The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders.

<h2 dir="ltr">What was the report about?</h2>

The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022.&nbsp;

The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals.

The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict.&nbsp;

Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war.&nbsp;

The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen.&nbsp;

Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters.

<h2>What did it find about Russia and Ukraine?</h2>

According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”.&nbsp;

Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago.

<h2>‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings</h2>

In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces.&nbsp;

“I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021.&nbsp;

Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22).

The United Nations has put the Russian army and its armed groups on its “list of shame” for killing and maiming hundreds of children during its ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency AFP, on Thursday (June 22). The report seen by Reuters, says Russia killed at least 136 children in Ukraine last year and has since added Moscow’s forces to a global list of offenders. What was the report about? The UN report, as per Reuters, said that at least 24,300 violations had been committed against children in 2022. The annual report is about the treatment of children in conflict zones which is submitted to the 15-member UNSC and accounts attacks such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment of children, denial of aid access and targeting of schools and hospitals. The report was compiled by Virginia Gamba, United Nations chief Antonio Guterres’ special representative for children and armed conflict. Notably, the so-called “list of shame” is intended to shame the parties involved in the conflict and hopes to push them to implement measures for protecting children during a war. The report, in question, will be made public next week. It also reportedly noted most violations were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, Somalia, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti and Yemen. Guterres in the report said that “non-state armed groups” were responsible for 50 per cent of the “grave violations,” adding that “government forces were the main perpetrator of the killing and maiming of children, attacks on schools and hospitals, and the denial of humanitarian access,” as quoted by Reuters. What did it find about Russia and Ukraine? According to the UN report, Russian armed forces and affiliated groups in addition to killing over 100 children, also maimed 518 children and carried out 480 attacks on schools and hospitals, reported Reuters. The Russian forces have also been accused of using 91 children as human shields. Last year, as per the document, a total of 477 were killed in Ukraine and 909 were maimed, as per AFP. On the other hand, the report also shows that Ukrainian armed forces killed 80 children, maimed 175 children and carried out 212 attacks on schools and hospitals, as per Reuters, but has not made it to the so-called “list of shame”. Notably, Gamba visited Kyiv and Moscow where she met with Russia’s envoy for children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova who is currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes charges along with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This comes after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against them, earlier this year, for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since the beginning of the conflict over a year ago. ‘Particularly shocked…’: UN chief fumes over findings In the document, as per reports, the UN chief said he is “appalled” by the high number of grave violations committed in Ukraine, last year. Guterres also said that he is “particularly disturbed” by such a number of offences committed against children by Ukrainian armed forces. “I am particularly shocked by the high number of attacks on schools and hospitals and protected personnel, and by the high number of children killed and maimed attributed to the Russian forces and affiliated armed groups,” said Guterres about Russia, in the report, as quoted by AFP. It is also worth noting that despite years of criticism and push by human rights organisations, Israel has not made it to the so-called list for killing dozens of Palestinian children. According to the UN report, Israeli forces killed 42 children last year, and 78 in 2021. Addressing this the UN chief noted, a “meaningful decrease in the number of children killed by Israeli forces, including by air strikes.” “Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned by the number of children killed and maimed by Israeli forces during hostilities,” Guterres said, as quoted by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN adds Russia to its ‘list of shame’ over Ukraine war: Here’s why

Preschools in Taiwan’s New Taipei City find themselves embroiled in a “drugging” scandal where teachers have been accused of sedating children with cough syrups which, as per BBC, contain drugs like phenobarbital and benzodiazepines. This comes after parents complained about what they described as withdrawal symptoms over the holidays which has since sparked concerns and protests.&nbsp;

The parents in Taiwan filed complaints against a private preschool named New Taipei Kid Castle in May after accusing the staff of feeding their children “unknown drugs”. It was later found that the children had been given medicines containing drugs which are said to be highly addictive sedatives, some of which have been phased out of certain countries. 
<meta charset="utf-8" />

<h2>Parents’ accusations against teachers</h2>

Earlier this year, parents said they noticed what appeared to be withdrawal symptoms in their children over the long Lunar New Year holiday back in February, Mike, the&nbsp;father of a five-year-old child, told BBC Chinese.&nbsp;

“Some parents found their children, over the vacation, had become irritable, restless and screamed when sleeping, and even cried out with leg cramps,” said Mike, adding that after speaking to their children they found that the staff had been giving them an “unknown potion”.

A similar case emerged across the island in the city of Kaohsiung, reported BBC, where the local health department found four doctors guilty of improper use of one of the drugs, phenobarbital, on about 20 children.&nbsp;

The doctors’ practices have since been suspended and were also fined 1.4 million Taiwanese dollars ($ 46,121). As per local media reports, the cough medicines in question were barbiturates which is a class of drugs which includes phenobarbital and have been phased out in most countries.&nbsp;

Additionally, drugs containing phenobarbital are used during treatment for epilepsy and or used as surgical anaesthesia. Meanwhile, benzodiazepines commonly known as “benzos”, are a class of depressant drugs most commonly used to treat severe anxiety and insomnia.

<h2>The ongoing investigation</h2>

Based on the complaints filed by parents in April and May, the police launched an investigation. However, officials said it is not clear why the children were given these addictive syrups.

Meanwhile, hundreds of parents also took to the streets on Sunday in New Taipei City and demanded greater transparency from the ongoing police investigation of the case. So far, the principal of the school and five teachers have been arrested and questioned by the police amid the ongoing criminal investigation. &nbsp;

The kindergarten at the centre of this scandal has since been closed. The Kid Castle Educational Institute was ordered to shut down last week and its directors have been fined 150,000 Taiwanese dollars ($$4,872).&nbsp;

<h2>New Taipei City government under fire</h2>

The New Taipei City’s government came under fire last week after the parents accused the teachers of shifting the blame after one of them confessed and said that the students were given cough medicine, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

However, the teacher said it was with the parents’ consent which has since sparked an uproar. Parents told the local media that while they did receive a list of medication, they never thought it contained barbiturates.&nbsp;

“When kids catch colds, the cough medicine prescribed by the doctor will not contain barbiturates. It is completely different from cough medicine,” said one parent, as quoted by the Taiwan News.&nbsp;

This has since prompted New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih to issue an apology for his handling of the case and spoke about how teachers with ulterior motives had done “heartbreaking things” to the children, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

Amid public criticism, two major preschool unions in the city have urged their members to stop administering medicines to students and asked parents to keep their children at home if they are ill for recovery.&nbsp;

As per local media reports, preschool staff and teachers have allegedly been bullied across Taiwan since the scandal. Meanwhile, Taipei City Hospital has offered free blood tests for preschool children to check for traces of sedatives.&nbsp; 
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Preschools in Taiwan’s New Taipei City find themselves embroiled in a “drugging” scandal where teachers have been accused of sedating children with cough syrups which, as per BBC, contain drugs like phenobarbital and benzodiazepines.

Preschools in Taiwan’s New Taipei City find themselves embroiled in a “drugging” scandal where teachers have been accused of sedating children with cough syrups which, as per BBC, contain drugs like phenobarbital and benzodiazepines. This comes after parents complained about what they described as withdrawal symptoms over the holidays which has since sparked concerns and protests. The parents in Taiwan filed complaints against a private preschool named New Taipei Kid Castle in May after accusing the staff of feeding their children “unknown drugs”. It was later found that the children had been given medicines containing drugs which are said to be highly addictive sedatives, some of which have been phased out of certain countries. Parents’ accusations against teachers Earlier this year, parents said they noticed what appeared to be withdrawal symptoms in their children over the long Lunar New Year holiday back in February, Mike, the father of a five-year-old child, told BBC Chinese. “Some parents found their children, over the vacation, had become irritable, restless and screamed when sleeping, and even cried out with leg cramps,” said Mike, adding that after speaking to their children they found that the staff had been giving them an “unknown potion”. A similar case emerged across the island in the city of Kaohsiung, reported BBC, where the local health department found four doctors guilty of improper use of one of the drugs, phenobarbital, on about 20 children. The doctors’ practices have since been suspended and were also fined 1.4 million Taiwanese dollars ($ 46,121). As per local media reports, the cough medicines in question were barbiturates which is a class of drugs which includes phenobarbital and have been phased out in most countries. Additionally, drugs containing phenobarbital are used during treatment for epilepsy and or used as surgical anaesthesia. Meanwhile, benzodiazepines commonly known as “benzos”, are a class of depressant drugs most commonly used to treat severe anxiety and insomnia. The ongoing investigation Based on the complaints filed by parents in April and May, the police launched an investigation. However, officials said it is not clear why the children were given these addictive syrups. Meanwhile, hundreds of parents also took to the streets on Sunday in New Taipei City and demanded greater transparency from the ongoing police investigation of the case. So far, the principal of the school and five teachers have been arrested and questioned by the police amid the ongoing criminal investigation. The kindergarten at the centre of this scandal has since been closed. The Kid Castle Educational Institute was ordered to shut down last week and its directors have been fined 150,000 Taiwanese dollars ($$4,872). New Taipei City government under fire The New Taipei City’s government came under fire last week after the parents accused the teachers of shifting the blame after one of them confessed and said that the students were given cough medicine, as per local media reports. However, the teacher said it was with the parents’ consent which has since sparked an uproar. Parents told the local media that while they did receive a list of medication, they never thought it contained barbiturates. “When kids catch colds, the cough medicine prescribed by the doctor will not contain barbiturates. It is completely different from cough medicine,” said one parent, as quoted by the Taiwan News. This has since prompted New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih to issue an apology for his handling of the case and spoke about how teachers with ulterior motives had done “heartbreaking things” to the children, as per local media reports. Amid public criticism, two major preschool unions in the city have urged their members to stop administering medicines to students and asked parents to keep their children at home if they are ill for recovery. As per local media reports, preschool staff and teachers have allegedly been bullied across Taiwan since the scandal. Meanwhile, Taipei City Hospital has offered free blood tests for preschool children to check for traces of sedatives. 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.

Teachers in Taiwan accused of ‘drugging’ kindergarten children, parents alarmed

The teachers in schools in Switzerland have raised alarm about many children coming to class wearing diapers because they have not been trained on how to use the toilet. 
 
“Kids are going to school as early as four years old now, so yeah, you might actually find some still in diapers,” said Dagmar Rosler, head of the Swiss Federation of Teachers, while speaking to the Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten. “When 11-year-olds come to school in diapers, that’s a worrying trend,” she added. 
 
Many children have become so much accustomed to wearing diapers that they are not interested in changing the convenient but unsanitary method. As per Mayo Clinic, the average age of children who receive toilet training is between 18 months and 24 months, however many parents have been avoiding the training session.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-people-vote-for-15-per-cent-tax-rate-hike-for-multinationals-605792">Switzerland: People vote for 15 per cent tax rate hike for multinationals</a>

“Some parents let it slide because diapers are a convenient relief. It’s not seen as a problem these days,” stated educational scientist Margrit Stamm. “That sends a totally wrong message,” she added. 
 
Child development expert Rita Messmer said that the number of children wearing diapers in school has “skyrocketed”, as she emphasised her 11-year-old patient who had not learned how to use the toilet on their own.

<h2 lang="en-US">Burden for teachers</h2>

The lack of knowledge of children has become a burden for a lot of teachers who are forced to assist them with soaked diapers. 
 
“Parents have a responsibility to make sure their school-aged kids aren’t wearing diapers anymore. Teachers aren’t there to change their students’ diapers. That’s crossing a line,” said Rosler. 
 
Although the issue is rampant in Switzerland, similar problems have emerged in Buffalo, New York where parents have not been teaching their children how to use the toilet. 
 
“Teacher aides here say that it’s not their responsibility (to change diapers),” Phil Rumore, president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, said.

WATCH |&nbsp;Switzerland: Women stage 'feminist strike,' a scream for equality

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“There is no policy in place, or procedure in place, to work with the child to either potty train them, to clean them when they have an accident. “The teacher can’t do it because it takes away from the class,” Rumore said. 
 
The Buffalo Teachers Federation stated that 43 children were not efficiently trained to use toilets, which led to accidents and teasing from classmates. 
 
“I’m not blaming the parents … because in some cases we have an autistic child, or we have a child with emotional problems or physical problems,” Rumore stated.

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The teachers in schools in Switzerland have raised alarm about many children coming to class wearing diapers because they have not been trained on how to use the toilet.

The teachers in schools in Switzerland have raised alarm about many children coming to class wearing diapers because they have not been trained on how to use the toilet. “Kids are going to school as early as four years old now, so yeah, you might actually find some still in diapers,” said Dagmar Rosler, head of the Swiss Federation of Teachers, while speaking to the Swiss newspaper 20 Minuten. “When 11-year-olds come to school in diapers, that’s a worrying trend,” she added. Many children have become so much accustomed to wearing diapers that they are not interested in changing the convenient but unsanitary method. As per Mayo Clinic, the average age of children who receive toilet training is between 18 months and 24 months, however many parents have been avoiding the training session. ALSO READ | Switzerland: People vote for 15 per cent tax rate hike for multinationals “Some parents let it slide because diapers are a convenient relief. It’s not seen as a problem these days,” stated educational scientist Margrit Stamm. “That sends a totally wrong message,” she added. Child development expert Rita Messmer said that the number of children wearing diapers in school has “skyrocketed”, as she emphasised her 11-year-old patient who had not learned how to use the toilet on their own. Burden for teachers The lack of knowledge of children has become a burden for a lot of teachers who are forced to assist them with soaked diapers. “Parents have a responsibility to make sure their school-aged kids aren’t wearing diapers anymore. Teachers aren’t there to change their students’ diapers. That’s crossing a line,” said Rosler. Although the issue is rampant in Switzerland, similar problems have emerged in Buffalo, New York where parents have not been teaching their children how to use the toilet. “Teacher aides here say that it’s not their responsibility (to change diapers),” Phil Rumore, president of the Buffalo Teachers Federation, said. WATCH | Switzerland: Women stage 'feminist strike,' a scream for equality “There is no policy in place, or procedure in place, to work with the child to either potty train them, to clean them when they have an accident. “The teacher can’t do it because it takes away from the class,” Rumore said. The Buffalo Teachers Federation stated that 43 children were not efficiently trained to use toilets, which led to accidents and teasing from classmates. “I’m not blaming the parents … because in some cases we have an autistic child, or we have a child with emotional problems or physical problems,” Rumore stated. 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

Worrying trend in Switzerland: 11-year-old kids wear diapers to school as teachers remain concerned

In a devastating incident, bodies of four deceased individuals were discovered in a flat located on Staines Road, Bedfont in&nbsp;Hounslow town, London, reported local media citing the Metropolitan Police.&nbsp;

The victims include a man and a woman in their 30s, an 11-year-old girl, and a three-year-old boy. Authorities said all four belonged to the same family. The distressing find was made after an individual "concerned about the welfare of the occupants" alerted the police, prompting them to forcibly enter the premises.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stoltenberg-expected-to-be-asked-to-extend-another-term-as-nato-chief-amid-replacement-challenges-605543">Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges</a>

As investigations are still underway, the police have stated that no other individuals are being sought in relation to the incident.

