Shell&nbsp;said on Monday it will evaluate plans to spend up to 25 billion pounds in Britain over the next decade following the government's decision to increase a windfall tax on oil and gas producers.

"We're going to have to evaluate each project on a case by case basis," said Shell's UK country chair David Bunch told the Confederation of British Industry's annual conference in Birmingham. "When you tax more you're going to have less disposable income in your pocket, less to invest."

British finance minister Jeremy Hunt&nbsp;last week&nbsp;announced plans to increase a windfall tax on North Sea producers to 35 per cent from 25 per cent in the face of surging energy prices in order to help plug a major hole in public financing.

The government forecasts that the tax, which was also extended from the end of 2025 to 2028, will raise 40 billion pounds.

The tax, known as the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), will bring the total taxes on the sector to 75%, among the highest in the world. It nevertheless allows to deduct most investments in new oil and gas projects from the tax.

In a statement on Monday, Shell said that the EPL should be designed to provide incentives to address oil and gas supply shortages as well as longer-term investments in renewables.

To reach that objective, the EPL should include a "price backstop" in case oil and prices drop sharply and should also be expanded to include investments in wind generation, hydrogen and carbon capture technology, Shell said.

Shell said earlier this year it plans to invest 20 to 25 billion pounds over the next 10 years in Britain's energy infrastructure including oil and gas, offshore wind, electric vehicle charging and hydrogen.

"The energy sector needs to have confidence that there will now be a stable investment climate following a period of considerable uncertainty," Shell said.

Shell said on Monday it will evaluate plans to spend up to 25 billion pounds in Britain over the next decade following the government's decision to increase a windfall tax on oil and gas producers.

Shell said on Monday it will evaluate plans to spend up to 25 billion pounds in Britain over the next decade following the government's decision to increase a windfall tax on oil and gas producers. "We're going to have to evaluate each project on a case by case basis," said Shell's UK country chair David Bunch told the Confederation of British Industry's annual conference in Birmingham. "When you tax more you're going to have less disposable income in your pocket, less to invest." British finance minister Jeremy Hunt last week announced plans to increase a windfall tax on North Sea producers to 35 per cent from 25 per cent in the face of surging energy prices in order to help plug a major hole in public financing. The government forecasts that the tax, which was also extended from the end of 2025 to 2028, will raise 40 billion pounds. The tax, known as the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), will bring the total taxes on the sector to 75%, among the highest in the world. It nevertheless allows to deduct most investments in new oil and gas projects from the tax. In a statement on Monday, Shell said that the EPL should be designed to provide incentives to address oil and gas supply shortages as well as longer-term investments in renewables. To reach that objective, the EPL should include a "price backstop" in case oil and prices drop sharply and should also be expanded to include investments in wind generation, hydrogen and carbon capture technology, Shell said. Shell said earlier this year it plans to invest 20 to 25 billion pounds over the next 10 years in Britain's energy infrastructure including oil and gas, offshore wind, electric vehicle charging and hydrogen. "The energy sector needs to have confidence that there will now be a stable investment climate following a period of considerable uncertainty," Shell said.

Shell to 'evaluate' 25 billion pound British investments after windfall tax

A group of 14 Canadian lawmakers want to cut Canada's ties with British royals. They recently refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles III during a ceremony. Molly Gambhir tells you how the debate on the relevance of the British Monarchy in Canada is gaining traction.

Gravitas: Canadian lawmakers call for split with British Monarchy

Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The demonstration was called by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties to decry “past atrocities and the ongoing impact of British colonisation in Australia”.

The protests are being held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on the day of a national public holiday.

“This is a stance against the continued crimes committed against marginalised First Nations, black, brown and Asian communities. We do not support benefactors or ‘Stolenwealth’ (a portmanteau of stole and commonwealth) and demand justice, truth and accountability for all. Justice for all,” WAR wrote on Facebook.

“This is a demonstration against racist colonial imperialism.”

The protesters demanded the return of land "to the rightful sovereign owners", an end to indigenous deaths in custody, and truth, accountability and justice.

"While they mourn the Queen, we mourn everything her regime stole from us: our children, our land, our loved one's lives, our sacred sites, our histories," WAR said.

In Sydney, people assembled near a statue of Queen Victoria before marching through the streets, reports AFP.

"I think the monarchy needs to be aware that there's unfinished business happening here in Australia," Gwenda Stanley, a 49-year-old activist of the indigenous Gomeroi people, was quoted as saying.

"The monarch is nothing to mourn about, it is something if anything for our people to rejoice," she added.

Meanwhile, Australia's Governor-General David Hurley, who represents the monarchy, said he acknowledges the concerns of the island continent's first inhabitants.

"Considering the unifying role her majesty played, I acknowledge that her passing has prompted different reactions for some in our community," Hurley said in Canberra.

"I'm conscious and respect that the response of many First Nations Australians is shaped by our colonial history and broader reconciliation journey. That is a journey we as a nation must complete."

Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had promised a referendum in the first three-year of his term to give indigenous peoples the right to be consulted by lawmakers on matters that affect them.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Scores of people, mainly from the indigenous group, descended onto the streets in major parts of Australia for the “abolish monarchy” protest on the national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. The demonstration was called by the Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance (WAR) and Fighting In Solidarity Towards Treaties to decry “past atrocities and the ongoing impact of British colonisation in Australia”. The protests are being held in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra on the day of a national public holiday. “This is a stance against the continued crimes committed against marginalised First Nations, black, brown and Asian communities. We do not support benefactors or ‘Stolenwealth’ (a portmanteau of stole and commonwealth) and demand justice, truth and accountability for all. Justice for all,” WAR wrote on Facebook. “This is a demonstration against racist colonial imperialism.” The protesters demanded the return of land "to the rightful sovereign owners", an end to indigenous deaths in custody, and truth, accountability and justice. "While they mourn the Queen, we mourn everything her regime stole from us: our children, our land, our loved one's lives, our sacred sites, our histories," WAR said. In Sydney, people assembled near a statue of Queen Victoria before marching through the streets, reports AFP. "I think the monarchy needs to be aware that there's unfinished business happening here in Australia," Gwenda Stanley, a 49-year-old activist of the indigenous Gomeroi people, was quoted as saying. "The monarch is nothing to mourn about, it is something if anything for our people to rejoice," she added. Meanwhile, Australia's Governor-General David Hurley, who represents the monarchy, said he acknowledges the concerns of the island continent's first inhabitants. "Considering the unifying role her majesty played, I acknowledge that her passing has prompted different reactions for some in our community," Hurley said in Canberra. "I'm conscious and respect that the response of many First Nations Australians is shaped by our colonial history and broader reconciliation journey. That is a journey we as a nation must complete." Earlier, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had promised a referendum in the first three-year of his term to give indigenous peoples the right to be consulted by lawmakers on matters that affect them. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Abolish monarchy': Australia’s indigenous groups protest on day of mourning for Queen

A couple of hackers claimed to have carried out a cyber-attack against British hotel chain Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) “for fun”, causing massive booking disruptions.

The firm operates 6,000 hotels around the world, including the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Regent brands.

Following the attack, the hackers, calling themselves TeaPea, contacted BBC on the Telegram messaging app, providing screenshots as evidence that they carried out the hack.

The couple, who claimed to be from Vietnam, told BBC that they deleted large amounts of data after they were&nbsp;prevented from carrying out a ransomware attack.

"Our attack was originally planned to be ransomware but the company's IT team kept isolating servers before we had a chance to deploy it, so we thought to have some funny [sic]. We did a wiper attack instead," one of the hackers was quoted as saying

Through a wiper attack, data, documents and files are destroyed irreversibly, without having the possibility of recovering them.

They said that they were able to access the hotel chain's database due to a weak password that is found to be prevalent---Qwerty1234.

The firm's servers were hacked Monday last week after customers reported widespread problems with booking and check-in.

The problem persisted for over 24 hours, following which IHG posted its response on Twitter saying that the company was "undergoing system maintenance".

Later on Tuesday afternoon, the company confirmed that it fell prey to a cyber-attack.

"Booking channels and other applications have been significantly disrupted since yesterday," it said in an official notice lodged with the London Stock Exchange.

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A couple of hackers claimed to have carried out a cyber-attack against British hotel chain Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) “for fun”, causing massive booking disruptions.

A couple of hackers claimed to have carried out a cyber-attack against British hotel chain Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) “for fun”, causing massive booking disruptions. The firm operates 6,000 hotels around the world, including the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and Regent brands. Following the attack, the hackers, calling themselves TeaPea, contacted BBC on the Telegram messaging app, providing screenshots as evidence that they carried out the hack. The couple, who claimed to be from Vietnam, told BBC that they deleted large amounts of data after they were prevented from carrying out a ransomware attack. "Our attack was originally planned to be ransomware but the company's IT team kept isolating servers before we had a chance to deploy it, so we thought to have some funny [sic]. We did a wiper attack instead," one of the hackers was quoted as saying Through a wiper attack, data, documents and files are destroyed irreversibly, without having the possibility of recovering them. They said that they were able to access the hotel chain's database due to a weak password that is found to be prevalent---Qwerty1234. The firm's servers were hacked Monday last week after customers reported widespread problems with booking and check-in. The problem persisted for over 24 hours, following which IHG posted its response on Twitter saying that the company was "undergoing system maintenance". Later on Tuesday afternoon, the company confirmed that it fell prey to a cyber-attack. "Booking channels and other applications have been significantly disrupted since yesterday," it said in an official notice lodged with the London Stock Exchange. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hackers launch cyber-attack on UK hotel chain for 'fun'

A report by a UK think tank has claimed that a new law enforced by the parliament, which has the power to revoke the citizenship of British people without prior notice, has reduced British Muslims to "second class" citizens.

