More than 100 schools across England have been told to shut down over safety concerns&nbsp;after being made with a certain type of concrete that is prone to collapse, reported the British media, on Friday (September 1).&nbsp;

The announcement has reportedly left the institutes scrambling to make arrangements to continue teaching as an order by the United Kingdom government was issued days before the start of the autumn term.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the UK government say?</h2>

The announcement was made by the UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, on Thursday (August 31) who said that the affected schools would contact parents directly and that “If you don't hear, don’t worry.”&nbsp;

However, she did not mention when the list of affected schools will be published, prompting criticism from the opposition Labour Party. Additionally, the teaching unions also slammed the government for the back-to-school chaos and called it “nothing short of a scandal”.&nbsp;

Keegan told reporters that as many as 156 school buildings have been identified as containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete or RAAC. Notably, there are more than 20,000 schools in England.

The education secretary said 104 schools or “settings” require urgent action while 52 have already received repair works. The Department for Education (DfE) has also noted that a vast majority of schools and colleges “will be unaffected”.&nbsp;

“We’re taking a very safety-first approach and we’re really being cautious here,” said the UK education secretary.&nbsp;

<h2>What is RAAC?</h2>

The RAAC is essentially a lightweight form of concrete which according to the UK government’s website was used to build roofs, schools, colleges and other buildings from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, but has since been found to be at risk of collapse.

It has also been described as “80 per cent air” and is said to have a lifespan of around 30 years. The UK government’s announcement also comes months after a report by the watchdog National Audit Office (NAO) noted the risk of injury or death from a school building collapse is “very likely”.&nbsp;

It also highlighted concerns for school buildings that still contained RAAC and identified 572 schools where this concrete might be present.&nbsp;

The DfE said it sent a questionnaire to schools in 2022 asking if they had any confirmed or suspected cases of RAAC in their buildings and sent DfE-commissioned engineers to check if the institutes provided a positive response.&nbsp;

The education department also said the British government has been aware of the use of RAAC in public sector buildings since 1994 but the issue came to light in 2018 when a roof collapsed at a Kent school.&nbsp;

<h2>UK government criticised</h2>

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Labour has also not seen the full list of schools affected and urged ministers to “come clean with parents” about the full scale of the challenge before them.&nbsp;

She also said that the government is “failing” children by shutting the schools just before the new term started. “This is an absolutely staggering display of Tory incompetence as they start a fresh term by failing our children again,” said Phillipson.&nbsp;

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT said that while the “news is shocking” it isn’t “hugely surprising”. 
 
“What we are seeing here are the very real consequences of a decade of swinging cuts to spending on school buildings,” said Whiteman, as quoted by Sky News.&nbsp;

The Local Government Association that they have been warning about the risk of RAAC since 2018. The timing of the announcement meant schools and councils had been left with “very little time to make urgent rearrangements and minimise disruption to classroom learning,” said Kevin Bentley, senior vice-chairman of the association.&nbsp;

<h2>What now?</h2>

The education secretary told reporters that the first thing to do is identify where the RAAC is used. “Some children will be moved to a different part of the building, some of the buildings will be propped up, so the roofs will be propped up, some of them will be having temporary classrooms,” said Keegan. &nbsp;

The DfE said the majority of the school sites would remain open for face-to-face learning and only specific parts of buildings will be closed where RAAC is used. According to media reports, some students have already been told they will be learning remotely, in temporary classrooms or at different schools.&nbsp;

One parent has told Sky they were warned that the “disruption will continue until 2025, or they may have to go to a new location altogether”.&nbsp;

<h2>Other buildings at risk</h2>

In an interview with Times Radio, the schools minister Nick Gibb also revealed that the British government is also in the midst of rebuilding seven hospitals due to issues related to RAAC.&nbsp;

“They use propping where they identify RAAC and also we are rebuilding seven hospitals because of extensive RAAC in those hospitals,” said Gibb.&nbsp;

British media reports have also reported that a number of public building,s including schools, hospitals and police stations, have been identified as being at risk because of RAAC.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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More than 100 schools across England have been told to shut down over safety concerns after being made with a certain type of concrete that is prone to collapse, reported the British media, on Friday (September 1).

More than 100 schools across England have been told to shut down over safety concerns after being made with a certain type of concrete that is prone to collapse, reported the British media, on Friday (September 1). The announcement has reportedly left the institutes scrambling to make arrangements to continue teaching as an order by the United Kingdom government was issued days before the start of the autumn term. What did the UK government say? The announcement was made by the UK Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, on Thursday (August 31) who said that the affected schools would contact parents directly and that “If you don't hear, don’t worry.” However, she did not mention when the list of affected schools will be published, prompting criticism from the opposition Labour Party. Additionally, the teaching unions also slammed the government for the back-to-school chaos and called it “nothing short of a scandal”. Keegan told reporters that as many as 156 school buildings have been identified as containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete or RAAC. Notably, there are more than 20,000 schools in England. The education secretary said 104 schools or “settings” require urgent action while 52 have already received repair works. The Department for Education (DfE) has also noted that a vast majority of schools and colleges “will be unaffected”. “We’re taking a very safety-first approach and we’re really being cautious here,” said the UK education secretary. What is RAAC? The RAAC is essentially a lightweight form of concrete which according to the UK government’s website was used to build roofs, schools, colleges and other buildings from the 1950s until the mid-1990s, but has since been found to be at risk of collapse. It has also been described as “80 per cent air” and is said to have a lifespan of around 30 years. The UK government’s announcement also comes months after a report by the watchdog National Audit Office (NAO) noted the risk of injury or death from a school building collapse is “very likely”. It also highlighted concerns for school buildings that still contained RAAC and identified 572 schools where this concrete might be present. The DfE said it sent a questionnaire to schools in 2022 asking if they had any confirmed or suspected cases of RAAC in their buildings and sent DfE-commissioned engineers to check if the institutes provided a positive response. The education department also said the British government has been aware of the use of RAAC in public sector buildings since 1994 but the issue came to light in 2018 when a roof collapsed at a Kent school. UK government criticised Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said the Labour has also not seen the full list of schools affected and urged ministers to “come clean with parents” about the full scale of the challenge before them. She also said that the government is “failing” children by shutting the schools just before the new term started. “This is an absolutely staggering display of Tory incompetence as they start a fresh term by failing our children again,” said Phillipson. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT said that while the “news is shocking” it isn’t “hugely surprising”. “What we are seeing here are the very real consequences of a decade of swinging cuts to spending on school buildings,” said Whiteman, as quoted by Sky News. The Local Government Association that they have been warning about the risk of RAAC since 2018. The timing of the announcement meant schools and councils had been left with “very little time to make urgent rearrangements and minimise disruption to classroom learning,” said Kevin Bentley, senior vice-chairman of the association. What now? The education secretary told reporters that the first thing to do is identify where the RAAC is used. “Some children will be moved to a different part of the building, some of the buildings will be propped up, so the roofs will be propped up, some of them will be having temporary classrooms,” said Keegan. The DfE said the majority of the school sites would remain open for face-to-face learning and only specific parts of buildings will be closed where RAAC is used. According to media reports, some students have already been told they will be learning remotely, in temporary classrooms or at different schools. One parent has told Sky they were warned that the “disruption will continue until 2025, or they may have to go to a new location altogether”. Other buildings at risk In an interview with Times Radio, the schools minister Nick Gibb also revealed that the British government is also in the midst of rebuilding seven hospitals due to issues related to RAAC. “They use propping where they identify RAAC and also we are rebuilding seven hospitals because of extensive RAAC in those hospitals,” said Gibb. British media reports have also reported that a number of public building,s including schools, hospitals and police stations, have been identified as being at risk because of RAAC. (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.

Explained | Over 100 schools across England made with RAAC concrete forced to shut down. Here’s why

This week would have been a historic one in Lunar exploration - with two landers (one from Russia and one from India) touching down near the Lunar south pole, within a few days of each other. However, it is not to be as historic as it should have been. Russia's maiden moon lander Luna-25 has crashed on the Lunar surface after suffering a mishap on Saturday, August 19, said the Russian Space agency. In preparation for an expected lunar soft-landing on Monday,&nbsp;August 21, the Russian lander was moving into its final, pre-landing orbit, when the mishap took place.

"On August 19, in accordance with the flight programme of the Luna-25 spacecraft, an impulse was provided for the formation of its pre-landing elliptical orbit. At about 14:57 Moscow time, communication with the Luna-25 spacecraft was interrupted.&nbsp;The measures taken on August 19 and 20 to search for the craft and get into contact with it did not produce any results," said the statement from Russian space agency Roscosmos.

"According to the results of the preliminary analysis, due to the deviation of the actual parameters of the impulse from the calculated ones, the device switched to an off-design orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the lunar surface," the agency said, thereby indicating that all hopes of the maiden Russian Lunar landing are over. (The erstwhile Soviet Union conducted multiple robotic Lunar landing missions, the last of which was in 1976).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-3-vikram-lander-25-km-above-moon-to-land-at-break-of-lunar-day-on-aug-23-627126">Chandrayaan-3: Vikram lander 25km above moon, to land at break of Lunar Day on Aug 23</a>

<h2>The journey of Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25, thus far...</h2>

July 14&nbsp;- India launches its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to soft-land on the moon and all eyes are on the proposed soft-landing date - 23rdAugust.

August 11&nbsp;- Russia launches it Luna-25 spacecraft to soft-land on the moon, which could soft-land on the moon, a couple of days ahead of Chandrayaan-3.

<h2>Launch vehicle and time taken to the moon</h2>

Launched on&nbsp;July 14, Chandrayaan-3 is taking almost 40 days to soft-land on the moon. Why so? Because, the Indian LVM3 rocket can only impart a certain amount of departure energy to its 3.9 tonne Chandrayaan-3 craft. While this departure energy is sufficient to put it into a parking orbit (170km x 36000km) around the earth, it cannot put the craft directly on a Lunar Transfer trajectory (direct path to rendezvous with the moon in&nbsp;six days). Knowing its limitations fully well, the Indian space agency has gradually slingshot its craft further and further away from the earth (over a span of more than two weeks) and then put it on Lunar transfer trajectory. ISRO is making up for its limitations by using an energy-efficient and frugal method to achieve its objectives.

Luna-25 has been launched on a Soyuz-2 rocket with a Fregat upper stage. The launch on August 11th put the 1.8 tonne&nbsp;craft through a few orbits around the earth and directly on the Lunar Transfer Trajectory, thereby ensuring that it can rendezvous with the moon in around 6 days. The Luna-25 craft weighing just half as much of India's Chandrayaan-3 also gave&nbsp;it the added advantage of being able to reach faster. Think of it as a lighter shotput ball being thrown further and faster. While the Russian rocket is similar in terms of power and capability, when compared to India's LVM3, the lighter mass of Luna-25 makes a difference.

Also watch |&nbsp;Chandrayaan-3: Second and final de-boosting of Vikram Lander successful

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<h2>Coincidence or competition?</h2>

There are hundreds of news reports pitting Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25 as a reflection of rivalry. Here are the facts - India decided upon Chandrayaan-3, almost immediately after its maiden Lunar soft-landing attempt Chandrayaan-2 failed in September 2019. In the case of Luna-25, it is more of a continuation of the Soviet-era Luna-series of missions, the last of which was Luna-24. It is after decades of delay that Luna-25 has taken flight, so it would outlandish to claim that the Russians are competing with the Indians.

When launching scientific probes and spacecrafts to other planets, celestial bodies, space agencies have to look at an ideal launch date and time. These are based on precise calculations and not based on the intention to compete with another agency. If you think it's like a James Bond chase sequence in space, it is far from that!

Orbital Mechanics is the science that determines when to launch spacecrafts, the path they must take, the energy efficient route it must follow, the gravitational influence of earth and other celestial bodies, the specific date when the craft must reach its destination etc. Therefore, space agencies plan a certain launch window, within which they must carry out a mission. For a mission to each celestial body, there is an ideal window - weeks or months-long, during which it is possible to carry out a mission in an energy-efficient manner (based on the position of the earth, other celestial bodies etc.). Therefore, when the time is ideal, whoever is ready with a mission will launch - sooner or later (depending on their rocket and mission specifications and preferred landing time).

<h2>The landing date - Which one was&nbsp;to&nbsp;reach earlier ?</h2>

For the Indian Space agency ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 must land on August 23. Why? Because, Chandrayaan-3 is meant to be operational for one Lunar day (two weeks on earth) and the Lunar day commences on August 23rd. Landing on the Lunar day will help Chandrayaan-3 harness the sunlight, use it to charge its batteries and thereby operate all the scientific payloads on-board the craft (for at least the planned duration). Solar-power is crucial for Chandrayaan-3's lander and rover, as that is its lone power source. This is why ISRO determined its launch date well in advance and made it public.

Luna-25 did not depend completely on Solar power. Though it weighed less, Luna-25 used&nbsp;a radioactive isotope, a sort of nuclear battery, that helped&nbsp;it stay powered for at least one earth year. Therefore, it was theoretically possible for Luna-25 to land ahead of Chandrayaan-3. While the Russian Space agency Roscosmos did not announce the exact landing date, it was widely expected to land on August 21, two days prior to Chandrayaan-3.

While many claimed that it was a space rivalry or competition between India and Russia, the prospective landing dates being so close to each other, is a mere&nbsp;coincidence.

<h2>What this means for the Russian space programme?</h2>

The crash-landing and loss of Luna-25 would certainly be a jolt to the Russian space programme, amid the ongoing geopolitical crises that stemmed from the Ukraine-Russia war. Without doubt, Russia can bounce back and learn from their mistakes and re-attempt this mission. But it would cause significant delay. Notably, Luna-25 itself was delayed by several decades and there are even reports of successor missions in the Luna series.

The setback caused by Luna-25 would warrant a closer look and many modifications to future Russian Lunar missions. It is notable that standalone Russian space-exploratory missions have not had a great track record, in recent decades.

<h2>High hopes on Chandrayaan-3</h2>

With its Russian co-traveller gone, Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander will be attempting its scheduled Lunar soft-landing. The Indian Space agency ISRO has announced that Vikram lander is expected to perform its soft-landing at 6:04 pm IST, August 23. Leaders from within ISRO are confident that 'Vikram' will perform a feather-like soft-landing. It would be a fitting tribute to the fallen Chandrayaan-2 and Luna-25(both of which crash-landed in 2019 and 2023, respectively), when ISRO does so on Wednesday.

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This week would have been a historic one in Lunar exploration - with two landers (one from Russia and one from India) touching down near the Lunar south pole, within a few days of each other.

This week would have been a historic one in Lunar exploration - with two landers (one from Russia and one from India) touching down near the Lunar south pole, within a few days of each other. However, it is not to be as historic as it should have been. Russia's maiden moon lander Luna-25 has crashed on the Lunar surface after suffering a mishap on Saturday, August 19, said the Russian Space agency. In preparation for an expected lunar soft-landing on Monday, August 21, the Russian lander was moving into its final, pre-landing orbit, when the mishap took place. "On August 19, in accordance with the flight programme of the Luna-25 spacecraft, an impulse was provided for the formation of its pre-landing elliptical orbit. At about 14:57 Moscow time, communication with the Luna-25 spacecraft was interrupted. The measures taken on August 19 and 20 to search for the craft and get into contact with it did not produce any results," said the statement from Russian space agency Roscosmos. "According to the results of the preliminary analysis, due to the deviation of the actual parameters of the impulse from the calculated ones, the device switched to an off-design orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the lunar surface," the agency said, thereby indicating that all hopes of the maiden Russian Lunar landing are over. (The erstwhile Soviet Union conducted multiple robotic Lunar landing missions, the last of which was in 1976). Also read | Chandrayaan-3: Vikram lander 25km above moon, to land at break of Lunar Day on Aug 23 The journey of Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25, thus far... July 14 - India launches its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft to soft-land on the moon and all eyes are on the proposed soft-landing date - 23rdAugust. August 11 - Russia launches it Luna-25 spacecraft to soft-land on the moon, which could soft-land on the moon, a couple of days ahead of Chandrayaan-3. Launch vehicle and time taken to the moon Launched on July 14, Chandrayaan-3 is taking almost 40 days to soft-land on the moon. Why so? Because, the Indian LVM3 rocket can only impart a certain amount of departure energy to its 3.9 tonne Chandrayaan-3 craft. While this departure energy is sufficient to put it into a parking orbit (170km x 36000km) around the earth, it cannot put the craft directly on a Lunar Transfer trajectory (direct path to rendezvous with the moon in six days). Knowing its limitations fully well, the Indian space agency has gradually slingshot its craft further and further away from the earth (over a span of more than two weeks) and then put it on Lunar transfer trajectory. ISRO is making up for its limitations by using an energy-efficient and frugal method to achieve its objectives. Luna-25 has been launched on a Soyuz-2 rocket with a Fregat upper stage. The launch on August 11th put the 1.8 tonne craft through a few orbits around the earth and directly on the Lunar Transfer Trajectory, thereby ensuring that it can rendezvous with the moon in around 6 days. The Luna-25 craft weighing just half as much of India's Chandrayaan-3 also gave it the added advantage of being able to reach faster. Think of it as a lighter shotput ball being thrown further and faster. While the Russian rocket is similar in terms of power and capability, when compared to India's LVM3, the lighter mass of Luna-25 makes a difference. Also watch | Chandrayaan-3: Second and final de-boosting of Vikram Lander successful Coincidence or competition? There are hundreds of news reports pitting Chandrayaan-3 and Luna-25 as a reflection of rivalry. Here are the facts - India decided upon Chandrayaan-3, almost immediately after its maiden Lunar soft-landing attempt Chandrayaan-2 failed in September 2019. In the case of Luna-25, it is more of a continuation of the Soviet-era Luna-series of missions, the last of which was Luna-24. It is after decades of delay that Luna-25 has taken flight, so it would outlandish to claim that the Russians are competing with the Indians. When launching scientific probes and spacecrafts to other planets, celestial bodies, space agencies have to look at an ideal launch date and time. These are based on precise calculations and not based on the intention to compete with another agency. If you think it's like a James Bond chase sequence in space, it is far from that! Orbital Mechanics is the science that determines when to launch spacecrafts, the path they must take, the energy efficient route it must follow, the gravitational influence of earth and other celestial bodies, the specific date when the craft must reach its destination etc. Therefore, space agencies plan a certain launch window, within which they must carry out a mission. For a mission to each celestial body, there is an ideal window - weeks or months-long, during which it is possible to carry out a mission in an energy-efficient manner (based on the position of the earth, other celestial bodies etc.). Therefore, when the time is ideal, whoever is ready with a mission will launch - sooner or later (depending on their rocket and mission specifications and preferred landing time). The landing date - Which one was to reach earlier ? For the Indian Space agency ISRO, Chandrayaan-3 must land on August 23. Why? Because, Chandrayaan-3 is meant to be operational for one Lunar day (two weeks on earth) and the Lunar day commences on August 23rd. Landing on the Lunar day will help Chandrayaan-3 harness the sunlight, use it to charge its batteries and thereby operate all the scientific payloads on-board the craft (for at least the planned duration). Solar-power is crucial for Chandrayaan-3's lander and rover, as that is its lone power source. This is why ISRO determined its launch date well in advance and made it public. Luna-25 did not depend completely on Solar power. Though it weighed less, Luna-25 used a radioactive isotope, a sort of nuclear battery, that helped it stay powered for at least one earth year. Therefore, it was theoretically possible for Luna-25 to land ahead of Chandrayaan-3. While the Russian Space agency Roscosmos did not announce the exact landing date, it was widely expected to land on August 21, two days prior to Chandrayaan-3. While many claimed that it was a space rivalry or competition between India and Russia, the prospective landing dates being so close to each other, is a mere coincidence. What this means for the Russian space programme? The crash-landing and loss of Luna-25 would certainly be a jolt to the Russian space programme, amid the ongoing geopolitical crises that stemmed from the Ukraine-Russia war. Without doubt, Russia can bounce back and learn from their mistakes and re-attempt this mission. But it would cause significant delay. Notably, Luna-25 itself was delayed by several decades and there are even reports of successor missions in the Luna series. The setback caused by Luna-25 would warrant a closer look and many modifications to future Russian Lunar missions. It is notable that standalone Russian space-exploratory missions have not had a great track record, in recent decades. High hopes on Chandrayaan-3 With its Russian co-traveller gone, Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander will be attempting its scheduled Lunar soft-landing. The Indian Space agency ISRO has announced that Vikram lander is expected to perform its soft-landing at 6:04 pm IST, August 23. Leaders from within ISRO are confident that 'Vikram' will perform a feather-like soft-landing. It would be a fitting tribute to the fallen Chandrayaan-2 and Luna-25(both of which crash-landed in 2019 and 2023, respectively), when ISRO does so on Wednesday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | India's Chandrayaan-3 loses Russian co-traveller Luna-25. What are its implications?

Days after Lok Sabha gave its approval to the digital personal data protection bill, 2023, on Wednesday (August 9) Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament, also passed the bill.&nbsp;

The legislation, in its latest form, maintains the provisions from the initial version introduced last November, including aspects that were raised as concerns by privacy specialists, like exceptions for the central authority. The revised version of the proposed law has additionally granted the central government authority over virtual censorship.

This marks India's second attempt at developing privacy-oriented legislation, following the government's consideration and abandonment of at least three prior drafts of data protection laws.

The next step involves the Bill's approval by President Droupadi Murmu before&nbsp;it can be enacted into law.

The bill, aimed at regulating and safeguarding the use of personal data, was presented by Union Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

However, the bill's introduction was met with strong opposition from leaders of the Opposition, who argued that it infringes upon the fundamental right to privacy.

The debate surrounding the bill revolved around concerns raised by the Opposition, including the demand that the bill undergo thorough scrutiny by the standing committee, citing the withdrawal of a previous data protection bill by the government last year.

Vaishnaw defended the bill, asserting that it is not a money bill and that all concerns raised by the Opposition would be addressed in the subsequent debate.

Watch this report

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<h2>Government's perspective: Safeguarding citizens' rights</h2>

While the Opposition voiced its concerns, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, took to X (previously Twitter), to emphasise the bill's significance.

He commended the bill as a crucial step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of establishing global-standard cyber laws for India's thriving digital economy.

Chandrasekhar highlighted that extensive consultations with stakeholders, including citizens, have contributed to the bill's development. He underlined that the bill, once enacted, would ensure citizens' rights, foster innovation, and enable legitimate government access in scenarios like national security threats and emergencies, such as pandemics or earthquakes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill ? 
 
➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DPDPBill?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DPDPBill</a> introduced in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Parliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Parliament</a> is a very significant milestone in PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji's vision of Global Standard Cyber Laws for India's $1T <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DigitalEconomy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DigitalEconomy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaTechade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaTechade</a> 
 
➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/GoI_MeitY?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoI_MeitY</a> has developed this bill after… <a href="https://t.co/a8tHXJl537">pic.twitter.com/a8tHXJl537</a>
— Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rajeev_GoI/status/1687033454746341376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/data-protection-bill-is-much-needed-in-our-current-scenario-says-rahul-matthan-partner-trilegal-538748">"Data Protection Bill is much needed in our current scenario", says Rahul Matthan, Partner, Trilegal</a>

<h2>Understanding the Digital Personal Data Protection&nbsp;Bill</h2>

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to delineate the rights and responsibilities of both citizens, referred to as "Digital Nagriks," and data fiduciaries – entities collecting and using personal data.

The bill is founded upon six fundamental principles aimed at governing the data economy.

The first principle underscores that the collection and utilisation of personal data must be lawful, secure against breaches, and transparent.

The second principle emphasises that data collection activities must have a legal purpose, and the collected data should be safeguarded until that purpose is fulfilled.

The third principle advocates for data minimisation, asserting that only pertinent information should be collected, and data usage should adhere to predefined objectives.

The fourth and fifth principles pertain to data protection, accountability, and accuracy. The final principle dictates the protocols for reporting data breaches, stipulating a fair and transparent process to inform Data Protection Boards of such incidents.

<h2>Key provisions and proposals of the DPDP Bill</h2>

The DPDP Bill introduces several significant provisions to ensure data protection, privacy, and accountability:

<ol>
	<li>
	Consent criteria: The bill mandates that processing personal data requires the explicit and informed consent of the individual, given freely and unambiguously. While consent remains central, a clause of deemed consent addresses situations where explicit consent is not mandatory.
	</li>
	<li>
	Data localisation and cross-border transfer: The bill permits cross-border data flow to specific countries and territories, accompanied by relaxed data localisation requirements, enabling greater flexibility in data handling.
	</li>
	<li>
	Data retention: A Data Protection Board, designed to be digitally proficient, will be established to oversee compliance and impose penalties. Data fiduciaries can retain personal data for business purposes even beyond the initial collection purpose.
	</li>
	<li>
	Penalties for data breaches: In cases of data breaches, the bill proposes substantial penalties. Failure to report a breach to the Data Protection Board and affected individuals could lead to a penalty of ₹200 crore (US$2,41,53,560).&nbsp;Additionally, data fiduciaries or processors failing to ensure reasonable security safeguards could face penalties up to ₹250 crore (US$3,01,90,875).&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li>
	Board-mandated penalties: The Board holds the authority to impose penalties outlined in Schedule 1 of the bill, with each instance not exceeding ₹500 crore (US$6,03,81,750), if non-compliance by an entity is deemed significant.
	</li>
</ol>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-imposes-anti-dumping-duty-on-optical-fibre-imports-from-china-korea-and-indonesia-622237">India imposes anti-dumping duty on optical fibre imports&nbsp;from China, Korea and Indonesia&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Scope and applicability of the DPDP Bill</h2>

The DPDP Bill's scope encompasses the processing of 'Digital Personal Data' within India's borders. It excludes non-personal data and data in non-digital formats from its purview.

