for as low as £10 on online portals. With the looming deadline for a ban on these breeds, a stream of ads flooded an online marketplace. Revealing the findings of an online investigation by Sun Online, the portal said that over 700 were put on sale only this week. A few dogs held a price tag of only £25. Some are priced more decently. Also Read | Russian President Putin signs law revoking nuclear test ban treaty ratification 'No fault of her own' Another dog owner from West Yorkshire valued her six-month-old XL Bully at £150 and explained, "I’m at risk of being kicked out if I can’t find her a loving home." "Due to no fault of her own. Six-month-old loving female XL Bully. Sad sale due to living in a high-rise flat." A lot of these ads mainly cropped up in the last 24 hours after Sunak took cognizance of the prevailing issue and in alignment with his promise, put the ban on these dogs. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israeli army surround Gaza city | Gaza war death toll crosses 9,000 × As per the report, an owner in Swansea, Wales posted an ad for a 14-month-old XL Bully for £25. "Walk with a harness but needs more training," read the description of the now-deleted post. It added, "He is just too heavy for us to walk and needs someone who can exercise him daily." Another dog owner from Essex while vying to sell the dog for £75 wrote, "When I got him his skin wasn’t great and he wasn’t vaccinated or microchipped." "I’ve done all those things now. He’s probably the best guard I’ve had - he’s really sharp and he’s also protective when out walking," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

After Sunak's ban, internet is flooded with sale ads for American XL Bully dogs at dirt-cheap prices

A special court in Pakistan indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday for violating secret laws of the country. Both Khan and Qureshi have pleaded not guilty in the case, said the sources.

Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan indicted in leaked document case

Pakistan: Ex-PM Imran Khan indicted in leaked classified document case

In a move towards environmental protection, the UK is now extending its ban on single-use plastic. It is now illegal to use plastic cutlery, cups and boxes for takeaway foods. The ban is expected to cut down on littering and further reduce the amount of plastics present in the environment.

UK extends ban on single-use plastic

This month, on October 1st, 2023, Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Therese Coffey announced new regulations that forbade the use of single-use plastic plates, trays, bowls, cutlery, balloon sticks, and some varieties of food and drink containers made of polystyrene.

England bans range of single use plastics to tackle ‘scourge of plastic pollution’

A copy of the Holy Quran from nearly 1400 years ago has been restored and displayed by the National Archives of Egypt, experts say the copy is as old as Islam.

7th century copy of Quran restored in Egypt

The current verbal spat over Huawei's smartphone chips is escalating tensions between the United States and China. It all began when U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo questioned the security of Huawei's technology in her comments. However, the spokesperson for China's foreign ministry fired back, denying claims & stating that the U.S. had exceeded the restrictions of national security.

Chinese foreign ministry rejects US Claims on Huawei chip security

Belgium said on Thursday (September 14) it would review potential health risks linked to Apple's iPhone 12, raising the prospect that more European countries might ban the model after France ordered a halt to sales due to breaches of radiation exposure limits.

What is EU's safe radiation exposure limit as more countries mull a ban on Apple iPhone 12 sales?

Former World No. 1 and Two-time Grand Slam Champion Simona Halep is banned for 4 years from tennis after being found guilty of two separate doping violations. The Romanian denies any wrongdoing and says she will appeal the sentence.

Former World No. 1 Simona Halep to appeal four-year doping ban

<p>China's government has broadened its ban on iPhones and Apple products, impacting local government workers and state-owned companies.</p>

<p>This move comes as part of Beijing's effort to reduce its dependence on US&nbsp;technology amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US&nbsp;and China, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>Expanding the iPhone ban</strong></h2>

<p>The initial ban on iPhones in government workplaces began to gain momentum when several agencies instructed employees not to bring their iPhones to work. Bloomberg reported that this ban was expected to expand further, extending to state-owned companies.</p>

<p>Nikkei reported that some state-owned companies are prohibiting employees who work with trade secrets from bringing their iPhones, Apple Watches, or AirPods to work starting next month. This move underscores China's concerns about what it deems the security risks posed by using Apple devices.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-message-through-its-downgraded-role-at-g20-summit-in-delhi-633842">China’s message through its downgraded role at G20 Summit in Delhi</a></p>

<h2><strong>Reducing dependence on US&nbsp;tech</strong></h2>

<p>China's actions are seen as a response to its growing unease with dependence on US technology. The ban on iPhones and Apple products reflects Beijing's broader strategy of reducing reliance on foreign-made tech products.</p>

