Colombia sees largest-ever Pride parades in Bogota, other cities

The world is celebrating miracle in the Amazon where four children survived 40 days in the Columbian Forest, cut off from human civilisation. This has been a remarkable story, following the rescue of the children. The father of the children has finally shared details of the ordeal.

Columbia Amazon miracle: Father of two survivors speak on ordeal

More details are unfolding in the story of four indigenous children aged 13, 9, 4, as well as a now 12-month-old baby who went missing for more than a month in the Colombian Amazon rainforest. These children survived in the wild and have been united with their relatives.

Happy ending for Colombia's missing children

An earthquake of 6.6 magnitude struck in the Gulf of Darien near the border of Panama and Colombia late on Wednesday night, May 24, at 10:05 pm local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Quoting the USGS, Reuters reported that the tremors were felt in both countries.&nbsp;

<h2>A second earthquake strikes</h2>

Nine minutes after the first earthquake hit the region, another temblor with&nbsp; 4.9 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck the same location. The USGS reported about the aftershocks of the second earthquake.

Several follow-up quakes measuring less than 4 in magnitude have been reported since last night.&nbsp;

As reported by the USGS, the epicentre of the earthquake was around 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the coast of Panama's eastern town of Puerto Obaldia and both quakes struck at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles).&nbsp;

<h2>No immediate reports of damages</h2>

The National Civil Protection Agency of Panama, Sinaproc said no immediate damage to properties was reported, and that they are still monitoring the situation. Officials from the Columbian metropolis of Medellin also said the earthquake did not cause any damage. However, social media users have reported about the earthquake stating it triggered strong shaking on both sides of the border.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombian-navy-intercepts-largest-ever-narco-submarine-in-history-with-three-tonnes-of-cocaine-592332">Colombian Navy intercepts ‘largest ever’ narco-submarine in history with three tonnes of cocaine</a>

<h2>The strongest earthquake in years</h2>

The quakes tremors were felt on both sides of the border. As reported by the officials of Panama, it was one of the strongest earthquakes recorded in the area in recent years.

The last recorded strongest earthquake in Panama was in the year 1962 when an earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on the Richter scale hit the region.

Sinaproc reported that the tremors were felt in the capital city of Panama and its neighbouring region of West Panama. The Caribbean region of Guna Yala also felt the strong tremors of the quake.

<h2>No possibility of a tsunami&nbsp;</h2>

Authorities in Colombia and the United States have ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, with the US Tsunami Warning System specifically stating that there was no tsunami warning as of the moment.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION

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The United States Geological Survey was the first seismological agency to report about it. A second report was later issued by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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An earthquake of 6.6 magnitude struck in the Gulf of Darien near the border of Panama and Colombia late on Wednesday night, May 24, at 10:05 pm local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

An earthquake of 6.6 magnitude struck in the Gulf of Darien near the border of Panama and Colombia late on Wednesday night, May 24, at 10:05 pm local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Quoting the USGS, Reuters reported that the tremors were felt in both countries. A second earthquake strikes Nine minutes after the first earthquake hit the region, another temblor with 4.9 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck the same location. The USGS reported about the aftershocks of the second earthquake. Several follow-up quakes measuring less than 4 in magnitude have been reported since last night. As reported by the USGS, the epicentre of the earthquake was around 40 kilometres (25 miles) off the coast of Panama's eastern town of Puerto Obaldia and both quakes struck at a depth of 10km (6.21 miles). No immediate reports of damages The National Civil Protection Agency of Panama, Sinaproc said no immediate damage to properties was reported, and that they are still monitoring the situation. Officials from the Columbian metropolis of Medellin also said the earthquake did not cause any damage. However, social media users have reported about the earthquake stating it triggered strong shaking on both sides of the border. ALSO READ | Colombian Navy intercepts ‘largest ever’ narco-submarine in history with three tonnes of cocaine The strongest earthquake in years The quakes tremors were felt on both sides of the border. As reported by the officials of Panama, it was one of the strongest earthquakes recorded in the area in recent years. The last recorded strongest earthquake in Panama was in the year 1962 when an earthquake of magnitude 7.4 on the Richter scale hit the region. Sinaproc reported that the tremors were felt in the capital city of Panama and its neighbouring region of West Panama. The Caribbean region of Guna Yala also felt the strong tremors of the quake. No possibility of a tsunami Authorities in Colombia and the United States have ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, with the US Tsunami Warning System specifically stating that there was no tsunami warning as of the moment. WATCH | Iran seizes Panama-flagged oil tanker in Tehran on judicial order | World News | WION × The United States Geological Survey was the first seismological agency to report about it. A second report was later issued by Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE: WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

6.6 earthquake jolts Panama-Colombia border

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) 
 
&nbsp;

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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

Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country.

The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday.

These homemade narco-submarines travel just below the water’s surface, allowing them to cover long distances while evading detection.&nbsp;

Colombian laws penalise use, construction, commercialisation, possession, and transportation of these semi-submersibles, with up to 14 years in prison.

The vessel was carrying a staggering three tonnes of cocaine, which will fetch around $103 million in the market, the navy said, according to reports.

The Central America sea route is commonly used by peddlers for drug smuggling into the United States—the world’s largest consumer of Colombian cocaine.

The navy also detained three crew members—aged 45, 54 and 63—who are all Colombians. They claimed that they were "forced by a drug trafficking organisation" to take the sub to Central America, the navy said in a statement.

The images released by authorities showed that the dark-coloured submarine was carrying numerous packages of narcotics cleverly camouflaged with Toyota labels.&nbsp;

Local media reports stated that Friday’s seizure was one the biggest in the country since Colombia began keeping track in 1993.