The bill applies to digital personal data processing within India and abroad, particularly in cases of profiling or providing goods and services to Indian data subjects.

However, it does not extend to non-automated processing, processing for personal purposes by individuals, or personal data in records over a century old.

The introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, stands as a significant development in India's journey towards a robust digital economy while safeguarding citizens' privacy and data rights.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Days after Lok Sabha gave its approval to the digital personal data protection bill, 2023, on Wednesday (August 9) Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament, also passed the bill.

Days after Lok Sabha gave its approval to the digital personal data protection bill, 2023, on Wednesday (August 9) Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Indian parliament, also passed the bill. The legislation, in its latest form, maintains the provisions from the initial version introduced last November, including aspects that were raised as concerns by privacy specialists, like exceptions for the central authority. The revised version of the proposed law has additionally granted the central government authority over virtual censorship. This marks India's second attempt at developing privacy-oriented legislation, following the government's consideration and abandonment of at least three prior drafts of data protection laws. The next step involves the Bill's approval by President Droupadi Murmu before it can be enacted into law. The bill, aimed at regulating and safeguarding the use of personal data, was presented by Union Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. However, the bill's introduction was met with strong opposition from leaders of the Opposition, who argued that it infringes upon the fundamental right to privacy. The debate surrounding the bill revolved around concerns raised by the Opposition, including the demand that the bill undergo thorough scrutiny by the standing committee, citing the withdrawal of a previous data protection bill by the government last year. Vaishnaw defended the bill, asserting that it is not a money bill and that all concerns raised by the Opposition would be addressed in the subsequent debate. Watch this report Government's perspective: Safeguarding citizens' rights While the Opposition voiced its concerns, Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, took to X (previously Twitter), to emphasise the bill's significance. He commended the bill as a crucial step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of establishing global-standard cyber laws for India's thriving digital economy. Chandrasekhar highlighted that extensive consultations with stakeholders, including citizens, have contributed to the bill's development. He underlined that the bill, once enacted, would ensure citizens' rights, foster innovation, and enable legitimate government access in scenarios like national security threats and emergencies, such as pandemics or earthquakes. What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill ? ➡️ #DPDPBill introduced in #Parliament is a very significant milestone in PM @narendramodi ji's vision of Global Standard Cyber Laws for India's $1T #DigitalEconomy & #IndiaTechade ➡️ @GoI_MeitY has developed this bill after… pic.twitter.com/a8tHXJl537 — Rajeev Chandrasekhar 🇮🇳 (@Rajeev_GoI) August 3, 2023 × Also read | "Data Protection Bill is much needed in our current scenario", says Rahul Matthan, Partner, Trilegal Understanding the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to delineate the rights and responsibilities of both citizens, referred to as "Digital Nagriks," and data fiduciaries – entities collecting and using personal data. The bill is founded upon six fundamental principles aimed at governing the data economy. The first principle underscores that the collection and utilisation of personal data must be lawful, secure against breaches, and transparent. The second principle emphasises that data collection activities must have a legal purpose, and the collected data should be safeguarded until that purpose is fulfilled. The third principle advocates for data minimisation, asserting that only pertinent information should be collected, and data usage should adhere to predefined objectives. The fourth and fifth principles pertain to data protection, accountability, and accuracy. The final principle dictates the protocols for reporting data breaches, stipulating a fair and transparent process to inform Data Protection Boards of such incidents. Key provisions and proposals of the DPDP Bill The DPDP Bill introduces several significant provisions to ensure data protection, privacy, and accountability: Consent criteria: The bill mandates that processing personal data requires the explicit and informed consent of the individual, given freely and unambiguously. While consent remains central, a clause of deemed consent addresses situations where explicit consent is not mandatory. Data localisation and cross-border transfer: The bill permits cross-border data flow to specific countries and territories, accompanied by relaxed data localisation requirements, enabling greater flexibility in data handling. Data retention: A Data Protection Board, designed to be digitally proficient, will be established to oversee compliance and impose penalties. Data fiduciaries can retain personal data for business purposes even beyond the initial collection purpose. Penalties for data breaches: In cases of data breaches, the bill proposes substantial penalties. Failure to report a breach to the Data Protection Board and affected individuals could lead to a penalty of ₹200 crore (US$2,41,53,560). Additionally, data fiduciaries or processors failing to ensure reasonable security safeguards could face penalties up to ₹250 crore (US$3,01,90,875). Board-mandated penalties: The Board holds the authority to impose penalties outlined in Schedule 1 of the bill, with each instance not exceeding ₹500 crore (US$6,03,81,750), if non-compliance by an entity is deemed significant. Also read | India imposes anti-dumping duty on optical fibre imports from China, Korea and Indonesia Scope and applicability of the DPDP Bill The DPDP Bill's scope encompasses the processing of 'Digital Personal Data' within India's borders. It excludes non-personal data and data in non-digital formats from its purview. The bill applies to digital personal data processing within India and abroad, particularly in cases of profiling or providing goods and services to Indian data subjects. However, it does not extend to non-automated processing, processing for personal purposes by individuals, or personal data in records over a century old. The introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, stands as a significant development in India's journey towards a robust digital economy while safeguarding citizens' privacy and data rights. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Rajya Sabha passes Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. All you need to know

A mysterious, cylindrical object that was found on a beach near Jurein Bay in Western Australia is "most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)", the Australian Space Agency announced on Monday, July 31.

The Australian Space Agency(ASA) first mentioned this object on July 17&nbsp;after media reports on the subject sparked&nbsp;speculations about the likely origins of the mysterious object found on the beach.

On social media, enthusiasts initially linked this mysterious object to the missing Malaysian plane MH370, a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft that went missing in the year 2014, with 239 persons on board.

Some even speculated that the object had military origins.

As a coincidence, the news of this debris being spotted along the shores of&nbsp;a small Australian coastal town, came barely days after Australia-based social media users shared photos of India's Chandrayaan-3 upper-stage flight being visible over parts of Australia.

The Chandrayaan-3 flight being visible over parts of Australia was initially speculated as a UFO sighting&nbsp;in that part of the world.&nbsp;

The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on India's LVM3 rocket, at 2:35 pm Indian Standard Time on July 14 and the news of the debris spotting came on July 17.

However, the debris had no connection to the Chandrayaan-3 mission or the LVM3 rocket that launched it.&nbsp;

PSLV is an Indian spacefaring rocket that has performed 58 launch missions and had its maiden launch in the year 1993.

The PSLV is a four-stage rocket that is powered by solid and liquid fuels. The first stage is powered by solids, the second by liquids, the third by solids and the fourth by liquids. India uses the PSLV to launch satellites weighing between 500 kgs and 1,750 kgs.&nbsp;

It is the most-flown Indian spacefaring rocket and a highly-reliable one at that.

The PSLV has the unique distinction of lofting most of the 431 foreign-origin satellites that India has put into space, as part of commercial arrangements. The PSLV launched India's maiden Lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 and its only Mars mission, Mangalyaan. Soon, PSLV will also be launching India's maiden mission to study the Sun.&nbsp;

"The debris remains in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO, who will provide further confirmation to determine the next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties", the ASA tweeted on Monday, 31st&nbsp;July.

It also urged its citizens to report to local authorities, if they happen to spot any similar debris.&nbsp;

WION answers the key questions and the possibilities in this case:

<h2>Is this really debris from PSLV?</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> agency has concluded that the object on their Western coast is most likely a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSLV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSLV</a> 3rd stage debris 
 
Left- Debris on Aus beach 
Right- PSLV 3rd stage 
(Both are 2m dia) 
 
I have confirmation from sources that this is a non-metallic object. So, it could float <a href="https://t.co/vU90oJ8u8t">pic.twitter.com/vU90oJ8u8t</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1685898464151113728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 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>

Images available in the open domain indicate the visual similarities between the debris on the beach and the PSLV 3rd stage.

The third stage of the PSLV is of two-metre&nbsp;diameter and the same dimensions are being mentioned in reports about the object on Australian shores.

The Australian space agency had also said that this piece of debris was most likely a solid rocket motor casing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/australias-space-economy-projected-to-triple-by-2030-sees-india-as-important-international-partner-492241">Australia's space economy projected to triple by 2030, sees India as important international partner</a>

It is noteworthy that very few spacefaring rockets in the world use a solid-fueled third stage. The Indian PSLV (and the newer SSLV rocket) is among the few rockets to do so. However, almost all missiles are powered by solid fuel.&nbsp;

<h2>Which PSLV launch can this be traced to?&nbsp;</h2>

Highly-placed sources told WION that this third-stage debris can't be specifically linked to any particular PSLV mission. However, given the barnacles attached to the debris and its worn-out appearance, it would be safe to assume that it is several months or a few years old and has been adrift at sea for a long time.&nbsp;

<h2>How did it reach the shore?&nbsp;</h2>

During a rocket's ascent to space, spent rocket parts are jettisoned mid-flight and space agencies take special efforts to ensure that such objects fall only in the high seas and as far as possible from any nation, their territorial waters or inhabited land.

However, once the rocket parts are ditched in the sea, there are all kinds of possibilities. Some parts could get trapped in fishing nets and could be brought ashore, some could end up floating and would be at the mercy of the ocean current and could wash up on shores.

WION has learnt that the said object on Australian shores is non-metallic and could have possibly floated to the Western Australian coast. There are also instances of spent rocket parts which spend years circling the earth and re-enter the earth in an uncontrolled manner and end up falling on inhabited regions.

<h2>Is an ISRO team visiting Australia to study the object?</h2>

WION has learnt that the Indian mission in Australia would coordinate with the relevant agencies in the country&nbsp;for further discussion in this regard.

<h2>What are the United Nations guidelines on space debris?</h2>

As per the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA), the recovery and return of space debris is a central part of the 1968 Rescue Agreement. The treaty requires that State&nbsp;Parties return any "foreign" space objects discovered in their territory to their owners and that they notify the Secretary-General of any such discovered objects.&nbsp;

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A mysterious, cylindrical object that was found on a beach near Jurein Bay in Western Australia is "most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)", the Australian Space Agency announced on Monday, July 31.

A mysterious, cylindrical object that was found on a beach near Jurein Bay in Western Australia is "most likely debris from an expended third-stage of a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)", the Australian Space Agency announced on Monday, July 31. The Australian Space Agency(ASA) first mentioned this object on July 17 after media reports on the subject sparked speculations about the likely origins of the mysterious object found on the beach. On social media, enthusiasts initially linked this mysterious object to the missing Malaysian plane MH370, a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft that went missing in the year 2014, with 239 persons on board. Some even speculated that the object had military origins. As a coincidence, the news of this debris being spotted along the shores of a small Australian coastal town, came barely days after Australia-based social media users shared photos of India's Chandrayaan-3 upper-stage flight being visible over parts of Australia. The Chandrayaan-3 flight being visible over parts of Australia was initially speculated as a UFO sighting in that part of the world. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was launched on India's LVM3 rocket, at 2:35 pm Indian Standard Time on July 14 and the news of the debris spotting came on July 17. However, the debris had no connection to the Chandrayaan-3 mission or the LVM3 rocket that launched it. PSLV is an Indian spacefaring rocket that has performed 58 launch missions and had its maiden launch in the year 1993. The PSLV is a four-stage rocket that is powered by solid and liquid fuels. The first stage is powered by solids, the second by liquids, the third by solids and the fourth by liquids. India uses the PSLV to launch satellites weighing between 500 kgs and 1,750 kgs. It is the most-flown Indian spacefaring rocket and a highly-reliable one at that. The PSLV has the unique distinction of lofting most of the 431 foreign-origin satellites that India has put into space, as part of commercial arrangements. The PSLV launched India's maiden Lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 and its only Mars mission, Mangalyaan. Soon, PSLV will also be launching India's maiden mission to study the Sun. "The debris remains in storage and the Australian Space Agency is working with ISRO, who will provide further confirmation to determine the next steps, including considering obligations under the United Nations space treaties", the ASA tweeted on Monday, 31st July. It also urged its citizens to report to local authorities, if they happen to spot any similar debris. WION answers the key questions and the possibilities in this case: Is this really debris from PSLV? The #Australian #space agency has concluded that the object on their Western coast is most likely a #PSLV 3rd stage debris Left- Debris on Aus beach Right- PSLV 3rd stage (Both are 2m dia) I have confirmation from sources that this is a non-metallic object. So, it could float pic.twitter.com/vU90oJ8u8t — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 31, 2023 × Images available in the open domain indicate the visual similarities between the debris on the beach and the PSLV 3rd stage. The third stage of the PSLV is of two-metre diameter and the same dimensions are being mentioned in reports about the object on Australian shores. The Australian space agency had also said that this piece of debris was most likely a solid rocket motor casing. Also read | Australia's space economy projected to triple by 2030, sees India as important international partner It is noteworthy that very few spacefaring rockets in the world use a solid-fueled third stage. The Indian PSLV (and the newer SSLV rocket) is among the few rockets to do so. However, almost all missiles are powered by solid fuel. Which PSLV launch can this be traced to? Highly-placed sources told WION that this third-stage debris can't be specifically linked to any particular PSLV mission. However, given the barnacles attached to the debris and its worn-out appearance, it would be safe to assume that it is several months or a few years old and has been adrift at sea for a long time. How did it reach the shore? During a rocket's ascent to space, spent rocket parts are jettisoned mid-flight and space agencies take special efforts to ensure that such objects fall only in the high seas and as far as possible from any nation, their territorial waters or inhabited land. However, once the rocket parts are ditched in the sea, there are all kinds of possibilities. Some parts could get trapped in fishing nets and could be brought ashore, some could end up floating and would be at the mercy of the ocean current and could wash up on shores. WION has learnt that the said object on Australian shores is non-metallic and could have possibly floated to the Western Australian coast. There are also instances of spent rocket parts which spend years circling the earth and re-enter the earth in an uncontrolled manner and end up falling on inhabited regions. Is an ISRO team visiting Australia to study the object? WION has learnt that the Indian mission in Australia would coordinate with the relevant agencies in the country for further discussion in this regard. What are the United Nations guidelines on space debris? As per the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs(UNOOSA), the recovery and return of space debris is a central part of the 1968 Rescue Agreement. The treaty requires that State Parties return any "foreign" space objects discovered in their territory to their owners and that they notify the Secretary-General of any such discovered objects. 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.

Explained: How did Indian PSLV rocket debris end up on an Australian beach?

As soaring temperatures continue to bake swathes of North America and Europe this month, researchers, on Tuesday (July 25) confirm what <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/temperatures-reach-new-highs-world-witnesses-record-breaking-heat-616853">many speculated</a>, that this weather phenomenon would be “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change.&nbsp;

From record-breaking temperatures in the United States to life-threatening wildfires burning parts of Europe, we only have ourselves (and our greenhouse gas emissions) to blame as July 2023 may be the hottest month for the planet.&nbsp;

<h2>Record-breaking temperatures ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change</h2>

A new rapid analysis of the scorching temperatures was published by an international team of scientists at the World Weather Attribution which found that the heatwaves in parts of Europe and North America would have been impossible if it was not for human-induced climate change.&nbsp;

“European and North American temperatures would have been virtually impossible without the effects of climate change,” Izidine Pinto of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, one of the authors, told journalists, on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The research also noted that climate change has also caused recent record-setting heatwaves in China, which are to become 50 times “more likely,” when compared to previous years. This comes as the country witnessed its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-522-celsius-temperature-in-arid-northwest-616575">record-setting</a> temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius in Sanbao township in Xinjiang’s Turpan Depression.&nbsp;

Scientists also noted how the extreme weather events witnessed in July across the world would have been “extremely rare” if it was not for climate change.&nbsp;

The rise in greenhouse gas concentrations made the European heatwave 2.5 degrees Celsius hotter than it would have been. They also helped worsen North American heatwaves by two degrees Celsius and also in China by one degree Celsius.&nbsp; 
 
This comes nearly a week after NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt told reporters how July 2023 is not only on track to become the hottest month since records began but also the hottest in “hundreds, if not thousands, of years.”&nbsp;

<h2>Situation to worsen</h2>

“The role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming,” said climate scientist Friederike Otto, of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London.&nbsp;

The weather data collected was used to run through computer model simulations to compare today’s climate with that of the past years. Otto and her colleagues at the WWA said they focused on periods when “the heat was most dangerous in each region.”&nbsp;

According to Otto, in the past, it would have been “basically impossible” to witness these record-breaking temperatures and heatwaves happening around the same time. But at the same time, “It’s not surprising from a climatological point of view, that these events are happening at the same time,” said the researcher.&nbsp;

The findings were published using peer-reviewed methods but the study has yet to undergo the formal academic review process.&nbsp;

Researchers from Imperial College London, the Dutch National Weather Service and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, estimated that these severe heatwaves can now be expected once every 15 years in North America, every decade in southern Europe and every five years in China.

Scientists also expect these prolonged periods of extreme heat would be as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extreme-heatwaves-to-continue-through-august-wmo-adviser-says-618150">frequent</a> as every two to five years if the global temperatures rise over two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;

This is expected to happen around 30 years from now unless countries fulfil their Paris Agreement and cut down emissions. Currently, the average temperatures are estimated to have risen by over 1.1 degrees Celsius.

<h2>About the cause</h2>

These effects have largely been attributed to the generation of greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels. “As long as we keep burning fossil fuels we will see more and more of these extremes,” Otto. She added, “I don’t think there’s any stronger evidence that any science has ever presented for a scientific question.”

Scientists also noted that while the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-declares-onset-of-el-nino-says-itll-break-temperature-records-611836">El Nino weather pattern</a> may have contributed to the additional heat in some regions, these extreme events cannot solely be attributed to the phenomenon, as the weather pattern is not expected to strengthen until later on in the year.&nbsp;

They added that these heatwaves will become increasingly likely if measures to slash emissions are not taken.

<h2>Impact and calls for urgent measures</h2>

Recent record-breaking temperatures have also directly impacted human health, caused large-scale crop damage and livestock losses, said the scientists. These adverse effects of heatwaves seen in North America, southern Europe and China have accelerated the need for heat preparedness, they added.&nbsp;

A study published, earlier this month, in the journal Nature Medicine found that Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain saw the highest number of deaths, according to population size, when Europe was hit by the sweltering heatwaves last summer.&nbsp;

It also estimated that more than 61,600 people may have died from heat-related causes across 35 European countries between late May to early September 2022, suggesting that the countries’ heat preparedness efforts fell fatally short.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said they are particularly concerned about people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and asthma during the heatwaves in Europe and the US.&nbsp;

Last week, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wmo-warns-about-risk-of-heart-attacks-deaths-amid-intensifying-heatwaves-617213">World Meteorological Organization (WMO)</a> issued a warning about a high risk of deaths due to the extreme weather and said such events will only intensify and the world needs to be better prepared for them.&nbsp;

While we are focusing on the maximum day temperatures, it is the high overnight minimum temperatures that we should be worried about as they have the “biggest health risks”, particularly for vulnerable populations, said WMO senior extreme heat advisor, John Nairn, on July 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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As soaring temperatures continue to bake swathes of North America and Europe this month, researchers, on Tuesday (July 25) confirm what many speculated, that this weather phenomenon would be “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change.

As soaring temperatures continue to bake swathes of North America and Europe this month, researchers, on Tuesday (July 25) confirm what many speculated, that this weather phenomenon would be “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change. From record-breaking temperatures in the United States to life-threatening wildfires burning parts of Europe, we only have ourselves (and our greenhouse gas emissions) to blame as July 2023 may be the hottest month for the planet. Record-breaking temperatures ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change A new rapid analysis of the scorching temperatures was published by an international team of scientists at the World Weather Attribution which found that the heatwaves in parts of Europe and North America would have been impossible if it was not for human-induced climate change. “European and North American temperatures would have been virtually impossible without the effects of climate change,” Izidine Pinto of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, one of the authors, told journalists, on Tuesday. The research also noted that climate change has also caused recent record-setting heatwaves in China, which are to become 50 times “more likely,” when compared to previous years. This comes as the country witnessed its record-setting temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius in Sanbao township in Xinjiang’s Turpan Depression. Scientists also noted how the extreme weather events witnessed in July across the world would have been “extremely rare” if it was not for climate change. The rise in greenhouse gas concentrations made the European heatwave 2.5 degrees Celsius hotter than it would have been. They also helped worsen North American heatwaves by two degrees Celsius and also in China by one degree Celsius. This comes nearly a week after NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt told reporters how July 2023 is not only on track to become the hottest month since records began but also the hottest in “hundreds, if not thousands, of years.” Situation to worsen “The role of climate change is absolutely overwhelming,” said climate scientist Friederike Otto, of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London. The weather data collected was used to run through computer model simulations to compare today’s climate with that of the past years. Otto and her colleagues at the WWA said they focused on periods when “the heat was most dangerous in each region.” According to Otto, in the past, it would have been “basically impossible” to witness these record-breaking temperatures and heatwaves happening around the same time. But at the same time, “It’s not surprising from a climatological point of view, that these events are happening at the same time,” said the researcher. The findings were published using peer-reviewed methods but the study has yet to undergo the formal academic review process. Researchers from Imperial College London, the Dutch National Weather Service and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, estimated that these severe heatwaves can now be expected once every 15 years in North America, every decade in southern Europe and every five years in China. Scientists also expect these prolonged periods of extreme heat would be as frequent as every two to five years if the global temperatures rise over two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is expected to happen around 30 years from now unless countries fulfil their Paris Agreement and cut down emissions. Currently, the average temperatures are estimated to have risen by over 1.1 degrees Celsius. About the cause These effects have largely been attributed to the generation of greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels. “As long as we keep burning fossil fuels we will see more and more of these extremes,” Otto. She added, “I don’t think there’s any stronger evidence that any science has ever presented for a scientific question.” Scientists also noted that while the El Nino weather pattern may have contributed to the additional heat in some regions, these extreme events cannot solely be attributed to the phenomenon, as the weather pattern is not expected to strengthen until later on in the year. They added that these heatwaves will become increasingly likely if measures to slash emissions are not taken. Impact and calls for urgent measures Recent record-breaking temperatures have also directly impacted human health, caused large-scale crop damage and livestock losses, said the scientists. These adverse effects of heatwaves seen in North America, southern Europe and China have accelerated the need for heat preparedness, they added. A study published, earlier this month, in the journal Nature Medicine found that Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain saw the highest number of deaths, according to population size, when Europe was hit by the sweltering heatwaves last summer. It also estimated that more than 61,600 people may have died from heat-related causes across 35 European countries between late May to early September 2022, suggesting that the countries’ heat preparedness efforts fell fatally short. The World Health Organization (WHO) said they are particularly concerned about people with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and asthma during the heatwaves in Europe and the US. Last week, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a warning about a high risk of deaths due to the extreme weather and said such events will only intensify and the world needs to be better prepared for them. While we are focusing on the maximum day temperatures, it is the high overnight minimum temperatures that we should be worried about as they have the “biggest health risks”, particularly for vulnerable populations, said WMO senior extreme heat advisor, John Nairn, on July 18. (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.

Explained | Why deadly heatwaves across Europe, US ‘virtually impossible’ without climate change

The latest data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reveals that global temperatures have reached a new record, emphasising the alarming consequences of continually rising greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.

On Monday, the average global temperature soared to 17°C (63°F), surpassing the previous record of 16.9°C set in August 2016. This new milestone highlights the exceptional intensity of the summer experienced in the northern hemisphere in 2023, serving as a stark reminder of the sluggish global efforts in addressing emissions reduction.

<h2>Achievement not deserving of celebration</h2>

“This is not a milestone we should be celebrating, it's a death sentence for people and ecosystems,” Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer&nbsp;at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment told Bloomberg. “Worryingly, it won't be the hottest day for a long time.”&nbsp;The&nbsp;El Niño weather phenomenon&nbsp;is set to push&nbsp;global temperatures higher, she said.

Explaining the crisis, Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, told the Guardian:&nbsp;“Unfortunately, it promises to only be the first in a series of new records set this year as increasing emissions of (carbon dioxide) and greenhouse gases, coupled with a growing El Nino event, push temperatures to new highs.”

