Brazilian President Luis Da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro met to plan and generate momentum for the upcoming Regional Summit on the Amazon rainforest next month.

Brazil and Colombia join forces to protect Amazon rainforest and combat climate crisis

<p>Brazil's lower house of Congress on Friday (July 7) approved the main text of a tax reform that will restructure the country's complex consumption taxes. President Luiz Inacio Lula sa Silva touted the seal of approval as a "great victory". This reform was previously attempted by various administrations without success. The reform is a key step in Lula's plans of boosting growth.</p>

<p>The lawmakers voted in two rounds while approving the reform. They are now set to conclude voting some amendments later in the day. The bill will then be sent to the Senate. Two rounds of voting will take place there as well.</p>

<p>"It's a historic moment and a great victory," Lula tweeted after the voting. "Brazil will have its first tax reform of the democratic period ... We are working towards a better future for everyone."</p>

<h2><strong>The reforms</strong></h2>

<p>If passed, the reforms will be implemented starting 2026. There is a plan, over eight years, to merge five levies into a value-added tax (VAT). There will be separate federal and regional rates. These will be defined later by a complementary law.</p>

<p>The approved proposal also shifts the tax basis from where goods are produced to where they are consumed over a 50-year transition period, starting in 2029.</p>

<p>The changes are expected to benefit more to Brazil's wealthier and more populous states. The bill is thus likely to encounter stronger opposition in the Senate where state governors have more influence. It is expected that there will be calls for broader compensation measures in the Senate.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has reduced by 33% in 2023</strong></p>

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<p>Markets reacted positively as the reforms got approval of the lower house. The Brazillian currency strengthened more than 1 per cent against the dollar. Benchmark stock index Bovespa jumped 1.4 per cent.</p>

<p>"For a while, many doubted that the reform would be approved," economists at JPMorgan said. "Long-term transition means that complexity will remain high for some time, but we look for enhanced productivity and higher growth down the line."</p>

<p>The reforms were approved by 382-118 in the first round of voting held late on Thursday. In the second round, lawmakers passed by 375-113.</p>

<p>308 votes were needed for the proposal to be approved.</p>

<p>"It's a necessity for our economy so our productivity can advance," Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said. "The outdated way in which taxes are currently organized greatly hinders industry, commerce and services."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Brazil's lower house of Congress on Friday (July 7) approved the main text of a tax reform that will restructure the country's complex consumption taxes. President Luiz Inacio Lula sa Silva touted the seal of approval as a "great victory".

Brazil's lower house of Congress on Friday (July 7) approved the main text of a tax reform that will restructure the country's complex consumption taxes. President Luiz Inacio Lula sa Silva touted the seal of approval as a "great victory". This reform was previously attempted by various administrations without success. The reform is a key step in Lula's plans of boosting growth. The lawmakers voted in two rounds while approving the reform. They are now set to conclude voting some amendments later in the day. The bill will then be sent to the Senate. Two rounds of voting will take place there as well. "It's a historic moment and a great victory," Lula tweeted after the voting. "Brazil will have its first tax reform of the democratic period ... We are working towards a better future for everyone." The reforms If passed, the reforms will be implemented starting 2026. There is a plan, over eight years, to merge five levies into a value-added tax (VAT). There will be separate federal and regional rates. These will be defined later by a complementary law. The approved proposal also shifts the tax basis from where goods are produced to where they are consumed over a 50-year transition period, starting in 2029. The changes are expected to benefit more to Brazil's wealthier and more populous states. The bill is thus likely to encounter stronger opposition in the Senate where state governors have more influence. It is expected that there will be calls for broader compensation measures in the Senate. Watch | Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has reduced by 33% in 2023 × Markets reacted positively as the reforms got approval of the lower house. The Brazillian currency strengthened more than 1 per cent against the dollar. Benchmark stock index Bovespa jumped 1.4 per cent. "For a while, many doubted that the reform would be approved," economists at JPMorgan said. "Long-term transition means that complexity will remain high for some time, but we look for enhanced productivity and higher growth down the line." The reforms were approved by 382-118 in the first round of voting held late on Thursday. In the second round, lawmakers passed by 375-113. 308 votes were needed for the proposal to be approved. "It's a necessity for our economy so our productivity can advance," Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said. "The outdated way in which taxes are currently organized greatly hinders industry, commerce and services." (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 ×

Brazil: Lower house of parliament approves 'historic' tax reforms

Some good news for the planet's forests. Brazil's amazon has gotten a fresh breath of life during the first half of 2023, deforestation in brazil's amazon fell by over 30 per cent. This comes after president Lula Da Silva made tougher environmental policies a priority. Last year, 4,000 square kilometres were cut down under then president Bolsanaro's rule. As per state reports, 2,650 square km of rainforest were cleared in the region in the last 6 months. This is the lowest for the period since 2019.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon has reduced by 33% in 2023

Molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto, who works in a laboratory on the University campus in Rio de Janeiro recently discovered cannabidiol, a compound in marijuana known as CBD, in the Trema micrantha Blume, a common Brazilian plant.

CBD without the THC: New Cannabidiol source found in a common Brazilian plant

<p>In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.</p>

<p>The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed.</p>

<p>But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain.</p>

<p>Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high.</p>

<p>That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places.</p>

<p>The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market.</p>

<p>"It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University.</p>

<p>"That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP.</p>

<p>His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana.</p>

<h2>Man in demand</h2>

<p>Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research.</p>

<p>The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that.</p>

<p>Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming.</p>

<p>The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use.</p>

<p>Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats.</p>

<p>"Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant."</p>

<p>A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall.</p>

<p>Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers.</p>

<p>But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it.</p>

<p>"If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says.</p>

<h2>From policing to producing?</h2>

<p>Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source.</p>

<p>When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema."</p>

<p>He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all.</p>

<p>Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects.</p>

<p>CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says.</p>

<p>In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high.</p>

<p>"That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs.</p>

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In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret. The fast-growing, homely plant, Trema micrantha blume, is native to the Americas, where it is widespread and often considered a weed. But Moura Neto recently discovered its fruits and flowers contain one of the active ingredients in marijuana: cannabidiol, or CBD, which has shown promise as a treatment for conditions including epilepsy, autism, anxiety and chronic pain. Crucially, he also found it does not contain the other main ingredient in pot, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive substance that makes people high. That opens the possibility of an abundant new source of CBD, without the complications of cannabis, which remains illegal in many places. The discovery has made something of an overnight academic star of Dr Moura Neto, an affable, silver-haired 66-year-old who now has a packed schedule of meetings with patent experts and companies keen to tap the multi-billion-dollar CBD market. "It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University. "That means the potential is enormous," he tells AFP. His 10-member team recently won a 500,000-real ($104,000) public grant to expand his project, which will now identify the best methods to extract CBD from "Trema," and then study its effectiveness as a substitute for medical marijuana. Man in demand Many of CBD's touted medical uses are still under research. The compound is controversial, including in Brazil, where patients have gone to court to win the right to use it. They often have to import it at eye-watering prices, given that cultivating medical marijuana remains illegal — though there is legislation before Congress to change that. Debates aside, demand for CBD is booming. The global market for CBD last year was estimated at nearly $5 billion. Analytics firm Vantage Market Research projects it will grow to more than $47 billion by 2028, driven mainly by health and wellness use. Interest in Moura Neto's research has been "huge," says Rosane Silva, the director of his laboratory, which sits off a hallway bustling with students and researchers in white lab coats. "Lots of companies have been calling, looking to collaborate" on an eventual non-cannabis-based CBD medication, Silva says, standing beside what she calls the "magical plant." A member of the Cannabaceae family — like cannabis — "Trema" can grow into a tree up to 20 meters (66 feet) tall. Moura Neto says he and the university may explore patenting any innovations they find for extracting CBD from its tiny fruits and flowers. But he is quick to add he won't patent "Trema" itself. He wants scientists everywhere to be able to research it. "If I dreamed of being a billionaire, I wouldn't have become a professor," he says. From policing to producing? Moura Neto started studying CBD for a completely different reason: trained as a forensic geneticist, he would analyze the DNA of marijuana seized by police to help investigators trace its source. When he came across a study that identified CBD in a related plant in Thailand — another member of the Cannabaceae family — he got the idea to test for it in "Trema." He says turning his still-unpublished findings into a drug ready for market will take five to 10 years of research and clinical trials — if it is possible at all. Cannabis, first domesticated in China more than 10,000 years ago, has been cultivated for millennia to hone its mind-altering and medicinal effects. CBD from "Trema" might not work as well, or at all, Moura Neto says. In the meantime, it's no use smoking the plant for a high. "That definitely won't do anything for you," he laughs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