Over the past three decades, the Colombian Navy has intercepted a total of 228 similar vessels used to transport large quantities of drugs from the Pacific Ocean to the United States or even across the Atlantic to Europe.

The three suspects were later transported to Tumaco in southern Colombia to face legal proceedings.

Though the enforcement authorities have been able to successfully crack down on drug mafia, the trade still runs uninterrupted in Colombia, with record levels of cocaine production reported.

In 2021, around 204,000 hectares of coca crops were cultivated, resulting in the production of approximately 1,400 tons of cocaine hydrochloride, according to the United Nations.

The fight against drug trafficking remains an ongoing struggle, with profound impacts on the country and the international community.

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Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country. The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday.

Colombian Navy has seized what is claimed to be the largest narco-submarine ever found in the country. The "narco sub", which is some 30 metres (100 feet) long and three metres wide, was intercepted in the Pacific Ocean while on its way to Central America on Friday. These homemade narco-submarines travel just below the water’s surface, allowing them to cover long distances while evading detection. Colombian laws penalise use, construction, commercialisation, possession, and transportation of these semi-submersibles, with up to 14 years in prison. The vessel was carrying a staggering three tonnes of cocaine, which will fetch around $103 million in the market, the navy said, according to reports. The Central America sea route is commonly used by peddlers for drug smuggling into the United States—the world’s largest consumer of Colombian cocaine. The navy also detained three crew members—aged 45, 54 and 63—who are all Colombians. They claimed that they were "forced by a drug trafficking organisation" to take the sub to Central America, the navy said in a statement. The images released by authorities showed that the dark-coloured submarine was carrying numerous packages of narcotics cleverly camouflaged with Toyota labels. Local media reports stated that Friday’s seizure was one the biggest in the country since Colombia began keeping track in 1993. Over the past three decades, the Colombian Navy has intercepted a total of 228 similar vessels used to transport large quantities of drugs from the Pacific Ocean to the United States or even across the Atlantic to Europe. The three suspects were later transported to Tumaco in southern Colombia to face legal proceedings. Though the enforcement authorities have been able to successfully crack down on drug mafia, the trade still runs uninterrupted in Colombia, with record levels of cocaine production reported. In 2021, around 204,000 hectares of coca crops were cultivated, resulting in the production of approximately 1,400 tons of cocaine hydrochloride, according to the United Nations. The fight against drug trafficking remains an ongoing struggle, with profound impacts on the country and the international community. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Colombian Navy intercepts ‘largest ever’ narco-submarine in history with three tonnes of cocaine

Delegates from 19 countries in the European Union met in Bogota, Columbia to find an answer to that question. Representatives include those from the United States, who were in favour of easing the sanctions against the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela political deadlock: US, UK & other nations agree to lift sanctions on Venezuela | WION

Advocates are celebrating news British Columbia will become the first in Canada to make prescription contraception free to all residents starting April 1. The announcement first promised by the B.C. New Democrats ahead of the 2020 election was part of Finance Minister Katrine Conroy's budget speech Tuesday.

British Columbia first in Canada to provide free contraception

Judges require a law degree and extensive experience to make sensitive rulings. The use of ChatGPT by a Colombian judge has instilled a deep fear in people who are stuck in figuring out if the AI application is at a stage to replace judges, presiding over the rulings and making decisions which require moral involvement. In what can be labelled as another intelligent stunt ChatGPT can pull off, a judge in Colombia Juan Manuel Padilla used the AI app to decide whether an autistic child’s insurance should cover all of the costs of his medical treatment, reported Guardian.&nbsp;

Though Padilla concluded that a child’s medical expenses and transport costs should be paid by his medical plan, the use of ChatGPT in law is creating panic among people. The judge asked ChatGPT, “Is an autistic minor exonerated from paying fees for their therapies?”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-ilhan-omar-ousted-from-house-foreign-affairs-committee-for-her-anti-semitic-comments-558401">Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments</a>

In its response, the AI tool responded in the affirmative, “Yes, this is correct. According to the regulations in Colombia, minors diagnosed with autism are exempt from paying fees for their therapies.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-parliament-lifts-waives-immunity-from-prosecution-of-two-lawmakers-in-graft-probe-558350">EU Parliament waives immunity from prosecution of two lawmakers in bribery scam probe</a>

Octavio Tejeiro, a supreme court judge in Colombia, said, “The justice system should make the most of technology as a tool but always while following ethics and taking into account that the administrator of justice is ultimately a human being."&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-operation-miracle-save-the-oceans-rarest-marine-mammal-wion-climate-tracker-558397">Will 'Operation Miracle' save the ocean's rarest marine mammal?&nbsp;</a>

Tejeiro said, “It must be seen as an instrument that serves the judge to improve his judgment. We cannot allow the tool to become more important than the person.”

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Judges require a law degree and extensive experience to make sensitive rulings. The use of ChatGPT by a Colombian judge has instilled a deep fear in people who are stuck in figuring out if the AI application is at a stage to replace judges, presiding over the rulings and making decisions which require moral involvement.