During the period between 1979 and 2000, the world's average air temperature typically ranged from approximately 12 degrees Celsius to just below 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. However, at the start of July, the average temperature reached 16.2 degrees Celsius, marking a significant deviation from the norm.

While this record is yet to be validated by other measurements, it is highly likely that it will be surpassed in the coming weeks as the summer season intensifies in the northern hemisphere. Historically, the average global temperature continues to climb until the end of July or early August.

WATCH |&nbsp;China issues warnings of extreme weather conditions for coming months

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Even in the previous month, average global temperatures for the start of June were the highest ever recorded by the European Union's Copernicus climate monitoring unit, indicating an alarming trend of increasing warmth.

<h2>Heatwave in southern United States</h2>

The southern United States has been grappling with a significant surge in temperatures, as a scorching heatwave persists for the past three weeks. Stretching from Florida to Arizona, this deadly heatwave has subjected the region to triple-digit temperatures. Meanwhile, China continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 35°C (95°F). North Africa, too, has experienced extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 50°C (122°F).

Even in Antarctica, where it is currently winter, unusually high temperatures have been recorded. Ukraine's Vernadsky Research Base, situated in the Argentine Islands of the icy continent, recently broke its July temperature record, reaching 8.7°C (47.6°F). Furthermore, the United Kingdom has witnessed its hottest June this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/woman-collapses-in-triple-digit-heat-while-hiking-in-grand-canyon-national-park-611991">Woman collapses in triple-digit heat while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park</a>

The India Meteorological Department reports that southern peninsular India experienced the warmest June since 1901, with an average maximum temperature of 34.05 degrees Celsius.

Concerns among researchers regarding escalating temperatures on both land and sea have persisted throughout this year. The global temperature recorded on Monday was the highest since satellite monitoring commenced in 1979, according to BBC reports. Experts believe it is also the highest since the widespread use of instrumental records began in the late 19th century.

<h2>China's heatwave situation</h2>

China is facing an unprecedented heatwave, as the country witnesses a record-breaking number of scorching hot days. According to the National Climate Center, China has experienced the highest number of days with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1961, averaging 4.1 such days in the first half of this year, reported CNN.&nbsp;

The data is based on recordings from weather stations across the country, indicating the widespread impact of the heatwave. China has already encountered four regional heatwaves this summer, which arrived earlier, were more extensive, and reached greater intensity compared to previous years, as reported by the National Climate Center.

The northern part of China, with its densely populated areas and millions of residents, has been particularly affected, and more heatwaves are expected in the upcoming weeks. Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, has experienced the highest number of high-temperature days so far this year, followed by Beijing.

In mid-June, over 200 million people in northern China endured daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). During the fourth and most severe heatwave from June 21 to 30, Beijing witnessed a record-breaking temperature above 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the hottest June day ever recorded in the capital.

The National Climate Center characterised this heatwave as the most extreme in China for the past ten years during June, a month typically uncommon for experiencing repeated heatwaves. The continuous and intense heat poses significant challenges for the population and calls for increased measures to address the effects of climate change.

<h2>Indians feel&nbsp;the heat too</h2>

India is one of the nations most exposed and susceptible to heat.&nbsp;<a href="https://journals.plos.org/climate/article?id=10.1371/journal.pclm.0000156">Studies</a>&nbsp;suggest that the frequency of hot days and nights&nbsp;has risen significantly, and is estimated to increase between two and four-fold by 2050. Additionally, heatwaves are also predicted to arrive earlier, last longer and occur more frequently.

Those working outdoors as daily-wage labourers are the worst hit during a heatwave episode. They mostly lack access to cooling amenities like fans and air conditioners and must continue working in the blistering heat to make ends meet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-feels-the-heat-what-happens-if-the-current-warming-trend-continues-600497">Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?</a>

“Heatwaves in India pose significant risks to human health as certain strata of society are more affected due to their socioeconomic and health conditions,” Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar in environmental health and engineering, Johns Hopkins University told WION.&nbsp;

The World Meteorological Organisation has confirmed the commencement of an El Nino weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to contribute to a further increase in temperatures above historical norms in the coming year.

“The average global surface air temperature reaching 17°C &nbsp;for the first time since we have reliable records available is a significant symbolic milestone in our warming world,” said climate researcher Leon Simons, reported the BBC.

“Now that the warmer phase of El Nino is starting, we can expect a lot more daily, monthly and annual records breaking in the next 1.5 years,” he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<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>

The latest data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reveals that global temperatures have reached a new record, emphasising the alarming consequences of continually rising greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.

The latest data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reveals that global temperatures have reached a new record, emphasising the alarming consequences of continually rising greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. On Monday, the average global temperature soared to 17°C (63°F), surpassing the previous record of 16.9°C set in August 2016. This new milestone highlights the exceptional intensity of the summer experienced in the northern hemisphere in 2023, serving as a stark reminder of the sluggish global efforts in addressing emissions reduction. Achievement not deserving of celebration “This is not a milestone we should be celebrating, it's a death sentence for people and ecosystems,” Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment told Bloomberg. “Worryingly, it won't be the hottest day for a long time.” The El Niño weather phenomenon is set to push global temperatures higher, she said. Explaining the crisis, Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, told the Guardian: “Unfortunately, it promises to only be the first in a series of new records set this year as increasing emissions of (carbon dioxide) and greenhouse gases, coupled with a growing El Nino event, push temperatures to new highs.” During the period between 1979 and 2000, the world's average air temperature typically ranged from approximately 12 degrees Celsius to just below 17 degrees Celsius throughout the year. However, at the start of July, the average temperature reached 16.2 degrees Celsius, marking a significant deviation from the norm. While this record is yet to be validated by other measurements, it is highly likely that it will be surpassed in the coming weeks as the summer season intensifies in the northern hemisphere. Historically, the average global temperature continues to climb until the end of July or early August. WATCH | China issues warnings of extreme weather conditions for coming months Even in the previous month, average global temperatures for the start of June were the highest ever recorded by the European Union's Copernicus climate monitoring unit, indicating an alarming trend of increasing warmth. Heatwave in southern United States The southern United States has been grappling with a significant surge in temperatures, as a scorching heatwave persists for the past three weeks. Stretching from Florida to Arizona, this deadly heatwave has subjected the region to triple-digit temperatures. Meanwhile, China continues to endure a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 35°C (95°F). North Africa, too, has experienced extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 50°C (122°F). Even in Antarctica, where it is currently winter, unusually high temperatures have been recorded. Ukraine's Vernadsky Research Base, situated in the Argentine Islands of the icy continent, recently broke its July temperature record, reaching 8.7°C (47.6°F). Furthermore, the United Kingdom has witnessed its hottest June this year. Also read | Woman collapses in triple-digit heat while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park The India Meteorological Department reports that southern peninsular India experienced the warmest June since 1901, with an average maximum temperature of 34.05 degrees Celsius. Concerns among researchers regarding escalating temperatures on both land and sea have persisted throughout this year. The global temperature recorded on Monday was the highest since satellite monitoring commenced in 1979, according to BBC reports. Experts believe it is also the highest since the widespread use of instrumental records began in the late 19th century. China's heatwave situation China is facing an unprecedented heatwave, as the country witnesses a record-breaking number of scorching hot days. According to the National Climate Center, China has experienced the highest number of days with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) since 1961, averaging 4.1 such days in the first half of this year, reported CNN. The data is based on recordings from weather stations across the country, indicating the widespread impact of the heatwave. China has already encountered four regional heatwaves this summer, which arrived earlier, were more extensive, and reached greater intensity compared to previous years, as reported by the National Climate Center. The northern part of China, with its densely populated areas and millions of residents, has been particularly affected, and more heatwaves are expected in the upcoming weeks. Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province, has experienced the highest number of high-temperature days so far this year, followed by Beijing. In mid-June, over 200 million people in northern China endured daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). During the fourth and most severe heatwave from June 21 to 30, Beijing witnessed a record-breaking temperature above 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), marking the hottest June day ever recorded in the capital. The National Climate Center characterised this heatwave as the most extreme in China for the past ten years during June, a month typically uncommon for experiencing repeated heatwaves. The continuous and intense heat poses significant challenges for the population and calls for increased measures to address the effects of climate change. Indians feel the heat too India is one of the nations most exposed and susceptible to heat. Studies suggest that the frequency of hot days and nights has risen significantly, and is estimated to increase between two and four-fold by 2050. Additionally, heatwaves are also predicted to arrive earlier, last longer and occur more frequently. Those working outdoors as daily-wage labourers are the worst hit during a heatwave episode. They mostly lack access to cooling amenities like fans and air conditioners and must continue working in the blistering heat to make ends meet. Also read | Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues? “Heatwaves in India pose significant risks to human health as certain strata of society are more affected due to their socioeconomic and health conditions,” Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar in environmental health and engineering, Johns Hopkins University told WION. The World Meteorological Organisation has confirmed the commencement of an El Nino weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to contribute to a further increase in temperatures above historical norms in the coming year. “The average global surface air temperature reaching 17°C for the first time since we have reliable records available is a significant symbolic milestone in our warming world,” said climate researcher Leon Simons, reported the BBC. “Now that the warmer phase of El Nino is starting, we can expect a lot more daily, monthly and annual records breaking in the next 1.5 years,” he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Burning Up: Nations sizzle as temperatures reach record highs

The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154. This comes as the report found that the gap between various aspects it takes into account for the measurement of equality has closed only by 0.3 per cent since last year.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the report about?</h2>

The WEF’s Gender Gap Index measures equality across 146 countries along&nbsp;four dimensions:&nbsp;economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; and political empowerment. The index was first launched by the WEF in 2006 and since then parity has advanced 4.1 percentage points.

<h2>WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Key findings</h2>

The report shows that the world would take 131 years to close the overall gender gap between men and women at the current rate of progress.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-un-chief-warns-gender-equality-still-300-years-away-569769">Gravitas: UN chief warns gender equality still 300 years away</a>

Additionally, it might&nbsp;take 169 years for economic parity and 162 years for political empowerment to gender gap but no clear timeline was given for health and survival. On the bright side, educational attainment parity might&nbsp;take 16 years. 
 
While no country has achieved full gender parity, the top nine countries – Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia and Lithuania – have managed to close the gender gap by at least 80 per cent.&nbsp;

Iceland was at the top of the list for the 14th consecutive year with 91.2 per cent of its overall gender gap closed. Notably, it is also the only country with a score which is above 90 per cent. It is followed by Norway (87.9 per cent), Finland (86.3 per cent), New Zealand (85.6 per cent), and Sweden (81.5 per cent), all with scores above 80 per cent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patriarchy-is-fighting-backso-are-we-gender-equality-is-still-300-years-away-says-un-569489">'Patriarchy is fighting back...so are we': Gender equality is still 300 years away, says UN</a>

In addition to the top five countries, only four nations – Germany (81.5 per cent), Nicaragua (81.1 per cent), Namibia (80.2 per cent) and Lithuania (80.0 per cent) – have managed to close their gender gap by at least 80 per cent.&nbsp;

In terms of overall gender parity, the Southern Asian region ranked second-lowest of the eight regions with 63.4 per cent. However, the score has risen 1.1 percentage points since last year’s report which has partially been attributed to better rankings of countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, the United States witnessed a drop from 27th on the list with 76.9 per cent parity in 2022 to 43rd this year with a parity score of 74.8 per cent. The sharp decline has been attributed to the political empowerment index.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-90-per-cent-of-people-have-at-least-one-bias-against-women-un-report-603527">Around 90% of people have at least one bias against women: UN report</a>

The last five countries on the list – Pakistan (57.5 per cent), Iran (57.5 per cent), Algeria (57.3 per cent), Chad (57.0 per cent), and Afghanistan (40.5 per cent) – have scored below 60 per cent. 
 
Afghanistan was the only one among the last five as well as among the 146 nations with a score below 50 per cent.&nbsp;

<h2>What has the overall gender gap been attributed to?&nbsp;</h2>

“Global gender gaps in health and education have narrowed over the past year, yet progress on political empowerment is effectively at a standstill, and women’s economic participation has regressed rather than recovered,” Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the WEF, stated in the report.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/women-work-harder-put-in-more-effort-than-men-anthropological-study-551559">Women work harder, put in more effort than men: Study</a>

Addressing the findings of the report, she also said, “Recent years have been marked by major setbacks for gender parity globally, with previous progress disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on women and girls in education and the workforce, followed by economic and geopolitical crises.”&nbsp;

She added, “Today, some parts of the world are seeing partial recoveries while others are experiencing deteriorations as new crises unfold.” Therefore, the “tepid progress” on “persistently large gaps documented (in the report)…creates an urgent case for renewed and concerted action.”

<h2>India ranks 127 out of 146 in gender parity</h2>

This year, India ranked 127th out of 146 countries which is an improvement of&nbsp;eight positions since last year’s report. The country has closed 64.3 per cent of the overall gender gap, said the 2023 report. According to the report, India has “attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education” but has only reached about 36.7 per cent parity on economic participation and opportunity.&nbsp;

This comes as the report noted upticks in parity in wages and income but a slight drop in “shares of women in senior positions and technical roles” since last year. India was also listed among countries like Pakistan (36.2 per cent), Iran (34.4 per cent), and Algeria (31.7 per cent), aside from Afghanistan, at the bottom of the list for economic participation and opportunity with less than 40 per cent parity.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/womens-rights-have-gone-too-far-say-most-men-in-a-latest-survey-570905">Women’s rights have gone ‘too far’, now men feeling discriminated, says latest survey</a>

On the political front, India has reached 25.3 per cent parity, with women representing 15.1 per cent of parliamentarians. Notably, this is the highest for India since the first report was published nearly two decades ago.&nbsp;

Notably, out of the 117 countries for which the data is available since 2017, 18 countries&nbsp; including&nbsp;Bolivia (50.4 per cent), India (44.4 per cent) and France (42.3 per cent) &nbsp;– have achieved women’s representation of over 40 per cent in local governance.&nbsp;

This comes after Indian Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, earlier this year, raised an issue with the WEF in Geneva saying that the organisation must also include women’s participation in local government bodies in its report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/must-bring-in-gender-parity-in-15-years-indias-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant-to-wion-604956">Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION</a>

On the health and survival index, the WEF has noted 1.9 percentage points to 92.7 per cent improvement in the sex ratio at birth after “more than a decade of slow progress” for India. The relatively low overall rankings for countries like India, China and Vietnam for this particular index “is explained by skewed sex ratios at birth,” said the report.&nbsp;

“Compared to top scoring countries that register a 94.4 per cent gender parity at birth, the indicator stands at 92.7 per cent for India (albeit an improvement over last edition) and below 90 per cent for Vietnam, China and Azerbaijan,” the report stated.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154.

The world may not achieve gender equality for another 131 years, said the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Gender Gap Report 2023, on Wednesday (June 21). In other words, given the rate of incredibly slow progress, women may not attain parity with men until 2154. This comes as the report found that the gap between various aspects it takes into account for the measurement of equality has closed only by 0.3 per cent since last year. What is the report about? The WEF’s Gender Gap Index measures equality across 146 countries along four dimensions: economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; and political empowerment. The index was first launched by the WEF in 2006 and since then parity has advanced 4.1 percentage points. WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023: Key findings The report shows that the world would take 131 years to close the overall gender gap between men and women at the current rate of progress. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: UN chief warns gender equality still 300 years away Additionally, it might take 169 years for economic parity and 162 years for political empowerment to gender gap but no clear timeline was given for health and survival. On the bright side, educational attainment parity might take 16 years. While no country has achieved full gender parity, the top nine countries – Iceland, Norway, Finland, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Nicaragua, Namibia and Lithuania – have managed to close the gender gap by at least 80 per cent. Iceland was at the top of the list for the 14th consecutive year with 91.2 per cent of its overall gender gap closed. Notably, it is also the only country with a score which is above 90 per cent. It is followed by Norway (87.9 per cent), Finland (86.3 per cent), New Zealand (85.6 per cent), and Sweden (81.5 per cent), all with scores above 80 per cent. ALSO READ | 'Patriarchy is fighting back...so are we': Gender equality is still 300 years away, says UN In addition to the top five countries, only four nations – Germany (81.5 per cent), Nicaragua (81.1 per cent), Namibia (80.2 per cent) and Lithuania (80.0 per cent) – have managed to close their gender gap by at least 80 per cent. In terms of overall gender parity, the Southern Asian region ranked second-lowest of the eight regions with 63.4 per cent. However, the score has risen 1.1 percentage points since last year’s report which has partially been attributed to better rankings of countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the United States witnessed a drop from 27th on the list with 76.9 per cent parity in 2022 to 43rd this year with a parity score of 74.8 per cent. The sharp decline has been attributed to the political empowerment index. ALSO READ | Around 90% of people have at least one bias against women: UN report The last five countries on the list – Pakistan (57.5 per cent), Iran (57.5 per cent), Algeria (57.3 per cent), Chad (57.0 per cent), and Afghanistan (40.5 per cent) – have scored below 60 per cent. Afghanistan was the only one among the last five as well as among the 146 nations with a score below 50 per cent. What has the overall gender gap been attributed to? “Global gender gaps in health and education have narrowed over the past year, yet progress on political empowerment is effectively at a standstill, and women’s economic participation has regressed rather than recovered,” Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the WEF, stated in the report. ALSO READ | Women work harder, put in more effort than men: Study Addressing the findings of the report, she also said, “Recent years have been marked by major setbacks for gender parity globally, with previous progress disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on women and girls in education and the workforce, followed by economic and geopolitical crises.” She added, “Today, some parts of the world are seeing partial recoveries while others are experiencing deteriorations as new crises unfold.” Therefore, the “tepid progress” on “persistently large gaps documented (in the report)…creates an urgent case for renewed and concerted action.” India ranks 127 out of 146 in gender parity This year, India ranked 127th out of 146 countries which is an improvement of eight positions since last year’s report. The country has closed 64.3 per cent of the overall gender gap, said the 2023 report. According to the report, India has “attained parity in enrolment across all levels of education” but has only reached about 36.7 per cent parity on economic participation and opportunity. This comes as the report noted upticks in parity in wages and income but a slight drop in “shares of women in senior positions and technical roles” since last year. India was also listed among countries like Pakistan (36.2 per cent), Iran (34.4 per cent), and Algeria (31.7 per cent), aside from Afghanistan, at the bottom of the list for economic participation and opportunity with less than 40 per cent parity. ALSO READ | Women’s rights have gone ‘too far’, now men feeling discriminated, says latest survey On the political front, India has reached 25.3 per cent parity, with women representing 15.1 per cent of parliamentarians. Notably, this is the highest for India since the first report was published nearly two decades ago. Notably, out of the 117 countries for which the data is available since 2017, 18 countries including Bolivia (50.4 per cent), India (44.4 per cent) and France (42.3 per cent) – have achieved women’s representation of over 40 per cent in local governance. This comes after Indian Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, earlier this year, raised an issue with the WEF in Geneva saying that the organisation must also include women’s participation in local government bodies in its report. ALSO READ | Must bring in gender parity in 15 years: India's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant to WION On the health and survival index, the WEF has noted 1.9 percentage points to 92.7 per cent improvement in the sex ratio at birth after “more than a decade of slow progress” for India. The relatively low overall rankings for countries like India, China and Vietnam for this particular index “is explained by skewed sex ratios at birth,” said the report. “Compared to top scoring countries that register a 94.4 per cent gender parity at birth, the indicator stands at 92.7 per cent for India (albeit an improvement over last edition) and below 90 per cent for Vietnam, China and Azerbaijan,” the report stated. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | World may take 131 years to close the gender gap, says report

In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal. Meanwhile, the future of fossil fuels rests on an Emirati oil chief who the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has chosen to head the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai.&nbsp;

The importance of these international treaties is reiterated time and time again when countries vow to step up their response to the climate crisis or take measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degree&nbsp;Celsius from pre-industrial levels and their carbon emissions.&nbsp;

Every year, since 1973, World Environment Day has been celebrated by millions of people across the world, led by the UN Environment Programme. Since last year, for better or for worse, five prominent international agreements and treaties have been decided upon which&nbsp;are set to affect environment-related decision-making in the years to come.&nbsp;

<h2>COP27 summit: A contentious deal</h2>

Last year, the UN climate conference was hosted in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh and after days of debates and talks, nearly 200 nations finally announced the historic agreement on the “loss and damage” fund from climate change and the final declaration wrapping up the weeks-long conference.&nbsp;

The summit had to be extended by a day in a bid to break the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-un-climate-talks-extended-by-one-day-to-end-on-saturday-535390">deadlock </a>over the creation of a fund for developing countries which have been devastated by the fallout from global warming which the richer nations had previously declined to do. The COP27 cover decision or Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan for the first time incorporated specific sections on forests and “nature-based solutions,” which includes steps like restoring the mangroves.&nbsp;

COP27 was more focused on implementation, while COP26, held in Glasgow was about target setting. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-major-takeaways-from-the-un-climate-summit-reactions-from-global-leaders-535830">Key takeaways</a> from the two not legally binding papers included steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions; not cross the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold; hold businesses and institutions accountable for emissions and ensure transparency; financial aid for developing countries to lower emissions and climate-resilient development.&nbsp;

The goals fell short of pushing for the urgent “drastic” carbon-cutting needed to tackle global warming. “Our planet is still in the emergency room. We need to drastically reduce emissions now, and this is an issue this COP did not address,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disgruntled-un-chief-antonio-guterres-calls-out-cop27-for-failing-to-meet-ambitions-535726">criticising</a> the nations.&nbsp;

<h2>COP15 summit: Historic billion dollar deal to save biodiversity</h2>

The UN biodiversity conference&nbsp;COP15 took place in December amid intense pressure where at least 190 countries agreed to raise $200 billion by the end of the decade to protect land and marine areas as well as save biodiversity in the developing world after it was dubbed as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop15-summit-rich-countries-oppose-creation-of-10bn-biodiversity-fund-542946">“last chance”</a> to address the issue.&nbsp;

The draft, 30 by 30, agreed upon in Montreal, Canada had four broad goals and 22 targets which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected.&nbsp;

During the summit, finance was one of the most contentious issues after some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-sign-historic-deal-at-cop-15-commit-billions-by-2030-to-save-biodiversity-544511">70 delegates</a> from African, South American and Asian countries staged a walkout and did not return for hours. The deal also accounted for the rights of Indigenous peoples and reaffirmed that they will have a voice in decision-making, a move which was praised by many.&nbsp;

<h2>UN High Seas Treaty approved after over a decade</h2>

Over 15 years of discussions and five rounds of protracted UN-led discussions later, more than 100 countries, in March, signed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-un-ocean-treaty-talks-resume-why-the-deal-to-protect-the-worlds-oceans-is-so-important-564112">legally binding pact</a> to protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), known as the high seas. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-years-of-discussions-later-the-ship-has-reached-the-shore-nations-bag-global-treaty-to-protect-high-seas-568720">long-awaited</a> treaty will work to reverse marine biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. The discussions ran as long as they did due to the economic interests which included developing nations wanting larger shares of the so-called "blue economy"&nbsp;and an agreement on the sharing of “marine genetic resources”.&nbsp;

<h2>Deep sea mining might begin with no regulations</h2>

In March, the UN associated, 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) convened in Kingston, Jamaica to negotiate on creating a legally binding document which would set the rules for how deep sea mining would be regulated in the high seas. As the discussions began, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-row-erupts-amid-talks-to-regulate-seabed-mining-heres-what-happened-574488">ISA chief</a> was criticised by diplomats who claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. 
 
The ISA&nbsp;recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, which triggered a clause in 2021 that would allow it to demand the adoption of the rules which are still being negotiated within two years.&nbsp;

The decision to allow permit applications by July 9 came by the end of March after the ISA’s governing council formulated a draft decision due to the triggered clause. As per a document seen by Reuters, the council plans to meet virtually before July to debate if the approval of these permits can be delayed.&nbsp;

<h2>UN to deal with world’s plastic problem&nbsp;</h2>

Last month, a UN committee met to negotiate a landmark legally binding global plastics treaty in Paris which would ideally end global plastic pollution. The debate was about whether the countries should limit the production of more plastics or recycle plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;

At the end of the recently concluded <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-plastic-recycling-in-focus-as-countries-meet-in-paris-for-treaty-talks-598037">second meeting</a> in France, the decision to come up with a “zero-draft” by the end of November came at the 11th hour ahead of a third round of talks in Nairobi after some reported “nit-picking” and “delaying tactics” by countries, said the French foreign minister

<h2>COP28 summit: The way forward?</h2>

It has been a year of historic decision-making and passing contentious deals involving hundreds of countries across the world. So what’s next? The next COP meeting is already garnering criticism and has come under scrutiny after its host UAE selected Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead the upcoming climate summit.

As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. The COP28 climate summit is set to take place in December.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal.

