<p lang="en-US">Broad avenues, white classical bungalows, gardens, wide roads and rows of trees – this is what defines the heart of the Indian capital New Delhi, also called Lutyens' Delhi. Standing out on them are tombs, fort ruins, Islamic colleges or madrassas and old mosques which either remain hidden in nooks or corners or make sudden appearances maybe beside a colonial building or maybe at a roundabout.<br />
<br />
One such mosque from the Mughal period, which stands at a roundabout near Udyog Bhawan, has come under contention after the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) called for views from the public over its demolition to ensure sustainable mobility.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Preserving the past</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">To solve the problem of traffic congestion, the historic Sunehri Bagh Masjid is now facing possible demolition which has led to locals and historians raising concerns, considering its historical significance.<br />
<br />
“The Sunehri Bagh mosque was built in the late Mughal era, with a Bangla (vaulted) roof, which was very popular at that time. It's a two-storeyed building and the vaulted prayer chamber is accessed by a flight of stairs. In 1912, when Lutyens' Delhi was being designed, this mosque was not touched as it was an active mosque with regular prayers being held. It was set in the garden of an unknown Hakimji, known as Sunehri bagh from which it derived its name. The lower arched hall was probably for personal or commercial use, as was the custom,” said historian and author Rana Safvi, while speaking to WION.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/heres-why-mughal-history-should-not-be-taught-in-school-textbooks-580824">Here's why Mughal history should "NOT" be taught in school textbooks</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">“In 1947, after the independence of India, this mosque was in use and hence, it was left undisturbed. Today, approximately 500 devotees gather on Fridays and 200 on other days, according to a TOI report. Considering its heritage value and emotional connection to the community, the mosque should be left alone. As far as the traffic situation is concerned it's inside a roundabout so unless that roundabout is being removed, this mosque should not hamper movement. And if the roundabout is to be removed from this busy street, I am sure urban planners can come up with sustainable solutions,” she added.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Why is the mosque significant?</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The mosque is the same place where poet and nationalist Hasrat Mohani - who coined the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” and was the first person to demand a “Purna Swaraj”(full independence for India from the British) in 1930, lived while he was attending the Parliament sessions. This was because he had refused government accommodation and transport.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sunehri bagh masjid is not just a mosque, it has a history that is closely associated with several of our freedom fighters. Hasrat Mohani, member of our Constituent Assembly used to stay here while attending the meetings. Care for its illustrious history. <a href="https://t.co/iGxRZhd1r8">https://t.co/iGxRZhd1r8</a></p>
— S lrfan Habib एस इरफान हबीब عرفان حبئب (@irfhabib) <a href="https://twitter.com/irfhabib/status/1739874496490713429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Mosque stood as new roads were carved</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Two maps have emerged that show how the mosque stood the trials of times as the city planners carved roads around it, leaving it untouched.<br />
<br />
Historian and author Swapna Liddle said, “When New Delhi began to be planned in 1912, the area between Purana Qila and Raisina was dotted with old buildings, some ruined and abandoned, and some, mostly places of worship, still in use. The reason this map of 1912 was drawn to show old structures in particular, was because a decision had to be made on which of these buildings would be demolished to make way for the new city, and which saved.”</p>

<p lang="en-US"><img alt="Maps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea086b52-13c0-44b3-8c90-e455ec549510" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-12-30T215719.916.png" /></p>

<p lang="en-US"><em>Caption: The maps illustrate the city planning done in 1912 and 1942. (Courtesy: Historian Swapna Liddle)&nbsp;&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
“Many, including tombs and palaces, were in fact demolished, but some remained, among which was this Mughal period mosque. The reason was that it was not only of architectural significance, but it was also in use. So it was decided to incorporate it into the town plan by placing it in one of the many roundabouts in the new city. The map of the same area dating to 1942 shows this. This mosque, which survived the ravages of time, and major colonial re-ordering of the space, is now threatened with demolition,” she added.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;S Jaishankar in Russia: India &amp; Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-in-russia-india-russia-sign-pacts-inch-closer-to-jointly-producing-weapons-wion-674222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">As the debate continues, many historians have called for the protection of the mosque and a number of people have written letters to the NDMC to opt for other ways to decrease traffic congestion. Indian Civil Liberties Union and the socio-cultural impact community 'Purani Dilli waalon ki baatein' have together written a letter to the NDMC in which they have suggested multiple alternative solutions for addressing traffic congestion in the vicinity.<br />
<br />
WION tried to reach out to NDMC for their comment on the issue but did not receive any response till the time the story was published.</p>


Broad avenues, white classical bungalows, gardens, wide roads and rows of trees – this is what defines the heart of the Indian capital New Delhi, also called Lutyens' Delhi.

Broad avenues, white classical bungalows, gardens, wide roads and rows of trees – this is what defines the heart of the Indian capital New Delhi, also called Lutyens' Delhi. Standing out on them are tombs, fort ruins, Islamic colleges or madrassas and old mosques which either remain hidden in nooks or corners or make sudden appearances maybe beside a colonial building or maybe at a roundabout. One such mosque from the Mughal period, which stands at a roundabout near Udyog Bhawan, has come under contention after the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) called for views from the public over its demolition to ensure sustainable mobility. Preserving the past To solve the problem of traffic congestion, the historic Sunehri Bagh Masjid is now facing possible demolition which has led to locals and historians raising concerns, considering its historical significance. “The Sunehri Bagh mosque was built in the late Mughal era, with a Bangla (vaulted) roof, which was very popular at that time. It's a two-storeyed building and the vaulted prayer chamber is accessed by a flight of stairs. In 1912, when Lutyens' Delhi was being designed, this mosque was not touched as it was an active mosque with regular prayers being held. It was set in the garden of an unknown Hakimji, known as Sunehri bagh from which it derived its name. The lower arched hall was probably for personal or commercial use, as was the custom,” said historian and author Rana Safvi, while speaking to WION. Also read: Here's why Mughal history should "NOT" be taught in school textbooks “In 1947, after the independence of India, this mosque was in use and hence, it was left undisturbed. Today, approximately 500 devotees gather on Fridays and 200 on other days, according to a TOI report. Considering its heritage value and emotional connection to the community, the mosque should be left alone. As far as the traffic situation is concerned it's inside a roundabout so unless that roundabout is being removed, this mosque should not hamper movement. And if the roundabout is to be removed from this busy street, I am sure urban planners can come up with sustainable solutions,” she added. Why is the mosque significant? The mosque is the same place where poet and nationalist Hasrat Mohani - who coined the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” and was the first person to demand a “Purna Swaraj”(full independence for India from the British) in 1930, lived while he was attending the Parliament sessions. This was because he had refused government accommodation and transport. Sunehri bagh masjid is not just a mosque, it has a history that is closely associated with several of our freedom fighters. Hasrat Mohani, member of our Constituent Assembly used to stay here while attending the meetings. Care for its illustrious history. https://t.co/iGxRZhd1r8 — S lrfan Habib एस इरफान हबीब عرفان حبئب (@irfhabib) December 27, 2023 × Mosque stood as new roads were carved Two maps have emerged that show how the mosque stood the trials of times as the city planners carved roads around it, leaving it untouched. Historian and author Swapna Liddle said, “When New Delhi began to be planned in 1912, the area between Purana Qila and Raisina was dotted with old buildings, some ruined and abandoned, and some, mostly places of worship, still in use. The reason this map of 1912 was drawn to show old structures in particular, was because a decision had to be made on which of these buildings would be demolished to make way for the new city, and which saved.” Caption: The maps illustrate the city planning done in 1912 and 1942. (Courtesy: Historian Swapna Liddle) “Many, including tombs and palaces, were in fact demolished, but some remained, among which was this Mughal period mosque. The reason was that it was not only of architectural significance, but it was also in use. So it was decided to incorporate it into the town plan by placing it in one of the many roundabouts in the new city. The map of the same area dating to 1942 shows this. This mosque, which survived the ravages of time, and major colonial re-ordering of the space, is now threatened with demolition,” she added. Watch: S Jaishankar in Russia: India & Russia sign pacts, inch closer to jointly producing weapons As the debate continues, many historians have called for the protection of the mosque and a number of people have written letters to the NDMC to opt for other ways to decrease traffic congestion. Indian Civil Liberties Union and the socio-cultural impact community 'Purani Dilli waalon ki baatein' have together written a letter to the NDMC in which they have suggested multiple alternative solutions for addressing traffic congestion in the vicinity. WION tried to reach out to NDMC for their comment on the issue but did not receive any response till the time the story was published.

A Mughal-era mosque in Indian capital Delhi is at centre of development vs history debate. Here's how

In China's eyes, all three Taiwan presidential candidates are separatists, the frontrunner to be the island's next leader said on Wednesday in a fractious joint televised address with the other contenders. The January 13 presidential and parliamentary elections will define Chinese-claimed Taiwan's ties with Beijing and are happening as China steps up military activities around the island to assert its sovereignty claims.

Taiwan presidential candidates lock horns in first televised debate ahead of polls

The 4th Republican debate saw attacks aimed at an ascendant candidate, a long-shot contender grasping at insults and the absence of the actual frontrunner, Donald Trump. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who has lately emerged as the head of the pack, took the heat from her rivals on the stage.

DeSantis, Ramaswamy seek to blunt Haley's momentum at 4th GOP debate

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid68jDWHrZOKrK" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The final Republican debate will feature leading candidates seeking nomination for the election of the United States' president.</p>

<p>As former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race, there will be fewer people on the stage on Wednesday at 08:00 pm EST in Miami.</p>

<p>Here's everything you need to know about the third Republican presidential primary debate.</p>

<h2><strong>Who will participate in the third Republican debate?</strong></h2>

<p>Five Republican candidates have qualified for the third debate, according to their campaigns. They are: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. However, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has not confirmed the qualified candidates yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The previous debate lineup included Pence, who terminated his election campaign last weekend. North Dakota Governor Burgum made the second stage of the debate but hasn't said if he's reached the higher threshold for the third edition.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/health-emergency-financial-services-disrupted-in-australia-as-telecom-giant-suffers-outage-now-restored-656529">Health, emergency, financial services hit in Australia as telecom giant Optus suffers outage, now restored</a></p>

<h2><strong>Will Donald Trump participate in the third Republican debate?</strong></h2>

<p>Former US President Donald Trump did not attend the first two Republican debates, saying he saw no point given his massive polling lead. Due to the same reason, he might not participate in the third debate as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the second Republican debate, Chris LaCivita, the senior adviser to Donald Trump, said, "President Trump stated that he would not attend the debates." He added, "Plural ... And that's his position until it's not."</p>

<p>In his campaign, Trump urged the RNC to cancel the third debate, indicating that the party should focus on defeating Democrats in the 2024 elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the third Republican debate</strong></h2>

<p>NBC News will host the two-hour-long debate. Thus, the third Republican debate will be live on NBC's TV streaming and digital platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Nightly News" anchor Lester Holt, "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker and Hugh Hewitt, the host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" on Salem Radio Network, will moderate the third Republican debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Salem Radio Network and the Republican Jewish Coalition are the selected debate partners by the Republican National Committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host the third Republican debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People watching outside the United States can watch the debate live on Sky News Network channels. An alternative option is to stream the third debate through Sling TV. In India, the third Republican debate will start at 06:30 am IST.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The final Republican debate will feature leading candidates seeking nomination for the election of the United States' president. As former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race, there will be fewer people on the stage on Wednesday at 08:00 pm EST in Miami.

