According to an announcement made over the weekend by Funai, Brazil's federal agency for Indigenous Affairs, the last remaining member of an uncontacted Amazonian tribe has been discovered dead in a remote area of the rainforest.

Last surviving member of an uncontacted Amazonian tribe found dead in Brazil

Brazilian state prosecutors pressed charges against a German diplomat on Monday accused of the murder of his Belgian husband. They are also investigating reports that he has left the country after being released from police custody. Uwe Herbert Hahn worked at the German consulate in Rio de Janeiro and&nbsp;was indicted by the city prosecutors' office with aggravated murder, following the death of his husband, Walter Biot, earlier this month.

A state court released Hahn from a preemptive arrest on Friday claiming that prosecutors missed the initial deadline to present charges. He had been under arrest since August 7.&nbsp;

Brazilian news portal G1 reported that Hahn took a flight out of Brazil and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, early on Monday. However, the prosecutors' office said it was still investigating whether the consul had left the country.

Prosecutors, in a document, have said "the crime was committed with cruel means-severe beating causing intense and unnecessary suffering". They further said that the victim was unable to react due to the ingestion of alcohol and anxiety medication.

The prosecutors said the accused "nurtured an abject feeling of possession for the victim, subjugating him financially and psychologically, and not admitting that the victim tried to establish some level of independence from the accused, either economically or by establishing friendly relations with other people."

After Biot's death, Hahn said he had fallen from their apartment in the Ipanema neighborhood after suffering a sudden illness.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Brazilian state prosecutors pressed charges against a German diplomat on Monday accused of the murder of his Belgian husband. They are also investigating reports that he has left the country after being released from police custody.

Brazilian state prosecutors pressed charges against a German diplomat on Monday accused of the murder of his Belgian husband. They are also investigating reports that he has left the country after being released from police custody. Uwe Herbert Hahn worked at the German consulate in Rio de Janeiro and was indicted by the city prosecutors' office with aggravated murder, following the death of his husband, Walter Biot, earlier this month. A state court released Hahn from a preemptive arrest on Friday claiming that prosecutors missed the initial deadline to present charges. He had been under arrest since August 7. Brazilian news portal G1 reported that Hahn took a flight out of Brazil and arrived in Frankfurt, Germany, early on Monday. However, the prosecutors' office said it was still investigating whether the consul had left the country. Prosecutors, in a document, have said "the crime was committed with cruel means-severe beating causing intense and unnecessary suffering". They further said that the victim was unable to react due to the ingestion of alcohol and anxiety medication. The prosecutors said the accused "nurtured an abject feeling of possession for the victim, subjugating him financially and psychologically, and not admitting that the victim tried to establish some level of independence from the accused, either economically or by establishing friendly relations with other people." After Biot's death, Hahn said he had fallen from their apartment in the Ipanema neighborhood after suffering a sudden illness. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil: German diplomat charged for husband's death

An unidentified indigenous man, who was thought to be the last member of his tribe in the Amazon, passed away and his death has resulted in a lot of discussion among activists. A number of people who work towards the conservation of arts and languages lamented the loss of an entire line of Brazilian Amazon tribes and contemplated the impact that this loss will have on overall culture.

According to The Guardian, the indigenous man was known as Índio do Buraco, or the “Indigenous man of the hole”. He did not have any contact with the outside world and any attempt to establish contact was met with traps and arrows from the holes that he made near his residence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-artemis-i-mission-to-moon-when-and-where-to-watch-the-historic-launch-511005">NASA's Artemis I mission to Moon: When and where to watch the historic launch</a>

“Having endured atrocious massacres and land invasions, rejecting contact with outsiders was his best chance of survival,” said Sarah Shenker, a campaigner at Survival International, said.

“He was the last of his tribe, and so that is one more tribe made extinct – not disappeared, as some people say, it’s much more active and genocidal a process than disappearing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-aid-reaches-flood-stricken-pakistan-511096" hreflang="en">International aid reaches flood-stricken Pak; death toll crosses 1000-mark</a>

The man found a lot of coverage in the local media and even featured in a number of documentaries. “He didn’t trust anyone because he had many traumatising experiences with non-Indigenous people,” said Marcelo dos Santos, a retired explorer, told The Guardian.

Right now, there are believed to be less than 300 indigenous tribes are currently there in Brazil and the number is going down slowly. 30 more groups exist but experts have no information on them.

An unidentified indigenous man, who was thought to be the last member of his tribe in the Amazon, passed away and his death has resulted in a lot of discussion among activists.

An unidentified indigenous man, who was thought to be the last member of his tribe in the Amazon, passed away and his death has resulted in a lot of discussion among activists. A number of people who work towards the conservation of arts and languages lamented the loss of an entire line of Brazilian Amazon tribes and contemplated the impact that this loss will have on overall culture. According to The Guardian, the indigenous man was known as Índio do Buraco, or the “Indigenous man of the hole”. He did not have any contact with the outside world and any attempt to establish contact was met with traps and arrows from the holes that he made near his residence. Also read | NASA's Artemis I mission to Moon: When and where to watch the historic launch “Having endured atrocious massacres and land invasions, rejecting contact with outsiders was his best chance of survival,” said Sarah Shenker, a campaigner at Survival International, said. “He was the last of his tribe, and so that is one more tribe made extinct – not disappeared, as some people say, it’s much more active and genocidal a process than disappearing.” Also read | International aid reaches flood-stricken Pak; death toll crosses 1000-mark The man found a lot of coverage in the local media and even featured in a number of documentaries. “He didn’t trust anyone because he had many traumatising experiences with non-Indigenous people,” said Marcelo dos Santos, a retired explorer, told The Guardian. Right now, there are believed to be less than 300 indigenous tribes are currently there in Brazil and the number is going down slowly. 30 more groups exist but experts have no information on them.

‘Man of the hole’: Last member of indigenous tribe dies in Brazil's Amazon rainforest

The race for the next Brazilian president is heating up. The presidential polls are more than a month away but the incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro has alleged fraud in past elections. Da Silva has promised crackdown on corruption if elected.

Brazil braces up for presidential elections; Bolsonaro alleges fraud in past elections

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high.&nbsp;

According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, 3,358 flames were discovered on Monday, August 22, the most for any 24-hour period since September 2007.&nbsp;

The number was almost three times higher than what was reported on the so-called "Day of Fire" on August 10, 2019, when farmers in the northern state of Para initiated a concerted effort to burn vast quantities of felled rainforest.

Then, flames caused a global outcry over images of one of the most important resources on Earth burning by sending thick, grey smoke 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) to Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

According to Alberto Setzer, director of INPE's fire surveillance programme, there is no evidence that the fires on Monday were planned. Instead, he said, they seem to follow a trend of escalating burning and deforestation.&nbsp;

According to experts, illicit farmers, ranchers, and investors destroy the land and burn trees to start fires in the Amazon.