<p>The news of the expanded iPhone ban had a notable impact on Apple's stock prices. Apple shares dropped more than six per cent over two days, though they rebounded slightly on the third day. China represents a significant market for Apple, generating nearly a fifth of its revenue. Despite these losses, analysts like Erik Woodring believe that the impact on Apple's revenue will be limited to around four per cent.</p>

<h2><strong>Apple's production in China</strong></h2>

<p>Apple's production remains heavily centred&nbsp;in China, with approximately 90 per cent of its products manufactured in the country. Key suppliers like Foxconn, with its massive factories in China, play a crucial role in Apple's supply chain. However, due to political instability and pandemic disruptions, Apple has accelerated plans to diversify production to other countries, including Vietnam and India.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Can India amplify the voice of the global south?</strong></p>

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<p>Apple's predicament is part of a broader trend of geopolitical tensions between the US&nbsp;and China. Some analysts speculate that Beijing's actions against Apple are retaliatory measures in response to the US banning Huawei from national 5G networks and restricting China's access to vital semiconductor technology.</p>

<p>The US&nbsp;government has taken various measures to curb Chinese tech influence, including banning telecommunications equipment from Chinese firms like Huawei and imposing export restrictions on advanced computer chips.</p>

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China's government has broadened its ban on iPhones and Apple products, impacting local government workers and state-owned companies. This move comes as part of Beijing's effort to reduce its dependence on US technology amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China, as reported by the Guardian.

China's government has broadened its ban on iPhones and Apple products, impacting local government workers and state-owned companies. This move comes as part of Beijing's effort to reduce its dependence on US technology amid escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and China, as reported by the Guardian. Expanding the iPhone ban The initial ban on iPhones in government workplaces began to gain momentum when several agencies instructed employees not to bring their iPhones to work. Bloomberg reported that this ban was expected to expand further, extending to state-owned companies. Nikkei reported that some state-owned companies are prohibiting employees who work with trade secrets from bringing their iPhones, Apple Watches, or AirPods to work starting next month. This move underscores China's concerns about what it deems the security risks posed by using Apple devices. Also read | China’s message through its downgraded role at G20 Summit in Delhi Reducing dependence on US tech China's actions are seen as a response to its growing unease with dependence on US technology. The ban on iPhones and Apple products reflects Beijing's broader strategy of reducing reliance on foreign-made tech products. The news of the expanded iPhone ban had a notable impact on Apple's stock prices. Apple shares dropped more than six per cent over two days, though they rebounded slightly on the third day. China represents a significant market for Apple, generating nearly a fifth of its revenue. Despite these losses, analysts like Erik Woodring believe that the impact on Apple's revenue will be limited to around four per cent. Apple's production in China Apple's production remains heavily centred in China, with approximately 90 per cent of its products manufactured in the country. Key suppliers like Foxconn, with its massive factories in China, play a crucial role in Apple's supply chain. However, due to political instability and pandemic disruptions, Apple has accelerated plans to diversify production to other countries, including Vietnam and India. Also watch | Can India amplify the voice of the global south? Apple's predicament is part of a broader trend of geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Some analysts speculate that Beijing's actions against Apple are retaliatory measures in response to the US banning Huawei from national 5G networks and restricting China's access to vital semiconductor technology. The US government has taken various measures to curb Chinese tech influence, including banning telecommunications equipment from Chinese firms like Huawei and imposing export restrictions on advanced computer chips. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China expands ban on iPhones, Apple products amid geopolitical tensions with US

The abaya, a loose-fitting robe popular among Muslim women and girls, will no longer be permitted to be worn in state-run schools in France. According to the 34-year-old minister, a letter stating that "secularism is not a constraint, it is a liberty" was handed to the girls whose admittance was denied on Monday.

French court upholds ban on Muslim abayas in schools, says 'no serious harm'

China intends to extend a ban on iPhone usage in critical areas to state-backed organizations and state-owned businesses, a sign of rising difficulties for Apple Inc. in its biggest overseas market and base of operations worldwide.

China seeks to broaden iPhone ban

<p>Russian mercenary outfit Wagner Group is set to be banned in Britain as a terrorist organisation, as per media reports on Tuesday (September 5) which quoted Home Secretary Suella Braverman as saying.<br />
<br />
The UK, under the country's anti-terror laws, is set to declare the Wagner Group a "proscribed" organisation which will place it at par with al-Qaeda and Islamic State, a report in the Daily Mail stated.<br />
<br />
"Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas," Braverman was quoted by the newspaper as saying.<br />
<br />
"While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals,” the minister added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-general-surovikin-reportedly-seen-in-public-for-first-time-since-aborted-wagner-mutiny-632549">Russian General Surovikin reportedly seen in public for first time since aborted Wagner mutiny</a></p>