The final Republican debate will feature leading candidates seeking nomination for the election of the United States' president. As former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race, there will be fewer people on the stage on Wednesday at 08:00 pm EST in Miami. Here's everything you need to know about the third Republican presidential primary debate. Who will participate in the third Republican debate? Five Republican candidates have qualified for the third debate, according to their campaigns. They are: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. However, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has not confirmed the qualified candidates yet. The previous debate lineup included Pence, who terminated his election campaign last weekend. North Dakota Governor Burgum made the second stage of the debate but hasn't said if he's reached the higher threshold for the third edition. ALSO READ | Health, emergency, financial services hit in Australia as telecom giant Optus suffers outage, now restored Will Donald Trump participate in the third Republican debate? Former US President Donald Trump did not attend the first two Republican debates, saying he saw no point given his massive polling lead. Due to the same reason, he might not participate in the third debate as well. After the second Republican debate, Chris LaCivita, the senior adviser to Donald Trump, said, "President Trump stated that he would not attend the debates." He added, "Plural ... And that's his position until it's not." In his campaign, Trump urged the RNC to cancel the third debate, indicating that the party should focus on defeating Democrats in the 2024 elections. How to watch the third Republican debate NBC News will host the two-hour-long debate. Thus, the third Republican debate will be live on NBC's TV streaming and digital platforms. "Nightly News" anchor Lester Holt, "Meet the Press" moderator Kristen Welker and Hugh Hewitt, the host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show" on Salem Radio Network, will moderate the third Republican debate. Salem Radio Network and the Republican Jewish Coalition are the selected debate partners by the Republican National Committee. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host the third Republican debate. People watching outside the United States can watch the debate live on Sky News Network channels. An alternative option is to stream the third debate through Sling TV. In India, the third Republican debate will start at 06:30 am IST. (With inputs from agencies)

Third GOP Debate: Check date, time, venue, candidates, how to watch & all you need to know

<p>A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder.<br />
<br />
Jindal believed that the specific circumstances of India, which are different from those of a few developed economies, make it important for the country not to adopt "shorter work weeks" as the norm.<br />
<br />
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it's about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of in India 2047," wrote Jindal, in a post on X, which was formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I whole heartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India2047?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India2047</a></p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852643928809641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A 5 day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs.<br />
Our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji works over 14-16 hours everyday. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours everyday. We have to find passion in our work and in Nation Building.</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852647091486858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/it-billionaire-narayana-murthy-suggests-70-hour-work-week-for-indian-youth-and-internet-has-this-to-say-651689">IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say</a></p>

<h2><strong>Jindal says India's prime minister also works for 4-16 hours every day</strong></h2>

<p>The CEO further went on to cite the example of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who he claimed works for nearly 14-16 hours every day.<br />
<br />
“Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours every day. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours every day. We have to find passion in our work and in nation-building,” he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer &amp; more productive hours.<br />
We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard!</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852650434162822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer &amp; more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard,” Jindal added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's greatest strength is our youth. And in our journey to become a superpower, this generation has to prioritize work over leisure. As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence.</p>
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sajjanjindal/status/1717852653890175450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Jindal stated that the greatest strength of India is its youth and in the country's journey to become a superpower, this generation needs to prioritise work over leisure. "As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence," he stated on X.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;‘Washout’ year for Indian tech firms?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/washout-year-for-indian-tech-firms-643203/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Jindal faces backlash on X</strong></h2>

<p>However, Jindal had to face backlash from users on X for his comments.<br />
<br />
“Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hours a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world,” said a user.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hrs a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world.</p>
— Kiran (@iamkiran21) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamkiran21/status/1717940134211956752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile, someone else stated that they should receive additional pay for working extra hours.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Days of earn today and live tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. if you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to number of hours. Can't be a one way traffic</p>
— Pankaj Pandey (@pp479w) <a href="https://twitter.com/pp479w/status/1717913378402759014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“Days of earning today and living tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. If you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to the number of hours. Can't be a one-way traffic,” another comment read.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder.

A day after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked a huge debate over working hours by suggesting that the young generation should work for 70 hours in a week, JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal on Friday (Oct 27) jumped into the debate and supported the Infosys co-founder. Jindal believed that the specific circumstances of India, which are different from those of a few developed economies, make it important for the country not to adopt "shorter work weeks" as the norm. "I wholeheartedly endorse Mr Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it's about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of in India 2047," wrote Jindal, in a post on X, which was formerly known as Twitter. I whole heartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of. #India2047 — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × "A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs," he added. A 5 day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs. Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours everyday. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours everyday. We have to find passion in our work and in Nation Building. — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × ALSO READ | IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say Jindal says India's prime minister also works for 4-16 hours every day The CEO further went on to cite the example of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who he claimed works for nearly 14-16 hours every day. “Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours every day. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours every day. We have to find passion in our work and in nation-building,” he said. Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer & more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard! — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × “Our circumstances are unique and the challenges we face are distinct from the developed nations. They are working 4 or 5 days a week because their earlier generations clocked longer & more productive hours. We can't let shorter work weeks elsewhere become our standard,” Jindal added. India's greatest strength is our youth. And in our journey to become a superpower, this generation has to prioritize work over leisure. As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence. — Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023 × Jindal stated that the greatest strength of India is its youth and in the country's journey to become a superpower, this generation needs to prioritise work over leisure. "As we progress, there will be opportunities for comfort, and the youth of 2047 will reap the benefits of our sacrifices and diligence," he stated on X. WATCH | ‘Washout’ year for Indian tech firms? Jindal faces backlash on X However, Jindal had to face backlash from users on X for his comments. “Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hours a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world,” said a user. Would like to see you take the public commute to work and then work for 70 hrs a week. What about our personal life? Should we give it up altogether? Stop using our PM's name to further your nefarious thoughts. FYI, Indians are amongst the most overworked workforce in the world. — Kiran (@iamkiran21) October 27, 2023 × Meanwhile, someone else stated that they should receive additional pay for working extra hours. Days of earn today and live tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. if you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to number of hours. Can't be a one way traffic — Pankaj Pandey (@pp479w) October 27, 2023 × “Days of earning today and living tomorrow are gone. Don't blabber just like that. If you want employees to work more hours, link the pay to the number of hours. Can't be a one-way traffic,” another comment read. (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

After Narayana Murthy sparks debate over working hours, another CEO backs his 70-hour work week suggestion

A remark made by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has triggered a new controversy the comment caused an uproar in the transgender community as Sunak shared his stance on the gender debate.

UK PM Rishi Sunak's 'common sense' gender lesson

Debate over the word 'Om' has reignited once again in Nepal, the court has sought expert opinion on the debate of removal of the particular word. Watch the video to know more about the controversy.

Nepal: Court seeks expert opinion on 'Om' debate

<p>Former US President Donald Trump plans to give a speech in Detroit on September 27 to a crowd of union workers, skipping the second&nbsp;Republican presidential debate, an aide said on Monday, and instead inserting himself into a dispute between striking workers and America's leading automakers.</p>

<p>The prime time speech is expected to be delivered to auto workers and other blue collar union members, the aide added. The speech comes as Trump has been harshly critical of&nbsp;President Joe Biden's electric vehicle policies&nbsp;and urged autoworkers to back his candidacy.</p>

<p>The event will mark the second time Trump has skipped a Republican primary presidential debate, in a race where despite his myriad legal problems, Trump leads his nearest rival by nearly 50 percentage points, according to the most recent opinion polls.</p>

<p>Trump's speech signals an effort by his team to look beyond his party's White House nominating contest and onto a likely general election re-match with Biden next November.</p>

<p>The speech to union members will be part of an intense campaign by Trump to win back some of the working class voters who defected to Biden in his 2020 victory against Trump.</p>

<p>The United Auto Workers union began a strike last week against the three biggest US auto manufacturers over pay and other benefits, a labor dispute that could pose significant political danger for Biden.</p>

<p>While Biden has touted his support of unions for decades, there is anger among some rank-and-file auto workers that he has not done enough to stand up to the manufacturers and their executives amid huge industry profits.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">Trump is seeking to exploit the dispute, and will try to persuade auto workers and other union members that he will be on their side if he becomes president again.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-8">Trump has said recently&nbsp;that Biden is "waging war" on the auto industry&nbsp;through electric vehicle mandates and has said the UAW should endorse him.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-9">The current strike also has profound geographical resonance for next year's general election because many of the affected workers are based in three key Midwestern battleground states - Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - where next year's presidential contest could be decided.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-10">Trump skipped the first Republican presidential debate in Wisconsin last month. The second debate is being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation &amp; Institute in Simi Valley, California, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Former US President Donald Trump plans to give a speech in Detroit on September 27 to a crowd of union workers, skipping the second Republican presidential debate, an aide said on Monday, and instead inserting himself into a dispute between striking workers and America's leading automakers.

Former US President Donald Trump plans to give a speech in Detroit on September 27 to a crowd of union workers, skipping the second Republican presidential debate, an aide said on Monday, and instead inserting himself into a dispute between striking workers and America's leading automakers. The prime time speech is expected to be delivered to auto workers and other blue collar union members, the aide added. The speech comes as Trump has been harshly critical of President Joe Biden's electric vehicle policies and urged autoworkers to back his candidacy. The event will mark the second time Trump has skipped a Republican primary presidential debate, in a race where despite his myriad legal problems, Trump leads his nearest rival by nearly 50 percentage points, according to the most recent opinion polls. Trump's speech signals an effort by his team to look beyond his party's White House nominating contest and onto a likely general election re-match with Biden next November. The speech to union members will be part of an intense campaign by Trump to win back some of the working class voters who defected to Biden in his 2020 victory against Trump. The United Auto Workers union began a strike last week against the three biggest US auto manufacturers over pay and other benefits, a labor dispute that could pose significant political danger for Biden. While Biden has touted his support of unions for decades, there is anger among some rank-and-file auto workers that he has not done enough to stand up to the manufacturers and their executives amid huge industry profits. Trump is seeking to exploit the dispute, and will try to persuade auto workers and other union members that he will be on their side if he becomes president again. Trump has said recently that Biden is "waging war" on the auto industry through electric vehicle mandates and has said the UAW should endorse him. The current strike also has profound geographical resonance for next year's general election because many of the affected workers are based in three key Midwestern battleground states - Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - where next year's presidential contest could be decided. Trump skipped the first Republican presidential debate in Wisconsin last month. The second debate is being held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute in Simi Valley, California, about 45 miles (72 km) north of Los Angeles. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Trump to skip next Republican debate, give speech to auto workers

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'. Stalin emphasised that Udhayanidhi's remarks were aimed at critiquing principles within Sanatan Dharma (an alternative name for Hinduism used in Hindi language) that perpetuate discrimination against Scheduled Castes, tribals, and women.</p>

<h2><strong>Challenging discriminatory Sanatan ideologies</strong></h2>

<p>Stalin highlighted the legacy of Indian leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar who have spoken out against regressive Sanatan ideologies that justify discrimination based on birth. He noted that even as India achieves remarkable feats like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon, some continue to propagate caste discrimination rooted in Varnashrama principles and ancient texts.</p>

<h2><strong>Udhayanidhi's statements&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Udhayanidhi's controversial remarks were made during a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai. He called for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma to establish social justice and equality. Udhayanidhi emphasised that certain things should not be merely opposed but eradicated, comparing this to dealing with diseases like dengue and COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-even-parents-can-interfere-in-childrens-right-to-stay-in-live-in-relationship-allahabad-hc-633323">Not even parents can interfere in children's right to stay in live-in relationship: Allahabad HC</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP's response and genocide allegations</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fierce attack on Udhayanidhi, accusing him of calling for genocide. Stalin dismissed these allegations as a "false narrative," asserting that Udhayanidhi never used the word 'genocide' in his speech. He criticised the BJP's social media campaign for spreading falsehoods.</p>

