Sophie Fornairon's independent bookshop has survived the rise of Amazon thanks to a French law that prohibits price discounting on new books, but she says the e-commerce giant's ability to undercut on shipping still skews the market against stores like hers.

Fornairon, who owns the Canal Bookstore in central Paris, now hopes that new legislation that would set a minimum price for book deliveries will even the contest further in the battle of neighbourhood stores against Amazon.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inside-amazons-worst-human-resources-problem-423796">&nbsp;Inside Amazon’s worst human resources problem</a>

"It's a just return towards a level playing field," Fornairon, who employs four workers, said. "We're not at risk of closing down any time soon, but Amazon is a constant battle".

Amazon said the legislation, adopted by parliament but not yet enacted, would punish those in rural areas who cannot easily visit a bookstore and rely on delivery.

"Imposing a minimum shipping cost for books would weigh on the purchasing power of consumers," Amazon told Reuters in a statement.

That is an undesirable consequence government officials are wary of at a time President Emmanuel Macron administration is scrambling to head off growing discontent over rising energy prices six months from an election.

In the country of Victor Hugo and Simone de Beauvoir, where local bookshops are held with special affection -- they were deemed 'essential businesses' during latter covid lockdowns -- the move is the latest by the state to shield national culture against big tech firms.

More than 20 per cent&nbsp;of the 435 million books sold in France in 2019 were bought online and the market share of France's 3,300 independent bookstores has been slowly declining because of competition from online retailers like Amazon, Fnac &nbsp;and Leclerc.

Support from Macron helped push the legislation, which does not target Amazon by name, over the line. The minimum fee still has to be negotiated with the regulator.

Distorted Competition

French law prohibits free book deliveries but Amazon has circumvented this by charging a single centime&nbsp; Local book stores typically charge about 5-7 euros ($5.82-8.15) for shipping a book.

Amazon's pricing strategy had resulted in the growing market share of a single operator, the Ministry of Culture said.

"This law is necessary to regulate the distorted competition within online book sales and prevent the inevitable monopoly that will emerge if the status quo persists," the ministry told Reuters.

Centre-right Senator Laure Darcos, who drafted the law, decided upon the minimum delivery charge when she observed how bookstores maintained 70 per centof their business despite being forced to shut during early covid lockdowns, because the government reimbursed the shipping fees.

"It showed what a brake on business the postage costs are for local bookstores," Darcos said.

Amazon had lobbied hard against the legislation, worried the French move might set a precedent, the senator said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-bezos-shares-an-old-article-predicting-amazons-failure-elon-musk-replies-419819">Jeff Bezos shares an old article predicting Amazon's failure, Elon Musk replies</a>

France's bookstores are concentrated in towns and cities. Amazon said online sales of books had enabled consumers to have equal access, regardless of where they lived.

Virtually-free delivery allowed book lovers in rural areas to buy books at the same price as someone who could walk into a bookstore -- precisely the spirit of the 1981 law, it said.

Asked when the legislation would be enacted, the Ministry of Culture declined to give a date, saying it was too early to say.

For Fornairon, the bookshop owner, the steady stream of US&nbsp;tourists through her door were a constant reminder of the shield French legislation had already wrapped around stores likes hers.

"They say to me 'we didn't even know independent bookstores still existed'," she said.

Sophie Fornairon's independent bookshop has survived the rise of Amazon thanks to a French law that prohibits price discounting on new books, but she says the e-commerce giant's ability to undercut on shipping still skews the market against stores like hers.

Sophie Fornairon's independent bookshop has survived the rise of Amazon thanks to a French law that prohibits price discounting on new books, but she says the e-commerce giant's ability to undercut on shipping still skews the market against stores like hers. Fornairon, who owns the Canal Bookstore in central Paris, now hopes that new legislation that would set a minimum price for book deliveries will even the contest further in the battle of neighbourhood stores against Amazon. Also Read | Inside Amazon’s worst human resources problem "It's a just return towards a level playing field," Fornairon, who employs four workers, said. "We're not at risk of closing down any time soon, but Amazon is a constant battle". Amazon said the legislation, adopted by parliament but not yet enacted, would punish those in rural areas who cannot easily visit a bookstore and rely on delivery. "Imposing a minimum shipping cost for books would weigh on the purchasing power of consumers," Amazon told Reuters in a statement. That is an undesirable consequence government officials are wary of at a time President Emmanuel Macron administration is scrambling to head off growing discontent over rising energy prices six months from an election. In the country of Victor Hugo and Simone de Beauvoir, where local bookshops are held with special affection -- they were deemed 'essential businesses' during latter covid lockdowns -- the move is the latest by the state to shield national culture against big tech firms. More than 20 per cent of the 435 million books sold in France in 2019 were bought online and the market share of France's 3,300 independent bookstores has been slowly declining because of competition from online retailers like Amazon, Fnac and Leclerc. Support from Macron helped push the legislation, which does not target Amazon by name, over the line. The minimum fee still has to be negotiated with the regulator. Distorted Competition French law prohibits free book deliveries but Amazon has circumvented this by charging a single centime Local book stores typically charge about 5-7 euros ($5.82-8.15) for shipping a book. Amazon's pricing strategy had resulted in the growing market share of a single operator, the Ministry of Culture said. "This law is necessary to regulate the distorted competition within online book sales and prevent the inevitable monopoly that will emerge if the status quo persists," the ministry told Reuters. Centre-right Senator Laure Darcos, who drafted the law, decided upon the minimum delivery charge when she observed how bookstores maintained 70 per centof their business despite being forced to shut during early covid lockdowns, because the government reimbursed the shipping fees. "It showed what a brake on business the postage costs are for local bookstores," Darcos said. Amazon had lobbied hard against the legislation, worried the French move might set a precedent, the senator said. Also Read | Jeff Bezos shares an old article predicting Amazon's failure, Elon Musk replies France's bookstores are concentrated in towns and cities. Amazon said online sales of books had enabled consumers to have equal access, regardless of where they lived. Virtually-free delivery allowed book lovers in rural areas to buy books at the same price as someone who could walk into a bookstore -- precisely the spirit of the 1981 law, it said. Asked when the legislation would be enacted, the Ministry of Culture declined to give a date, saying it was too early to say. For Fornairon, the bookshop owner, the steady stream of US tourists through her door were a constant reminder of the shield French legislation had already wrapped around stores likes hers. "They say to me 'we didn't even know independent bookstores still existed'," she said.

France moves to shield its book industry from Amazon

According to the excerpts of a new book,&nbsp;the&nbsp;then-US&nbsp;President Donald Trump told&nbsp;several&nbsp;of his advisers&nbsp;that whoever leaked information about his stay in the White House bunker in May&nbsp;2020&nbsp;had committed treason and should be executed for sharing details with the press.&nbsp;

According to the&nbsp;CNN report,&nbsp;the&nbsp;excerpts have been&nbsp;obtained by&nbsp;the channel&nbsp;from Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender, who has written the book.&nbsp;The name of the book is&nbsp;'Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost’.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-told-chief-of-staff-hitler-did-good-things-book-396485">Trump told Chief of Staff, 'Hitler did good things': Book</a>

Trump, the then-first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, were&nbsp;taken to the bunker for some time&nbsp;after the protesters gathered outside the building to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;against&nbsp;the killing of George&nbsp;Floyd.&nbsp;

In the book,&nbsp;Bender&nbsp;writes&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;held a meeting with top military, law enforcement and West Wing advisers&nbsp;following the time in the bunker. The former president had aired grievances over the leak in the meeting.&nbsp;

As per the&nbsp;Bender,&nbsp;"Trump boiled over about the bunker story as soon as they arrived and shouted at them to smoke out whoever had leaked it. It was the most upset some aides had ever seen the president."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The book reads,&nbsp;"'Whoever did that, they should be charged with treason!' Trump yelled. 'They should be executed!'”.&nbsp;

According to the excerpts of a new book, the then-US President Donald Trump told several of his advisers that whoever leaked information about his stay in the White House bunker in May 2020 had committed treason and should be executed for sharing details with the press.