<h2>Identifying victims and notifying next of kin</h2>

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, the policing commander in west London, addressed the media at the scene, expressing the urgent need to locate and inform the next of kin.

While the identities of the victims are known to the police, Chief Superintendent refrained from disclosing their names, citing the ongoing efforts to reach their family members. He emphasised the gravity of the situation, describing it as a "terrible incident" that necessitates meticulous inquiries to establish the cause of death.

He said,&nbsp;"I believe we know who they are - four members of the same family - however, urgent inquiries are ongoing to locate and inform their next of kin and it would be inappropriate for me to name them at this time."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-calls-on-nawaz-sharif-to-become-pakistan-pm-again-lead-election-campaign-605527">Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign</a>

Post-mortem examinations are being arranged to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

<h2>Neighbours in shock</h2>

Residents in the vicinity, who were acquainted with the family, have been left stunned and grief-stricken by the news. A male neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the family as normal and mentioned exchanging pleasantries with them.

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Another female neighbour, also opting to withhold her name, expressed admiration for the woman as a loving mother to her two young children. She conveyed her deep shock and devastation, particularly when children are involved, describing the family as "absolutely gorgeous."&nbsp; 
 
"I still can't digest and understand what's happened and why (it has) happened, especially when there are little kids involved - it is just devastating," she said, reported BBC.&nbsp;

<h2>Community reacts with sorrow</h2>

The wider community in Hounslow has been profoundly affected by the tragic incident. Local resident Michael Oban expressed his disturbance upon hearing the news, emphasising the distressing nature of such a loss, especially when it involves children.&nbsp;"Whatever the circumstances, the death of four people inside a property really is quite shocking," he added.

The Council Leader of Hounslow, Shantanu Rajawat, conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and friends, acknowledging the shockwaves that this event has sent through the community.

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In a devastating incident, bodies of four deceased individuals were discovered in a flat located on Staines Road, Bedfont in Hounslow town, London, reported local media citing the Metropolitan Police.

In a devastating incident, bodies of four deceased individuals were discovered in a flat located on Staines Road, Bedfont in Hounslow town, London, reported local media citing the Metropolitan Police. The victims include a man and a woman in their 30s, an 11-year-old girl, and a three-year-old boy. Authorities said all four belonged to the same family. The distressing find was made after an individual "concerned about the welfare of the occupants" alerted the police, prompting them to forcibly enter the premises. Also Read | Stoltenberg expected to be asked to extend another term as NATO Chief amid replacement challenges As investigations are still underway, the police have stated that no other individuals are being sought in relation to the incident. Identifying victims and notifying next of kin Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, the policing commander in west London, addressed the media at the scene, expressing the urgent need to locate and inform the next of kin. While the identities of the victims are known to the police, Chief Superintendent refrained from disclosing their names, citing the ongoing efforts to reach their family members. He emphasised the gravity of the situation, describing it as a "terrible incident" that necessitates meticulous inquiries to establish the cause of death. He said, "I believe we know who they are - four members of the same family - however, urgent inquiries are ongoing to locate and inform their next of kin and it would be inappropriate for me to name them at this time." Also Read | Shehbaz Sharif calls on Nawaz Sharif to become Pakistan PM again, lead election campaign Post-mortem examinations are being arranged to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. Neighbours in shock Residents in the vicinity, who were acquainted with the family, have been left stunned and grief-stricken by the news. A male neighbour, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the family as normal and mentioned exchanging pleasantries with them. Watch | China targets ‘unity in thought’ with campaign on Xi’s philosophy × Another female neighbour, also opting to withhold her name, expressed admiration for the woman as a loving mother to her two young children. She conveyed her deep shock and devastation, particularly when children are involved, describing the family as "absolutely gorgeous." "I still can't digest and understand what's happened and why (it has) happened, especially when there are little kids involved - it is just devastating," she said, reported BBC. Community reacts with sorrow The wider community in Hounslow has been profoundly affected by the tragic incident. Local resident Michael Oban expressed his disturbance upon hearing the news, emphasising the distressing nature of such a loss, especially when it involves children. "Whatever the circumstances, the death of four people inside a property really is quite shocking," he added. The Council Leader of Hounslow, Shantanu Rajawat, conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and friends, acknowledging the shockwaves that this event has sent through the community. 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. ×

London: Four family members, including 2 children, found dead in Hounslow flat

US Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 7-2 decision and kept intact a law that seeks to keep Native American children with tribal families.&nbsp;The court ruled that the law in cases of adoption involving American Indian children does not&nbsp;unlawfully impose federal mandates on areas traditionally regulated by states. &nbsp;

ICWA established federal standards for the removal of Native children from their families and required state courts to inform tribes when an American Indian child is removed from their home outside of a reservation.

The Act has been a significant law for over 45 years, enacted after a congressional investigation revealed that a significant number of Native children had been taken from their tribal homes and placed with non-Native families and institutions without tribal connections.

<h2>Why was the Act challenged?&nbsp;</h2>

The law was challenged by Chad and Jennifer Brackeen, along with other non-Native prospective adoptive couples, who argued that ICWA violated the Constitution by racially discriminating and compelling the state to enforce federal mandates.&nbsp;

However, in the case before the court, the state of Texas and several families adopting American Indian children challenged the law, arguing that it encroached on state autonomy.

In its Thursday ruling, the court did not decide whether the law unconstitutionally discriminates based on race when it comes to placing children in Native foster and adoptive homes.

The court determined that the challengers, including prospective adoptive parents and the state of Texas, lacked standing to sue as they had not suffered concrete harm, reported NPR media portal.&nbsp;

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In her majority opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated, "The bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners' challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing."

Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented, criticising the court for disregarding the best interests of the vulnerable children involved and undermining the division of federal and state authority.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-biggest-meth-bust-with-drug-hidden-in-maple-syrup-bottles-six-arrested-604782">New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested</a>

<h2>Native Americans — political not racial group</h2>

The Supreme Court rejected the arguments by the challengers, citing longstanding precedent that classifies Native Americans as a political rather than racial group. This decision is seen as a victory for Native American tribal leaders and advocates who argued that ICWA protects Native children and tribal communities.

<h2>ICWA background&nbsp;</h2>

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) was enacted by Congress after extensive hearings revealed that public and private agencies had forcibly removed hundreds of thousands of American Indian children from their families.

These children were then placed in institutions or with families unrelated to their tribes. The tribes considered these actions a threat to their existence, prompting Congress to pass ICWA.

Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report&nbsp;

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The law also implemented a framework for foster and adoption placements and prioritises placement with extended family members, followed by other tribal members, and if neither is available, placement with a different tribal family.

<h2>Biden administration's take&nbsp;</h2>

The Biden administration, like previous ones, defended the law, citing historical precedents that define ICWA's classifications based on tribal connections rather than race. The court agreed with the tribes, leaving the law intact.

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US Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 7-2 decision and kept intact a law that seeks to keep Native American children with tribal families.

US Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 7-2 decision and kept intact a law that seeks to keep Native American children with tribal families. The court ruled that the law in cases of adoption involving American Indian children does not unlawfully impose federal mandates on areas traditionally regulated by states. ICWA established federal standards for the removal of Native children from their families and required state courts to inform tribes when an American Indian child is removed from their home outside of a reservation. The Act has been a significant law for over 45 years, enacted after a congressional investigation revealed that a significant number of Native children had been taken from their tribal homes and placed with non-Native families and institutions without tribal connections. Why was the Act challenged? The law was challenged by Chad and Jennifer Brackeen, along with other non-Native prospective adoptive couples, who argued that ICWA violated the Constitution by racially discriminating and compelling the state to enforce federal mandates. However, in the case before the court, the state of Texas and several families adopting American Indian children challenged the law, arguing that it encroached on state autonomy. In its Thursday ruling, the court did not decide whether the law unconstitutionally discriminates based on race when it comes to placing children in Native foster and adoptive homes. The court determined that the challengers, including prospective adoptive parents and the state of Texas, lacked standing to sue as they had not suffered concrete harm, reported NPR media portal. Also Read | Ex-Harvard Medical School morgue manager indicted for stealing, selling human remains In her majority opinion, Justice Amy Coney Barrett stated, "The bottom line is that we reject all of petitioners' challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing." Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented, criticising the court for disregarding the best interests of the vulnerable children involved and undermining the division of federal and state authority. Also Read | New Zealand's biggest meth bust with drug hidden in maple syrup bottles, six arrested Native Americans — political not racial group The Supreme Court rejected the arguments by the challengers, citing longstanding precedent that classifies Native Americans as a political rather than racial group. This decision is seen as a victory for Native American tribal leaders and advocates who argued that ICWA protects Native children and tribal communities. ICWA background The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) was enacted by Congress after extensive hearings revealed that public and private agencies had forcibly removed hundreds of thousands of American Indian children from their families. These children were then placed in institutions or with families unrelated to their tribes. The tribes considered these actions a threat to their existence, prompting Congress to pass ICWA. Watch | UK MPs publish Partygate report × The law also implemented a framework for foster and adoption placements and prioritises placement with extended family members, followed by other tribal members, and if neither is available, placement with a different tribal family. Biden administration's take The Biden administration, like previous ones, defended the law, citing historical precedents that define ICWA's classifications based on tribal connections rather than race. The court agreed with the tribes, leaving the law intact. 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. ×

US Supreme Court upholds law ensuring protections to Native American children in adoption

Days after four Colombian miracle children were rescued after a 40-day ordeal in the unforgiving Amazon rainforest, the authorities have revealed the tragic first words they each muttered as help arrived for them.&nbsp;

Upon being found by the search party, four-year-old Tien Noriel Ranoque Mucutuy&nbsp;said: “My mother is dead.”

Meanwhile,&nbsp;13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, the eldest of the lot and responsible for keeping her siblings alive said,&nbsp;“I’m hungry.”

Lesly told her family from the hospital where she is currently admitted that her mother,&nbsp;Magdalena Mucutuy, was alive after the plane crash. She fought hard to survive for four days before eventually telling her children to leave her behind and asking&nbsp;Lesly to take care of her younger siblings.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-miracle-colombian-children-survive-40-days-in-amazon-603630">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Miracle! Colombian children survive 40 days in Amazon</a>

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According to grandfather Narciso Mucutuy, it was Lesly that pulled the youngest child, Cristin, from the plane after the crash and managed to protect her throughout the campaign.

“She saw the feet of her littlest sister where the three dead were and she pulled her out,” said&nbsp;Mucutuy.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened in the forest?&nbsp;</h2>

During the early hours of May 1, a Cessna 206, carrying seven individuals from Araracuara in Amazonas province to San Jose del Guaviare in Guaviare province, issued a distress signal due to engine failure. While three adults, including the pilot and the mother, died, the children were left to fend for themselves.&nbsp;

Their disappearance led to a massive military-led search operation in which more than one hundred Colombian special forces troops and 70 indigenous scouts scanned the deep forest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-rescued-in-amazon-after-40-days-survived-on-cassava-flour-roots-603134">Also read |&nbsp;Children rescued in Amazon after 40 days survived on cassava flour, roots</a>

According to the authorities, the four kids managed to use their Indigenous heritage and knowledge about the jungle to plot a survival plan.&nbsp;

“Days after the crash, they ate the farina which they had carried there… but they (eventually) ran out of food and decided to look for a place where they could stay alive. They were malnourished but fully conscious and lucid when we found them,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez, spokesperson of&nbsp;Colombian military special forces.&nbsp;

“Their indigenous origins allowed them to acquire a certain immunity against diseases in the jungle and having knowledge of the jungle itself – knowing what to eat and what not to eat – as well as finding water kept them alive – which would not have been possible (if they) were not used to that type of hostile environment,” he added.&nbsp;

The story of the four kids, which included an infant surviving the hostile nature of the virgin Amazon for 40 days on the trot is making international news.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Days after four Colombian miracle children were rescued after a 40-day ordeal in the unforgiving Amazon rainforest, the authorities have revealed the tragic first words they each muttered as help arrived for them.

Days after four Colombian miracle children were rescued after a 40-day ordeal in the unforgiving Amazon rainforest, the authorities have revealed the tragic first words they each muttered as help arrived for them. Upon being found by the search party, four-year-old Tien Noriel Ranoque Mucutuy said: “My mother is dead.” Meanwhile, 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, the eldest of the lot and responsible for keeping her siblings alive said, “I’m hungry.” Lesly told her family from the hospital where she is currently admitted that her mother, Magdalena Mucutuy, was alive after the plane crash. She fought hard to survive for four days before eventually telling her children to leave her behind and asking Lesly to take care of her younger siblings. WATCH | Gravitas: Miracle! Colombian children survive 40 days in Amazon × According to grandfather Narciso Mucutuy, it was Lesly that pulled the youngest child, Cristin, from the plane after the crash and managed to protect her throughout the campaign. “She saw the feet of her littlest sister where the three dead were and she pulled her out,” said Mucutuy. What happened in the forest? During the early hours of May 1, a Cessna 206, carrying seven individuals from Araracuara in Amazonas province to San Jose del Guaviare in Guaviare province, issued a distress signal due to engine failure. While three adults, including the pilot and the mother, died, the children were left to fend for themselves. Their disappearance led to a massive military-led search operation in which more than one hundred Colombian special forces troops and 70 indigenous scouts scanned the deep forest. Also read | Children rescued in Amazon after 40 days survived on cassava flour, roots According to the authorities, the four kids managed to use their Indigenous heritage and knowledge about the jungle to plot a survival plan. “Days after the crash, they ate the farina which they had carried there… but they (eventually) ran out of food and decided to look for a place where they could stay alive. They were malnourished but fully conscious and lucid when we found them,” said Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez, spokesperson of Colombian military special forces. “Their indigenous origins allowed them to acquire a certain immunity against diseases in the jungle and having knowledge of the jungle itself – knowing what to eat and what not to eat – as well as finding water kept them alive – which would not have been possible (if they) were not used to that type of hostile environment,” he added. The story of the four kids, which included an infant surviving the hostile nature of the virgin Amazon for 40 days on the trot is making international news. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tragic first words spoken by children who survived '40-day' ordeal in Colombian jungle revealed

A Colombian military special forces official said that the rescued four children stayed alive on cassava flour in the dense Amazon jungle for 40 days after their plane crashed. 
 