<p>Stalin criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against Ayodhya seer Paramhans Acharya, who announced a ₹10 crore ($1.2 million) reward for beheading Udhayanidhi. He also responded to reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Udhayanidhi's remarks during a council of ministers meeting. Stalin questioned whether the Prime Minister was aware of the falsehoods being spread or if he knowingly commented on the issue.</p>

<p>Stalin suggested that the BJP's reaction to Udhayanidhi's remarks was an attempt to create divisions within the opposition alliance. He emphasised that the BJP's concern seemed more politically motivated than genuinely addressing discriminatory practices within Sanatan Dharma.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How much will it cost to change India’s name to Bharat?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-much-will-it-cost-to-change-indias-name-to-bharat-633329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Udhayanidhi's counteroffensive</strong></h2>

<p>In response to the BJP's allegations, Udhayanidhi mounted an offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused BJP leaders of distorting his statements. He challenged the BJP's track record in fulfilling promises and portrayed their reaction as an attempt to divert attention from larger issues.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has issued a strong defence of his cabinet colleague and son, Udhayanidhi Stalin, in response to the controversy surrounding Udhayanidhi's comments on 'Sanatan Dharma'. Stalin emphasised that Udhayanidhi's remarks were aimed at critiquing principles within Sanatan Dharma (an alternative name for Hinduism used in Hindi language) that perpetuate discrimination against Scheduled Castes, tribals, and women. Challenging discriminatory Sanatan ideologies Stalin highlighted the legacy of Indian leaders like Thanthai Periyar, Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, and Babasaheb Ambedkar who have spoken out against regressive Sanatan ideologies that justify discrimination based on birth. He noted that even as India achieves remarkable feats like the Chandrayaan mission to the Moon, some continue to propagate caste discrimination rooted in Varnashrama principles and ancient texts. Udhayanidhi's statements Udhayanidhi's controversial remarks were made during a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Progressive Writers and Artists Association in Chennai. He called for the eradication of Sanatana Dharma to establish social justice and equality. Udhayanidhi emphasised that certain things should not be merely opposed but eradicated, comparing this to dealing with diseases like dengue and COVID-19. Also read | Not even parents can interfere in children's right to stay in live-in relationship: Allahabad HC BJP's response and genocide allegations The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a fierce attack on Udhayanidhi, accusing him of calling for genocide. Stalin dismissed these allegations as a "false narrative," asserting that Udhayanidhi never used the word 'genocide' in his speech. He criticised the BJP's social media campaign for spreading falsehoods. Stalin criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for not taking action against Ayodhya seer Paramhans Acharya, who announced a ₹10 crore ($1.2 million) reward for beheading Udhayanidhi. He also responded to reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Udhayanidhi's remarks during a council of ministers meeting. Stalin questioned whether the Prime Minister was aware of the falsehoods being spread or if he knowingly commented on the issue. Stalin suggested that the BJP's reaction to Udhayanidhi's remarks was an attempt to create divisions within the opposition alliance. He emphasised that the BJP's concern seemed more politically motivated than genuinely addressing discriminatory practices within Sanatan Dharma. Also watch | How much will it cost to change India’s name to Bharat? Udhayanidhi's counteroffensive In response to the BJP's allegations, Udhayanidhi mounted an offensive against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused BJP leaders of distorting his statements. He challenged the BJP's track record in fulfilling promises and portrayed their reaction as an attempt to divert attention from larger issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Unfair for PM Modi to…’: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin defends son's ‘eradicate Sanatan’ remarks

<p>Since Donald Trump was not at the Wednesday (August 23) GOP presidential primary debate, the main target was the political newcomer and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He became the center of attention during the debate among eight Republican US Presidential hopefuls. The multimillionaire Ramaswamy's popularity spurred and so did his online fundraising after his standout performance at the debate. According to information from the Ramaswamy campaign, the 38-year-old candidate garnered over USD 450,000 in the hour immediately following the Wednesday debate.</p>

<p>Ramaswamy's showing at the debate, which was attended by prominent rivals including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, has drawn widespread attention and reactions.</p>

<p>Ramaswamy's relative political inexperience did not deter him from making a mark in the debate. Various news outlets commented on his assertive approach, which included challenging his rivals and not hesitating to engage in debates with more seasoned candidates.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-with-prigozhin-dead-wagner-groups-bloodied-past-tumultuous-present-uncertain-future-629170">With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present &amp; uncertain future</a></p>

<p>Axis, a popular news outlet, reportedly highlighted that in the absence of Donald Trump, Ramaswamy took a leading role in driving the GOP debate. The Wall Street Journal also reported on the event, emphasising Ramaswamy's ability to grab the spotlight and stand out on the debate stage.</p>

<p>Fox News reported that Ramaswamy was the most searched GOP candidate related to the first Republican presidential debate, closely followed by fellow Indian-American contender Nikki Haley.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-wildfires-are-worst-in-europe-in-decades-says-eu-backed-climate-service-629165">Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service</a></p>

<p>"With unchecked confidence and insults, the biotech entrepreneur baited his rivals into skirmishes that dominated Republicans' first debate," The New York Times said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NBC News dubbed the first debate the "Vivek Ramaswamy Show," underscoring his role as a defender of Donald Trump's positions.&nbsp;According to the news channel, Ramaswamy faced a total of 11 attacks from his fellow contenders throughout the course of the debate.</p>

<h2><strong>Poll results</strong></h2>

<p>Following the debate, a poll involving 504 respondents indicated that 28 percent&nbsp;believed Ramaswamy's performance was the strongest. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis followed closely with 27 percent, while Pence received 13 percent support. Indian-American Nikki Haley received 7 percent of the vote.</p>

<h2><strong>Ramaswamy's background</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ramaswamy, a second-generation Indian-American, established Roivant Sciences in 2014 and played a pivotal role in leading successful biotech IPOs in 2015 and 2016. His leadership led to successful clinical trials across various disease areas, ultimately resulting in FDA-approved products.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-xi-jinping-discuss-border-issues-in-johannesburg-629142/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Despite his newcomer status, Ramaswamy managed to take control of the debate stage, even prompting his rivals to target him.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Since Donald Trump was not at the Wednesday (August 23) GOP presidential primary debate, the main target was the political newcomer and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Since Donald Trump was not at the Wednesday (August 23) GOP presidential primary debate, the main target was the political newcomer and Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He became the center of attention during the debate among eight Republican US Presidential hopefuls. The multimillionaire Ramaswamy's popularity spurred and so did his online fundraising after his standout performance at the debate. According to information from the Ramaswamy campaign, the 38-year-old candidate garnered over USD 450,000 in the hour immediately following the Wednesday debate. Ramaswamy's showing at the debate, which was attended by prominent rivals including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, has drawn widespread attention and reactions. Ramaswamy's relative political inexperience did not deter him from making a mark in the debate. Various news outlets commented on his assertive approach, which included challenging his rivals and not hesitating to engage in debates with more seasoned candidates. Also Read | With Prigozhin dead, Wagner group's bloodied past, tumultuous present & uncertain future Axis, a popular news outlet, reportedly highlighted that in the absence of Donald Trump, Ramaswamy took a leading role in driving the GOP debate. The Wall Street Journal also reported on the event, emphasising Ramaswamy's ability to grab the spotlight and stand out on the debate stage. Fox News reported that Ramaswamy was the most searched GOP candidate related to the first Republican presidential debate, closely followed by fellow Indian-American contender Nikki Haley. Also Read | Greek wildfires are worst in Europe in years, says EU-backed climate service "With unchecked confidence and insults, the biotech entrepreneur baited his rivals into skirmishes that dominated Republicans' first debate," The New York Times said. NBC News dubbed the first debate the "Vivek Ramaswamy Show," underscoring his role as a defender of Donald Trump's positions. According to the news channel, Ramaswamy faced a total of 11 attacks from his fellow contenders throughout the course of the debate. Poll results Following the debate, a poll involving 504 respondents indicated that 28 percent believed Ramaswamy's performance was the strongest. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis followed closely with 27 percent, while Pence received 13 percent support. Indian-American Nikki Haley received 7 percent of the vote. Ramaswamy's background Ramaswamy, a second-generation Indian-American, established Roivant Sciences in 2014 and played a pivotal role in leading successful biotech IPOs in 2015 and 2016. His leadership led to successful clinical trials across various disease areas, ultimately resulting in FDA-approved products. Watch | PM Modi, Xi Jinping discuss border issues in Johannesburg × Despite his newcomer status, Ramaswamy managed to take control of the debate stage, even prompting his rivals to target him. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Vivek Ramaswamy's popularity spurs post GOP presidential primary debate, turbocharges his fundraising

<p>Tropical Storm Hilary hit Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast on Sunday, boasting winds of 100 kilometres per hour that reached California, bringing unexpected heavy rainfall to the arid southwestern United States. In the political arena, former US President Donald Trump has opted out of the forthcoming Republican primary debates, citing&nbsp;his commanding position in recent opinion polls where he maintains a solid grip on 47 percent of the Republican vote nationally overshadowing competitors</p>

<p>China, in its bid to resuscitate its sluggish economy, has taken its second key benchmark lending rate cut this year, reducing the one-year loan prime rate to 3.45 percent from 3.55 percent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-hilary-batters-california-flash-floods-and-tornado-warnings-in-place-627375">Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Floods and tornado warnings in place</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/21/374433-tropical-storm-hilary.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-hilary-weakens-is-now-a-tropical-storm-627328">Tropical Storm Hilary</a>&nbsp;made landfall on Sunday (August 20) on Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast, along with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour, reaching California. It also brought heavy rains with it in the typically arid southwestern United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-skip-republican-primary-debates-cites-legendary-lead-in-opinion-polls-627368">Trump confirms skipping Republican debates, cites lead in opinion polls</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/21/374431-untitled-design-2023-08-21t070421113.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates. He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters.&nbsp;The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 percent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 percent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slashes-key-benchmark-lending-rates-to-revive-sluggish-economy-627374">China slashes key benchmark lending rates to revive sluggish economy</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/08/21/374434-untitled-design-2023-08-21t081207131.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Amid efforts to revive&nbsp;its sluggish economy, the second-largest in the world, China has slashed key benchmark lending rates, a move taken for the second time this year, media reports said.&nbsp;The People's Bank of China (PBOC) took action on Monday by decreasing the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) by 10 basis points from 3.55 percent to 3.45 percent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/threads-plans-launch-of-web-version-of-app-next-week-report-627371">Threads plans launch of web version of app next week: Report</a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/09/365504-the-battle-for-kyiv-44.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Meta Platforms is planning to launch the web version of its microblogging app Threads, reported the Wall Street Journal on Sunday (August 20), citing people familiar with the matter.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Chandrayaan-3: India awaits Vikram's successful landing as last 25 km left, 2 days for touchdown</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chandrayaan-3-india-awaits-vikrams-successful-landing-as-last-25-km-left-2-days-for-touchdown-627377/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tropical Storm Hilary hit Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast on Sunday, boasting winds of 100 kilometres per hour that reached California, bringing unexpected heavy rainfall to the arid southwestern United States.