According to the excerpts of a new book, the then-US President Donald Trump told several of his advisers that whoever leaked information about his stay in the White House bunker in May 2020 had committed treason and should be executed for sharing details with the press. According to the CNN report, the excerpts have been obtained by the channel from Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender, who has written the book. The name of the book is 'Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost’. Also Read | Trump told Chief of Staff, 'Hitler did good things': Book Trump, the then-first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, were taken to the bunker for some time after the protesters gathered outside the building to protest against the killing of George Floyd. In the book, Bender writes Trump held a meeting with top military, law enforcement and West Wing advisers following the time in the bunker. The former president had aired grievances over the leak in the meeting. As per the Bender, "Trump boiled over about the bunker story as soon as they arrived and shouted at them to smoke out whoever had leaked it. It was the most upset some aides had ever seen the president." The book reads, "'Whoever did that, they should be charged with treason!' Trump yelled. 'They should be executed!'”.

Trump said White House bunker stay info leaker should be 'executed', claims new book  

In a strange incident, a bookshop chain in Hungary has been fined for selling a children’s story which depicts a day in the life of a child with same-sex parents. The officials condemned the picture book for featuring such families.

Named as 'Micsoda család!', the book is a Hungarian translation combining two titles by US author Lawrence Schimel and illustrator Elīna Brasliņa: Early One Morning. It shows a young boy’s morning with his two mothers, and Bedtime, Not Playtime!, in which a young girl with two fathers is reluctant to go to sleep.

Pest county commissioner Richard Tarnai told television station Hír TV that Líra Könyv had violated rules on unfair commercial practices by failing to indicate that the book contained “content which deviates from the norm”.

Tarnai was quoted by The Guardian saying, "The book was there among other fairytale books and thus committed a violation.

There is no way of knowing that this book is about a family that is different than a normal family.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-deletes-lgbtq-university-accounts-from-biggest-social-media-app-wechat-396452">Also read |&nbsp;China deletes LGBTQ university accounts from biggest social media app Wechat</a>

Speaking with The Guardian, he said that the idea for the books was to “celebrate queer families, to put more queer joy into the world so that the only books available to children weren’t about conflicts”.

Schimel, who is the author told Reuters, it was significant that his book had come under 'attack' just before the new law targeting LGBTQ+ rights enters into force.

As per a Facebook post, the Lyra Group is investigating the possibility of legal response, mainly due to the general consequences of the decision. According to the book market rules, ensuring the legal purity of a book is always the task of the publishing house, bookstores cannot check the content.

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In a strange incident, a bookshop chain in Hungary has been fined for selling a children’s story which depicts a day in the life of a child with same-sex parents.

In a strange incident, a bookshop chain in Hungary has been fined for selling a children’s story which depicts a day in the life of a child with same-sex parents. The officials condemned the picture book for featuring such families. Named as 'Micsoda család!', the book is a Hungarian translation combining two titles by US author Lawrence Schimel and illustrator Elīna Brasliņa: Early One Morning. It shows a young boy’s morning with his two mothers, and Bedtime, Not Playtime!, in which a young girl with two fathers is reluctant to go to sleep. Pest county commissioner Richard Tarnai told television station Hír TV that Líra Könyv had violated rules on unfair commercial practices by failing to indicate that the book contained “content which deviates from the norm”. Tarnai was quoted by The Guardian saying, "The book was there among other fairytale books and thus committed a violation. There is no way of knowing that this book is about a family that is different than a normal family.” Also read | China deletes LGBTQ university accounts from biggest social media app Wechat Speaking with The Guardian, he said that the idea for the books was to “celebrate queer families, to put more queer joy into the world so that the only books available to children weren’t about conflicts”. Schimel, who is the author told Reuters, it was significant that his book had come under 'attack' just before the new law targeting LGBTQ+ rights enters into force. As per a Facebook post, the Lyra Group is investigating the possibility of legal response, mainly due to the general consequences of the decision. According to the book market rules, ensuring the legal purity of a book is always the task of the publishing house, bookstores cannot check the content. ×

Hungary fines bookshop chain depicting LGBT families in book

The former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> has left the White House but he still manages to stay in the spotlight. This time, it is yet another book controversy.

In a recent revelation, Trump once told his then-chief of staff, John Kelly, that "Hitler did a lot of good things".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-was-scared-biden-would-be-replaced-with-hillary-clinton-or-michelle-obama-book-claims-390209">Trump was scared Biden would be replaced with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, book claims</a>

Since leaving the White House, Trump has been having a hard time deflecting the troubles coming his way in form of statements made by him and recorded by some journalist or writer.

This shocking statement has been recorded by Michael Bender of the Wall Street Journal in his new book titled, 'Frankly, We Did Win This Election'.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-children-cost-taxpayers-140000-in-a-month-383882" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-children-cost-taxpayers-140000-in-a-month-383882&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinlfzX5NDxAhU3wjgGHQ_9CA8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ewxu8XxS-dpYftcqyr2J2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-children-cost-taxpayers-140000-in-a-month-383882" target="_blank">Donald&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;'children' cost taxpayers $140,000 in a month</a>

The incident, reportedly, took place while Trump was on a visit to Europe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war. During a few relaxing moments, Kelly was explaining to Trump "which countries were on which side during the conflict" and "connected the dots from the first world war to the second world war and all of Hitler’s atrocities".

This was when Trump insisted that Hitler "did a lot of good things". As per sources, quoted by Bender, Kelly was quick to dismiss Trump’s statements and he "told the president that he was wrong, but Trump was undeterred". Trump, reportedly, justified his statement by stressing Germany’s economic recovery during the 1930s under Hitler’s rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-drank-bleach-to-cure-covid-claims-man-behind-magic-cure-393147" hreflang="en">'Donald Trump drank bleach to cure Covid', claims man behind 'magic cure'</a>

"Kelly pushed back again," Bender writes, "and argued that the German people would have been better off poor than subjected to the Nazi genocide."

As per the book, Kelly stood his ground opposing Trump and told the former reality TV star "you cannot ever say anything supportive of&nbsp;Adolf Hitler. You just can't."

This incident took place at the same time when Trump had landed himself in trouble by allegedly calling US troops who died in the war "losers" and "suckers".

Trump has, however, denied all claims. The book, meanwhile, is due to release on July 13, 2021. Media organisation, the Guardian, has obtained a copy of the book in advance.

The former US President Donald Trump has left the White House but he still manages to stay in the spotlight. This time, it is yet another book controversy. In a recent revelation, Trump once told his then-chief of staff, John Kelly, that "Hitler did a lot of good things".