<p>The Terrorism Act 2000 has bestowed power to the home secretary to proscribe an organisation&nbsp;they believe is involved in terrorism. After a proscription order is issued, supporting the group becomes a criminal offence.<br />
<br />
"They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," the minister was quoted in a BBC report as saying. "Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders," Braverman stated, as reported by the Daily Mail.<br />
<br />
The group's operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa "are a threat to global security. That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia,” she said.</p>

<h2><strong>Draft measures to be tabled in Parliament</strong></h2>

<p>Draft measures for banning the Wagner Group, in accordance with the act, will be tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday (September 6), said the reports.<br />
<br />
In July, sanctions were announced against 13 businesses and individuals in Britain who were said to have links with Russian groups in Africa and were accused of crimes that included torture and killings.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine war: Sergei Surovikin 'seen in first photo' since Wagner mutiny</strong></p>

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<p><br />
The entities and people accused were not able to deal with UK citizens, companies and banks, and get access to any assets that were frozen in the UK and were alleged to have been involved in the activities of the Wagner in Mali, Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR).<br />
<br />
The people include Wagner's purported head in Mali Ivan Aleksandrovitch Maslov; its chief in CAR Vitalii Viktorovitch Perfilev and the operation head of the group Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian mercenary outfit Wagner Group is set to be banned in Britain as a terrorist organisation, as per media reports on Tuesday (September 5) which quoted Home Secretary Suella Braverman as saying.

Russian mercenary outfit Wagner Group is set to be banned in Britain as a terrorist organisation, as per media reports on Tuesday (September 5) which quoted Home Secretary Suella Braverman as saying. The UK, under the country's anti-terror laws, is set to declare the Wagner Group a "proscribed" organisation which will place it at par with al-Qaeda and Islamic State, a report in the Daily Mail stated. "Wagner is a violent and destructive organisation which has acted as a military tool of Vladimir Putin's Russia overseas," Braverman was quoted by the newspaper as saying. "While Putin's regime decides what to do with the monster it created, Wagner's continuing destabilising activities only continue to serve the Kremlin's political goals,” the minister added. ALSO READ | Russian General Surovikin reportedly seen in public for first time since aborted Wagner mutiny The Terrorism Act 2000 has bestowed power to the home secretary to proscribe an organisation they believe is involved in terrorism. After a proscription order is issued, supporting the group becomes a criminal offence. "They are terrorists, plain and simple - and this proscription order makes that clear in UK law," the minister was quoted in a BBC report as saying. "Wagner has been involved in looting, torture and barbarous murders," Braverman stated, as reported by the Daily Mail. The group's operations in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa "are a threat to global security. That is why we are proscribing this terrorist organisation and continuing to aid Ukraine wherever we can in its fight against Russia,” she said. Draft measures to be tabled in Parliament Draft measures for banning the Wagner Group, in accordance with the act, will be tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday (September 6), said the reports. In July, sanctions were announced against 13 businesses and individuals in Britain who were said to have links with Russian groups in Africa and were accused of crimes that included torture and killings. WATCH | Russia- Ukraine war: Sergei Surovikin 'seen in first photo' since Wagner mutiny The entities and people accused were not able to deal with UK citizens, companies and banks, and get access to any assets that were frozen in the UK and were alleged to have been involved in the activities of the Wagner in Mali, Sudan and Central African Republic (CAR). The people include Wagner's purported head in Mali Ivan Aleksandrovitch Maslov; its chief in CAR Vitalii Viktorovitch Perfilev and the operation head of the group Konstantin Aleksandrovitch Pikalov. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Wagner Group to be banned as 'terrorist' organisation in UK: Reports

The Islamabad High Court Tuesday suspended former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan’s three-year sentence in the Toshakhana corruption case, paving the way for his possible participation in the upcoming national elections.

Islamabad High Court suspends Imran Khan’s conviction in Toshakhana case

Khan appealed his conviction to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) within days, requesting the suspension of his sentence and the reversal of the ruling. After ECP attorney Pervez failed to appear at the initial hearing on August 22, the court continued the cases till August 24.

Pak Court to announce verdict on Imran Khan's plea in Toshakhana Case

France has decided to ban children from the “abaya”, the loose-fitting gown worn by some Muslim women. Watch the video to know more.

France mulls to ban ‘Abaya’ in state-run schools

Pakistan's former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was arrested on Saturday. Qureshi serves as vice-chairman of ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Pakistan: Ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi arrested, PTI calls it 'illegal tactic'

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the controversial US cipher case by arresting former Secretary-General of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Asad Umar.

Pakistan arrests former PTI secretary-general in US cipher Case

Pakistan's ex-foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi arrested under Official Secrets Act

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