Tropical Storm Hilary hit Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast on Sunday, boasting winds of 100 kilometres per hour that reached California, bringing unexpected heavy rainfall to the arid southwestern United States. In the political arena, former US President Donald Trump has opted out of the forthcoming Republican primary debates, citing his commanding position in recent opinion polls where he maintains a solid grip on 47 percent of the Republican vote nationally overshadowing competitors China, in its bid to resuscitate its sluggish economy, has taken its second key benchmark lending rate cut this year, reducing the one-year loan prime rate to 3.45 percent from 3.55 percent. Tropical Storm Hilary batters California: Floods and tornado warnings in place Tropical Storm Hilary made landfall on Sunday (August 20) on Mexico's northwestern Pacific Coast, along with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometres per hour, reaching California. It also brought heavy rains with it in the typically arid southwestern United States. Trump confirms skipping Republican debates, cites lead in opinion polls Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not be taking part in the upcoming Republican primary debates. He took the decision basis his leading position in the recent opinion polls. It is worth noting that the recent polls reflect the dominance of former president Trump in the Republican quarters. The most recent Reuters/Ipsos poll from this month indicated that Trump commands 47 percent of the Republican vote nationally. Meanwhile, Trump's rival and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis saw a decline of six percentage points from July, settling at 13 percent. China slashes key benchmark lending rates to revive sluggish economy Amid efforts to revive its sluggish economy, the second-largest in the world, China has slashed key benchmark lending rates, a move taken for the second time this year, media reports said. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) took action on Monday by decreasing the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) by 10 basis points from 3.55 percent to 3.45 percent. Threads plans launch of web version of app next week: Report Meta Platforms is planning to launch the web version of its microblogging app Threads, reported the Wall Street Journal on Sunday (August 20), citing people familiar with the matter. Watch | Chandrayaan-3: India awaits Vikram's successful landing as last 25 km left, 2 days for touchdown ×

Morning news: Tropical Storm Hilary updates, Trump opts out of Republican debates, and more

<p>A company in eastern China recently announced a ban on employees having extramarital affairs, leading to a heated discussion on social media platforms in mainland China. The ban applies to all married staff members and aims to promote loyalty to family and maintain a productive work environment, as per the SCMP media portal. However, concerns have been raised about the legality of the ban, with legal experts stating that it may infringe on employees' rights.</p>

<h2><strong>Company's rationale, policy</strong></h2>

<p>The Zhejiang-based company, whose identity remains undisclosed, issued an "extramarital affairs prohibition" order on June 9. The company's document explained that the ban was intended to enhance internal management, promote a corporate culture of marital loyalty, safeguard families, and improve work focus.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-uk-police-watchdog-chief-charged-with-rape-of-teen-girl-indecent-assault-605180">Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault</a></p>

<p>The prohibition applied to married employees, explicitly forbidding behaviours such as extramarital affairs or maintaining mistresses. Violators of the rule would face termination, and the company emphasised the importance of correct love values among its staff.</p>

<p>"Anyone found violating this stipulation will be fired. We hope all staff can have correct love values and try to become good employees with four 'Nos' - no illicit relationship, no mistress, no extramarital affair and no divorce," the company said in a statement.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blasts-air-raid-sirens-greet-african-peace-mission-leaders-visiting-kyiv-605173">Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv</a></p>

<p>According to an anonymous staff member cited by the SCMP report, the ban was introduced to encourage employees to maintain stable and harmonious families, thereby enhancing their ability to concentrate on work. The company believes that a harmonious family life contributes to increased productivity in the workplace. However, the specific trigger for implementing this extreme measure remains unclear, and it is unknown whether any workplace affairs involving staff influenced the decision.</p>

<h2><strong>Legal considerations</strong></h2>

<p>Legal experts cited by SCMP have expressed doubts about the ban's legality. Lawyer Chen Dong from V&amp;T Law Firm in Shanghai stated that&nbsp;according to China's Labour Contract Law, employees can only be terminated if they are unable to fulfil their job responsibilities or their capabilities no longer meet the requirements of their role.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-five-terrorists-killed-in-kashmir-605191/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Even if a company includes an affair ban in its employee manual, it cannot serve as a legitimate basis for terminating employees. If workers are dismissed on these grounds, they can seek legal protection, the lawyer said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mixed response&nbsp;on social media</strong></h2>

<p>The company's affair ban generated a mixed response on social media platforms in mainland China. Some individuals expressed support for the ban, praising the company for taking a stand against extramarital affairs.</p>

<p>They saw it as a positive contribution to society, addressing what they perceive as a common issue. Others, like prominent mainland blogger Zhou Kanjun, criticised the ban as an infringement on personal freedoms and privacy. The local municipal human resources and social security bureau, responsible for labour disputes, has not received any complaints about the ban thus far.</p>

<h2><strong>Recent incident</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement of the affair ban comes on the heels of a high-profile incident involving a senior executive at a state-owned oil company in China. The executive was filmed holding hands with a woman who was not his wife, leading to his termination after the video went viral on social media platforms in mainland China.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A company in eastern China recently announced a ban on employees having extramarital affairs, leading to a heated discussion on social media platforms in mainland China.

A company in eastern China recently announced a ban on employees having extramarital affairs, leading to a heated discussion on social media platforms in mainland China. The ban applies to all married staff members and aims to promote loyalty to family and maintain a productive work environment, as per the SCMP media portal. However, concerns have been raised about the legality of the ban, with legal experts stating that it may infringe on employees' rights. Company's rationale, policy The Zhejiang-based company, whose identity remains undisclosed, issued an "extramarital affairs prohibition" order on June 9. The company's document explained that the ban was intended to enhance internal management, promote a corporate culture of marital loyalty, safeguard families, and improve work focus. Also Read | Ex-UK police watchdog chief charged with rape of teen girl, indecent assault The prohibition applied to married employees, explicitly forbidding behaviours such as extramarital affairs or maintaining mistresses. Violators of the rule would face termination, and the company emphasised the importance of correct love values among its staff. "Anyone found violating this stipulation will be fired. We hope all staff can have correct love values and try to become good employees with four 'Nos' - no illicit relationship, no mistress, no extramarital affair and no divorce," the company said in a statement. Also Read | Blasts, air raid sirens greet African ‘peace mission’ leaders visiting Kyiv According to an anonymous staff member cited by the SCMP report, the ban was introduced to encourage employees to maintain stable and harmonious families, thereby enhancing their ability to concentrate on work. The company believes that a harmonious family life contributes to increased productivity in the workplace. However, the specific trigger for implementing this extreme measure remains unclear, and it is unknown whether any workplace affairs involving staff influenced the decision. Legal considerations Legal experts cited by SCMP have expressed doubts about the ban's legality. Lawyer Chen Dong from V&T Law Firm in Shanghai stated that according to China's Labour Contract Law, employees can only be terminated if they are unable to fulfil their job responsibilities or their capabilities no longer meet the requirements of their role. Watch | India: Five terrorists killed in Kashmir × Even if a company includes an affair ban in its employee manual, it cannot serve as a legitimate basis for terminating employees. If workers are dismissed on these grounds, they can seek legal protection, the lawyer said. Mixed response on social media The company's affair ban generated a mixed response on social media platforms in mainland China. Some individuals expressed support for the ban, praising the company for taking a stand against extramarital affairs. They saw it as a positive contribution to society, addressing what they perceive as a common issue. Others, like prominent mainland blogger Zhou Kanjun, criticised the ban as an infringement on personal freedoms and privacy. The local municipal human resources and social security bureau, responsible for labour disputes, has not received any complaints about the ban thus far. Recent incident The announcement of the affair ban comes on the heels of a high-profile incident involving a senior executive at a state-owned oil company in China. The executive was filmed holding hands with a woman who was not his wife, leading to his termination after the video went viral on social media platforms in mainland China. 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. ×

Love behind bars? Chinese company's ban on extramarital affairs triggers hot debate

<p>A post on Twitter recently started a debate about whether the colour of the sun is white or yellow.</p>

<p>The debate started when writer Jacqui Deevoy tweeted last week that her childhood's round yellow sun had suddenly turned white and looked wonky.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I’m just telling a person in their 20s that the sun used to be yellow when I was a child and he’s laughing. The last time he saw a yellow sun was on Teletubbies. Here’s the sun right now. White and a weird shape. How’s it looking where you are? <a href="https://t.co/C3BJdt7s8I">pic.twitter.com/C3BJdt7s8I</a></p>
— Jacqui Deevoy (@JacquiDeevoy1) <a href="https://twitter.com/JacquiDeevoy1/status/1653703466617847810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In some days, the social media post received more than six million views and left the users divided into two camps – those who believed that the sun was always white and those who agreed that the yellow sun now looks white.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/sun-like-star-swallows-entire-planet-gives-glimpse-of-earths-fate-to-astronomers-589358">Sun-like star swallows entire planet, gives glimpse of Earth’s fate to astronomers</a></p>

<p>This debate over the colour of the star of our solar system raised a very curious question – what indeed is the colour of the sun: yellow or white?</p>

<p>As per the scientists, the star has a bit of both, but neither of them is its colour. Sun is actually green.</p>

<p>Project scientist of NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory W Dean Pesnell said, “The sun would appear green if your eye could handle looking at it.”</p>

<p>“Basically, when you look at the sun, it has enough of all the different colours in it and it’s so bright that everybody’s eyes are firing like crazy and saying, ‘It’s too bright for me to tell you what colour it is.’ That’s why the sun looks white to us,” he added.</p>

<p>Pesnell explained that the star, which is 93 million miles away from Earth, usually appears like a white spot in the sky. However, many believe that it is yellow because of the way the light is scattered, he added.</p>

<p>Pesnell said that the molecules present in the air redirect the blue and violet wavelengths of the sunlight which allows more red and yellow wavelengths to hit one's eyes.</p>

<p>“Essentially, it’s a green star that looks white because it’s too bright, and it can also appear yellow, orange or red because of how our atmosphere works,” Pesnell said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | A Super-Earth will toss us into the Sun or leave us lost in interstellar space?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-super-earth-will-toss-us-into-the-sun-or-leave-us-lost-in-interstellar-space-570729/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“What we perceive as the sun’s hue is really light bouncing off surfaces. When it comes to stars, colour equals temperature,” said Pesnell. He added that the star is hot, it gives off blue light and the cooler ones appear red.</p>

<p>With a temperature that hit 27 million degrees Fahrenheit in the sun's core, the star is “somewhere in the middle, in this weird space where we can’t perceive its colour,” Pesnell added, further stating that the glowing mass of gases is likely to change hues after millions of years.</p>

<p>“The sun is at its midlife, and it still has quite a lot of years before it changes colours. It still hasn’t dimmed out one bit,” Pesnell stated.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


A post on Twitter recently started a debate about whether the colour of the sun is white or yellow. The debate started when writer Jacqui Deevoy tweeted last week that her childhood's round yellow sun had suddenly turned white and looked wonky.

A post on Twitter recently started a debate about whether the colour of the sun is white or yellow. The debate started when writer Jacqui Deevoy tweeted last week that her childhood's round yellow sun had suddenly turned white and looked wonky. I’m just telling a person in their 20s that the sun used to be yellow when I was a child and he’s laughing. The last time he saw a yellow sun was on Teletubbies. Here’s the sun right now. White and a weird shape. How’s it looking where you are? pic.twitter.com/C3BJdt7s8I — Jacqui Deevoy (@JacquiDeevoy1) May 3, 2023 × In some days, the social media post received more than six million views and left the users divided into two camps – those who believed that the sun was always white and those who agreed that the yellow sun now looks white. ALSO READ | Sun-like star swallows entire planet, gives glimpse of Earth’s fate to astronomers This debate over the colour of the star of our solar system raised a very curious question – what indeed is the colour of the sun: yellow or white? As per the scientists, the star has a bit of both, but neither of them is its colour. Sun is actually green. Project scientist of NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory W Dean Pesnell said, “The sun would appear green if your eye could handle looking at it.” “Basically, when you look at the sun, it has enough of all the different colours in it and it’s so bright that everybody’s eyes are firing like crazy and saying, ‘It’s too bright for me to tell you what colour it is.’ That’s why the sun looks white to us,” he added. Pesnell explained that the star, which is 93 million miles away from Earth, usually appears like a white spot in the sky. However, many believe that it is yellow because of the way the light is scattered, he added. Pesnell said that the molecules present in the air redirect the blue and violet wavelengths of the sunlight which allows more red and yellow wavelengths to hit one's eyes. “Essentially, it’s a green star that looks white because it’s too bright, and it can also appear yellow, orange or red because of how our atmosphere works,” Pesnell said. WATCH | A Super-Earth will toss us into the Sun or leave us lost in interstellar space? “What we perceive as the sun’s hue is really light bouncing off surfaces. When it comes to stars, colour equals temperature,” said Pesnell. He added that the star is hot, it gives off blue light and the cooler ones appear red. With a temperature that hit 27 million degrees Fahrenheit in the sun's core, the star is “somewhere in the middle, in this weird space where we can’t perceive its colour,” Pesnell added, further stating that the glowing mass of gases is likely to change hues after millions of years. “The sun is at its midlife, and it still has quite a lot of years before it changes colours. It still hasn’t dimmed out one bit,” Pesnell 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

Is the colour of sun yellow or white? Twitter gets into debate

With the crucial midterms inching closer, Georgia witnessed a fierce televised debate. It was between Democratic US Senator Rafael Warner and Republican Herschel Walker.