The former US President Donald Trump has left the White House but he still manages to stay in the spotlight. This time, it is yet another book controversy. In a recent revelation, Trump once told his then-chief of staff, John Kelly, that "Hitler did a lot of good things". Also read | Trump was scared Biden would be replaced with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, book claims Since leaving the White House, Trump has been having a hard time deflecting the troubles coming his way in form of statements made by him and recorded by some journalist or writer. This shocking statement has been recorded by Michael Bender of the Wall Street Journal in his new book titled, 'Frankly, We Did Win This Election'. Also read | Donald Trump's 'children' cost taxpayers $140,000 in a month The incident, reportedly, took place while Trump was on a visit to Europe to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the first world war. During a few relaxing moments, Kelly was explaining to Trump "which countries were on which side during the conflict" and "connected the dots from the first world war to the second world war and all of Hitler’s atrocities". This was when Trump insisted that Hitler "did a lot of good things". As per sources, quoted by Bender, Kelly was quick to dismiss Trump’s statements and he "told the president that he was wrong, but Trump was undeterred". Trump, reportedly, justified his statement by stressing Germany’s economic recovery during the 1930s under Hitler’s rule. Also read | 'Donald Trump drank bleach to cure Covid', claims man behind 'magic cure' "Kelly pushed back again," Bender writes, "and argued that the German people would have been better off poor than subjected to the Nazi genocide." As per the book, Kelly stood his ground opposing Trump and told the former reality TV star "you cannot ever say anything supportive of Adolf Hitler. You just can't." This incident took place at the same time when Trump had landed himself in trouble by allegedly calling US troops who died in the war "losers" and "suckers". Trump has, however, denied all claims. The book, meanwhile, is due to release on July 13, 2021. Media organisation, the Guardian, has obtained a copy of the book in advance.

Trump told Chief of Staff, 'Hitler did good things': Book

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval.

While speaking to ANI, RS Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority said, "A review was done and it was seen that 125 entities have expressed their interest and out of which 91 are in the process of approval whereas some of them are already in the various process of finalization."

From June 21 onward central government will procure all the vaccines, which are to be distributed to the states.

Besides, that private sectors will also procure 25 percent vaccines directly from the manufacturer as per the new policy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cdc-calls-coronavirus-delta-variant-a-variant-of-concern-391751">Also Read |&nbsp;US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern'</a>

"However, with the development of third party showing interest in roping themselves in the vaccine booking service NHA before providing the "security keys" through which the third party could connect, are going through several testing that their applications are in accordance with the privacy policy," said Sharma.

Also Watch |&nbsp;Rajnath Singh calls for 'free, open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rajnath-singh-calls-for-free-open-and-inclusive-order-in-indo-pacific-391813/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further said they have created a team in NHA that checks the applications and compliance of various terms.

The exact timing for the third party to start under the umbrella of CoWin will depend on them as Sharma said, "We are going to provide them keys only after the testing. Ultimately the decision will be there's when they want to role it on."

In furtherance, Sharma said, "If the third party could cater to the surge for vaccination, vacancy, booking and certification on their apps that will extend the reach and much more people will be covered. The union of all these entities will be quite high. Moreover, their user interface will also be possibly different and improved."

However any change in the database be it cancellation, rescheduling will have to come in the CoWin database. Whenever one does a transaction that will be done on the database of CoWin platform.

"CoWin will play a central role. Some of the peripheral activities such as vacancies or booking will be given to the applications, which will ultimately come back to CoWin once the slot gets booked," concluded Sharma.

In a letter to all states and Union Territories last week, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had capped the maximum service charge per dose levied by private hospitals at Rs 150 per dose

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval.

After the Central government capped the price of the COVID-19 vaccine for the private sector, the National Health Authority (NHA) on Wednesday said 125 third-party entities have expressed interest in vaccine booking service, out of which 91 are in different process of approval. While speaking to ANI, RS Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority said, "A review was done and it was seen that 125 entities have expressed their interest and out of which 91 are in the process of approval whereas some of them are already in the various process of finalization." From June 21 onward central government will procure all the vaccines, which are to be distributed to the states. Besides, that private sectors will also procure 25 percent vaccines directly from the manufacturer as per the new policy. Also Read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern' "However, with the development of third party showing interest in roping themselves in the vaccine booking service NHA before providing the "security keys" through which the third party could connect, are going through several testing that their applications are in accordance with the privacy policy," said Sharma. Also Watch | Rajnath Singh calls for 'free, open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific' He further said they have created a team in NHA that checks the applications and compliance of various terms. The exact timing for the third party to start under the umbrella of CoWin will depend on them as Sharma said, "We are going to provide them keys only after the testing. Ultimately the decision will be there's when they want to role it on." In furtherance, Sharma said, "If the third party could cater to the surge for vaccination, vacancy, booking and certification on their apps that will extend the reach and much more people will be covered. The union of all these entities will be quite high. Moreover, their user interface will also be possibly different and improved." However any change in the database be it cancellation, rescheduling will have to come in the CoWin database. Whenever one does a transaction that will be done on the database of CoWin platform. "CoWin will play a central role. Some of the peripheral activities such as vacancies or booking will be given to the applications, which will ultimately come back to CoWin once the slot gets booked," concluded Sharma. In a letter to all states and Union Territories last week, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had capped the maximum service charge per dose levied by private hospitals at Rs 150 per dose

Over 120 third party entities expressed interest in COVID-19 vaccine booking

During the US election 2020, former President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> made sure he calls Biden a mental retard” at least once in every appearance. However, he was still tad soft on Biden, a book claims.

A new book by Michael Bender titled, ‘Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost’ claims Donald Trump went soft on Joe Biden with fears that the Democratic party might replace him with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-president-donald-trump-attacks-fauci-hints-at-re-run-in-2024-election-390165" hreflang="en">'Our president': Donald Trump attacks Fauci, hints at re-run in 2024 election</a>

An open Obama-critic and a known misogynist, Trump believed Biden was too old and might be replaced by the former FLOTUS or Clinton.

He thought the Democrats will "realise [Biden is] old, and they're going to give it to somebody else. They’re going to give it to Hillary, or they’re going to give it to&nbsp;Michelle Obama," Bender wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-out-at-biden-for-bowing-down-to-china-urges-him-to-put-america-first-389769" hreflang="en">Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first'</a>

His book also claims that Trump gave Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren&nbsp;a racist nickname, "Pocahontas", on the basis of her reported Native American ancestry.

The interesting thing is that Michelle Obama has never expressed interest in running for the White House — be it for the post of President or any other post.

During the US election 2020, former President Donald Trump made sure he calls Biden a mental retard” at least once in every appearance. However, he was still tad soft on Biden, a book claims.

During the US election 2020, former President Donald Trump made sure he calls Biden a mental retard” at least once in every appearance. However, he was still tad soft on Biden, a book claims. A new book by Michael Bender titled, ‘Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost’ claims Donald Trump went soft on Joe Biden with fears that the Democratic party might replace him with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama. Also read | 'Our president': Donald Trump attacks Fauci, hints at re-run in 2024 election An open Obama-critic and a known misogynist, Trump believed Biden was too old and might be replaced by the former FLOTUS or Clinton. He thought the Democrats will "realise [Biden is] old, and they're going to give it to somebody else. They’re going to give it to Hillary, or they’re going to give it to Michelle Obama," Bender wrote. Also read | Trump hits out at Biden for 'bowing down' to China, urges him to 'put America first' His book also claims that Trump gave Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren a racist nickname, "Pocahontas", on the basis of her reported Native American ancestry. The interesting thing is that Michelle Obama has never expressed interest in running for the White House — be it for the post of President or any other post.