Spokesperson Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez said that the children ate “three kilogrammes (six pounds) of farina, a coarse cassava flour which is generally used by the Amazon region's indigenous tribes.” 
 
“Days after the crash, they ate the farina which they had carried there… but they (eventually) ran out of food and decided to look for a place where they could stay alive. They were malnourished but fully conscious and lucid when we found them,” Suarez said. 
 
“Their indigenous origins allowed them to acquire a certain immunity against diseases in the jungle and having knowledge of the jungle itself – knowing what to eat and what not to eat – as well as finding water kept them alive – which would not have been possible (if they) were not used to that type of hostile environment,” he added. 
 
Meanwhile, speaking to AFP, the National Indigenous Organisation of Colombia's (ONIC) Luis Acosta said that the children also ate fruits, seeds, plants and roots which they were able to identify as edible because of their upbringing in the Amazon region.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-children-missing-for-40-days-after-plane-crash-found-alive-602823">In Pics | Four children missing for 40 days after plane crash in Amazon jungle found alive</a>

<h2>Children are dehydrated, ‘cannot eat food’</h2>

The four rescued children – 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 9-year-old Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 4-year-old Tien Ranoque Mucutuy and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy – have been hospitalised in Bogota after they were taken there by Colombian Air Force's air ambulance on Saturday, officials stated. 
 
According to medical reports, the children are dehydrated and still “cannot eat food” – but are doing well and are out of danger. “What’s required now is to stabilise (their health),” said Colombian Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez while speaking to reporters outside the hospital.

WATCH | Colombia plane crash: Four children found alive in Amazon after 40 days

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The mother of the children, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, died in the plane crash on May 1, leaving the kids alone and stranded in the Amazon forest. The pilot of the plane Hernando Murcia Morales and Yarupari indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernandez also died in the accident. 
 
The disappearance of the children led to a massive military-led search operation in which more than one hundred Colombian special forces troops and 70 indigenous scouts scanned the deep forest. Eventually, the four children were found in an area clear of trees. 
 
The children told officials that they came across a dog, which was a Belgian Shepherd search dog named Wilson and was owned by the special forces. “The dog had gone missing on May 18,” said Suarez. “The kids told us that they spent three or four days with Wilson and that they (found) him quite skinny,” he stated.&nbsp; 
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A Colombian military special forces official said that the rescued four children stayed alive on cassava flour in the dense Amazon jungle for 40 days after their plane crashed.

A Colombian military special forces official said that the rescued four children stayed alive on cassava flour in the dense Amazon jungle for 40 days after their plane crashed. Spokesperson Pedro Arnulfo Sanchez Suarez said that the children ate “three kilogrammes (six pounds) of farina, a coarse cassava flour which is generally used by the Amazon region's indigenous tribes.” “Days after the crash, they ate the farina which they had carried there… but they (eventually) ran out of food and decided to look for a place where they could stay alive. They were malnourished but fully conscious and lucid when we found them,” Suarez said. “Their indigenous origins allowed them to acquire a certain immunity against diseases in the jungle and having knowledge of the jungle itself – knowing what to eat and what not to eat – as well as finding water kept them alive – which would not have been possible (if they) were not used to that type of hostile environment,” he added. Meanwhile, speaking to AFP, the National Indigenous Organisation of Colombia's (ONIC) Luis Acosta said that the children also ate fruits, seeds, plants and roots which they were able to identify as edible because of their upbringing in the Amazon region. ALSO READ | In Pics | Four children missing for 40 days after plane crash in Amazon jungle found alive Children are dehydrated, ‘cannot eat food’ The four rescued children – 13-year-old Lesly Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 9-year-old Soleiny Jacobombaire Mucutuy, 4-year-old Tien Ranoque Mucutuy and infant Cristin Ranoque Mucutuy – have been hospitalised in Bogota after they were taken there by Colombian Air Force's air ambulance on Saturday, officials stated. According to medical reports, the children are dehydrated and still “cannot eat food” – but are doing well and are out of danger. “What’s required now is to stabilise (their health),” said Colombian Defence Minister Ivan Velasquez while speaking to reporters outside the hospital. WATCH | Colombia plane crash: Four children found alive in Amazon after 40 days The mother of the children, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia, died in the plane crash on May 1, leaving the kids alone and stranded in the Amazon forest. The pilot of the plane Hernando Murcia Morales and Yarupari indigenous leader Herman Mendoza Hernandez also died in the accident. The disappearance of the children led to a massive military-led search operation in which more than one hundred Colombian special forces troops and 70 indigenous scouts scanned the deep forest. Eventually, the four children were found in an area clear of trees. The children told officials that they came across a dog, which was a Belgian Shepherd search dog named Wilson and was owned by the special forces. “The dog had gone missing on May 18,” said Suarez. “The kids told us that they spent three or four days with Wilson and that they (found) him quite skinny,” he stated. 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.

Children rescued in Amazon after 40 days survived on cassava flour, roots

Unlike years past, these days parenting is nothing less than a challenge. Bringing up a child or two or more is not only stressful but&nbsp;extremely demanding. Only because it is no longer about just raising the kids, but also about protecting them from the dangers that lurk in the modern world of which technology is a big part. Parents are trying to make the most out of a hyper-competitive world, increasing academic pressures, financial inequalities and the looming spectre of social media that dictates unrealistic ideals.&nbsp;

While a lot of parents of today, like you and me will not remember how involved our parents were in our lives, given the fact that they had a multitude of things to take care of with not so many of the benefits that we are blessed (or cursed) with today. Also, if the mothers were not working, then the duties at home and work were clearly segregated between the two parents. And each did a remarkably good job of it, without us as children feeling that we were being watched by drones all the time.

According to Kaveree Bamzai, Indian journalist and author of the best-selling parenting book, No Regrets: The Guilt-Free Woman's Guide to a Good Life, “Today, we live in such a competitive environment that our expectations from our children have been raised beyond measure. We want them to be global CEOs, Olympians, and start-up Czars… no one looks at children as independent creatures but as products. It is therefore not sustainable.” 
 
For children of the 80s, as I am, childhood was an easy affair with not too many choices for entertainment but we got by and though the parents were around, they didn’t breathe down heavily on our necks.

It was a far, far simpler time. 
&nbsp; 
Circa 2023. Welcome to the age of intensive, relentless, hard, perfectionist parenting where not only are (in some cases) both parents juggling jobs, but they also want to indulge in a lot of ‘drone’ parenting that basically means they want to be everywhere with everything, all at once. They want their careers to be on the upswing, their marriages to be rock solid, their children to be perfectly turned out, in appearances and in grades and be the perfect kid that they possibly never aspired to. And they are willing to go that extra length, even when it is a reality that raising a child these days to the ideals that one aspires to, can cut a hole in the pocket, and very deep too.

I raise my hands. Guilty too.

As a parent of two children now, one at 9 and the other a burly teenager at 16, life couldn't get tougher.&nbsp; As they say, every pro has a con and with progress comes a host of other issues too. So if we have childcare today, which previously wasn’t the case, then opting for childcare is an expensive one and if studies are to be believed, today mothers (fathers too if they are the primary caretaker) spend just as much time with their kids as those in our times, as a stay at home mom did.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-mother%E2%80%99s-day-2023-why-we-should-be-celebrating-single-parenthood-today-592096">Mother’s Day 2023: Why we should be celebrating single parenthood today</a>

Why? Because they are too invested in their children.

Coming to expenses, schools are now doubt getting better and better with some schools even being compared to the best Ivy League institutions in the world today. But all that comes for a price too. So to meet the costs of school and even higher education, parents have to shell out so much more.&nbsp;Whoever said parenting is all about joy, clearly forgot these practical basics.

And of course, along with the basic education that parents have to ensure their children get, there are a host of extra activities that one has to invest in. If you didn’t think of giving your child music lessons or craft lessons or art lessons or the millions of other activities that are supposed to assist in the child’s all-round development, then be prepared to face the barrage of guilt that will strike you, sooner or later. 
 
Keeping up with friends, neighbours, and strangers even is the thing. One that may take the wind out of your sails or not. 
 
Pressure on the kids, Pressure on the parents. How did we come to this stage?

Tanya Sen, 35, mother to 8-year-old Utkarsh says she was non-conformist initially with her parenting, thinking that she would do it in a much different way than what she saw her mother had done. “I felt my own mother or parents were uninvolved so I chose to be more involved but now I think there’s a lot of pressure and I find myself getting overwhelmed. There seems to be no escape from the over-involved parenting most of us do.” 
 
Relentless, intensive parenting seems to be the mantra of modern parents. We are making extra efforts to be around for them all the time despite our crazy work schedule and missing any PTM is sacrilege! We are making sure they're eating right, studying right, mixing with the right social circle, going to the best schools and getting good grades too. And we are trying to make sure technology doesn’t take over their lives.

A report in pyschcentral.com says that parental pressure may come from good intentions, but it can hamper a child’s self-esteem. It says that though you think that your own choices can make their lives easier, more successful, or earn the admiration of other parents in your circle, it doesn’t always work out well. Whatever your motives, the pressure you put on your child can be devastating to them and hurt your relationship, as well.&nbsp; 
 
Another 2020 study by the NCBI says the high value of academic stress is associated with a reduction in mental health. There was a direct and indirect relationship between academic stress and mental health through the self-concept. At the school level, only family conditions and stress had a relation with mental health. Academic self-efficacy showed no .significant relation in the model. It concluded that stress from the family is the most important source of stress associated with adolescent mental health.&nbsp;

Intensive parenting may have its advantages as some children do go on to be very successful but they can also be overwhelmed and underachievers because of the constant pressure from parents who want their kids to do better than them in life. 
 
The contradiction arises from the fact that parents today are finding it tougher to raise kids because of the way we are wired to raise them as against the world we are living in that has so many challenges. New research from the American Psychological Association says that rising parental expectations and criticism are linked to an increase in perfectionism among college students, which can have damaging mental health consequences.

What is the remedy?&nbsp;

Slow down. Stop the guilt and slow down from constantly hovering over them, constantly thinking that your children are supposed to be the best and going after it with a manic passion. Psychologist, family therapist, Happiness and Mindfulness Coach Karishma Mehra says, “Parenting has become the toughest thing these days. There are so many fears and so many thoughts and loading one’s own aspirations and ambitions, that one doesn’t realise when it becomes a point of validation instead of simple family life as it should be!”

Sometimes not doing too much can actually be a good thing. Just let the kids be.

As the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, also an author and attorney, put it: “Motherhood has taught me that, most of the time, my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be. Not who I want them to be or who I wish I was at that age, but who they are, deep inside." 
 
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

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Unlike years past, these days parenting is nothing less than a challenge. Bringing up a child or two or more is not only stressful but extremely demanding. Only because it is no longer about just raising the kids, but also about protecting them from the dangers that lurk in the modern world of which technology is a big part.

Unlike years past, these days parenting is nothing less than a challenge. Bringing up a child or two or more is not only stressful but extremely demanding. Only because it is no longer about just raising the kids, but also about protecting them from the dangers that lurk in the modern world of which technology is a big part. Parents are trying to make the most out of a hyper-competitive world, increasing academic pressures, financial inequalities and the looming spectre of social media that dictates unrealistic ideals. While a lot of parents of today, like you and me will not remember how involved our parents were in our lives, given the fact that they had a multitude of things to take care of with not so many of the benefits that we are blessed (or cursed) with today. Also, if the mothers were not working, then the duties at home and work were clearly segregated between the two parents. And each did a remarkably good job of it, without us as children feeling that we were being watched by drones all the time. According to Kaveree Bamzai, Indian journalist and author of the best-selling parenting book, No Regrets: The Guilt-Free Woman's Guide to a Good Life, “Today, we live in such a competitive environment that our expectations from our children have been raised beyond measure. We want them to be global CEOs, Olympians, and start-up Czars… no one looks at children as independent creatures but as products. It is therefore not sustainable.” For children of the 80s, as I am, childhood was an easy affair with not too many choices for entertainment but we got by and though the parents were around, they didn’t breathe down heavily on our necks. It was a far, far simpler time. Circa 2023. Welcome to the age of intensive, relentless, hard, perfectionist parenting where not only are (in some cases) both parents juggling jobs, but they also want to indulge in a lot of ‘drone’ parenting that basically means they want to be everywhere with everything, all at once. They want their careers to be on the upswing, their marriages to be rock solid, their children to be perfectly turned out, in appearances and in grades and be the perfect kid that they possibly never aspired to. And they are willing to go that extra length, even when it is a reality that raising a child these days to the ideals that one aspires to, can cut a hole in the pocket, and very deep too. I raise my hands. Guilty too. As a parent of two children now, one at 9 and the other a burly teenager at 16, life couldn't get tougher. As they say, every pro has a con and with progress comes a host of other issues too. So if we have childcare today, which previously wasn’t the case, then opting for childcare is an expensive one and if studies are to be believed, today mothers (fathers too if they are the primary caretaker) spend just as much time with their kids as those in our times, as a stay at home mom did. ALSO READ | Mother’s Day 2023: Why we should be celebrating single parenthood today Why? Because they are too invested in their children. Coming to expenses, schools are now doubt getting better and better with some schools even being compared to the best Ivy League institutions in the world today. But all that comes for a price too. So to meet the costs of school and even higher education, parents have to shell out so much more. Whoever said parenting is all about joy, clearly forgot these practical basics. And of course, along with the basic education that parents have to ensure their children get, there are a host of extra activities that one has to invest in. If you didn’t think of giving your child music lessons or craft lessons or art lessons or the millions of other activities that are supposed to assist in the child’s all-round development, then be prepared to face the barrage of guilt that will strike you, sooner or later. Keeping up with friends, neighbours, and strangers even is the thing. One that may take the wind out of your sails or not. Pressure on the kids, Pressure on the parents. How did we come to this stage? Tanya Sen, 35, mother to 8-year-old Utkarsh says she was non-conformist initially with her parenting, thinking that she would do it in a much different way than what she saw her mother had done. “I felt my own mother or parents were uninvolved so I chose to be more involved but now I think there’s a lot of pressure and I find myself getting overwhelmed. There seems to be no escape from the over-involved parenting most of us do.” Relentless, intensive parenting seems to be the mantra of modern parents. We are making extra efforts to be around for them all the time despite our crazy work schedule and missing any PTM is sacrilege! We are making sure they're eating right, studying right, mixing with the right social circle, going to the best schools and getting good grades too. And we are trying to make sure technology doesn’t take over their lives. A report in pyschcentral.com says that parental pressure may come from good intentions, but it can hamper a child’s self-esteem. It says that though you think that your own choices can make their lives easier, more successful, or earn the admiration of other parents in your circle, it doesn’t always work out well. Whatever your motives, the pressure you put on your child can be devastating to them and hurt your relationship, as well. Another 2020 study by the NCBI says the high value of academic stress is associated with a reduction in mental health. There was a direct and indirect relationship between academic stress and mental health through the self-concept. At the school level, only family conditions and stress had a relation with mental health. Academic self-efficacy showed no .significant relation in the model. It concluded that stress from the family is the most important source of stress associated with adolescent mental health. Intensive parenting may have its advantages as some children do go on to be very successful but they can also be overwhelmed and underachievers because of the constant pressure from parents who want their kids to do better than them in life. The contradiction arises from the fact that parents today are finding it tougher to raise kids because of the way we are wired to raise them as against the world we are living in that has so many challenges. New research from the American Psychological Association says that rising parental expectations and criticism are linked to an increase in perfectionism among college students, which can have damaging mental health consequences. What is the remedy? Slow down. Stop the guilt and slow down from constantly hovering over them, constantly thinking that your children are supposed to be the best and going after it with a manic passion. Psychologist, family therapist, Happiness and Mindfulness Coach Karishma Mehra says, “Parenting has become the toughest thing these days. There are so many fears and so many thoughts and loading one’s own aspirations and ambitions, that one doesn’t realise when it becomes a point of validation instead of simple family life as it should be!” Sometimes not doing too much can actually be a good thing. Just let the kids be. As the former first lady of the US, Michelle Obama, also an author and attorney, put it: “Motherhood has taught me that, most of the time, my job is to give them the space to explore and develop into the people they want to be. Not who I want them to be or who I wish I was at that age, but who they are, deep inside." Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Modern Parenting: Everything, everywhere, all at once

An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people,&nbsp;including&nbsp;two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes. 
 