US: Trump backed candidate Walker opposes abortion without exceptions

India's supreme court has tasked a special committee with formulating a policy on distributing freebies. What are the pros and cons of the freebie culture? Can a country like India afford it? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you.

Gravitas: Debate over freebies in India

The Opposition’s attempt to debate the motion expressing displeasure over the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was blocked in Sri Lankan Parliament today by the Government. The Government secured 119 votes, while the opposition obtained 68 votes.

Sri Lanka government wins vote to block debate on NCM against President

<p>In last few weeks, several politicians have been making comments over the appointment of next army chief in Pakistan. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the current chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, is not seeking an extension. He will retire on November 29 this year, as per a statement of Pakistan Army. &nbsp;</p>

<p>So, the speculations are rife about the next army chief in the country. With the political circles already tense after the ouster of former PM Imran Khan, several politicians are commenting on the matter. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Over the appointment, PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N's vice president Maryam Nawaz had made comments recently. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/1-killed-13-hurt-after-power-explosion-rips-through-pakistans-karachi-city-478496" hreflang="en">1 killed, 13 hurt after power explosion rips through Pakistan’s Karachi city</a></strong></p>

<p>At a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, when asked about Lt Gen Hameed, Zardari said, "The helpless Faiz Hameed has been sidelined." &nbsp;Later, he issued a clarification and said he "unintentionally" said the sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>From June 16, 2019 to Oct 19, 2021, Lt Gen Hameed served as the Inter-Services Intelligence chief. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Outside the Islamabad High Court, Maryam told reporters that the next army chief should have a "flawless reputation", which is free from any kind of criticism or doubts. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The PML-N leader made the comment when asked about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks where he said Lt Gen Hameed's name can be considered for new army chief. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The nation looks at the army for the unity and security of Pakistan. So, it is important that the army chief is a person who is worthy and stainless so that people salute the Pakistan Army," Maryam said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PPP's Asif Ali Zardari opposes calls for early elections in Pakistan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ppps-asif-ali-zardari-opposes-calls-for-early-elections-in-pakistan-478422/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The statements seem to have not gone down well with the army. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Without naming any particular politician, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said comments over Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who is currently serving as Peshawar Corps Commander, are "very inappropriate". &nbsp;</p>

<p>"One of the most competent and professional officers is entrusted with the responsibility to lead this prestigious formation. Imprudent comments made by important senior politicians recently about [the] Peshawar Corps commander are very inappropriate," the ISPR said in a statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is expected that the senior political leadership of [the] country refrains from passing objectionable remarks against the institution, whose brave officers and men are constantly putting their lives on the line to guard the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan," the statement concluded. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>ISPR Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the institution was showing "tolerance and restraint and requesting that the army is not dragged into politics". &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The appointment of the next army chief should not be made "controversial". It should not be turned into a topic of debate, the army's spokesperson added. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In last few weeks, several politicians have been making comments over the appointment of next army chief in Pakistan. This comes as the current chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, is not seeking an extension.

In last few weeks, several politicians have been making comments over the appointment of next army chief in Pakistan. This comes as the current chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, is not seeking an extension. He will retire on November 29 this year, as per a statement of Pakistan Army. So, the speculations are rife about the next army chief in the country. With the political circles already tense after the ouster of former PM Imran Khan, several politicians are commenting on the matter. Over the appointment, PPP co-chair Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N's vice president Maryam Nawaz had made comments recently. Also Read: 1 killed, 13 hurt after power explosion rips through Pakistan’s Karachi city At a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, when asked about Lt Gen Hameed, Zardari said, "The helpless Faiz Hameed has been sidelined." Later, he issued a clarification and said he "unintentionally" said the sentence. From June 16, 2019 to Oct 19, 2021, Lt Gen Hameed served as the Inter-Services Intelligence chief. Outside the Islamabad High Court, Maryam told reporters that the next army chief should have a "flawless reputation", which is free from any kind of criticism or doubts. The PML-N leader made the comment when asked about Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's remarks where he said Lt Gen Hameed's name can be considered for new army chief. "The nation looks at the army for the unity and security of Pakistan. So, it is important that the army chief is a person who is worthy and stainless so that people salute the Pakistan Army," Maryam said. Watch: PPP's Asif Ali Zardari opposes calls for early elections in Pakistan × The statements seem to have not gone down well with the army. Without naming any particular politician, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said comments over Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, who is currently serving as Peshawar Corps Commander, are "very inappropriate". "One of the most competent and professional officers is entrusted with the responsibility to lead this prestigious formation. Imprudent comments made by important senior politicians recently about [the] Peshawar Corps commander are very inappropriate," the ISPR said in a statement. "It is expected that the senior political leadership of [the] country refrains from passing objectionable remarks against the institution, whose brave officers and men are constantly putting their lives on the line to guard the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan," the statement concluded. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ISPR Director General (DG) Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the institution was showing "tolerance and restraint and requesting that the army is not dragged into politics". The appointment of the next army chief should not be made "controversial". It should not be turned into a topic of debate, the army's spokesperson added. (With inputs from agencies)

Is next army chief’s appointment turning into a debate in Pakistan?  

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{6}" paraid="1718464851" >Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday reiterated Imran Khan’s claim of a&nbsp;US conspiracy to dethrone the prime minister, saying that their government was being punished for&nbsp;visiting Russia during the beginning of the Ukraine invasion. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{137}" paraid="1069452775" >Speaking at the National Assembly ahead of the no-confidence motion, Qureshi seemed to accept the&nbsp;writing on the wall. He began by saying, “This may be my last day (as Pak FM).”&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{161}" paraid="421941154" >“The Moscow visit was planned months ago and had nothing to do with that Ukraine attacks. The&nbsp;visit was a bilateral one and totally with the intent of benefitting Pakistan,” he said in the lower house&nbsp;of the parliament. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{161}" paraid="421941154" ><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-claims-us-official-behind-foreign-conspiracy-to-oust-him-469484" hreflang="en">Pak PM Imran Khan claims US official behind ‘foreign conspiracy’ to oust him&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{197}" paraid="56036648" >The foreign minister alleged that Pakistan’s National Security Advisor had received a call from his&nbsp;counterpart from the US to cancel the visit to Moscow. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{221}" paraid="1301217191" >“Before we leave for Russia, the National Security Advisor of USA called the National Security&nbsp;Advisor of Pakistan and categorically said: ‘Do not go’.” &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{9ab6673e-f588-4654-abc6-8c5b44e9af37}{245}" paraid="470418536" >He also claimed that the “conspiracy letter” from the US to oust Khan was “authentic”. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{8}" paraid="2103338100" >“I reiterate again. The document that I received is real and authentic circulated by a high seasoned&nbsp; official from the Washington,” Qureshi said. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{26}" paraid="787645547" >“The letter said: If no confidence motion succeeds, we will have good relationship. And if no&nbsp;confidence motioned failed - you (Pakistan) will face consequences. Isn't it (letter) a threat to our&nbsp;nation?” he added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan national assembly session reconvenes after delay</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-national-assembly-session-reconvenes-after-delay-469667/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{62}" paraid="1458602095" >The minister also proposed an in-camera session and sought the Pakistan ambassador in US to “come&nbsp;and brief the house.”&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{86}" paraid="1683864238" >“Let the ambassador of Pakistan in Washington come and brief the house. Let him explain what the&nbsp;documents sent was true or not— on camera,” the minister said. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{110}" paraid="1176827009" >Qureshi also said that the speaker’s decision ahead of the no-trust motion against Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran Khan would be final.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{134}" paraid="46683679" >“In our opinion, the decision of the speaker is final,” he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{146}" paraid="422299079" >He also attacked the opposition for bringing in the no-trust plea, saying, “Who will save the country (PTI members chanting Imran Khan, Imran Khan). These people (opposition) don’t have any goal, no&nbsp;common intention for the country. These people were fighting against each other few days ago. Now&nbsp;Imran Khan alone is standing for the nation.” &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb025dc0-b823-496d-9da2-37a1eaee9d85}{194}" paraid="53115023" >Expressing reservations against the no-confidence motion, he said, “For God’s sake, don’t push this&nbsp;country into a constitution crisis. The only way to avoid is seek the mandate from the people of Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday reiterated Imran Khan’s claim of a US conspiracy to dethrone the prime minister, saying that their government was being punished for visiting Russia during the beginning of the Ukraine invasion.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday reiterated Imran Khan’s claim of a US conspiracy to dethrone the prime minister, saying that their government was being punished for visiting Russia during the beginning of the Ukraine invasion. Speaking at the National Assembly ahead of the no-confidence motion, Qureshi seemed to accept the writing on the wall. He began by saying, “This may be my last day (as Pak FM).” “The Moscow visit was planned months ago and had nothing to do with that Ukraine attacks. The visit was a bilateral one and totally with the intent of benefitting Pakistan,” he said in the lower house of the parliament. Also Read: Pak PM Imran Khan claims US official behind ‘foreign conspiracy’ to oust him The foreign minister alleged that Pakistan’s National Security Advisor had received a call from his counterpart from the US to cancel the visit to Moscow. “Before we leave for Russia, the National Security Advisor of USA called the National Security Advisor of Pakistan and categorically said: ‘Do not go’.” He also claimed that the “conspiracy letter” from the US to oust Khan was “authentic”. “I reiterate again. The document that I received is real and authentic circulated by a high seasoned official from the Washington,” Qureshi said. “The letter said: If no confidence motion succeeds, we will have good relationship. And if no confidence motioned failed - you (Pakistan) will face consequences. Isn't it (letter) a threat to our nation?” he added. Watch: Pakistan national assembly session reconvenes after delay The minister also proposed an in-camera session and sought the Pakistan ambassador in US to “come and brief the house.” “Let the ambassador of Pakistan in Washington come and brief the house. Let him explain what the documents sent was true or not— on camera,” the minister said. Qureshi also said that the speaker’s decision ahead of the no-trust motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan would be final. “In our opinion, the decision of the speaker is final,” he said. He also attacked the opposition for bringing in the no-trust plea, saying, “Who will save the country (PTI members chanting Imran Khan, Imran Khan). These people (opposition) don’t have any goal, no common intention for the country. These people were fighting against each other few days ago. Now Imran Khan alone is standing for the nation.” Expressing reservations against the no-confidence motion, he said, “For God’s sake, don’t push this country into a constitution crisis. The only way to avoid is seek the mandate from the people of Pakistan.