Trump was scared Biden would be replaced with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama, book claims

If a new book is to be believed, Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seems to have begun during World War I. &nbsp;

In the book, author and Canadian microbiologist Jacques Pepin appeared to have traced the beginning of the AIDS epidemic to a starving World War I soldier, who captured and ate infected animals, according to different media reports.&nbsp;

The disease, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), was officially designated an epidemic on June 5, 1981. Be it as an illness or a source of discrimination, the disease has greatly affected humanity.&nbsp;

Titled 'Origins of AIDS', the book says patient zero was one of 1,600 Belgian and French soldiers, who traveled to Cameroon from Leopoldville in the Belgian Congo. The soldier had got injured after killing a chimpanzee infected with something similar to the precursor to HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.&nbsp;

The book looks to correct a previous version of HIV origin, introduced in the first edition of the tome released in 2011. &nbsp;

In the earlier edition, Pepin claimed HIV was transmitted from monkeys to humans after an injured African hunter killed a beast in 1921 and was infected in the process.&nbsp;

Now, the microbiologist looks to suggest it was actually a starving WWI soldier, who captured and ate an infected chimpanzee after his regiment got stuck in a forest around Moloundou, Cameroon, without any food supplies.&nbsp;

Since the declaration of the epidemic in 1981, the disease has infected about 76 million people globally and has killed an estimated 33 million.&nbsp;

The illness is caused by the HIV virus, which jumped from primates to humans in the early-to-mid 20th century in Africa. The disease is transmitted by blood transfusions, shared needles, sexual contact, and in the uterus from mother to child.&nbsp;

If a new book is to be believed, Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seems to have begun during World War I. In the book, author and Canadian microbiologist Jacques Pepin appeared to have traced the beginning of the AIDS epidemic to a starving World War I soldier, who captured and ate infected animals, according to different media reports.

If a new book is to be believed, Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) seems to have begun during World War I. In the book, author and Canadian microbiologist Jacques Pepin appeared to have traced the beginning of the AIDS epidemic to a starving World War I soldier, who captured and ate infected animals, according to different media reports. The disease, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), was officially designated an epidemic on June 5, 1981. Be it as an illness or a source of discrimination, the disease has greatly affected humanity. Titled 'Origins of AIDS', the book says patient zero was one of 1,600 Belgian and French soldiers, who traveled to Cameroon from Leopoldville in the Belgian Congo. The soldier had got injured after killing a chimpanzee infected with something similar to the precursor to HIV - the virus that causes AIDS. The book looks to correct a previous version of HIV origin, introduced in the first edition of the tome released in 2011. In the earlier edition, Pepin claimed HIV was transmitted from monkeys to humans after an injured African hunter killed a beast in 1921 and was infected in the process. Now, the microbiologist looks to suggest it was actually a starving WWI soldier, who captured and ate an infected chimpanzee after his regiment got stuck in a forest around Moloundou, Cameroon, without any food supplies. Since the declaration of the epidemic in 1981, the disease has infected about 76 million people globally and has killed an estimated 33 million. The illness is caused by the HIV virus, which jumped from primates to humans in the early-to-mid 20th century in Africa. The disease is transmitted by blood transfusions, shared needles, sexual contact, and in the uterus from mother to child.

Book claims to date back origins of AIDS to World War I

'Becoming' by the former first lady of the United States of America,&nbsp;&nbsp;Michelle Obama, and 'Where the Crawdads Sing'&nbsp;by Delia Owens are among the most popular ebooks borrowed from libraries in 2020.&nbsp;White Fragility, So You Want to Talk about Race, The Hate U Give and others became top 10 titles checked out during 2020. 
 
'Educated'&nbsp;by Tara Westover, 'Little Fires Everywhere'&nbsp;by Celeste Ng, and `The Giver of Stars` by Jojo Moyes was also leading titles. 
 
Data by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for 65,000 libraries and schools worldwide, shows that readers worldwide borrowed 430 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in the past 12 months, a 33 percent increase over 2019. This significant growth was influenced by the pandemic, social justice, and remote learning. Audiobooks borrowed totaled 138 million (+20 percent). 
 
Social unrest and widespread civil protests had a profound impact on the world and libraries expertly responded. Digital books about social justice and those written by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) or by a member of the marginalized community from which it depicts (Own Voices) experienced 165 percent YoY circulation growth. 
 
The most significant genre growth in 2020 was children`s and YA fiction and nonfiction because of remote and hybrid learning. Most popular audiobooks borrowed from libraries in 2020 include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer`s Stone by J.K. Rowling, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, and Educated by Tara Westover. 
 
The data shows that 102 public library systems around the world achieved more than 1 million digital book checkouts. This includes 26 systems over 2 million checkouts, 10 over 3 million, 6 over 4 million, 2 over 5 million, 3 over 6 million, 2 over 7 million, and 1 over 8 million. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

'Becoming' by the former first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, and 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens are among the most popular ebooks borrowed from libraries in 2020.

'Becoming' by the former first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama, and 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens are among the most popular ebooks borrowed from libraries in 2020. White Fragility, So You Want to Talk about Race, The Hate U Give and others became top 10 titles checked out during 2020. 'Educated' by Tara Westover, 'Little Fires Everywhere' by Celeste Ng, and `The Giver of Stars` by Jojo Moyes was also leading titles. Data by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for 65,000 libraries and schools worldwide, shows that readers worldwide borrowed 430 million ebooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in the past 12 months, a 33 percent increase over 2019. This significant growth was influenced by the pandemic, social justice, and remote learning. Audiobooks borrowed totaled 138 million (+20 percent). Social unrest and widespread civil protests had a profound impact on the world and libraries expertly responded. Digital books about social justice and those written by Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) or by a member of the marginalized community from which it depicts (Own Voices) experienced 165 percent YoY circulation growth. The most significant genre growth in 2020 was children`s and YA fiction and nonfiction because of remote and hybrid learning. Most popular audiobooks borrowed from libraries in 2020 include Harry Potter and the Sorcerer`s Stone by J.K. Rowling, Becoming by Michelle Obama, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell, and Educated by Tara Westover. The data shows that 102 public library systems around the world achieved more than 1 million digital book checkouts. This includes 26 systems over 2 million checkouts, 10 over 3 million, 6 over 4 million, 2 over 5 million, 3 over 6 million, 2 over 7 million, and 1 over 8 million. (With inputs from agencies)

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama is among the most popular ebooks borrowed in 2020

Nothing beats an odd book title -- for it's as entertaining as it is informative.

Don't believe this?

'A Dog Pissing at the Edge of a Path' has beaten 'Introducing the Medieval Ass' to win the Diagram prize for oddest book title of the year.

The winning book is an idiom for someone who begins a task but is then distracted by other matters. It is written by University of Alberta anthropologist Gregory Forth. It sees Forth look at how the Nage, an indigenous people primarily living on the islands of Flores and Timor, understand metaphor, and use their knowledge of animals to shape specific expressions.&nbsp;

The runner-up title explores “the ass’s enormous socio-economic and cultural significance in the middle ages”.&nbsp;

Other contenders for the award included Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music, Lawnmowers: An Illustrated History and The Slaughter of Farmed Animals: Practical Ways of Enhancing Animal Welfare.

The prize, run by the Bookseller magazine, was first established in 1978 to reward the year’s strangest book title.&nbsp;

The winner is decided on by the public.

Nothing beats an odd book title -- for it's as entertaining as it is informative. Don't believe this? 'A Dog Pissing at the Edge of a Path' has beaten 'Introducing the Medieval Ass' to win the Diagram prize for oddest book title of the year.