In a report titled "Citizenship: from right to privilege" and published on Sunday, the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) sought to blame the UK government for racial prejudice, saying that the bill almost exclusively targets Muslims, especially those of South Asian heritage.

The report specifically talks about the new law, called Clause 9, that was added to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 in April.

The clause states that a British citizen who is abroad is deprived of citizenship until "they try to come home and are refused boarding or they need help from the British Embassy because their passport, money, etc., have been lost or stolen," the report said.

The IRR’s report cited the case of Shamima Begum, who lost her citizenship after she was smuggled into the hands of the Islamic State at the age of 15.

"Changes to citizenship law which have created these classes of citizenship were brought in to target British Muslims of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage. Such divisions act as a constant reminder to minority ethnic citizens that they must watch their step, and reinforce racist messages about 'undeserving' groups unworthy of being British," IRR vice-chair Frances Webber said in the report.

Earlier, UK nationals were notified by letter when their citizenship was revoked.

Those who have lost their citizenship do have the right to challenge the decision through an appeals process. However, critics believe that removing the need to notify prevents them from exercising that right.

Reacting to the report, the Home Office spokesperson defended their decision, saying that the law would affect only a handful of people.

"Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of the UK. Deprivation of citizenship only happens after careful consideration of the facts and in accordance with international law. "It is used against those who have acquired citizenship by fraud and against the most dangerous people, such as terrorists, extremists, and serious organised criminals," the spokesperson told the Guardian.

"We make no apology for doing whatever is necessary to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security," the spokesperson added.

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A report by a UK think tank has claimed that a new law enforced by the parliament, which has the power to revoke the citizenship of British people without prior notice, has reduced British Muslims to "second class" citizens.

A report by a UK think tank has claimed that a new law enforced by the parliament, which has the power to revoke the citizenship of British people without prior notice, has reduced British Muslims to "second class" citizens. In a report titled "Citizenship: from right to privilege" and published on Sunday, the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) sought to blame the UK government for racial prejudice, saying that the bill almost exclusively targets Muslims, especially those of South Asian heritage. The report specifically talks about the new law, called Clause 9, that was added to the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 in April. The clause states that a British citizen who is abroad is deprived of citizenship until "they try to come home and are refused boarding or they need help from the British Embassy because their passport, money, etc., have been lost or stolen," the report said. The IRR’s report cited the case of Shamima Begum, who lost her citizenship after she was smuggled into the hands of the Islamic State at the age of 15. "Changes to citizenship law which have created these classes of citizenship were brought in to target British Muslims of South Asian and Middle Eastern heritage. Such divisions act as a constant reminder to minority ethnic citizens that they must watch their step, and reinforce racist messages about 'undeserving' groups unworthy of being British," IRR vice-chair Frances Webber said in the report. Earlier, UK nationals were notified by letter when their citizenship was revoked. Those who have lost their citizenship do have the right to challenge the decision through an appeals process. However, critics believe that removing the need to notify prevents them from exercising that right. Reacting to the report, the Home Office spokesperson defended their decision, saying that the law would affect only a handful of people. "Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of the UK. Deprivation of citizenship only happens after careful consideration of the facts and in accordance with international law. "It is used against those who have acquired citizenship by fraud and against the most dangerous people, such as terrorists, extremists, and serious organised criminals," the spokesperson told the Guardian. "We make no apology for doing whatever is necessary to protect the UK from those who pose a threat to our security," the spokesperson added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

New citizenship law has reduced British Muslims to second-class citizens: Think tank

When&nbsp;everyone waited for the announcement about the new UK PM, Russia appeared pessimistic about the leader who would take office after caretaker prime minister Boris Johnson. Russia said on Monday (September 5) that it could not rule out the possibility that dire relations with Britain would get even worse under the country's next prime minister.

"I wouldn't like to say that things can change for the worse, because it's hard to imagine anything worse," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked if Moscow expected any shift in relations with Britain. He made these comments before Liz Truss was declared the next PM of UK.

"But unfortunately, this cannot be ruled out, given that the contenders for the post of British prime minister competed with each other in anti-Russian rhetoric, in threats to take further steps against our country, and so on. Therefore, I don’t think that we can hope for anything positive."

Asked if President Vladimir Putin would send a congratulatory telegram, he said: "Let's wait and see who becomes prime minister."

Truss is chiefly known in Russia for a visit she made to Moscow in February, when she and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held a rancorous meeting. Lavrov described their conversation as like a dialogue between deaf and mute people, complaining that facts had "bounced off" her.

Truss has made geographic gaffes before, including on one occasion when she mixed up the Black and Baltic seas.

Truss openly challenged Lavrov at their meeting over Russia's troop build-up near Ukraine, saying: "I can't see any reason for having 100,000 troops stationed on the border, apart from to threaten Ukraine."

Since then, Britain has been one of the most active and vocal supporters of Ukraine after Moscow sent troops into the country on February 24, and has been supplying Kyiv with weapons and training.

(With inputs from agencies)

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When everyone waited for the announcement about the new UK PM, Russia appeared pessimistic about the leader who would take office after caretaker prime minister Boris Johnson.

When everyone waited for the announcement about the new UK PM, Russia appeared pessimistic about the leader who would take office after caretaker prime minister Boris Johnson. Russia said on Monday (September 5) that it could not rule out the possibility that dire relations with Britain would get even worse under the country's next prime minister. "I wouldn't like to say that things can change for the worse, because it's hard to imagine anything worse," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked if Moscow expected any shift in relations with Britain. He made these comments before Liz Truss was declared the next PM of UK. "But unfortunately, this cannot be ruled out, given that the contenders for the post of British prime minister competed with each other in anti-Russian rhetoric, in threats to take further steps against our country, and so on. Therefore, I don’t think that we can hope for anything positive." Asked if President Vladimir Putin would send a congratulatory telegram, he said: "Let's wait and see who becomes prime minister." Truss is chiefly known in Russia for a visit she made to Moscow in February, when she and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov held a rancorous meeting. Lavrov described their conversation as like a dialogue between deaf and mute people, complaining that facts had "bounced off" her. Truss has made geographic gaffes before, including on one occasion when she mixed up the Black and Baltic seas. Truss openly challenged Lavrov at their meeting over Russia's troop build-up near Ukraine, saying: "I can't see any reason for having 100,000 troops stationed on the border, apart from to threaten Ukraine." Since then, Britain has been one of the most active and vocal supporters of Ukraine after Moscow sent troops into the country on February 24, and has been supplying Kyiv with weapons and training. (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 ×

Kremlin pessimistic about new British PM, says it's hard to imagine relations going worse

Chief of Ofgem, Britain's energy regulator, has blamed Russia-fuelled&nbsp;Ukraine conflict for a huge, 80 per cent hike in electricity and gas bills. This dramatic rise is sure to worsen cost-of-living crisis before winter. Ofgem has said that its energy price cap will increase from October 1 to an average of £3,549 ($4,197) per year from the current £1,971. The energy cap sets prices for consumers who are not on a fixed deal with their supplier.

In an interview to BBC, Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem linked the massive hike to Ukraine conflict.

"It is possible that there may be peace between Russia and Ukraine, that things may change and indeed prices may stabilise or come down, but it is more likely that prices continue to rise," he said as quoted by the BBC.

It is expected that worse is still to come in the month of January, when Ofgem updates its cap further. The average bills are predicted to top GBP 5,000 or more.

Inflation in the UK is already in double digits. There is a forecast that it would reach 13 per cent in coming months. Energy bills are sure to add to the woes of British public.

The chief executive of Marie Curie cancer care charity, Matthew Reed, said terminally ill people it helps need specialist medical equipment and warned they "could freeze to death this winter without further support".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-signs-decree-to-boost-the-size-of-russian-forces-510230">Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces</a>

The near-doubling in the energy cap will likely tip millions into fuel poverty, forcing them to choose between heating or eating, anti-poverty experts say.

"Some parents are coming to us in tears, terrified about how they are going to feed their children," said Rossanna Trudgian, head of campaigns and public affairs at Action for Children charity.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chief of Ofgem, Britain's energy regulator, has blamed Russia-fuelled Ukraine conflict for a huge, 80 per cent hike in electricity and gas bills. This dramatic rise is sure to worsen cost-of-living crisis before winter.

Chief of Ofgem, Britain's energy regulator, has blamed Russia-fuelled Ukraine conflict for a huge, 80 per cent hike in electricity and gas bills. This dramatic rise is sure to worsen cost-of-living crisis before winter. Ofgem has said that its energy price cap will increase from October 1 to an average of £3,549 ($4,197) per year from the current £1,971. The energy cap sets prices for consumers who are not on a fixed deal with their supplier. In an interview to BBC, Jonathan Brearley, the chief executive of Ofgem linked the massive hike to Ukraine conflict. "It is possible that there may be peace between Russia and Ukraine, that things may change and indeed prices may stabilise or come down, but it is more likely that prices continue to rise," he said as quoted by the BBC. It is expected that worse is still to come in the month of January, when Ofgem updates its cap further. The average bills are predicted to top GBP 5,000 or more. Inflation in the UK is already in double digits. There is a forecast that it would reach 13 per cent in coming months. Energy bills are sure to add to the woes of British public. The chief executive of Marie Curie cancer care charity, Matthew Reed, said terminally ill people it helps need specialist medical equipment and warned they "could freeze to death this winter without further support". Also Read | Putin signs decree to boost the size of Russian forces The near-doubling in the energy cap will likely tip millions into fuel poverty, forcing them to choose between heating or eating, anti-poverty experts say. "Some parents are coming to us in tears, terrified about how they are going to feed their children," said Rossanna Trudgian, head of campaigns and public affairs at Action for Children charity. (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 ×

British energy regulator blames Russia for 80 per cent price hike

We've all read about the major movements of India's freedom struggle- 1857 mutiny, Quit India Movement, Non Cooperation movement, etc. But how many of us remember the "Royal Naval Ratings Mutiny"?