With the arrival of drier weather in August, the Amazon fire season often begins in earnest.&nbsp;

For the forest, a crucial barrier against global warming, this year has been concerning thus far: INPE identified 5,373 fires last month, up 8% from July of last year.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-will-prominently-label-american-medical-facilities-that-perform-abortion-510215">Google will prominently label American medical facilities&nbsp;that perform abortion</a>

With 24,124 fires reported so far this month, it is on track to be the worst August under President Jair Bolsonaro, albeit that number is still significantly below the 63,764 fires reported in August 2005, the worst August on record going back to the start of records in 1998.

Agribusiness ally Bolsonaro is under fire internationally for a rise of Amazon devastation that occurred under his administration. The average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has surged by 75% since he assumed office in January 2019 compared to the preceding ten years.&nbsp;

That critique is rejected by the far-right president.

(with inputs from agencies)

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high.

Official statistics that delivered the most recent warning on the accelerating destruction of the largest rainforest in the world revealed this week that the number of forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon reached a nearly 15-year high. According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, 3,358 flames were discovered on Monday, August 22, the most for any 24-hour period since September 2007. The number was almost three times higher than what was reported on the so-called "Day of Fire" on August 10, 2019, when farmers in the northern state of Para initiated a concerted effort to burn vast quantities of felled rainforest. Then, flames caused a global outcry over images of one of the most important resources on Earth burning by sending thick, grey smoke 2,500 kilometres (1,500 miles) to Sao Paulo. According to Alberto Setzer, director of INPE's fire surveillance programme, there is no evidence that the fires on Monday were planned. Instead, he said, they seem to follow a trend of escalating burning and deforestation. According to experts, illicit farmers, ranchers, and investors destroy the land and burn trees to start fires in the Amazon. With the arrival of drier weather in August, the Amazon fire season often begins in earnest. For the forest, a crucial barrier against global warming, this year has been concerning thus far: INPE identified 5,373 fires last month, up 8% from July of last year. Also Read: Google will prominently label American medical facilities that perform abortion With 24,124 fires reported so far this month, it is on track to be the worst August under President Jair Bolsonaro, albeit that number is still significantly below the 63,764 fires reported in August 2005, the worst August on record going back to the start of records in 1998. Agribusiness ally Bolsonaro is under fire internationally for a rise of Amazon devastation that occurred under his administration. The average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has surged by 75% since he assumed office in January 2019 compared to the preceding ten years. That critique is rejected by the far-right president. (with inputs from agencies)

Number of forest fires in Brazilian Amazon hit 15-year high this week, 3,358 fires detected in one day

The heart of Portuguese monarch who declared Brazil's independence from Portugal has been brought from Portugal and will be on display during &nbsp;celebrations of independence anniversary.

The heart of Dom Pedro the First has been kept in formaldehyde in Porto, a Portuguese city. The heart has been kept there since 1834 when the monarch died at the age of 35.

The Portuguese government agreed to loan the heart to Brazil for three weeks for the bicentennial celebration. The Brazilian air force flew it to Brasilia, where it was received on Monday by the country's defense minister.

The relic will be received by Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro at the presidential palace. The monarch's heart will be received with military honours and a gun salute. It will then be put on public display at the foreign ministry. Brazil's independence day is on September 7.

Brazillian nationalists acclaim Pedro's declaration of independence as the birth of the country. It was an act of defiance against his father, Portuguese King Joao VI.&nbsp;

The Portuguese king's family was escorted to safety in Brazil by the British Navy in 1807 before Napoleon's forces invaded Portugal. On returning to Lisbon in 1821, he left his son Pedro as prince regent of Brazil.

Pedro's heart was separated in 1834 and kept in a church in Porto according to this last wishes. His remains were donated to Brazil in 1972 for the 150th commemoration of Brazilian independence and are kept in a museum in Sao Paulo.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The heart of Portuguese monarch who declared Brazil's independence from Portugal has been brought from Portugal and will be on display during celebrations of independence anniversary.

The heart of Portuguese monarch who declared Brazil's independence from Portugal has been brought from Portugal and will be on display during celebrations of independence anniversary. The heart of Dom Pedro the First has been kept in formaldehyde in Porto, a Portuguese city. The heart has been kept there since 1834 when the monarch died at the age of 35. The Portuguese government agreed to loan the heart to Brazil for three weeks for the bicentennial celebration. The Brazilian air force flew it to Brasilia, where it was received on Monday by the country's defense minister. The relic will be received by Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro at the presidential palace. The monarch's heart will be received with military honours and a gun salute. It will then be put on public display at the foreign ministry. Brazil's independence day is on September 7. Brazillian nationalists acclaim Pedro's declaration of independence as the birth of the country. It was an act of defiance against his father, Portuguese King Joao VI. The Portuguese king's family was escorted to safety in Brazil by the British Navy in 1807 before Napoleon's forces invaded Portugal. On returning to Lisbon in 1821, he left his son Pedro as prince regent of Brazil. Pedro's heart was separated in 1834 and kept in a church in Porto according to this last wishes. His remains were donated to Brazil in 1972 for the 150th commemoration of Brazilian independence and are kept in a museum in Sao Paulo. (With inputs from agencies)

Heart of Portuguese monarch who declared Brazil independence brought to Brazil

In the middle of the Brazilian election campaign season, President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro has made a fool of himself. The leader got into a scuffle&nbsp;with a social media influencer on Thursday after the 'heckler'&nbsp;dubbed the politician a "bum" and a "coward"&nbsp;and questioned&nbsp;him.

Video of the altercation outside the presidential mansion shows Bolsonaro grabbing the heckler in an apparent attempt to take his phone, as the man recorded himself criticising the far-right leader.

Watch the video here:

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Abuso de Poder: Jair Bolsonaro tenta restringir a liberdade de expressão de YouTuber 
 
Jair Bolsonaro abusando do seu poder, tento restringir a liberdade de expressão, ao tentar pegar o celular do YouTuber que o chamou de Tchutchuca do Centrão e questionava no Palácio do Alvorada. <a href="https://t.co/tYuj3WGmt6">pic.twitter.com/tYuj3WGmt6</a>
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The demonstrator as per an AFP report has been identified by news website G1 as Wilker Leao "a self-described lawyer, army corporal, politics junkie and military enthusiast with 127,000 followers on TikTok".

Watch |&nbsp;Brazilians took to the streets in defense of democracy over Bolsonaro election fears

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It further reports that Leao approached the president while filming with his phone and questioned why the leader had joined forces with the "Centrao," a coalition of parties, renowned for their involvement in corruption, and signed laws that limited plea bargains, which are frequently utilised in anti-corruption investigations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gloves-off-in-brazil-as-lula-bolsonaro-officially-start-courting-voters-507585">Gloves off in Brazil as Lula, Bolsonaro officially start courting voters</a>

As per a Reuters report, the president was subjected to a barrage of insults from Leao, including the terms "coward" and "Centrao's b****."

The video shows Jair Bolsonaro&nbsp;grabbing Leao by the front of his football jersey and then grasping his left arm with both hands, saying, "Come here, I want to talk to you."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bolsonaro-climate-change-and-fires-the-story-of-amazon-rainforests-devastation-506070">Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation</a>

Soon after the president's security team stepped in and led Leao away.