This 'magic plant' has medical component CBD similar to marijuana in leaves and fruit, but no high

<p>Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations.<br />
<br />
Advertising agency DDB Philippines issued an apology on Sunday for the “highly inappropriate” images, which included sand dunes in Brazil and rice terraces in Indonesia. The agency was involved in the production of the video for the government’s tourism campaign “Love The Philippines”, worth $880,000, which was launched on June 27.<br />
<br />
Late on Saturday, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism announced that it was investigating the allegations against the DDB’s video which included “non-original shots”. Later, the video was removed from its Facebook page.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mobile-free-vacation-this-tourist-island-in-europe-home-to-nokia-has-declared-itself-a-phone-free-zone-607082">Mobile-free vacation? This tourist island in Europe, home to Nokia, has declared itself a 'phone-free' zone</a></p>

<p>A post was uploaded by famous Philippine blogger Sass Rogando Sasot on Facebook saying that various images in the campaign video were of locations present in other countries.<br />
<br />
The fact-checking team of the news agency Agence France-Presse carried out an analysis which confirmed that the video showed places in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, and Switzerland.</p>

<h2><strong>DDB issues an apology for the video</strong></h2>

<p>An apology was issued by the DDB on Sunday for using “foreign stock footage”, which it described as an “unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part”.<br />
<br />
“Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed,” said DDB, in a statement. “The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the (Department of Tourism’s) objectives,” it added. The production of the video was carried out at its own expense, said DDB.<br />
<br />
In a statement, the tourism officials stated that they had “repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the (audiovisual presentations) and key visuals presented to the department”.<br />
<br />
“In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the (tourism department) that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” it stated. A few images, which have been used by the agency in the promotional video, can be found on the stock-footage providers' website.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Time to learn from Titan sub disaster? | Perils of unregulated and extreme tourism</strong></p>

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<p>Last week speaking to local media, Tourism Minister Christina Frasco said that the new branding campaign cost around 49 million pesos ($880,000).<br />
<br />
Frasco said that a global survey was conducted by the ministry which discovered that, in the post-pandemic era, tourists wanted “authentic interactions with communities”. Hence, the new slogan had replaced the earlier which was “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for&nbsp;wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations.

Officials in the Philippines were left red-faced after creators of the Southeast Asian nation's tourism promotion video were called out for using stock footage from other nations. Advertising agency DDB Philippines issued an apology on Sunday for the “highly inappropriate” images, which included sand dunes in Brazil and rice terraces in Indonesia. The agency was involved in the production of the video for the government’s tourism campaign “Love The Philippines”, worth $880,000, which was launched on June 27. Late on Saturday, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism announced that it was investigating the allegations against the DDB’s video which included “non-original shots”. Later, the video was removed from its Facebook page. ALSO READ | Mobile-free vacation? This tourist island in Europe, home to Nokia, has declared itself a 'phone-free' zone A post was uploaded by famous Philippine blogger Sass Rogando Sasot on Facebook saying that various images in the campaign video were of locations present in other countries. The fact-checking team of the news agency Agence France-Presse carried out an analysis which confirmed that the video showed places in the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Indonesia, and Switzerland. DDB issues an apology for the video An apology was issued by the DDB on Sunday for using “foreign stock footage”, which it described as an “unfortunate oversight on our agency’s part”. “Proper screening and approval processes should have been strictly followed,” said DDB, in a statement. “The use of foreign stock footage in a campaign promoting the Philippines is highly inappropriate, and contradictory to the (Department of Tourism’s) objectives,” it added. The production of the video was carried out at its own expense, said DDB. In a statement, the tourism officials stated that they had “repeatedly sought confirmation from DDB on the originality and ownership of all materials contained in the (audiovisual presentations) and key visuals presented to the department”. “In ALL these occasions, DDB repeatedly assured the (tourism department) that the originality and ownership of all materials are in order,” it stated. A few images, which have been used by the agency in the promotional video, can be found on the stock-footage providers' website. WATCH | Time to learn from Titan sub disaster? | Perils of unregulated and extreme tourism Last week speaking to local media, Tourism Minister Christina Frasco said that the new branding campaign cost around 49 million pesos ($880,000). Frasco said that a global survey was conducted by the ministry which discovered that, in the post-pandemic era, tourists wanted “authentic interactions with communities”. Hence, the new slogan had replaced the earlier which was “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. (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

Is it Brazil, Indonesia or Switzerland? Tourism advert of Philippines uses stock footage from other countries

Four out of the seven judges on the Superior Electoral Tribunal in Brazil have voted to punish Bolsonaro for alleged abuses of his power, giving the court the majority it needs to ban the far-right former president from politics for an entire eight years.

Brazil court moves towards barring Bolsonaro from politics

<p>The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said. Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power during the previous presidential election by spreading false claims about the vulnerability of electronic voting machines to hacking and fraud.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president's actions were deemed detrimental to Brazilian democracy. Bolsonaro's legal team is anticipated to challenge the verdict, asserting that his statements did not impact the outcome of the election.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-600-people-arrested-200-cops-left-injured-as-violence-continues-on-third-night-610544">France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night</a></p>

<p>In a decision reached by a majority vote of its seven judges, the Superior Electoral Court has convicted the&nbsp;68-year-old former president for abusing his power during the last presidential election which he narrowly lost to leftist candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision now opens up the opportunity for new leaders to emerge within the Brazilian right wing, which has been relatively inactive in opposition even after its success in congressional elections.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the trial?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The trial at the electoral court centred on Bolsonaro's actions regarding his hosting of foreign ambassadors in July of the election year. During the meeting, he expressed doubts about the reliability of Brazil's electronic voting machines.&nbsp;Opponents claimed that this gathering was a deliberate tactic to sow distrust in the electoral process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/europe/uk-environment-minister-zac-goldsmith-resigns-accuses-rishi-sunak-of-neglecting-climate-change-610540">UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change</a></p>

<p>The meeting was broadcasted on live television and various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.</p>

<h2><strong>Judge's statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Benedito Goncalves, the judge overseeing the case, accused Bolsonaro of delivering a "deceitful monologue about electronic voting and the electoral justice system . . . using scraps of false information already so naturalised in his rhetoric”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots</strong></p>

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<p>The court also presented a draft document discovered in the home of Bolsonaro's justice minister, Anderson Torres, which outlined plans to overturn the election results. This document demonstrated a broader strategy to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral system.</p>

<h2><strong>Bolsonaro's response&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and argued that the meeting with ambassadors had governmental, rather than electoral, purposes. He plans to appeal the court's decision at the Supreme Court. “I did not attack the voting system. I just showed its possible flaws," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a result of the verdict, Bolsonaro has been banned from participating in any elections, including local, state, and federal, for eight years. The ban applies retroactively from the first round of the 2022 presidential election, effectively barring him from contesting any polls until 2030.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he is still permitted to engage in political activities and expressed his intention to remain fully involved.</p>

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The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said.

The Supreme Electoral Court of Brazil has made a decision to bar former president Jair Bolsonaro from running for office for a duration of eight years, media reports said. Bolsonaro was found guilty of abusing his power during the previous presidential election by spreading false claims about the vulnerability of electronic voting machines to hacking and fraud. The former president's actions were deemed detrimental to Brazilian democracy. Bolsonaro's legal team is anticipated to challenge the verdict, asserting that his statements did not impact the outcome of the election. Also Read | France riots: 600 people arrested, 200 cops left injured as violence continues on third night In a decision reached by a majority vote of its seven judges, the Superior Electoral Court has convicted the 68-year-old former president for abusing his power during the last presidential election which he narrowly lost to leftist candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The decision now opens up the opportunity for new leaders to emerge within the Brazilian right wing, which has been relatively inactive in opposition even after its success in congressional elections. What was the trial? The trial at the electoral court centred on Bolsonaro's actions regarding his hosting of foreign ambassadors in July of the election year. During the meeting, he expressed doubts about the reliability of Brazil's electronic voting machines. Opponents claimed that this gathering was a deliberate tactic to sow distrust in the electoral process. Also Read | UK environment minister Zac Goldsmith resigns, accuses Rishi Sunak of neglecting Climate Change The meeting was broadcasted on live television and various social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Judge's statement Benedito Goncalves, the judge overseeing the case, accused Bolsonaro of delivering a "deceitful monologue about electronic voting and the electoral justice system . . . using scraps of false information already so naturalised in his rhetoric”. Watch | French President spotted at singer Elton John's concert amid riots × The court also presented a draft document discovered in the home of Bolsonaro's justice minister, Anderson Torres, which outlined plans to overturn the election results. This document demonstrated a broader strategy to cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral system. Bolsonaro's response Bolsonaro denied any wrongdoing and argued that the meeting with ambassadors had governmental, rather than electoral, purposes. He plans to appeal the court's decision at the Supreme Court. “I did not attack the voting system. I just showed its possible flaws," he said. As a result of the verdict, Bolsonaro has been banned from participating in any elections, including local, state, and federal, for eight years. The ban applies retroactively from the first round of the 2022 presidential election, effectively barring him from contesting any polls until 2030. However, he is still permitted to engage in political activities and expressed his intention to remain fully involved. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Brazil's Bolsonaro barred from office for eight years