India@75: India's 'forgotten' Naval mutiny

Hong Kong is marking 25 years since China took charge of the region from Britain. But how did Hong Kong come under British control?

Hong Kong marks 25 years under China. But how did it come under British control?

On Tuesday, Singapore reported&nbsp;its first monkeypox case in a 42-year-old British flight attendant who had flown in and out of the country last week, reported BBC, quoting authorities.&nbsp;

Health officials in Singapore claimed that the man had been in a stable condition after testing positive for the disease on Monday and had been transferred to an isolation ward.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-virus-cdc-issues-sex-guidelines-on-monkeypox-why-india-should-get-battle-ready-for-monkeypox-490589">Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox</a>

Nearly 13 close contacts of the man have been traced and quarantined, which includes his crew and airline colleagues, according to media reports.

Since May, nearly 2,100 cases have been detected in close to 42 countries.

This marks the first recorded case of monkeypox in all of South-East Asia that is associated with the recent global outbreak of the disease.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name

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The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that more than 80 per cent of the cases have been recorded in Europe. However, the disease has also spread to other regions like North America, South America, and even Australia.

In this outbreak, only one death has been recorded so far by the WHO.

Typically, monkeypox occurs in remote parts of central and west African nations; however, there has also been a mysteriously high number of infections outside of Africa this year with no travel associations to the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-monkeypox-cases-rise-in-us-cdc-issues-new-guidance-488894">As monkeypox cases rise in US, CDC issues new guidance</a>

Hours after Singapore recorded its first monkeypox case, South Korean authorities also confirmed their first suspected cases of the disease.

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox. The risk of the disease remains low as transmission between humans requires close and direct physical contact with infectious lesions or ulcers.

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On Tuesday, Singapore reported its first monkeypox case in a 42-year-old British flight attendant who had flown in and out of the country last week, reported BBC, quoting authorities.

On Tuesday, Singapore reported its first monkeypox case in a 42-year-old British flight attendant who had flown in and out of the country last week, reported BBC, quoting authorities. Health officials in Singapore claimed that the man had been in a stable condition after testing positive for the disease on Monday and had been transferred to an isolation ward. Also read | Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox Nearly 13 close contacts of the man have been traced and quarantined, which includes his crew and airline colleagues, according to media reports. Since May, nearly 2,100 cases have been detected in close to 42 countries. This marks the first recorded case of monkeypox in all of South-East Asia that is associated with the recent global outbreak of the disease. Watch | WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that more than 80 per cent of the cases have been recorded in Europe. However, the disease has also spread to other regions like North America, South America, and even Australia. In this outbreak, only one death has been recorded so far by the WHO. Typically, monkeypox occurs in remote parts of central and west African nations; however, there has also been a mysteriously high number of infections outside of Africa this year with no travel associations to the region. Also read | As monkeypox cases rise in US, CDC issues new guidance Hours after Singapore recorded its first monkeypox case, South Korean authorities also confirmed their first suspected cases of the disease. Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox. The risk of the disease remains low as transmission between humans requires close and direct physical contact with infectious lesions or ulcers. 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.

Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant

Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday. Since last week, the duo had been missing in the Amazon rainforest. The clothing, which belonged to Pereira, has been found along with his health identification card, a backpack with Phillips’ clothes and the boots of both men, said police in a statement. The Equinox backpack, which contained clothes and a laptop, was discovered being tied to a half-sunken tree trunk in the area where the duo was last seen on Sunday, a fireman leading a search team told media. &nbsp;

To find the missing men, around 150 soldiers had been deployed via riverboats. They are also interviewing locals. Indigenous search teams are also looking for the pair for a week.&nbsp;The two men seemed to have gone on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area, where the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people reside. In this lawless region, cocaine-smuggling gangs, miners, illegal loggers, etc flourish. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Earlier, police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where the British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be one of the biggest breaks yet in the investigation.&nbsp;Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday.

Finally, the police made some headway in the search for the missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira. The belongings of the scribe and his companion have been found by the search teams, said Brazilian police on Sunday. Since last week, the duo had been missing in the Amazon rainforest. The clothing, which belonged to Pereira, has been found along with his health identification card, a backpack with Phillips’ clothes and the boots of both men, said police in a statement. The Equinox backpack, which contained clothes and a laptop, was discovered being tied to a half-sunken tree trunk in the area where the duo was last seen on Sunday, a fireman leading a search team told media. To find the missing men, around 150 soldiers had been deployed via riverboats. They are also interviewing locals. Indigenous search teams are also looking for the pair for a week. The two men seemed to have gone on a reporting trip in the remote jungle area, where the world's largest number of uncontacted indigenous people reside. In this lawless region, cocaine-smuggling gangs, miners, illegal loggers, etc flourish. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Earlier, police in Brazil said on Friday that search teams have found "apparently human" remains in the river where the British reporter was seen last in the Amazon rainforest. This may be one of the biggest breaks yet in the investigation. Federal police said that the "organic material" was being sent for forensic analysis. Blood found on a suspect's boat, which will be compared with genetic material from journalist Dom Phillips, will also be sent for forensic analysis. (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. ×

Missing British reporter, companion’s belongings found in Brazil, say cops

In pics: British travellers hit by airport chaos as flight cancellations continue

A&nbsp;French&nbsp;woman and&nbsp;British&nbsp;man who disappeared while diving off the coast of&nbsp;Malaysia&nbsp;were found safe on Saturday, drifting at&nbsp;sea&nbsp;two&nbsp;and a half&nbsp;days&nbsp;after&nbsp;they went missing, police said.

Four people went missing on Wednesday at around noon on a training dive near Tokong Sanggol, a small island off the southeastern town of Mersing.

The group's instructor, Kristine Grodem, 35, from Norway, was&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;on Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/food-prices-hit-record-high-in-march-un-agency-says-469388">Food prices hit record high in March, UN agency says</a>

Fishermen spotted Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, from France, and Briton Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, at around 1 a.m. (1700 GMT on Friday) in waters off Pengerang, a considerable distance to the south of where they disappeared, Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward Nuing told reporters.

"Both individuals ... are reported to be in stable condition," he said, adding that marine police had taken them to hospital. He declined to provide&nbsp;more&nbsp;details of the rescue.

Watch |&nbsp;What is driving methane emissions? US government data shows the grim reality

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-driving-methane-emissions-us-government-data-shows-the-grim-reality-469491/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rescuers were&nbsp;searching for Chesters' 14-year-old son, Dutch citizen Nathan&nbsp;Renze Chesters, Nuing said.

Grodem told officials the group surfaced about an hour into their dive on Wednesday but could not find their boat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sea-lions-enter-salmon-farm-refuse-to-leave-even-weeks-after-gorging-on-fish-in-canada-469150">Sea lions enter salmon farm, refuse to leave even weeks after gorging on fish in Canada &nbsp;</a>

She was later separated from the others&nbsp;after&nbsp;being caught in strong currents.

The boat operator who took them to the dive site was detained&nbsp;after&nbsp;testing positive for drugs, police said.

A French woman and British man who disappeared while diving off the coast of Malaysia were found safe on Saturday, drifting at sea two and a half days after they went missing, police said.

A French woman and British man who disappeared while diving off the coast of Malaysia were found safe on Saturday, drifting at sea two and a half days after they went missing, police said. Four people went missing on Wednesday at around noon on a training dive near Tokong Sanggol, a small island off the southeastern town of Mersing. The group's instructor, Kristine Grodem, 35, from Norway, was rescued on Thursday. Also read | Food prices hit record high in March, UN agency says Fishermen spotted Alexia Alexandra Molina, 18, from France, and Briton Adrian Peter Chesters, 46, at around 1 a.m. (1700 GMT on Friday) in waters off Pengerang, a considerable distance to the south of where they disappeared, Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward Nuing told reporters. "Both individuals ... are reported to be in stable condition," he said, adding that marine police had taken them to hospital. He declined to provide more details of the rescue. Watch | What is driving methane emissions? US government data shows the grim reality Rescuers were searching for Chesters' 14-year-old son, Dutch citizen Nathan Renze Chesters, Nuing said. Grodem told officials the group surfaced about an hour into their dive on Wednesday but could not find their boat. Also read | Sea lions enter salmon farm, refuse to leave even weeks after gorging on fish in Canada She was later separated from the others after being caught in strong currents. The boat operator who took them to the dive site was detained after testing positive for drugs, police said.

British, French divers rescued in Malaysia after more than two days at sea

Britain's Prince&nbsp;William&nbsp;and&nbsp;his wife&nbsp;Kate&nbsp;arrive in Belize on Saturday for a week-long&nbsp;Caribbean&nbsp;tour&nbsp;that sparked controversy before it even began&nbsp;amid&nbsp;growing scrutiny of the British Empire's&nbsp;colonial&nbsp;ties to the region.

The arrival of the Duke&nbsp;and&nbsp;Duchess of Cambridge coincides with the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 70th year on the throne,&nbsp;and&nbsp;comes nearly four months after Barbados voted to become a republic, cutting ties with the monarchy but remaining part of the British-led Commonwealth of Nations.