In November 2022, following the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Egypt, over 100 leaders from nearly 200 nations signed a contentious final deal. Meanwhile, the future of fossil fuels rests on an Emirati oil chief who the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has chosen to head the upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The importance of these international treaties is reiterated time and time again when countries vow to step up their response to the climate crisis or take measures to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-industrial levels and their carbon emissions. Every year, since 1973, World Environment Day has been celebrated by millions of people across the world, led by the UN Environment Programme. Since last year, for better or for worse, five prominent international agreements and treaties have been decided upon which are set to affect environment-related decision-making in the years to come. COP27 summit: A contentious deal Last year, the UN climate conference was hosted in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh and after days of debates and talks, nearly 200 nations finally announced the historic agreement on the “loss and damage” fund from climate change and the final declaration wrapping up the weeks-long conference. The summit had to be extended by a day in a bid to break the deadlock over the creation of a fund for developing countries which have been devastated by the fallout from global warming which the richer nations had previously declined to do. The COP27 cover decision or Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan for the first time incorporated specific sections on forests and “nature-based solutions,” which includes steps like restoring the mangroves. COP27 was more focused on implementation, while COP26, held in Glasgow was about target setting. Key takeaways from the two not legally binding papers included steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions; not cross the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold; hold businesses and institutions accountable for emissions and ensure transparency; financial aid for developing countries to lower emissions and climate-resilient development. The goals fell short of pushing for the urgent “drastic” carbon-cutting needed to tackle global warming. “Our planet is still in the emergency room. We need to drastically reduce emissions now, and this is an issue this COP did not address,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, criticising the nations. COP15 summit: Historic billion dollar deal to save biodiversity The UN biodiversity conference COP15 took place in December amid intense pressure where at least 190 countries agreed to raise $200 billion by the end of the decade to protect land and marine areas as well as save biodiversity in the developing world after it was dubbed as the “last chance” to address the issue. The draft, 30 by 30, agreed upon in Montreal, Canada had four broad goals and 22 targets which committed to protecting 30 per cent of land and water which are considered pillars of biodiversity by 2030. Prior to this, only 17 per cent of terrestrial and 10 per cent of marine areas were protected. During the summit, finance was one of the most contentious issues after some 70 delegates from African, South American and Asian countries staged a walkout and did not return for hours. The deal also accounted for the rights of Indigenous peoples and reaffirmed that they will have a voice in decision-making, a move which was praised by many. UN High Seas Treaty approved after over a decade Over 15 years of discussions and five rounds of protracted UN-led discussions later, more than 100 countries, in March, signed the legally binding pact to protect and manage nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans that lie beyond countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), known as the high seas. Notably, the high seas make up more than 60 per cent of the world’s oceans and almost half of the planet’s surface but receive little to no attention since there are no borders. The long-awaited treaty will work to reverse marine biodiversity losses and ensure sustainable development. The discussions ran as long as they did due to the economic interests which included developing nations wanting larger shares of the so-called "blue economy" and an agreement on the sharing of “marine genetic resources”. Deep sea mining might begin with no regulations In March, the UN associated, 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) convened in Kingston, Jamaica to negotiate on creating a legally binding document which would set the rules for how deep sea mining would be regulated in the high seas. As the discussions began, the ISA chief was criticised by diplomats who claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. The ISA recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, which triggered a clause in 2021 that would allow it to demand the adoption of the rules which are still being negotiated within two years. The decision to allow permit applications by July 9 came by the end of March after the ISA’s governing council formulated a draft decision due to the triggered clause. As per a document seen by Reuters, the council plans to meet virtually before July to debate if the approval of these permits can be delayed. UN to deal with world’s plastic problem Last month, a UN committee met to negotiate a landmark legally binding global plastics treaty in Paris which would ideally end global plastic pollution. The debate was about whether the countries should limit the production of more plastics or recycle plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. At the end of the recently concluded second meeting in France, the decision to come up with a “zero-draft” by the end of November came at the 11th hour ahead of a third round of talks in Nairobi after some reported “nit-picking” and “delaying tactics” by countries, said the French foreign minister COP28 summit: The way forward? It has been a year of historic decision-making and passing contentious deals involving hundreds of countries across the world. So what’s next? The next COP meeting is already garnering criticism and has come under scrutiny after its host UAE selected Sultan al-Jaber, head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to lead the upcoming climate summit. As per AFP, while Al-Jaber favours the rapid development of renewable energy he has also supposedly focused more on the use of controversial technologies to capture carbon dioxide as opposed to reducing emissions by limiting fossil fuels. The COP28 climate summit is set to take place in December. (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.

Explained | World Environment Day: 5 international agreements that would affect the planet in years to come

The names Elizabeth Holmes and her billion-dollar start-up&nbsp;Theranos have been making headlines since 2013,&nbsp;initially for all good reasons, but not so much over the years. The 39-year-old founder of the failed blood-testing company, Holmes,&nbsp;once a billionaire in Silicon Valley,&nbsp;reported to a Texas minimum-security federal prison, on Tuesday (May 30), which will be her home for the next 11 years.&nbsp;

Here’s all you need to know about the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder:&nbsp;

<h2>The rise of Theranos</h2>

Founded in 2003 by Elizabth Holmes, a 19-year-old Stanford dropout, Theranos was a privately held healthcare technology company which promised to revolutionise the blood-testing industry. The name of the company was a combination of the words “therapy” and “diagnosis.”

Theranos claimed to have designed a device to draw, retain, and analyse a “few” droplets of blood from a patient’s fingertip to detect a multitude of diseases and conditions, including cancer and high cholesterol. Over the years, Theranos, based on its claims, was able to raise millions of dollars in capital from venture capitalists and private investors.&nbsp;

According to reports, Holmes had told her professor Dr Phyllis Gardner at Stanford University when she first came up with the idea. The professor called it ambitious but also impossible,&nbsp;but this did not stop the then-19-year-old from launching the company which she would lie about the capabilities of for years to come.&nbsp;

In 2013, a decade after Holmes had launched the start-up, it garnered more recognition than ever after it struck a deal with the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the US, Walgreens. This also led to the opening of the first Theranos Wellness Center at a Walgreens in Palo Alto, California where consumers could access the company’s blood test. At its peak, in 2015 Theranos was valued at nearly $10 billion.&nbsp;

It was not until 2015 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the company to use its proprietary tiny blood-collection vials to finger stick blood tests for herpes simplex 1 virus. Notably, this would be the first and only approval that the company would receive for a diagnostic test.

The Theranos founder and CEO was named Forbes’ youngest self-made woman billionaire in 2014 and thanks to her 50 per cent stake in the start-up her personal wealth was valued at $4.5 billion.&nbsp;

By 2018, the company had raised more than $700 million but Holmes said that she would take the investors’ money on the condition that she would not be obligated to reveal how Theranos’ technology worked.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the billion-dollar start-up do?</h2>

Theranos’ downfall began with a series of explosive reports by the American newspaper Wall Street Journal starting in 2015 which said that the company relied on other blood machines instead of their own device, Edison.&nbsp;

It also noted that Theranos’ proprietary technique was being used in some 240 tests it performs while others were done by traditional vials of blood drawn from the arm as opposed to the “few drops” of blood by a finger prick. Some patients also reported receiving inaccurate diagnoses with the device.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Holmes, who had borrowed the supposed obsession of secrecy about the technology from her Silicon Valley idol Steve Jobs, was forced to defend the testing practices and called the WSJ’s report “factually and scientifically erroneous.” She also expressed shock over the article and claimed that Theranos supplied over 1,000 pages of documentation to refute the allegations.

<h2>The fallout</h2>

The American newspaper asserted its claims and in a follow-up article, a day later, said Theranos was forced to halt the use of its unapproved device for all but one type which was the herpes test, approved by the FDA. In October 2015, the FDA released two heavily redacted reports which included over a dozen concerns and called Theranos’ proprietary vial an “uncleared medical device.”&nbsp;

The WSJ published another article, later that year, which alleged that there are gaps in management and strategies at Theranos and accused the company of rigging tests to produce better results for the Edison machines.&nbsp;

This was also around the time when Holmes had reportedly removed former Presidential cabinet members Henry Kissinger and George Shultz as the company’s directors as well as established a separate medical board.

Amid criticism, Safeway, an American supermarket chain which invested $350 million into offering Theranos blood tests, also pulled out of the deal. Reports suggest that Safeway executives were also sceptical of the validity of the test results given by Theranos.

However, that was just the beginning of Holmes’ problems, as the real fallout began when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a damning report in 2016 which said that the company’s California lab has failed to comply with federal standards. It also noted that patients are in “immediate jeopardy,” and gave Theranos 10 days to address the issues.&nbsp;

This prompted Walgreens to stop sending lab tests to Theranos’ California lab for analysis and suspended its services in Palo Alto and eventually closed 40 Theranos Wellness Centers at Walgreens across Arizona. At the time, the company also came under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).&nbsp;

<h2>Closure of Theranos&nbsp;</h2>

By May 2016, Theranos executive and Holmes’ business partner Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani had left the company. It was around the same time that Holmes was attempting to deal with the fallout and the WSJ reported that Theranos moved to void two years of blood test results from its proprietary testing devices and correct tens of thousands of blood test reports.&nbsp;

In the same year, after losing the Walgreens deal Forbes revised Holmes’ over $4 billion dollar to $0 and lowered Theranos’ valuation from $9 billion to $800 million. Holmes had also been banned from running a blood-testing lab for two years by CMS. In 2018, the SEC charged Holmes and Balwani with “massive fraud”.

<h2>Balwani, Holmes sentenced for fraud</h2>

Starting in late 2016 Theranos had broadly dissolved amid multiple lawsuits and finally ceased operations in September 2018. SEC ordered Holmes to pay a $500,000 fine and relinquish all of her shares in the company. In June 2018, both Balwani, Holmes’ former romantic and business partner, and the Theranos founder were indicted.&nbsp;

During the trial, Holmes tried to blame others including Balwani for the failure of the company but admitted making mistakes while also denying committing crimes. She also went on to claim that Balwani, Theranos’ former COO was sexually and emotionally abusive which Holmes said clouded her thinking.&nbsp;

However, Balwani’s attorney steadfastly denied these allegations. Currently, the 57-year-old former COO who was charged with two counts of conspiracy and 10 counts of fraud, late last year, and sentenced to nearly 13 years imprisonment is spending his days in a Southern California prison.

Meanwhile, Holmes, on Tuesday, moved&nbsp;into the Federal Prison Camp Bryan, Texas is sentenced to spend the next 11 years there for four counts of defrauding investors. Both Balwani and Holmes have also been ordered to pay $452,047,268 to the involved investors, reported Forbes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The names Elizabeth Holmes and her billion-dollar start-up Theranos have been making headlines since 2013, initially for all good reasons, but not so much over the years.

The names Elizabeth Holmes and her billion-dollar start-up Theranos have been making headlines since 2013, initially for all good reasons, but not so much over the years. The 39-year-old founder of the failed blood-testing company, Holmes, once a billionaire in Silicon Valley, reported to a Texas minimum-security federal prison, on Tuesday (May 30), which will be her home for the next 11 years. Here’s all you need to know about the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder: The rise of Theranos Founded in 2003 by Elizabth Holmes, a 19-year-old Stanford dropout, Theranos was a privately held healthcare technology company which promised to revolutionise the blood-testing industry. The name of the company was a combination of the words “therapy” and “diagnosis.” Theranos claimed to have designed a device to draw, retain, and analyse a “few” droplets of blood from a patient’s fingertip to detect a multitude of diseases and conditions, including cancer and high cholesterol. Over the years, Theranos, based on its claims, was able to raise millions of dollars in capital from venture capitalists and private investors. According to reports, Holmes had told her professor Dr Phyllis Gardner at Stanford University when she first came up with the idea. The professor called it ambitious but also impossible, but this did not stop the then-19-year-old from launching the company which she would lie about the capabilities of for years to come. In 2013, a decade after Holmes had launched the start-up, it garnered more recognition than ever after it struck a deal with the second-largest pharmacy store chain in the US, Walgreens. This also led to the opening of the first Theranos Wellness Center at a Walgreens in Palo Alto, California where consumers could access the company’s blood test. At its peak, in 2015 Theranos was valued at nearly $10 billion. It was not until 2015 that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the company to use its proprietary tiny blood-collection vials to finger stick blood tests for herpes simplex 1 virus. Notably, this would be the first and only approval that the company would receive for a diagnostic test. The Theranos founder and CEO was named Forbes’ youngest self-made woman billionaire in 2014 and thanks to her 50 per cent stake in the start-up her personal wealth was valued at $4.5 billion. By 2018, the company had raised more than $700 million but Holmes said that she would take the investors’ money on the condition that she would not be obligated to reveal how Theranos’ technology worked. What did the billion-dollar start-up do? Theranos’ downfall began with a series of explosive reports by the American newspaper Wall Street Journal starting in 2015 which said that the company relied on other blood machines instead of their own device, Edison. It also noted that Theranos’ proprietary technique was being used in some 240 tests it performs while others were done by traditional vials of blood drawn from the arm as opposed to the “few drops” of blood by a finger prick. Some patients also reported receiving inaccurate diagnoses with the device. Meanwhile, Holmes, who had borrowed the supposed obsession of secrecy about the technology from her Silicon Valley idol Steve Jobs, was forced to defend the testing practices and called the WSJ’s report “factually and scientifically erroneous.” She also expressed shock over the article and claimed that Theranos supplied over 1,000 pages of documentation to refute the allegations. The fallout The American newspaper asserted its claims and in a follow-up article, a day later, said Theranos was forced to halt the use of its unapproved device for all but one type which was the herpes test, approved by the FDA. In October 2015, the FDA released two heavily redacted reports which included over a dozen concerns and called Theranos’ proprietary vial an “uncleared medical device.” The WSJ published another article, later that year, which alleged that there are gaps in management and strategies at Theranos and accused the company of rigging tests to produce better results for the Edison machines. This was also around the time when Holmes had reportedly removed former Presidential cabinet members Henry Kissinger and George Shultz as the company’s directors as well as established a separate medical board. Amid criticism, Safeway, an American supermarket chain which invested $350 million into offering Theranos blood tests, also pulled out of the deal. Reports suggest that Safeway executives were also sceptical of the validity of the test results given by Theranos. However, that was just the beginning of Holmes’ problems, as the real fallout began when the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a damning report in 2016 which said that the company’s California lab has failed to comply with federal standards. It also noted that patients are in “immediate jeopardy,” and gave Theranos 10 days to address the issues. This prompted Walgreens to stop sending lab tests to Theranos’ California lab for analysis and suspended its services in Palo Alto and eventually closed 40 Theranos Wellness Centers at Walgreens across Arizona. At the time, the company also came under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Closure of Theranos By May 2016, Theranos executive and Holmes’ business partner Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani had left the company. It was around the same time that Holmes was attempting to deal with the fallout and the WSJ reported that Theranos moved to void two years of blood test results from its proprietary testing devices and correct tens of thousands of blood test reports. In the same year, after losing the Walgreens deal Forbes revised Holmes’ over $4 billion dollar to $0 and lowered Theranos’ valuation from $9 billion to $800 million. Holmes had also been banned from running a blood-testing lab for two years by CMS. In 2018, the SEC charged Holmes and Balwani with “massive fraud”. Balwani, Holmes sentenced for fraud Starting in late 2016 Theranos had broadly dissolved amid multiple lawsuits and finally ceased operations in September 2018. SEC ordered Holmes to pay a $500,000 fine and relinquish all of her shares in the company. In June 2018, both Balwani, Holmes’ former romantic and business partner, and the Theranos founder were indicted. During the trial, Holmes tried to blame others including Balwani for the failure of the company but admitted making mistakes while also denying committing crimes. She also went on to claim that Balwani, Theranos’ former COO was sexually and emotionally abusive which Holmes said clouded her thinking. However, Balwani’s attorney steadfastly denied these allegations. Currently, the 57-year-old former COO who was charged with two counts of conspiracy and 10 counts of fraud, late last year, and sentenced to nearly 13 years imprisonment is spending his days in a Southern California prison. Meanwhile, Holmes, on Tuesday, moved into the Federal Prison Camp Bryan, Texas is sentenced to spend the next 11 years there for four counts of defrauding investors. Both Balwani and Holmes have also been ordered to pay $452,047,268 to the involved investors, reported Forbes. (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.

Explained: Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes heads to prison. What was the blood-testing scam?

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be.

The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former.&nbsp;

<h2>United Nations talks in Paris&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year.&nbsp;

Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.”&nbsp;

The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and&nbsp;needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message.&nbsp;

<h2>Global plastic problem</h2>

A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain.&nbsp;

So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP.

Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled.&nbsp;

Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What do different countries and groups want?</h2>

The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials.&nbsp;

Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible.&nbsp;

The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”.&nbsp;

“We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday.

The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040.&nbsp;

“We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased.&nbsp;

However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry.&nbsp;

<h2>Environmental groups about the treaty</h2>

A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group.&nbsp;

They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult.&nbsp;

“If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks.

“Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).&nbsp;

Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”.&nbsp;

<h2>What do the plastic producers want?</h2>

Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.”&nbsp;

They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic.&nbsp;

On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals.&nbsp;

“So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution.

A United Nations committee began talks to come up with a landmark global plastics treaty in Paris, on Monday (May 29), which would ideally be aimed to end global plastic pollution. However, the countries remained divided as the debate rages on about what the outcome should be. The debate which is emerging between countries is around some wanting to limit the production of more plastics while others calling for recycling as the solution to plastic waste, with the plastic-producing and oil and gas companies supporting the latter and environmental groups in favour of the former. United Nations talks in Paris The meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for Plastics began on Monday and will go on till the end of the week. The committee has been tasked with developing the first international legally binding agreement on plastics as early as next year. Representatives from 175 nations and over 2,000 participants from governments and observers met at the United Nations cultural agency headquarters in Paris. Head of the negotiations Gustavo Meza-Cuadra Velazquez began the meeting by acknowledging that the challenge was “immense, as we are all aware here, but it is not insurmountable.” He added, “The world’s eyes are on us.” The negotiations to deal with arguably one of the biggest environmental issues that affected the world are supposed to take place over five meetings by next year which is a short amount of time and needless to say, the stakes are high. This was the second meeting of the countries which followed the first one, six months ago in Uruguay. French President Emmanuel Macron, on Monday, also addressed the session and urged the nations to negotiate and put an end to today’s “globalised and unsustainable” production model. “Plastic pollution is a time-bomb and at the same time already a scourge today,” said Macron, in a video message. Global plastic problem A report published by the UN Environment Program, earlier this year, said that humanity produces more than 430 million tons of plastic annually out of which two-thirds are short-lived products which eventually become waste. This waste then ends up in our oceans, sits in landfills, and is now making its way into the human food chain. So far, microscopic bits of plastic have been detected in human blood, breast milk and placentas. There are some 13,000 chemicals associated with plastic production out of which 3,000 are considered hazardous, said the report by UNEP. Similarly, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reported that the plastic waste produced globally is set to almost triple by 2060 with nearly 50 per cent of it ending up in landfills and less than a fifth recycled. Plastic also accounted for 1.8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2019 and over three per cent of global emissions, said the OECD report. “Only elimination, reduction of, a full lifecycle approach, transparency and a just transition, only those can bring success because the truth is that we cannot recycle our way out of this mess,” UNEP’s Inger Andersen told the delegates. What do different countries and groups want? The UNEP, which is also hosting the talks, released a report earlier this month for reducing plastic waste by 80 per cent by 2040. It outlines three key areas of action to reduce plastic pollution – reuse, recycling and reorientation of plastic packaging to alternative materials. Similarly, several countries have said the goal should be the “circularity” of plastics, which means keeping the already-produced plastic items in circulation as long as possible. The so-called High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution wishes that the treaty should focus on human health and the environment and called for provisions to ensure an “increase the safe circularity of plastics”. “We have a responsibility to protect human health in our environment from the most harmful polymers and chemicals of concern through the treaty,” said Rwanda’s environment minister and co-chair of the coalition, Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, on Monday. The 55-nation coalition led by Norway and Rwanda also includes countries like Peru, Australia, several island nations, and European Union member states also aim to end plastic pollution by 2040. “We agree that we need to reduce production at least of virgin plastics,” Norway Environment Minister Espen Barth Eide told DW. He also noted that the market demand for new plastics would decrease as the circular economy increased. However, many environmental groups have criticised this possible solution as they believe it focuses on waste management and recycling instead of reducing production and grants concessions to the plastics and petrochemicals industry. Environmental groups about the treaty A report published by Greenpeace, on May 24, found that recycling plastic can make it more toxic and it should not be considered a solution to plastic pollution. “Plastics are inherently incompatible with a circular economy,” said the report by the environmental group. They have also called for the production of plastic to be slashed by 75 per cent from the 2017 levels as recycling certain types of plastic remains extremely difficult. “If we keep the focus at the end of the pipe and on recycling and promoting a bunch of false solutions like chemical recycling, or cement kilns, or waste-to-energy, we will lock ourselves into some of the worst impacts of climate change,” said Graham Forbes, global plastics project leader at Greenpeace, United States, as quoted by DW. Notably, this shift of focus from addressing plastic waste and scaling up recycling has been supported by plastic-producing and oil and gas exporters nations. The German-based media outlet, citing sources also said Saudi Arabia is one of the reluctant nations to an ambitious strategy to end plastic pollution while the US, China, and India have low ambition for the talks. “Real solutions to the plastics crisis will require global controls on chemicals in plastics and significant reductions in plastic production,” said Therese Karlsson, science advisor with the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). Similarly, IPEN’s co-chair, Dr Tadesse Amera said that if the treaty were to focus on plastic waste as opposed to plastic production as well as extraction of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives, to solve the crisis, it would be a “failure”. What do the plastic producers want? Several plastics producers’ associations have also supported recycling. In line with this, the International Council of Chemical Associations, the World Plastics Council, the American Chemistry Council and others which make, use and recycle plastics have called for the elimination of plastic pollution while “retaining the societal benefits of plastics.” They have also called themselves “global partners for plastics circularity,” as per the Associated Press. “The agreement should require national action plans as that will most effectively eliminate plastic pollution specific to a country’s situation,” said Joshua Baca, VP of plastics at the American Chemistry Council, as per AP. He also said that the “one-size fits all approach” would not work to eliminate plastic. On the other hand, IPEN’s international coordinator, Bjorn Beeler said leaving these decisions up to individual countries as opposed to having an international legally binding document in place would be unfair to regions like Latin America and Africa that do not manufacture much plastic or chemicals. “So that national approach climate model would be a failure again because you can't really handle a global problem at a national level,” said Beeler, as quoted by DW. (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.

Explained: Plastic recycling in focus as countries meet in Paris for treaty talks

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors. While same-sex relations were already illegal in the African nation, the law takes it one step further by including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the new law about?</h2>

The bill, Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which was recently signed into law, was introduced in Uganda’s parliament&nbsp;earlier this year. The death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” includes sex with a minor, people who are HIV positive, and incest.&nbsp;

Additionally, anyone engaging in gay sex, if convicted, could face life imprisonment and a person caught trying to commit same-sex acts could face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for anyone “promoting” homosexuality.&nbsp;

It also calls for what it terms “rehabilitation” for gay offenders which could hint at the widely discredited conversion therapy. Meanwhile, a minor convicted of an offence involving same-sex relations can be imprisoned for not more than three years.&nbsp;

If legal entities, such as media and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are found “knowingly” promoting homosexuality, they will be fined and also face potential suspension.&nbsp;

<h2>Museveni has ‘answered the cries of our people’</h2>

The announcement of the signing of the bill was made by Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among who said Museveni has “answered the cries of our people.” She also took to Twitter and wrote, “I thank His Excellency, the president, for his steadfast action in the interest of Uganda.”

She added, “With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of the country.”&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press has also attributed the rise in anti-gay sentiment in Uganda to news coverage of alleged sodomy cases&nbsp;in boarding schools.&nbsp;One of the cases includes a parent accusing a teacher of abusing her son who is in a prestigious school for boys.&nbsp;

LGBTQ rights activists have called the bill unnecessary considering homosexuality in Uganda has long been illegal in line with a colonial-era law which criminalises sexual activity “against the order of nature.” The violation of this&nbsp;law&nbsp;carries a punishment of life imprisonment.

<h2>International criticism and condemnation&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, the bill’s sponsor Asuman Basalirwa told reporters that the Ugandan Parliament speaker’s visa to the United States was cancelled after the law was signed. This comes after the White House condemned the bill after it was first passed back in March. Amnesty International has described the legislation as “draconian and overly broad.”

On Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law,” and called the legislation “a recipe for systematic violations of the rights” of LGBTQ people and others. The European Parliament has also condemned the law with MEPs describing it as “horrific”.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, on Monday, PEPFAR, the US flagship HIV/AIDS programme and leaders of the UNAIDS programme, said that the law will put Uganda’s anti-HIV fight “in grave jeopardy,” and that they were “deeply concerned about the harmful impact” of the legislation on public health.&nbsp;

The statement also noted that the "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act have already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services"&nbsp;for LGBTQ people, and it will “obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.”