<p>The US dollar’s role as world’s primary reserve currency for global trade was challenged at a finance summit in Paris by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Brazilian counterpart&nbsp;Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended the oversized role of US dollar in global markets.</p>

<p>At Paris Climate Finance summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to support Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's call for emerging markets in the Global South to reconsider their reliance on the dollar.</p>

<p>Lula, who was on a panel with Ramaphosa, called for trading in domestic currencies and exploring alternative options.</p>

<h2><strong>'Issue of currency' to be discussed in BRICS summit</strong></h2>

<p>South African President Ramaphosa said&nbsp;that the "issue of currency" would be discussed at the upcoming meeting of BRICS countries later this year, which South Africa is scheduled to host in August.</p>

<p>The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brazils-president-lula-assents-to-common-brics-currency-to-counter-us-dollars-dominance-582289">Brazil's President Lula seeks common BRICS currency to counter US dollar's dominance</a></strong></p>

<p>Yellen argued that finding viable replacements for a currency that has dominated trade for decades would pose challenges for countries.</p>

<p>"There is a very good reason why the dollar is used widely in trade and that’s because we have deep, liquid, open capital markets, rule of law and long and deep financial instruments," she was quoted as saying by <em>Financial Times.</em></p>

<p>Yellen's comments came at a time when China is pushing for increased international adoption of Yuan.</p>

<p>Russia has been using the Chinese yuan as one of its main currencies for international reserves and overseas trade since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Concerns have been raised that Washington might increasingly exploit the global dominance of the dollar to further its foreign policy objectives, as exemplified by the freezing of $300 billion worth of Russian central bank assets held in dollars and euros by Ukraine's western allies.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Is BRICS raging against the US Dollar an exercise in futility?</strong></p>

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<p>Although some central banks have responded to the sanctions on Russia by purchasing gold, they still retain nearly 60 per cent of their reserves in US currency, according to IMF data cited by Financial Times.</p>

<p>During the closing ceremony of the Paris summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, Lula reiterated his concerns about the negative impact of the dollar's dominance on low- and middle-income countries.</p>

<p>He questioned why countries like Brazil couldn't engage in trade using their own currencies when conducting business with Argentina, China, or other nations.</p>

<p>"Why can’t we trade in our own currencies?" he asked.</p>

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The US dollar’s role as world’s primary reserve currency for global trade was challenged at a finance summit in Paris by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended the oversized role of US dollar in global markets.

The US dollar’s role as world’s primary reserve currency for global trade was challenged at a finance summit in Paris by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva after the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defended the oversized role of US dollar in global markets. At Paris Climate Finance summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared to support Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's call for emerging markets in the Global South to reconsider their reliance on the dollar. Lula, who was on a panel with Ramaphosa, called for trading in domestic currencies and exploring alternative options. 'Issue of currency' to be discussed in BRICS summit South African President Ramaphosa said that the "issue of currency" would be discussed at the upcoming meeting of BRICS countries later this year, which South Africa is scheduled to host in August. The BRICS group comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Also read | Brazil's President Lula seeks common BRICS currency to counter US dollar's dominance Yellen argued that finding viable replacements for a currency that has dominated trade for decades would pose challenges for countries. "There is a very good reason why the dollar is used widely in trade and that’s because we have deep, liquid, open capital markets, rule of law and long and deep financial instruments," she was quoted as saying by Financial Times. Yellen's comments came at a time when China is pushing for increased international adoption of Yuan. Russia has been using the Chinese yuan as one of its main currencies for international reserves and overseas trade since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Concerns have been raised that Washington might increasingly exploit the global dominance of the dollar to further its foreign policy objectives, as exemplified by the freezing of $300 billion worth of Russian central bank assets held in dollars and euros by Ukraine's western allies. Also watch | Is BRICS raging against the US Dollar an exercise in futility? × Although some central banks have responded to the sanctions on Russia by purchasing gold, they still retain nearly 60 per cent of their reserves in US currency, according to IMF data cited by Financial Times. During the closing ceremony of the Paris summit, co-hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, Lula reiterated his concerns about the negative impact of the dollar's dominance on low- and middle-income countries. He questioned why countries like Brazil couldn't engage in trade using their own currencies when conducting business with Argentina, China, or other nations. "Why can’t we trade in our own currencies?" he asked. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Why can’t we trade in our own currencies?': Brazil's Lula repeats de-dollarisation call of BRICS nations

A major construction project at Brazilian football star Neymar's mansion in Rio de Janeiro state was halted on Thursday for environmental infractions, which could result in a fine of some $1 million.

Brazil striker Neymar faces $1 million fine for 'illegal' construction

<p>Brazilian authorities announced on Monday (June 19) the seizure of 28.7 metric tonnes of illegally acquired shark fins set to be&nbsp;exported to Asia. This confiscation is deemed the largest of its kind at the source, according to officials, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Ibama, the environmental protection agency, estimated that this shipment resulted in the death&nbsp;of around 10,000 sharks, including the blue shark and the shortfin mako shark. Notably, the shortfin mako shark recently entered Brazil's list of endangered species. The interception underscores the ongoing concern over the illegal trade of shark fins and the need for robust conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable marine species.</p>

<p>"These apprehensions on an integrated basis represent the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;recorded in the world, especially considering it is a seizure at the source where the sharks are caught," Ibama said in a statement.</p>

<p>Jair Schmitt, the head of environmental protection at Ibama who spoke to Reuters, revealed that the agency's operation specifically targeted two companies while emphasising that investigations into other entities are still underway.</p>

<p>"This practice is already recurrent in&nbsp;Brazil. We had some years ago the finding of about seven or eight metric tons of shark, seized in Para state, with a similar method of finning," he said, referring to a method of slicing fins off sharks and dumping the rest of the animal into the sea.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-battered-by-tropical-cyclone-13-dead-thousands-displaced-605894">Brazil battered by tropical cyclone, 13 dead, thousands displaced</a></p>

<h2><strong>Brazil's environmental protection efforts intensify&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration has placed the preservation of Brazil's fauna and flora at the forefront, aiming to counter the detrimental effects of weakened environmental agencies and oversight powers under the previous administration led by Jair Bolsonaro.</p>

<p>As a symbol of the restoration of Ibama's commitment to safeguarding marine environments, the recent operation to seize a substantial amount of shark fins assumes great significance.</p>

<p>Jair Schmitt, emphasising the significance of the action, expressed that it represents Ibama's resurgence in combating the illegal fish trade and protecting the marine environment. Although the names of the companies involved were not disclosed, Ibama revealed that a single exporting company in Santa Catarina was responsible for 27.6 metric tons of fins, while the rest were confiscated at Sao Paulo International Airport from the second company.</p>

<p>In response to the seizure, Sea Shepherd Brazil, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to marine conservation, called for a complete ban on the shark fin trade and shark meat imports in Brazil, emphasising the critical role such measures would play in safeguarding these species.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;At least one dead, one critically injured after school shooting in southern Brazil</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">While shark fishing is prohibited in Brazil, Ibama discovered that the boats involved in the illegal trade were exploiting permits granted for the capture of other fish species. Tragically, this illicit activity has led to the death of numerous seabirds, including those belonging to endangered species.</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The confiscation of a substantial quantity of shark fins highlights the pressing need for intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade, enforce stricter regulations, and protect endangered marine species. The Brazilian government's commitment to preserving the country's marine ecosystems remains crucial in tackling environmental challenges and fostering long-term sustainability.</div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Brazilian authorities announced on Monday (June 19) the seizure of 28.7 metric tonnes of illegally acquired shark fins set to be exported to Asia. This confiscation is deemed the largest of its kind at the source, according to officials, as reported by Reuters.