A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter. 
 
The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials. 
 
"Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diplomatic-declaration-of-war-russia-asked-to-vacate-its-four-consulates-in-germany-598828">‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany</a>

On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming". 
 
Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. 
 
"The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added. 
 
On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin. 
 
Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response.

<h2>'Alarming situation'</h2>

Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added. 
 
State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived.

WATCH |&nbsp;Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling

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Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far. 
 
On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit. 
 
The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region. 
 
"We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes.

An air attack was launched by Russia on Ukraine early on Thursday in which three people, including two children, were killed. The latest attack brought fresh terror to the capital city, after a week of strikes. A series of aerial assaults were launched by the Russian forces on the Ukrainian capital, which included a daytime attack on Monday which forced residents to seek shelter. The attack on Thursday started around 3:00 am local time (0000 GMT), in which two children were killed and 10 others were injured, stated officials. "Among the three dead in the Desnyansky district, there were two children (aged 5-6 and 12-13)," wrote the Kyiv City Military Administration on Telegram. ALSO READ | ‘Diplomatic declaration of war’: Russia asked to vacate its four consulates in Germany On Wednesday, Russia stated that it has started the evacuation of hundreds of children from villages as shelling has intensified in Belgorod, as Kremlin called the situation "alarming". Authorities have started the evacuation of children from the border districts of Graivoron and Shebekino, said regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov on Telegram. "The question of children's safety in the two districts...is very important. All of us, adults, are very worried,” Gladkov added. On Wednesday, tensions further escalated between Russia and the West as Germany announced that it would drastically cut down the diplomatic presence of Moscow on its soil in reply to a similar step taken by the Kremlin. Moscow called the decision taken by Germany "ill-thought-out" and promised a response. 'Alarming situation' Governor Gladkov said that the authorities will take the first 300 evacuated children to Voronezh, a city which is around 250 kilometres into Russia. “And over 1,000 more children will be removed to other provinces over the coming days,” he added. State-run agency RIA Novosti's correspondent near Voronezh said that buses, with 150 people on board, had arrived. WATCH | Fighting in Luhansk: Russia claims 5 killed in Ukraine shelling Gladkov stated that the situation has worsened in the village of Shebekino, where shelling during the day had increased and injured four people. However, no deaths have been reported so far. On Tuesday, one citizen died and two others were injured in a strike that took place at a centre for displaced people in the region. In the recent week, various oil depots have also been hit. The attacks came as Kyiv stated that it is preparing to launch a major counteroffensive against Moscow's forces. "The situation is quite alarming," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov about shelling in the region. "We have not heard a single word of condemnation from the West so far," Peskov added. (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

Two children among three killed in Russia's fresh air strike on Ukrainian capital Kyiv

Two parents were arrested by the police in Pennsylvania, United States&nbsp;after the authorities discovered seven children living in what they termed as “unsanitary” and “unsafe living conditions”, which included faeces on the floor of the home and caged rats.

The police reached the house after someone reported on April 23 about three children who were seen entering an abandoned trailer in West Rockhill Township, located 40 miles north of Philadelphia, as per a police affidavit filed on May 19. 
 
When the children were found by the police, they spoke to their parents and sent them back to their home which was next to the abandoned trailer. 
 
In the house, the police officers observed “deplorable living conditions” and found a refrigerator which was secured using a padlock. 
 
The mother, identified as Crystal Robertson, said to police that the refrigerator was locked because the children were “'stealing’ everything and referred to the children as ‘garbage disposals with legs',” as per the police affidavit. The police stated that the parents are facing felony charges.

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-murder-suspect-gives-the-slip-to-security-officials-escapes-us-courtroom-571091">&nbsp;Watch: Murder suspect gives the slip to security officials, escapes US courtroom</a>

Later, when the police officers returned to the home for a report with Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency, they found four more children inside the house. 
 
In one of the rooms, they discovered approximately two dozen rats in cages, as per the affidavit. They also found faeces on the floor in another area of the house.

 
“There was also a bad odour… and several bugs,” read the affidavit. They also found “two dogs, two turtles, two rabbits, snakes, toads, and a four-foot reptile”, read the affidavit.

<h2>Children exhibited social anxiety: police</h2>

The police took the children into protective custody and sent them to a hospital for receiving medical treatment. 
 
Later, an investigation revealed none of the seven children had gone to school and were lacking basic knowledge, as per the police authorities. The children also exhibited social anxiety, stated the police.

WATCH |&nbsp;Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days | World News | WION

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The government authorities stated that through medical evaluations it was concluded that the children were “clinically underweight and malnourished.” 
 
“Personal hygiene of the children was also found to be concerning, resulting in two of the children having to shave their hair due to severe matting,” as per a news release from the Pennridge Regional Police Department. 
 
“The father, Shane William Robertson, and the mother were charged with seven felony counts each of endangering the welfare of children,” as per the press release issued by the police. “Both posted the requisite 10 per cent of the $10,000 bail amount,” stated police.

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Two parents were arrested by the police in Pennsylvania, United States after the authorities discovered seven children living in what they termed as “unsanitary” and “unsafe living conditions”, which included faeces on the floor of the home and caged rats.

Two parents were arrested by the police in Pennsylvania, United States after the authorities discovered seven children living in what they termed as “unsanitary” and “unsafe living conditions”, which included faeces on the floor of the home and caged rats. The police reached the house after someone reported on April 23 about three children who were seen entering an abandoned trailer in West Rockhill Township, located 40 miles north of Philadelphia, as per a police affidavit filed on May 19. When the children were found by the police, they spoke to their parents and sent them back to their home which was next to the abandoned trailer. In the house, the police officers observed “deplorable living conditions” and found a refrigerator which was secured using a padlock. The mother, identified as Crystal Robertson, said to police that the refrigerator was locked because the children were “'stealing’ everything and referred to the children as ‘garbage disposals with legs',” as per the police affidavit. The police stated that the parents are facing felony charges. ALSO READ | Watch: Murder suspect gives the slip to security officials, escapes US courtroom Later, when the police officers returned to the home for a report with Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency, they found four more children inside the house. In one of the rooms, they discovered approximately two dozen rats in cages, as per the affidavit. They also found faeces on the floor in another area of the house. “There was also a bad odour… and several bugs,” read the affidavit. They also found “two dogs, two turtles, two rabbits, snakes, toads, and a four-foot reptile”, read the affidavit. Children exhibited social anxiety: police The police took the children into protective custody and sent them to a hospital for receiving medical treatment. Later, an investigation revealed none of the seven children had gone to school and were lacking basic knowledge, as per the police authorities. The children also exhibited social anxiety, stated the police. WATCH | Serbia: 8 dead, 13 injured in second mass shooting in two days | World News | WION The government authorities stated that through medical evaluations it was concluded that the children were “clinically underweight and malnourished.” “Personal hygiene of the children was also found to be concerning, resulting in two of the children having to shave their hair due to severe matting,” as per a news release from the Pennridge Regional Police Department. “The father, Shane William Robertson, and the mother were charged with seven felony counts each of endangering the welfare of children,” as per the press release issued by the police. “Both posted the requisite 10 per cent of the $10,000 bail amount,” stated police. (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

Police arrest parents after 7 kids found living with caged rats, faeces

Four Indigenous children, including an 11-month-old infant, were found alive in Colombia's thick Amazon forests&nbsp;following an aircraft crash&nbsp;more than two weeks ago, President Gustavo Petro announced Wednesday, expressing "joy" for the country.

The children were located following "arduous search efforts" by the military, according to Petro's tweet.

There is uncertainty over whether the four children from an Indigenous tribe in Colombia had been found alive after an aircraft crash, when reports from the country's president were challenged by military sources.&nbsp;

As per local media reports, defence sources had no confirmation that the children had been found, reported the Guardian.

Authorities had sent out more than 100 soldiers accompanied by sniffer dogs to look for the children aboard an aeroplane that crashed on May 1, killing three adults.

Rescuers suspect the children, who included a 13-year-old, a nine-year-old, and a four-year-old, had been wandering through the jungle in the southern Caqueta region since the crash.

Earlier on&nbsp;Wednesday, the armed forces claimed that search efforts had been stepped up after rescuers discovered a "shelter built in an improvised way with sticks and branches," prompting them to suspect there were survivors.

Scissors and a hair tie were visible amid the trees on the forest floor in pictures published by the military forces.

A baby's drinking bottle and a half-eaten piece of fruit had already been discovered.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-talks-with-colombian-govt-in-crisis-because-eln-guerrilla-group-592826">'Peace talks with Colombian govt in crisis because...': ELN guerrilla group</a>

Soldiers discovered the remains of the pilot and two adults who had been flying from a jungle area to San Jose del Guaviare, one of Colombia's largest cities in the Amazon rainforest, on Monday and Tuesday.

Ranoque Mucutuy, one of the deceased passengers, was the mother of the four Huitoto ethnic children.

<h2>Tough search conditions amid Operation Hope</h2>

The hunt for "Operation Hope" was hampered by giant trees that can grow to be 40 metres tall, dangerous animals, and severe rain.

Three helicopters were used to assist, one of which aired a recorded message from the children's grandmother in Huitoto instructing them to halt going through the dense forest.&nbsp;

The reason of the crash&nbsp;has not been revealed by authorities.

According to Colombia's disaster response agency, the pilot reported engine difficulties just minutes before the jet vanished from radars.

It is a remote location with few roads and poor river access, therefore air travel is popular.

The Huitoto, also known as the Witoto, are renowned for living in peace with the disconnected forest, as well as for their hunting, fishing, and gathering abilities, which may have helped the children survive.

Over many decades, the population has been drastically decreased due to exploitation, illness, and assimilation.

Petro, who announced the rescue, is Colombia's first leftist president.

He took office in August of last year but has yet to implement the essential reforms in labour law, healthcare, pensions, and the judiciary that he had pledged during his campaign.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Four Indigenous children, including an 11-month-old infant, were found alive in Colombia's thick Amazon forests following an aircraft crash more than two weeks ago, President Gustavo Petro announced Wednesday, expressing "joy" for the country.

Four Indigenous children, including an 11-month-old infant, were found alive in Colombia's thick Amazon forests following an aircraft crash more than two weeks ago, President Gustavo Petro announced Wednesday, expressing "joy" for the country. The children were located following "arduous search efforts" by the military, according to Petro's tweet. There is uncertainty over whether the four children from an Indigenous tribe in Colombia had been found alive after an aircraft crash, when reports from the country's president were challenged by military sources. As per local media reports, defence sources had no confirmation that the children had been found, reported the Guardian. Authorities had sent out more than 100 soldiers accompanied by sniffer dogs to look for the children aboard an aeroplane that crashed on May 1, killing three adults. Rescuers suspect the children, who included a 13-year-old, a nine-year-old, and a four-year-old, had been wandering through the jungle in the southern Caqueta region since the crash. Earlier on Wednesday, the armed forces claimed that search efforts had been stepped up after rescuers discovered a "shelter built in an improvised way with sticks and branches," prompting them to suspect there were survivors. Scissors and a hair tie were visible amid the trees on the forest floor in pictures published by the military forces. A baby's drinking bottle and a half-eaten piece of fruit had already been discovered. ALSO READ | 'Peace talks with Colombian govt in crisis because...': ELN guerrilla group Soldiers discovered the remains of the pilot and two adults who had been flying from a jungle area to San Jose del Guaviare, one of Colombia's largest cities in the Amazon rainforest, on Monday and Tuesday. Ranoque Mucutuy, one of the deceased passengers, was the mother of the four Huitoto ethnic children. Tough search conditions amid Operation Hope The hunt for "Operation Hope" was hampered by giant trees that can grow to be 40 metres tall, dangerous animals, and severe rain. Three helicopters were used to assist, one of which aired a recorded message from the children's grandmother in Huitoto instructing them to halt going through the dense forest. The reason of the crash has not been revealed by authorities. According to Colombia's disaster response agency, the pilot reported engine difficulties just minutes before the jet vanished from radars. It is a remote location with few roads and poor river access, therefore air travel is popular. The Huitoto, also known as the Witoto, are renowned for living in peace with the disconnected forest, as well as for their hunting, fishing, and gathering abilities, which may have helped the children survive. Over many decades, the population has been drastically decreased due to exploitation, illness, and assimilation. Petro, who announced the rescue, is Colombia's first leftist president. He took office in August of last year but has yet to implement the essential reforms in labour law, healthcare, pensions, and the judiciary that he had pledged during his campaign. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amazon plane crash: Confusion in Colombia after Pedro’s tweet on four missing kids being rescued

Pope Francis on Friday said that starting a family has become a "titanic effort" in Italy that can be afforded by only rich people. The pope warned that "savage" free-market conditions were stopping young people from having children.