Judges require a law degree and extensive experience to make sensitive rulings. The use of ChatGPT by a Colombian judge has instilled a deep fear in people who are stuck in figuring out if the AI application is at a stage to replace judges, presiding over the rulings and making decisions which require moral involvement. In what can be labelled as another intelligent stunt ChatGPT can pull off, a judge in Colombia Juan Manuel Padilla used the AI app to decide whether an autistic child’s insurance should cover all of the costs of his medical treatment, reported Guardian. Though Padilla concluded that a child’s medical expenses and transport costs should be paid by his medical plan, the use of ChatGPT in law is creating panic among people. The judge asked ChatGPT, “Is an autistic minor exonerated from paying fees for their therapies?” Also Read | Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments In its response, the AI tool responded in the affirmative, “Yes, this is correct. According to the regulations in Colombia, minors diagnosed with autism are exempt from paying fees for their therapies.” Also Read | EU Parliament waives immunity from prosecution of two lawmakers in bribery scam probe Octavio Tejeiro, a supreme court judge in Colombia, said, “The justice system should make the most of technology as a tool but always while following ethics and taking into account that the administrator of justice is ultimately a human being." Watch | Will 'Operation Miracle' save the ocean's rarest marine mammal? Tejeiro said, “It must be seen as an instrument that serves the judge to improve his judgment. We cannot allow the tool to become more important than the person.” 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.

Columbian judge uses ChatGPT to decide if autistic boy should get medical funding

After a two-year break, a botanical garden in the Colombian capital has reopened one of it's iconic orchid exhibition. The exhibition will show more than 1,500 specimens of the plant.

Colombia reopens orchid exhibition after pandemic break

The latest edition of the United States News and World report has sparked a heated debate in the higher education world. The latest ratings were called into question after the publication demoted Columbia university to number 18 from number 2.

US News & World report college ranking under scrutiny; Columbia admits to providing faulty data

To get your day started, here are some stories.

In a big win for President Joe Biden and his party, the US Senate has approved the $750 billion health care, tax, and environment measure proposed by Democrats. The day also witnessed the swearing in of Colombia's first Leftist president, who made a commitment to combat inequality and bring peace to a nation long tormented by brutal conflicts between the rebels, the government, and drug traffickers. In the realm of sport, Ryan Giggs faces trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.&nbsp;

Click on the headline to read more:

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-major-victory-for-biden-us-senate-passes-750bn-healthcare-and-climate-bill-504670">In a major victory for Biden, US Senate passes $750bn healthcare and climate bill </a>

<img alt="US senate passes Democrats' $750 billion health care, tax and climate bill, in a significant victory for President Joe Biden and his party." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="97dbbd23-5113-4f11-afba-b9465e866ee2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/joe-biden.jpeg" />

After a 27-hour marathon discussion over the weekend where the Republicans tried to derail the package, the Senate on Sunday approved the legislation known as the Inflation Reduction Act by a 51-50 party line vote with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-guerrilla-group-takes-oath-as-colombias-first-leftist-president-504663">Former guerrilla group takes oath as Colombia’s first leftist president</a>

<img alt="Ex-rebel takes oath as Colombian president in historic shift" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6e3283a-03a5-4b76-ac88-008e747451ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1200x-1_3.jpg" />

Promising to fight inequality and bring peace to a country long haunted by bloody feuds between the government and rebel groups, Colombia’s first leftist president was sworn into office Sunday.

<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/court-battle-for-manchester-united-and-wales-icon-ryan-giggs-504667">Court battle for Manchester United and Wales icon Ryan Giggs</a>

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The 48-year-old, who most recently served as the Wales national team's coach, has entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations, which carry a potential five-year jail sentence.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia, Ukraine plays blame game over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant attack

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch:&nbsp;UN nuclear watchdog calls for end to military action near plant</div>

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To get your day started, here are some stories. In a big win for President Joe Biden and his party, the US Senate has approved the $750 billion health care, tax, and environment measure proposed by Democrats.

To get your day started, here are some stories. In a big win for President Joe Biden and his party, the US Senate has approved the $750 billion health care, tax, and environment measure proposed by Democrats. The day also witnessed the swearing in of Colombia's first Leftist president, who made a commitment to combat inequality and bring peace to a nation long tormented by brutal conflicts between the rebels, the government, and drug traffickers. In the realm of sport, Ryan Giggs faces trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Click on the headline to read more: In a major victory for Biden, US Senate passes $750bn healthcare and climate bill After a 27-hour marathon discussion over the weekend where the Republicans tried to derail the package, the Senate on Sunday approved the legislation known as the Inflation Reduction Act by a 51-50 party line vote with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. Former guerrilla group takes oath as Colombia’s first leftist president Promising to fight inequality and bring peace to a country long haunted by bloody feuds between the government and rebel groups, Colombia’s first leftist president was sworn into office Sunday. Court battle for Manchester United and Wales icon Ryan Giggs The 48-year-old, who most recently served as the Wales national team's coach, has entered a not-guilty plea to the allegations, which carry a potential five-year jail sentence. Watch: Russia, Ukraine plays blame game over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant attack Watch: UN nuclear watchdog calls for end to military action near plant

Morning brief: US Senate passes Biden's mega bill, Colombia gets first leftist president and more

Following heavy rain in the Colombian city, a cloud of foam flooded the streets of Soacha managing to destroy at least 30 homes in the city. The residents of Soacha woke up to clouds of toxic foams surrounding the city.

WION Climate Tracker- Heavy rains in Columbia cause toxic foam formation

During a traditional event in Colombia involving a bullfight, many were injured after a stand collapsed. Tragically, four people were killed as well.

Four killed after stands collapsed at bullfighting ring in Colombia

A professional Columbian cyclist, named Luis Carlos Chia, emerged on top in a race, however, his&nbsp;celebrations were short-lived in what led to a bizarre incident soon after. At the finish line,&nbsp;he&nbsp;crashed straight into his wife who was busy taking pictures of her husband's sweet victory.&nbsp;

It was a hard-fought race that saw Chia end at the top and his bicycle kept moving ahead into a group of photographers, which also included his wife. Much to his dismay, he crashed into her and led to a severe injury to his life partner.