Nothing beats an odd book title -- for it's as entertaining as it is informative. Don't believe this? 'A Dog Pissing at the Edge of a Path' has beaten 'Introducing the Medieval Ass' to win the Diagram prize for oddest book title of the year. The winning book is an idiom for someone who begins a task but is then distracted by other matters. It is written by University of Alberta anthropologist Gregory Forth. It sees Forth look at how the Nage, an indigenous people primarily living on the islands of Flores and Timor, understand metaphor, and use their knowledge of animals to shape specific expressions. The runner-up title explores “the ass’s enormous socio-economic and cultural significance in the middle ages”. Other contenders for the award included Classical Antiquity in Heavy Metal Music, Lawnmowers: An Illustrated History and The Slaughter of Farmed Animals: Practical Ways of Enhancing Animal Welfare. The prize, run by the Bookseller magazine, was first established in 1978 to reward the year’s strangest book title. The winner is decided on by the public.

Revealed: The oddest book title of the year

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state.

Although there is no official letter yet in this regard, the Vice Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli has confirmed to WION on having scrapped the book ‘Walking with the Comrades’, which is about the author’s (Arundhati Roy’s) visit to Maoist hideouts, from the institution's postgraduate English syllabus.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swami-vivekananda-at-jnu-pm-narendra-modi-to-unveil-life-size-statue-via-video-conferencing-342617" hreflang="en">Swami Vivekananda at JNU: PM Narendra Modi to unveil life-size statue via video conferencing</a>

“This book blatantly glorifies the armed revolution being called for by anti-National Maoists,” reads the ABVP letter, which also states that they would highlight the issue to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, if not acted upon expeditiously.&nbsp;

The letter expresses the BJP student body’s disappointment with the book being a part of the syllabus over the last three years and the manner in which it was imposing Naxalite and Maoist ideology on the students. “Even the faculty were imparting lessons that were of anti-National nature. Students are under mental turmoil as this book as turned out to be one that stokes feelings of hatred against our country,” stated the letter signed by Vignesh, ABVP State Joint Secretary.

“The book was part of the syllabus from 2017 for 3rd semester MA English Literature course. Last week, some controversial contents of the book regarding Maoists were brought to our notice. ABVP gave a written request and other syndicate members also informed us. So we formed a committee involving three deans and two chairmen of the board of studies and took a call to have this book scrapped and replaced from our syllabus” Dr. K. Pitchumani, Vice Chancellor told WION.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-atmanirbhar-bharat-rozgar-yojana-and-who-can-avail-it-342612" hreflang="en">What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it?</a>

The panel has decided to replace Roy’s book with “My native land- essays on nature” by M.Krishnan, a naturalist, who is a native of Tirunelveli and a Padma Shri awardee.&nbsp;

Opposition leaders in the state have criticised this move stating that governments and politics determining what students should read would destroy the diverse nature of society. Some have asked the State government to intervene in the matter and ensure that Roy’s book is reinstated in the syllabus.&nbsp;

Reacting to the development, Arundhati Roy maintained that she hadn’t known of the book has been on the syllabus and that it was her duty as a writer to write it and that it was not her duty to fight to include in University curricula.&nbsp;

“Either way it has been widely read and as we know bans and purged do not prevent writers from being read. This narrow, shallow, insecure atttitude towards literature displayed by the current regime is not just detrimental to its critics. It is detrimental to millions of its own supporters” she said, stating that it would stunt the intellectual capacity of a country that was striving for a place of respect and dignity in the world.&nbsp;

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state.

A Tamil Nadu University’s decision to remove Arundhati Roy’s book from their syllabus, based on a petition from the ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is the BJP’s student wing) has riled opposition parties in the state. Although there is no official letter yet in this regard, the Vice Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli has confirmed to WION on having scrapped the book ‘Walking with the Comrades’, which is about the author’s (Arundhati Roy’s) visit to Maoist hideouts, from the institution's postgraduate English syllabus. Also read| Swami Vivekananda at JNU: PM Narendra Modi to unveil life-size statue via video conferencing “This book blatantly glorifies the armed revolution being called for by anti-National Maoists,” reads the ABVP letter, which also states that they would highlight the issue to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, if not acted upon expeditiously. The letter expresses the BJP student body’s disappointment with the book being a part of the syllabus over the last three years and the manner in which it was imposing Naxalite and Maoist ideology on the students. “Even the faculty were imparting lessons that were of anti-National nature. Students are under mental turmoil as this book as turned out to be one that stokes feelings of hatred against our country,” stated the letter signed by Vignesh, ABVP State Joint Secretary. “The book was part of the syllabus from 2017 for 3rd semester MA English Literature course. Last week, some controversial contents of the book regarding Maoists were brought to our notice. ABVP gave a written request and other syndicate members also informed us. So we formed a committee involving three deans and two chairmen of the board of studies and took a call to have this book scrapped and replaced from our syllabus” Dr. K. Pitchumani, Vice Chancellor told WION. Also read| What is Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana and who can avail it? The panel has decided to replace Roy’s book with “My native land- essays on nature” by M.Krishnan, a naturalist, who is a native of Tirunelveli and a Padma Shri awardee. Opposition leaders in the state have criticised this move stating that governments and politics determining what students should read would destroy the diverse nature of society. Some have asked the State government to intervene in the matter and ensure that Roy’s book is reinstated in the syllabus. Reacting to the development, Arundhati Roy maintained that she hadn’t known of the book has been on the syllabus and that it was her duty as a writer to write it and that it was not her duty to fight to include in University curricula. “Either way it has been widely read and as we know bans and purged do not prevent writers from being read. This narrow, shallow, insecure atttitude towards literature displayed by the current regime is not just detrimental to its critics. It is detrimental to millions of its own supporters” she said, stating that it would stunt the intellectual capacity of a country that was striving for a place of respect and dignity in the world.

Tamil Nadu: Arundhati Roy’s book removed from university syllabus after ABVP plaint

In a book published on Wednesday about,&nbsp;Pope Francis has been quoted saying that&nbsp;enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine".

The book, titled "TerraFutura, conversations with Pope Francis on integral ecology" has been published by&nbsp;Italian writer and gourmet Carlo Petrini. the book is a collection of interviews with the Pope.

"Pleasure arrives directly from God, it is neither Catholic, nor Christian, nor anything else, it is simply divine," he has been quoted in the book.

"The Church has condemned inhuman, brutish, vulgar pleasure, but has on the other hand always accepted human, simple, moral pleasure," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/creation-is-groaning-pope-francis-urges-countries-to-follow-paris-climate-agreement-324509">Also read|&nbsp;'Creation is groaning': Pope Francis urges countries to follow Paris Climate Agreement</a>

He also used the eample of a 1987 Danish film called "Babette's Feast"&nbsp; saying that the movie is a "hymn to Christian charity, to love."

He goes on to say that while these thoughts have existed in the Church in the past, he believes that this is&nbsp;"a wrong interpretation of the Christian message".

He goes on to explain that eating and indulging in sexual intercourse is important to keep human bodies healthy and fit. "The pleasure of eating is there to keep you healthy by eating, just like sexual pleasure is there to make love more beautiful and guarantee the perpetuation of the species," the Pope said.

The Pope said there is no place for&nbsp;"overzealous morality" in the church now. He also feels that opposing views to this has often caused harm in this history, and its impact can be seen till date.

In a book published on Wednesday about, Pope Francis has been quoted saying that enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine".