As per local media reports, afterwards, Bolsonaro permitted Leao to approach again, this time with a line of security between them and spoke briefly with him.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the middle of the Brazilian election campaign season, President Jair Bolsonaro has made a fool of himself. The leader got into a scuffle with a social media influencer on Thursday after the 'heckler' dubbed the politician a "bum" and a "coward" and questioned him.

In the middle of the Brazilian election campaign season, President Jair Bolsonaro has made a fool of himself. The leader got into a scuffle with a social media influencer on Thursday after the 'heckler' dubbed the politician a "bum" and a "coward" and questioned him. Video of the altercation outside the presidential mansion shows Bolsonaro grabbing the heckler in an apparent attempt to take his phone, as the man recorded himself criticising the far-right leader. Watch the video here: Abuso de Poder: Jair Bolsonaro tenta restringir a liberdade de expressão de YouTuber Jair Bolsonaro abusando do seu poder, tento restringir a liberdade de expressão, ao tentar pegar o celular do YouTuber que o chamou de Tchutchuca do Centrão e questionava no Palácio do Alvorada. pic.twitter.com/tYuj3WGmt6 — Fllics (@fllics) August 18, 2022 × The demonstrator as per an AFP report has been identified by news website G1 as Wilker Leao "a self-described lawyer, army corporal, politics junkie and military enthusiast with 127,000 followers on TikTok". Watch | Brazilians took to the streets in defense of democracy over Bolsonaro election fears It further reports that Leao approached the president while filming with his phone and questioned why the leader had joined forces with the "Centrao," a coalition of parties, renowned for their involvement in corruption, and signed laws that limited plea bargains, which are frequently utilised in anti-corruption investigations. Also read | Gloves off in Brazil as Lula, Bolsonaro officially start courting voters As per a Reuters report, the president was subjected to a barrage of insults from Leao, including the terms "coward" and "Centrao's b****." The video shows Jair Bolsonaro grabbing Leao by the front of his football jersey and then grasping his left arm with both hands, saying, "Come here, I want to talk to you." Also read | Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation Soon after the president's security team stepped in and led Leao away. As per local media reports, afterwards, Bolsonaro permitted Leao to approach again, this time with a line of security between them and spoke briefly with him. (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.

'Coward' Jair Bolsonaro gets into a spat, tries to snatch phone off heckler. Watch video here!

Tuesday marked the official beginning of the campaigns of Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist front-runner rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for Brazil's most divisive elections in decades.

Bolsonaro, a nationalist-populist with a conservative Christian agenda is running against a former union leader who served as president of the nation for two terms (2003–2010) but was imprisoned for corruption before his convictions were overturned.

In Juiz de Fora, where he was stabbed during the 2018 campaign that propelled him to power on a wave of anti-Lula enthusiasm, Bolsonaro, a former army captain, addressed a throng early on Tuesday afternoon.

Watch |&nbsp;Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro attends religious rally in an attempt to woo voters

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"Our country doesn't want corruption anymore, it wants order and prosperity," he said.

Lula began his campaign with a stop at the Volkswagen car factory's gates in industrial Sao Bernardo dos Campos outside of Sao Paulo, where he became a labour leader in the 1970s and pushed for better pay despite suppression under the military dictatorship. At 76, Lula is nine years older than his rival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bolsonaro-climate-change-and-fires-the-story-of-amazon-rainforests-devastation-506070">Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation</a>

In a video shared on social media early on Tuesday, Lula claimed that under Bolsonaro, hunger had returned to Brazil and that families unable to make ends meet on minimum wage were being affected by inflation.

He declared as he began his campaign for reelection, "We are going to have a lot of work to rebuild this country."

"I want to be president to change people's lives again, because the way it is, no one can take it anymore," he posted.

Most polls show Lula to have a double-digit lead for the October 2 election, and simulations of an anticipated second-round runoff on October 30 show Lula to have a larger lead over Bolsonaro.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-hopeful-liz-truss-criticises-uk-employees-in-a-controversial-leaked-audio-heres-what-she-said-507574" hreflang="en">PM hopeful Liz Truss criticises UK employees, in a controversial leaked audio. Here's what she said</a>

According to a survey conducted on Monday by IPEC, formerly known as IBOPE, Lula received 44 per cent of the vote to Bolsonaro's 32 per cent in the first round, significantly ahead of the other 10 contenders. In a run-off, Lula would triumph with 51 per cent of the vote over Bolsonaro's 35&nbsp;per cent, a 16-point advantage.&nbsp;Additionally, 57 per cent of Brazilians reject and 37 per cent favour Bolsonaro's leadership of the nation.

Nevertheless, Bolsonaro has reduced Lula's advantage in recent weeks by boosting welfare spending for the poor in Brazil and pressuring the government-owned oil corporation Petrobras to cut fuel prices, a major contributor to inflation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tuesday marked the official beginning of the campaigns of Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist front-runner rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for Brazil's most divisive elections in decades.

Tuesday marked the official beginning of the campaigns of Far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and his leftist front-runner rival Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for Brazil's most divisive elections in decades. Bolsonaro, a nationalist-populist with a conservative Christian agenda is running against a former union leader who served as president of the nation for two terms (2003–2010) but was imprisoned for corruption before his convictions were overturned. In Juiz de Fora, where he was stabbed during the 2018 campaign that propelled him to power on a wave of anti-Lula enthusiasm, Bolsonaro, a former army captain, addressed a throng early on Tuesday afternoon. Watch | Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro attends religious rally in an attempt to woo voters "Our country doesn't want corruption anymore, it wants order and prosperity," he said. Lula began his campaign with a stop at the Volkswagen car factory's gates in industrial Sao Bernardo dos Campos outside of Sao Paulo, where he became a labour leader in the 1970s and pushed for better pay despite suppression under the military dictatorship. At 76, Lula is nine years older than his rival. Also read | Bolsonaro, climate change, and fires: The story of Amazon rainforest's devastation In a video shared on social media early on Tuesday, Lula claimed that under Bolsonaro, hunger had returned to Brazil and that families unable to make ends meet on minimum wage were being affected by inflation. He declared as he began his campaign for reelection, "We are going to have a lot of work to rebuild this country." "I want to be president to change people's lives again, because the way it is, no one can take it anymore," he posted. Most polls show Lula to have a double-digit lead for the October 2 election, and simulations of an anticipated second-round runoff on October 30 show Lula to have a larger lead over Bolsonaro. Also read | PM hopeful Liz Truss criticises UK employees, in a controversial leaked audio. Here's what she said According to a survey conducted on Monday by IPEC, formerly known as IBOPE, Lula received 44 per cent of the vote to Bolsonaro's 32 per cent in the first round, significantly ahead of the other 10 contenders. In a run-off, Lula would triumph with 51 per cent of the vote over Bolsonaro's 35 per cent, a 16-point advantage. Additionally, 57 per cent of Brazilians reject and 37 per cent favour Bolsonaro's leadership of the nation. Nevertheless, Bolsonaro has reduced Lula's advantage in recent weeks by boosting welfare spending for the poor in Brazil and pressuring the government-owned oil corporation Petrobras to cut fuel prices, a major contributor to inflation. (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.