Here's the video, which has gone viral in a jiffy:

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¿Que pasa <a href="https://twitter.com/fedeciclismocol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fedeciclismocol</a> ? Cada vez tenemos más entre los mejores ciclistas del mundo, pero la logística local bien, gracias <a href="https://t.co/mx6jeGPntW">pic.twitter.com/mx6jeGPntW</a>
— Katy Orrego (@Skygirl42) <a href="https://twitter.com/Skygirl42/status/1533496575846232064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Soon after the incident broke out, the TV commentators immediately picked up the crash collision. However, it was later revealed that the woman knocked out was none other than the eventual winner's&nbsp;wife, named Claudia Roncancio.

The local reports revealed that Claudia remained under medical observation. In addition, she&nbsp;needed stitches to a head wound.

“I wanted to brake but the bike didn’t respond.&nbsp;I hit my wife but it could have just as easily have been another person,&nbsp;Chia&nbsp;told a Colombian newspaper. He further added, "The doctors have checked her and more than anything it was the shock of it. She knew there was going to be a sprint finish and I don’t understand why she didn’t get out of the way."

Previously in February, another such incident had occurred involving a cyclist, named Tony Inderbitzin. For the unversed, back then he&nbsp;was tossed off his bike and then rammed by an unstoppable and angry&nbsp;bull, turning an off-road race event, across California in the U.S.,&nbsp;into an utter chaos.&nbsp;

A professional Columbian cyclist, named Luis Carlos Chia, emerged on top in a race, however, his celebrations were short-lived in what led to a bizarre incident soon after.

A professional Columbian cyclist, named Luis Carlos Chia, emerged on top in a race, however, his celebrations were short-lived in what led to a bizarre incident soon after. At the finish line, he crashed straight into his wife who was busy taking pictures of her husband's sweet victory. It was a hard-fought race that saw Chia end at the top and his bicycle kept moving ahead into a group of photographers, which also included his wife. Much to his dismay, he crashed into her and led to a severe injury to his life partner. Here's the video, which has gone viral in a jiffy: ¿Que pasa @fedeciclismocol ? Cada vez tenemos más entre los mejores ciclistas del mundo, pero la logística local bien, gracias pic.twitter.com/mx6jeGPntW — Katy Orrego (@Skygirl42) June 5, 2022 × Soon after the incident broke out, the TV commentators immediately picked up the crash collision. However, it was later revealed that the woman knocked out was none other than the eventual winner's wife, named Claudia Roncancio. The local reports revealed that Claudia remained under medical observation. In addition, she needed stitches to a head wound. “I wanted to brake but the bike didn’t respond. I hit my wife but it could have just as easily have been another person, Chia told a Colombian newspaper. He further added, "The doctors have checked her and more than anything it was the shock of it. She knew there was going to be a sprint finish and I don’t understand why she didn’t get out of the way." Previously in February, another such incident had occurred involving a cyclist, named Tony Inderbitzin. For the unversed, back then he was tossed off his bike and then rammed by an unstoppable and angry bull, turning an off-road race event, across California in the U.S., into an utter chaos.

Columbian cyclist wins race, celebrations cut-short after he crashes into his wife - WATCH

Canadian government has announced that it will allow the province of British Columbia to try a three-year experiment in decriminalising possession of small amounts of drugs.

Canada to temporarily decriminalise certain drugs in British Columbia

It's a journey like no other. This shocking viral video shows how this woman is using a precarious zipline to get to another village on the other side of a deep canyon.

This is how children go to school here

This is how children go to school here...

Disney’s Encanto won Oscar for best-animated film this year. A town in Columbia was one of the places that inspired Encanto’s producers. Salento is a town in centre-west of Columbia. Traditional architecture, beautiful landscapes, green mountains are highlights of Salento.

This Columbian town inspired Oscar-winning Encanto

Colombia is one of the largest producers of flowers in the world, with roses carnations and orchids being the most popular flower producers.

Farmers in Colombia expect flower exports to surge this year

Bogota on Sunday issued an environmental alert over bad air quality due to the forest fires that have raged for days in Colombia's Amazon.

As per the authorities, the poor air quality spans an area which is the size of greater Paris.

In the central province of Guaviare, governor Haydeer Palacio declared a "red alert" due to forest fires that have engulfed 10,000 hectares of land.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/social-media-erupts-as-fire-rages-in-amazon-rainforest-244780">Also see |&nbsp;Social media erupts as fire rages in Amazon rainforest</a>

The wind carried smoke from several fires blamed on armed groups some 350 kilometers (220 miles) to the northwest, all the way to the Colombian capital.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Colombian Defence Minister Diego Molano claimed that former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) set fire to the country's Amazon rainforests to clear areas for extensive stockbreeding and coca production.

"Former FARC members set forests on fire in Colombian Amazon in order to capture land for extensive livestock farming and coca cultivation," Molano wrote on Twitter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-rainforest-will-vanish-by-2064-new-study-predicts-355322">Also read |&nbsp;Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts</a>

He also published photos of 17 people on a wanted list for setting the Colombian Amazon's forests on fire.

FARC was created in 1964 as a left-wing armed force operating against the Colombian government. In 2017, after a disarmament process, it became the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force political party. Nevertheless, in August 2019, former FARC leader Ivan Marquez declared his return to the armed struggle.&nbsp;

More than 90 per cent of coca plantations are located in the so-called Silver Triangle, consisting of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia.