Pak foreign minister links no-trust vote to Imran Khan's Russia visit, Ukraine war

<p>Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'. It gave heavy emphasis on the first syllable in pronouncing the Greek word.&nbsp;It is the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-threat-who-warns-against-knee-jerk-reaction-blanket-measures-433078" hreflang="en">Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday, a well-known historian and classicist Mary Beard criticised the corporation's choice of emphasis on Twitter. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beard said, “I am NOT a technical ancient linguist. But I do find it a bit odd that the BBC News is saying omicron with the stress on the first syllable." &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter, a Telegraph reader said that 'clearly' no-one at the BBC seems to have studied Greek at school. He said that the word should be pronounced 'oh-my-cron' "with the emphasis on the second syllable". &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-belgium-germany-had-omicron-cases-a-week-before-safrica-identified-the-coronavirus-variant-433005" hreflang="en">Europe had Omicron cases before South Africa even identified it</a></strong></p>

<p>In response, BBC's news channel editor Jess Brammar joked on Twitter by saying, "Guilty as charged, I did not do Greek at school.” &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the language experts, it may be more accurate to pronounce Omicron as the BBC has chosen to do. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A scientist from Oxford and native Greek speaker, Professor Aris Katzourakis, told the Telegraph that people should try to say "oh-me-cron, with the emphasis on the o". &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'.

Even as the world is tensed over the emergence of a new Covid variant Omicron, a debate seems to have begun over its pronunciation. The development comes as the BBC pronounced it as 'OM-mi-cron'. It gave heavy emphasis on the first syllable in pronouncing the Greek word. It is the 15th letter in the Greek alphabet. Also Read | Omicron threat: WHO warns against knee-jerk reaction, blanket measures On Sunday, a well-known historian and classicist Mary Beard criticised the corporation's choice of emphasis on Twitter. Beard said, “I am NOT a technical ancient linguist. But I do find it a bit odd that the BBC News is saying omicron with the stress on the first syllable." In a letter, a Telegraph reader said that 'clearly' no-one at the BBC seems to have studied Greek at school. He said that the word should be pronounced 'oh-my-cron' "with the emphasis on the second syllable". Also Read: Europe had Omicron cases before South Africa even identified it In response, BBC's news channel editor Jess Brammar joked on Twitter by saying, "Guilty as charged, I did not do Greek at school.” According to the language experts, it may be more accurate to pronounce Omicron as the BBC has chosen to do. A scientist from Oxford and native Greek speaker, Professor Aris Katzourakis, told the Telegraph that people should try to say "oh-me-cron, with the emphasis on the o". (With inputs from agencies)

Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins  

<p>A fierce debate has started between human rights activists and the Catholic church in Bolivia. The topic is the fate of an 11-year-old girl, who became pregnant after being raped by a family member. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Religious groups seek to force her to complete the pregnancy and give birth while the human rights activists want just the opposite.. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/male-students-at-uk-universities-admit-to-rape-and-sexual-assault-research-reveals-425170" hreflang="en">Male students at UK universities admit to rape and sexual assault, research reveals</a></strong></p>

<p>After being repeatedly raped and suffering other sexual abuse by the father of her stepfather, the girl was impregnated in Yapacaní town in eastern Santa Cruz region, Bolivia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>As her parents used to work in La Paz, the girl was living with her sisters and 61-year-old step-grandfather, who is now in jail for the crime. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Bolivia has one of highest levels of inter-familiar sexual violence and abuse in Latin America. Some activists call it a culture of rape.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/couple-sentenced-to-10-months-jail-for-oral-sex-pic-outside-mexico-cathedral-425302" hreflang="en">Couple sentenced to 10 months jail for 'oral sex' pic outside Mexico cathedral</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After religious groups contacted the victim’s mother and persuaded her to oppose the termination of the pregnancy, the intervention of the Catholic Church is being questioned severely. This move has prompted legal action by the Bolivian human rights ombudsman’s office. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ana Paola García, executive director, La Casa de la Mujer, a Bolivian women’s rights NGO, said, “The girl didn’t even know what it meant to be pregnant; she told her cousin that she felt something moving inside her tummy. Her cousin told her mother – the girl’s aunt – who reported it to the police.” &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


A fierce debate has started between human rights activists and the Catholic church in Bolivia. The topic is the fate of an 11-year-old girl, who became pregnant after being raped by a family member.

A fierce debate has started between human rights activists and the Catholic church in Bolivia. The topic is the fate of an 11-year-old girl, who became pregnant after being raped by a family member. Religious groups seek to force her to complete the pregnancy and give birth while the human rights activists want just the opposite.. Also Read: Male students at UK universities admit to rape and sexual assault, research reveals After being repeatedly raped and suffering other sexual abuse by the father of her stepfather, the girl was impregnated in Yapacaní town in eastern Santa Cruz region, Bolivia. As her parents used to work in La Paz, the girl was living with her sisters and 61-year-old step-grandfather, who is now in jail for the crime. Bolivia has one of highest levels of inter-familiar sexual violence and abuse in Latin America. Some activists call it a culture of rape. Also Read: Couple sentenced to 10 months jail for 'oral sex' pic outside Mexico cathedral After religious groups contacted the victim’s mother and persuaded her to oppose the termination of the pregnancy, the intervention of the Catholic Church is being questioned severely. This move has prompted legal action by the Bolivian human rights ombudsman’s office. Ana Paola García, executive director, La Casa de la Mujer, a Bolivian women’s rights NGO, said, “The girl didn’t even know what it meant to be pregnant; she told her cousin that she felt something moving inside her tummy. Her cousin told her mother – the girl’s aunt – who reported it to the police.” (With inputs from agencies)

Fierce abortion debate begins as 11-year-old Bolivian girl raped by family member becomes pregnant

<p>Singapore`s parliament began discussion on Monday of a proposed law to counter foreign interference that has sparked concern from opposition parties, rights groups and experts about its broad scope and limits on judicial review.</p>

<p>The small and open city-state, which says it is vulnerable to foreign meddling, targeted fake news with a far-reaching law in 2019, and joins nations such as Australia&nbsp; and Russia&nbsp;that have passed laws in recent years to deter foreign interference.</p>

<p>It allows authorities to compel internet, social media service providers and website operators to provide user information, block content and remove applications, and is likely to be passed, as the ruling party has a majority in parliament.</p>

<p>But some critics say its broad language risks capturing even legitimate activities, while rights group Reporters Without Borders said the law could ensnare independent media outlets.</p>

<p>"The pre-emptive powers&nbsp;and broad scoping of provisions could potentially provide the government with significant wherewithal to curb legitimate civil society activity," said Eugene Tan, a law professor at Singapore Management University.</p>

<p>"FICA has the makings of being the most intrusive law on the statute books," he said of the bill, to be formally known as the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (FICA).</p>

<p>In response to a Reuters query, the home ministry said the bill did not cover discussion or advocacy by Singapore citizens, or the vast array of their collaborations with foreigners.</p>

<p>But orders can be issued if a citizen acts for a foreign principal in a manner contrary to the public interest, it added, saying the law set out clear thresholds.</p>

<p>The bill lets the home minister order investigations in the public interest to "expose hostile information campaigns", based on suspicion of foreign interference.</p>

<p>Instead of open court, an independent panel, chaired by a judge, will hear appeals against the minister`s decisions, a move the government says is necessary as matters may involve sensitive intelligence with implications for national security.</p>

<p>&nbsp;<strong>Growing Threat</strong></p>

<p>As use of social media and communications technology increases, experts and opposition parties have agreed on the need to counter a growing threat of foreign interference in domestic affairs.</p>

<p>Critics have said Russia`s `sovereign internet` 2019 law allows authorities the discretion to limit access to resources and information, while Australian laws target lobbyists for foreign countries.</p>

<p>In parliament on Monday, Singapore home minister K. Shanmugam pointed to examples of spurts in online activity over the years 2016 and 2017 as well as 2018 and 2019 that aimed to influence sentiment or create artificial impressions of Singapore`s positions, but he did not name any countries.</p>

<p>In 2016, Singapore went through a choppy period in ties with China over Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea, while 2018 saw it embroiled in a dispute over airspace and maritime boundaries with neighbouring Malaysia.</p>

<p>Singapore`s bill is unique in targeting foreign interference through the internet as well as individuals, but not as extensive as U.S. or Australian laws on transparency and regulation of individuals, Chong Ja Ian, a political analyst at National University of Singapore.</p>

<p>Besides aiming to remove content that threatens immediate and significant harm, it imposes obligations on those considered "politically significant persons", who are directly involved in Singapore`s political processes, such as MPs.</p>

<p>Others may be included in the category if their activities are directed towards a political end, however.</p>

<p>The main opposition Workers` Party has called for changes to the draft law, such as narrowing the scope of executive powers to reduce the chance of an abuse of power.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said the bill would not apply to foreign individuals or publications "reporting or commenting on Singapore politics, in an open, transparent and attributable way."</p>

<p>Rights groups had warned the 2019 law on fake news could hurt freedom of expression. The government said legitimate criticism and free speech are unaffected.</p>


Singapore`s parliament began discussion on Monday of a proposed law to counter foreign interference that has sparked concern from opposition parties, rights groups and experts about its broad scope and limits on judicial review.

Singapore`s parliament began discussion on Monday of a proposed law to counter foreign interference that has sparked concern from opposition parties, rights groups and experts about its broad scope and limits on judicial review. The small and open city-state, which says it is vulnerable to foreign meddling, targeted fake news with a far-reaching law in 2019, and joins nations such as Australia and Russia that have passed laws in recent years to deter foreign interference. It allows authorities to compel internet, social media service providers and website operators to provide user information, block content and remove applications, and is likely to be passed, as the ruling party has a majority in parliament. But some critics say its broad language risks capturing even legitimate activities, while rights group Reporters Without Borders said the law could ensnare independent media outlets. "The pre-emptive powers and broad scoping of provisions could potentially provide the government with significant wherewithal to curb legitimate civil society activity," said Eugene Tan, a law professor at Singapore Management University. "FICA has the makings of being the most intrusive law on the statute books," he said of the bill, to be formally known as the Foreign Interference Countermeasures Act (FICA). In response to a Reuters query, the home ministry said the bill did not cover discussion or advocacy by Singapore citizens, or the vast array of their collaborations with foreigners. But orders can be issued if a citizen acts for a foreign principal in a manner contrary to the public interest, it added, saying the law set out clear thresholds. The bill lets the home minister order investigations in the public interest to "expose hostile information campaigns", based on suspicion of foreign interference. Instead of open court, an independent panel, chaired by a judge, will hear appeals against the minister`s decisions, a move the government says is necessary as matters may involve sensitive intelligence with implications for national security. Growing Threat As use of social media and communications technology increases, experts and opposition parties have agreed on the need to counter a growing threat of foreign interference in domestic affairs. Critics have said Russia`s `sovereign internet` 2019 law allows authorities the discretion to limit access to resources and information, while Australian laws target lobbyists for foreign countries. In parliament on Monday, Singapore home minister K. Shanmugam pointed to examples of spurts in online activity over the years 2016 and 2017 as well as 2018 and 2019 that aimed to influence sentiment or create artificial impressions of Singapore`s positions, but he did not name any countries. In 2016, Singapore went through a choppy period in ties with China over Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea, while 2018 saw it embroiled in a dispute over airspace and maritime boundaries with neighbouring Malaysia. Singapore`s bill is unique in targeting foreign interference through the internet as well as individuals, but not as extensive as U.S. or Australian laws on transparency and regulation of individuals, Chong Ja Ian, a political analyst at National University of Singapore. Besides aiming to remove content that threatens immediate and significant harm, it imposes obligations on those considered "politically significant persons", who are directly involved in Singapore`s political processes, such as MPs. Others may be included in the category if their activities are directed towards a political end, however. The main opposition Workers` Party has called for changes to the draft law, such as narrowing the scope of executive powers to reduce the chance of an abuse of power. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said the bill would not apply to foreign individuals or publications "reporting or commenting on Singapore politics, in an open, transparent and attributable way." Rights groups had warned the 2019 law on fake news could hurt freedom of expression. The government said legitimate criticism and free speech are unaffected.