Gloves off in Brazil as Lula, Bolsonaro officially start courting voters

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has found itself in stormy waters yet again. According to an investigation report by Global Witness, a London-based non-profit, Facebook has been allowing blatant misinformation-laden advertisements to be published on its platform, ahead of the crucial Brazilian elections, scheduled to take place later this year.

Meta, more colloquially known as Facebook has found itself in stormy waters yet again. According to an investigation report by Global Witness, a London-based non-profit, Facebook has been allowing blatant misinformation-laden advertisements to be published on its platform, ahead of the crucial Brazilian elections, scheduled to take place later this year. Reportedly, Global Witness conducted its investigation by submitting ten election-related ads in Brazilian-Portuguese to Facebook. Out of the 10 ads, five contained misinformation while the rest attempted to delegitimise the electoral process. It is pertinent to note that all of the ads were submitted from outside of Brazil viz. Nairobi and London. Meta's 'strict' ad policy should have raised the alarm over the location of the ad content not being the same as the election country. Russia compromised the US elections in the same manner in 2016 by submitting and publishing electoral ads from afar. Since then, Facebook has been pressured to shore up its ad- acceptance mechanism. However, none of that sort happened in this particular case. After submitting the ads, unsurprisingly enough, all 10 were given the nod and without any "paid for by" disclaimer. Global Witness stated that not only the ads were accepted, but a rather bizarre process of rejection and acceptance also transpired, which raised several eyebrows. "Initially, one of the ads we submitted was rejected under Facebook’s “Ads about social issues, elections, or politics” policy. But just six days later, without any intervention from Global Witness, the ad was approved without explanation." said the NGO. The NGO did not even follow Meta's 'ad authorisation process and yet it was not only allowed to submit ads but they were submitted by the platform itself. Global Witness did not publish the ads but the point was already made. The elections in Brazil will take place in October and Facebook has identified it as one of the 'priority countries'. However, observing the Mark Zuckerberg owned platform fluffing its lines in such a timid manner certainly casts a doubt over the legitimacy of its claims. WATCH: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro officially launches his re-election campaign × Facebook came short in Kenya as well Global Witness has been conducting a thorough investigation into Meta's claims of trying to uphold the integrity of critical elections. However, so far, Facebook has been falling short in every other test. As reported by WION, last month, a report by the NGO showed that Facebook approved hate speech advertisements that promoted ethnic violence ahead of the Kenyan Presidential elections. Read More: Meta served a seven-day ultimatum by Kenya. Could be suspended if it fails to act As a result, Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), a watchdog, served a seven-day ultimatum to the social media platform to tackle hate speech and incitement. "Facebook is in violation of the laws of our country. They have allowed themselves to be a vector of hate speech and incitement, misinformation and disinformation," Danvas Makori, NCIC commissioner was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Facebook fluffs its lines yet again; fails to catch misinformation in ads ahead of Brazil elections

Thousands of Brazilians took to the streets in defense of democracy amid sustained attacks from President Jair Bolsonaro on the country's voting system. The rallies took place weeks ahead of key presidential elections in October.

Brazilians took to the streets in defense of democracy over Bolsonaro election fears

The number of fires burning in Brazil's Amazon jungle reached a 15-year high in June, despite the country's pledge last year to stop deforestation by 2030. The burning season started last month, and the pace of clearing the forest is still rapid. Given that August and September are typically the peak fire months in Brazil, conditions could get worse this month. The largest rainforest in the world is being destroyed due to the following reasons.

What causes the fire?

In the humid, tropical Amazon jungle, fires do not normally erupt like they do in Europe or the US. Instead, to clear land, farmers clear the forests and start fires in the trees, which occasionally get out of control.

Why this time of the year?

In the Amazon, the dry season is at its most intense in August and September, making fires more difficult to put out. Relief often comes with the commencement of the rainy season in October.

Role of climate change

In the past, the virgin rainforest has remained damp all year long and resisted fires. However, rising temperatures and drier conditions brought on by climate change make it more difficult to manage fires.

Worsened since 2019

Yes. Since right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro assumed office in 2019 and pushed to remove environmental laws, forest fires have gotten worse. His administration reduced the funding for environmental organisations, curtailed their ability to fight crime, and hampered the process of issuing environmental fines. According to experts, under Bolsonaro, farmers, ranchers, and land speculators feel free to damage the forest without facing consequences.&nbsp;

According to Bolsonaro, mining and farming should be allowed in protected Amazonian areas in order to combat poverty. His revolutionary approach to preserving the Amazon, which involved using the military to patrol the forest, had no effect on the devastation.

Will this year be any different?

In October, Brazil will have presidential elections. Experts predict that, as it did before the past four elections, as government officials courting votes relaxed environmental regulation, forest devastation will increase before that vote. Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a left-winger who is renowned for taking a more aggressive stance against environmental crime, is currently in the lead. According to analysts, this might encourage an increase in forest crimes as long as Bolsonaro is in power.

Vicious cycle of fire and climate change

Yes. The burning of the remaining forest vegetation causes the majority of the carbon dioxide released during the removal of old-growth trees in the Amazon, which contributes to global warming. Deforestation accounts for around 9% of human-caused CO2 emissions, therefore drastically lowering it is crucial to combating climate change, according to scientists.

According to one analysis from last year, emissions from destroying forests will account for the majority of Brazil's 9.5% increase in greenhouse gas emissions for 2020. Brazil intends to use its forests to produce carbon offsets in order to fulfil its commitments to reduce global emissions. According to research, old-growth rainforests have a much greater capacity to store carbon than newly developed land. According to some estimates, a hectare of virgin forest contains 176 tonnes of carbon, compared to just 5 tonnes or fewer in soy fields or cow pastures, 44 tonnes in newly planted forests within ten years, and 176 tonnes in pristine forests.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The number of fires burning in Brazil's Amazon jungle reached a 15-year high in June, despite the country's pledge last year to stop deforestation by 2030. The burning season started last month, and the pace of clearing the forest is still rapid.