The birth rate dropped below 400,000 in Italy in 2022 for the first time as it registered the 14th consecutive annual fall with the overall population marking a decline by 179,000 to 58.85 million.

While addressing the conference on the growing demographic crisis, Pope Francis stated that the decline in the birthrate has signalled a dearth of hope for the future as younger generations remain weighed down by a sense of fragility, precariousness and uncertainty.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-permits-women-to-vote-at-meeting-of-bishops-for-first-time-586509">Pope Francis permits women to vote at meeting of bishops for first time</a>

"Difficulty in finding a stable job, difficulty in keeping one, prohibitively expensive houses, sky-high rents and insufficient wages are real problems," Pope Francis said while sitting along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

"The free market, without the necessary corrective measures, becomes savage and produces increasingly serious situations and inequalities," he further stated.&nbsp;

The pope said that pets have started replacing children in a few households and recounted how a woman had opened her bag and requested a papal blessing for "her baby" at a recent audience, only to reveal to everyone that it was a dog.

"I lost my patience and upbraided her saying many children are hungry and you bring me a dog," Pope Francis said.

However, the pope acknowledged that there were "almost insurmountable constraints" on the country's young women who have to choose between motherhood and their career. "Given the high costs involved in raising children, people were revising their priorities," he stated.

WATCH | UK: Coronation gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III | English Latest News | WION

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"We cannot passively accept that so many young people struggle to realise their family dream and are forced to lower the bar of desire, settling for mediocre substitutes: making money, aiming for a career, travelling, jealously guarding leisure time," Pope Francis said.

Italy's shrinking population has turned out to be a major worry for the third-largest country in the eurozone, as the economy minister warned this week that Italy's GDP faced the risk of declining by 18 percentage points in the next two decades if there is a continuation in current birth trends. 
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Pope Francis on Friday said that starting a family has become a "titanic effort" in Italy that can be afforded by only rich people. The pope warned that "savage" free-market conditions were stopping young people from having children.

Pope Francis on Friday said that starting a family has become a "titanic effort" in Italy that can be afforded by only rich people. The pope warned that "savage" free-market conditions were stopping young people from having children. The birth rate dropped below 400,000 in Italy in 2022 for the first time as it registered the 14th consecutive annual fall with the overall population marking a decline by 179,000 to 58.85 million. While addressing the conference on the growing demographic crisis, Pope Francis stated that the decline in the birthrate has signalled a dearth of hope for the future as younger generations remain weighed down by a sense of fragility, precariousness and uncertainty. ALSO READ | Pope Francis permits women to vote at meeting of bishops for first time "Difficulty in finding a stable job, difficulty in keeping one, prohibitively expensive houses, sky-high rents and insufficient wages are real problems," Pope Francis said while sitting along with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "The free market, without the necessary corrective measures, becomes savage and produces increasingly serious situations and inequalities," he further stated. The pope said that pets have started replacing children in a few households and recounted how a woman had opened her bag and requested a papal blessing for "her baby" at a recent audience, only to reveal to everyone that it was a dog. "I lost my patience and upbraided her saying many children are hungry and you bring me a dog," Pope Francis said. However, the pope acknowledged that there were "almost insurmountable constraints" on the country's young women who have to choose between motherhood and their career. "Given the high costs involved in raising children, people were revising their priorities," he stated. WATCH | UK: Coronation gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III | English Latest News | WION "We cannot passively accept that so many young people struggle to realise their family dream and are forced to lower the bar of desire, settling for mediocre substitutes: making money, aiming for a career, travelling, jealously guarding leisure time," Pope Francis said. Italy's shrinking population has turned out to be a major worry for the third-largest country in the eurozone, as the economy minister warned this week that Italy's GDP faced the risk of declining by 18 percentage points in the next two decades if there is a continuation in current birth trends. 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

Only rich can afford to raise children in Italy, pets replacing kids in few households, says Pope Francis

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently stated that artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to even teach children how to 'read and write' in the coming 18 months. The prediction was made by Gates at a time when AI apps sparked a debate about whether the technology holds the capacity to outperform humans in different domains.&nbsp;

The debate has led to several tests which were conducted so that the performance of AI and humans can be compared. One such test was done on the revolutionary and famous chatbot ChatGPT, &nbsp;which has been developed by OpenAI, to assess its ability to crack the toughest competitive exams.&nbsp;

Questions have also been raised about how AI can help students enhance their learning skills. In the wake of these educational debates, Gates spoke positively about how AI can make a massive contribution to teaching children how to write and read. &nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/users-get-spine-chilling-responses-after-asking-chatgpt-what-ai-is-most-scared-of-585956">Users get spine-chilling responses after asking ChatGPT what AI is most scared of</a>

The philanthropist wrote on his website “Gates Notes” about a keynote talk which was held at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, United States. During the talk, Gates had predicted that AI will work as an aide to teachers in the next 18 months and will give feedback on writing.&nbsp;

“If you just took the next 18 months, the AIs will come in as a teacher’s aide and give feedback on writing. And then they will amp up what we’re able to do in math. Our bottleneck in math really is more of how we fit in the overall system and getting that teacher adoption," said Gates in the talk. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He had suggested that for such tutoring services, AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT Plus may charge, but Gates argued that they will still be more accessible and affordable compared to traditional human tutoring.

WATCH | Gravitas : Does Snapchat's chatbot have its own mind?

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"We have very good tools today, that if they were fully adopted, would actually make more progress in math scores than we’ve made in the last 20 years. So my optimism about Edtech in general is not just because of AI. It is a set of things, even before this latest advance, that I think we’re getting smarter about and getting out into the field,” Gates further stated.&nbsp;

In March, Gates had written a blog titled “The Age of AI has begun” in which he said that AI-driven software is very likely to revolutionise the way students are taught. He also appreciated ChatGPT, calling it a revolutionary technological demonstration which he found similar to the graphical user interface's introduction in the 1980s.&nbsp;

Gates was impressed by the GPT model when he first saw it and since then, he has been thinking about how AI's potential will grow in the next 10 years. He also said that the focus should remain on creating AI-driven tools which can be made available to disadvantaged populations and low-income countries.&nbsp; 
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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently stated that artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to even teach children how to 'read and write' in the coming 18 months.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently stated that artificial intelligence (AI) may be able to even teach children how to 'read and write' in the coming 18 months. The prediction was made by Gates at a time when AI apps sparked a debate about whether the technology holds the capacity to outperform humans in different domains. The debate has led to several tests which were conducted so that the performance of AI and humans can be compared. One such test was done on the revolutionary and famous chatbot ChatGPT, which has been developed by OpenAI, to assess its ability to crack the toughest competitive exams. Questions have also been raised about how AI can help students enhance their learning skills. In the wake of these educational debates, Gates spoke positively about how AI can make a massive contribution to teaching children how to write and read. ALSO READ | Users get spine-chilling responses after asking ChatGPT what AI is most scared of The philanthropist wrote on his website “Gates Notes” about a keynote talk which was held at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego, United States. During the talk, Gates had predicted that AI will work as an aide to teachers in the next 18 months and will give feedback on writing. “If you just took the next 18 months, the AIs will come in as a teacher’s aide and give feedback on writing. And then they will amp up what we’re able to do in math. Our bottleneck in math really is more of how we fit in the overall system and getting that teacher adoption," said Gates in the talk. He had suggested that for such tutoring services, AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT Plus may charge, but Gates argued that they will still be more accessible and affordable compared to traditional human tutoring. WATCH | Gravitas : Does Snapchat's chatbot have its own mind? "We have very good tools today, that if they were fully adopted, would actually make more progress in math scores than we’ve made in the last 20 years. So my optimism about Edtech in general is not just because of AI. It is a set of things, even before this latest advance, that I think we’re getting smarter about and getting out into the field,” Gates further stated. In March, Gates had written a blog titled “The Age of AI has begun” in which he said that AI-driven software is very likely to revolutionise the way students are taught. He also appreciated ChatGPT, calling it a revolutionary technological demonstration which he found similar to the graphical user interface's introduction in the 1980s. Gates was impressed by the GPT model when he first saw it and since then, he has been thinking about how AI's potential will grow in the next 10 years. He also said that the focus should remain on creating AI-driven tools which can be made available to disadvantaged populations and low-income countries. 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

AI likely to teach children to ‘read, write’ in next 18 months, suggests Bill Gates

CEO and Chairman of Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Bernard Arnault, who carries the tag of the world's richest man is said to be meeting his five children once a month over lunch and taking their auditions to decide who is capable of running his luxury empire. The lunch is organised in the private dining room of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE's headquarters.

According to a report published by the Wall Street Journal, the luncheon goes on for 90 minutes and starts with the French billionaire reading the topics, which will be discussed during the meeting, from his iPad. During the private meeting, Arnault discusses the business strategies related to his luxury business empire with his children.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the 74-year-old billionaire then moves around the table and asks for advice on business strategies from his five adult children.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/elon-musk-no-more-worlds-richest-new-name-at-top-of-worlds-billionaires-list-by-forbes-579356">Elon Musk no longer the world's richest, according to Forbes Billionaires List</a>

Arnault seeks the opinion of children on specific managers who have been appointed at the company or whether it is the right time for a shake-up at one of the many brands that LVMH owns, stated the report.

In this process, the children give auditions to Arnault so that he can choose who will be his successor eventually and take over the luxury empire. However, no indication has been given till now by the billionaire as to who is likely to be crowned next, as he sticks to his principle of choosing his successor on the basis of pure merit.

The Wall Street Journal's report stated that the monthly meetings are part of the decades-long plan that aims to train his children who will eventually run the company in the event of his death.

As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Arnault raced ahead of Tesla CEO Elon Musk last year to become the world's wealthiest person. On April 19, his accumulated wealth was $208 billion, according to the index.

Around half of the major luxury brand companies are owned by Arnault. In 1989, the billionaire acquired a controlling stake in LVMH. Numerous luxury brands that are part of the company's portfolio include Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Tiffany, Sephora, TAG Heuer and Dom Perignon champagne.

WATCH | New York becomes world's richest city with most millionaires in 2023

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Arnault's children have already been appointed to important positions within the company. The eldest of his five children, Delphine, became the head of the empire's second-largest brand Christian Dior.

Her brother, Antoine, was given the responsibility of managing the holding firm which oversees the family fortune of Arnault and LVMH, according to the outlet.

Frederic Arnault holds the position of the CEO of TAG Heuer and Alexandre Arnault is working as an executive at Tiffany. Meanwhile, the youngest of the five children, Jean Arnault, has been handling marketing and product development for the watch department of Louis Vuitton.

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CEO and Chairman of Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Bernard Arnault, who carries the tag of the world's richest man is said to be meeting his five children once a month over lunch and taking their auditions to decide who is capable of running his luxury empire.

CEO and Chairman of Louis Vuitton (LVMH) Bernard Arnault, who carries the tag of the world's richest man is said to be meeting his five children once a month over lunch and taking their auditions to decide who is capable of running his luxury empire. The lunch is organised in the private dining room of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE's headquarters. According to a report published by the Wall Street Journal, the luncheon goes on for 90 minutes and starts with the French billionaire reading the topics, which will be discussed during the meeting, from his iPad. During the private meeting, Arnault discusses the business strategies related to his luxury business empire with his children. According to the Wall Street Journal, the 74-year-old billionaire then moves around the table and asks for advice on business strategies from his five adult children. ALSO READ | Elon Musk no longer the world's richest, according to Forbes Billionaires List Arnault seeks the opinion of children on specific managers who have been appointed at the company or whether it is the right time for a shake-up at one of the many brands that LVMH owns, stated the report. In this process, the children give auditions to Arnault so that he can choose who will be his successor eventually and take over the luxury empire. However, no indication has been given till now by the billionaire as to who is likely to be crowned next, as he sticks to his principle of choosing his successor on the basis of pure merit. The Wall Street Journal's report stated that the monthly meetings are part of the decades-long plan that aims to train his children who will eventually run the company in the event of his death. As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Arnault raced ahead of Tesla CEO Elon Musk last year to become the world's wealthiest person. On April 19, his accumulated wealth was $208 billion, according to the index. Around half of the major luxury brand companies are owned by Arnault. In 1989, the billionaire acquired a controlling stake in LVMH. Numerous luxury brands that are part of the company's portfolio include Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Tiffany, Sephora, TAG Heuer and Dom Perignon champagne. WATCH | New York becomes world's richest city with most millionaires in 2023 Arnault's children have already been appointed to important positions within the company. The eldest of his five children, Delphine, became the head of the empire's second-largest brand Christian Dior. Her brother, Antoine, was given the responsibility of managing the holding firm which oversees the family fortune of Arnault and LVMH, according to the outlet. Frederic Arnault holds the position of the CEO of TAG Heuer and Alexandre Arnault is working as an executive at Tiffany. Meanwhile, the youngest of the five children, Jean Arnault, has been handling marketing and product development for the watch department of Louis Vuitton. 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

World's richest man Bernard Arnault auditions his children over lunches to choose his successor: report

The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution. It added that pollution is also increasing the risk of these youngsters contracting chronic diseases in later stages of their lives.

Even after improvements made recently, the level of key air pollutants in many European countries "remain stubbornly above" World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, especially in central-eastern Europe and Italy, stated the EEA after carrying out a study in almost 30 countries, which includes 27 members of the European Union.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-increases-speeds-bone-loss-among-postmenopausal-women-says-study-571192">Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study</a>

The report did not include the major industrial nations like the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that the continent's overall death tolls could be higher.

Last November, the EEA said that 238,000 people died prematurely due to air pollution in 2020. The death toll includes those in the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey.

"Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life," the agency stated.

This was the first study conducted by the agency which focused specifically on children.

"Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life," said the agency.

The agency appealed to the authorities to focus on the improvisation of air quality around nurseries, sports facilities, schools and mass transport hubs.

"After birth, ambient air pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies," noted the report.

WATCH | 1200 European children die every year due to air pollution

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<h2>Seven million children die annually</h2>

Poor quality of air can also "aggravate chronic conditions like asthma, which afflicts nine per cent of children and adolescents in Europe, as well as increasing the risk of some chronic diseases later in adulthood", stated the report.

As per the figures released on Monday, 97 per cent of the urban population was inhaling air that did not meet the standards mentioned in the WHO recommendations in 2021.

Last year, the EEA said that the EU was heading toward its target of reducing the number of premature deaths by 50 per cent by 2030.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution.