In a book published on Wednesday about, Pope Francis has been quoted saying that enjoying a well-cooked meal and sexual intercourse are not sinful activities and are simply "divine". The book, titled "TerraFutura, conversations with Pope Francis on integral ecology" has been published by Italian writer and gourmet Carlo Petrini. the book is a collection of interviews with the Pope. "Pleasure arrives directly from God, it is neither Catholic, nor Christian, nor anything else, it is simply divine," he has been quoted in the book. "The Church has condemned inhuman, brutish, vulgar pleasure, but has on the other hand always accepted human, simple, moral pleasure," he added. Also read| 'Creation is groaning': Pope Francis urges countries to follow Paris Climate Agreement He also used the eample of a 1987 Danish film called "Babette's Feast" saying that the movie is a "hymn to Christian charity, to love." He goes on to say that while these thoughts have existed in the Church in the past, he believes that this is "a wrong interpretation of the Christian message". He goes on to explain that eating and indulging in sexual intercourse is important to keep human bodies healthy and fit. "The pleasure of eating is there to keep you healthy by eating, just like sexual pleasure is there to make love more beautiful and guarantee the perpetuation of the species," the Pope said. The Pope said there is no place for "overzealous morality" in the church now. He also feels that opposing views to this has often caused harm in this history, and its impact can be seen till date.

People who like food and sexual intercourse are not sinners, says Pope Francis

The book trouble is not something that the US President Donald Trump will be short of any time soon, as after his former National Security Adviser (NSA), it is his&nbsp;niece whose tell-all book has gotten a green signal from the court.

A New York City judge has reportedly recently dismissed a claim by Donald Trump's brother, Robert Trump, who wanted to put a stop on the&nbsp;publication of a tell-all book by Mary L. Trump, the President's niece.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-donald-trump-had-turned-a-blind-eye-to-coronavirus-pandemic-308499">Also read:&nbsp;Bolton says Donald Trump had turned 'a blind eye' to coronavirus pandemic</a>

The reason behind the dismissal of the claim was simply that the court lacks jurisdiction in this case, as it was a court to settle estate matters.

Trump's brother had filed a motion earlier this week to stop the production of the book titled "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man". Trump's brother wanted the court to order a halt in production and the planned July release of the book.

Mary L Trump is Donald Trump's elder brother's daughter; the brother passed away in 1981.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poll-shows-record-lowest-ratings-for-trumps-coronavirus-response-americans-want-bolton-to-testify-308296">Also read:&nbsp;Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify</a>

Mary wrote the book to reveal&nbsp;"a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse".

Robert Trump requested the court to halt the production of the book stating that all of the Trump family had signed a settlement decades ago that prohibits her from writing the book, under a confidentiality clause that explicitly states that nobody from Trump family will "publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship,"&nbsp;unless they all agreed.

The agreement related to the will of Donald Trump's father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump.

"We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech," said&nbsp;Mary Trump's attorney, Ted Boutrous Jr.

"We look forward to publishing Mary L. Trump's , and are confident we will prevail should there be further efforts to stifle this publication," said&nbsp;Adam Rothberg, spokesperson for Mary's publisher&nbsp;Simon &amp; Schuster.

The White House has not issued a comment on this yet.

(With inputs from agencies)

The book trouble is not something that the US President Donald Trump will be short of any time soon, as after his former National Security Adviser (NSA), it is his niece whose tell-all book has gotten a green signal from the court.

The book trouble is not something that the US President Donald Trump will be short of any time soon, as after his former National Security Adviser (NSA), it is his niece whose tell-all book has gotten a green signal from the court. A New York City judge has reportedly recently dismissed a claim by Donald Trump's brother, Robert Trump, who wanted to put a stop on the publication of a tell-all book by Mary L. Trump, the President's niece. Also read: Bolton says Donald Trump had turned 'a blind eye' to coronavirus pandemic The reason behind the dismissal of the claim was simply that the court lacks jurisdiction in this case, as it was a court to settle estate matters. Trump's brother had filed a motion earlier this week to stop the production of the book titled "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man". Trump's brother wanted the court to order a halt in production and the planned July release of the book. Mary L Trump is Donald Trump's elder brother's daughter; the brother passed away in 1981. Also read: Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify Mary wrote the book to reveal "a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse". Robert Trump requested the court to halt the production of the book stating that all of the Trump family had signed a settlement decades ago that prohibits her from writing the book, under a confidentiality clause that explicitly states that nobody from Trump family will "publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship," unless they all agreed. The agreement related to the will of Donald Trump's father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump. "We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech," said Mary Trump's attorney, Ted Boutrous Jr. "We look forward to publishing Mary L. Trump's , and are confident we will prevail should there be further efforts to stifle this publication," said Adam Rothberg, spokesperson for Mary's publisher Simon & Schuster. The White House has not issued a comment on this yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Book trouble: Trump's niece ready to release tell-all book about Trump family

The Spanish national library opened its doors again on Tuesday (June 9) after months of coronavirus lockdown in the country.

Spanish national library welcomes visitors after coronavirus lockdown

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena was announced as the 2020 winner of the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) on Tuesday (March 31).

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena wins top children and young adult literature award

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria has unmasked the conspiracy of Pakistan's intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to project the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack as an act of Hindu terrorism. In his book 'Let Me Say It Now', the former top cop has written about the plan of the ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Today Tonight: Pak's aim to peg 26/11 as 'Hindu Terror'

Yoga guru Ramdev has approached the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order removing the ban on publication and sale of a book purportedly on his life, which he claimed contained defamatory content.

Justice R K Gauba is likely to hear tomorrow his plea which has been filed against the publisher and the author of the book.

Ramdev has challenged a civil judge's April 28 order by which the court had lifted the ban on the book by setting aside the injunction order of the trial court in August last year.

The judge had struck down the order to prohibit/ban the publication and sale of the book by "stifling" the right of freedom and speech and expression guaranteed to the author and the publisher under the Article 19(1) of the Constitution till the final disposal of the suit.

In August last year, a Delhi court had restrained publisher Juggernaut Books from publishing and selling the book titled 'Godman To Tycoon', which was allegedly based on the life of the yoga guru, till further orders.

It had also restrained Amazon India and Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd from selling the book online and said any pending delivery of the book to buyers be stopped immediately.

The book was published in July last year and authored by journalist Priyanka Pathak Narain, who was represented through advocate Satyajit Sarna in the court.

Ramdev, in his suit, had alleged that the information in the book was false, tended to injure his reputation and led to an inference that the yoga guru had been involved in mischievous and criminal activities to achieve fame and success.&nbsp

The publisher had earlier said that the book was a work of serious journalism. It was the product of over fifty interviews, many of them taped, with Ramdev and key players in his life, including close aides and family members, it had said.

"The book contains a detailed 25-page note on sources that lists the interviews, articles, police reports and RTI replies that are the basis of each chapter," it had said in the statement.&nbsp

Justice R K Gauba is likely to hear tomorrow his plea which has been filed against the publisher and the author of the book.