Brazilian authorities announced on Monday (June 19) the seizure of 28.7 metric tonnes of illegally acquired shark fins set to be exported to Asia. This confiscation is deemed the largest of its kind at the source, according to officials, as reported by Reuters. Ibama, the environmental protection agency, estimated that this shipment resulted in the death of around 10,000 sharks, including the blue shark and the shortfin mako shark. Notably, the shortfin mako shark recently entered Brazil's list of endangered species. The interception underscores the ongoing concern over the illegal trade of shark fins and the need for robust conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable marine species. "These apprehensions on an integrated basis represent the largest recorded in the world, especially considering it is a seizure at the source where the sharks are caught," Ibama said in a statement. Jair Schmitt, the head of environmental protection at Ibama who spoke to Reuters, revealed that the agency's operation specifically targeted two companies while emphasising that investigations into other entities are still underway. "This practice is already recurrent in Brazil. We had some years ago the finding of about seven or eight metric tons of shark, seized in Para state, with a similar method of finning," he said, referring to a method of slicing fins off sharks and dumping the rest of the animal into the sea. Also read | Brazil battered by tropical cyclone, 13 dead, thousands displaced Brazil's environmental protection efforts intensify President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration has placed the preservation of Brazil's fauna and flora at the forefront, aiming to counter the detrimental effects of weakened environmental agencies and oversight powers under the previous administration led by Jair Bolsonaro. As a symbol of the restoration of Ibama's commitment to safeguarding marine environments, the recent operation to seize a substantial amount of shark fins assumes great significance. Jair Schmitt, emphasising the significance of the action, expressed that it represents Ibama's resurgence in combating the illegal fish trade and protecting the marine environment. Although the names of the companies involved were not disclosed, Ibama revealed that a single exporting company in Santa Catarina was responsible for 27.6 metric tons of fins, while the rest were confiscated at Sao Paulo International Airport from the second company. In response to the seizure, Sea Shepherd Brazil, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to marine conservation, called for a complete ban on the shark fin trade and shark meat imports in Brazil, emphasising the critical role such measures would play in safeguarding these species. Also watch | At least one dead, one critically injured after school shooting in southern Brazil While shark fishing is prohibited in Brazil, Ibama discovered that the boats involved in the illegal trade were exploiting permits granted for the capture of other fish species. Tragically, this illicit activity has led to the death of numerous seabirds, including those belonging to endangered species. The confiscation of a substantial quantity of shark fins highlights the pressing need for intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade, enforce stricter regulations, and protect endangered marine species. The Brazilian government's commitment to preserving the country's marine ecosystems remains crucial in tackling environmental challenges and fostering long-term sustainability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brazil's epic bust: Country seizes record-breaking illegal shark fin shipment

<p>At least one student has died and one other person has been injured after a school shooting in Brazil’s southern city of Cambe on Monday (June 19), the Parana state government said in a statement. The alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is said to be a former student, said the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What do we know about the attack?</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, the state government officials also said that the other person injured was also a student and has since been hospitalised. The alleged shooter has been arrested and identified as a former student of the Professora Helena Kolody public school and entered the premises saying he wanted a copy of his school records.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report by CNN Brasil, the student killed was a 16-year-old teenager while the 10-year-old student injured is said to be in serious condition. The alleged shooter is said to be a 21-year-old former student, as per the media report, and was arrested.</p>

<p>Images and videos from the scene show several police vehicles and officials outside the school, including the fire department, responding to the incident and have since cordoned off the area around the school.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brazilian president, others respond to the attack on Monday</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took to Twitter and said that he has heard about the shooting with “great sadness and indignation,” adding, “Yet another young life taken away by the hatred and violence that we can no longer tolerate within our schools and society.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the governor of Parana Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior has declared three days of mourning and sent his public safety and education secretaries to Cambe which is some 400 kilometres away from the state capital city of Curitiba. He also took to Twitter and called the incident a “barbaric crime” and assured that the shooter will be tried and convicted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country’s Justice Minister Flavio Dino, talking about the attack also said that “this type of violence that has been implanted in Brazil is unacceptable.” He added, “Violence was once again perpetrated in the most sacred place for children.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack on Monday also comes months after a 25-year-old man armed with a small axe climbed over a wall into a crèche in Southern Brazil and killed four children which included three boys, two aged 4 and one aged 5, and one girl aged 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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At least one student has died and one other person has been injured after a school shooting in Brazil’s southern city of Cambe on Monday (June 19), the Parana state government said in a statement.

At least one student has died and one other person has been injured after a school shooting in Brazil’s southern city of Cambe on Monday (June 19), the Parana state government said in a statement. The alleged perpetrator has been arrested and is said to be a former student, said the officials. What do we know about the attack? In a statement, the state government officials also said that the other person injured was also a student and has since been hospitalised. The alleged shooter has been arrested and identified as a former student of the Professora Helena Kolody public school and entered the premises saying he wanted a copy of his school records. According to a report by CNN Brasil, the student killed was a 16-year-old teenager while the 10-year-old student injured is said to be in serious condition. The alleged shooter is said to be a 21-year-old former student, as per the media report, and was arrested. Images and videos from the scene show several police vehicles and officials outside the school, including the fire department, responding to the incident and have since cordoned off the area around the school. Brazilian president, others respond to the attack on Monday Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took to Twitter and said that he has heard about the shooting with “great sadness and indignation,” adding, “Yet another young life taken away by the hatred and violence that we can no longer tolerate within our schools and society.” Meanwhile, the governor of Parana Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior has declared three days of mourning and sent his public safety and education secretaries to Cambe which is some 400 kilometres away from the state capital city of Curitiba. He also took to Twitter and called the incident a “barbaric crime” and assured that the shooter will be tried and convicted. The country’s Justice Minister Flavio Dino, talking about the attack also said that “this type of violence that has been implanted in Brazil is unacceptable.” He added, “Violence was once again perpetrated in the most sacred place for children.” The attack on Monday also comes months after a 25-year-old man armed with a small axe climbed over a wall into a crèche in Southern Brazil and killed four children which included three boys, two aged 4 and one aged 5, and one girl aged 7. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: At least one student killed, another injured after school shooting in Parana

<p>At least 13 people were killed while thousands were forced out of their homes, Brazilian authorities said Sunday after an extra-tropical&nbsp;cyclone tore through the southern region of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday and Friday, torrential rains in dozens of towns in&nbsp;Rio Grande do Sul caused significant damage. The coastal town of Caraa with a population in excess of 8,000 was one of the worst hit on the cyclone's trail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The situation in Caraa deeply worries us. It is essential that we can, in an organised way, quickly map the main affected areas and identify the people who need support,” said Rio Grande do Sul’s governor, Eduardo Leite, who visited the area.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-torrential-rain-inundates-southern-brazil-emergency-in-17-cities-539538"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Torrential rain inundates southern Brazil; emergency in 17 cities</strong></a></p>

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<p>Leite added that in two days, the firefighters had rescued as many as 2,400 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our main objective at this first moment is to protect and save human lives. We are rescuing people who are stranded, locating missing people and giving all the support to the families,” he said.</p>

<p>Apart from the death toll touching 13, four remained missing in Carra, after the number was revised down from Saturday's tally of 20. According to local media reports, a four-month baby is among the fatalities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meteorologists-says-cyclone-biparjoys-remnant-may-help-advance-monsoon-over-east-india-605365"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Meteorologists says Cyclone Biparjoy's remnant may help advance monsoon over east India</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile,<strong> </strong>in the town of Sao Leopoldo, over 3,700 people were left with mangled houses while 700 were evacuated preemptively from high-risk areas. Helicopters were also pressed into service to evacuate those stuck. The city of 240,000 inhabitants received 246 mm of rain in 18 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The water came up to our waist inside the house. Thank God, the firemen arrived quickly and got us out on boats. It seemed like a nightmare," a woman was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>More rain expected this week</strong></h2>

<p>The already perilous situation may turn even more frightening as more rainfall and a plunge in temperatures in expected this week as well. Authorities fear that the situation might be exacerbated and impact the already sluggish rescue and rehabilitation process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Climate change is showing its true effect in the South American nation. Over the last year and a half, Brazil has faced a series of deadly weather disasters, which experts say may become a regular occurrence going forward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In February, earlier this year, a least 65 people died when&nbsp;torrential rain triggered floods and landslides in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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At least 13 people were killed while thousands were forced out of their homes, Brazilian authorities said Sunday after an extra-tropical cyclone tore through the southern region of the country.