Singapore parliament debates bill to tackle foreign interference

<p>With growing animal rights’ awareness on the mind, South Korea seems to be looking to prohibit dog meat consumption as debate over the practice intensifies. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being briefed over concerted efforts to improve the handling of abandoned animals and a registration system for dogs, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that dog meat consumption may get prohibited in future. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coffee-industry-rakes-in-profit-in-covid-19-pandemic-416058/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In a statement, Moon's spokeswoman Park Kyung-mee said, "After the briefing, he said time has come to carefully consider imposing a dog meat ban." &nbsp;</p>

<p>In recent weeks, several presidential hopefuls have pledged to ban dog meat to boost popularity. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-transit-british-warship-hms-richmond-crosses-taiwan-strait-416386" hreflang="en">In ‘rare transit’, British warship HMS Richmond crosses Taiwan Strait</a></strong></p>

<p>The dog meat is generally eaten by older people. It is not very common nowadays but one can get it in some restaurants or specific markets. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Several advocacy groups have also asked South Korea to ban selling of dog meat as the animals have become popular as pets. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removes-three-regulations-linked-to-family-planning-416359" hreflang="en">China removes three regulations linked to family planning</a></strong></p>

<p>South Koreans are believed to consume about one million dogs a year as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat, which is invariably boiled for tenderness, believed to increase energy. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Dog meat is officially classed as "detestable" by Seoul, as is snake, but the designation has no legal ramifications. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


With growing animal rights’ awareness on the mind, South Korea seems to be looking to prohibit dog meat consumption as debate over the practice intensifies. On being briefed over concerted efforts to improve the handling of abandoned animals and a registration system for dogs, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that dog meat consumption may get prohibited in future.

With growing animal rights’ awareness on the mind, South Korea seems to be looking to prohibit dog meat consumption as debate over the practice intensifies. On being briefed over concerted efforts to improve the handling of abandoned animals and a registration system for dogs, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said on Monday that dog meat consumption may get prohibited in future. Watch: × In a statement, Moon's spokeswoman Park Kyung-mee said, "After the briefing, he said time has come to carefully consider imposing a dog meat ban." In recent weeks, several presidential hopefuls have pledged to ban dog meat to boost popularity. Also Read: In ‘rare transit’, British warship HMS Richmond crosses Taiwan Strait The dog meat is generally eaten by older people. It is not very common nowadays but one can get it in some restaurants or specific markets. Several advocacy groups have also asked South Korea to ban selling of dog meat as the animals have become popular as pets. Also Read: China removes three regulations linked to family planning South Koreans are believed to consume about one million dogs a year as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat, which is invariably boiled for tenderness, believed to increase energy. Dog meat is officially classed as "detestable" by Seoul, as is snake, but the designation has no legal ramifications. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid intense debate over animal rights, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in says dog meat may get banned  

The candidates to become Germany’s next chancellor had faced off in a TV debate. Armin Laschet, the candidate from Angela Merkel's party CDU tried to turn his fortunes around by attacking finance minister Olaf Scholz of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) over his track record on tackling money laundering and corruption.

German election candidates face off in first TV debate

<p>Apple's announcement that it would scan encrypted messages for evidence of child sexual abuse has revived debate on online encryption and privacy, raising fears the same technology could be used for government surveillance.</p>

<p>The iPhone maker said its initiative&nbsp;would "help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material."</p>

<p>The move represents a major shift for Apple, which has until recently resisted efforts to weaken its encryption that prevents third parties from seeing private messages.</p>

<p>Apple argued in a technical paper that the technology developed by cryptographic experts "is secure, and is expressly designed to preserve user privacy."</p>

<p>The company said it will have limited access to the violating images which would be flagged to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a nonprofit organization.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, encryption and private specialists warned the tool could be exploited for other purposes, potentially opening a door to mass surveillance.</p>

<p>"This sort of tool can be a boon for finding child pornography in people's phones. But imagine what it could do in the hands of an authoritarian government?" said a tweet from Matthew Green, a cryptographer at Johns Hopkins University.</p>

<p>Others warned that the move could be a first step toward weakening encryption and opening "back doors" which could be exploited by hackers or governments.</p>

<p>"There's going to be enormous pressure on Apple from governments around the world to expand this capability to detect other kinds of 'bad' content, and significant interest by attackers across the spectrum in finding ways to exploit it," tweeted Matt Blaze, a Georgetown University computer scientist and cryptography researcher.</p>

<p>Blaze said the implementation is "potentially very risky" because Apple has moved from scanning data on services to the phone itself and "has potential access to all your local data."</p>

<p><strong>Tools to protect children </strong></p>

<p>The new image-monitoring feature is part of a series of tools heading to Apple mobile devices, according to the company.</p>

<p>Apple's texting app, Messages, will use machine learning to recognise and warn children and their parents when receiving or sending sexually explicit photos, the company said in the statement.</p>

<p>"When receiving this type of content, the photo will be blurred and the child will be warned," Apple said.</p>

<p>"Apple's expanded protection for children is a game changer," said John Clark, president of the nonprofit NCMEC.</p>

<p>The move comes following years of standoffs involving technology firms and law enforcement.</p>

<p>Apple notably resisted a legal effort to weaken iPhone encryption to allow authorities to read messages from a suspect in a 2015 bombing in San Bernardino, California.</p>

<p>FBI officials have warned that so-called "end to end encryption," where only the user and recipient can read messages, can protect criminals, terrorists and pornographers even when authorities have a legal warrant for an investigation.</p>

<p><strong>Different tack for&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Facebook, which has faced criticism that its encrypted messaging app facilitates crime, has been studying the use of artificial intelligence to analyse the content of messages without decrypting them, according to a recent report by The Information.</p>

<p>But&nbsp;WhatsApp&nbsp;head Will Cathcart said the popular messaging app would not follow Apple's approach.</p>

<p>"I think this is the wrong approach and a setback for people's privacy all over the world," Cathcart tweeted.</p>

<p>Apple's system "can scan all the private photos on your phone -- even photos you haven't shared with anyone. That's not privacy," he said.</p>

<p>"People have asked if we'll adopt this system for&nbsp;WhatsApp. The answer is no."</p>

<p>Backers of encryption argue that authorities already have multiple sources of "digital breadcrumbs" to track nefarious activity and that any tools to break encryption could be exploited by bad actors.</p>

<p>James Lewis, who heads technology and public policy at the Center for Strategic and International&nbsp;Studies, said Apple's latest move appears to be a positive step, noting that the company is identifying offending material while avoiding directly turning over data to law enforcement.</p>

<p>But he said it's unlikely to satisfy the concerns of security agencies investigating extremism and other crimes.</p>

<p>"Apple has done a good job of balancing public safety and privacy but it's not enough for some of the harder security problems," Lewis said.</p>


Apple's announcement that it would scan encrypted messages for evidence of child sexual abuse has revived debate on online encryption and privacy, raising fears the same technology could be used for government surveillance.

Apple's announcement that it would scan encrypted messages for evidence of child sexual abuse has revived debate on online encryption and privacy, raising fears the same technology could be used for government surveillance. The iPhone maker said its initiative would "help protect children from predators who use communication tools to recruit and exploit them, and limit the spread of child sexual abuse material." The move represents a major shift for Apple, which has until recently resisted efforts to weaken its encryption that prevents third parties from seeing private messages. Apple argued in a technical paper that the technology developed by cryptographic experts "is secure, and is expressly designed to preserve user privacy." The company said it will have limited access to the violating images which would be flagged to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a nonprofit organization. Nonetheless, encryption and private specialists warned the tool could be exploited for other purposes, potentially opening a door to mass surveillance. "This sort of tool can be a boon for finding child pornography in people's phones. But imagine what it could do in the hands of an authoritarian government?" said a tweet from Matthew Green, a cryptographer at Johns Hopkins University. Others warned that the move could be a first step toward weakening encryption and opening "back doors" which could be exploited by hackers or governments. "There's going to be enormous pressure on Apple from governments around the world to expand this capability to detect other kinds of 'bad' content, and significant interest by attackers across the spectrum in finding ways to exploit it," tweeted Matt Blaze, a Georgetown University computer scientist and cryptography researcher. Blaze said the implementation is "potentially very risky" because Apple has moved from scanning data on services to the phone itself and "has potential access to all your local data." Tools to protect children The new image-monitoring feature is part of a series of tools heading to Apple mobile devices, according to the company. Apple's texting app, Messages, will use machine learning to recognise and warn children and their parents when receiving or sending sexually explicit photos, the company said in the statement. "When receiving this type of content, the photo will be blurred and the child will be warned," Apple said. "Apple's expanded protection for children is a game changer," said John Clark, president of the nonprofit NCMEC. The move comes following years of standoffs involving technology firms and law enforcement. Apple notably resisted a legal effort to weaken iPhone encryption to allow authorities to read messages from a suspect in a 2015 bombing in San Bernardino, California. FBI officials have warned that so-called "end to end encryption," where only the user and recipient can read messages, can protect criminals, terrorists and pornographers even when authorities have a legal warrant for an investigation. Different tack for WhatsApp Facebook, which has faced criticism that its encrypted messaging app facilitates crime, has been studying the use of artificial intelligence to analyse the content of messages without decrypting them, according to a recent report by The Information. But WhatsApp head Will Cathcart said the popular messaging app would not follow Apple's approach. "I think this is the wrong approach and a setback for people's privacy all over the world," Cathcart tweeted. Apple's system "can scan all the private photos on your phone -- even photos you haven't shared with anyone. That's not privacy," he said. "People have asked if we'll adopt this system for WhatsApp. The answer is no." Backers of encryption argue that authorities already have multiple sources of "digital breadcrumbs" to track nefarious activity and that any tools to break encryption could be exploited by bad actors. James Lewis, who heads technology and public policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Apple's latest move appears to be a positive step, noting that the company is identifying offending material while avoiding directly turning over data to law enforcement. But he said it's unlikely to satisfy the concerns of security agencies investigating extremism and other crimes. "Apple has done a good job of balancing public safety and privacy but it's not enough for some of the harder security problems," Lewis said.

Apple revives encryption debate with move on child exploitation, WhatsApp disagrees

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{91c3051a-486e-4018-8eaf-c90347329379}{193}" paraid="128730826" >A&nbsp;proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked&nbsp;intense debate in South Africa.&nbsp;This is&nbsp;just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{91c3051a-486e-4018-8eaf-c90347329379}{67}" paraid="2139605585" >According to a CNN report, the proposal, which looks&nbsp;to allow polyandry, has been included in a green paper from South Africa's Department of Home Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2137c576-3e7f-40d4-9785-a8cb9546a88c}{56}" paraid="1718066908" >It&nbsp;hopes to make marriages more inclusive even as polygamy, where men marry multiple wives, is legal in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{034c32f4-da17-4284-a506-201208d44fe3}{209}" paraid="1473842484" >The paper says,&nbsp;"South Africa inherited a marriage regime that was based on the Calvinist Christian and Western traditions.&nbsp;The current marriage laws are not informed by an overarching policy that is based on constitutional values and the understanding of modern society dynamics.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{45f22421-9b38-4a19-b078-4d910cab036d}{214}" paraid="1433635403" >It also states&nbsp;the current law allows the marriage of minors and does not account for couples, who seek to&nbsp;change their sex and want to remain married without going through a divorce, among other flaws.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{af74f9da-8e1c-48b1-8a24-fbf6c5fd9207}{231}" paraid="110945528" >With the aim to&nbsp;make marriage policy stronger, the department has also&nbsp;consulted with traditional leaders, human rights activists and other groups on important&nbsp;issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3b69b7eb-6916-4f7f-84ef-ffaf6c8762ca}{71}" paraid="1531690460" >As per the&nbsp;human rights activists,&nbsp;equality demands polyandry to be legally&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;as a form of marriage.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3370557e-00ee-40e5-b096-572ca8ae5cd1}{216}" paraid="690559144" >In the whole exercise, the need&nbsp;to&nbsp;draw up a 'gender neutral' marriage scheme&nbsp;has come to the fore.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b8e663a1-68f0-4349-adb8-4cec23b2ee11}{212}" paraid="806524401" >As per the&nbsp;suggestion,&nbsp;South Africa could do away with&nbsp;categorising&nbsp;marriages along lines of race, religion,&nbsp;sexual orientation and culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{09e08a69-6d71-4b29-8d44-d90e9008c1d1}{64}" paraid="1836788869" >These suggestions&nbsp;seem&nbsp;to have not gone down well with&nbsp;some people in the country.&nbsp;"The thinking is foreign,"&nbsp;Musa&nbsp;Mseleku, a reality TV star, who has four wives,&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a2616f9-2f60-4931-bdac-4be9a69f9ebe}{40}" paraid="873351539" >Until June 30,&nbsp;the South African government is consulting on the paper and have invited comments on all the proposals involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1a2616f9-2f60-4931-bdac-4be9a69f9ebe}{40}" paraid="873351539" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked intense debate in South Africa. This is just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document.