Yoga guru Ramdev has approached the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order removing the ban on publication and sale of a book purportedly on his life, which he claimed contained defamatory content. Justice R K Gauba is likely to hear tomorrow his plea which has been filed against the publisher and the author of the book. Ramdev has challenged a civil judge's April 28 order by which the court had lifted the ban on the book by setting aside the injunction order of the trial court in August last year. The judge had struck down the order to prohibit/ban the publication and sale of the book by "stifling" the right of freedom and speech and expression guaranteed to the author and the publisher under the Article 19(1) of the Constitution till the final disposal of the suit. In August last year, a Delhi court had restrained publisher Juggernaut Books from publishing and selling the book titled 'Godman To Tycoon', which was allegedly based on the life of the yoga guru, till further orders. It had also restrained Amazon India and Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd from selling the book online and said any pending delivery of the book to buyers be stopped immediately. The book was published in July last year and authored by journalist Priyanka Pathak Narain, who was represented through advocate Satyajit Sarna in the court. Ramdev, in his suit, had alleged that the information in the book was false, tended to injure his reputation and led to an inference that the yoga guru had been involved in mischievous and criminal activities to achieve fame and success. The publisher had earlier said that the book was a work of serious journalism. It was the product of over fifty interviews, many of them taped, with Ramdev and key players in his life, including close aides and family members, it had said. "The book contains a detailed 25-page note on sources that lists the interviews, articles, police reports and RTI replies that are the basis of each chapter," it had said in the statement.

Ramdev moves HC against lifting of ban on book on his life

The Man Booker International Prize has reversed a move to change a Taiwanese author's nationality to "Taiwan, China", after the literary award was criticised for bowing to pressure from Beijing.

Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel "The Stolen Bicycle" was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from "Taiwan" to "Taiwan, China".

The change was prompted by a complaint from the Chinese embassy in Britain, according to the London-based award organiser Booker Prize Foundation.

Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy but China views it as part of its territory, to be brought back under its control using force if necessary.

Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty and has recently rebuked foreign firms -- including Zara, Marriott, and Delta -- for listing Taiwan as a separate country on their websites.

But the organisers said on Wednesday it has decided to change Wu's nationality back to "Taiwan" after consulting interested parties and British government advice.&nbsp;

"The country/territory of longlisted authors and translators will appear, and Wu Ming-yi will be listed as 'Taiwan,'" the Booker Prize Foundation said in a statement.&nbsp;

In what may be a compromise, "territory" was a new addition to the Man Booker International Prize nominee list appearing on its website Wednesday.&nbsp;

"The prize is not about defining nationality all global citizens are eligible, provided they are published in translation in the UK," it added.

The foundation has notified the Chinese embassy but did not consult with them.

Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked Man Booker on Wednesday for the reversal and criticised Beijing.&nbsp;

"China is putting pressure on Taiwan's international space on all fronts and at all times, both in official and civil situations," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Wu's novel, written in Chinese and translated into English, is about a novelist searching for his missing father's bicycle.&nbsp;

The shortlist for the prize will be announced on April 12 and winner on May 22.&nbsp;

Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel 'The Stolen Bicycle' was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from 'Taiwan' to 'Taiwan, China'

The Man Booker International Prize has reversed a move to change a Taiwanese author's nationality to "Taiwan, China", after the literary award was criticised for bowing to pressure from Beijing. Wu Ming-yi -- whose novel "The Stolen Bicycle" was among the 13 books longlisted for the prestigious prize -- had protested after his nationality on the Man Booker website was revised from "Taiwan" to "Taiwan, China". The change was prompted by a complaint from the Chinese embassy in Britain, according to the London-based award organiser Booker Prize Foundation. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy but China views it as part of its territory, to be brought back under its control using force if necessary. Beijing rejects any recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty and has recently rebuked foreign firms -- including Zara, Marriott, and Delta -- for listing Taiwan as a separate country on their websites. But the organisers said on Wednesday it has decided to change Wu's nationality back to "Taiwan" after consulting interested parties and British government advice. "The country/territory of longlisted authors and translators will appear, and Wu Ming-yi will be listed as 'Taiwan,'" the Booker Prize Foundation said in a statement. In what may be a compromise, "territory" was a new addition to the Man Booker International Prize nominee list appearing on its website Wednesday. "The prize is not about defining nationality all global citizens are eligible, provided they are published in translation in the UK," it added. The foundation has notified the Chinese embassy but did not consult with them. Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked Man Booker on Wednesday for the reversal and criticised Beijing. "China is putting pressure on Taiwan's international space on all fronts and at all times, both in official and civil situations," the ministry said. Wu's novel, written in Chinese and translated into English, is about a novelist searching for his missing father's bicycle. The shortlist for the prize will be announced on April 12 and winner on May 22.

Man Booker reverts author's nationality to Taiwan after outcry

After all the controversy surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s &quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-review-ranveer-singh-shines-in-bhansalis-visually-grand-historical-saga-30568">Padmaavat&quot;</a>, the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has decided to revise some sensitive facts related to Chittor&rsquo;s queen Padmini from its history textbooks.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-on-threats-to-deepika-padukone-during-padmaavat-row-had-the-urge-to-speak-out-but-instructed-not-to-32321">Ranveer Singh on threats to Deepika Padukone: Had the urge to speak out but was asked not to </a>

The RBSE is in the process of eliminating and correcting the content in the textbooks before the new session begins in April. People familiar with the matter at the board said some changes have been made with regard to content on Padmini, the queen of Rawal Ratan Singh, the 14th-century ruler of Chittor.&nbsp;

As per reports, the history textbooks in school had been teaching the same distortions about Queen Padmini of Chittor which have allegedly been shown the film &quot;Padmaavat&quot;.

Reports say that people in connection with the matter have already made a revised copy. RBSE chairperson BL Chaudhary said that the changes have been successfully made. He had earlier informed that syllabus in the history textbooks has not been changed since the last 50 years.&nbsp;

The section which states that Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji saw Padmini&rsquo;s reflection in a mirror and was smitten by her and later attacked Chittor fort has been omitted. Also, the sub-head Padmini ki kahani (Padmini&rsquo;s story) has been revised as Padmini ka Itihas (Padmini&rsquo;s history).&nbsp;

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-212-crores-within-two-weeks-of-its-release-31875">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-212-crores-within-two-weeks-of-its-release-31875">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-earns-rs-212-crores-within-two-weeks-of-its-release-31875"> continues impressive run, enters 200-crore club </a>

While making the modifications, the book, however, goes on to say that one of the reasons Khilji attacked Chittor was to capture Padmini, who, according to legend, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318">chose to commit </a>&quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-padmaavat-deepika-padukone-opens-up-about-the-jauhar-scene-and-the-controversy-around-it-31318">jauhar&quot;</a> along with 1,600 other palace women, rather than be captured by Khilji.

The film had been facing protests by the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-not-sit-quiet-if-padmavati-releases-threatens-rashtriya-rajput-karni-sena-28377"> Karni Sena</a> and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the movie. The Rajput community led by the Shri Rajput Karni Sena had demanded a ban on the movie &quot;Padmaavat&quot; for misrepresenting facts like Khilji seeing Padmini&#39;s reflection in the mirror even though there were none in the 14th century in Mewar, reports said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892">Padmaavat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/padmaavat-now-rajasthan-bans-the-film-keeping-public-interest-in-mind-29892">: Now, Rajasthan bans the film keeping public interest in mind</a>

The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh, is based on the saga of the 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

The section which states that Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji saw Padmini’s reflection in a mirror and was smitten by her and later attacked Chittor fort has been omitted. Also, the sub-head Padmini ki kahani has been revised as Padmini ka Itihas