“Our data shows that this law runs counter to the interests of economic progress and prosperity of all people in Uganda,” said Dominic Arnall, chief executive for Open For Business, a coalition of companies which includes tech giants like Google and Microsoft. He also said that the group was deeply disappointed by the signing of the bill.&nbsp; 
 
US President Joe Biden 
 
After the bill was signed said that the&nbsp;enactment of the anti-LGBTQ law is a "tragic violation of universal human rights". He added, "I join with people around the world - including many in Uganda - in calling for its immediate repeal." Biden&nbsp;also said that they are considering steps like additional sanctions&nbsp;and restriction of entry into the US "against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption".&nbsp;

United Kingdom government&nbsp;'appalled'

The&nbsp;British government said that they were "appalled" at the Ugandan government's new law. Andrew Mitchell, a minister in the foreign office department&nbsp;said it "undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution".&nbsp; 
 
He also went on to describe the law "deeply discriminatory" and said it would "increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDs, and will damage Uganda’s international reputation".&nbsp;

<h2>‘A dark day’ for LGBTQ community in Uganda</h2>

According to media reports, there is fear among Uganda’s LGBTQ community as many have closed down social media accounts and fled homes, while some are even planning to move abroad. Henry Mukiibi, an activist who assists LGBTQ Ugandans, told CNN that he is afraid of people taking the law into their own hands.&nbsp;

“I think this is so so horrible. We didn’t expect this – we thought he would be advised against it. We are going to be tortured. I am just scared now about what is next,” Mukiibi told CNN. He added, “People have been waiting for the bill to be signed and then they will work on us. We are going to die.”&nbsp;

“It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies and all of Uganda,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist, as per Reuters, after the bill was signed.&nbsp;

Africa's deputy director for Human Rights Watch,&nbsp;Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz,&nbsp;told AFP that the legislation&nbsp;was “discriminatory and is a step in the wrong direction for the protection of human rights for all people in Uganda”.&nbsp;

Homosexuality is criminalised in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries as some people supposedly view it as a behaviour imported from abroad. There are also fears that this legislation could encourage lawmakers in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania to take similar steps.&nbsp; 
 
After the law was signed, a Kenyan Member of&nbsp;Parliament, George Kaluma,&nbsp;said, "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavour to save humanity ... Perversion is treated, not normalized!"&nbsp;

The 78-year-old leader was seen signing the bill at his desk with a golden pen and has previously called homosexuality a “deviation from normal”. He also urged lawmakers to resist “imperialist” pressure amid international condemnation of the bill. Notably, a similar less restrictive anti-LGBTQ law was struck down by a court on procedural grounds.&nbsp;

Rights activists have the option of appealing the legislation before the constitutional court. The 2014 anti-LGBTQ law was also struck down by a domestic court&nbsp;after some countries in the West had taken measures including suspension of aid, imposed visa restrictions and curtailed security cooperation.

The civil society in Uganda, with the LGBTQ community, is ready to take this to the courts and challenge the law, Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer told CNN. “Because this law is a deeply discriminatory and repressive law that doesn’t meet any international human rights and local standards.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed what might arguably be one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ bills into law on Monday (May 29). The move also comes amid Western condemnation, international criticism, and potential sanctions against the country by aid donors. While same-sex relations were already illegal in the African nation, the law takes it one step further by including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”. What is the new law about? The bill, Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which was recently signed into law, was introduced in Uganda’s parliament earlier this year. The death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” includes sex with a minor, people who are HIV positive, and incest. Additionally, anyone engaging in gay sex, if convicted, could face life imprisonment and a person caught trying to commit same-sex acts could face up to 10 years in prison. The law also stipulates a 20-year sentence for anyone “promoting” homosexuality. It also calls for what it terms “rehabilitation” for gay offenders which could hint at the widely discredited conversion therapy. Meanwhile, a minor convicted of an offence involving same-sex relations can be imprisoned for not more than three years. If legal entities, such as media and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are found “knowingly” promoting homosexuality, they will be fined and also face potential suspension. Museveni has ‘answered the cries of our people’ The announcement of the signing of the bill was made by Ugandan Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among who said Museveni has “answered the cries of our people.” She also took to Twitter and wrote, “I thank His Excellency, the president, for his steadfast action in the interest of Uganda.” She added, “With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues the Members of Parliament for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of the country.” A report by the Associated Press has also attributed the rise in anti-gay sentiment in Uganda to news coverage of alleged sodomy cases in boarding schools. One of the cases includes a parent accusing a teacher of abusing her son who is in a prestigious school for boys. LGBTQ rights activists have called the bill unnecessary considering homosexuality in Uganda has long been illegal in line with a colonial-era law which criminalises sexual activity “against the order of nature.” The violation of this law carries a punishment of life imprisonment. International criticism and condemnation Notably, the bill’s sponsor Asuman Basalirwa told reporters that the Ugandan Parliament speaker’s visa to the United States was cancelled after the law was signed. This comes after the White House condemned the bill after it was first passed back in March. Amnesty International has described the legislation as “draconian and overly broad.” On Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Office said it was “appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law,” and called the legislation “a recipe for systematic violations of the rights” of LGBTQ people and others. The European Parliament has also condemned the law with MEPs describing it as “horrific”. In a joint statement, on Monday, PEPFAR, the US flagship HIV/AIDS programme and leaders of the UNAIDS programme, said that the law will put Uganda’s anti-HIV fight “in grave jeopardy,” and that they were “deeply concerned about the harmful impact” of the legislation on public health. The statement also noted that the "stigma and discrimination associated with the passage of the Act have already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services" for LGBTQ people, and it will “obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat.” “Our data shows that this law runs counter to the interests of economic progress and prosperity of all people in Uganda,” said Dominic Arnall, chief executive for Open For Business, a coalition of companies which includes tech giants like Google and Microsoft. He also said that the group was deeply disappointed by the signing of the bill. US President Joe Biden After the bill was signed said that the enactment of the anti-LGBTQ law is a "tragic violation of universal human rights". He added, "I join with people around the world - including many in Uganda - in calling for its immediate repeal." Biden also said that they are considering steps like additional sanctions and restriction of entry into the US "against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption". United Kingdom government 'appalled' The British government said that they were "appalled" at the Ugandan government's new law. Andrew Mitchell, a minister in the foreign office department said it "undermines the protections and freedoms of all Ugandans enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution". He also went on to describe the law "deeply discriminatory" and said it would "increase the risk of violence, discrimination and persecution, will set back the fight against HIV/AIDs, and will damage Uganda’s international reputation". ‘A dark day’ for LGBTQ community in Uganda According to media reports, there is fear among Uganda’s LGBTQ community as many have closed down social media accounts and fled homes, while some are even planning to move abroad. Henry Mukiibi, an activist who assists LGBTQ Ugandans, told CNN that he is afraid of people taking the law into their own hands. “I think this is so so horrible. We didn’t expect this – we thought he would be advised against it. We are going to be tortured. I am just scared now about what is next,” Mukiibi told CNN. He added, “People have been waiting for the bill to be signed and then they will work on us. We are going to die.” “It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies and all of Uganda,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist, as per Reuters, after the bill was signed. Africa's deputy director for Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, told AFP that the legislation was “discriminatory and is a step in the wrong direction for the protection of human rights for all people in Uganda”. Homosexuality is criminalised in more than 30 of Africa’s 54 countries as some people supposedly view it as a behaviour imported from abroad. There are also fears that this legislation could encourage lawmakers in neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania to take similar steps. After the law was signed, a Kenyan Member of Parliament, George Kaluma, said, "Wow! What a leader we've in Africa! Congratulations Uganda! Kenya is following you in this endeavour to save humanity ... Perversion is treated, not normalized!" The 78-year-old leader was seen signing the bill at his desk with a golden pen and has previously called homosexuality a “deviation from normal”. He also urged lawmakers to resist “imperialist” pressure amid international condemnation of the bill. Notably, a similar less restrictive anti-LGBTQ law was struck down by a court on procedural grounds. Rights activists have the option of appealing the legislation before the constitutional court. The 2014 anti-LGBTQ law was also struck down by a domestic court after some countries in the West had taken measures including suspension of aid, imposed visa restrictions and curtailed security cooperation. The civil society in Uganda, with the LGBTQ community, is ready to take this to the courts and challenge the law, Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer told CNN. “Because this law is a deeply discriminatory and repressive law that doesn’t meet any international human rights and local standards.” (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.

Explained | Uganda enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law, includes death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’

On an average day, millions of people menstruate, with more than 300 million women and other menstruators, which includes transgender men or people who identify as nonbinary. According to a report by the World Bank, an estimated 500 million lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual health largely due to a lack of awareness, education, and/or cultural influences.&nbsp;

Women and adolescent girls are shamed, made fun of and even seen as “impure,” “dirty” or “unclean” when they are menstruating, a biological process which is essential to human reproduction. An average person uses over 11,000 sanitary products, which is over the course of 3,500 menstrual days, which last between three to seven days and add up to nearly 10 years of a person’s lifetime.&nbsp;

In a world where an estimated 500 million people struggle to procure menstrual products and have access to adequate facilities for menstrual health, several countries continue to impose what is known as the “tampon tax.” Here is what you need to know about the two issues affecting menstruators across the world:&nbsp;

<h2>What is World Menstrual Hygiene Day?</h2>

Considering the importance of menstrual health and hygiene, the world began observing Menstrual Hygiene Day, on the 28th day of the 5th month of the year, annually since 2014.&nbsp;

The reason behind this is that menstrual cycles last for an average of 28 days and people menstruate an average of five days each month. This year’s theme is “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.”&nbsp;

UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Natalia Kanem said, “A girl’s first period should be a happy fact of life, a sign of coming of age with dignity. She should have access to everything necessary to understand and care for her body and attend school without stigma or shame.”&nbsp;

<h2>What is&nbsp;Menstrual Hygiene Management?</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF define&nbsp;Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as “Women and adolescent girls using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary, using soap and water for washing the body as required and having access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials.”

In addition to this, menstruates also have the knowledge of basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to manage it with dignity and without embarrassment or stigma, which is also seen as an important part of MHM.&nbsp;

Poor menstrual health and hygiene are seen as a hindrance to fundamental rights like working on going to school for women, girls and people who menstruate. This is considering the patterns of exclusion and shame arising from insufficient resources to manage menstruation, according to UNFPA. Furthermore, gender inequality, extreme poverty, humanitarian crises and harmful traditions can amplify deprivation and stigma, related to menstruation.&nbsp;

<h2>What is ‘period poverty’?</h2>

Period poverty refers to the struggle of many menstruates who cannot afford menstrual products as well as the increased economic vulnerability they face due to the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. However, these costs are not limited to pads or tampons but also pain medication and underwear.&nbsp;

Period poverty also includes the lack of or absence of knowledge pertaining to menstrual hygiene education and sanitary facilities (washrooms/bathrooms). However, when we address period poverty, it is not just an economic issue but also a social and political one and this is where the concept of “tampon tax” comes in.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Tampon tax’: What is it and who is imposing it?</h2>

In a world where hundreds of millions of people are affected by “period poverty,” global calls for the end of the so-called tampon tax have increased. Tampon tax refers to the consumption levies such as value-added tax (VAT) which most countries charge on items such as sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners and menstrual cups.&nbsp;

While menstrual products in some countries are considered non-essential items for VAT purposes, items like toilet paper, condoms and over-the-counter medicines are tax-free or at least carry a lower levy. Notably, Kenya became the first country to scrap VAT on sanitary pads and tampons in 2004 and over a dozen other countries have followed suit, as per the data by Reuters.

Meanwhile, some 10 countries have moved to place sanitary products as tax-exempt goods or exempted the tax on imported raw materials used to make them. Last year, the European Union revised a directive which allowed its 27 member nations to reduce VAT on sanitary products by five per cent, which means they can lower taxes on some goods. &nbsp;

One of the reasons why tampon tax continues to be levied in many countries is because VAT is an important source of revenue for governments and is a large part of some countries' GDP. Furthermore, the VAT rates vary depending on the country, considering governments often have different definitions of what is considered an essential good that is exempted from the levy.&nbsp;

Notably, Scotland,&nbsp;last year became the first nation to make sanitary pads and tampons free at designated public places, like youth centres and pharmacies.&nbsp;

Where does India stand in all of this? 
&nbsp; 
The experience of menstruators across India differs but the stigma around the biological process remains prevalent in many parts of the country. Earlier this month, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly tortured and killed by her 30-year-old brother in the Thane district after he mistook the bloodstains on her clothes for her involvement in a sexual relationship. &nbsp;

As per media reports, the girl was unable to explain the reason behind the bloodstains on her clothes due to her lack of knowledge about menstruation. She was reportedly subjected to torture as the accused allegedly inflicted severe burns on various parts of the victim’s body and after days of being kicked and punched, she was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.&nbsp;

Additionally, nearly 33 crore menstruating women are affected by different levels of “period poverty,” either in terms of access to menstrual products, information, or infrastructure for hygiene. A report by NGO Dasra and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shows that 23 million girls are forced to drop out of school every year due to a lack of proper MHM facilities.&nbsp;

A 2018 study conducted by UNICEF shows 70 per cent of Indian mothers believed menstruation is “dirty.” This translates to practices like girls not being allowed to touch members of the family, or enter the kitchen, and sometimes even being made to eat separately, as per reports. In some parts of the country, women and girls are also made to sleep outside the house, often in a hut or livestock shed.&nbsp;

However, it is not all doom and gloom.&nbsp;In 2018, India scrapped its tax on menstrual products following months of campaigning by activists over the government’s 12 per cent duty on menstrual hygiene products which sparked outrage across the country. It came to be known as ‘Lahu ka Lagaan’ which translates to “blood tax”.&nbsp;

The move was welcomed considering periods are one of the leading reasons why girls drop out of schools in India while others are forced to stay at home due to the lack of access to menstrual products. According to the recent National Family Health Survey, over 30 per cent of women between the age of 15 and 24 do not use hygiene methods like “locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups” during their period.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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On an average day, millions of people menstruate, with more than 300 million women and other menstruators, which includes transgender men or people who identify as nonbinary.

On an average day, millions of people menstruate, with more than 300 million women and other menstruators, which includes transgender men or people who identify as nonbinary. According to a report by the World Bank, an estimated 500 million lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual health largely due to a lack of awareness, education, and/or cultural influences. Women and adolescent girls are shamed, made fun of and even seen as “impure,” “dirty” or “unclean” when they are menstruating, a biological process which is essential to human reproduction. An average person uses over 11,000 sanitary products, which is over the course of 3,500 menstrual days, which last between three to seven days and add up to nearly 10 years of a person’s lifetime. In a world where an estimated 500 million people struggle to procure menstrual products and have access to adequate facilities for menstrual health, several countries continue to impose what is known as the “tampon tax.” Here is what you need to know about the two issues affecting menstruators across the world: What is World Menstrual Hygiene Day? Considering the importance of menstrual health and hygiene, the world began observing Menstrual Hygiene Day, on the 28th day of the 5th month of the year, annually since 2014. The reason behind this is that menstrual cycles last for an average of 28 days and people menstruate an average of five days each month. This year’s theme is “Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030.” UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Natalia Kanem said, “A girl’s first period should be a happy fact of life, a sign of coming of age with dignity. She should have access to everything necessary to understand and care for her body and attend school without stigma or shame.” What is Menstrual Hygiene Management? The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF define Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) as “Women and adolescent girls using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary, using soap and water for washing the body as required and having access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials.” In addition to this, menstruates also have the knowledge of basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to manage it with dignity and without embarrassment or stigma, which is also seen as an important part of MHM. Poor menstrual health and hygiene are seen as a hindrance to fundamental rights like working on going to school for women, girls and people who menstruate. This is considering the patterns of exclusion and shame arising from insufficient resources to manage menstruation, according to UNFPA. Furthermore, gender inequality, extreme poverty, humanitarian crises and harmful traditions can amplify deprivation and stigma, related to menstruation. What is ‘period poverty’? Period poverty refers to the struggle of many menstruates who cannot afford menstrual products as well as the increased economic vulnerability they face due to the financial burden posed by menstrual supplies. However, these costs are not limited to pads or tampons but also pain medication and underwear. Period poverty also includes the lack of or absence of knowledge pertaining to menstrual hygiene education and sanitary facilities (washrooms/bathrooms). However, when we address period poverty, it is not just an economic issue but also a social and political one and this is where the concept of “tampon tax” comes in. ‘Tampon tax’: What is it and who is imposing it? In a world where hundreds of millions of people are affected by “period poverty,” global calls for the end of the so-called tampon tax have increased. Tampon tax refers to the consumption levies such as value-added tax (VAT) which most countries charge on items such as sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners and menstrual cups. While menstrual products in some countries are considered non-essential items for VAT purposes, items like toilet paper, condoms and over-the-counter medicines are tax-free or at least carry a lower levy. Notably, Kenya became the first country to scrap VAT on sanitary pads and tampons in 2004 and over a dozen other countries have followed suit, as per the data by Reuters. Meanwhile, some 10 countries have moved to place sanitary products as tax-exempt goods or exempted the tax on imported raw materials used to make them. Last year, the European Union revised a directive which allowed its 27 member nations to reduce VAT on sanitary products by five per cent, which means they can lower taxes on some goods. One of the reasons why tampon tax continues to be levied in many countries is because VAT is an important source of revenue for governments and is a large part of some countries' GDP. Furthermore, the VAT rates vary depending on the country, considering governments often have different definitions of what is considered an essential good that is exempted from the levy. Notably, Scotland, last year became the first nation to make sanitary pads and tampons free at designated public places, like youth centres and pharmacies. Where does India stand in all of this? The experience of menstruators across India differs but the stigma around the biological process remains prevalent in many parts of the country. Earlier this month, a 12-year-old girl was allegedly tortured and killed by her 30-year-old brother in the Thane district after he mistook the bloodstains on her clothes for her involvement in a sexual relationship. As per media reports, the girl was unable to explain the reason behind the bloodstains on her clothes due to her lack of knowledge about menstruation. She was reportedly subjected to torture as the accused allegedly inflicted severe burns on various parts of the victim’s body and after days of being kicked and punched, she was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Additionally, nearly 33 crore menstruating women are affected by different levels of “period poverty,” either in terms of access to menstrual products, information, or infrastructure for hygiene. A report by NGO Dasra and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) shows that 23 million girls are forced to drop out of school every year due to a lack of proper MHM facilities. A 2018 study conducted by UNICEF shows 70 per cent of Indian mothers believed menstruation is “dirty.” This translates to practices like girls not being allowed to touch members of the family, or enter the kitchen, and sometimes even being made to eat separately, as per reports. In some parts of the country, women and girls are also made to sleep outside the house, often in a hut or livestock shed. However, it is not all doom and gloom. In 2018, India scrapped its tax on menstrual products following months of campaigning by activists over the government’s 12 per cent duty on menstrual hygiene products which sparked outrage across the country. It came to be known as ‘Lahu ka Lagaan’ which translates to “blood tax”. The move was welcomed considering periods are one of the leading reasons why girls drop out of schools in India while others are forced to stay at home due to the lack of access to menstrual products. According to the recent National Family Health Survey, over 30 per cent of women between the age of 15 and 24 do not use hygiene methods like “locally prepared napkins, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups” during their period. (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.

Explained | Menstrual Hygiene Day: ‘Tampon tax’ in a world that struggles with ‘period poverty’

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are the Maasai people?</h2>

The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists.&nbsp;

They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past.&nbsp;

<h2>Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions</h2>

The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district &nbsp;– Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so.&nbsp;

According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre,&nbsp;the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups.&nbsp;

At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police&nbsp;demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”.&nbsp;

A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property.&nbsp;

As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people&nbsp;injured, while thousands fled to Kenya.&nbsp;

Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number&nbsp;of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died.&nbsp;

K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya.

<h2>So-called quieter approach&nbsp;</h2>

This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”.&nbsp;

The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
A report by HRW,&nbsp;citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two.&nbsp; 
 
The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there.&nbsp;

This was after the land demarcation exercise which&nbsp;restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks.&nbsp;

Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands.&nbsp;

<h2>What is all of this for?</h2>

Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt.

The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament,&nbsp;have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now.&nbsp;

According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.”&nbsp;

Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem.&nbsp;

The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian.&nbsp;

In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area.&nbsp;

<h2>The UAE connection</h2>

A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates.

Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”.&nbsp;

Maasai delegation to meet European leaders&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.”&nbsp; 
 
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In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment.

In the small village of Ololosokwan, adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage site and Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park live the centuries-old Maasai people of East Africa who have for over a decade now been pushed out of their land for a “game reserve,” while the government says it is to help protect the environment. Who are the Maasai people? The pastoralist Maasai is said to be among one of the most vibrant indigenous societies on the continent who have lived and managed alongside other native communities for more than two centuries now in the Great Rift Valley located in Southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. The herders are known for their beaded jewellery and plaid shawls draped over their shoulders and wrapped around their waists. They live in the Ngorongoro district after British colonial authorities in 1951 declared the Serengeti area a national park and relocated the communities within its borders. Since then, living in small clusters of bomas (traditional Maasai houses), the nearly 7,000 semi-nomadic pastoralist ethnic group of people are being forced to relive the woeful echoes of their colonial past. Previous attempts at ‘forced’ evictions The Tanzanian government plans to displace about 150,000 pastoralists for its conservation initiatives in two areas in the Ngorongoro district – Loliondo Game Controlled Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), reported Human Rights Watch (HRW). However, it was not even close to the first time that it has moved to do so. According to Joseph Oleshangay, a lawyer with the Tanzania-based Legal and Human Rights Centre, the government has made multiple attempts to push the Maasai people out of their lands since 2003. In 2017, government security forces allegedly burned 185 Maasai houses, a move which has been dubbed as a forced act of eviction by rights groups. At the time, the government had claimed that the houses in question had been built inside the park, a claim which was also upheld in an East African court. Another incident of violence took place last year when the people from the Maasai community in Loliondo protested against the police demarcating 1,500 square kilometres for the “game reserve”. A report by The Guardian, citing eyewitnesses, said that the police opened fire, stole cattle, and destroyed property. As per the HRW, security forces arbitrarily arrested and detained 10 community leaders and even fired teargas and rubber bullets. This clash also led to the death of one police officer and left over 30 Maasai, women, children, and older people injured, while thousands fled to Kenya. Speaking about the incident to Bloomberg, a man who was only referred to as ‘K’, recalled that some 200 police, military and park rangers faced off against around 500 locals at the village office. According to K, while officials were trying to push past the crowd, shots were fired. Meanwhile, the local men pulled out their wooden bows from their backs and unleashed a number of arrows which hit an officer in the eye, who later died. K said the officials had responded by firing into the crowd when he suddenly fell and was wounded by a gunshot before he passed out into the nearby forest. He has since fled Ololosokwan and had been living across the border in Kenya. So-called quieter approach This also came after the government opted for a quieter approach to the relocation, as per rights groups. In 2021, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, which manages the land, issued a 30-day eviction notice to 45 people in the area, which was in addition to 166 others who were identified as illegal “immigrants”. The agency also ordered the destruction of over 100 homes, churches, schools, medical dispensaries, police stations, and administrative offices within the 30-day period claiming that they had been built without permits, reported The Guardian. The orders were suspended following protests from locals who say that the structures had been there for decades now. A report by HRW, citing residents, said that since February 2022, the government had begun downsizing essential services in the area. This included health, education, and emergency services after the officials had grounded Flying Medical Services, while the area’s main hospital was downsized to a dispensary from a staff of 64 to two. The Ngorongoro district authorities, in March 2022, sent two notices seen by The Guardian to six public schools ordering them to transfer some 200 million Tanzanian shillings ($ 84,744) in COVID-19 relief funds to the Handeni resettlement site. Earlier this year, the local media reported that some 500 residents and 2,000 livestock have been moved to Msomera village in Handeni district, which is hundreds of kilometres away, since the beginning of the relocation back on June 16, 2022. Rights groups have alleged that this downsizing directly hinders the community’s ability to live there. This was after the land demarcation exercise which restricted people’s access to water sources, and grazing sites, and even cut through some of the houses, reported HRW. “The government is trying to suffocate the communities and make the situation uncomfortable for them,” said human rights lawyer, Denis Moses Oleshangai, as quoted by The Guardian. Earlier this year, William Ole Seki, a Maasai elder spoke to the United Kingdom-based newspaper and spoke about how the government has banned imports of building materials into the area, the region’s only hospital was under threat of closure, and two villages to the north which had no water for weeks. Experts from the United Nations have called on the Tanzania government to halt forced evictions and relocation and urged them to work towards conservation with the local community. It is not just the locals, as officials from the European Union, UN, and international non-governmental organisations have also accused the government of pushing the Maasai off their lands. What is all of this for? Last year, Tanzania’s tourism ministry decided to convert 1,500 square kilometres around Ololosokwan from a “game-controlled area,” where residents are permitted to live, farm and graze livestock, to a “game reserve,” reported Bloomberg. The so-called game reserve would be turned into a wildlife habitat as well as used for safari tourism and people with the right licence can also hunt. The price of the game reserve is being paid by the Maasai who as per the locals, UN Human Rights Council and the European Parliament, have been subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture and beatings, in addition to the aforementioned hindrances to their livelihoods. Notably, the plans for the so-called game reserve have been in the works for three decades now. According to the UN, 82,000 Maasai risk being pushed out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo reported Bloomberg. However, Tanzania’s Natural Resources and tourism ministry has asserted that Ololosokwan “has no settlements.” Addressing the conservation efforts the government has alleged that the Maasai and their herds are expanding and now represent a threat to conservation in Ngorongoro and the wider Serengeti ecosystem. The national park is home to several endangered species including the black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog and cheetah. However, the Maasai assert that they live harmoniously with wildlife, which scientists have agreed with as nearly 300 researchers from around the world signed an open letter and called for a halt to eviction efforts. Meanwhile, rights groups have said Tanzania is pushing Maasai out of the region in a bid to expand its lucrative tourism sector supposedly under the guise of conservation efforts. “It’s all about money. Dirty money,” Ole Seki told The Guardian. In 2019, the tourism sector brought in $6.6 billion and made up 11 per cent of the country’s GDP. According to an analysis by HRW, satellite images of the region show in July 2022 about 90 homesteads and animal enclosures were burned within the demarcated area. The UAE connection A report by Bloomberg alleges that in 1992, the Ngorongoro district council granted a 10-year hunting permit to a man named Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Ali for areas including Ololosokwan and five other villages. He is currently said to be the chairman and owner of the Al Ali Group, a major property developer in the United Arab Emirates. Citing the findings of a Tanzanian investigative reporter who has since been arrested, the media report says that millions of dollars in donations were also made from Dubai’s royal family to Tanzania’s ruling party. However, the UAE government has since denied these allegations and said it was “committed to preserving the rights of indigenous peoples”. Maasai delegation to meet European leaders Earlier this week, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) said that a high-profile delegation of Maasai representatives will meet European governments, EU institutions and NGOs like Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), in May, for what they have described as the government’s “brutal campaign against Maasai in Tanzania.” 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.