At least 13 people were killed while thousands were forced out of their homes, Brazilian authorities said Sunday after an extra-tropical cyclone tore through the southern region of the country. On Thursday and Friday, torrential rains in dozens of towns in Rio Grande do Sul caused significant damage. The coastal town of Caraa with a population in excess of 8,000 was one of the worst hit on the cyclone's trail. “The situation in Caraa deeply worries us. It is essential that we can, in an organised way, quickly map the main affected areas and identify the people who need support,” said Rio Grande do Sul’s governor, Eduardo Leite, who visited the area. WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Torrential rain inundates southern Brazil; emergency in 17 cities × Leite added that in two days, the firefighters had rescued as many as 2,400 people. “Our main objective at this first moment is to protect and save human lives. We are rescuing people who are stranded, locating missing people and giving all the support to the families,” he said. Apart from the death toll touching 13, four remained missing in Carra, after the number was revised down from Saturday's tally of 20. According to local media reports, a four-month baby is among the fatalities. Also read | Meteorologists says Cyclone Biparjoy's remnant may help advance monsoon over east India Meanwhile, in the town of Sao Leopoldo, over 3,700 people were left with mangled houses while 700 were evacuated preemptively from high-risk areas. Helicopters were also pressed into service to evacuate those stuck. The city of 240,000 inhabitants received 246 mm of rain in 18 hours. "The water came up to our waist inside the house. Thank God, the firemen arrived quickly and got us out on boats. It seemed like a nightmare," a woman was quoted as saying by AFP. More rain expected this week The already perilous situation may turn even more frightening as more rainfall and a plunge in temperatures in expected this week as well. Authorities fear that the situation might be exacerbated and impact the already sluggish rescue and rehabilitation process. Climate change is showing its true effect in the South American nation. Over the last year and a half, Brazil has faced a series of deadly weather disasters, which experts say may become a regular occurrence going forward. In February, earlier this year, a least 65 people died when torrential rain triggered floods and landslides in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brazil battered by tropical cyclone, 13 dead, thousands displaced

<p>Vinicius Junior complained on Sunday about an alleged racist act by stadium security aimed at one of his staff before the friendly between Brazil and Guinea in Barcelona.</p>

<p>The Selecao wore black shirts in the 4-1 victory at Espanyol's stadium on Saturday night, to protest against racial discrimination after Real Madrid winger Vinicius had been abused by Valencia fans, provoking global outrage in May. It was one of several incidents in which Vinicius was racially abused in Spain.</p>

<p>"While I was playing in the already historic black shirt and getting emotional, my friend was humiliated and mocked at the entrance to the stadium," wrote Vinicius on Twitter early Sunday. "The treatment was sad ... to make everything public, I ask those responsible: where is the security camera footage?"</p>

<p>During a search at the entrance to the stadium, a security guard allegedly abused Vinicius' friend and advisor, Felipe Silveira, 27.</p>

<p>"Hands up, this is my gun for you," he is accused of saying, while taking a banana out of his pocket, according to an extract from the complaint filed by the player's friend, published by Brazilian news website Globo Esporte.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatias-experience-might-provide-edge-against-spain-in-nations-league-final-says-ivan-perisic-605790">Croatia's experience might provide edge against Spain in Nations League Final, says Ivan Perisic</a></p>

<p>Silveira and three other members of Vinicius' staff complained and called police to the scene, the Brazilian website added.</p>

<p>Footage broadcast by Brazilian channel SporTV shows heated exchanges between the player's friends and staff at the stadium.</p>

<p>The guard and the security company denied the allegations, Brazilian media reported.</p>

<p>The Brazilian football federation (CBF) said they had taken action as soon as it became aware of the complaint and called on the police and match organisers to "give their full support and protection to yet another victim of racism, a crime that must be fought vehemently and relentlessly".</p>

<p>"Today, once again, another criminal has been publicly exposed," said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.</p>

<p>Vinicius, 22, has been the victim of racist abuse on many occasions in the past two seasons.</p>

<p>Brazil decided the friendly was a good opportunity to strike back as the match was staged on Spanish soil.</p>

<p>In a powerful move, Brazil abandoned their iconic yellow and green shirts and were instead kitted out in an all-black strip in a stand against racism for the first half of the game.</p>

<p>The Brazilian Football Confederation was behind the gesture accompanied by the slogan of "Com racismo nao tem jogo" (With racism, there is no game).</p>

<p>Vinicius himself, wearing the number 10 shirt, got on the score sheet with an 88th minute penalty, by this time kitted out in Brazil's usual colours.</p>

<p>Earlier in the week the Spanish and Brazilian football federations presented their plan for a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabeu in March 2024 to combat racism following global outrage at the abuse of Vinicius.</p>

<p>World football governing body FIFA also announced plans to create an anti-racism taskforce in which Vinicius would have a "prominent role".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Vinicius Junior complained on Sunday about an alleged racist act by stadium security aimed at one of his staff before the friendly between Brazil and Guinea in Barcelona.

Vinicius Junior complained on Sunday about an alleged racist act by stadium security aimed at one of his staff before the friendly between Brazil and Guinea in Barcelona. The Selecao wore black shirts in the 4-1 victory at Espanyol's stadium on Saturday night, to protest against racial discrimination after Real Madrid winger Vinicius had been abused by Valencia fans, provoking global outrage in May. It was one of several incidents in which Vinicius was racially abused in Spain. "While I was playing in the already historic black shirt and getting emotional, my friend was humiliated and mocked at the entrance to the stadium," wrote Vinicius on Twitter early Sunday. "The treatment was sad ... to make everything public, I ask those responsible: where is the security camera footage?" During a search at the entrance to the stadium, a security guard allegedly abused Vinicius' friend and advisor, Felipe Silveira, 27. "Hands up, this is my gun for you," he is accused of saying, while taking a banana out of his pocket, according to an extract from the complaint filed by the player's friend, published by Brazilian news website Globo Esporte. ALSO READ: Croatia's experience might provide edge against Spain in Nations League Final, says Ivan Perisic Silveira and three other members of Vinicius' staff complained and called police to the scene, the Brazilian website added. Footage broadcast by Brazilian channel SporTV shows heated exchanges between the player's friends and staff at the stadium. The guard and the security company denied the allegations, Brazilian media reported. The Brazilian football federation (CBF) said they had taken action as soon as it became aware of the complaint and called on the police and match organisers to "give their full support and protection to yet another victim of racism, a crime that must be fought vehemently and relentlessly". "Today, once again, another criminal has been publicly exposed," said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues. Vinicius, 22, has been the victim of racist abuse on many occasions in the past two seasons. Brazil decided the friendly was a good opportunity to strike back as the match was staged on Spanish soil. In a powerful move, Brazil abandoned their iconic yellow and green shirts and were instead kitted out in an all-black strip in a stand against racism for the first half of the game. The Brazilian Football Confederation was behind the gesture accompanied by the slogan of "Com racismo nao tem jogo" (With racism, there is no game). Vinicius himself, wearing the number 10 shirt, got on the score sheet with an 88th minute penalty, by this time kitted out in Brazil's usual colours. Earlier in the week the Spanish and Brazilian football federations presented their plan for a friendly match at the Santiago Bernabeu in March 2024 to combat racism following global outrage at the abuse of Vinicius. World football governing body FIFA also announced plans to create an anti-racism taskforce in which Vinicius would have a "prominent role". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vinicius Jr complains as advisor racially abused at Brazil friendly in Spain

<p>Pro-cannabis protesters demonstrated in&nbsp;Sao&nbsp;Paulo&nbsp;on Saturday (June 17) to demand the decriminalisation of the plant.</p>

<p>During the protest, attendees held signs defending the use of marijuana and smoked on the street.</p>

<p>Amongst the main demands was the de-stigmatisation of medicinal marijuana, said Angela Boin, member of Maesconhas - a word play with the words marijuana and mothers in Portuguese.</p>

<p>Currently, Brazil allows the sale and production of cannabis products, but companies must import the key ingredients.</p>

<p>Next year, the country’s Supreme Court of Justice (STJ) is expected to rule on whether companies and farmers can plant cannabis.</p>

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Pro-cannabis protesters demonstrated in Sao Paulo on Saturday (June 17) to demand the decriminalisation of the plant. During the protest, attendees held signs defending the use of marijuana and smoked on the street.