According to an Environment Ministry report, January of this year was the hottest month in the Colombian Amazon in a decade, also leading to an increase in forest fires in the southeastern region and very likely impacting air quality in the capital.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bogota on Sunday issued an environmental alert over bad air quality due to the forest fires that have raged for days in Colombia's Amazon. As per the authorities, the poor air quality spans an area which is the size of greater Paris.

Bogota on Sunday issued an environmental alert over bad air quality due to the forest fires that have raged for days in Colombia's Amazon. As per the authorities, the poor air quality spans an area which is the size of greater Paris. In the central province of Guaviare, governor Haydeer Palacio declared a "red alert" due to forest fires that have engulfed 10,000 hectares of land. Also see | Social media erupts as fire rages in Amazon rainforest The wind carried smoke from several fires blamed on armed groups some 350 kilometers (220 miles) to the northwest, all the way to the Colombian capital. Meanwhile, Colombian Defence Minister Diego Molano claimed that former members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) set fire to the country's Amazon rainforests to clear areas for extensive stockbreeding and coca production. "Former FARC members set forests on fire in Colombian Amazon in order to capture land for extensive livestock farming and coca cultivation," Molano wrote on Twitter. Also read | Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts He also published photos of 17 people on a wanted list for setting the Colombian Amazon's forests on fire. FARC was created in 1964 as a left-wing armed force operating against the Colombian government. In 2017, after a disarmament process, it became the Common Alternative Revolutionary Force political party. Nevertheless, in August 2019, former FARC leader Ivan Marquez declared his return to the armed struggle. More than 90 per cent of coca plantations are located in the so-called Silver Triangle, consisting of Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. According to an Environment Ministry report, January of this year was the hottest month in the Colombian Amazon in a decade, also leading to an increase in forest fires in the southeastern region and very likely impacting air quality in the capital. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon fires: Colombia issues environmental alert over bad air quality

Student workers at Columbia University in New York gave their tentative blessing Friday to a new contract that raises their wages and improves their health benefits, ending a 10-week strike that disrupted some classes and strained relations with administrators.

Those on both sides of the bargaining said they were pleased that the standoff had ended.

“It has been a really, really long road,” said Lilian Coie, 27, a doctoral student in neurobiology and a member of the bargaining committee for Student Workers of Columbia, which represents about 3,000 graduate and undergraduate students. “Even though the agreement isn’t perfect, we’re very happy with it.”

With the tentative contract agreement in hand, union representatives said that about one-third of their members had voted on whether to end the strike and that more than 90% of those who voted supported doing so. A formal vote to ratify the contract, which runs for four years, is set for later this month.

In a statement, Mary C. Boyce, Columbia’s provost, said “there is no doubt that this has been a challenging period for the university.”

Still, she added, “all who were involved in collective bargaining shared the common goal of creating a stronger Columbia for those who teach and learn, conduct research, discover and innovate, work and study here.”

“I am optimistic that when the new academic term begins on Jan. 18, Columbia will fully return to the normal rhythm of academic life,” she said.

The Columbia strike was the latest such action at a prominent U.S. university. Student workers at New York University agreed to a contract after striking in spring 2021. At Harvard University, a three-day strike ended in late October and a second strike was narrowly avoided the following month after a tentative agreement was reached.

Tensions at Columbia ran high at times during the negotiations. In early December, university officials sent an email to student workers saying that those who did not return to work within a few days would not be guaranteed jobs for the spring semester. The workers responded by blocking campus entrances for a day.

Among other things, the tentative contract includes a 6% raise for workers with annual contracts and an increase in hourly wages to $21 from $15. Columbia has also agreed to cover 75% of the cost of student workers’ dental insurance and to create a $300,000 emergency fund that workers can tap for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The fund is scheduled to grow in future years.

The agreement also allows student workers, after the university investigates, to seek third-party arbitration in cases involving allegations of discrimination, harassment or both. That would give workers the opportunity to hire investigators or lawyers not affiliated with Columbia to evaluate complaints.

The recent strike was the second such action by student workers at Columbia. The first, this past spring, ended without a contract and with all of the union’s bargaining committee members stepping down.

“I think there were a lot of people who felt that when we were campaigning for the no vote last spring, we were leading people off a cliff,” Coie said. “But we actually made some really, really big improvements on the last tentative agreement.”

Several city officials applauded the agreement.

“Student workers are the backbone of Columbia University,” Mark Levine, Manhattan borough president, said in a statement. “And I’m relieved the union and the university have finally reached a tentative agreement that fairly compensates students for their teaching, research and operational expertise.”

Over the next three weeks, union leaders will contact as many union members as possible to make sure they understand the agreement’s terms before the ratification vote is held.

“What our members achieved is impressive,” said Nadeem Mansour, 32, a humanities doctoral student and bargaining committee member, “but this is only the start.”

Student workers at Columbia University in New York gave their tentative blessing Friday to a new contract that raises their wages and improves their health benefits, ending a 10-week strike that disrupted some classes and strained relations with administrators.