The queen's grandson&nbsp;and&nbsp;his wife are due to spend their first three days in Belize, formerly British Honduras. But on the eve of their departure, Belize officials said an event planned for Sunday was scrapped when a few dozen villagers staged a protest.

Residents of Indian Creek, an indigenous Maya village in southern Belize, told Reuters they were upset that the royal couple's helicopter had been granted permission to land&nbsp;on a local soccer field without prior consultation.

The village has for years been engaged in a land&nbsp;dispute with a conservation group supported by the royal family, stirring anger over&nbsp;colonial-era territorial settlements that are still contested by indigenous groups in the country.

A visit to a different site is being planned instead, Belize's government said. In a statement, Kensington Palace confirmed the schedule would be changed because of "sensitive issues" involving the Indian Creek community,&nbsp;and&nbsp;said more details would be provided in due course.

After Belize, the duke&nbsp;and&nbsp;duchess are due to move on to Jamaica&nbsp;and&nbsp;the Bahamas. Meetings&nbsp;and&nbsp;a variety of events are scheduled with politicians&nbsp;and&nbsp;a range of civic leaders.

Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth's press secretary from 1988 to 2000, described the&nbsp;tour&nbsp;as a goodwill visit that ought to give at least a temporary lift to the family's popularity.

Today, many people see the monarchy as an anachronism that should be let go, he said. But he expected that little would change while Elizabeth remained on the throne.

"The Royal Family is pragmatic," he said. "It knows it can't look at these countries as realm states forever&nbsp;and&nbsp;a day."

POPULAR OPINION

Debates over&nbsp;colonial-era oppression, including possible reparations for the descendants of slaves in Jamaica, could push more countries to emulate Barbados' recent move.

University of the West Indies Professor Carolyn Cooper said royal couple's visit would be unlikely to discourage Jamaica from opting for republic status.

"I think there is a groundswell of popular opinion against the monarchy," she said. Some in Belize, which gained independence from Britain only in 1981, speak warmly about remaining in the fold.

"I believe it's a wonderful opportunity for them to appreciate the country's multiculturalism, natural attractions,&nbsp;and&nbsp;to enjoy our culinary practices," said Joseline Ramirez, a manager in the Cayo district of western Belize.

But others are less enthusiastic. Alan Mckoy, a mechanic in Belize City, said he "couldn't care less" about the royal family. "They are no better than any of us," he said.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate arrive in Belize on Saturday for a week-long Caribbean tour that sparked controversy before it even began amid growing scrutiny of the British Empire's colonial ties to the region.

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate arrive in Belize on Saturday for a week-long Caribbean tour that sparked controversy before it even began amid growing scrutiny of the British Empire's colonial ties to the region. The arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge coincides with the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 70th year on the throne, and comes nearly four months after Barbados voted to become a republic, cutting ties with the monarchy but remaining part of the British-led Commonwealth of Nations. The queen's grandson and his wife are due to spend their first three days in Belize, formerly British Honduras. But on the eve of their departure, Belize officials said an event planned for Sunday was scrapped when a few dozen villagers staged a protest. Residents of Indian Creek, an indigenous Maya village in southern Belize, told Reuters they were upset that the royal couple's helicopter had been granted permission to land on a local soccer field without prior consultation. The village has for years been engaged in a land dispute with a conservation group supported by the royal family, stirring anger over colonial-era territorial settlements that are still contested by indigenous groups in the country. A visit to a different site is being planned instead, Belize's government said. In a statement, Kensington Palace confirmed the schedule would be changed because of "sensitive issues" involving the Indian Creek community, and said more details would be provided in due course. After Belize, the duke and duchess are due to move on to Jamaica and the Bahamas. Meetings and a variety of events are scheduled with politicians and a range of civic leaders. Dickie Arbiter, Queen Elizabeth's press secretary from 1988 to 2000, described the tour as a goodwill visit that ought to give at least a temporary lift to the family's popularity. Today, many people see the monarchy as an anachronism that should be let go, he said. But he expected that little would change while Elizabeth remained on the throne. "The Royal Family is pragmatic," he said. "It knows it can't look at these countries as realm states forever and a day." POPULAR OPINION Debates over colonial-era oppression, including possible reparations for the descendants of slaves in Jamaica, could push more countries to emulate Barbados' recent move. University of the West Indies Professor Carolyn Cooper said royal couple's visit would be unlikely to discourage Jamaica from opting for republic status. "I think there is a groundswell of popular opinion against the monarchy," she said. Some in Belize, which gained independence from Britain only in 1981, speak warmly about remaining in the fold. "I believe it's a wonderful opportunity for them to appreciate the country's multiculturalism, natural attractions, and to enjoy our culinary practices," said Joseline Ramirez, a manager in the Cayo district of western Belize. But others are less enthusiastic. Alan Mckoy, a mechanic in Belize City, said he "couldn't care less" about the royal family. "They are no better than any of us," he said.

Kate and William forced to scrap first stop on Caribbean tour after villagers protest

British property developer Nick Candy remains interested in making a bid for Chelsea Football Club whose owner, Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, has been hit by an asset freeze by the British government, a spokesperson for Candy said on Friday.

"We are examining the details of yesterday's announcement and we are still interested in making a bid," the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-what-british-governments-sanctions-on-roman-abramovich-mean-for-chelsea-football-club-461403">Explained: What British government's sanctions on Roman Abramovich mean for Chelsea football club</a>

"Clearly this is a time of great uncertainty for all Chelsea fans. In our view, no one is the owner of a football club – you are the custodian of it for the fans and the community."

British property developer Nick Candy remains interested in making a bid for Chelsea Football Club whose owner, Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, has been hit by an asset freeze by the British government, a spokesperson for Candy said on Friday.

British property developer Nick Candy remains interested in making a bid for Chelsea Football Club whose owner, Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, has been hit by an asset freeze by the British government, a spokesperson for Candy said on Friday. "We are examining the details of yesterday's announcement and we are still interested in making a bid," the spokesperson said. ALSO READ: Explained: What British government's sanctions on Roman Abramovich mean for Chelsea football club "Clearly this is a time of great uncertainty for all Chelsea fans. In our view, no one is the owner of a football club – you are the custodian of it for the fans and the community."

British property developer Nick Candy interested in a bid for Chelsea Football Club, says spokesperson

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, linked with a possible purchase of Chelsea Football Club, is not interested in buying the team from Russian owner Roman Abramovich, a spokesman for his company INEOS told Reuters on Thursday.

British media reports had said that Ratcliffe was considering a bid for Chelsea but the spokesman told Reuters: "There is no substance to the stories."

Abramovich said on Wednesday he would sell Chelsea Football Club, 19 years after buying the Premier League team, amid calls in Britain for sanctions against him following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roman-abramovich-wants-to-get-rid-of-chelsea-so-he-offered-to-sell-it-says-swiss-billionaire-hansjorg-wyss-458199">Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss</a>

Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company INEOS, currently owns French club OGC Nice and the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, has been linked with Chelsea in the past.

"Right now his focus is on OGC Nice which made it to the final of the French Cup to be played in Paris at the beginning of May," said the spokesperson.

Abramovich's decision to put Chelsea up for sale offers a rare chance to purchase a top Premier League club but soccer industry experts suggest it may not be a straightforward sale.

Forbes magazine valued Chelsea at $3.2 billion and ranked them the seventh most valuable club in the world but below English rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-champions-league-saudi-arabia-set-to-host-group-matches-458506">Asian Champions League: Saudi Arabia set to host group matches</a>

In December, Chelsea announced losses of £145.6 million. They made a profit of £39.5 million the previous year after losses of £102 million in the 2019-20 season.

Chelsea's most recent accounts said they are “reliant on Fordstam Limited for its continued financial support”.

Fordstam is the entity through which Abramovich owns Chelsea and through which he has loaned the club £1.5 billion.

In his statement on Wednesday, the Russian said: "The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid".

But the sale may not be a straightforward matter says Rob Wilson, football finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everton-suspends-all-commercial-sponsorships-with-russian-companies-with-immediate-effect-458227">Everton suspends all commercial sponsorships with Russian companies with immediate effect</a>

"The complexity of the ownership of the club, the soft loans provided by the current owners, ongoing losses and commitments to player contracts mean that any sale of Chelsea is unlikely to be plain sailing," he told Reuters.

"The write off, or not, of the £1.5bn in loans to Abramovich is the biggest point of contention. Will that really be written off? Converted to equity or bought as part of the acquisition. All questions that need to be answered," he said.

There has been increasing interest in the Premier League from American investors with both Manchester United and Liverpool owned by U.S backers but one U.S based soccer investment source said simply "It depends on the price".

On Wednesday, Swiss business tycoon Hansjoerg Wyss said he was one of three people who had been approached by Abramovich to buy the club.

"Abramovich is currently trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly now. I, along with three other people, received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich," Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lokomotiv-moscow-coach-markus-gisdol-steps-down-in-protest-against-russian-invasion-457866">Lokomotiv Moscow coach Markus Gisdol steps down in protest against Russian invasion</a>

Wyss said he would not consider purchasing Chelsea alone.

"If I buy Chelsea, it will be with a consortium of six or seven investors," he said.

Reports have suggested that American Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, could be part of such a consortium.

Boehly, is founder and CEO of Eldridge Industries and was reported to have made an attempt to buy Chelsea in 2019.