Pro-cannabis protesters demonstrated in Sao Paulo on Saturday (June 17) to demand the decriminalisation of the plant. During the protest, attendees held signs defending the use of marijuana and smoked on the street. Amongst the main demands was the de-stigmatisation of medicinal marijuana, said Angela Boin, member of Maesconhas - a word play with the words marijuana and mothers in Portuguese. Currently, Brazil allows the sale and production of cannabis products, but companies must import the key ingredients. Next year, the country’s Supreme Court of Justice (STJ) is expected to rule on whether companies and farmers can plant cannabis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazilians protest to demand cannabis decriminalisation

This digital exhibition in Rio de Janeiro is mixing mirrors with nature and aims to get people thinking about conservation 'Sea of Mirrors' projects images of the sea, space, glaciers, and sunsets onto screens and mirrors. The show spans nearly 14,000 square feet in an annex of AquaRio, the largest marine aquarium in South America.

Digital exhibit in Brazil mixes mirrors and nature

The digital exhibition 'Sea of Mirrors' immerses Rio de Janeiro's residents in the beauty of nature and the universe.

Digital exhibit immerses Brazilians, conservationists in wonders of nature

Israel shocked favourites Brazil 3-2 and advanced to the semifinals of the Under-20 World Cup in San Juan. The tense encounter featured extra-time goals and two penalty shots wasted by Israel.

Israel shock Brazil to reach U20 World Cup semifinals

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<p>Six months into his tenure, Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is making good on his election promises. Satellite monitoring has revealed that only 1,989 square kilometres of forest cover was destroyed in Brazil between January-May, down from 2,867 square kilometres during the same period last year.</p>

<p>The 31 per cent decline in deforestation comes as welcome news for environmentalists who were worried about the South American country's dwindling forest cover under former president Jair Bolsonaro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker.</p>

<p>"We had assumed deforestation at an accelerated rate and we are now managing to invert the curve," said&nbsp;Joao Paulo Capobianco, deforestation control secretary at Brazil's Environment Ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Lula administration imposed hefty fines to the tune of&nbsp;$406 million in the first five months of the year which contributed to the fight to protect the environment. The fines imposed saw an uptick of 160 per cent from the annual average figure for the same period during Bolsonaro's four tumultuous years in the office. Additionally, 2,255 farms were slapped with embargoes for environmental wrongdoing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazils-lula-spoke-to-putin-turned-down-invitation-to-visit-russia-597131"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia</strong></a></p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-given-reality-check-after-congress-passes-cuts-to-environment-indigenous-ministries-599590#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lula faces setbacks</strong></h2>

<p>Having kept deforestation in check, Lula, however, is faced with a problem. The recent week was saddled with setbacks for the 'eco-conscious' leader. The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate passed a series of bills that curtail Lula's power to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment.</p>

<p>With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects in the Amazon,&nbsp;protected indigenous lands that could put the tribal population and their already-dwindling culture in peril. While Lula licks his wounds, Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-lula-given-reality-check-after-congress-passes-cuts-to-environment-indigenous-ministries-599590"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Brazil's Lula given reality check after Congress passes cuts to environment, Indigenous ministries</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Reality check for Lula</strong></h2>

<p>The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Six months into his tenure, Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is making good on his election promises. Satellite monitoring has revealed that only 1,989 square kilometres of forest cover was destroyed in Brazil between January-May, down from 2,867 square kilometres during the same period last year.

Six months into his tenure, Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is making good on his election promises. Satellite monitoring has revealed that only 1,989 square kilometres of forest cover was destroyed in Brazil between January-May, down from 2,867 square kilometres during the same period last year. The 31 per cent decline in deforestation comes as welcome news for environmentalists who were worried about the South American country's dwindling forest cover under former president Jair Bolsonaro. One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker. "We had assumed deforestation at an accelerated rate and we are now managing to invert the curve," said Joao Paulo Capobianco, deforestation control secretary at Brazil's Environment Ministry. The Lula administration imposed hefty fines to the tune of $406 million in the first five months of the year which contributed to the fight to protect the environment. The fines imposed saw an uptick of 160 per cent from the annual average figure for the same period during Bolsonaro's four tumultuous years in the office. Additionally, 2,255 farms were slapped with embargoes for environmental wrongdoing. WATCH | Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia × Lula faces setbacks Having kept deforestation in check, Lula, however, is faced with a problem. The recent week was saddled with setbacks for the 'eco-conscious' leader. The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate passed a series of bills that curtail Lula's power to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment. With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects in the Amazon, protected indigenous lands that could put the tribal population and their already-dwindling culture in peril. While Lula licks his wounds, Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future. Also read | Brazil's Lula given reality check after Congress passes cuts to environment, Indigenous ministries Reality check for Lula The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon deforestation down 31% as Lula makes good on his election promise

Indigenous protesters faced off with Brazilian police on the 30th of May. One of the busiest highways leading into Sao Paolo had been blocked with flaming barricades. In an attempt to clear the road, police fired tear gas into protesters, who responded by firing arrows. The protest is against a proposed law that would limit the indigenous peoples' ability to win protected status for ancestral lands. Mohammed Saleh explores.

Indigenous tribes face-off with Brazilian police

Brazil seems to have made a strong economic comeback in the first three months of 2023, thanks to its bumper harvests. Government data shows that Brazil's economy grew 1.9% between January and March 2023. But when compared to the same period in 2022, the economy grew 4%

Brazil economy upbeat: Brazil grows by 1.9% in January-March 2023

<p>The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to&nbsp;President&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to nine which removes the power&nbsp;of the&nbsp;Ministry of Indigenous Peoples to demarcate new reserves, which now returns to the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, the&nbsp;Ministry of Environment is also set to lose its oversight over the registration of rural lands which was necessary to combat illegal deforestation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was only after Lula ascended to power earlier this year that he created the country's first-ever&nbsp;Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. However, the powers granted to the ministries were provisional and needed congressional approval to become permanent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazils-lula-spoke-to-putin-turned-down-invitation-to-visit-russia-597131"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia</strong></a></p>

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<p>One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker.&nbsp;However, the inability to work with the conservatives has come back to haunt him.</p>

<p>He could still veto parts of the measure but they will return to the Congress and it looks highly unlikely that he will have his way over there.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Reality check for Lula</strong></h2>

<p>The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lula-welcomes-back-banned-leader-maduro-both-hit-out-at-us-sanctions-on-venezuela-598239"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Lula welcomes back banned leader Maduro, both hit out at US sanctions against Venezuela</strong></a></p>

<p>With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects on protected indigenous lands which could put the tribal population and their&nbsp;already-dwindling culture in peril.&nbsp;While Lula licks his wounds,&nbsp;Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You will have Indigenous blood on your hands,” Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá was quoted as saying in the parliament during the voting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Climate Observatory watchdog took a scathing view of developments and said it was the "most shameful day" the Brazilian parliament had witnessed "since the 2016 impeachment of Dilma Rousseff”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bolsonaro is gone but the extermination [of Indigenous communities and the environment] continues,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment.

The conservative-majority Brazilian Senate on Thursday passed a bill that lands a devastating blow to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's powers to protect Indigenous communities, isolated tribes as well as the environment. The Senate passed the bill by a vote of 51 to nine which removes the power of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples to demarcate new reserves, which now returns to the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, the Ministry of Environment is also set to lose its oversight over the registration of rural lands which was necessary to combat illegal deforestation. Notably, it was only after Lula ascended to power earlier this year that he created the country's first-ever Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. However, the powers granted to the ministries were provisional and needed congressional approval to become permanent. WATCH | Brazil's Lula spoke to Putin, turned down invitation to visit Russia × One of the biggest poll planks of Lula during the presidential election trail was to protect the Amazons, the indigenous people and keep Brazil corruption free. He faced stiff competition from former president Jair Bolsonaro but managed to achieve a narrow win, before finally clearing several political hurdles to become the top lawmaker. However, the inability to work with the conservatives has come back to haunt him. He could still veto parts of the measure but they will return to the Congress and it looks highly unlikely that he will have his way over there. Reality check for Lula The passing of the bill has come as a reality check for Lula after his idealism collided with political number power. Despite his noble intentions, the truth is that Lula has no base in Congress beyond the left and centre-left parties, experts say. The conservatives used the strength of Congress and managed to pin down Lula. Also read | Lula welcomes back banned leader Maduro, both hit out at US sanctions against Venezuela With Lula's power gone, it opens the door to the construction of rampant infrastructure projects on protected indigenous lands which could put the tribal population and their already-dwindling culture in peril. While Lula licks his wounds, Indigenous leaders and environmentalists are worried about the future. “You will have Indigenous blood on your hands,” Indigenous congresswoman Célia Xakriabá was quoted as saying in the parliament during the voting. Meanwhile, the Climate Observatory watchdog took a scathing view of developments and said it was the "most shameful day" the Brazilian parliament had witnessed "since the 2016 impeachment of Dilma Rousseff”. "Bolsonaro is gone but the extermination [of Indigenous communities and the environment] continues,” it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Brazil's Lula given reality check after Congress passes cuts to environment, Indigenous ministries

In Pics | Arrows, tear gas fly as Brazil's indigenous clash with police over land recognition

Massive paradigm shifts are afoot in South American politics Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro is visiting Brazil for the first time since he was banned by the former far-right president of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro in 2019. President Lula de Silva of Brazil urged Maduro to build a new narrative.