The number of fires burning in Brazil's Amazon jungle reached a 15-year high in June, despite the country's pledge last year to stop deforestation by 2030. The burning season started last month, and the pace of clearing the forest is still rapid. Given that August and September are typically the peak fire months in Brazil, conditions could get worse this month. The largest rainforest in the world is being destroyed due to the following reasons. What causes the fire? In the humid, tropical Amazon jungle, fires do not normally erupt like they do in Europe or the US. Instead, to clear land, farmers clear the forests and start fires in the trees, which occasionally get out of control. Why this time of the year? In the Amazon, the dry season is at its most intense in August and September, making fires more difficult to put out. Relief often comes with the commencement of the rainy season in October. Role of climate change In the past, the virgin rainforest has remained damp all year long and resisted fires. However, rising temperatures and drier conditions brought on by climate change make it more difficult to manage fires. Worsened since 2019 Yes. Since right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro assumed office in 2019 and pushed to remove environmental laws, forest fires have gotten worse. His administration reduced the funding for environmental organisations, curtailed their ability to fight crime, and hampered the process of issuing environmental fines. According to experts, under Bolsonaro, farmers, ranchers, and land speculators feel free to damage the forest without facing consequences. According to Bolsonaro, mining and farming should be allowed in protected Amazonian areas in order to combat poverty. His revolutionary approach to preserving the Amazon, which involved using the military to patrol the forest, had no effect on the devastation. Will this year be any different? In October, Brazil will have presidential elections. Experts predict that, as it did before the past four elections, as government officials courting votes relaxed environmental regulation, forest devastation will increase before that vote. Former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a left-winger who is renowned for taking a more aggressive stance against environmental crime, is currently in the lead. According to analysts, this might encourage an increase in forest crimes as long as Bolsonaro is in power. Vicious cycle of fire and climate change Yes. The burning of the remaining forest vegetation causes the majority of the carbon dioxide released during the removal of old-growth trees in the Amazon, which contributes to global warming. Deforestation accounts for around 9% of human-caused CO2 emissions, therefore drastically lowering it is crucial to combating climate change, according to scientists. According to one analysis from last year, emissions from destroying forests will account for the majority of Brazil's 9.5% increase in greenhouse gas emissions for 2020. Brazil intends to use its forests to produce carbon offsets in order to fulfil its commitments to reduce global emissions. According to research, old-growth rainforests have a much greater capacity to store carbon than newly developed land. According to some estimates, a hectare of virgin forest contains 176 tonnes of carbon, compared to just 5 tonnes or fewer in soy fields or cow pastures, 44 tonnes in newly planted forests within ten years, and 176 tonnes in pristine forests. (with inputs from agencies)

Explained: Vicious cycle of Amazon rainforest fire and climate change in Brazil

Even as Brazil pledged to haul deforestation by 2030, wildfires burning across the Amazon rainforest hit a 15-year high in June this year.

WION Climate Tracker: Why is the Amazon Rainforest burning?

The agricultural sector in Brazil is witnessing a silent revolution. Instead of traditional crops such as corn and soybeans, farmers are increasingly turning to cotton and are adopting sustainable techniques to do so.

Brazil: Farmers shift from Alabaster plants, corn and soybean to produce cotton

An alleged trickster was arrested in Brazil after a painting by one of Brazil’s most celebrated artists – the pioneering modernist Tarsila do Amaral – was found under his bed. The painting went missing after an art heist and according to the police records, it was replaced by a fake one. The art was valued at around £48m and it went missing from the house of the widow of an art collector.

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Along with the trickster, three other people were arrested including the art collector’s daughter who was accused of stealing 16 more paintings. While she maintained that she is innocent, the police estimated the total worth of the stolen paintings to be somewhere around £114m.

According to a video posted online, the paintings were found by the senior services division at a beachside apartment in Ipanema. Among the ones found, the most valuable one was Sol Poente (Setting Sun) which is an old painting which was commissioned somewhere around 1929.

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“Well, well, well – look what we have here!,” one female officer says in the video according to The Guardian. The other paintings found in the building were - Mascarada by Di Cavalcanti and two other Amaral paintings: Pont-Neuf and O Sono. All of them were valued at above $10 million.

The police said that the theft started sometime around January 2020 when the art collector’s daughter hired a number of people to cheat her mother and steal the air pieces. They were looking to sell the pieces to other art collectors over time.

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An alleged trickster was arrested in Brazil after a painting by one of Brazil’s most celebrated artists – the pioneering modernist Tarsila do Amaral – was found under his bed.

An alleged trickster was arrested in Brazil after a painting by one of Brazil’s most celebrated artists – the pioneering modernist Tarsila do Amaral – was found under his bed. The painting went missing after an art heist and according to the police records, it was replaced by a fake one. The art was valued at around £48m and it went missing from the house of the widow of an art collector. Also read | In pics - Major brands who accept cryptocurrencies as mode of payment Along with the trickster, three other people were arrested including the art collector’s daughter who was accused of stealing 16 more paintings. While she maintained that she is innocent, the police estimated the total worth of the stolen paintings to be somewhere around £114m. According to a video posted online, the paintings were found by the senior services division at a beachside apartment in Ipanema. Among the ones found, the most valuable one was Sol Poente (Setting Sun) which is an old painting which was commissioned somewhere around 1929. Also read | In pics - Face of a king found on a wall in an ancient pyramid in China “Well, well, well – look what we have here!,” one female officer says in the video according to The Guardian. The other paintings found in the building were - Mascarada by Di Cavalcanti and two other Amaral paintings: Pont-Neuf and O Sono. All of them were valued at above $10 million. The police said that the theft started sometime around January 2020 when the art collector’s daughter hired a number of people to cheat her mother and steal the air pieces. They were looking to sell the pieces to other art collectors over time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Brazil police find paintings worth £50 million under bed of trickster

Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million).

Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of&nbsp;Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/champagne-bottle-adorned-with-nft-artwork-sells-for-a-record-25-million-497354">Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million</a>

The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death.

The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment."

In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter.

Watch |&nbsp;UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art

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Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro.

After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police.

Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned&nbsp;Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard.

Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/art-auction-token-of-francis-bacon-and-lucian-freuds-turbulent-to-be-sold-for-42-million-491114">Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million</a>

Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes.

Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered.

Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association.

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Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.

Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million). Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run. Also read | Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death. The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment." In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter. Watch | UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro. After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police. Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard. Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million). Also read | Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes. Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered. Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association. 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.

Brazilian woman swindled mother of more than $100 million in art, police say

The World Health Organization expressed concern over the killing of monkeys in Brazil amid fears of growing monkeypox infections. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint: WHO stresses monkeypox surge not linked to monkeys

In pics: Thousands of people march in Sao Paulo’s LGBTQ parade theme ‘Vote with pride’

Leandro Lo, the world jiu-jitsu champion, was shot and killed in So Paulo in a crime that stunned Brazil. Dozens of kimono-clad mourners have gathered to pay their respects. The 33-year-old boxer, who was shot in the head at a nightclub in Brazil's largest city and is regarded as one of the finest competitors in the history of the sport and has won eight world championship championships, was declared dead on Sunday. Friends and admirers&nbsp;attended Lo's wake and funeral on Monday in a cemetery in the south of So Paulo, including celebrity chef Alex Atala.

Leandro's mother, Fátima Lo, paid tribute to him on social media, writing, “You made me feel like the most loved mum in the world … I will miss you forever.”

More than 40 jiu-jitsu practitioners swarmed a local police station on Sunday night to demand that the military policeman charged with killing Lo be prosecuted.

What really happened? 
 