Student workers at Columbia University in New York gave their tentative blessing Friday to a new contract that raises their wages and improves their health benefits, ending a 10-week strike that disrupted some classes and strained relations with administrators. Those on both sides of the bargaining said they were pleased that the standoff had ended. “It has been a really, really long road,” said Lilian Coie, 27, a doctoral student in neurobiology and a member of the bargaining committee for Student Workers of Columbia, which represents about 3,000 graduate and undergraduate students. “Even though the agreement isn’t perfect, we’re very happy with it.” With the tentative contract agreement in hand, union representatives said that about one-third of their members had voted on whether to end the strike and that more than 90% of those who voted supported doing so. A formal vote to ratify the contract, which runs for four years, is set for later this month. In a statement, Mary C. Boyce, Columbia’s provost, said “there is no doubt that this has been a challenging period for the university.” Still, she added, “all who were involved in collective bargaining shared the common goal of creating a stronger Columbia for those who teach and learn, conduct research, discover and innovate, work and study here.” “I am optimistic that when the new academic term begins on Jan. 18, Columbia will fully return to the normal rhythm of academic life,” she said. The Columbia strike was the latest such action at a prominent U.S. university. Student workers at New York University agreed to a contract after striking in spring 2021. At Harvard University, a three-day strike ended in late October and a second strike was narrowly avoided the following month after a tentative agreement was reached. Tensions at Columbia ran high at times during the negotiations. In early December, university officials sent an email to student workers saying that those who did not return to work within a few days would not be guaranteed jobs for the spring semester. The workers responded by blocking campus entrances for a day. Among other things, the tentative contract includes a 6% raise for workers with annual contracts and an increase in hourly wages to $21 from $15. Columbia has also agreed to cover 75% of the cost of student workers’ dental insurance and to create a $300,000 emergency fund that workers can tap for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The fund is scheduled to grow in future years. The agreement also allows student workers, after the university investigates, to seek third-party arbitration in cases involving allegations of discrimination, harassment or both. That would give workers the opportunity to hire investigators or lawyers not affiliated with Columbia to evaluate complaints. The recent strike was the second such action by student workers at Columbia. The first, this past spring, ended without a contract and with all of the union’s bargaining committee members stepping down. “I think there were a lot of people who felt that when we were campaigning for the no vote last spring, we were leading people off a cliff,” Coie said. “But we actually made some really, really big improvements on the last tentative agreement.” Several city officials applauded the agreement. “Student workers are the backbone of Columbia University,” Mark Levine, Manhattan borough president, said in a statement. “And I’m relieved the union and the university have finally reached a tentative agreement that fairly compensates students for their teaching, research and operational expertise.” Over the next three weeks, union leaders will contact as many union members as possible to make sure they understand the agreement’s terms before the ratification vote is held. “What our members achieved is impressive,” said Nadeem Mansour, 32, a humanities doctoral student and bargaining committee member, “but this is only the start.”

Student workers at Columbia end 10-week strike after reaching a deal

There's a hidden natural gem in Colombia. It has emerged from the remains of a prison that instilled terror in the country. It's called Gorgona island.

Colombia's natural paradise Gorgona Island

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News: 7 people die in highway accident in Columbia

Two days of torrential rains across the Canadian province of British Columbia have caused major flooding in the region. One person has been killed and at least two are missing.

One killed, two missing after torrential rains cause flooding in Canadian province of Columbia

The visiting vice president and the foreign minister of Colombia Marta Lucía Ramírez has said that she sees Indo-Pacific as a region that has "a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation" even as she highlighted connect with the Pacific alliance - a block of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Ramírez&nbsp;met Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic &amp; Defence Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Colombian vice president called for collaboration on vaccines saying, "we would like to produce vaccines together with India in order to export to different countries" and backed more partnership in aerospace and biotech.&nbsp;

Being the first women vice president of her country, she had a message of women empowerment. She highlighted the need for more women in job creation and entrepreneurship saying, "when women have economic autonomy, there is less violence against women and children." On a lighter note, she talked about her love for Indian sarees and bought three during her visit.&nbsp;

Vice President Ramirez is leading a 48-member health and science and technology delegation to India. Both Colombia and India have&nbsp;also signed Letters of Intent for cooperation in the fields of biotechnology and medical research. These were signed by the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with their Colombian counterparts.

&nbsp;

WION: How will you characterise the relationship between India and Colombia?

Marta Lucía Ramírez:&nbsp; First of all, we would like very much to strengthen the relationship between Colombia and India because we really believe that the Indo-Pacific is so important for Colombia but we also believe that Latin America is so important for India.

In order to increase presence in our region, we would like to have Indian companies invest in Colombia and&nbsp;produce part of their goods&nbsp;in Colombia&nbsp;to export to the US, Canada or Latin America.

Colombia has a free trade agreement, so through Colombia&nbsp;they can export without tariffs to all the region. The focus has been on vaccines, we would also like very much to produce vaccines together with India in order to export to different countries. Colombia has been buying Indian vaccines for many years including&nbsp;hepatitis etc,&nbsp;so now we are now focusing on COVID-19.

Maybe in the future&nbsp;we would like to do research together with Indian pharma companies. Public policy for biotechnology&nbsp;in India is very advanced. In Colombia, we would like to strengthen relations in aerospace and biotech.

WION: How was your meeting with EAM Dr Jaishankar. You met in New&nbsp;York as well. We also saw pictures of electric vehicles,&nbsp;which was shown to&nbsp;you by him...

Marta Lucía Ramírez: We talked about multilateral issues including&nbsp;UN reforms and&nbsp;PM Modi's intervention in the General Assembly. We also discussed trade, economy and investment.

I told India's external affairs minister that&nbsp;we in Colombia passed a law in order to have a transition to electric cars. He told me&nbsp;I have a new car for the first day, and this is my Tata&nbsp;car and we saw his car. I told him I would very much like to have the Tata automotive industry in Colombia&nbsp;producing for the public transportation system. Due to&nbsp;the transition, it would be fine to have an Indian electric car. We have a motorcycle industry and they are doing very good business. They only focus on Colombia. Now we want to promote them in all regions including entire Latin America.

WION: You mentioned Indo-Pacific, what is your view about the vision?