Eldridge did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, linked with a possible purchase of Chelsea Football Club, is not interested in buying the team from Russian owner Roman Abramovich, a spokesman for his company INEOS told Reuters on Thursday.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, linked with a possible purchase of Chelsea Football Club, is not interested in buying the team from Russian owner Roman Abramovich, a spokesman for his company INEOS told Reuters on Thursday. British media reports had said that Ratcliffe was considering a bid for Chelsea but the spokesman told Reuters: "There is no substance to the stories." Abramovich said on Wednesday he would sell Chelsea Football Club, 19 years after buying the Premier League team, amid calls in Britain for sanctions against him following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ: Roman Abramovich wants to get rid of Chelsea so he offered to sell it, says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company INEOS, currently owns French club OGC Nice and the INEOS Grenadiers cycling team, has been linked with Chelsea in the past. "Right now his focus is on OGC Nice which made it to the final of the French Cup to be played in Paris at the beginning of May," said the spokesperson. Abramovich's decision to put Chelsea up for sale offers a rare chance to purchase a top Premier League club but soccer industry experts suggest it may not be a straightforward sale. Forbes magazine valued Chelsea at $3.2 billion and ranked them the seventh most valuable club in the world but below English rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City. ALSO READ: Asian Champions League: Saudi Arabia set to host group matches In December, Chelsea announced losses of £145.6 million. They made a profit of £39.5 million the previous year after losses of £102 million in the 2019-20 season. Chelsea's most recent accounts said they are “reliant on Fordstam Limited for its continued financial support”. Fordstam is the entity through which Abramovich owns Chelsea and through which he has loaned the club £1.5 billion. In his statement on Wednesday, the Russian said: "The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid". But the sale may not be a straightforward matter says Rob Wilson, football finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University. ALSO READ: Everton suspends all commercial sponsorships with Russian companies with immediate effect "The complexity of the ownership of the club, the soft loans provided by the current owners, ongoing losses and commitments to player contracts mean that any sale of Chelsea is unlikely to be plain sailing," he told Reuters. "The write off, or not, of the £1.5bn in loans to Abramovich is the biggest point of contention. Will that really be written off? Converted to equity or bought as part of the acquisition. All questions that need to be answered," he said. There has been increasing interest in the Premier League from American investors with both Manchester United and Liverpool owned by U.S backers but one U.S based soccer investment source said simply "It depends on the price". On Wednesday, Swiss business tycoon Hansjoerg Wyss said he was one of three people who had been approached by Abramovich to buy the club. "Abramovich is currently trying to sell all his villas in England. He also wants to get rid of Chelsea quickly now. I, along with three other people, received an offer on Tuesday to buy Chelsea from Abramovich," Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick. ALSO READ: Lokomotiv Moscow coach Markus Gisdol steps down in protest against Russian invasion Wyss said he would not consider purchasing Chelsea alone. "If I buy Chelsea, it will be with a consortium of six or seven investors," he said. Reports have suggested that American Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, could be part of such a consortium. Boehly, is founder and CEO of Eldridge Industries and was reported to have made an attempt to buy Chelsea in 2019. Eldridge did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe not interested in bidding for Chelsea, says spokesman

Britain's government is considering restricting Russian ships from using British ports. This came after it emerged that a Russian-owned oil tanker is due to dock in Orkney this week. It is due to berth at Flotta oil terminal in Orkney on Tuesday to collect crude oil.

The oil tanker NS Champion is operated by Sovcomflot, which happens to be a large shipping company majority-owned by the Russian state.&nbsp;

However, as per Orkney Islands Council, the UK government had advised that currently the vessel cannot be refused permission to dock.&nbsp;

In a report by The Guardian, a spokesperson said, "As a council we are in an extremely difficult position."

“We recognise the strength of feeling around this – feelings that we share – but we are bound by our legal obligations to accept the vessel, until such a time as the UK government tells us otherwise.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;LIVE | Ukraine says Russia has lost 5300 troops, 191 tanks, 58 aircraft</a>

Even after a surging number of trade embargos against Russian businesses, there were several Russian vessels scheduled to dock at British ports, clarified a UK government spokesperson.

The spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “We are aware of concerns about Russian-connected ships potentially docking in the UK and we are working rapidly to explore a range of measures to restrict access for them."

“We are already discussing this issue with the Scottish government and the sanctions being considered are part of a wider package being worked up across the UK government.”

After Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine, the US government and European countries have imposed sanctions on Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

The UK government imposed tough sanctions against five Russian banks and three billionaires from the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's government is considering restricting Russian ships from using British ports. This came after it emerged that a Russian-owned oil tanker is due to dock in Orkney this week.

Britain's government is considering restricting Russian ships from using British ports. This came after it emerged that a Russian-owned oil tanker is due to dock in Orkney this week. It is due to berth at Flotta oil terminal in Orkney on Tuesday to collect crude oil. The oil tanker NS Champion is operated by Sovcomflot, which happens to be a large shipping company majority-owned by the Russian state. However, as per Orkney Islands Council, the UK government had advised that currently the vessel cannot be refused permission to dock. In a report by The Guardian, a spokesperson said, "As a council we are in an extremely difficult position." “We recognise the strength of feeling around this – feelings that we share – but we are bound by our legal obligations to accept the vessel, until such a time as the UK government tells us otherwise.” Also read | LIVE | Ukraine says Russia has lost 5300 troops, 191 tanks, 58 aircraft Even after a surging number of trade embargos against Russian businesses, there were several Russian vessels scheduled to dock at British ports, clarified a UK government spokesperson. The spokesperson was quoted by The Guardian as saying, “We are aware of concerns about Russian-connected ships potentially docking in the UK and we are working rapidly to explore a range of measures to restrict access for them." “We are already discussing this issue with the Scottish government and the sanctions being considered are part of a wider package being worked up across the UK government.” After Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine, the US government and European countries have imposed sanctions on Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The UK government imposed tough sanctions against five Russian banks and three billionaires from the country. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to ban Russian ships from British ports over Ukraine invasion: Report

Two British journalists who made the revelation about Russian skater Kamila Valieva’s positive drug test have claimed that they have been facing death threats and warnings. Duncan Mackay and Michael Pavitt have said that they have been warned by Russians to check their tea.

This is a reference to polonium poisoning.

In a report by the Guardian, both the journalists confirmed that they had faced death threats and had also been subjected to “significant” abuse. Other members of the team said that they were confronted by Russian journalists in the main media centre in Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-skater-valieva-tested-positive-for-banned-drug-olympic-testers-452301">Also read |&nbsp;Russian skater Valieva tested positive for banned drug: Olympic testers</a>

One respondent on Twitter wrote, "You will be positive when you discover some new substances in your tea." 
When he replied that he did not drink the tea, he was told, “Fortunately, you know what bankruptcy is. Prepare yourself to ride this road again, bruh.”

Skating sensation Valieva tested positive for a banned substance. Now, the IOC is appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing.

Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, which is a metabolic agent.&nbsp;

The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15.&nbsp;This is when the skater is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two British journalists who made the revelation about Russian skater Kamila Valieva’s positive drug test have claimed that they have been facing death threats and warnings.

Two British journalists who made the revelation about Russian skater Kamila Valieva’s positive drug test have claimed that they have been facing death threats and warnings. Duncan Mackay and Michael Pavitt have said that they have been warned by Russians to check their tea. This is a reference to polonium poisoning. In a report by the Guardian, both the journalists confirmed that they had faced death threats and had also been subjected to “significant” abuse. Other members of the team said that they were confronted by Russian journalists in the main media centre in Beijing. Also read | Russian skater Valieva tested positive for banned drug: Olympic testers One respondent on Twitter wrote, "You will be positive when you discover some new substances in your tea." When he replied that he did not drink the tea, he was told, “Fortunately, you know what bankruptcy is. Prepare yourself to ride this road again, bruh.” Skating sensation Valieva tested positive for a banned substance. Now, the IOC is appealing against Russia's decision to allow her to continue competing in Beijing. Valieva tested positive for trimetazidine, which is a metabolic agent. The case will be decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport before February 15. This is when the skater is scheduled to take part in the individual event at the Olympics. (With inputs from agencies)

Valieva case: British journalists targeted by Russians; receive death threats and 'significant' abuse

Issuing a warning on the digital currency the British lawmakers have said that a digital pound used by consumers could potentially harm financial stability, raise the cost of credit, and also erode privacy.

British lawmakers issue warning against the digital pound

The global semiconductor chip shortage will continue to hurt British car sales throughout this year and into 2023.

Lack of chips to further hit British car market

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is the “most intelligent member of the British royal family,” according to a new study.&nbsp; 
 
The Oxford Royal research is based on the family members’ academic credentials, from their high school results to the colleges, they went to. The education company used the QS World University Rankings, which rates colleges based on their academic reputation.&nbsp;

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/Yearender-2020-from-harry-meghan-markles-wedding-to-megxit-a-timeline-of-the-royal-exit-348101" hreflang="en">From Harry &amp; Meghan Markle's wedding to Megxit- a timeline of the royal exit</a> 
 
Based on the study, the mother of two, who holds a double degree in theatre and international relations from the prestigious college, took the top spot, as she's graduated from the elite Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

<img alt="meghan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="53fdfc4c-8a25-4c14-ac5c-a2efe21e392a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/happy%2030th%20birthday%20-%202021-12-26T160720.818.jpg" />

Her collage is placed at number 30 on the QS World Rankings for 2021. 
 