After an incident at a concert featuring Grupo Pixote, one of Brazil's most well-known samba pop groups, the officer, Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo, reportedly shot the jiu-jitsu champion once in the face. The murder has caused widespread outrage and, for others, acted as a reminder of the country's recent trend toward increased hostility as well as a warning about the risks associated with the alarmingly high number of firearms being purchased.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-server-down-for-thousands-of-users-more-than-40k-issues-reported-505008">Google server down for thousands of users, more than 40K issues reported</a>

Since far-right gun advocate Jair Bolsonaro became president of Brazil in 2019, the country's gun restrictions have been significantly loosened and gun ownership has skyrocketed, with more than a million firearms reportedly entering circulation. Social media posts indicate that the man suspected of killing Lo, who turned himself into police on Sunday night, was a die-hard gun enthusiast.

(with inputs from agencies)

Leandro Lo, the world jiu-jitsu champion, was shot and killed in So Paulo in a crime that stunned Brazil. Dozens of kimono-clad mourners have gathered to pay their respects.

Leandro Lo, the world jiu-jitsu champion, was shot and killed in So Paulo in a crime that stunned Brazil. Dozens of kimono-clad mourners have gathered to pay their respects. The 33-year-old boxer, who was shot in the head at a nightclub in Brazil's largest city and is regarded as one of the finest competitors in the history of the sport and has won eight world championship championships, was declared dead on Sunday. Friends and admirers attended Lo's wake and funeral on Monday in a cemetery in the south of So Paulo, including celebrity chef Alex Atala. Leandro's mother, Fátima Lo, paid tribute to him on social media, writing, “You made me feel like the most loved mum in the world … I will miss you forever.” More than 40 jiu-jitsu practitioners swarmed a local police station on Sunday night to demand that the military policeman charged with killing Lo be prosecuted. What really happened? After an incident at a concert featuring Grupo Pixote, one of Brazil's most well-known samba pop groups, the officer, Henrique Otavio Oliveira Velozo, reportedly shot the jiu-jitsu champion once in the face. The murder has caused widespread outrage and, for others, acted as a reminder of the country's recent trend toward increased hostility as well as a warning about the risks associated with the alarmingly high number of firearms being purchased. Also Read: Google server down for thousands of users, more than 40K issues reported Since far-right gun advocate Jair Bolsonaro became president of Brazil in 2019, the country's gun restrictions have been significantly loosened and gun ownership has skyrocketed, with more than a million firearms reportedly entering circulation. Social media posts indicate that the man suspected of killing Lo, who turned himself into police on Sunday night, was a die-hard gun enthusiast. (with inputs from agencies)

Brazil: Outrage after world jiu-jitsu champion Leandro Lo shot dead by cop

With a renewed focus on South America, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will travel to three key countries in the region—Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay later this month.

In Paraguay, Jaishankar will inaugurate India's new embassy in the capital Asuncion likely on August 22. The Indian government in 2020 had given approval for the opening of three Indian missions, which also included Paraguay, by 2021.

This was followed by the minister’s announcement of appointing Yogeshwar Sangwan as the first Indian Ambassador to the country.

Earlier, India's Embassy in Argentina was concurrently accredited to Paraguay even though diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1961. The last major visit to the South American country from India was by the then Indian vice president M Venkaiah Naidu in 2019.

The country has joined the International Solar Alliance and according to government estimates, around 600 Indians live in Paraguay, mainly in Ciudad del Este, a city in the south-east on the border with Brazil and Argentina.

The visit to Argentina comes even as both Jaishankar and Argentinian Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero met two times this year. First in Delhi during the latter's bilateral visit and then in Bali on the sidelines of G20 foreign ministers' visit.

Important to remember that Argentina is keen to join the BRICS group and has discussed the matter with New Delhi.

Speaking to WION last month, Argentina's envoy to Delhi Hugo Javier Gobbi said that "India has been very receptive” of their request and added that the matter was discussed between the two foreign ministers in Bali and Delhi.

The visit also includes the joint commission meet in Brazil. Notably, Brazil like India is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Both are also members of the IBSA, BRICS and G4 groupings. G4 countries have been pushing for UNSC reforms to reflect the contemporary world but have received opposition from China and its allies like Pakistan.

And not just South America, the focus will also be on North America as well. On August 28, India’s Lok Sabha (Lower House) speaker Om Birla will be travelling to Mexico with a large delegation.

High level engagements have significantly increased between Mexico and India. Mexican foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard was in Delhi in March and was accompanied by a large business delegation.

Both Indian and Mexican foreign ministers held talks on the sidelines of G20 Foreign Ministers meet in Bali last month. Currently, Mexico is India’s second largest trade partner in Latin America and is a non-permanent member of UNSC alongside India for the period 2021-22.

Birla is also expected to travel to Suriname—a Girmitiya country which has strong Indian roots. The countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean are called&nbsp;Girmitiya countries.&nbsp;

The Indentured labourers from India were taken to various countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean—known as Girmitiya countries—by the British colonial rulers to work in plantations. These people, though have assimilated with the locals, continue to have strong culture and language links with India.

Over 2,30,000 Persons of Indian origin hailing from eastern Utter Pradesh and Bihar and some 50 Sindhi families living in Suriname have contributed significantly to the country's economy, culture, and politics.

&nbsp;

With a renewed focus on South America, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will travel to three key countries in the region—Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay later this month.

With a renewed focus on South America, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar will travel to three key countries in the region—Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay later this month. In Paraguay, Jaishankar will inaugurate India's new embassy in the capital Asuncion likely on August 22. The Indian government in 2020 had given approval for the opening of three Indian missions, which also included Paraguay, by 2021. This was followed by the minister’s announcement of appointing Yogeshwar Sangwan as the first Indian Ambassador to the country. Earlier, India's Embassy in Argentina was concurrently accredited to Paraguay even though diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1961. The last major visit to the South American country from India was by the then Indian vice president M Venkaiah Naidu in 2019. The country has joined the International Solar Alliance and according to government estimates, around 600 Indians live in Paraguay, mainly in Ciudad del Este, a city in the south-east on the border with Brazil and Argentina. The visit to Argentina comes even as both Jaishankar and Argentinian Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero met two times this year. First in Delhi during the latter's bilateral visit and then in Bali on the sidelines of G20 foreign ministers' visit. Important to remember that Argentina is keen to join the BRICS group and has discussed the matter with New Delhi. Speaking to WION last month, Argentina's envoy to Delhi Hugo Javier Gobbi said that "India has been very receptive” of their request and added that the matter was discussed between the two foreign ministers in Bali and Delhi. The visit also includes the joint commission meet in Brazil. Notably, Brazil like India is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Both are also members of the IBSA, BRICS and G4 groupings. G4 countries have been pushing for UNSC reforms to reflect the contemporary world but have received opposition from China and its allies like Pakistan. And not just South America, the focus will also be on North America as well. On August 28, India’s Lok Sabha (Lower House) speaker Om Birla will be travelling to Mexico with a large delegation. High level engagements have significantly increased between Mexico and India. Mexican foreign minister Marcelo Ebrard was in Delhi in March and was accompanied by a large business delegation. Both Indian and Mexican foreign ministers held talks on the sidelines of G20 Foreign Ministers meet in Bali last month. Currently, Mexico is India’s second largest trade partner in Latin America and is a non-permanent member of UNSC alongside India for the period 2021-22. Birla is also expected to travel to Suriname—a Girmitiya country which has strong Indian roots. The countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean are called Girmitiya countries. The Indentured labourers from India were taken to various countries in the Pacific and the Caribbean—known as Girmitiya countries—by the British colonial rulers to work in plantations. These people, though have assimilated with the locals, continue to have strong culture and language links with India. Over 2,30,000 Persons of Indian origin hailing from eastern Utter Pradesh and Bihar and some 50 Sindhi families living in Suriname have contributed significantly to the country's economy, culture, and politics.