The EU Environmental Agency (EEA) on Monday said that more than 1,200 premature deaths are recorded every year of those aged under 18 across Europe due to air pollution. It added that pollution is also increasing the risk of these youngsters contracting chronic diseases in later stages of their lives. Even after improvements made recently, the level of key air pollutants in many European countries "remain stubbornly above" World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, especially in central-eastern Europe and Italy, stated the EEA after carrying out a study in almost 30 countries, which includes 27 members of the European Union. ALSO READ | Air pollution speeds up bone loss in postmenopausal women, says study The report did not include the major industrial nations like the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that the continent's overall death tolls could be higher. Last November, the EEA said that 238,000 people died prematurely due to air pollution in 2020. The death toll includes those in the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. "Air pollution causes over 1,200 premature deaths per year in people under the age of 18 in Europe and significantly increases the risk of disease later in life," the agency stated. This was the first study conducted by the agency which focused specifically on children. "Although the number of premature deaths in this age group is low relative to the total for the European population estimated by EEA each year, deaths early in life represent a loss of future potential and come with a significant burden of chronic illness, both in childhood and later in life," said the agency. The agency appealed to the authorities to focus on the improvisation of air quality around nurseries, sports facilities, schools and mass transport hubs. "After birth, ambient air pollution increases the risk of several health problems, including asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies," noted the report. WATCH | 1200 European children die every year due to air pollution Seven million children die annually Poor quality of air can also "aggravate chronic conditions like asthma, which afflicts nine per cent of children and adolescents in Europe, as well as increasing the risk of some chronic diseases later in adulthood", stated the report. As per the figures released on Monday, 97 per cent of the urban population was inhaling air that did not meet the standards mentioned in the WHO recommendations in 2021. Last year, the EEA said that the EU was heading toward its target of reducing the number of premature deaths by 50 per cent by 2030. (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

More than 1,200 children die every year due to air pollution in Europe, says report

Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and&nbsp;serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws. The bill passed 32-17 with most Republicans supporting it barring two.&nbsp;

Sens. Charlie McClintock and Jeff Taylor protested against the legislation and joined the Democratic party in the opposition. Under the bill's language, minors between 16 and 17 will be allowed to work till 9:00 pm during the school year and until 11:00 pm over the summer. Kids in the same age bracket can serve alcohol at restaurants if their parents sign a declaration, granting them permission.&nbsp;

Additionally, the bill states that anyone under the age of 18 can do 'light' assembly line or packaging work s long as machines are not involved. It prohibits 14 and 15-year-olds from any mining or manufacturing work.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-begins-crackdown-against-child-labour-566870">WATCH |&nbsp;US&nbsp;begins crackdown against child labour</a>

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To become a law, the bill will have to be passed by the House, which may not be a big issue since it is controlled by the Republicans. Afterwards, Governor Kim Reynolds will have to approve the law and she appears to be in its favour.&nbsp;

“Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not. It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that," said Reynolds.&nbsp;

<h2>Democrats against the legislation&nbsp;</h2>

Democrats have staunchly protested against the legislation saying it will endanger children by allowing them to work in dangerous fields.&nbsp;

“No Iowa teenager should be working in America’s deadliest jobs.&nbsp;Iowa Republican politicians want to solve the...workforce crisis on the literal backs of children," said&nbsp;Zach Wahls, the senate minority leader.&nbsp;

The Democrats attempted to include additional amendments to the bill like offering additional workers' compensation benefits to any teen that got injured on the job but could not be successful.&nbsp;

"Every parent wants their kids to grow up with every opportunity to succeed, not risk an early death by working in dangerous jobs.The legislation passed by the Senate tonight is every parent's worst nightmare," Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO was quoted as saying by Insider.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-moves-to-contain-alarming-increase-in-child-labour-566778">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US moves to contain 'alarming' increase in child labour</a>

Since 2018, the number of illegally employed minors has increased by two-thirds in the USA. This uptick in child labour coincided with the massive influx of unaccompanied children trying to escape poverty and violence in Latin America. In the last fiscal year alone, 130,000 children were referred to US government shelters.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws.

Lawmakers in USA's Iowa state senate on Tuesday passed a controversial bill that allows minors to work longer hours and serve alcohol in restaurants, which is banned under current labour laws. The bill passed 32-17 with most Republicans supporting it barring two. Sens. Charlie McClintock and Jeff Taylor protested against the legislation and joined the Democratic party in the opposition. Under the bill's language, minors between 16 and 17 will be allowed to work till 9:00 pm during the school year and until 11:00 pm over the summer. Kids in the same age bracket can serve alcohol at restaurants if their parents sign a declaration, granting them permission. Additionally, the bill states that anyone under the age of 18 can do 'light' assembly line or packaging work s long as machines are not involved. It prohibits 14 and 15-year-olds from any mining or manufacturing work. WATCH | US begins crackdown against child labour × To become a law, the bill will have to be passed by the House, which may not be a big issue since it is controlled by the Republicans. Afterwards, Governor Kim Reynolds will have to approve the law and she appears to be in its favour. “Ultimately, parents and kids will decide if they want to work or not. It teaches the kids a lot. And if they have the time to do it and they want to earn some additional money, I don’t think we should discourage that," said Reynolds. Democrats against the legislation Democrats have staunchly protested against the legislation saying it will endanger children by allowing them to work in dangerous fields. “No Iowa teenager should be working in America’s deadliest jobs. Iowa Republican politicians want to solve the...workforce crisis on the literal backs of children," said Zach Wahls, the senate minority leader. The Democrats attempted to include additional amendments to the bill like offering additional workers' compensation benefits to any teen that got injured on the job but could not be successful. "Every parent wants their kids to grow up with every opportunity to succeed, not risk an early death by working in dangerous jobs.The legislation passed by the Senate tonight is every parent's worst nightmare," Charlie Wishman, the president of the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO was quoted as saying by Insider. ALSO READ | US moves to contain 'alarming' increase in child labour Since 2018, the number of illegally employed minors has increased by two-thirds in the USA. This uptick in child labour coincided with the massive influx of unaccompanied children trying to escape poverty and violence in Latin America. In the last fiscal year alone, 130,000 children were referred to US government shelters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US: Iowa passes controversial bill to allow teens to work longer hours, serve alcohol

Should euthanasia be sanctioned for children under the age of 12? In a landmark decision, the Dutch government has given a green signal for permitting children under the age of 12, suffering from unbearable pain, can perform euthanasia.

Netherlands tweaks euthanasia rules: Euthanasia legalised for children under 12 years

The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government.&nbsp;

The Netherlands legalised euthanasia in 2002 under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act. This law allows doctors to legally end the lives of patients who are suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-approves-electronic-enlistment-bill-clamps-down-on-russians-who-dodge-military-service-582599">Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service</a>

According to the government, the new regulations would apply to an estimated 5 to 10 children annually who endure unbearable disease-related suffering. However, it must meet strict criteria that the children have no chance of recovery and palliative care also fails to give relief.

The Dutch government in a statement said, "The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child's unbearable and hopeless suffering."&nbsp;

The legislation previously allowed for the possibility of euthanasia for terminally ill babies up to their first birthday and for children older than 12 years old. According to data from regional euthanasia review boards, there was just one case of euthanasia for a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 in 2022.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-leak-us-president-biden-says-probe-will-examine-why-leaker-had-classified-access-582597">Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access</a>

In the Netherlands, doctors who carry out euthanasia must follow strict guidelines. It includes obtaining the patient's informed consent and reporting the procedure to a review committee.

Belgium, the first nation which allowed euthanasia for children

Belgium since 2014 started allowing doctor-assisted death for children of all ages. The legislation does, however, place certain limitations on children who wish to exercise these rights. It is required that they must have the permission of their parents and medical professionals. It must be a fatal or incurable illness or chronic pain.

Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests

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With the passage of the Belgian Euthanasia Act in 2002, euthanasia became officially authorised in Belgium for individuals who suffer from “constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated”.

Euthanasia laws have been controversial internationally. Many of its supporters argue that it allows patients to die with dignity and relieve their suffering. However, those who oppose Euthanasia say that it is unethical and undermines the value of human life. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government.

The Netherlands, which was the first in the world to legalise euthanasia, is now looking to extend the scope of its present legislation to include doctor-assisted death for terminally ill children who are between 1 to 12 years of age, media reports said on Friday quoting the Dutch government. The Netherlands legalised euthanasia in 2002 under the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide (Review Procedures) Act. This law allows doctors to legally end the lives of patients who are suffering unbearably with no prospect of improvement. Also Read | Putin approves electronic call-up bill, clamps down on Russians who dodge military service According to the government, the new regulations would apply to an estimated 5 to 10 children annually who endure unbearable disease-related suffering. However, it must meet strict criteria that the children have no chance of recovery and palliative care also fails to give relief. The Dutch government in a statement said, "The end of life for this group is the only reasonable alternative to the child's unbearable and hopeless suffering." The legislation previously allowed for the possibility of euthanasia for terminally ill babies up to their first birthday and for children older than 12 years old. According to data from regional euthanasia review boards, there was just one case of euthanasia for a minor between the ages of 12 and 16 in 2022. Also Read | Pentagon leak: US President Biden says investigation will examine why leaker had classified access In the Netherlands, doctors who carry out euthanasia must follow strict guidelines. It includes obtaining the patient's informed consent and reporting the procedure to a review committee. Belgium, the first nation which allowed euthanasia for children Belgium since 2014 started allowing doctor-assisted death for children of all ages. The legislation does, however, place certain limitations on children who wish to exercise these rights. It is required that they must have the permission of their parents and medical professionals. It must be a fatal or incurable illness or chronic pain. Watch | Macron's pension reform gets constitutional green light despite raging protests × With the passage of the Belgian Euthanasia Act in 2002, euthanasia became officially authorised in Belgium for individuals who suffer from “constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated”. Euthanasia laws have been controversial internationally. Many of its supporters argue that it allows patients to die with dignity and relieve their suffering. However, those who oppose Euthanasia say that it is unethical and undermines the value of human life. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netherlands backs extending euthanasia laws to include terminally ill children aged 1 to 12 years

Jon Rahm has again emerged victorious at the Masters 2023 and moved back to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the second time in 2023. Jon Rahm's first prominent title was the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines.

Jon Rahm has again emerged victorious at the Masters 2023 and moved back to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the second time in 2023. Jon Rahm's first prominent title was the 2021 US Open at Torrey Pines. The 28-year-old also celebrated his first green jacket this year. The PGA star hails from Barrika, Spain. However, now he calls Scottsdale, Arizona, home. He has split his success between two continents. He has five PGA (Professional Golfers' Association) tours and six more on a European tour. Jon Rahm also holds the record for the longest stint atop the amateur rankings at 60 weeks. Here's everything you need to know about the Spanish Golf star, Jon Rahm. Jon Rahm: Career According to the official website of PGA, Jon Rahm has played 141 events. He has had 11 PGA tour wins, eight international victories, eight runner-ups, ten third-place finishes, and 70 finishes in the top 10. Before the Masters Tournament, Rahm won the Sentry Tournament of Champions, The Genesis Invitational, and The American Express. He also won the US Open in 2021. Rahm's most recent international wins include Acciona Open de Espana and DP World Tour Championship. Furthermore, he has played for the national team and made the country proud by winning many tournaments, including World Cup (2016), Ryder Cup (2018, 2020), Palmer Cup (2014, 2015) and Eisenhower Trophy (2014). He defeated Dustin Johnson at the BMW Championship in 2019-20. Jon Rahm: Personal Life Jon Rahm's wife Kelley threw javelin for Arizona State. He proposed to her while hiking around Torrey Pines in 2018. Once, Rahm jokingly suggested that the couple conceived their first son, Kepa, on the night he first reached No. 1 in the OWGR in July 2020. "We suspect it was that night," he said. Their second son, Eneko, was born in 2022. Jon Rahm: Net Worth As per the official website of PGA, Jon Rahm has made $48,312,583 with sports events. Some sources say that his net worth is $20 million. However, there are no official reports on how moneyed the Spaniard is.

Who is Jon Rahm? Here's all you need to know about the Masters 2023 winner's career, net worth & personal life

Even as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, more than 30 children who were transported to Russian Allied territories have been reunited with their family in Ukraine. Ukrainian leader The emphasis has been on obtaining Western weaponry supplies because soldiers have realised how crucial they are to winning the battle.

Emotions run high as children return from Russian-allied areas

UK's data watchdog fined TikTok £12.7 million ($15.84 million) for not protecting children’s privacy. According to its data, TikTok permitted around 1.4 million UK children, who were below the age of 13, to use the social platform in 2020.

As per an investigation carried out by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO),&nbsp; data of children below the age of 13 was used by the video-sharing site without parental consent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/australia-to-ban-tiktok-on-government-devices-over-security-concerns-report-578689">Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports</a>

TikTok said it had "invested heavily" to prevent under-13s from accessing the site.

The ICO said that many people were able to get access to the site even after TikTok had set 13 as the minimum age for creating an account.

It stated that the data of children may have been used for tracking and profiling them, and potentially exposing them to inappropriate or harmful content.&nbsp;

Information Commissioner John Edwards said, "There are laws in place to make sure our children are as safe in the digital world as they are in the physical world. TikTok did not abide by those laws.”

"As a consequence, an estimated one million under-13s were inappropriately granted access to the platform, with TikTok collecting and using their personal data. TikTok should have known better. TikTok should have done better. Our £12.7m fine reflects the serious impact their failures may have had,” he added.

WATCH | TikTok hit with $15.9 million fine in UK: Global crackdown on Chinese app

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Later speaking to BBC News, he said that TikTok had "taken no steps" to get parental consent.

"When you sign up you can be targeted for advertising, you can be profiled, your data contributes to an algorithm which feeds content. If you've been looking at content which is not appropriate for your age, that can get more and more extreme. It can be quite harmful for people who are not old enough to fully appreciate the implications and to make appropriate choices,” he stated.

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UK's data watchdog fined TikTok £12.7 million ($15.84 million) for not protecting children’s privacy. According to its data, TikTok permitted around 1.4 million UK children, who were below the age of 13, to use the social platform in 2020.