A spokesperson for Oxford Royale said in a statement: “Life as a royal isn’t always an easy job and involves a lot of dealing with extensive scrutiny and life in the public spotlight, and Meghan Markle’s academic strengths have equipped her perfectly for this role.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-kate-middleton-gets-into-christmas-spirit-with-surprise-piano-performance-439884" hreflang="en">Kate Middleton gets into Christmas spirit with a surprise Piano performance</a> 
 
Also mentioning her stepping back from Royal duties along with her husband Prince Harry, the spokesperson further added, “While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have resigned from their roles as working royals, they have captured the interest and attention of the world, and Meghan’s desire to use her platform to raise awareness over serious world issues reflects her intelligence, analytical mind and educational pedigree.”

T<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/second-baby-on-its-way-timeline-of-prince-harry-meghan-markle-royal-love-story-216491" hreflang="en">imeline of Prince Harry-Meghan Markle royal love story</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, comes in the second most intelligent royal in the study. She attended high school at the private Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England - it ranks at 91 on the QS World Rankings. 
 
Meanwhile, Prince William came in at third,&nbsp;whereas Prince Harry is not in the&nbsp;Oxford Royale’s top 10.&nbsp;

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is the “most intelligent member of the British royal family,” according to a new study. The Oxford Royal research is based on the family members’ academic credentials, from their high school results to the colleges, they went to.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is the “most intelligent member of the British royal family,” according to a new study. The Oxford Royal research is based on the family members’ academic credentials, from their high school results to the colleges, they went to. The education company used the QS World University Rankings, which rates colleges based on their academic reputation. From Harry & Meghan Markle's wedding to Megxit- a timeline of the royal exit Based on the study, the mother of two, who holds a double degree in theatre and international relations from the prestigious college, took the top spot, as she's graduated from the elite Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Her collage is placed at number 30 on the QS World Rankings for 2021. A spokesperson for Oxford Royale said in a statement: “Life as a royal isn’t always an easy job and involves a lot of dealing with extensive scrutiny and life in the public spotlight, and Meghan Markle’s academic strengths have equipped her perfectly for this role.'' Kate Middleton gets into Christmas spirit with a surprise Piano performance Also mentioning her stepping back from Royal duties along with her husband Prince Harry, the spokesperson further added, “While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may have resigned from their roles as working royals, they have captured the interest and attention of the world, and Meghan’s desire to use her platform to raise awareness over serious world issues reflects her intelligence, analytical mind and educational pedigree.” Timeline of Prince Harry-Meghan Markle royal love story Meanwhile, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, comes in the second most intelligent royal in the study. She attended high school at the private Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England - it ranks at 91 on the QS World Rankings. Meanwhile, Prince William came in at third, whereas Prince Harry is not in the Oxford Royale’s top 10.

‘Most intelligent British Royal' named & it’s not the Queen or Kate Middleton

British worker, Grant Bailey, is missing in Afghanistan after he was seized by the Taliban. As per a report by Mirror, he was arrested by Taliban police during a security clampdown in Kabul. The man in his 50s is married and had worked in Afghanistan for years. He returned in September after the Taliban seized power.

It is being speculated that the man, who was working for an NGO in Afghanistan, is being held in one of Kabul's prison complexes.

A UK security source told the Daily Mirror that he was last heard on Saturday after which he was arrested at gunpoint.

The source said, “We were quite surprised he went back to Kabul after the western withdrawal as the security situation there is obviously much worse. Added to that the Taliban government is making it very difficult for the few ex-pats working there, making it very difficult to travel."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-taliban-takeover-over-6000-afghan-journalists-have-lost-jobs-women-journalists-severely-impacted-439320">Also read |&nbsp;Since Taliban takeover, over 6,000 Afghan journalists have lost jobs; women journalists severely impacted</a>

“A lot of people are trying to get to the bottom of what has happened to him, where he is being held and under what charges," he added.&nbsp;

Amid increasing fears, the Foreign Office has been desperately trying to locate him.

Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good.&nbsp;

Recently, a survey by non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) revealed that 231 media outlets have been shut and over 6,400 journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban takeover.

Four months ago, most Afghan provinces had at least 10 privately-owned media outlets. However, now, regions have no local media at all.&nbsp;

A humanitarian crisis is looming in the country amid fears of extreme poverty. Heartbreaking reports of poverty in the nation have been emerging since August 15, the date when the Taliban took over. Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British worker, Grant Bailey, is missing in Afghanistan after he was seized by the Taliban. As per a report by Mirror, he was arrested by Taliban police during a security clampdown in Kabul.

British worker, Grant Bailey, is missing in Afghanistan after he was seized by the Taliban. As per a report by Mirror, he was arrested by Taliban police during a security clampdown in Kabul. The man in his 50s is married and had worked in Afghanistan for years. He returned in September after the Taliban seized power. It is being speculated that the man, who was working for an NGO in Afghanistan, is being held in one of Kabul's prison complexes. A UK security source told the Daily Mirror that he was last heard on Saturday after which he was arrested at gunpoint. The source said, “We were quite surprised he went back to Kabul after the western withdrawal as the security situation there is obviously much worse. Added to that the Taliban government is making it very difficult for the few ex-pats working there, making it very difficult to travel." Also read | Since Taliban takeover, over 6,000 Afghan journalists have lost jobs; women journalists severely impacted “A lot of people are trying to get to the bottom of what has happened to him, where he is being held and under what charges," he added. Amid increasing fears, the Foreign Office has been desperately trying to locate him. Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the situation has not been so good. Recently, a survey by non-profit organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) revealed that 231 media outlets have been shut and over 6,400 journalists have lost their jobs since the Taliban takeover. Four months ago, most Afghan provinces had at least 10 privately-owned media outlets. However, now, regions have no local media at all. A humanitarian crisis is looming in the country amid fears of extreme poverty. Heartbreaking reports of poverty in the nation have been emerging since August 15, the date when the Taliban took over. Afghanistan had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. (With inputs from agencies)

British worker Grant Bailey missing in Afghanistan after Taliban seized him at gunpoint

Global auto sector is struggling to cope with impact of COVID pandemic on global supply chains, British car manufacturers had their slowest November in 37 years as the sector struggled to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on global supply chains, industry data showed on Thursday.

British car manufacturers face slowest November in 37 years

Piel Island, off the northwest coast of Britain, is on the lookout for its new 'king.' The King is responsible for maintaining the island's small 50-acre landmass, which includes a historic castle.

This tiny British island looking for new 'King'

A probe was launched into possible gross negligence that resulted in a Danish and a British boat colliding in the Baltic sea.

Danish, British boats collide in Baltic sea | One dead, One missing after collision

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital. That same morning, a group of 21 cancelled their party too, also for Thursday night.

The previous night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that stricter Covid&nbsp;measures were coming, and the impact was immediate for Darrin Jacobs, the owner of Luc’s. There had been a “multitude of cancellations,” he said.

But thanks to a waiting list of reservations, he added, the restaurant was still fully booked until Christmas. And many of the cancelled bookings had optimistically rescheduled their celebrations for early next year.

“We won’t lose the business; we’ll just move the business on,” Jacobs said. But “it’s not easy because we’ve already bought food and moved staff around,” he said.

For months, businesses across Britain have been desperately trying to manoeuvre around supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and rising costs as they emerged from various stages of lockdown.

Offices reopened, which filled up commuter buses and trains; restaurants and pubs advertised to host holiday parties, and lines grew longer at city centre coffee shops.

Now the emergence of the fast-spreading omicron variant has unexpectedly dealt those efforts a blow. The government has revived coronavirus restrictions that are likely to weigh on hospitality and travel businesses during the critical holiday season and put a dent in the economy.

“I don’t know where this is going to go next week,” Jacobs said. “I think this is a tip-of-the-iceberg-type scenario, and it may get a lot worse next week — and if that’s the case, we’ll really have to scale it back.”

For now, he is still cautiously optimistic. But his business relies on people who work in nearby offices and walk to his restaurant in Leadenhall Market, especially several insurance companies. On Thursday, Jacobs heard that two large companies were closing their offices again.

In England beginning Friday, face masks will be required in most indoor public places, including cinemas and theatres. Starting Monday, people who can work from home should. And starting in the middle of next week, passes showing vaccination or a recent negative COVID test will be required for large events and nightclubs, Johnson announced this week. The rules will be voted on in Parliament next week. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have set their own measures, which are slightly stricter.

“Unless you go to a full or partial lockdown, the effect of the measures themselves will be rather small,” said Paul Mortimer-Lee, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London. “What will be hurting the economy is individuals’ responses.” People are likely to take more precautions to protect themselves from the virus, especially by socializing less.

While the rules are relatively light, for some businesses this will be an unwelcome retreat.

Before the omicron variant was discovered, the British economy was losing some momentum while prices were rising rapidly, putting inflation at its highest level in nearly a decade. Gross domestic product grew 1.3% in the third quarter, down from 5.5% in the previous three months. And that growth was driven by spending on services — especially in hotels, restaurants and entertainment — as the last of the major pandemic restrictions were lifted in the summer. In October, economic expansion slowed sharply to just 0.1% from the previous month.

Now there are early indications that restaurant reservations are declining and Christmas parties are being cancelled.

Restaurants, cafes and shops primarily serving office workers were contending with the lost trade from hybrid working but had at least seen a notable return of workers. Some 70% of British workers said they had travelled to work at least some days each week in early December, according to the Office for National Statistics, up from about 50% earlier in the year, when the country was under a strict lockdown.

Sales at Pret A Manger, the coffee and sandwich chain whose shops tend to be clustered around office hubs and transport locations, only returned to pre-pandemic levels about two weeks ago. Now those sales are starting to slip again.