Explained | How Tanzania’s Maasai are being 'forcefully relocated' for a 'game reserve'

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory&nbsp;worker.

Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics&nbsp;such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail.

The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants.&nbsp;However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in&nbsp;Warburton's death certificate.&nbsp;

The technically&nbsp;legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it.

The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their&nbsp;streets.

Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is&nbsp;trying to regulate it.

<h2>What is Xylazine?</h2>

Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large&nbsp;animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer."

It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency.

<h2>What effect does tranq have on people?</h2>

In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate.

People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug.

The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'?

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Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms.

“When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to&nbsp;Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fentanyl-blend-with-xylazine-the-vet-medicine-causes-havoc-in-us-hot-drug-zones-551423">Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones</a>

Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present.

“Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.”

The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic.

<h2>How are US&nbsp;states responding?</h2>

Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance.&nbsp;

Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them.

“We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia.

Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance.

The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept.

“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host.&nbsp;

“DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses?&nbsp;</h2>

Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids.&nbsp;

Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said&nbsp;that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible.&nbsp; 
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A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker.

A horrific new 'zombie' drug that has devastated cities throughout the United States has been discovered in the United Kingdom and has claimed the life of a British factory worker. Karl Warburton, 43, died in May from the effects of xylazine coupled with other narcotics such as heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, reported Daily Mail. The West Midlands man died of acute aspiration pneumonitis, a disease commonly caused by breathing pollutants. However, xylazine was recorded as a contributing factor in Warburton's death certificate. The technically legal animal tranquilizer "tranq" is frequently used to cut cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl dependence. As it grows in popularity in the illegal drug market, contributing to an increasing number of overdose deaths, states in the United States are increasingly attempting to restrict access to it. The substance enforcement administration and health authorities have issued cautions against using the substance. While the problem is most visible in Los Angeles, Canadian officials have also warned that tranq is making its way onto their streets. Here's everything you need to know about tranq, including why it's referred to as a flesh-eating zombie medicine and how the United States is trying to regulate it. What is Xylazine? Xylazine is a veterinary medication that is licenced for use as a sedative in large animals. Rompun and Anased are two of its brand names. It is sometimes referred to as a "horse tranquilizer." It needs a veterinarian licence to buy and use, but it is rapidly appearing in Canada's illicit drug supply, frequently without the user's awareness. Other medicines are cut with xylazine since it is an inexpensive filler that can improve opioid potency. What effect does tranq have on people? In humans, xylazine has sedative properties. It alleviates pain, lowers brain activity, and has the potential to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. People who use xylazine may develop open sores anywhere on their body. These wounds can result in hospitalisation, necrosis (rotting tissue), and even amputation, which is why it is referred to as a zombie drug. The drug's wounds look to be "eating away your flesh from the inside out," according to nurses who spoke to Stat News. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: What is the 'Zombie drug'? Overdoes are also more likely with drugs like fentanyl that have been cut with xylazine. According to Health Canada, xylazine can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, bradycardia, and hypotension in humans, which are comparable to opioid withdrawal symptoms. “When combined with opioids like fentanyl, as is frequently the case, xylazine enhances the life-threatening effect of respiratory depression (slowing or stopping breathing) caused by opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and death,” according to Los Angeles public health officials, as reported by the National Post. ALSO READ | Fentanyl blend with xylazine, the vet medicine, causes havoc in US hot drug zones Unlike fentanyl, no medication or antidote is available to reverse xylazine overdose, like naloxone does for opioids. Experts still recommend that naxolone be administered in the event of a xylazine overdose if opioids are present. “Tranq is basically zombifying people’s bodies,” 28-year-old Sam told Sky News. “Until nine months ago, I never had wounds. Now, there are holes in my legs and feet.” The New York City Department of Health said that 2,668 individuals in New York died in 2021 as a result of xylazine overdoses, and experts worry that the medication might exacerbate the country's current drug pandemic. How are US states responding? Many states in the United States have implemented different measures to limit the spread of the substance. Pennsylvania has added xylazine to its list of banned substances in an effort to strengthen drug restrictions and empower police to prosecute individuals who break them. “We are giving greater tools to law enforcement and others to properly regulate, control and contain these drugs, make arrests and hopefully prosecutions,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference in Philadelphia. Ohio's Republican governor signed an executive order banning xylazine through the state's Board of Pharmacy in March, while West Virginia's Republican governor signed legislation making it a restricted substance. The designations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia enable veterinarians to continue using the medicine to sedate animals, but they impose stricter requirements on how the drug must be handled, recorded, and kept. “Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced, fentanyl, even deadlier,” said Anne Milgram, DEA Administrator, who spoke to the National host. “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States. The DEA Laboratory System is reporting that in 2022 approximately 23 per cent of fentanyl powder and seven per cent of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA contained xylazine,” she added. Does naloxone work on xylazine overdoses? Xylazine does not react to naloxone, but that doesn't imply the opioid-reversing medicine can't be useful if a bystander witnesses an overdose, according to specialists, because xylazine is used in combination with opioids that will react to naloxone. While xylazine has been found in fatal overdoses, it is unknown how much the sedative had a role in the person's death because it is taken in combination with heavier opioids. Claire Zagorski, a chemist, paramedic and translational scientist in Austin, Texas who spoke to CBS News said that administering naloxone to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose would not harm them, hence it is preferable for a bystander to do so if feasible. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: What is Xylazine? Flesh-eating ‘zombie’ medicine fuelling overdose deaths across US

Special counsel John Durham has issued his final report on the FBI's investigation into links between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. The report, which is almost 300 pages long, strongly criticises the FBI and the Justice Department but does not suggest fresh charges or "wholesale changes" in how politically sensitive investigations are handled.

“Based on the review of Crossfire Hurricane and related intelligence activities, we conclude that the (Justice) Department and FBI failed to uphold their important mission of strict fidelity to the law in connection with certain events and activities described in this report,” Durham wrote.

Despite not living up to the expectations of former President Trump and his allies, who expected the report to portray the inquiry as a political witch hunt, the study contains some key insights.

<h2>Durham questions&nbsp;FBI's haste&nbsp;to investigate Trump</h2>

As per&nbsp;the report, the special counsel's office conducted over 480 interviews, analysed over one million documents, and issued 190 grand jury subpoenas. Durham, on the other hand, has reservations about the FBI's decision to begin a comprehensive investigation, accusing the organisation of failing to honour its commitment to rigorous adherence to the law, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

He claims that, while a preliminary inquiry was warranted, the FBI failed to take the essential measures, such as questioning pertinent witnesses or utilising established analytical methods.

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BREAKING: Durham Report Exposes Russia Hoax Against Trump 
 
In a shocking revelation, the three-year-long investigation led by special counsel John Durham has concluded that the FBI's comprehensive probe into the alleged connections between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia… <a href="https://t.co/vjLd8nsGao">pic.twitter.com/vjLd8nsGao</a>
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1658201168072327169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>No "actual evidence of collusion"</h2>

Durham concludes that federal investigators had no "actual evidence of collusion" between Trump's campaign and Russia before beginning the years-long investigation. This discovery lies at the heart of his critique of the FBI's decision to begin a thorough investigation.

According to the report,&nbsp;if the FBI had taken extra procedures, such as analysing its intelligence databases or using conventional analytical methods, it would have discovered no evidence tying Trump to Russian officials.

<h2>FBI's personnel bias</h2>

The report states that certain investigative staff had a proclivity to initiate an inquiry into Trump. Durham singles out former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and former counter-intelligence division deputy director Peter Strzok as being hostile to Trump, reported CNN.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Prosecutor faults FBI's Trump-Russia probe | Former NY mayor Rudy Giuliani sued

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However, it should be emphasised that a prior assessment by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz determined that Strzok and Lisa Page, an FBI attorney, did not initiate the probe due to political prejudice.

<h2>Different standards for&nbsp;Clinton and Trump</h2>

As per&nbsp;Durham's assessment, the FBI launched the "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation between Trump and Russia using raw, unanalysed, and uncorroborated intelligence. When there was concern about potential electoral involvement by Hillary Clinton's campaign, the FBI used different requirements.&nbsp;

The report states&nbsp;that the FBI never opened any inquiry or issued any taskings in response to the intelligence it received about a supposed&nbsp;Clinton campaign plan.

<h2 data-component-name="subheader" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/subheader/instances/paragraph_13EA10B5-AC3C-04BB-36E5-20ED5A3F55A6@published" id="paragraph-13ea10b5-ac3c-04bb-36e5-20ed5a3f55a6">Steele dossier’s role</h2>

The report also criticises the Steele dossier, an explosive document that the FBI used to strengthen its case for probable cause in order to get surveillance warrants against a former Trump campaign aide.

The Steele dossier featured unproven charges about Trump's supposed financial relationships with Russia, rumours of salacious trysts in Moscow, and suspicions that his campaign colluded with the Kremlin in 2016.

Durham claims that the Crossfire Hurricane investigation "did not and could not corroborate any of the substantive allegations" in the infamous Steele dossier, which the FBI used to get a FISA warrant.

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_84B936F6-4C18-7B91-B9CA-20ED50580888@published">“As noted, it was not until mid-September that the Crossfire Hurricane investigators received several of the Steele Reports. Within days of their receipt, the unvetted and unverified Steele Reports were sed to support probable cause in the FBI’s FISA applications targeting (Carter) Page, a U.S. citizen who, for a period of time, had been an advisor to Trump,” the report says.&nbsp;

<p data-analytics-observe="off" data-component-name="paragraph" data-editable="text" data-uri="archive.cms.cnn.com/_components/paragraph/instances/paragraph_7DA1AEE8-8BB3-25D4-5BD3-20ED505B6361@published">“As discussed later in the report, this was done at a time when the FBI knew that the same information Steele had provided to the FBI had also been fed to the media and others in Washington, D.C,” it adds.

Durham's report is certain to fuel further discussion about Russia, Trump, the FBI, and the 2016 presidential election. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has asked Durham to testify, signalling that Trump's Republican supporters may try to exploit the findings to further their political goals.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-special-counsel-slams-fbi-probe-of-trump-russia-collusion-592760">Durham report criticises FBI's probe of Trump-Russia collusion in 2016 election</a>

The report's impact may be mitigated by Durham's criminal record and past investigation of the occurrences by the Justice Department's inspector general.

Trump has already exploited the report's publication to claim vindication and to support his narrative of being the victim of a politically driven inquiry.

<h2 data-editable="headlineText" id="maincontent">Who is John Durham?</h2>

The special counsel who headed the inquiry into alleged wrongdoing in the FBI's Trump-Russia investigation, John Durham, has made a career of pursuing high-profile public malfeasance, reported CNN.

Durham, 73, was appointed as special counsel by then-Attorney General William Barr in October 2020. He was previously the Justice Department's top prosecutor in Connecticut, a post he held from 2017 to 2021.

Even though Democrats denounced Barr's inquiry as politicised, he received bipartisan backing in 2019 when he was instructed by Barr to begin exploring whether intelligence and law enforcement broke the law in investigating the 2016 Trump presidential campaign.

Durham obtained his undergraduate degree from Colgate University and his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. According to his official biography, he graduated with honours.

His first position was with VISTA, now known as AmeriCorps, where he served as a lawyer in Montana, providing legal services to members of the Crow Indian Tribe. His work there was primarily concerned with land use and natural resource concerns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Special counsel John Durham has issued his final report on the FBI's investigation into links between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 election.

Special counsel John Durham has issued his final report on the FBI's investigation into links between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. The report, which is almost 300 pages long, strongly criticises the FBI and the Justice Department but does not suggest fresh charges or "wholesale changes" in how politically sensitive investigations are handled. “Based on the review of Crossfire Hurricane and related intelligence activities, we conclude that the (Justice) Department and FBI failed to uphold their important mission of strict fidelity to the law in connection with certain events and activities described in this report,” Durham wrote. Despite not living up to the expectations of former President Trump and his allies, who expected the report to portray the inquiry as a political witch hunt, the study contains some key insights. Durham questions FBI's haste to investigate Trump As per the report, the special counsel's office conducted over 480 interviews, analysed over one million documents, and issued 190 grand jury subpoenas. Durham, on the other hand, has reservations about the FBI's decision to begin a comprehensive investigation, accusing the organisation of failing to honour its commitment to rigorous adherence to the law, reported the Associated Press. He claims that, while a preliminary inquiry was warranted, the FBI failed to take the essential measures, such as questioning pertinent witnesses or utilising established analytical methods. BREAKING: Durham Report Exposes Russia Hoax Against Trump In a shocking revelation, the three-year-long investigation led by special counsel John Durham has concluded that the FBI's comprehensive probe into the alleged connections between Donald Trump's campaign and Russia… pic.twitter.com/vjLd8nsGao — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 15, 2023 × No "actual evidence of collusion" Durham concludes that federal investigators had no "actual evidence of collusion" between Trump's campaign and Russia before beginning the years-long investigation. This discovery lies at the heart of his critique of the FBI's decision to begin a thorough investigation. According to the report, if the FBI had taken extra procedures, such as analysing its intelligence databases or using conventional analytical methods, it would have discovered no evidence tying Trump to Russian officials. FBI's personnel bias The report states that certain investigative staff had a proclivity to initiate an inquiry into Trump. Durham singles out former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe and former counter-intelligence division deputy director Peter Strzok as being hostile to Trump, reported CNN. ALSO WATCH | Prosecutor faults FBI's Trump-Russia probe | Former NY mayor Rudy Giuliani sued However, it should be emphasised that a prior assessment by DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz determined that Strzok and Lisa Page, an FBI attorney, did not initiate the probe due to political prejudice. Different standards for Clinton and Trump As per Durham's assessment, the FBI launched the "Crossfire Hurricane" investigation between Trump and Russia using raw, unanalysed, and uncorroborated intelligence. When there was concern about potential electoral involvement by Hillary Clinton's campaign, the FBI used different requirements. The report states that the FBI never opened any inquiry or issued any taskings in response to the intelligence it received about a supposed Clinton campaign plan. Steele dossier’s role The report also criticises the Steele dossier, an explosive document that the FBI used to strengthen its case for probable cause in order to get surveillance warrants against a former Trump campaign aide. The Steele dossier featured unproven charges about Trump's supposed financial relationships with Russia, rumours of salacious trysts in Moscow, and suspicions that his campaign colluded with the Kremlin in 2016. Durham claims that the Crossfire Hurricane investigation "did not and could not corroborate any of the substantive allegations" in the infamous Steele dossier, which the FBI used to get a FISA warrant. “As noted, it was not until mid-September that the Crossfire Hurricane investigators received several of the Steele Reports. Within days of their receipt, the unvetted and unverified Steele Reports were sed to support probable cause in the FBI’s FISA applications targeting (Carter) Page, a U.S. citizen who, for a period of time, had been an advisor to Trump,” the report says. “As discussed later in the report, this was done at a time when the FBI knew that the same information Steele had provided to the FBI had also been fed to the media and others in Washington, D.C,” it adds. Durham's report is certain to fuel further discussion about Russia, Trump, the FBI, and the 2016 presidential election. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has asked Durham to testify, signalling that Trump's Republican supporters may try to exploit the findings to further their political goals. ALSO READ | Durham report criticises FBI's probe of Trump-Russia collusion in 2016 election The report's impact may be mitigated by Durham's criminal record and past investigation of the occurrences by the Justice Department's inspector general. Trump has already exploited the report's publication to claim vindication and to support his narrative of being the victim of a politically driven inquiry. Who is John Durham? The special counsel who headed the inquiry into alleged wrongdoing in the FBI's Trump-Russia investigation, John Durham, has made a career of pursuing high-profile public malfeasance, reported CNN. Durham, 73, was appointed as special counsel by then-Attorney General William Barr in October 2020. He was previously the Justice Department's top prosecutor in Connecticut, a post he held from 2017 to 2021. Even though Democrats denounced Barr's inquiry as politicised, he received bipartisan backing in 2019 when he was instructed by Barr to begin exploring whether intelligence and law enforcement broke the law in investigating the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. Durham obtained his undergraduate degree from Colgate University and his law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. According to his official biography, he graduated with honours. His first position was with VISTA, now known as AmeriCorps, where he served as a lawyer in Montana, providing legal services to members of the Crow Indian Tribe. His work there was primarily concerned with land use and natural resource concerns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Durham report: Key takeaways from the Trump-Russia investigation

Russian mercenary Wagner Group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday threatened to pull his frontline troops out of Bakhmut. In a series of scathing videos, the Wagner chief blamed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov for "tens of thousands" of killed and wounded Russian fighters in Ukraine. Ahead of an expected Ukrainian offensive, Prigozhin's extraordinary attack on military chiefs, as per AFP, has exposed a deep rift in Russian ranks.

Vowing to hold the generals to account for their failure to provide his fighters with sufficient ammunition, the paramilitary leader said: "For the tens of thousands killed and wounded, they will bear responsibility in front of their mothers and children, I will achieve that."

"Their unprofessionalism is destroying tens of thousands of Russian guys and that is unforgivable," he added.

Here's all you need to know about Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his anger at Russian generals.&nbsp;

<h2>Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?</h2>

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a confidant of President Vladimir Putin, who is often called "Putin's chef."&nbsp;

His nickname stems from the fact that he owns restaurants and catering companies that provide services for the Kremlin.

The Wagner chief started his career as a petty criminal and even spent a decade behind bars for crime. Released from jail in 1990, he started selling hotdogs and before long owned a chain of supermarkets, before opening a restaurant called the Old Customs House which became&nbsp;one of Putin's favourite haunts.

<h2>Prigozhin and Putin</h2>

As per the Guardian, the Wagner chief and the Russian President met back when Putin was deputy mayor of St Petersburg, serving under the-then mayor, Anatoly Sobchak.

Putin was reportedly a frequent patron of&nbsp;Prigozhin's restaurant, Old Customs House, on St Petersburg's Vasilievsky Island; even after ascending to the post of Russian President, he would often take his guests to the restaurant, which by then had been turned into a floating restaurant.&nbsp;

He would soon go on to win contracts and cater for major government events through Concord, a holding company he had set up back in the 1990s. Next, he would win giant government supply contracts worth billions of roubles to provide food to Moscow’s schools and eventually the army.

In 2014, he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

As Prigozhin describes it: "I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this. From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion."&nbsp;

"I am proud that I was able to defend their right to protect the interests of their country," he added in the September 2022 statement, posted by his catering company, Concord.

<h2>The Wagner Group</h2>

Prigozhin controls a network of influential companies and is the founder of the Russian state-backed mercenary company Wagner Group.&nbsp;

The group, as per the Business Insider report, has played a significant role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and was reportedly deployed to assassinate Ukrainian leaders. As per Russian media outlet Mediazona, the Wagner group has also been recruiting prisoners for frontline combat.

Wagner Group's&nbsp;ranks according to Western intelligence estimates have ballooned to about 50,000. This includes tens of thousands of ex-prisoners recruited from jails around Russia, often personally by Prigozhin.

The group has been accused of committing human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique.

As per a report by Polygraph, Prigozhin also controls three companies that have been accused of interference in the 2016 and 2018 US elections. For the alleged influencing of elections, Prigozhin, along with six other individuals was even (re) designated under the Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN).

<h2>Prigozhin’s anger at&nbsp;Russian generals</h2>

The Wagner chief in a series of scathing videos has threatened to pull out his&nbsp;troops from Bakhmut.

"I will pull out Wagner units from Bakhmut because, in the absence of ammunition, they are facing a senseless death," said Prigozhin in a recently released video statement. He added that he was now expecting a plan from the military on how to implement the withdrawal.

As per AFP, while Prigozhin has made similar threats to pull out in the past, the emotive language and the scathing personal criticism of the leaders of Russia's campaign in Ukraine were unprecedented.

The Wagner chief claims that Russian generals are "withholding" ammunition urgently needed by his men. In February of this year, he had even termed the withholding of munition supplies as "treason".

Previously, in December 2022, he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of cutting him off completely and said that he has been unable to get through to anyone at the Kremlin.

On his Telegram channel, he said, "To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc., have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]."

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Russian mercenary Wagner Group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday threatened to pull his frontline troops out of Bakhmut. In a series of scathing videos, the Wagner chief blamed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov for "tens of thousands" of killed and wounded Russian fighters in Ukraine.

Russian mercenary Wagner Group's chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Friday threatened to pull his frontline troops out of Bakhmut. In a series of scathing videos, the Wagner chief blamed Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov for "tens of thousands" of killed and wounded Russian fighters in Ukraine. Ahead of an expected Ukrainian offensive, Prigozhin's extraordinary attack on military chiefs, as per AFP, has exposed a deep rift in Russian ranks. Vowing to hold the generals to account for their failure to provide his fighters with sufficient ammunition, the paramilitary leader said: "For the tens of thousands killed and wounded, they will bear responsibility in front of their mothers and children, I will achieve that." "Their unprofessionalism is destroying tens of thousands of Russian guys and that is unforgivable," he added. Here's all you need to know about Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his anger at Russian generals. Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin? Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin is a Russian oligarch and a confidant of President Vladimir Putin, who is often called "Putin's chef." His nickname stems from the fact that he owns restaurants and catering companies that provide services for the Kremlin. The Wagner chief started his career as a petty criminal and even spent a decade behind bars for crime. Released from jail in 1990, he started selling hotdogs and before long owned a chain of supermarkets, before opening a restaurant called the Old Customs House which became one of Putin's favourite haunts. Prigozhin and Putin As per the Guardian, the Wagner chief and the Russian President met back when Putin was deputy mayor of St Petersburg, serving under the-then mayor, Anatoly Sobchak. Putin was reportedly a frequent patron of Prigozhin's restaurant, Old Customs House, on St Petersburg's Vasilievsky Island; even after ascending to the post of Russian President, he would often take his guests to the restaurant, which by then had been turned into a floating restaurant. He would soon go on to win contracts and cater for major government events through Concord, a holding company he had set up back in the 1990s. Next, he would win giant government supply contracts worth billions of roubles to provide food to Moscow’s schools and eventually the army. In 2014, he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. As Prigozhin describes it: "I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this. From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion." "I am proud that I was able to defend their right to protect the interests of their country," he added in the September 2022 statement, posted by his catering company, Concord. The Wagner Group Prigozhin controls a network of influential companies and is the founder of the Russian state-backed mercenary company Wagner Group. The group, as per the Business Insider report, has played a significant role in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and was reportedly deployed to assassinate Ukrainian leaders. As per Russian media outlet Mediazona, the Wagner group has also been recruiting prisoners for frontline combat. Wagner Group's ranks according to Western intelligence estimates have ballooned to about 50,000. This includes tens of thousands of ex-prisoners recruited from jails around Russia, often personally by Prigozhin. The group has been accused of committing human rights abuses in Ukraine, Syria, Libya, Central African Republic, Sudan and Mozambique. As per a report by Polygraph, Prigozhin also controls three companies that have been accused of interference in the 2016 and 2018 US elections. For the alleged influencing of elections, Prigozhin, along with six other individuals was even (re) designated under the Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN). Prigozhin’s anger at Russian generals The Wagner chief in a series of scathing videos has threatened to pull out his troops from Bakhmut. "I will pull out Wagner units from Bakhmut because, in the absence of ammunition, they are facing a senseless death," said Prigozhin in a recently released video statement. He added that he was now expecting a plan from the military on how to implement the withdrawal. As per AFP, while Prigozhin has made similar threats to pull out in the past, the emotive language and the scathing personal criticism of the leaders of Russia's campaign in Ukraine were unprecedented. The Wagner chief claims that Russian generals are "withholding" ammunition urgently needed by his men. In February of this year, he had even termed the withholding of munition supplies as "treason". Previously, in December 2022, he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of cutting him off completely and said that he has been unable to get through to anyone at the Kremlin. On his Telegram channel, he said, "To get me to stop asking for ammunition, all the hotlines to offices, to departments etc., have been cut off from me. But the real humdinger is that they’ve also blocked agencies from making decisions [related to Wagner]." (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.