Jaishankar to travel to Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay; inaugurate Indian mission in capital Asuncion

The Brazilian Amazon witnessed an eight per cent rise in forest fires in July this year compared with the same month in 2021, AFP reported. According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, satellite monitoring revealed that Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, battled 5,373 fires in July 2022, while the number stood at 4,977 in the same month last year.&nbsp;Although forest fires in the Amazon rainforest are a common phenomenon at this time due to the dry weather, the rising number of fires is a cause of concern.

 
Experts attribute most of these fires to farmers and land grabbers who intentionally set fires to clear the ground for agricultural purposes after extracting wood.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-amazon-deforestation-sets-new-six-month-record-493691">Brazil: Amazon deforestation sets new six-month record</a>

 
"It's only the beginning of the Amazon dry season, when the number of criminal forest fires unfortunately explodes," Romulo Batista of Greenpeace Brazil said.

 
These fires not only destroy the environment, but they also pose grave risk to the health of human beings. 
"In addition to decimating the forest and its biodiversity, those fires and destruction also affect the local population's health due to smoke inhalation," Batista further said.&nbsp;

 
Overall, forest fires in the Amazon have seen an increase this year. INPE says that there have been 12,906 forest fires so far, up 13 percent from the same period last year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fire-engulfs-amazon-rainforest-in-brazil-411067">Fire engulfs Amazon rainforest in Brazil</a>

 
Several experts say that President Jair Bolsonaro’s move to roll back environmental protections has further emboldened loggers and land speculators, leading to a surge in fires and deforestation.

 
Reportedly, average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has increased by 75 percent compared to the previous decade since Bolsonaro took office in 2019.

 
Worryingly, rising temperatures are fueling forest fires across the world, with California, Portugal and France battling raging fires in the past few days.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The Brazilian Amazon witnessed an eight per cent rise in forest fires in July this year compared with the same month in 2021, AFP reported. According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, satellite monitoring revealed that Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, battled 5,373 fires in July 2022, while the number stood at 4,977 in the same month last year.

The Brazilian Amazon witnessed an eight per cent rise in forest fires in July this year compared with the same month in 2021, AFP reported. According to the Brazilian space agency, INPE, satellite monitoring revealed that Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, battled 5,373 fires in July 2022, while the number stood at 4,977 in the same month last year. Although forest fires in the Amazon rainforest are a common phenomenon at this time due to the dry weather, the rising number of fires is a cause of concern. Experts attribute most of these fires to farmers and land grabbers who intentionally set fires to clear the ground for agricultural purposes after extracting wood. Also Read | Brazil: Amazon deforestation sets new six-month record "It's only the beginning of the Amazon dry season, when the number of criminal forest fires unfortunately explodes," Romulo Batista of Greenpeace Brazil said. These fires not only destroy the environment, but they also pose grave risk to the health of human beings. "In addition to decimating the forest and its biodiversity, those fires and destruction also affect the local population's health due to smoke inhalation," Batista further said. Overall, forest fires in the Amazon have seen an increase this year. INPE says that there have been 12,906 forest fires so far, up 13 percent from the same period last year. Also Read | Fire engulfs Amazon rainforest in Brazil Several experts say that President Jair Bolsonaro’s move to roll back environmental protections has further emboldened loggers and land speculators, leading to a surge in fires and deforestation. Reportedly, average annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has increased by 75 percent compared to the previous decade since Bolsonaro took office in 2019. Worryingly, rising temperatures are fueling forest fires across the world, with California, Portugal and France battling raging fires in the past few days. 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.

Forest fires see a spike in Brazilian Amazon in July

In one of the most complex surgeries of its kind, Brazilian doctors successfully separated conjoined twins by using virtual reality.

They both were craniopagus twins who suffered from an extremely rare condition in which the siblings are fused at the cranium.

Born in 2018 in the state of Roraima in northern Brazil, Arthur and Bernardo Lima were joined at the top of the head for nearly four years.

Following a series of nine operations culminating in a marathon 23-hour surgery to separate them, the brothers are now able to look each other in the face for the first time.

During the preparation for the delicate final stages of the surgery, members of the medical team created a digital map of the boys' shared cranium.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/conjoined-thai-twin-sisters-pin-and-pan-say-they-dont-want-to-be-separated-163605">Also see |&nbsp;Conjoined Thai twin sisters Pin and Pan say they don't want to be separated</a>

A virtual-reality, trans-Atlantic, trial surgery was executed by experienced surgeons as a practice which were helped by London-based medical charity Gemini Untwined.

Calling the prep session "space-age stuff," the lead surgeon for Gemini Untwined, British neurosurgeon Noor ul Owase Jeelani said ''It's just wonderful.''

British news agency PA quoted him as saying, ''It's really great to see the anatomy and do the surgery before you actually put the children at any risk.''

"To do it in virtual reality was just really man-on-Mars stuff," he added.

One in 60,000 births results in conjoined twins, and only 5 per cent of these are joined at the head, according to Gemini Untwined.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In one of the most complex surgeries of its kind, Brazilian doctors successfully separated conjoined twins by using virtual reality. They both were craniopagus twins who suffered from an extremely rare condition in which the siblings are fused at the cranium.

In one of the most complex surgeries of its kind, Brazilian doctors successfully separated conjoined twins by using virtual reality. They both were craniopagus twins who suffered from an extremely rare condition in which the siblings are fused at the cranium. Born in 2018 in the state of Roraima in northern Brazil, Arthur and Bernardo Lima were joined at the top of the head for nearly four years. Following a series of nine operations culminating in a marathon 23-hour surgery to separate them, the brothers are now able to look each other in the face for the first time. During the preparation for the delicate final stages of the surgery, members of the medical team created a digital map of the boys' shared cranium. Also see | Conjoined Thai twin sisters Pin and Pan say they don't want to be separated A virtual-reality, trans-Atlantic, trial surgery was executed by experienced surgeons as a practice which were helped by London-based medical charity Gemini Untwined. Calling the prep session "space-age stuff," the lead surgeon for Gemini Untwined, British neurosurgeon Noor ul Owase Jeelani said ''It's just wonderful.'' British news agency PA quoted him as saying, ''It's really great to see the anatomy and do the surgery before you actually put the children at any risk.'' "To do it in virtual reality was just really man-on-Mars stuff," he added. One in 60,000 births results in conjoined twins, and only 5 per cent of these are joined at the head, according to Gemini Untwined. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Brazilian doctors use virtual reality to separate conjoined twins

Spain has reported the first Monkepox-related death in Europe. One death was also reported in Brazil. Spain is one of the worst hit countries by the Monkeypox virus.