UK's data watchdog fined TikTok £12.7 million ($15.84 million) for not protecting children’s privacy. According to its data, TikTok permitted around 1.4 million UK children, who were below the age of 13, to use the social platform in 2020. As per an investigation carried out by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), data of children below the age of 13 was used by the video-sharing site without parental consent. ALSO READ | Australia to ban TikTok on government devices: Reports TikTok said it had "invested heavily" to prevent under-13s from accessing the site. The ICO said that many people were able to get access to the site even after TikTok had set 13 as the minimum age for creating an account. It stated that the data of children may have been used for tracking and profiling them, and potentially exposing them to inappropriate or harmful content. Information Commissioner John Edwards said, "There are laws in place to make sure our children are as safe in the digital world as they are in the physical world. TikTok did not abide by those laws.” "As a consequence, an estimated one million under-13s were inappropriately granted access to the platform, with TikTok collecting and using their personal data. TikTok should have known better. TikTok should have done better. Our £12.7m fine reflects the serious impact their failures may have had,” he added. WATCH | TikTok hit with $15.9 million fine in UK: Global crackdown on Chinese app Later speaking to BBC News, he said that TikTok had "taken no steps" to get parental consent. "When you sign up you can be targeted for advertising, you can be profiled, your data contributes to an algorithm which feeds content. If you've been looking at content which is not appropriate for your age, that can get more and more extreme. It can be quite harmful for people who are not old enough to fully appreciate the implications and to make appropriate choices,” he stated. (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

UK's watchdog fines TikTok $15.84mn for misusing children's data

Paul Rusesabagina, an outspoken Rwandan government critic, has reached the United States after being released from the prison. His efforts to save people during the 1994 genocide inspired the Hollywood movie 'Hotel Rwanda.

Paul Rusesabagina, an outspoken Rwandan government critic, has reached the United States after being released from the prison. His efforts to save people during the 1994 genocide inspired the Hollywood movie 'Hotel Rwanda.' The US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan welcomed Paul Rusesabagina back to the United States. He tweeted, "We're glad to have him back on US soil & reunited with his family & friends who've long waited for this day to come." The Rwandan administration released him on March 25 after 900 days in jail. The Kigali government reduced his 25-year sentence on terrorism charges. In 2021, Rwandan authorities charged Paul Rusesabagina with 'backing an armed rebel group.' However, his supporters denounced his trial as a sham. His arrest highlighted Rwanda's record of suppressing political dissent and free speech under President Paul Kagame. Here's everything you need to know about Paul Rusesabagina, the hero of Hotel Rwanda. Paul Rusesabagina: Hero of Hotel Rwanda Paul Rusesabagina was a hotel manager for Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali. During the Rwandan genocide, the hotel housed 1,268 Hutu and Tutsi refugees fleeing the Interahamwe militia. Paul Rusesabagina's efforts saved these refugees from getting hurt or killed during the attacks. Hotel Rwanda (2004) depicts his actions during the genocide. Don Cheadle portrayed the role of Paul Rusesabagina. The movie received critical acclaim worldwide. On November 9, 2005, Rusesabagina received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, from President George W Bush for "remarkable courage and compassion in the face of genocidal terror." Currently, he has Belgian citizenship with US permanent residency. Paul Rusesabagina: Family Paul Rusesabagina's adopted daughter Carine Kanimba has protested against his arrest and called it politically motivated. His family is a part of the 'Bring Our Families Home' campaign. Moreover, they are suing GainJet airlines for not disclosing the accurate destination of the flight to Rusesabagina and aiding his kidnapping in 1996. Carine also tweeted about his father's return from her official handle. She said, "PAUL RUSESABAGINA IS FREE. Dad just arrived in San Antonio, Texas. Thank you to EVERYONE who worked soooo hard to bring him home. Our family is finally reunited today." His family said he was tortured during his 939 days in prison. PAUL RUSESABAGINA IS FREE 🤩🤩🥳🥳❤️❤️🛬🛬🛬 Dad has just arrived in San Antonio, Texas🛬🛬🛬 Thank you to EVERYONE who worked soooo hard to bring him home. 🙏❤️🙏 Our Family is finally reunited today. 💞💞#FreeRusesabagina @freethehero #TheHeroIsFree #FreedHero #HotelRwanda pic.twitter.com/BXxQsPWxnx — Carine Kanimba (@ckanimba) March 30, 2023 × Paul Rusesabagina: Books & Awards In April 2006, Zach Bell published Paul Rusesabagina's autobiography, An Ordinary Man. US President Joe Biden also welcomed him on his arrival. Here's the list of Awards won by Paul Rusesabagina. 2000 Immortal Chaplains Prize for Humanity 2005 Wallenberg Medal of the University of Michigan 2005 National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom 2005 Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Humanitarian Award 2007 Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Guelph 2008 Honorary Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College 2009 Honorary Degree from Loyola University Chicago 2011 Tom Lantos Human Rights Prize from the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Who is Paul Rusesabagina? Rwandan human rights activist who arrived in the US after prison stay

A new report by Somalia's health ministry, WHO and UNICEF stated that about 43,000 "excess deaths" might have occurred in Somalia from drought last year in comparison with 2017 and 2018 drought crisis.

It added that half of these deaths might have occurred among children under the age of 5.

To allow proactive intervention and prevent drought-related mortality, a model was also created from the same study for the first time. According to the forecasts, which covers January through June 2023, 135 people might die&nbsp;every day as a result of the crisis, with the total number of fatalities predicted to range between 18,100 and 34,200 over this time in these six months.&nbsp;

These projections imply that, despite the fact that hunger has been temporarily avoided, the crisis is still ongoing and has already surpassed the drought disaster of 2017–2018 in severity.

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These numbers were obtained using a statistical model that predicted that, between January and December 2022, the crude death rate in Somalia went from 0.33 to 0.38 fatalities per 10,000 person-days. It also revealed that&nbsp;the rate among children under the age of five was nearly twice as high. By June 2023, the crude death rate is anticipated to be 0.42 deaths for every 10,000 person-days.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London carried out the study, which was commissioned by UNICEF Regional Office and WHO country office of Somalia.&nbsp;

It gives retrospective estimates of mortality across Somalia from January to December 2022. The areas around the Bay, Bakool, and Banadir regions of south-central Somalia, which are currently the epicentre of the drought, were thought to have the greatest fatality rates.

Somalian Minister of Health Dr Ali Hadji Adam Abubakar said, “We continue to be concerned about the level and scale of the public health impact of this deepening and protracted food crisis in Somalia. At the same time, we are optimistic that if we can sustain our ongoing and scaled-up health and nutrition actions and humanitarian response to save lives and protect the health of our vulnerable, we can push back the risk of famine forever."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-approves-its-first-mrna-vaccine-months-after-easing-covid-restrictions-574576">China approves its first mRNA vaccine, months after easing Covid restrictions</a>

"Else, those vulnerable and marginalized will pay the price of this crisis with their lives. We, therefore, urge all our partners and donors to continue to support the health sector in building a resilient health system that works for everyone and not for the few. Building a healthier and happier world for all Somalis remains at the heart of our government," he added.&nbsp;

This is the worst drought in recent history in Somalia. It is continuing for five seasons in a row and has left five million people in severe food insecurity and nearly two million children at danger of malnutrition. In order to provide for 7.6 million people's needs in 2023, the UN will need to raise more than US$2.6 billion.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/no-winners-in-a-nuclear-war-russia-china-joint-statement-574571">'No winners in a nuclear war': Russia-China joint statement</a>

WHO Representative to Somalia and Head of Mission, Dr Mamunur Rahman Malik said, “We are racing against time to prevent deaths and save lives that are avoidable. We have seen, deaths and diseases thrive when hunger and food crises prolong. We will see more people dying from the disease than from hunger and malnutrition combined if we do not act now. The cost of our inaction will mean that children, women and other vulnerable people will pay with their lives while we hopelessly, helplessly witness the tragedy unfold.”

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A new report by Somalia's health ministry, WHO and UNICEF stated that about 43,000 "excess deaths" might have occurred in Somalia from drought last year in comparison with 2017 and 2018 drought crisis.

A new report by Somalia's health ministry, WHO and UNICEF stated that about 43,000 "excess deaths" might have occurred in Somalia from drought last year in comparison with 2017 and 2018 drought crisis. It added that half of these deaths might have occurred among children under the age of 5. To allow proactive intervention and prevent drought-related mortality, a model was also created from the same study for the first time. According to the forecasts, which covers January through June 2023, 135 people might die every day as a result of the crisis, with the total number of fatalities predicted to range between 18,100 and 34,200 over this time in these six months. These projections imply that, despite the fact that hunger has been temporarily avoided, the crisis is still ongoing and has already surpassed the drought disaster of 2017–2018 in severity. Also Read | Russia, China reach agreement on second Power of Siberia gas pipeline These numbers were obtained using a statistical model that predicted that, between January and December 2022, the crude death rate in Somalia went from 0.33 to 0.38 fatalities per 10,000 person-days. It also revealed that the rate among children under the age of five was nearly twice as high. By June 2023, the crude death rate is anticipated to be 0.42 deaths for every 10,000 person-days. The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London carried out the study, which was commissioned by UNICEF Regional Office and WHO country office of Somalia. It gives retrospective estimates of mortality across Somalia from January to December 2022. The areas around the Bay, Bakool, and Banadir regions of south-central Somalia, which are currently the epicentre of the drought, were thought to have the greatest fatality rates. Somalian Minister of Health Dr Ali Hadji Adam Abubakar said, “We continue to be concerned about the level and scale of the public health impact of this deepening and protracted food crisis in Somalia. At the same time, we are optimistic that if we can sustain our ongoing and scaled-up health and nutrition actions and humanitarian response to save lives and protect the health of our vulnerable, we can push back the risk of famine forever." Also Read | China approves its first mRNA vaccine, months after easing Covid restrictions "Else, those vulnerable and marginalized will pay the price of this crisis with their lives. We, therefore, urge all our partners and donors to continue to support the health sector in building a resilient health system that works for everyone and not for the few. Building a healthier and happier world for all Somalis remains at the heart of our government," he added. This is the worst drought in recent history in Somalia. It is continuing for five seasons in a row and has left five million people in severe food insecurity and nearly two million children at danger of malnutrition. In order to provide for 7.6 million people's needs in 2023, the UN will need to raise more than US$2.6 billion. Watch | 'No winners in a nuclear war': Russia-China joint statement WHO Representative to Somalia and Head of Mission, Dr Mamunur Rahman Malik said, “We are racing against time to prevent deaths and save lives that are avoidable. We have seen, deaths and diseases thrive when hunger and food crises prolong. We will see more people dying from the disease than from hunger and malnutrition combined if we do not act now. The cost of our inaction will mean that children, women and other vulnerable people will pay with their lives while we hopelessly, helplessly witness the tragedy unfold.” 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.

43,000 'excess deaths' in Somalia last year from drought, half may be children under five

Nineteen children died in India's West Bengal so far this year after suffering from acute respiratory infections, and thousands remain hospitalised as the nation fights an adenovirus outbreak.

Since January, more than 12,000 cases of adenovirus were recorded in the state. People have admitted more than 3,000 children to the hospital with severe flu-like symptoms.

The Association of Health Service Doctors warned that there are chances of the number of cases and deaths turning out to be much higher than official statistics.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/adenovirus-scare-in-wes-bengal-mamata-banerjee-says-adequate-measures-being-taken-567781">Adenovirus scare in West Bengal? Mamata Banerjee says adequate measures being taken</a>

Some local media have reported the death toll to be more than 100 children. The healthcare system of the state is struggling to cope. Few hospitals have claimed that their paediatric wards are full, and reports have emerged that children have been forced to share their hospital beds.

Adenoviruses are said to cause eye, stomach and respiratory infections. Health officials stated that two mutated adenovirus strains have led to sickness and death of children.

The virus has also been traced in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The local government has set up helplines to answer calls from the concerned parents and the leaves of health workers have been cancelled by the Health and Family Welfare Department to deal with the volume of cases.

Instructions have been given to clinics to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The protocols adopted during the Covid pandemic like social distancing and wearing masks have been introduced to slow infections, although the authorities have not ordered the schools to close.

“The magnitude and severity of the epidemic are unprecedented,” stated paediatrician Apurba Ghosh.

An eight-member task force has been formed by the West Bengal government to monitor cases and treatment. Doctors stated that the cases are being reported in children in high volume because they failed to build immunity to common infections during lockdowns.

“The primary healthcare centres in the state, which are the first point of healthcare intervention, are not equipped with health management for severe paediatric ailments,” said a healthcare official.

WATCH | Gravitas: The mystery behind the alleged poisoning of children in Iran

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Dr Prabhas Prasun Giri, who looks after the paediatric intensive care unit at the Institute of Child Health in Kolkata, said that the state did not prepare to handle the huge influx of patients.

“As we live in the post-Covid era, we should be prepared for any such type of virus outbreak. This year, it’s an adenovirus. Next year, it may be RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Another year, it may be flu,” he stated.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Nineteen children died in India's West Bengal so far this year after suffering from acute respiratory infections, and thousands remain hospitalised as the nation fights an adenovirus outbreak.

Nineteen children died in India's West Bengal so far this year after suffering from acute respiratory infections, and thousands remain hospitalised as the nation fights an adenovirus outbreak. Since January, more than 12,000 cases of adenovirus were recorded in the state. People have admitted more than 3,000 children to the hospital with severe flu-like symptoms. The Association of Health Service Doctors warned that there are chances of the number of cases and deaths turning out to be much higher than official statistics. ALSO READ | Adenovirus scare in West Bengal? Mamata Banerjee says adequate measures being taken Some local media have reported the death toll to be more than 100 children. The healthcare system of the state is struggling to cope. Few hospitals have claimed that their paediatric wards are full, and reports have emerged that children have been forced to share their hospital beds. Adenoviruses are said to cause eye, stomach and respiratory infections. Health officials stated that two mutated adenovirus strains have led to sickness and death of children. The virus has also been traced in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The local government has set up helplines to answer calls from the concerned parents and the leaves of health workers have been cancelled by the Health and Family Welfare Department to deal with the volume of cases. Instructions have been given to clinics to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The protocols adopted during the Covid pandemic like social distancing and wearing masks have been introduced to slow infections, although the authorities have not ordered the schools to close. “The magnitude and severity of the epidemic are unprecedented,” stated paediatrician Apurba Ghosh. An eight-member task force has been formed by the West Bengal government to monitor cases and treatment. Doctors stated that the cases are being reported in children in high volume because they failed to build immunity to common infections during lockdowns. “The primary healthcare centres in the state, which are the first point of healthcare intervention, are not equipped with health management for severe paediatric ailments,” said a healthcare official. WATCH | Gravitas: The mystery behind the alleged poisoning of children in Iran Dr Prabhas Prasun Giri, who looks after the paediatric intensive care unit at the Institute of Child Health in Kolkata, said that the state did not prepare to handle the huge influx of patients. “As we live in the post-Covid era, we should be prepared for any such type of virus outbreak. This year, it’s an adenovirus. Next year, it may be RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Another year, it may be flu,” he stated. 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

Adenovirus outbreak hits India's West Bengal, 19 children die and thousands hospitalised

Pat Schroeder, a Democratic presidential candidate, a Colorado congresswoman and a long-term Central Florida citizen, passed away on Monday, March 13, 82. According to former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, Schroder suffered a stroke in the Osceola County community of Celebration.