“Christmas has been cancelled for many City shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses that rely on footfall from workers in nearby offices,” Catherine McGuinness, the policy chair of the City of London Corp., which governs the capital’s financial district, said in a statement.

Her organization will encourage workers and businesses to follow the new rules but said the government needed to lay out a road map for lifting the restrictions again in the new year, McGuinness said.

The new measures will also complicate the next steps for the Bank of England. Policymakers at the central bank had been preparing to raise interest rates in response to inflation, provided unemployment remained low. Some analysts believed an increase could come as soon as next week. But the potential for omicron to further slow the economy makes it harder to justify tightening monetary policy.

The extra uncertainty could dampen productivity and employment growth, according to Mortimer-Lee. It is likely to make companies more cautious about hiring and investment, especially businesses that rely on face-to-face interactions, like restaurants. Also, high case numbers will keep children out of schools and parents away from their jobs.

“It’s those millions of individual decisions, rather than Boris Johnson’s decision, that’s going to affect the economy,” Mortimer-Lee said. “And none of it’s going to be good.”

Even before the latest measures, hotels were seeing about one-fifth of their corporate bookings cancelled, according to UKHospitality, an industry lobby group, after the government required travellers into Britain to take a Covid&nbsp;test within two days of arriving and isolate until receiving the results. Christmas bookings were not as strong as they traditionally are for hospitality businesses in a quarter that usually brings in about 40% of the industry’s annual revenue.

And so the industry is asking for relief from business rates (a type of tax on commercial properties), more grants, rent protection and an extension of the reductions on VAT, a sales tax. “Anything less would prove catastrophic,” Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said in a statement.

The latest measures have been particularly disappointing for nightclubs, one of the last businesses allowed to reopen earlier this year. The Night Time Industries Association said Covid&nbsp;passes have been damaging to their industry in the parts of Britain where they were already in place.

Michael Kill, CEO of the lobbying group, said businesses were experiencing a “honeymoon period” since reopening in the summer and were trying to rebuild cash reserves before the quieter months at the start of the year.

“We’re now seeing some concern around cancellations and ticket purchases hesitancy,” Kill said. “These sorts of things that are leaving people in a vulnerable position, because many of them stocked up and purchased and staffed for a busy Christmas period.”

The group accused the government of enacting the changes to draw attention away from public fury over accusations that the prime minister’s staff broke lockdown rules by holding an office party last Christmas.

“It feels that nightclubs and bars have been thrown under the bus by the prime minister for him to save his own skin,” Kill said in a statement Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital.

On Thursday morning, a group of 50 called to cancel their holiday party booked for that evening at Luc’s Brasserie, a French restaurant in the financial district of Britain’s capital. That same morning, a group of 21 cancelled their party too, also for Thursday night. The previous night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that stricter Covid measures were coming, and the impact was immediate for Darrin Jacobs, the owner of Luc’s. There had been a “multitude of cancellations,” he said. But thanks to a waiting list of reservations, he added, the restaurant was still fully booked until Christmas. And many of the cancelled bookings had optimistically rescheduled their celebrations for early next year. “We won’t lose the business; we’ll just move the business on,” Jacobs said. But “it’s not easy because we’ve already bought food and moved staff around,” he said. For months, businesses across Britain have been desperately trying to manoeuvre around supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and rising costs as they emerged from various stages of lockdown. Offices reopened, which filled up commuter buses and trains; restaurants and pubs advertised to host holiday parties, and lines grew longer at city centre coffee shops. Now the emergence of the fast-spreading omicron variant has unexpectedly dealt those efforts a blow. The government has revived coronavirus restrictions that are likely to weigh on hospitality and travel businesses during the critical holiday season and put a dent in the economy. “I don’t know where this is going to go next week,” Jacobs said. “I think this is a tip-of-the-iceberg-type scenario, and it may get a lot worse next week — and if that’s the case, we’ll really have to scale it back.” For now, he is still cautiously optimistic. But his business relies on people who work in nearby offices and walk to his restaurant in Leadenhall Market, especially several insurance companies. On Thursday, Jacobs heard that two large companies were closing their offices again. In England beginning Friday, face masks will be required in most indoor public places, including cinemas and theatres. Starting Monday, people who can work from home should. And starting in the middle of next week, passes showing vaccination or a recent negative COVID test will be required for large events and nightclubs, Johnson announced this week. The rules will be voted on in Parliament next week. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have set their own measures, which are slightly stricter. “Unless you go to a full or partial lockdown, the effect of the measures themselves will be rather small,” said Paul Mortimer-Lee, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research in London. “What will be hurting the economy is individuals’ responses.” People are likely to take more precautions to protect themselves from the virus, especially by socializing less. While the rules are relatively light, for some businesses this will be an unwelcome retreat. Before the omicron variant was discovered, the British economy was losing some momentum while prices were rising rapidly, putting inflation at its highest level in nearly a decade. Gross domestic product grew 1.3% in the third quarter, down from 5.5% in the previous three months. And that growth was driven by spending on services — especially in hotels, restaurants and entertainment — as the last of the major pandemic restrictions were lifted in the summer. In October, economic expansion slowed sharply to just 0.1% from the previous month. Now there are early indications that restaurant reservations are declining and Christmas parties are being cancelled. Restaurants, cafes and shops primarily serving office workers were contending with the lost trade from hybrid working but had at least seen a notable return of workers. Some 70% of British workers said they had travelled to work at least some days each week in early December, according to the Office for National Statistics, up from about 50% earlier in the year, when the country was under a strict lockdown. Sales at Pret A Manger, the coffee and sandwich chain whose shops tend to be clustered around office hubs and transport locations, only returned to pre-pandemic levels about two weeks ago. Now those sales are starting to slip again. “Christmas has been cancelled for many City shops, restaurants, pubs and other businesses that rely on footfall from workers in nearby offices,” Catherine McGuinness, the policy chair of the City of London Corp., which governs the capital’s financial district, said in a statement. Her organization will encourage workers and businesses to follow the new rules but said the government needed to lay out a road map for lifting the restrictions again in the new year, McGuinness said. The new measures will also complicate the next steps for the Bank of England. Policymakers at the central bank had been preparing to raise interest rates in response to inflation, provided unemployment remained low. Some analysts believed an increase could come as soon as next week. But the potential for omicron to further slow the economy makes it harder to justify tightening monetary policy. The extra uncertainty could dampen productivity and employment growth, according to Mortimer-Lee. It is likely to make companies more cautious about hiring and investment, especially businesses that rely on face-to-face interactions, like restaurants. Also, high case numbers will keep children out of schools and parents away from their jobs. “It’s those millions of individual decisions, rather than Boris Johnson’s decision, that’s going to affect the economy,” Mortimer-Lee said. “And none of it’s going to be good.” Even before the latest measures, hotels were seeing about one-fifth of their corporate bookings cancelled, according to UKHospitality, an industry lobby group, after the government required travellers into Britain to take a Covid test within two days of arriving and isolate until receiving the results. Christmas bookings were not as strong as they traditionally are for hospitality businesses in a quarter that usually brings in about 40% of the industry’s annual revenue. And so the industry is asking for relief from business rates (a type of tax on commercial properties), more grants, rent protection and an extension of the reductions on VAT, a sales tax. “Anything less would prove catastrophic,” Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said in a statement. The latest measures have been particularly disappointing for nightclubs, one of the last businesses allowed to reopen earlier this year. The Night Time Industries Association said Covid passes have been damaging to their industry in the parts of Britain where they were already in place. Michael Kill, CEO of the lobbying group, said businesses were experiencing a “honeymoon period” since reopening in the summer and were trying to rebuild cash reserves before the quieter months at the start of the year. “We’re now seeing some concern around cancellations and ticket purchases hesitancy,” Kill said. “These sorts of things that are leaving people in a vulnerable position, because many of them stocked up and purchased and staffed for a busy Christmas period.” The group accused the government of enacting the changes to draw attention away from public fury over accusations that the prime minister’s staff broke lockdown rules by holding an office party last Christmas. “It feels that nightclubs and bars have been thrown under the bus by the prime minister for him to save his own skin,” Kill said in a statement Wednesday.

Omicron brings new round of foreboding for British businesses

British defence ministry said that it is planning to allow HIV positive people to join British armed forces if they no longer carry detectable amount of the virus. Military persons who become infected after they get enlisted can already remain in the armed forces. However, they are categorised as being not fully fit. The ministry said that this categorisation has been planned to be changed.

"Drug treatment has revolutionised the lives and outcomes of people diagnosed with HIV. As a modern and inclusive employer, it is only right that we recognise and act on the latest scientific evidence," junior defence minister Leo Docherty said.

The United States also currently bans people with HIV from joining its armed forces, and has faced legal challenge over its policy not to allow enlisted personnel who are HIV positive to commission as officers.

With the right treatment, the amount of virus in the blood of people infected with HIV can be reduced to undetectable levels, which in turn effectively eliminates the chances of them passing the virus which causes AIDS on to others.

From early next year, serving British military personnel who have tested positive for HIV, but no longer carry a detectable viral load, will be classed as fully fit, meaning they can be deployed on military operations.

People taking drugs that reduce the risk of contracting HIV will also be able to join the armed forces. Historically anyone taking regular medication has been unable to join Britain's armed forces, with limited exceptions such as contraceptives.

The planned changes were welcomed by Britain's National AIDS Trust. "A career in the armed forces was the only career not open to people living with HIV in the UK, and with this much-needed change the military will be more able to meet its obligation to promote inclusivity within its ranks," said Deborah Gold, the trust's chief executive.