Spain reports the first Monkepox-related death in Europe

Spain has reported second Monkeypox-related death in Europe. One death was also reported in Brazil. Spain is one of the worst hit countries by the Monkeypox virus.

3 monkeypox deaths reported outside Africa; Spain reports second death in two days

Spain reports first Monkeypox-related death in Europe; One death also reported in Brazil

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has officially launched his re-election campaign, as he trails his main rival badly in opinion polls.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro officially launches his re-election campaign

Brazil has now constructed green passages to save a rare species of monkeys. Tree-to-tree passages will allow Tamarins to cross the highway.

WION Climate Tracker: Brazil constructs green highway passages for golden Tamarin monkeys

Three individuals named Amarildo da Costa Oliveira, Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, and Jefferson da Silva Lima, arrested for the murder of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the jungles of Amazon, Brazil last month, have been booked by the authorities.

Three individuals named Amarildo da Costa Oliveira, Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, and Jefferson da Silva Lima, arrested for the murder of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the jungles of Amazon, Brazil last month, have been booked by the authorities. According to the Brazilian public prosecutors, Dom (57) and Bruno (41) were killed on the boat on the Itaquai River whilst returning to the city. Reportedly, Bruno was killed after three bullets were pumped into his body, including one in the back; meaning, he had no possibility of defending himself. Meanwhile, Dom was only killed because he was privy to Bruno's murder. "Dom was killed simply because he was with Bruno, in order to ensure impunity for the previous crime." said the prosecutors. As reported previously by WION, Dom and Bruno were on an expedition in the remote region of Javari Valley, a remote rainforest area near the Colombia-Peru border. It is believed to be the habitat of the world's biggest population of uncontacted indigenous people. However, lately, the region has turned into a hotbed of criminal activities as illegal fishermen, gold-diggers, miners and loggers fight to usurp the gifts of the Amazon. Dom was researching for a book Dom had been conducting research for a book titled, 'How to save the Amazon' and Bruno was helping him communicate with the local people. It was the second time these two had paired up, having previously worked together in 2018. However, on the way back to the city, the duo stumbled upon the suspects, who were illegally fishing in the area and asked for a photograph. Enraged that they would be exposed, the killers shot both of them down and buried their bodies, to escape the arrest. It was only after 10 days that the bodies were recovered amid a huge uproar in the international community. Read More: Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira: Brazil police say bodies found in Amazon Meanwhile, the Brazilian press is of view that the killings were ordered by the ringleader of an illegal fishing network. The authorities are still on the lookout for other suspects and believe that a few more might have been involved in the shooting as well as the hiding of the bodies. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Three charged for the murder of journalist Dom Phillips and Amazon expert Bruno Pereira

At least 18 people died on Thursday during a major police raid in a dense warren of Rio de Janeiro slums, state military police said, in the latest bloody confrontation in Brazil's second-largest city.

Tactical teams from Rio de Janeiro's civil and military police raided the Alemao complex to take down an alleged criminal organization. The group was suspected of involvement in cargo theft and bank robberies and was planning incursions into rival slums, the military police said in a statement.

At least 18 people died in the raid: one police officer, 16 alleged criminals and a female bystander, police said. The operation involved around 400 officers, four aircraft and 10 armored vehicles.

The lopsided death toll ignited fears of rights abuses.

"There are signs of major human rights violations, and the possibility of this being one of the operations with the highest number of deaths in Rio de Janeiro," the state public defender's office said in a statement.

The military police declined comment beyond their statement.

Rio state police forces regularly carry out deadly raids in the city's sprawling slums. President Jair Bolsonaro supports heavy-handed tactics by police in their fight against organized crime, and has said gangsters should "die like cockroaches."

After the raid, locals could be seen bundling injured people into the back of vehicles to be taken to hospital as police watched. Gilberto Santiago Lopes, from the Anacrim Human Rights Commission, said police refused to help.

"We had to carry them away in a beverage truck, and then flag a local resident in their car to take them to hospital," he said. "(The police) don't aim to arrest them, they aim to kill them, so if they're injured, they think they don't deserve help."

Local residents were furious and yelled at the police.

"We're scared to live here," one local screamed after the raid. "Where are we? Afghanistan? In a war? In Iraq? If they want a war, send them to Iraq."

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At least 18 people died on Thursday during a major police raid in a dense warren of Rio de Janeiro slums, state military police said, in the latest bloody confrontation in Brazil's second-largest city.

At least 18 people died on Thursday during a major police raid in a dense warren of Rio de Janeiro slums, state military police said, in the latest bloody confrontation in Brazil's second-largest city. Tactical teams from Rio de Janeiro's civil and military police raided the Alemao complex to take down an alleged criminal organization. The group was suspected of involvement in cargo theft and bank robberies and was planning incursions into rival slums, the military police said in a statement. At least 18 people died in the raid: one police officer, 16 alleged criminals and a female bystander, police said. The operation involved around 400 officers, four aircraft and 10 armored vehicles. The lopsided death toll ignited fears of rights abuses. "There are signs of major human rights violations, and the possibility of this being one of the operations with the highest number of deaths in Rio de Janeiro," the state public defender's office said in a statement. The military police declined comment beyond their statement. Rio state police forces regularly carry out deadly raids in the city's sprawling slums. President Jair Bolsonaro supports heavy-handed tactics by police in their fight against organized crime, and has said gangsters should "die like cockroaches." After the raid, locals could be seen bundling injured people into the back of vehicles to be taken to hospital as police watched. Gilberto Santiago Lopes, from the Anacrim Human Rights Commission, said police refused to help. "We had to carry them away in a beverage truck, and then flag a local resident in their car to take them to hospital," he said. "(The police) don't aim to arrest them, they aim to kill them, so if they're injured, they think they don't deserve help." Local residents were furious and yelled at the police. "We're scared to live here," one local screamed after the raid. "Where are we? Afghanistan? In a war? In Iraq? If they want a war, send them to Iraq." 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.

At least 18 killed in latest deadly police raid in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro said, upcoming election is a battle of good against will. Meanwhile, Brazil elections is scheduled for 2nd October.

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro attends religious rally in an attempt to woo voters

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest has reached a record high and area five times the size of New York city has been destroyed in six months of 2022.

Brazil: Deforestation in the Amazon has reached a record high

Every day Brazil's Manaus City Hall collects approximately 30 tons of garbage. This is done from rivers, canals, coasts, beaches, although the problem recurs every year usually towards the end of the rainy season, officials say the situation is only getting worse.

WION Climate Tracker | Brazil's environment threatened as tons of rubbish floats in rivers

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