After all the controversy surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Padmaavat", the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has decided to revise some sensitive facts related to Chittor’s queen Padmini from its history textbooks. Also read: Ranveer Singh on threats to Deepika Padukone: Had the urge to speak out but was asked not to The RBSE is in the process of eliminating and correcting the content in the textbooks before the new session begins in April. People familiar with the matter at the board said some changes have been made with regard to content on Padmini, the queen of Rawal Ratan Singh, the 14th-century ruler of Chittor. As per reports, the history textbooks in school had been teaching the same distortions about Queen Padmini of Chittor which have allegedly been shown the film "Padmaavat". Reports say that people in connection with the matter have already made a revised copy. RBSE chairperson BL Chaudhary said that the changes have been successfully made. He had earlier informed that syllabus in the history textbooks has not been changed since the last 50 years. The section which states that Delhi ruler Alauddin Khilji saw Padmini’s reflection in a mirror and was smitten by her and later attacked Chittor fort has been omitted. Also, the sub-head Padmini ki kahani (Padmini’s story) has been revised as Padmini ka Itihas (Padmini’s history). Also read: Padmaavat continues impressive run, enters 200-crore club While making the modifications, the book, however, goes on to say that one of the reasons Khilji attacked Chittor was to capture Padmini, who, according to legend, chose to commit "jauhar" along with 1,600 other palace women, rather than be captured by Khilji. The film had been facing protests by the Karni Sena and other fringe groups over allegations that historical facts were distorted in the movie. The Rajput community led by the Shri Rajput Karni Sena had demanded a ban on the movie "Padmaavat" for misrepresenting facts like Khilji seeing Padmini's reflection in the mirror even though there were none in the 14th century in Mewar, reports said. Also read: Padmaavat: Now, Rajasthan bans the film keeping public interest in mind The film, starring Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranveer Singh, is based on the saga of the 13th century battle between Maharaja Ratan Singh of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.

Rajasthan: History textbooks to revise chapter about Padmini following 'Padmaavat' row

Michael Wolff, the author of &quot;Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House&quot; who has been highly critical since the beginning of Trump&#39;s presidency, has said his that revelations will most likely bring an end to Trump&#39;s time in the White House.

Wolff further claimed that Trump is not the right person to be on such a massive platform and is not fit for the job.&nbsp;

&quot;I think one of the interesting effects of the book so far is a very clear emperor-has-no-clothes effect,&quot; Wolff said in an interview broadcast on Saturday.

&quot;The story that I have told seems to present this presidency in such a way that it says he can&rsquo;t do his job,&quot; Wolff said.

&quot;Suddenly everywhere people are going &#39;oh my God, it&rsquo;s true, he has no clothes&#39;. That&#39;s the background to the perception and the understanding that will finally end ... this presidency.&quot;

However, Trump has come out to bash all the alleged claims made in the book, saying that they <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-angry-as-book-fire-and-fury-release-ahead-of-schedule-28665">are all untrue</a>.&nbsp;

He further attacked the author in a Tweet posted on Saturday and called him a &quot;total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book.&quot;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! <a href="https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9">https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9</a>
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/949498795074736129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The Trump administration had earlier tried to block the book from being published but it was rushed into bookstores and onto e-book platforms four days ahead of schedule due to what its publisher called &quot;unprecedented demand&quot;.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fire-and-fury-excerpts-from-tell-all-book-on-trump-28681">&#39;Fire and Fury&#39;: Excerpts from tell-all book on Trump</a>

The book quickly sold out in shops in the US capital, with some lining up at midnight to get their hands on the instant best-seller.&nbsp;

Trump further attacked the author in a Tweet posted on Saturday and called him a 'total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book'

Michael Wolff, the author of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" who has been highly critical since the beginning of Trump's presidency, has said his that revelations will most likely bring an end to Trump's time in the White House. Wolff further claimed that Trump is not the right person to be on such a massive platform and is not fit for the job. "I think one of the interesting effects of the book so far is a very clear emperor-has-no-clothes effect," Wolff said in an interview broadcast on Saturday. "The story that I have told seems to present this presidency in such a way that it says he can’t do his job," Wolff said. "Suddenly everywhere people are going 'oh my God, it’s true, he has no clothes'. That's the background to the perception and the understanding that will finally end ... this presidency." However, Trump has come out to bash all the alleged claims made in the book, saying that they are all untrue. He further attacked the author in a Tweet posted on Saturday and called him a "total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book." Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9 — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 × The Trump administration had earlier tried to block the book from being published but it was rushed into bookstores and onto e-book platforms four days ahead of schedule due to what its publisher called "unprecedented demand". Also read: 'Fire and Fury': Excerpts from tell-all book on Trump The book quickly sold out in shops in the US capital, with some lining up at midnight to get their hands on the instant best-seller.

'Fire and Fury' author says his revelations will bring down Trump

Declared a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case and wanted in India, liquor baron Vijay Mallya was spotted at a book launch event at the London School of Economics this week that was attended by Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna, causing flutters back home. 
 
Social media was in a frenzy after it emerged that Sarna, who was one of the special guests at the event on Thursday evening to mark the launch of socialite Suhel Seth&#39;s new book, was also present at the event when the business tycoon arrived. 
 
As television news channels showed pictures of Sarna and Mallya in the hall where the event was held, questions were raised over the presence of the high commissioner at an event where a personality wanted by enforcement agencies in India was also present. 
 
While Suhel Seth contended that it was an open event at the LSE, where anyone could come because of the open invitation, Mallya was not invited to the high commission reception nor was he present. 
 
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also got into the act when it issued a statement, saying Sarna left the event without waiting for the interactive session after he spotted Mallya. 
 
&quot;When the High Commissioner spotted Mallya in the audience he left the stage and venue immediately after making his comments and without waiting for the interactive session,&quot; the MEA said in the statement. 
 
The MEA said, &quot;there were two clear segments, the book launch by UK Minister Jo Johnson and discussion at LSE, and later a reception at the High Commission for select guests. 
 
&quot;The list of invitations for the LSE event was determined by LSE. They have written to the High Commissioner that Mallya was not on their list. They have also said that the event was advertised widely through social media and attendees were not required to register in advance. 
 
&quot;Mallya was certainly not an invitee to the reception at the High Commission for which the invitations were issued by the High Commission, and was not present.&quot; 
(PTI)&nbsp;

Questions are being raised after India's high commissioner and a man wanted by enforcement agencies appear in the same room on TV

Declared a proclaimed offender in a money laundering case and wanted in India, liquor baron Vijay Mallya was spotted at a book launch event at the London School of Economics this week that was attended by Indian High Commissioner Navtej Sarna, causing flutters back home. Social media was in a frenzy after it emerged that Sarna, who was one of the special guests at the event on Thursday evening to mark the launch of socialite Suhel Seth's new book, was also present at the event when the business tycoon arrived. As television news channels showed pictures of Sarna and Mallya in the hall where the event was held, questions were raised over the presence of the high commissioner at an event where a personality wanted by enforcement agencies in India was also present. While Suhel Seth contended that it was an open event at the LSE, where anyone could come because of the open invitation, Mallya was not invited to the high commission reception nor was he present. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also got into the act when it issued a statement, saying Sarna left the event without waiting for the interactive session after he spotted Mallya. "When the High Commissioner spotted Mallya in the audience he left the stage and venue immediately after making his comments and without waiting for the interactive session," the MEA said in the statement. The MEA said, "there were two clear segments, the book launch by UK Minister Jo Johnson and discussion at LSE, and later a reception at the High Commission for select guests. "The list of invitations for the LSE event was determined by LSE. They have written to the High Commissioner that Mallya was not on their list. They have also said that the event was advertised widely through social media and attendees were not required to register in advance. "Mallya was certainly not an invitee to the reception at the High Commission for which the invitations were issued by the High Commission, and was not present." (PTI)

Mallya seen at book launch event attended by India's UK envoy

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