Pat Schroeder, a Democratic presidential candidate, a Colorado congresswoman and a long-term Central Florida citizen, passed away on Monday, March 13, 82. According to former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin, Schroder suffered a stroke in the Osceola County community of Celebration. Later, she was in hospice care at her home. Susannah Randolph, a Democratic operative and congressional candidate, called Patricia Schroeder a 'beacon.' She said, "When I was growing up in the '80s, she was my bedtime story. She was the woman I grew up understanding was the one fighting for all of us." Pat Schroeder represented the Denver area in Congress for 24 years. She moved to Celebration in 2008 and retired from her post-political job as president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers. Pat Schroeder was a prime member of the Central Florida political community. She took younger Democrats under her wing and advised local officials. Here's a deeper look into the life of Patricia Schroeder. Pat Schroeder: Books Pat Schroeder has written two books and multiple written materials in her lifetime. She wrote '24 Years of House Work and the Place Is Still a Mess.' She described her career, life, and details about her victory in the 1972 elections. Pat Schroeder combined her family and politics and narrated her challenge of 'infiltrating the guy gulag of Congress.' Pat Schroeder has also co-authored the book 'Champion of the Great American Family.' She again got candid with the readers about her family needs and other issues, like childcare, birth control, abortion, parental leave, health care, and housing. Apart from the two books, Pat Schroeder also contributed a piece to the 2003 anthology Sisterhood Is Forever: The Women's Anthology for a New Millennium, edited by Robin Morgan. She wrote 'Running for Our Lives: Electoral Politics.' Pat Schroeder: Early Years Patricia Nell Scott, later known as Pat Schroeder, was born in Portland, Oregon, on July 30, 1940. She earned her pilot's license when she was fifteen. Pat Schroeder graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1958. Later, she majored in history at the University of Minnesota. Pat Schroeder: Children Pat married Jim Schroeder, a Harvard Law School classmate, in 1962 and moved to Denver, Colorado, with him to join a law firm. They had two children, Scott William (1966) and Jamie Christine (1970). Both her children pursued non-political careers. Pat Schroeder worked for the National Labor Relations Board from 1964 to 1966. Pat Schroeder: Political Career Pat Schroeder was the first woman politician from Colorado, serving in the US House of Representatives. She was known for her outspoken liberal positions on social welfare, women's rights, and military spending. Pat took her seat in the House of Representatives in 1973 and served 12 terms. Pat Schroeder: Cause of Death Pat Schroeder died at 82 after she suffered a stroke in the Osceola County community of Celebration.

Congresswoman Pat Schroeder dies at 82: Know her cause of death, early life, books, children, political career

The series of stories, “Undocumented and Underage,” has prompted at least 10 probes by U.S. and Alabama authorities into suppliers of Hyundai and sister brand Kia. The reporting was carried out over more than a year by journalists Joshua Schneyer, Mica Rosenberg, Kristina Cooke and colleagues.

Hyundai admits to hiring under-aged children

New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will&nbsp;also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments.

In recent years, the impact of air pollution on health has remained a topic of concern&nbsp;with the research reflecting that every organ of the body can be affected by pollution. A new study shows that&nbsp;developing organs and nervous systems of children become more susceptible to long-term damage because of air pollution.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-is-dangerous-very-dangerous-for-your-brain-can-impair-functional-connectivity-study-556180">Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study</a>

The issue came into the spotlight in 2020 after the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in the UK who became the first person on whose death certificate air pollution was listed as the reason for death.&nbsp;

Ella’s mother, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah has now become a leading campaigner for clean air&nbsp;and is advocating for legislation which can make&nbsp;access to clean air a human right.&nbsp;

Previously, researchers had found that even low levels of air pollution can have a bad effect on lung function development in children between the age of six to 15. However, the new study stated that there can be improvements if the air is cleaned.&nbsp;

Prof Erik Melen, Karolinska Institute's paediatrician and professor at the department of clinical research and education, who co-authored the new study, said, “That’s a strong message to policymakers and city planners that actions to decrease air pollution level and exposure will pay off in the long term, definitely, for children and across the life course."&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates

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“With better air quality, we reduce the risk of children (having)…clinically impaired lung function. That’s indeed important because those patients end up in my clinic. In the long run, any incremental improvement in lung function will have a positive effect on the risk of acquiring chronic diseases in adulthood, or even life expectancy," Melen added.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments.

New research suggests that lung function development can improve in children if air pollution is reduced. The reduction in pollution will also bring down the number of young people who suffer from pulmonary impairments. In recent years, the impact of air pollution on health has remained a topic of concern with the research reflecting that every organ of the body can be affected by pollution. A new study shows that developing organs and nervous systems of children become more susceptible to long-term damage because of air pollution. ALSO READ | Air pollution is very dangerous for your brain, can impair functional connectivity: Study The issue came into the spotlight in 2020 after the death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah in the UK who became the first person on whose death certificate air pollution was listed as the reason for death. Ella’s mother, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah has now become a leading campaigner for clean air and is advocating for legislation which can make access to clean air a human right. Previously, researchers had found that even low levels of air pollution can have a bad effect on lung function development in children between the age of six to 15. However, the new study stated that there can be improvements if the air is cleaned. Prof Erik Melen, Karolinska Institute's paediatrician and professor at the department of clinical research and education, who co-authored the new study, said, “That’s a strong message to policymakers and city planners that actions to decrease air pollution level and exposure will pay off in the long term, definitely, for children and across the life course." WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Air pollution leading to increasing suicide rates “With better air quality, we reduce the risk of children (having)…clinically impaired lung function. That’s indeed important because those patients end up in my clinic. In the long run, any incremental improvement in lung function will have a positive effect on the risk of acquiring chronic diseases in adulthood, or even life expectancy," Melen added. (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

Air pollution obstructs lung development in children, reveals new research

Brazil declared an emergency in Yanomami territory, the nation's largest indigenous reservation, after reports of children dying of malnutrition and other diseases caused by illegal gold mining surfaced.&nbsp;Lula has blamed former president Jair Bolsonaro for the dire condition of the Yanomami people. In a bid to restore health services for them, the government issued a decree on Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 570 Yanomami children lost their lives of curable diseases which mainly include malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and malformations caused by mercury used by wildcat gold miners, reported Amazon journalism platform Sumauma reported, citing data obtained by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-captures-is-members-in-syria-helicopter-raid-554979">US military captures IS members in Syrian helicopter raid</a>

After photos of children and elderly men and women with their thin ribs were made public, Lula paid a visit to Yanomami health centre in Boa Vista in Roraima state on Saturday.&nbsp;"More than a humanitarian crisis, what I saw in Roraima was genocide: a premeditated crime against the Yanomami, committed by a government insensitive to suffering," Lula said on Twitter.

Relief aid in the form of food packages will also be provided to 26,000 Yanomamis in the region, reported Reuters.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-investigators-find-more-classified-documents-at-president-bidens-home-in-delaware-554803">US: Investigators find six more classified documents at President Biden’s home in Delaware</a>

The region has long been invaded by illegal gold miners for decades. The whole issue was further accelerated in 2018 when Bolsanaro allowed mining on previously protected lands and gave free hand to illegal wildcat mining.

The recent escalation also involves men on speed boats shooting at indigenous villages with automatic weapons. These are the villagers whose communities oppose the entry of gold miners in the region. Illegal deforestation of Amazon is also one of the most contentious election issues which Lula has vowed to tackle.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-11-people-including-two-children-died-in-a-van-crash-555134">Thailand: 11 people, including two children died in a van crash</a>

Sonia Guajajara, the first indigenous woman to be a cabinet minister, heading a new Ministry of Indigenous Affairs said held the previous government accountable for allowing this situation to get worse to the point where "we find adults weighing like children, and children reduced to skin and bones."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Brazil declared an emergency in Yanomami territory, the nation's largest indigenous reservation, after reports of children dying of malnutrition and other diseases caused by illegal gold mining surfaced.

Brazil declared an emergency in Yanomami territory, the nation's largest indigenous reservation, after reports of children dying of malnutrition and other diseases caused by illegal gold mining surfaced. Lula has blamed former president Jair Bolsonaro for the dire condition of the Yanomami people. In a bid to restore health services for them, the government issued a decree on Friday. A total of 570 Yanomami children lost their lives of curable diseases which mainly include malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and malformations caused by mercury used by wildcat gold miners, reported Amazon journalism platform Sumauma reported, citing data obtained by a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). ALSO READ | US military captures IS members in Syrian helicopter raid After photos of children and elderly men and women with their thin ribs were made public, Lula paid a visit to Yanomami health centre in Boa Vista in Roraima state on Saturday. "More than a humanitarian crisis, what I saw in Roraima was genocide: a premeditated crime against the Yanomami, committed by a government insensitive to suffering," Lula said on Twitter. Relief aid in the form of food packages will also be provided to 26,000 Yanomamis in the region, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | US: Investigators find six more classified documents at President Biden’s home in Delaware The region has long been invaded by illegal gold miners for decades. The whole issue was further accelerated in 2018 when Bolsanaro allowed mining on previously protected lands and gave free hand to illegal wildcat mining. The recent escalation also involves men on speed boats shooting at indigenous villages with automatic weapons. These are the villagers whose communities oppose the entry of gold miners in the region. Illegal deforestation of Amazon is also one of the most contentious election issues which Lula has vowed to tackle. WATCH | Thailand: 11 people, including two children died in a van crash Sonia Guajajara, the first indigenous woman to be a cabinet minister, heading a new Ministry of Indigenous Affairs said held the previous government accountable for allowing this situation to get worse to the point where "we find adults weighing like children, and children reduced to skin and bones." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazil declares emergency in Yanomami after death reports of children from malnutrition

People love to follow viral trends on social media, but some of them could prove to be harmful. We get you more details in this video.

Children hurt after consuming 'Dragon's Breath' candy in Indonesia | Tech It Out

Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival.&nbsp;Hundreds of people flocked to rooftops and terraces to fly their kites during the Uttarayan festival in India's western state of Gujarat during the weekend.

As per reports, the victims bled to death after their necks got entangled in razor-sharp kite strings, officials said Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Around 176 people suffered injuries due to cuts from strings or because they fell.

A few participants coat the strings of their kite with powdered glass so that the cords of the opponent can be sliced in the air. The practice was banned in 2016, however, critics claim that it is rarely enforced.

A two-year-old girl lost her life when her neck was cut by a kite string while she was on a scooter with her father, said an official from Bortalav police station, as cited by the PTI.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kai-po-che-gujarat-fills-with-colours-of-international-kite-festival-552464">Kai Po Che: Gujarat fills with colours of International Kite Festival</a>

It was said that the girl, whose name was Kriti, died while receiving treatment for injuries at a hospital on Sunday.

In another case, a three-year-old girl suffered a cut on her neck by the string when she was walking alongside her mother in the town of Visnagar on Saturday. The girl was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared her dead on arrival, said a police official in Visnagar.&nbsp;

Seven-year-old boy, Rishabh Verma, was riding on a scooter with his parents when the string suddenly struck him, said an official from Aji Dam police station.&nbsp;

As per the police, the department received similar reports from Kutch, Gandhinagar and Vadodara districts, where three people died in similar circumstances.&nbsp;

While speaking to the Guardian, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India's campaigner Nikunj Sharma had earlier said that people can suffer severe injuries by the use of 'Manja' made of nylon string and not cotton to fly kites.&nbsp;

“Unlike cotton strings these are non-biodegradable, don’t break easily and continue to cause injuries months after the festival,” said Sharma. &nbsp;

WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates kite festival in Jakarta

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In the largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, the police department warned people to avoid using the coated string during the kite&nbsp;festival.

“Do not use deadly Chinese Manja to fly kites,” the department stated. The participants were urged by police to remain careful while flying kites, adding that the “momentary fun” of cutting someone else' kite can come at the cost of a life.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival.

Six people, which included three children, lost their lives after their throats were accidentally slit by glass-coated kite strings during India's annual kite-flying festival. Hundreds of people flocked to rooftops and terraces to fly their kites during the Uttarayan festival in India's western state of Gujarat during the weekend. As per reports, the victims bled to death after their necks got entangled in razor-sharp kite strings, officials said Indian news agency Press Trust of India (PTI). Around 176 people suffered injuries due to cuts from strings or because they fell. A few participants coat the strings of their kite with powdered glass so that the cords of the opponent can be sliced in the air. The practice was banned in 2016, however, critics claim that it is rarely enforced. A two-year-old girl lost her life when her neck was cut by a kite string while she was on a scooter with her father, said an official from Bortalav police station, as cited by the PTI. ALSO READ| Kai Po Che: Gujarat fills with colours of International Kite Festival It was said that the girl, whose name was Kriti, died while receiving treatment for injuries at a hospital on Sunday. In another case, a three-year-old girl suffered a cut on her neck by the string when she was walking alongside her mother in the town of Visnagar on Saturday. The girl was rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared her dead on arrival, said a police official in Visnagar. Seven-year-old boy, Rishabh Verma, was riding on a scooter with his parents when the string suddenly struck him, said an official from Aji Dam police station. As per the police, the department received similar reports from Kutch, Gandhinagar and Vadodara districts, where three people died in similar circumstances. While speaking to the Guardian, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) India's campaigner Nikunj Sharma had earlier said that people can suffer severe injuries by the use of 'Manja' made of nylon string and not cotton to fly kites. “Unlike cotton strings these are non-biodegradable, don’t break easily and continue to cause injuries months after the festival,” said Sharma. WATCH | PM Modi inaugurates kite festival in Jakarta In the largest city of Gujarat, Ahmedabad, the police department warned people to avoid using the coated string during the kite festival. “Do not use deadly Chinese Manja to fly kites,” the department stated. The participants were urged by police to remain careful while flying kites, adding that the “momentary fun” of cutting someone else' kite can come at the cost of a life. (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

India: Three children among 6 killed as glass-coated kite string slits throats during kite festival

20 children in Indonesia were injured after participating in a TikTok trend and eating the ‘dragon’s breath’ street snack.

Gravitas: What is the 'dragon's breath' snack?

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