Marta Lucía Ramírez: We think it has a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation. We are also working in a Pacific alliance, between Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Chile.

We feel we have to create bridges between the Pacific alliance and Indo-Pacific and we would like India as a very important region for a better integration process, better trade and investment between the two&nbsp;regions. We have some tensions, some trouble&nbsp;but we need to work and solve every tension through democracy, through values and respect and this is something we recognise very much in India.

WION: How has the space collaboration been going? We saw MoU being signed.

Marta Lucía Ramírez: First of all we would like to identify specific activities and sectors which we can launch together. For example, the first Colombian nanosatellite the&nbsp;only one until now was with India's&nbsp;support. We would like a better presence in space for peaceful purposes, for example in climate change, information for mining and avoiding natural disasters including&nbsp;in defence.

We would like very much the list of activities which can be developed with the private industry. Our country would like to produce&nbsp;parts for the air industry in Colombia and there is production in India. We would like to identify with the private sector in order to develop these special industries also in Colombia.

WION:&nbsp;How has been cooperation in the health sector, in the vaccine sector going?

Marta Lucía Ramírez: We know about research and development in India. We came with our minister of health&nbsp;as it was important and he can see for himself all the production of vaccines in India. Hopefully, we can see Indian vaccines get FDA approval in order to produce more vaccines.

We have signed a letter of intent with Indian institutions and the Colombian government. We also have letters of intent between Colombian private companies&nbsp;and Indian private companies. &nbsp;For example, there is one with Serum Institute and&nbsp;some Colombian&nbsp;labs in order to negotiate MoU and they will share&nbsp;research, production and development hopefully together soon in Colombia.

WION: We saw high-level&nbsp;engagements between the two&nbsp;countries. Minister Lekhi visited Colombia and you are here now. Can we expect more visits?

Marta Lucía Ramírez: Hopefully!&nbsp;When minister Lekhi came to Colombia, I told her maybe I'm going to go to India. In a short time, we will have a delegation of Colombian businessmen with us and it happened in less than two&nbsp;months. Hopefully, we can have an Indian president, he was supposed to visit but due to the Covid crisis, it was not possible. Also, President&nbsp;Iván Duque Márquez can come to India. We have to work on both the visits. We would like PM Modi, minister Jaishankar to visit. We have to create this mutual knowledge, not only with public officers but with the private sector and academics. So we are trying to have these visits in the short term.

WION: Participation in the Republic Day, any visit around that time?

Marta Lucía Ramírez: Not yet, hopefully, we can have some.

WION: Your love for sarees...you bought some today...

Marta Lucía Ramírez: First of all, the first time I came to India was 20 years ago and at that&nbsp;time I was foreign trade minister and the then president Andres Pastrana Arango was the first Colombian president to visit India. At that time I was told we need to go with a delegation of businessmen. We came with a delegation of the software sector and software engineering. They started the BPO industry precisely because of the visit to India. So that is why I am convinced that we are going to have an important vaccine industry in Colombia because of the visit. I bought beautiful sarees because I like the colour. The last time I bought three sarees. I still have it and that is why I bought it today.

WION: You are the first women vice president of Colombia. What is your message to many women&nbsp;who are watching you as a source of inspiration...

Marta Lucía Ramírez:&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to recover the world economy, after Covid. We need all the women in the economy, we need women's&nbsp;participation in job creation and as&nbsp;entrepreneurs.

Women have the capacity, talent and they are so smart. Women have very clear focus and results and this is what companies need. Companies managed by women usually have levels of profitability. We want to have more women in the world economy.

We believe that when women have economic autonomy, there is less violence against women and children. We believe if we can have some kind of leadership, we are obliged to open leadership for other women.

When people say, ok&nbsp;you are the first woman, I say this is my responsibility to make other women use my shoulder to see and know if they are capable of doing the same or more than me. Women must have self-confidence and we have to promote young women, children in order to be part of the new world, a new world with more peace, more development opportunities for everybody. Women can create bridges, wealth and change the world.

The visiting vice president and the foreign minister of Colombia Marta Lucía Ramírez has said that she sees Indo-Pacific as a region that has "a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation" even as she highlighted connect with the Pacific alliance - a block of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.