Explained | From hotdog seller to Putin's chef, all you need to know about Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target. This became the first instance when&nbsp;a 200-plus total was chased&nbsp;at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in tournament history.&nbsp;

NUMBERS GAME

Most-successful IPL run-chases at Wankhede 
213 - MI vs RR, April 30, 2023 
198 - MI vs Punjab Kings (PBKS),&nbsp;2019 
196 - Gujarat Titans (GT)&nbsp;vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH),&nbsp;2022 
196 - Delhi Capitals (DC) vs PBKS, 2021

Highest successful run-chases in&nbsp;IPL history 
224 - RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020 
219 - MI vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi, 2021 
215 - RR vs Deccan Chargers (DC), Hyderabad, 2008 
213 - MI vs RR, Mumbai WS, today 
213 - Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB),&nbsp;Bengaluru, 2023

Speaking about IPL's rich history, the high-voltage MI-RR clash was a landmark fixture as&nbsp;it was the tournament's 1,000th match. Since the mega event's inception in 2008, it has grown&nbsp;by leaps and bounds. It has increased the game's overall popularity, flushed more revenue&nbsp;into the sport, and led to many cricketers competing with superstar international stars.

In addition, IPL led to the advent of many franchise leagues&nbsp;across the globe (such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, etc). The pace of the game has increased manifold. Thus, cricket&nbsp;has never been the same since IPL's commencement.

Talking about the 1,000th IPL encounter,&nbsp;last year's runners-up RR opted to bat first and posted 212-7 riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ton (124). In reply, MI rode on Suryakumar Yadav's 55 (29) and rapid knocks from Tilak Verma and Tim David to take their side to a much-needed win.

At the start of the tournament, it was&nbsp;advertised that MI's upcoming away game versus arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) -- on May 06 (Saturday) in Chennai -- would count as IPL's 1,000th clash. Here's the twist:

EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why MI vs RR was counted as&nbsp;IPL'S 1000th game:&nbsp;

Till IPL&nbsp;2022, a total of 951 matches were held in the cash-rich league. This meant that match number 49 of the&nbsp;current season would be adjudged as the 1,000th game. However, in between these 951 fixtures, as many as seven matches were played which were called off with no result.&nbsp;

Notably, not even a single ball was bowled in these seven&nbsp;fixtures, but all of them were declared official matches as per cricketing rules. Thus, a total of 958 official games were held till the end of the 2022 edition,&nbsp;making this year's 42nd match IPL's 1,000th encounter.

<section>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-mumbai-indians-create-history-at-wankhede-chase-down-213-against-rajasthan-royals-587652">Mumbai Indians pull off highest successful run-chase against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede in IPL's 1000th game</a></section>

Speaking after MI's historic win in IPL's landmark game, captain Rohit Sharma (who was also celebrating his 36th birthday and ten years as Mumbai's captain on Sunday evening), said, "Very pleasing to see how we chased this. Last game here also we came close to a similar target. We have the ability but need to back ourselves."

On David being regarded as the next Kieron Pollard, Rohit added, "Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler thinking."

David, who struck a magnificent 14-ball 45* and ended the game with three straight sixes in the final over, stated, "We needed a result. It is an amazing feeling, there's no better feeling than playing at the Wankhede,&nbsp;for our confidence. We have not played our best cricket in the last few games, so this feels good. It felt everyone (bowler) had to be targeted, in good batting conditions, and personally, I wanted to do something like this for a while."

Meanwhile, a dejected Samson said, "It was kind of getting wet. It was not too wet and we were taking our time to wipe the ball. We had the experience of bowling in these conditions. We will keep focusing on the process. We will keep the focus on the controllable. We will keep fighting hard."

On Jaiswal's superb knock, Samson opined, "I was expecting something special from Jaiswal. He scored 70-odd in the last game, we always thought it (hundred) is around the corner."

TRAFFIC JAM IN THE POINTS TABLE

<img alt="IPL Points Table after 1000th game of tournament" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6f7c898-9bda-440a-9353-286b402c6549" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IPL%20PT%20after%20match%2042.jpg" />

Talking about the IPL 2023 points table, after match 42, there is&nbsp;a lot of chaos with the competition heating up for the playoffs.&nbsp;Last year's champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), occupy the first spot with 12 points from eight games. RR and CSK, who also failed to defend 201 versus PBKS on Sunday during the afternoon game, are in the third and fourth spots respectively.

KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are right behind table-toppers GT in the second position. LSG, RR, and CSK have ten points each.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in the fifth position, also with ten points, whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)&nbsp; and MI are in the&nbsp;sixth and seventh spots respectively (eight points each). Lastly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and&nbsp;Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have six points each, followed by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last spot with four points.

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target.

On Sunday (April 30), match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition saw five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) edge past Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals (RR) by six wickets in pursuit of a mammoth 213-run target. This became the first instance when a 200-plus total was chased at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in tournament history. NUMBERS GAME Most-successful IPL run-chases at Wankhede 213 - MI vs RR, April 30, 2023 198 - MI vs Punjab Kings (PBKS), 2019 196 - Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), 2022 196 - Delhi Capitals (DC) vs PBKS, 2021 Highest successful run-chases in IPL history 224 - RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020 219 - MI vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi, 2021 215 - RR vs Deccan Chargers (DC), Hyderabad, 2008 213 - MI vs RR, Mumbai WS, today 213 - Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Bengaluru, 2023 Speaking about IPL's rich history, the high-voltage MI-RR clash was a landmark fixture as it was the tournament's 1,000th match. Since the mega event's inception in 2008, it has grown by leaps and bounds. It has increased the game's overall popularity, flushed more revenue into the sport, and led to many cricketers competing with superstar international stars. In addition, IPL led to the advent of many franchise leagues across the globe (such as the Pakistan Super League, Big Bash League, etc). The pace of the game has increased manifold. Thus, cricket has never been the same since IPL's commencement. Talking about the 1,000th IPL encounter, last year's runners-up RR opted to bat first and posted 212-7 riding on Yashasvi Jaiswal's maiden ton (124). In reply, MI rode on Suryakumar Yadav's 55 (29) and rapid knocks from Tilak Verma and Tim David to take their side to a much-needed win. At the start of the tournament, it was advertised that MI's upcoming away game versus arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) -- on May 06 (Saturday) in Chennai -- would count as IPL's 1,000th clash. Here's the twist: EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why MI vs RR was counted as IPL'S 1000th game: Till IPL 2022, a total of 951 matches were held in the cash-rich league. This meant that match number 49 of the current season would be adjudged as the 1,000th game. However, in between these 951 fixtures, as many as seven matches were played which were called off with no result. Notably, not even a single ball was bowled in these seven fixtures, but all of them were declared official matches as per cricketing rules. Thus, a total of 958 official games were held till the end of the 2022 edition, making this year's 42nd match IPL's 1,000th encounter. Also Read: Mumbai Indians pull off highest successful run-chase against Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede in IPL's 1000th game Speaking after MI's historic win in IPL's landmark game, captain Rohit Sharma (who was also celebrating his 36th birthday and ten years as Mumbai's captain on Sunday evening), said, "Very pleasing to see how we chased this. Last game here also we came close to a similar target. We have the ability but need to back ourselves." On David being regarded as the next Kieron Pollard, Rohit added, "Big shoes to fill, Polly for so many years won us so many championships. But Tim has so much ability and power. In the back end, having that power keeps the bowler thinking." David, who struck a magnificent 14-ball 45* and ended the game with three straight sixes in the final over, stated, "We needed a result. It is an amazing feeling, there's no better feeling than playing at the Wankhede, for our confidence. We have not played our best cricket in the last few games, so this feels good. It felt everyone (bowler) had to be targeted, in good batting conditions, and personally, I wanted to do something like this for a while." Meanwhile, a dejected Samson said, "It was kind of getting wet. It was not too wet and we were taking our time to wipe the ball. We had the experience of bowling in these conditions. We will keep focusing on the process. We will keep the focus on the controllable. We will keep fighting hard." On Jaiswal's superb knock, Samson opined, "I was expecting something special from Jaiswal. He scored 70-odd in the last game, we always thought it (hundred) is around the corner." TRAFFIC JAM IN THE POINTS TABLE Talking about the IPL 2023 points table, after match 42, there is a lot of chaos with the competition heating up for the playoffs. Last year's champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), occupy the first spot with 12 points from eight games. RR and CSK, who also failed to defend 201 versus PBKS on Sunday during the afternoon game, are in the third and fourth spots respectively. KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are right behind table-toppers GT in the second position. LSG, RR, and CSK have ten points each. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in the fifth position, also with ten points, whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and MI are in the sixth and seventh spots respectively (eight points each). Lastly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have six points each, followed by Delhi Capitals (DC) in the last spot with four points.

EXPLAINED: Not CSK vs MI! Why Mumbai's home game vs RR was IPL's 1,000th match

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR)&nbsp;occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means&nbsp;for the one-time winners. Under Sanju Samson, who became their captain since IPL 2021, the Royals have become a formidable force and are eyeing to play their second final on the trot, with a hope to get past the finish line this time around.&nbsp;

In the inaugural edition, in 2008, the Royals ended as the eventual champions when no one gave them&nbsp;a chance. The franchise roped in superstar Shane Warne, serving&nbsp;as the captain-cum-coach, who inspired an inexperienced squad to win the championship. The late Aussie leg-spinner had some international stars, such as Graeme Smith, Mohammed Kaif, etc., but a plethora of unknown names&nbsp;rose to the occasion in his influence.

After Warne-led RR's initial success, there was a period of lull for the Jaipur-based franchise till IPL 2012. In the 2013 edition, the 2008 winners made it to the playoffs, finished third, and even played the final of that year's Champions League (CLT20), a now-defunct tournament. Back then, RR was led by Rahul Dravid, an equally inspiring figure like Warne.&nbsp;

Post Dravid and Warne, the team was led by able readers of the game, such as Shane Watson, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane, as they enjoyed sporadic success but never came close to winning the title. From the Dravid-era till IPL 2020, Samson remained a part of the Royals' dugout -- barring 2015 and 2016 when the franchise was serving a spot-fixing ban -- and was silently groomed by&nbsp;several eminent leaders in the camp.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-as-soon-as-he-brett-lees-advice-to-mis-arjun-tendulkar-to-bowl-at-140kmph-585864">IPL 2023: 'As soon as he...': Brett Lee's advice to MI's Arjun Tendulkar to bowl at 140kmph</a>

While Samson's batting credentials made heads turn in his debut IPL season in 2013, not much was known about his leadership skills. After a dismal IPL 2020, RR team management appointed Samson as their new captain before the 2021 edition. While his team ended seventh that year, Samson didn't look like a fish out of the water. He improved in IPL 2022 and by now, RR certainly looks like a unit controlled by Samson.

Ingredients of a fabulous leader

Recently, Ravi Shastri -- former India head coach -- said on ESPNCricinfo, "You say you stamp your personality as a leader. You see that with Hardik, he calls the shots, and takes the decisions. You see that with Dhoni. He takes the decisions, there is no two ways about it, he might be right or wrong. Sanju has improved a lot. You can see that quiet confidence in his own ability and he understands his game a lot better."

Leading superstars such as Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, etc., can be intimidating. However, Samson has always looked his part and been assertive as captain. He&nbsp;remains calm behind the stumps, uses his bowlers judiciously, and does not shy away from changing plans when required. In addition, he&nbsp;does not overcommunicate; passing too many unnecessary suggestions from behind the stumps.

During RR's clash vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in Chennai, Sandeep Sharma was taken to the cleaners by MS Dhoni in the last over. With seven required off&nbsp;three balls, Samson raced from his wicketkeeping spot to just ask Sandeep about his plans.&nbsp;

"After I was hit for two sixes in the last over, Sanju and I discussed the plans on how to bowl the next 3 balls. Sanju is very calm as captain. He did not give any suggestions to me. He simply asked me about my plans for the next ball. I told him about my instincts and he backed me to bowl that. This quality is very rare in a captain in such a pressure situation," said the RR pacer.

Thus, Samson backed his experienced bowler and did not give suggestions. Rather, he just looked for ideas from his bowler and backed him to the hilt.

You will win some, you will lose some but remain unfazed

After RR's loss versus RCB, their second loss on the trot, Samson said in the dressing room, "I think it's very normal in this tournament when you have these couple of losses or you have those couple of wins, you go up and down. But the pattern and the style of our team, the style of our franchise is to stay humble when we're going high, and when we're going low, we believe in ourselves, as simple as that."

He added, "We believe in each and every one of us, believe in yourself and there is no pointing fingers, that's the rule we need to follow. In my experience, from what I've understood, the reason you end up on the losing or the winning side only is because how hungry are you there to win. How badly do you want it? Is it only because of you, is it only because you want to do it or do you want to do it for the team."

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Sanju Samson. 💗💗💗 <a href="https://t.co/fZmuYk4Wyl">pic.twitter.com/fZmuYk4Wyl</a>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-virat-kohli-fined-24-lakhs-other-rcb-players-fined-6-lakhs-for-slow-over-rate-vs-rr-585868">IPL 2023: Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR</a>

Not bogged down by responsibility

Many captains get bogged down by extra responsibility or get too cautious in their primary role. However, this has not been the case with Samson. Ever since he took over as RR skipper, he has amassed over 400 runs every season. In 2021, he made 484 runs, including a ton, at 136.72. His strike rate did dip as compared to the previous edition (where he struck at 158.89) but it was still acceptable. It shot up considerably in 2022, where he scored 458 runs at 146.79. After seven games this year, he is striking at over 150 (158.77).

One does not know what fate has in store for RR in IPL 2023. Irrespective of the outcome, the Royals should be lauded for identifying a rare talent like Samson, grooming him amid several leaders, retaining him, and making him the leader in his late 20s;&nbsp;when a cricketer has matured with enough experience and past mistakes. The right-hander has shown glimpses&nbsp;of his captaincy skills and will only grow leaps and bounds if given a longer rope, which seems likely at this point.

In his book 'Coaching Beyond - My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', R Sridhar -- former India fielding coach -- revealed it was Samson (who was on the bench) who suggested Chahal feature in India's XI as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in a T20I versus Australia in Canberra, in late 2020. Chahal ended as the Player-of-the-Match (3 for 25) in India's win.

Thus, Samson always had a knack for reading the game and being tactical. Now, he is only growing with each passing day and is destined for a bright run as captain. Is India captaincy in the reckoning? Well, only time will tell. For now, he certainly looks like a long-serving&nbsp;captain in the IPL.

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means for the one-time winners.

After playing half their games in the league stage of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals (RR) occupy the third spot with four wins from seven outings. It isn't a bad start by any means for the one-time winners. Under Sanju Samson, who became their captain since IPL 2021, the Royals have become a formidable force and are eyeing to play their second final on the trot, with a hope to get past the finish line this time around. In the inaugural edition, in 2008, the Royals ended as the eventual champions when no one gave them a chance. The franchise roped in superstar Shane Warne, serving as the captain-cum-coach, who inspired an inexperienced squad to win the championship. The late Aussie leg-spinner had some international stars, such as Graeme Smith, Mohammed Kaif, etc., but a plethora of unknown names rose to the occasion in his influence. After Warne-led RR's initial success, there was a period of lull for the Jaipur-based franchise till IPL 2012. In the 2013 edition, the 2008 winners made it to the playoffs, finished third, and even played the final of that year's Champions League (CLT20), a now-defunct tournament. Back then, RR was led by Rahul Dravid, an equally inspiring figure like Warne. Post Dravid and Warne, the team was led by able readers of the game, such as Shane Watson, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane, as they enjoyed sporadic success but never came close to winning the title. From the Dravid-era till IPL 2020, Samson remained a part of the Royals' dugout -- barring 2015 and 2016 when the franchise was serving a spot-fixing ban -- and was silently groomed by several eminent leaders in the camp. Also Read: IPL 2023: 'As soon as he...': Brett Lee's advice to MI's Arjun Tendulkar to bowl at 140kmph While Samson's batting credentials made heads turn in his debut IPL season in 2013, not much was known about his leadership skills. After a dismal IPL 2020, RR team management appointed Samson as their new captain before the 2021 edition. While his team ended seventh that year, Samson didn't look like a fish out of the water. He improved in IPL 2022 and by now, RR certainly looks like a unit controlled by Samson. Ingredients of a fabulous leader Recently, Ravi Shastri -- former India head coach -- said on ESPNCricinfo, "You say you stamp your personality as a leader. You see that with Hardik, he calls the shots, and takes the decisions. You see that with Dhoni. He takes the decisions, there is no two ways about it, he might be right or wrong. Sanju has improved a lot. You can see that quiet confidence in his own ability and he understands his game a lot better." Leading superstars such as Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, etc., can be intimidating. However, Samson has always looked his part and been assertive as captain. He remains calm behind the stumps, uses his bowlers judiciously, and does not shy away from changing plans when required. In addition, he does not overcommunicate; passing too many unnecessary suggestions from behind the stumps. During RR's clash vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in Chennai, Sandeep Sharma was taken to the cleaners by MS Dhoni in the last over. With seven required off three balls, Samson raced from his wicketkeeping spot to just ask Sandeep about his plans. "After I was hit for two sixes in the last over, Sanju and I discussed the plans on how to bowl the next 3 balls. Sanju is very calm as captain. He did not give any suggestions to me. He simply asked me about my plans for the next ball. I told him about my instincts and he backed me to bowl that. This quality is very rare in a captain in such a pressure situation," said the RR pacer. Thus, Samson backed his experienced bowler and did not give suggestions. Rather, he just looked for ideas from his bowler and backed him to the hilt. You will win some, you will lose some but remain unfazed After RR's loss versus RCB, their second loss on the trot, Samson said in the dressing room, "I think it's very normal in this tournament when you have these couple of losses or you have those couple of wins, you go up and down. But the pattern and the style of our team, the style of our franchise is to stay humble when we're going high, and when we're going low, we believe in ourselves, as simple as that." He added, "We believe in each and every one of us, believe in yourself and there is no pointing fingers, that's the rule we need to follow. In my experience, from what I've understood, the reason you end up on the losing or the winning side only is because how hungry are you there to win. How badly do you want it? Is it only because of you, is it only because you want to do it or do you want to do it for the team." Sanju Samson. 💗💗💗 pic.twitter.com/fZmuYk4Wyl — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 23, 2023 × Also Read: IPL 2023: Virat Kohli fined 24 lakhs, other RCB players fined 6 lakhs for slow over-rate vs RR Not bogged down by responsibility Many captains get bogged down by extra responsibility or get too cautious in their primary role. However, this has not been the case with Samson. Ever since he took over as RR skipper, he has amassed over 400 runs every season. In 2021, he made 484 runs, including a ton, at 136.72. His strike rate did dip as compared to the previous edition (where he struck at 158.89) but it was still acceptable. It shot up considerably in 2022, where he scored 458 runs at 146.79. After seven games this year, he is striking at over 150 (158.77). One does not know what fate has in store for RR in IPL 2023. Irrespective of the outcome, the Royals should be lauded for identifying a rare talent like Samson, grooming him amid several leaders, retaining him, and making him the leader in his late 20s; when a cricketer has matured with enough experience and past mistakes. The right-hander has shown glimpses of his captaincy skills and will only grow leaps and bounds if given a longer rope, which seems likely at this point. In his book 'Coaching Beyond - My Days with the Indian Cricket Team', R Sridhar -- former India fielding coach -- revealed it was Samson (who was on the bench) who suggested Chahal feature in India's XI as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in a T20I versus Australia in Canberra, in late 2020. Chahal ended as the Player-of-the-Match (3 for 25) in India's win. Thus, Samson always had a knack for reading the game and being tactical. Now, he is only growing with each passing day and is destined for a bright run as captain. Is India captaincy in the reckoning? Well, only time will tell. For now, he certainly looks like a long-serving captain in the IPL.

Explained | IPL 2023: Why Sanju Samson is a great captain in making

The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) commenced the countdown for the Saturday launch of its PSLV rocket carrying two Singaporean satellites. The 25 hours 30 minutes countdown commenced at 12:50 on Friday,&nbsp;and the vehicle liftoff will happen at 2:20 pm (Indian time) on Saturday. This will be the 57th&nbsp;flight of India's PSLV rocket, at present the oldest and most-flown rocket in the country's fleet.&nbsp;

The primary passenger satellites is TeLEOS-2, a 741kg satellite developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. Once deployed and operational, it will be used to support the all-weather, day and night, satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the Government of Singapore. TeLEOS-2 carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload.

The secondary passenger is LUMELITE-4, a 16-kg satellite developed by Singaporean academia. LUMELITE-4 is developed for the technological demonstration of the High-Performance Space-borne VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). It aims to augment Singapore’s e-navigation maritime safety and benefit the global shipping community.

In addition to the two primary satellites, there are seven non-separating payloads that are on-board the PSLV rocket. These experiments would be housed within the fourth&nbsp;and final stage of the rocket.&nbsp;According to ISRO,&nbsp;PSLV-C55 mission will carry out in-orbit scientific experiments by using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform. This is the third time that PS4 will be used after satellite separations as a platform for experiments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-polish-climber-rescues-indian-mountaineer-anurag-maloo-from-depths-of-annapurna-crevasse-584813">Polish climber rescues Indian mountaineer Anurag Maloo from depths of Annapurna crevasse</a>

Earlier this week, ISRO anounced that the PSLV vehicle in its core-alone configuration (without strap on boosters) would lift-off from the first launch pad in Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, at 2:19pm. The two satellites will be placed in a circular obrit, 586kms above the earth's surface. However, the launch is now learnt to have been delayed by a minute. What's in a minute you may ask. In orbital rocketry, a minute could mean the difference between catastrophe and celebration.

<h2>How are rocket launch timings determined?</h2>

There is an entire branch of space science known as 'Orbital Mechanics' that is used to determine what is known as a 'Launch window', a period of time within which a certain launch must happen. Launch windows depend on a plethora of factors - place of launch, type of orbit intended, final destination, whether the satellite is headed for another planet, number of satellites being carried, the time of the year, position of the relevant heavenly bodies and also minimal risk of space debris.&nbsp;

We know that&nbsp;Low Earth orbit is getting increasingly populated with constellations of communication satellites from various firms, and also pre-existing satellites, space debris and much more. Under such circumstances, space agencies look at the safest time of flight, when there is nil risk of collission or proximate approaches with space debris. Even, millimetre-sized debris can pose a major threat to space assets, as the debris in Low Earth orbit circles the earth at speeds close to 27,000kmph. A collission at such speeds could have unimaginable impacts.&nbsp;

<h2>How ISRO monitors space debris, safeguards space assets?</h2>

The Indian Space agency has a facility aimed at performing what in simple terms can be explained as a holistic 'Traffic Management in Space' and to ensure the sustainable use of space. Known as the&nbsp;'ISRO System for Safe &amp; Sustainable Operations Management' (IS4OM), the new facility based in Bengaluru will perform a host of functions - safeguarding India's space assets, protecting them from space debris, predicting the orbital movement of debris, predicting likely collisions and coordinating with global agencies for all of the above.&nbsp;

"This is not about (space)traffic management alone, it is about keeping orbits available to everyone, operating in space without causing problems to one another and ensuring sustainable use" explained ISRO Chairman, Dr&nbsp;S. Somanath had earlier told WION.&nbsp;

Elaborating on the different functions of 'IS40M', Dr&nbsp;Somanath said, "Firstly it is about using radars and optical observation to watch and tag objects in space, then we will have to&nbsp;consider the effect of earth's gravitational pull, impact of sun and moon etc. and&nbsp;predict the movement of the said object/debris. Based on this, we will have to look for possibilities of collisions. This entire process has to be carried out on a daily basis. In case an object poses a threat to our satellite, we must accordingly move our satellite out of harm's way and also inform foreign agencies(whose satellites are in the vicinity) about our collision avoidance maneuver."