New era opening between Brazil & Venezuela as Lula calls out US sanctions on Venezuela

<p>Almost 300 kilograms of marijuana was recovered from an aircraft owned by a Brazilian church last week. The single-engine plane was supposed to take off from a private hangar at the Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport in Brazil's Belém, nearly 3,200 km north of Rio de Janeiro.</p>

<p>One person was arrested at the scene after trying to escape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to CNN Brasil, the suspect tried to run away after seeing the approaching authorities but did not get too far as the police soon caught hold of him.</p>

<p>"The drugs took up almost every seat. Apart from the shipment, only the pilot and the passenger could have fit on the plane," the police told the media.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-military-patrols-northern-amazon-border-region-to-curb-drugs-and-weapons-trafficking-340191">Brazil military patrols northern Amazon border region to curb drugs and weapons trafficking</a></strong></p>

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<p>Footage released by the Brazilian Federal Police shows the drug seizure that took place on Saturday.</p>

<p>An investigation was launched to determine the crime, while the plane and the mobile phone of the detained man were seized.</p>

<p>However, the pilot was not detained because his involvement in the crime could not be proven, reports in the Brazilian media showed.</p>

<p>Earlier in March, in a significant victory for the war on drugs, law enforcement organisations involving Latin America and Europe took down Brazil’s most active drug trafficking group that had inundated Europe with multi-tonne shipments of cocaine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the course of the aforementioned investigation, over 17 tonnes of cocaine were seized, with an estimated street value of several billions of euros.</p>

<h2><strong>Brazilian cities and&nbsp;Cracolândia</strong></h2>

<p>Many Brazilian cities in the past have reported combating the onslaught of Cracolândia, the shady marketplaces where drugs are bought and sold.</p>

<p>Sao Paulo hosts the world's oldest and largest&nbsp;open-air drug markets, moving an estimated $37 million of product each year, according to Washington Post.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brazil and drug menace</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil has become one of the top suppliers of cocaine to Europe, transforming the country’s role in the trans-Atlantic drug trade at a speed that has stunned anti-narcotics authorities.</p>

<p>Long described as a cocaine-consuming nation, a market for the&nbsp;product manufactured in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, Brazil in the recent past has turned into a critical launchpad to get it across the ocean to Europe.</p>

<p>Local syndicates in the past had&nbsp;infiltrated Brazil’s ports,&nbsp;sending record amounts of coke on container ships bound for Europe, where it fetches premium prices.</p>

<p>Brazilian gangs are now integral players feeding Europe’s cocaine market, valued at more than 9 billion euros ($10.15 billion), as of 2020, according to a Reuters analysis of customs data on cocaine seizures, confidential intelligence reports and research studies on illegal drugs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Almost 300 kilograms of marijuana was recovered from an aircraft owned by a Brazilian church last week. The single-engine plane was supposed to take off from a private hangar at the Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport in Brazil's Belém, nearly 3,200 km north of Rio de Janeiro.

Almost 300 kilograms of marijuana was recovered from an aircraft owned by a Brazilian church last week. The single-engine plane was supposed to take off from a private hangar at the Júlio Cezar Ribeiro International Airport in Brazil's Belém, nearly 3,200 km north of Rio de Janeiro. One person was arrested at the scene after trying to escape. According to CNN Brasil, the suspect tried to run away after seeing the approaching authorities but did not get too far as the police soon caught hold of him. "The drugs took up almost every seat. Apart from the shipment, only the pilot and the passenger could have fit on the plane," the police told the media. ALSO WATCH | Brazil military patrols northern Amazon border region to curb drugs and weapons trafficking × Footage released by the Brazilian Federal Police shows the drug seizure that took place on Saturday. An investigation was launched to determine the crime, while the plane and the mobile phone of the detained man were seized. However, the pilot was not detained because his involvement in the crime could not be proven, reports in the Brazilian media showed. Earlier in March, in a significant victory for the war on drugs, law enforcement organisations involving Latin America and Europe took down Brazil’s most active drug trafficking group that had inundated Europe with multi-tonne shipments of cocaine. During the course of the aforementioned investigation, over 17 tonnes of cocaine were seized, with an estimated street value of several billions of euros. Brazilian cities and Cracolândia Many Brazilian cities in the past have reported combating the onslaught of Cracolândia, the shady marketplaces where drugs are bought and sold. Sao Paulo hosts the world's oldest and largest open-air drug markets, moving an estimated $37 million of product each year, according to Washington Post. Brazil and drug menace Brazil has become one of the top suppliers of cocaine to Europe, transforming the country’s role in the trans-Atlantic drug trade at a speed that has stunned anti-narcotics authorities. Long described as a cocaine-consuming nation, a market for the product manufactured in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia, Brazil in the recent past has turned into a critical launchpad to get it across the ocean to Europe. Local syndicates in the past had infiltrated Brazil’s ports, sending record amounts of coke on container ships bound for Europe, where it fetches premium prices. Brazilian gangs are now integral players feeding Europe’s cocaine market, valued at more than 9 billion euros ($10.15 billion), as of 2020, according to a Reuters analysis of customs data on cocaine seizures, confidential intelligence reports and research studies on illegal drugs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil: 300 kg marijuana busted on church-owned airplane

Brazil's indigenous groups were under serious threat during Jair Bolsonaro's reign as he not only ignored their rights but many accused him of targeting the tribes and their ancestral lands as well. So when Lula de Silva won the election last year there was hope because he promised to undo past discriminatory rules and do more to accept the indigenous people. But what is happening on the streets of Sao Paulo is painting a completely different picture.

Indigenous groups face off with Brazil police, clashes erupt

<p>Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has visited Brazil for the first time since he was prohibited from entering in 2019 by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.&nbsp;Maduro was warmly welcomed by the new president, fellow leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, ahead of a Latin American leaders' conference in Brasilia.</p>

<p>"What's important about Maduro coming here is that it's the beginning of Maduro's return," Lula said, as reported by the BBC.</p>

<p>A number of nations have questioned&nbsp;Maduro's legitimacy, labelling him a dictator.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lula stated in a greeting to his visitor in the Brazilian capital on Monday (May 29) that his own comeback had arrived five months earlier, referring to the period when he reclaimed power after defeating Bolsonaro in close presidential elections.</p>

<p>Maduro stated that Venezuela is open to Brazilian investment and that the two nations "must be united, from now on and always."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maduro last visited Brazil in 2015. Jair Bolsonaro was primarily opposed to Venezuela's socialist president and was unlikely to accept an invitation.</p>

<p>However, Lula previously had cordial relations with both Nicolás Maduro and his political mentor, the late Hugo Chávez.</p>

<p>Lula slammed the United States' "extremely exaggerated" sanctions against Venezuela, saying it was illogical that the US would "impose 900 sanctions because they don't get on."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He urged&nbsp;his South American ally to develop a new "narrative" about authoritarianism, claiming that an unfair and "constructed" one had been formed around Venezuela's status of democracy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/missing-brazilian-actors-body-found-6-feet-underground-in-buried-wooden-trunk-597095">Missing Brazilian actor’s body found buried 6 feet underground in wooden trunk</a></p>

<h2><strong>What does the visit mean for Maduro?</strong></h2>

<p>Maduro used his visit to reiterate his appeal for the US sanctions to be repealed, saying he would rally South American states to reject them as a regional bloc.</p>

<p>Several South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia, as well as Brazil, are presently headed by left-wing politicians and may offer their support to such a viewpoint, reported The BBC.</p>

<p>However, it is questionable if such a demand would have any actual impact on the Biden administration's actions towards Venezuela.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Amazon city of Belem set to host COP30 in 2025, says Brazil's Lula</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Maduro now&nbsp;increasingly authoritarian?</strong></h2>

<p>Maduro has been more dictatorial since his election in 2013.</p>

<p>His attack on opposition activists eventually led to the US putting sanctions on his administration and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as short-term president in 2019 following a contentious election.</p>

<p>Last December, Venezuela's opposition National Assembly decided to dissolve its parallel government and depose Guaidó.</p>

<p>Many Western countries, including the United States, acknowledged him, but he failed to depose the left-wing president.</p>