The visiting vice president and the foreign minister of Colombia Marta Lucía Ramírez has said that she sees Indo-Pacific as a region that has "a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation" even as she highlighted connect with the Pacific alliance - a block of Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Ramírez met Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic & Defence Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Colombian vice president called for collaboration on vaccines saying, "we would like to produce vaccines together with India in order to export to different countries" and backed more partnership in aerospace and biotech. Being the first women vice president of her country, she had a message of women empowerment. She highlighted the need for more women in job creation and entrepreneurship saying, "when women have economic autonomy, there is less violence against women and children." On a lighter note, she talked about her love for Indian sarees and bought three during her visit. Vice President Ramirez is leading a 48-member health and science and technology delegation to India. Both Colombia and India have also signed Letters of Intent for cooperation in the fields of biotechnology and medical research. These were signed by the Department of Biotechnology and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) with their Colombian counterparts. WION: How will you characterise the relationship between India and Colombia? Marta Lucía Ramírez: First of all, we would like very much to strengthen the relationship between Colombia and India because we really believe that the Indo-Pacific is so important for Colombia but we also believe that Latin America is so important for India. In order to increase presence in our region, we would like to have Indian companies invest in Colombia and produce part of their goods in Colombia to export to the US, Canada or Latin America. Colombia has a free trade agreement, so through Colombia they can export without tariffs to all the region. The focus has been on vaccines, we would also like very much to produce vaccines together with India in order to export to different countries. Colombia has been buying Indian vaccines for many years including hepatitis etc, so now we are now focusing on COVID-19. Maybe in the future we would like to do research together with Indian pharma companies. Public policy for biotechnology in India is very advanced. In Colombia, we would like to strengthen relations in aerospace and biotech. WION: How was your meeting with EAM Dr Jaishankar. You met in New York as well. We also saw pictures of electric vehicles, which was shown to you by him... Marta Lucía Ramírez: We talked about multilateral issues including UN reforms and PM Modi's intervention in the General Assembly. We also discussed trade, economy and investment. I told India's external affairs minister that we in Colombia passed a law in order to have a transition to electric cars. He told me I have a new car for the first day, and this is my Tata car and we saw his car. I told him I would very much like to have the Tata automotive industry in Colombia producing for the public transportation system. Due to the transition, it would be fine to have an Indian electric car. We have a motorcycle industry and they are doing very good business. They only focus on Colombia. Now we want to promote them in all regions including entire Latin America. WION: You mentioned Indo-Pacific, what is your view about the vision? Marta Lucía Ramírez: We think it has a lot of opportunities for growth and wealth creation. We are also working in a Pacific alliance, between Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Chile. We feel we have to create bridges between the Pacific alliance and Indo-Pacific and we would like India as a very important region for a better integration process, better trade and investment between the two regions. We have some tensions, some trouble but we need to work and solve every tension through democracy, through values and respect and this is something we recognise very much in India. WION: How has the space collaboration been going? We saw MoU being signed. Marta Lucía Ramírez: First of all we would like to identify specific activities and sectors which we can launch together. For example, the first Colombian nanosatellite the only one until now was with India's support. We would like a better presence in space for peaceful purposes, for example in climate change, information for mining and avoiding natural disasters including in defence. We would like very much the list of activities which can be developed with the private industry. Our country would like to produce parts for the air industry in Colombia and there is production in India. We would like to identify with the private sector in order to develop these special industries also in Colombia. WION: How has been cooperation in the health sector, in the vaccine sector going? Marta Lucía Ramírez: We know about research and development in India. We came with our minister of health as it was important and he can see for himself all the production of vaccines in India. Hopefully, we can see Indian vaccines get FDA approval in order to produce more vaccines. We have signed a letter of intent with Indian institutions and the Colombian government. We also have letters of intent between Colombian private companies and Indian private companies. For example, there is one with Serum Institute and some Colombian labs in order to negotiate MoU and they will share research, production and development hopefully together soon in Colombia. WION: We saw high-level engagements between the two countries. Minister Lekhi visited Colombia and you are here now. Can we expect more visits? Marta Lucía Ramírez: Hopefully! When minister Lekhi came to Colombia, I told her maybe I'm going to go to India. In a short time, we will have a delegation of Colombian businessmen with us and it happened in less than two months. Hopefully, we can have an Indian president, he was supposed to visit but due to the Covid crisis, it was not possible. Also, President Iván Duque Márquez can come to India. We have to work on both the visits. We would like PM Modi, minister Jaishankar to visit. We have to create this mutual knowledge, not only with public officers but with the private sector and academics. So we are trying to have these visits in the short term. WION: Participation in the Republic Day, any visit around that time? Marta Lucía Ramírez: Not yet, hopefully, we can have some. WION: Your love for sarees...you bought some today... Marta Lucía Ramírez: First of all, the first time I came to India was 20 years ago and at that time I was foreign trade minister and the then president Andres Pastrana Arango was the first Colombian president to visit India. At that time I was told we need to go with a delegation of businessmen. We came with a delegation of the software sector and software engineering. They started the BPO industry precisely because of the visit to India. So that is why I am convinced that we are going to have an important vaccine industry in Colombia because of the visit. I bought beautiful sarees because I like the colour. The last time I bought three sarees. I still have it and that is why I bought it today. WION: You are the first women vice president of Colombia. What is your message to many women who are watching you as a source of inspiration... Marta Lucía Ramírez: We want to recover the world economy, after Covid. We need all the women in the economy, we need women's participation in job creation and as entrepreneurs. Women have the capacity, talent and they are so smart. Women have very clear focus and results and this is what companies need. Companies managed by women usually have levels of profitability. We want to have more women in the world economy. We believe that when women have economic autonomy, there is less violence against women and children. We believe if we can have some kind of leadership, we are obliged to open leadership for other women. When people say, ok you are the first woman, I say this is my responsibility to make other women use my shoulder to see and know if they are capable of doing the same or more than me. Women must have self-confidence and we have to promote young women, children in order to be part of the new world, a new world with more peace, more development opportunities for everybody. Women can create bridges, wealth and change the world.

Colombia's vice president Marta Lucía Ramírez calls for joint vaccine production with India

104-year-old woman in Columbia has beaten the deadly COVID-19 not once but for a second time. Carmen Hernandez was diagnosed with the Coronavirus for the first time in June 2020 and then again on March 8, after being vaccinated.

104-year-old woman beats COVID-19 for second time in 9 months

Across the globe, many governments are easing restrictions as they face political and economic challenges triggered by the pandemic. So far, the disease has killed at least 535,000 people worldwide and infected more than 11.4 million.

How the world is battling Coronavirus? COVID-19 | Global death toll | Columbia

Colombian businessman makes bed-coffin combo to serve coronavirus dead

The police in the South American country of Columbia are taking the help of drones to detect high body temperatures of people. The country has witnessed more than 17,000 coronavirus cases. Watch report.

In Columbia drones help police in containing COVID-19 spread: Detect body temperature

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