A proposal, which is considering allowing women to have multiple husbands, has sparked intense debate in South Africa. This is just one of several proposals in a wide-ranging document. According to a CNN report, the proposal, which looks to allow polyandry, has been included in a green paper from South Africa's Department of Home Affairs. It hopes to make marriages more inclusive even as polygamy, where men marry multiple wives, is legal in the country. The paper says, "South Africa inherited a marriage regime that was based on the Calvinist Christian and Western traditions. The current marriage laws are not informed by an overarching policy that is based on constitutional values and the understanding of modern society dynamics.” It also states the current law allows the marriage of minors and does not account for couples, who seek to change their sex and want to remain married without going through a divorce, among other flaws. With the aim to make marriage policy stronger, the department has also consulted with traditional leaders, human rights activists and other groups on important issues. As per the human rights activists, equality demands polyandry to be legally recognised as a form of marriage. In the whole exercise, the need to draw up a 'gender neutral' marriage scheme has come to the fore. As per the suggestion, South Africa could do away with categorising marriages along lines of race, religion, sexual orientation and culture. These suggestions seem to have not gone down well with some people in the country. "The thinking is foreign," Musa Mseleku, a reality TV star, who has four wives, said. Until June 30, the South African government is consulting on the paper and have invited comments on all the proposals involved. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa may let women have multiple husbands. Debate ensues on polyandry

<p>Iran's president angrily defended himself on Wednesday after coming under harsh attack during a presidential election debate the night before, saying his critics' 'love for power causes memory loss'.</p>

<p>Hassan Rouhani, the relatively moderate cleric, who has been Iran's civilian leader for eight years, is now term limited from seeking office again.</p>

<p>During Iran's second presidential debate on Tuesday, hard-liners repeatedly mocked the Rouhani administration's 'hope' campaign that surrounded its now-tattered 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.</p>

<p>Rouhani made a point to target them during his televised Cabinet meeting, his tone moving between an angry attack to a mocking tone. His signature nuclear deal, which saw Iran eager to limit its atomic programme in exchange for sanctions relief, fell apart after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018.</p>

<p>That has worsened Iran's already-anemic economy by largely stopping its international oil sales, hiking inflation and weakening its rial currency. "In the debates, it was clarified that only the administration suffers from problems and the parts (of government) are blameless," Rouhani said, his remarks likely targeting hard-line judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, widely believed to be the contest's front-runner.</p>

<p>Rouhani went on to criticise hard-liners on women's rights and the censorship of the internet in Iran, two issues former Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati focused on Raisi during the three-hour debate.</p>

<p>While Hemmati has tried to distance himself from Rouhani, he's widely perceived as the candidate representing the president's administration. "Nobody dares to say that he supports blocking internet," Rouhani mockingly said.</p>

<p>Rouhani went onto say that hard-liners, who for years criticised the nuclear deal, should be put on the spot about whether they want sanctions relief through a return to the accord. "Say you do not want to return to the deal if you have such an idea," he said.</p>

<p>Raisi, a favourite of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Tuesday discussed the need to 'remove oppressive sanctions',&nbsp;suggesting he'd back returning to the nuclear deal.</p>

<p>The election comes amid tensions with the West as negotiations continue to try and resuscitate the nuclear deal. Iranian authorities hope to boost turnout in the June 18 poll, held by officials as a sign of confidence in the theocracy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.</p>

<p>The state-linked Iranian Student Polling Agency has projected a 38% turnout from the country's 59 million eligible voters, which would be a historic low amid a lack of enthusiasm by voters and the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>


Iran's president angrily defended himself on Wednesday after coming under harsh attack during a presidential election debate the night before, saying his critics' 'love for power causes memory loss'.

Iran's president angrily defended himself on Wednesday after coming under harsh attack during a presidential election debate the night before, saying his critics' 'love for power causes memory loss'. Hassan Rouhani, the relatively moderate cleric, who has been Iran's civilian leader for eight years, is now term limited from seeking office again. During Iran's second presidential debate on Tuesday, hard-liners repeatedly mocked the Rouhani administration's 'hope' campaign that surrounded its now-tattered 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Rouhani made a point to target them during his televised Cabinet meeting, his tone moving between an angry attack to a mocking tone. His signature nuclear deal, which saw Iran eager to limit its atomic programme in exchange for sanctions relief, fell apart after then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018. That has worsened Iran's already-anemic economy by largely stopping its international oil sales, hiking inflation and weakening its rial currency. "In the debates, it was clarified that only the administration suffers from problems and the parts (of government) are blameless," Rouhani said, his remarks likely targeting hard-line judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi, widely believed to be the contest's front-runner. Rouhani went on to criticise hard-liners on women's rights and the censorship of the internet in Iran, two issues former Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati focused on Raisi during the three-hour debate. While Hemmati has tried to distance himself from Rouhani, he's widely perceived as the candidate representing the president's administration. "Nobody dares to say that he supports blocking internet," Rouhani mockingly said. Rouhani went onto say that hard-liners, who for years criticised the nuclear deal, should be put on the spot about whether they want sanctions relief through a return to the accord. "Say you do not want to return to the deal if you have such an idea," he said. Raisi, a favourite of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Tuesday discussed the need to 'remove oppressive sanctions', suggesting he'd back returning to the nuclear deal. The election comes amid tensions with the West as negotiations continue to try and resuscitate the nuclear deal. Iranian authorities hope to boost turnout in the June 18 poll, held by officials as a sign of confidence in the theocracy since the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution. The state-linked Iranian Student Polling Agency has projected a 38% turnout from the country's 59 million eligible voters, which would be a historic low amid a lack of enthusiasm by voters and the coronavirus pandemic.

Outgoing Iran president, a debate target, defends his record

With Joe Biden & DonaldTrump electronically muted for portions of the debate, the constant interruptions were replaced by a sharply defined personal attacks, accusations & confusion. WION brings you the best moments from the final Presidential Debate 2020.

Personal attacks, confusion & time

In their final chance, DonaldTrump & and Joe Biden unleashed a series of falsehoods, misleading & exaggerated statements. WION fact-checks the Final Presidential Debate2020.

Falsehoods, misleading & exaggerated claims

Less than 2 weeks to go for US Election 2020, the battle for the White House is only gaining in ferocity. Just a day before the final Presidential Debate, WION reports the opinion polls in key swing states.

Who leads in key states before debate?

One thing that has become crucial in the 2020 Election campaign is The State of Race relations in America. Susan Tehrani brings you a ground report on the deep racial division in America before Election Day.

A reckoning with racism & discrimination

<p>The organsiers of the US presidential debate were left speechless after the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwihr5ry7o_sAhWawzgGHb0eDLAQFjAAegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AfO9799mZXkwQdiR-a7m_">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and his&nbsp;Democratic rival <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZ9JHp7o_sAhW9yjgGHfB6D5oQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2uWmb1SVt292OTp_JacPPr">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;engaged in a 'chaotic' debate.</p>

<p>First presidential debate of the US elections 2020 were nothing less than a chaos of three men talking at the same time, of which one was trying to take his turn and the moderator was simply asking to establish order. This was one of rare times — probably the first — when the moderator had to ask a candidate that their campaign manager had agreed to rules which were being flouted by the candidate.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderator-of-us-elections-debate-snaps-at-trump-for-speaking-out-of-time-331319"><strong>Also read:Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time</strong></a></p>

<p>The debate's chaos and lack of order were highly criticised. While the Democrats blamed <strong>Trump&nbsp;</strong>for constant interruptions, and the Republicans defended the President by claiming it to be <strong>Biden's&nbsp;</strong>fault for saying 'absurd' statements, the Debate Commission has decided to put it behind them and prepare for the next debate.</p>

<p>Last night's debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues," the Commission on Presidential Debates said in a statement.</p>

<p>Without revealing the details, the commission is now looking for additional measures "to ensure that additional tools to maintain order are in place for the remaining debates."</p>

<p>The chaos was even identified by the Fox News journalist and debate's moderator <strong>Chris Wallace</strong> as he agreed that the debate had gone off the rails at one point. "I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did," he told local media.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-election-2020-planners-vow-less-chaos-at-the-next-debate-331603/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I guess I didn't realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president's strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate," Wallace said.</p>

<p>A lot of people on social media asked the organisers to allow the moderator to mute the candidate who is speaking out of turn. However, <strong>Wallace</strong> put that thought to rest by reminding everyone that since the two candidates were standing at a very less distance,&nbsp;<strong>Joe Biden&nbsp;</strong>would have easily heard <strong>Trump </strong>even without a mic.</p>

<p>"I’m a pro. I’ve never been through anything like this," Wallace added, recalling the debate.</p>


The organsiers of the US presidential debate were left speechless after the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a 'chaotic' debate.

The organsiers of the US presidential debate were left speechless after the US President Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden engaged in a 'chaotic' debate. First presidential debate of the US elections 2020 were nothing less than a chaos of three men talking at the same time, of which one was trying to take his turn and the moderator was simply asking to establish order. This was one of rare times — probably the first — when the moderator had to ask a candidate that their campaign manager had agreed to rules which were being flouted by the candidate. Also read:Moderator of US elections debate snaps at Trump for speaking out of time The debate's chaos and lack of order were highly criticised. While the Democrats blamed Trump for constant interruptions, and the Republicans defended the President by claiming it to be Biden's fault for saying 'absurd' statements, the Debate Commission has decided to put it behind them and prepare for the next debate. Last night's debate made clear that additional structure should be added to the format of the remaining debates to ensure a more orderly discussion of the issues," the Commission on Presidential Debates said in a statement. Without revealing the details, the commission is now looking for additional measures "to ensure that additional tools to maintain order are in place for the remaining debates." The chaos was even identified by the Fox News journalist and debate's moderator Chris Wallace as he agreed that the debate had gone off the rails at one point. "I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did," he told local media. × "I guess I didn't realize — and there was no way you could, hindsight being 20/20 — that this was going to be the president's strategy, not just for the beginning of the debate but the entire debate," Wallace said. A lot of people on social media asked the organisers to allow the moderator to mute the candidate who is speaking out of turn. However, Wallace put that thought to rest by reminding everyone that since the two candidates were standing at a very less distance, Joe Biden would have easily heard Trump even without a mic. "I’m a pro. I’ve never been through anything like this," Wallace added, recalling the debate.

US elections 2020: Debate Commission promises 'orderly' debate next time

debate

Debate, News on Debate, stories on Debate, articles on Debate, Debate stories at Wion, Debate news, Debate latest news