(With inputs from agencies)

British defence ministry said that it is planning to allow HIV positive people to join British armed forces if they no longer carry detectable amount of the virus.

British defence ministry said that it is planning to allow HIV positive people to join British armed forces if they no longer carry detectable amount of the virus. Military persons who become infected after they get enlisted can already remain in the armed forces. However, they are categorised as being not fully fit. The ministry said that this categorisation has been planned to be changed. "Drug treatment has revolutionised the lives and outcomes of people diagnosed with HIV. As a modern and inclusive employer, it is only right that we recognise and act on the latest scientific evidence," junior defence minister Leo Docherty said. The United States also currently bans people with HIV from joining its armed forces, and has faced legal challenge over its policy not to allow enlisted personnel who are HIV positive to commission as officers. With the right treatment, the amount of virus in the blood of people infected with HIV can be reduced to undetectable levels, which in turn effectively eliminates the chances of them passing the virus which causes AIDS on to others. From early next year, serving British military personnel who have tested positive for HIV, but no longer carry a detectable viral load, will be classed as fully fit, meaning they can be deployed on military operations. People taking drugs that reduce the risk of contracting HIV will also be able to join the armed forces. Historically anyone taking regular medication has been unable to join Britain's armed forces, with limited exceptions such as contraceptives. The planned changes were welcomed by Britain's National AIDS Trust. "A career in the armed forces was the only career not open to people living with HIV in the UK, and with this much-needed change the military will be more able to meet its obligation to promote inclusivity within its ranks," said Deborah Gold, the trust's chief executive. (With inputs from agencies)

British armed forces plan to allow people with HIV to join

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. &nbsp;

Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. &nbsp;

As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/princess-elizabeth-doll-which-angered-royal-family-to-be-auctioned-430611" hreflang="en">Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned</a>&nbsp;

According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. &nbsp;

Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” &nbsp;

“It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-drivers-to-be-banned-from-using-handheld-devices-from-next-year-430603" hreflang="en">UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year</a>

The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill.

According to new bill in UK parliament, people can be stripped of their British citizenship without a prior warning. Under a proposed rule change, it has been quietly added to the nationality and borders bill. If this bill gets passed, it may open a can of worms. As per Clause 9, “Notice of decision to deprive a person of citizenship” of the bill, the government is exempted from having to give notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of diplomatic relations, national security or public interest. It was updated earlier this month. Also Read: Princess Elizabeth doll which angered Royal family to be auctioned According to the critics, removing citizenship, as in Shamima Begum case, who had fled the country as a schoolgirl to join Islamic State, is already a contentious power. The scrapping of the requirement for notice would make the powers of home secretary more draconian. Frances Webber, vice-chair, Institute of Race Relations, said, “This amendment sends the message that certain citizens, despite being born and brought up in the UK and having no other home, remain migrants in this country. Their citizenship, and therefore all their rights, are precarious and contingent.” “It builds on previous measures to strip British-born dual nationals (who are mostly from ethnic minorities) of citizenship and to do it while they are abroad, measures used mainly against British Muslims. It unapologetically flouts international human rights obligations and basic norms of fairness,” added Webber. Also Read: UK drivers to be banned from using handheld devices from next year The Home Office said, “British citizenship is a privilege, not a right. Deprivation of citizenship on conducive grounds is rightly reserved for those, who pose a threat to the UK or whose conduct involves very high harm. The nationality and borders bill will amend the law so citizenship can be deprived where it is not practicable to give notice, for example, if there is no way of communicating with the person.” (With inputs from agencies)

In UK, new bill empowers British govt to remove citizenship without notice

Various climate change activists blocked roads outside the Parliament in London. There have been reports of nearly sixty supporters of a group called Insulate Britain sitting on the ground holding banners as they blocked two roads around Parliament.

Some even glued themselves to the ground as part of the protest.&nbsp;

Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle deemed it as "totally unacceptable" as the group was "interfering with democracy."

This is not the first time when Insulate Britain has carried out such a protest. Recently, the group has carried out protests blocking various roads and highways in London and various other places in the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zhang-zhan-who-exposed-chinas-mishandling-of-covid-is-close-to-death-in-jail-family-426911">Also read |&nbsp;Zhang Zhan, who exposed China's mishandling of Covid, is close to death in jail: Family</a>

The group demands that the government should improve the energy efficiency of heating in people's homes by 2030. It has also targeted London's financial district.&nbsp;

These protests have angered many people as this leads to miles-long traffic congestion.

Even after officials say that the protests are "unacceptable," the group has said that it will continue its "civil resistance." Many protestors have also been arrested for the same.&nbsp;

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, "When it gets to the point that protesting against climate change prevents members from this House getting here to hold ministers to account and be heard it is clearly counter-productive."

Various climate change activists blocked roads outside the Parliament in London. There have been reports of nearly sixty supporters of a group called Insulate Britain sitting on the ground holding banners as they blocked two roads around Parliament.

Various climate change activists blocked roads outside the Parliament in London. There have been reports of nearly sixty supporters of a group called Insulate Britain sitting on the ground holding banners as they blocked two roads around Parliament. Some even glued themselves to the ground as part of the protest. Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle deemed it as "totally unacceptable" as the group was "interfering with democracy." This is not the first time when Insulate Britain has carried out such a protest. Recently, the group has carried out protests blocking various roads and highways in London and various other places in the UK. Also read | Zhang Zhan, who exposed China's mishandling of Covid, is close to death in jail: Family The group demands that the government should improve the energy efficiency of heating in people's homes by 2030. It has also targeted London's financial district. These protests have angered many people as this leads to miles-long traffic congestion. Even after officials say that the protests are "unacceptable," the group has said that it will continue its "civil resistance." Many protestors have also been arrested for the same. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, "When it gets to the point that protesting against climate change prevents members from this House getting here to hold ministers to account and be heard it is clearly counter-productive."

'Civil resistance': Protesters block roads outside British Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his British counterpart Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the COP26 climate summit here and the two leaders discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables and clean technology, economy and defence.

This was the first in-person meeting between Modi and Johnson following the British Prime Minister's twice cancelled visit to India earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The interaction, soon after the opening ceremony of the World Leaders' Summit at COP26, was scheduled to focus on the UK-India climate partnership as well as a review of the 2030 Roadmap for stronger UK-India strategic ties &nbsp;signed by the two leaders during a virtual summit in May this year.

"Marching ahead on Roadmap 2030. PM @narendramodi met UK PM @BorisJohnson in Glasgow today. Congratulated him for successfully organising @COP26. Discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables &amp; clean tech. Also exchanged views on economy, defence, P2P ties,Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted soon after the meeting.

According to official sources, the relatively short interaction focussed on exchanging views and taking stock of the bilateral relationship. The issue of security and counter-terrorism, with a likely focus on separatist Khalistani activities in the UK, are likely to have featured during the discussions.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to have reiterated his invitation for Johnson to visit India.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop26-world-makes-new-bid-to-avert-climate-disaster-425496">COP26: World makes new bid to avert climate disaster</a>

"Both governments remain committed to the implementation of the Roadmap, within prescribed timelines. Accordingly, we are looking to launch negotiations in November 2021 for an Interim Agreement to be signed in March 2022 and eventually a comprehensive agreement, if all goes according to schedule, by November 2022,&nbsp;India's High Commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, said ahead of the prime ministerial talks.

The Modi-Johnson meet, dubbed an important bilateral of the UK leg of Modi's European tour, was followed by a leader-level COP26 event entitled Action and Solidarity: The Critical Decade, for which the UK had extended a special invitation for Modi to deliver an address on the subject of "adaptation".&nbsp; 
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his British counterpart Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the COP26 climate summit here and the two leaders discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables and clean technology, economy and defence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met his British counterpart Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the COP26 climate summit here and the two leaders discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables and clean technology, economy and defence. This was the first in-person meeting between Modi and Johnson following the British Prime Minister's twice cancelled visit to India earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read | COP26: India, UK to launch solar Green Grids Initiative The interaction, soon after the opening ceremony of the World Leaders' Summit at COP26, was scheduled to focus on the UK-India climate partnership as well as a review of the 2030 Roadmap for stronger UK-India strategic ties signed by the two leaders during a virtual summit in May this year. "Marching ahead on Roadmap 2030. PM @narendramodi met UK PM @BorisJohnson in Glasgow today. Congratulated him for successfully organising @COP26. Discussed cooperation in areas like green hydrogen, renewables & clean tech. Also exchanged views on economy, defence, P2P ties,Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted soon after the meeting. According to official sources, the relatively short interaction focussed on exchanging views and taking stock of the bilateral relationship. The issue of security and counter-terrorism, with a likely focus on separatist Khalistani activities in the UK, are likely to have featured during the discussions. Prime Minister Modi is expected to have reiterated his invitation for Johnson to visit India. Also Read | COP26: World makes new bid to avert climate disaster "Both governments remain committed to the implementation of the Roadmap, within prescribed timelines. Accordingly, we are looking to launch negotiations in November 2021 for an Interim Agreement to be signed in March 2022 and eventually a comprehensive agreement, if all goes according to schedule, by November 2022, India's High Commissioner to the UK, Gaitri Issar Kumar, said ahead of the prime ministerial talks. The Modi-Johnson meet, dubbed an important bilateral of the UK leg of Modi's European tour, was followed by a leader-level COP26 event entitled Action and Solidarity: The Critical Decade, for which the UK had extended a special invitation for Modi to deliver an address on the subject of "adaptation".

COP26: PM Modi holds bilateral talks with British PM Johnson

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Gravitas: Women in British army battle rape, sexual assault

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