<p>The vote demonstrated how many opposition lawmakers in Venezuela had lost trust in Guaidó.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has visited Brazil for the first time since he was prohibited from entering in 2019 by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has visited Brazil for the first time since he was prohibited from entering in 2019 by former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. Maduro was warmly welcomed by the new president, fellow leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, ahead of a Latin American leaders' conference in Brasilia. "What's important about Maduro coming here is that it's the beginning of Maduro's return," Lula said, as reported by the BBC. A number of nations have questioned Maduro's legitimacy, labelling him a dictator. Lula stated in a greeting to his visitor in the Brazilian capital on Monday (May 29) that his own comeback had arrived five months earlier, referring to the period when he reclaimed power after defeating Bolsonaro in close presidential elections. Maduro stated that Venezuela is open to Brazilian investment and that the two nations "must be united, from now on and always." Maduro last visited Brazil in 2015. Jair Bolsonaro was primarily opposed to Venezuela's socialist president and was unlikely to accept an invitation. However, Lula previously had cordial relations with both Nicolás Maduro and his political mentor, the late Hugo Chávez. Lula slammed the United States' "extremely exaggerated" sanctions against Venezuela, saying it was illogical that the US would "impose 900 sanctions because they don't get on." He urged his South American ally to develop a new "narrative" about authoritarianism, claiming that an unfair and "constructed" one had been formed around Venezuela's status of democracy. ALSO READ | Missing Brazilian actor’s body found buried 6 feet underground in wooden trunk What does the visit mean for Maduro? Maduro used his visit to reiterate his appeal for the US sanctions to be repealed, saying he would rally South American states to reject them as a regional bloc. Several South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia, as well as Brazil, are presently headed by left-wing politicians and may offer their support to such a viewpoint, reported The BBC. However, it is questionable if such a demand would have any actual impact on the Biden administration's actions towards Venezuela. ALSO WATCH | Amazon city of Belem set to host COP30 in 2025, says Brazil's Lula Maduro now increasingly authoritarian? Maduro has been more dictatorial since his election in 2013. His attack on opposition activists eventually led to the US putting sanctions on his administration and recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as short-term president in 2019 following a contentious election. Last December, Venezuela's opposition National Assembly decided to dissolve its parallel government and depose Guaidó. Many Western countries, including the United States, acknowledged him, but he failed to depose the left-wing president. The vote demonstrated how many opposition lawmakers in Venezuela had lost trust in Guaidó. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lula welcomes back banned leader Maduro, both hit out at US sanctions against Venezuela

As the war in Ukraine rages on, experts believe this conflict will last for decades. Recently, Russia took control of Bakhmut in a blood-filled capture. It also faced a 'sabotage-attack'. Meanwhile, Ukraine's dream of getting F-16 jets got a green signal at the G7 summit. But who will be providing these jets to Kyiv? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

Putin tells Brazil's Lula that Russia is open to dialogue over Ukraine

<p>Google on Wednesday removed a controversial game from its app store that triggered outrage in Brazil.</p>

<p>The game dubbed as 'Slavery Simulator' allowed players to buy and sell enslaved Black characters.</p>

<p>Launched by Magnus Games on 20 April, the game was downloaded more than 1,000 times before being removed, as per local media reports.</p>

<p>According to CNN Brasil, the country's Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a probe into the reason why the game was made available for download on the Google play store.</p>

<p>The authorities requested “specific information about the game” from Google, adding a “great number of racist comments” were also identified in the Google platform.</p>

<p>Within the game, users could “exchange, buy and sell slaves,” images show. “Choose one of two objectives at the start of the slave owner simulator: the Path of the Tyrant or the Path of the Liberator. Become a wealthy slave owner or achieve the abolition of slavery,” said the game’s description.</p>

<p>According to local media reports, in one of the modes that were offered to the players, the game said, “Use slaves for your own enrichment. Prevent the abolition of slavery and accumulate wealth.”</p>

<p>As per the images of the game, the prompts of the user included, “Slave level: the highest the level, the highest the profit the slave will bring,” and “You need guards! You have slaves but no one is guarding them. Without guards, the slaves will run away or rebel. Hire some fighters. Usually, 1 guard is enough for 30 slaves,” showed the screengrabs of the game.</p>

<h2><strong>Netizens react</strong></h2>

<p>The game took social media by storm in no time with several users condemning the developers of the game and tech giant Google.</p>

<p>Multiple users took to Twitter and criticized the game.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The normalization of violence against Black people is so wide than then things like this happen,” Levi Kaique Ferreira, an influencer activist and professor, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>“Our country was built with the blood of the Black population. People were killed, tortured. A “Slavery Simulator” is not a theme for games,” lawmaker Denise Pessoa posted on Twitter.</p>

<p>Another lawmaker, Orlando Silva, made a formal complaint to the Public Prosecutor against the “macabre” game. “This is apology to crime, this is recreational racism, they have to answer criminally,” he said on Twitter.</p>

<p>Google, in a statement to CNN Brasil, said, “We have a robust set of policies that are designed to keep users safe and that all developers must follow. We don’t allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, or that depict or promote gratuitous violence or other dangerous activities. Anyone who believes they have found an app that violates our rules can file a report. When we identify a policy violation, we take appropriate action”.</p>

<p>At the time of removal, the game had a rating of four out of five stars, with one review reading: "Great game to pass the time. But I think it lacked more torture options."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Google on Wednesday removed a controversial game from its app store that triggered outrage in Brazil. The game dubbed as 'Slavery Simulator' allowed players to buy and sell enslaved Black characters.

Google on Wednesday removed a controversial game from its app store that triggered outrage in Brazil. The game dubbed as 'Slavery Simulator' allowed players to buy and sell enslaved Black characters. Launched by Magnus Games on 20 April, the game was downloaded more than 1,000 times before being removed, as per local media reports. According to CNN Brasil, the country's Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a probe into the reason why the game was made available for download on the Google play store. The authorities requested “specific information about the game” from Google, adding a “great number of racist comments” were also identified in the Google platform. Within the game, users could “exchange, buy and sell slaves,” images show. “Choose one of two objectives at the start of the slave owner simulator: the Path of the Tyrant or the Path of the Liberator. Become a wealthy slave owner or achieve the abolition of slavery,” said the game’s description. According to local media reports, in one of the modes that were offered to the players, the game said, “Use slaves for your own enrichment. Prevent the abolition of slavery and accumulate wealth.” As per the images of the game, the prompts of the user included, “Slave level: the highest the level, the highest the profit the slave will bring,” and “You need guards! You have slaves but no one is guarding them. Without guards, the slaves will run away or rebel. Hire some fighters. Usually, 1 guard is enough for 30 slaves,” showed the screengrabs of the game. Netizens react The game took social media by storm in no time with several users condemning the developers of the game and tech giant Google. Multiple users took to Twitter and criticized the game. “The normalization of violence against Black people is so wide than then things like this happen,” Levi Kaique Ferreira, an influencer activist and professor, wrote on Twitter. “Our country was built with the blood of the Black population. People were killed, tortured. A “Slavery Simulator” is not a theme for games,” lawmaker Denise Pessoa posted on Twitter. Another lawmaker, Orlando Silva, made a formal complaint to the Public Prosecutor against the “macabre” game. “This is apology to crime, this is recreational racism, they have to answer criminally,” he said on Twitter. Google, in a statement to CNN Brasil, said, “We have a robust set of policies that are designed to keep users safe and that all developers must follow. We don’t allow apps that promote violence or incite hatred against individuals or groups based on race or ethnic origin, or that depict or promote gratuitous violence or other dangerous activities. Anyone who believes they have found an app that violates our rules can file a report. When we identify a policy violation, we take appropriate action”. At the time of removal, the game had a rating of four out of five stars, with one review reading: "Great game to pass the time. But I think it lacked more torture options." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Google removes controversial game 'Slavery Simulator' from app store after widespread criticism in Brazil

Brazilian activists are flipping out. A recent move by the Brazilian Congress outraged tons of activists in the country. Brazilian congress moved to dilute the powers of the environment & Indigenous peoples ministries. The legislation slashes the authority of the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples (MPI) & the Environment (MMA). Campaigners called the move, a crippling blow to efforts to protect Indigenous communities & the Amazon

Why is Brazil Congress diluting powers of environment & Indigenous Ministries?

Brazil, the world's largest chicken exporter, has declared a nationwide "animal health emergency" after confirming eight cases of avian flu in wild birds, authorities said. The 180-day measure was announced Monday night by the agriculture ministry.

Bird flu: Brazil declares animal health emergency after several cases found

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