In addition to this, the objects that are likely to fall back onto earth), asteroids that are on collision course with earth will also have to be tracked. These are complex calculations and are error-prone, owing to the large number of factors involved, thus necessitating various corrections.&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Somanath added that these mathematical models used to calculate and project the path of debris and their impact etc. are indigenously developed and even if a country wanted, such models are not available for purchase in the International market.

On India's capabilities, he had explained that India has radars that are&nbsp;meant to observe satellites and the Indian space agency is also installing optical tracking facilities. However, the Indian space agency&nbsp;does not have all facilities required to track objects of 10cm size and for this it relies on data provided by foreign agencies.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) commenced the countdown for the Saturday launch of its PSLV rocket carrying two Singaporean satellites. The 25 hours 30 minutes countdown commenced at 12:50 on Friday, and the vehicle liftoff will happen at 2:20 pm (Indian time) on Saturday.

The Indian Space Agency (ISRO) commenced the countdown for the Saturday launch of its PSLV rocket carrying two Singaporean satellites. The 25 hours 30 minutes countdown commenced at 12:50 on Friday, and the vehicle liftoff will happen at 2:20 pm (Indian time) on Saturday. This will be the 57th flight of India's PSLV rocket, at present the oldest and most-flown rocket in the country's fleet. The primary passenger satellites is TeLEOS-2, a 741kg satellite developed under a partnership between DSTA (representing the Government of Singapore) and ST Engineering. Once deployed and operational, it will be used to support the all-weather, day and night, satellite imagery requirements of various agencies within the Government of Singapore. TeLEOS-2 carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload. The secondary passenger is LUMELITE-4, a 16-kg satellite developed by Singaporean academia. LUMELITE-4 is developed for the technological demonstration of the High-Performance Space-borne VHF Data Exchange System (VDES). It aims to augment Singapore’s e-navigation maritime safety and benefit the global shipping community. In addition to the two primary satellites, there are seven non-separating payloads that are on-board the PSLV rocket. These experiments would be housed within the fourth and final stage of the rocket. According to ISRO, PSLV-C55 mission will carry out in-orbit scientific experiments by using the spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform. This is the third time that PS4 will be used after satellite separations as a platform for experiments. ALSO READ | Polish climber rescues Indian mountaineer Anurag Maloo from depths of Annapurna crevasse Earlier this week, ISRO anounced that the PSLV vehicle in its core-alone configuration (without strap on boosters) would lift-off from the first launch pad in Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, at 2:19pm. The two satellites will be placed in a circular obrit, 586kms above the earth's surface. However, the launch is now learnt to have been delayed by a minute. What's in a minute you may ask. In orbital rocketry, a minute could mean the difference between catastrophe and celebration. How are rocket launch timings determined? There is an entire branch of space science known as 'Orbital Mechanics' that is used to determine what is known as a 'Launch window', a period of time within which a certain launch must happen. Launch windows depend on a plethora of factors - place of launch, type of orbit intended, final destination, whether the satellite is headed for another planet, number of satellites being carried, the time of the year, position of the relevant heavenly bodies and also minimal risk of space debris. We know that Low Earth orbit is getting increasingly populated with constellations of communication satellites from various firms, and also pre-existing satellites, space debris and much more. Under such circumstances, space agencies look at the safest time of flight, when there is nil risk of collission or proximate approaches with space debris. Even, millimetre-sized debris can pose a major threat to space assets, as the debris in Low Earth orbit circles the earth at speeds close to 27,000kmph. A collission at such speeds could have unimaginable impacts. How ISRO monitors space debris, safeguards space assets? The Indian Space agency has a facility aimed at performing what in simple terms can be explained as a holistic 'Traffic Management in Space' and to ensure the sustainable use of space. Known as the 'ISRO System for Safe & Sustainable Operations Management' (IS4OM), the new facility based in Bengaluru will perform a host of functions - safeguarding India's space assets, protecting them from space debris, predicting the orbital movement of debris, predicting likely collisions and coordinating with global agencies for all of the above. "This is not about (space)traffic management alone, it is about keeping orbits available to everyone, operating in space without causing problems to one another and ensuring sustainable use" explained ISRO Chairman, Dr S. Somanath had earlier told WION. Elaborating on the different functions of 'IS40M', Dr Somanath said, "Firstly it is about using radars and optical observation to watch and tag objects in space, then we will have to consider the effect of earth's gravitational pull, impact of sun and moon etc. and predict the movement of the said object/debris. Based on this, we will have to look for possibilities of collisions. This entire process has to be carried out on a daily basis. In case an object poses a threat to our satellite, we must accordingly move our satellite out of harm's way and also inform foreign agencies(whose satellites are in the vicinity) about our collision avoidance maneuver." In addition to this, the objects that are likely to fall back onto earth), asteroids that are on collision course with earth will also have to be tracked. These are complex calculations and are error-prone, owing to the large number of factors involved, thus necessitating various corrections. Dr Somanath added that these mathematical models used to calculate and project the path of debris and their impact etc. are indigenously developed and even if a country wanted, such models are not available for purchase in the International market. On India's capabilities, he had explained that India has radars that are meant to observe satellites and the Indian space agency is also installing optical tracking facilities. However, the Indian space agency does not have all facilities required to track objects of 10cm size and for this it relies on data provided by foreign agencies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: ISRO starts countdown for launch of 'PSLV-C55', but why the one-minute delay?

Fox News dodged the possibility of a humiliating defamation trial, following a last-minute settlement on Tuesday (April 18),&nbsp;but it also suffered a major blow to its reputation.&nbsp;The network, one of the most influential and successful in the US, agreed to a $787.5 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by voting technology manufacturer Dominion for its reporting on false election fraud charges in the 2020 election.

Analysts said the settlement was a rare example that there may be an enormous price for blatant disinformation — even for once-untouchable media giants. Fox News managed to wriggle out of what was anticipated to be a dramatic trial.

"This can be seen as a wake-up call for live broadcasters and a reminder that there really is a difference between false factual statements, and knowingly broadcasting such false information, and protected speech," Roy Gutterman, a Syracuse University professor, told AFP.

<h2>Why did Dominion sue Fox News?</h2>

In its $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News, Dominion claimed that the network had supported Donald Trump's baseless assertion that the company's voting equipment had been tampered with, to rig the 2020 election in Joe Biden's favour.

"The evidence will show that Dominion was a valuable, rapidly growing business that was executing on its plan to expand prior to the time that Fox began endorsing baseless lies about Dominion voting machines," said a Dominion spokesperson in a statement, as reported by NPR.&nbsp;

"Following Fox's defamatory statements, Dominion's business suffered enormously, and its claim for compensatory damages is based on industry-standard valuation metrics and conservative methodologies. We look forward to proving this aspect of our case at trial," added the spokesperson.

The company claimed that because of baseless rumours that Dominion's voting machines altered votes for then-President Donald Trump to his opponent, Joe Biden, in the 2020 election, its staff and offices have endured years of fatal threats.

Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-reportedly-trying-to-settle-with-dominion-amid-delay-in-defamation-trial-583391">Fox Corporation</a>, and hosts like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson will no longer&nbsp;have to testify as a result of the settlement.

"A loss -- and the trial process itself -- would have been much worse for&nbsp;Fox," John Culhane, a professor at Delaware Law School at Widener University, told AFP.

"They were staring down the prospect of a parade of high-profile witnesses having to try to defend their disinformation machinery to a jury. The audio would have been replayed a thousand times, forever," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Fox News' image tarnished?</h2>

Numerous internal documents from Fox News, including emails and texts, were made public by Dominion, revealing that its executives questioned Trump's assertions and even voiced contempt for the former president despite adoring him on screen.

"The stain this leaves on&nbsp;Fox&nbsp;can't be wiped out with money," said Angelo Carusone, president of the advocacy group Media Matters, who spoke to AFP.

"The network has been completely exposed as a partisan propaganda outlet that is willing to do anything for profit and power," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Fox News settles Dominion defamation case for $787.5m

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fox-news-settles-dominion-defamation-case-for-7875m-583906/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to US media, the broadcaster will not be required to apologise or acknowledge that it disseminated false information on network programming under the terms of the settlement.

But, the bigger question looms.&nbsp;Will the hefty settlement be enough to deter Fox network from doing the same in the future?&nbsp;

"Will&nbsp;Fox's disinformation engine be chastened? I doubt it," Gregory Miller, the co-founder of the nonpartisan, nonprofit OSET Institute, told AFP.

"It may bring about some cooling off, but I fear it will be in full gear," in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election, he added.&nbsp;

Experts anticipate a fiercely polarised election in 2024.&nbsp;

Trump is running for president for a third time and continues to be the front-runner for the Republican nomination after making the false allegation that the previous election had been rigged against him, which provoked a violent mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

<h2 id="main-heading" tabindex="-1">Can Fox News&nbsp;afford the $787.5mn Dominion settlement?</h2>

The Rupert Murdoch-owned network has agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million.&nbsp;Although this&nbsp;will be a substantial&nbsp;compensation, Fox has escaped&nbsp;what some have called the "defamation trial of the century."

At almost $800m, it is one of the biggest ever financial settlements in a defamation case.&nbsp;However, it is less than half the $1.6bn ask initially put forward&nbsp;by Dominion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-is-not-right-trump-ally-mike-pompeo-drops-out-of-2024-presidential-race-582769">'Time is not right...': Trump ally Mike Pompeo drops out of 2024 presidential race</a>

For context, parent firm Fox Corporation recorded net income of $1.23 billion for the most recent fiscal year.

Additionally, it has a significant cash reserve of $4 billion, as per recent company filings.

According to Forbes magazine, Rupert Murdoch and his family are estimated to be worth $17.6 billion. They are in charge of the News Corp media empire, which includes Fox News, The Times of London, and The Wall Street Journal.

Fox, however, won't be able to put the problems with its coverage of the 2020 presidential election behind them just yet.

Another electoral technology company, Smartmatic, has filed a second, similar defamation action against it and is seeking $2.7 billion.&nbsp;The $787.5 million payoff to&nbsp;Dominion might only be the&nbsp;the tip of the iceberg for Fox News.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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<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>

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Fox News dodged the possibility of a humiliating defamation trial, following a last-minute settlement on Tuesday (April 18), but it also suffered a major blow to its reputation.

Fox News dodged the possibility of a humiliating defamation trial, following a last-minute settlement on Tuesday (April 18), but it also suffered a major blow to its reputation. The network, one of the most influential and successful in the US, agreed to a $787.5 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by voting technology manufacturer Dominion for its reporting on false election fraud charges in the 2020 election. Analysts said the settlement was a rare example that there may be an enormous price for blatant disinformation — even for once-untouchable media giants. Fox News managed to wriggle out of what was anticipated to be a dramatic trial. "This can be seen as a wake-up call for live broadcasters and a reminder that there really is a difference between false factual statements, and knowingly broadcasting such false information, and protected speech," Roy Gutterman, a Syracuse University professor, told AFP. Why did Dominion sue Fox News? In its $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News, Dominion claimed that the network had supported Donald Trump's baseless assertion that the company's voting equipment had been tampered with, to rig the 2020 election in Joe Biden's favour. "The evidence will show that Dominion was a valuable, rapidly growing business that was executing on its plan to expand prior to the time that Fox began endorsing baseless lies about Dominion voting machines," said a Dominion spokesperson in a statement, as reported by NPR. "Following Fox's defamatory statements, Dominion's business suffered enormously, and its claim for compensatory damages is based on industry-standard valuation metrics and conservative methodologies. We look forward to proving this aspect of our case at trial," added the spokesperson. The company claimed that because of baseless rumours that Dominion's voting machines altered votes for then-President Donald Trump to his opponent, Joe Biden, in the 2020 election, its staff and offices have endured years of fatal threats. Rupert Murdoch, the chairman of Fox Corporation, and hosts like Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson will no longer have to testify as a result of the settlement. "A loss -- and the trial process itself -- would have been much worse for Fox," John Culhane, a professor at Delaware Law School at Widener University, told AFP. "They were staring down the prospect of a parade of high-profile witnesses having to try to defend their disinformation machinery to a jury. The audio would have been replayed a thousand times, forever," he added. Fox News' image tarnished? Numerous internal documents from Fox News, including emails and texts, were made public by Dominion, revealing that its executives questioned Trump's assertions and even voiced contempt for the former president despite adoring him on screen. "The stain this leaves on Fox can't be wiped out with money," said Angelo Carusone, president of the advocacy group Media Matters, who spoke to AFP. "The network has been completely exposed as a partisan propaganda outlet that is willing to do anything for profit and power," he added. ALSO WATCH | Fox News settles Dominion defamation case for $787.5m According to US media, the broadcaster will not be required to apologise or acknowledge that it disseminated false information on network programming under the terms of the settlement. But, the bigger question looms. Will the hefty settlement be enough to deter Fox network from doing the same in the future? "Will Fox's disinformation engine be chastened? I doubt it," Gregory Miller, the co-founder of the nonpartisan, nonprofit OSET Institute, told AFP. "It may bring about some cooling off, but I fear it will be in full gear," in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election, he added. Experts anticipate a fiercely polarised election in 2024. Trump is running for president for a third time and continues to be the front-runner for the Republican nomination after making the false allegation that the previous election had been rigged against him, which provoked a violent mob to attack the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Can Fox News afford the $787.5mn Dominion settlement? The Rupert Murdoch-owned network has agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million. Although this will be a substantial compensation, Fox has escaped what some have called the "defamation trial of the century." At almost $800m, it is one of the biggest ever financial settlements in a defamation case. However, it is less than half the $1.6bn ask initially put forward by Dominion. ALSO READ | 'Time is not right...': Trump ally Mike Pompeo drops out of 2024 presidential race For context, parent firm Fox Corporation recorded net income of $1.23 billion for the most recent fiscal year. Additionally, it has a significant cash reserve of $4 billion, as per recent company filings. According to Forbes magazine, Rupert Murdoch and his family are estimated to be worth $17.6 billion. They are in charge of the News Corp media empire, which includes Fox News, The Times of London, and The Wall Street Journal. Fox, however, won't be able to put the problems with its coverage of the 2020 presidential election behind them just yet. Another electoral technology company, Smartmatic, has filed a second, similar defamation action against it and is seeking $2.7 billion. The $787.5 million payoff to Dominion might only be the the tip of the iceberg for Fox News. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: Has Fox News lost credibility despite $787mn settlement with Dominion?

After a decades-long dispute which had divided Germany, the country has finally decided that on Saturday (April 15), it will pull the plug on its last three nuclear power stations and there has been a range of reactions. Europe’s largest economy which is also one of its biggest emitters of carbon will, in the short term, go back to using coal.&nbsp;

A brief history&nbsp;

Germany began its commercial nuclear sector with the Kahl reactor in 1961 which was later joined by seven commercial plants in the early years and with the 1970s oil crisis it garnered public support.&nbsp;

Former West Germany has long supported the anti-nuclear movement even before the German unification where hundreds of thousands of mostly young people would take to the streets. As of 20 years ago, 19 nuclear power plant units supplied up to a third of the country’s electricity.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-nuclear-era-germany-switches-off-remaining-three-reactors-permanently-582731">Nuclear power phase-out: Germany switches off remaining three reactors permanently</a>

It was not until the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the then-Soviet Union that some of the warnings and dangers of nuclear power were confirmed. However, various governing parties in Germany like the Christian Democrats (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) have still stood firmly behind the use of nuclear power for decades now.&nbsp;

However, it is also worth noting that the governing SPD, Greens, and the FDP in their coalition agreement had decided to stick to former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision for Germany’s nuclear phase-out.&nbsp;

Why is this a big deal?

At midnight, Berlin would mark the six-decade programme which has witnessed some of the strongest protest movements in the continent. The smoking towers of Isar II, Emsland and Neckarwestheim II reactors will be shut as Germany will enact its plan for fully-renewable electricity generation by 2035.&nbsp;

The nuclear-phase out plan has been in motion since 2002 but gained momentum when Merkel was chancellor in 2011 and following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-to-shut-down-last-three-nuclear-power-plants-new-plan-to-focus-on-renewable-energy-582820">Germany to shut down last three nuclear power plants; new plan to focus on renewable energy</a> 
 
Additionally, Germany’s strong anti-nuclear movement which still holds lingering fears from the Cold War conflict and nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl in Ukraine had pressured successive governments to end the use of a technology that critics have argued is unsafe and unsustainable.

What was the holdup?

The three plants were scheduled to be turned off by December 2022, however, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine over a year ago, they received a brief extension. Europe’s largest economy like others was also grappling with the fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and scrambled to find substitutes for Moscow’s cheap pipeline gas.&nbsp;

The government in Berlin, like the rest of Europe, was not sure if they would be able to power themselves through the winter. Notably, the situation in Germany was relatively stable when compared to others which can be attributed to the country’s natural gas buying spree and the firing up of old coal power plants.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-crisis-cost-germany-at-least-80-billion-euros-since-2018-report-498478">Climate crisis cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since 2018: Report</a>

But given the uncertainty over power supply, incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced he would keep the nuclear plants going for three and a half more months, extending the initial December deadline to April 15.&nbsp;

Does everyone agree with this decision?

According to Deutsche Welle (DW), the shutdown also comes at the end of 22,596 days and plenty of heated debate. Many lawmakers across the political spectrum took to Twitter and expressed their views on the decision. “Goodbye nuclear power! Goodbye insecure, unclean, uneconomical energy policy!” said Scholz. While his party SPD on their official page showed an image of a collapsing nuclear power plant cooling tower.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-germanys-highest-peak-melts-dramatically-510749">WION Climate Tracker: Germany's highest peak melts dramatically</a>

On the other hand, the FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner took to the microblogging platform and said he was not happy with the decision. While agreeing that renewable energy is the future he said that “in the meantime we have to secure our supply until we have sufficient capacity,” adding that if it were up to him Germany would retain the last three power plants in reserve.

Environmental groups celebrate

Environmental groups marked the day with celebrations outside the three reactors and rallies in major cities, including Berlin. Greenpeace, an environmental NGO, organised a demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday and said, “Finally, nuclear energy belongs to history!”. Meanwhile, Munich celebrated a “nuclear exit festival” which witnessed the presence of several hundred people to mark the milestone.&nbsp;

What next?

Germany’s government has previously agreed that in the short term, the country would have to rely on coal and natural gas to meet its energy needs. This comes as Germany aims to be carbon neutral by 2045 and has been ramping up its electricity production from solar and wind. As of last year, the three soon-to-be dismantled plants accounted for only six per cent of the country’s energy.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-activists-clashes-with-police-over-coal-mine-expansion-in-germany-551376">Climate Activists clashes with police over coal mine expansion in Germany</a>

Meanwhile, several nuclear power plants will undergo the costly process of dismantling while figuring out what to do with the highly radioactive material accumulated over six decades. Germany still needs to find a permanent repository for around 1,900 highly radioactive casks of nuclear waste by 2031.

“Nuclear power supplied electricity for three generations, but its legacy remains dangerous for 30,000 generations,” said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, as per Euronews. He added that many risks of civilian atomic facilities were unconsidered, including their becoming targets during conflicts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

After a decades-long dispute which had divided Germany, the country has finally decided that on Saturday (April 15), it will pull the plug on its last three nuclear power stations and there has been a range of reactions.

After a decades-long dispute which had divided Germany, the country has finally decided that on Saturday (April 15), it will pull the plug on its last three nuclear power stations and there has been a range of reactions. Europe’s largest economy which is also one of its biggest emitters of carbon will, in the short term, go back to using coal. A brief history Germany began its commercial nuclear sector with the Kahl reactor in 1961 which was later joined by seven commercial plants in the early years and with the 1970s oil crisis it garnered public support. Former West Germany has long supported the anti-nuclear movement even before the German unification where hundreds of thousands of mostly young people would take to the streets. As of 20 years ago, 19 nuclear power plant units supplied up to a third of the country’s electricity. ALSO READ | Nuclear power phase-out: Germany switches off remaining three reactors permanently It was not until the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the then-Soviet Union that some of the warnings and dangers of nuclear power were confirmed. However, various governing parties in Germany like the Christian Democrats (CDU), the Social Democratic Party (SPD), and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) have still stood firmly behind the use of nuclear power for decades now. However, it is also worth noting that the governing SPD, Greens, and the FDP in their coalition agreement had decided to stick to former Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision for Germany’s nuclear phase-out. Why is this a big deal? At midnight, Berlin would mark the six-decade programme which has witnessed some of the strongest protest movements in the continent. The smoking towers of Isar II, Emsland and Neckarwestheim II reactors will be shut as Germany will enact its plan for fully-renewable electricity generation by 2035. The nuclear-phase out plan has been in motion since 2002 but gained momentum when Merkel was chancellor in 2011 and following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. ALSO WATCH | Germany to shut down last three nuclear power plants; new plan to focus on renewable energy Additionally, Germany’s strong anti-nuclear movement which still holds lingering fears from the Cold War conflict and nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl in Ukraine had pressured successive governments to end the use of a technology that critics have argued is unsafe and unsustainable. What was the holdup? The three plants were scheduled to be turned off by December 2022, however, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine over a year ago, they received a brief extension. Europe’s largest economy like others was also grappling with the fallout of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and scrambled to find substitutes for Moscow’s cheap pipeline gas. The government in Berlin, like the rest of Europe, was not sure if they would be able to power themselves through the winter. Notably, the situation in Germany was relatively stable when compared to others which can be attributed to the country’s natural gas buying spree and the firing up of old coal power plants. ALSO READ | Climate crisis cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since 2018: Report But given the uncertainty over power supply, incumbent Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced he would keep the nuclear plants going for three and a half more months, extending the initial December deadline to April 15. Does everyone agree with this decision? According to Deutsche Welle (DW), the shutdown also comes at the end of 22,596 days and plenty of heated debate. Many lawmakers across the political spectrum took to Twitter and expressed their views on the decision. “Goodbye nuclear power! Goodbye insecure, unclean, uneconomical energy policy!” said Scholz. While his party SPD on their official page showed an image of a collapsing nuclear power plant cooling tower. ALSO WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Germany's highest peak melts dramatically On the other hand, the FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner took to the microblogging platform and said he was not happy with the decision. While agreeing that renewable energy is the future he said that “in the meantime we have to secure our supply until we have sufficient capacity,” adding that if it were up to him Germany would retain the last three power plants in reserve. Environmental groups celebrate Environmental groups marked the day with celebrations outside the three reactors and rallies in major cities, including Berlin. Greenpeace, an environmental NGO, organised a demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate on Saturday and said, “Finally, nuclear energy belongs to history!”. Meanwhile, Munich celebrated a “nuclear exit festival” which witnessed the presence of several hundred people to mark the milestone. What next? Germany’s government has previously agreed that in the short term, the country would have to rely on coal and natural gas to meet its energy needs. This comes as Germany aims to be carbon neutral by 2045 and has been ramping up its electricity production from solar and wind. As of last year, the three soon-to-be dismantled plants accounted for only six per cent of the country’s energy. ALSO WATCH | Climate Activists clashes with police over coal mine expansion in Germany Meanwhile, several nuclear power plants will undergo the costly process of dismantling while figuring out what to do with the highly radioactive material accumulated over six decades. Germany still needs to find a permanent repository for around 1,900 highly radioactive casks of nuclear waste by 2031. “Nuclear power supplied electricity for three generations, but its legacy remains dangerous for 30,000 generations,” said Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, as per Euronews. He added that many risks of civilian atomic facilities were unconsidered, including their becoming targets during conflicts. (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.

Explained | Germany to end its decades-old nuclear power era. What now?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28. Soon after the end of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma-led Team India will reassemble and leave for the United Kingdom to lock horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2021-23 cycle.

After missing out on winning the inaugural WTC cycle, and losing to New Zealand in 2021, India will hope to make the most of this opportunity and&nbsp;end their 10-year-long ICC-title drought. While Indian players have been asked to manage their workload efficiently in IPL 2023, there have already been some injury concerns ahead of the WTC summit clash, on June 07 at The Oval, London. While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have already been ruled out, Shreyas Iyer is also out of contention.

With Iyer's back injury resurfacing during India-Australia home Tests, he is out of IPL 2023 and will also miss the high-voltage WTC clash. Thus, India have some tough calls to&nbsp;smartly pack their middle order for the marquee clash, keeping the English conditions in mind.

Many experts have chipped in the idea of KL Rahul to open with Rohit as the duo was a successful pair during India's four Tests in England in the 2021 English summer. However, Rahul's low returns -- in Australia Tests and IPL 2023 so far -- aren't unknown. If&nbsp;the team management still persists&nbsp;with Rahul-Rohit as their openers, this could drop in-form batter Shubman Gill at No. 5 (an alien spot for him);&nbsp;filling in for Iyer. Nonetheless, Ajinkya Rahane's two good outings for his new franchise, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL season have led to many ardent Indian cricket fans and former cricketers suggesting his inclusion.

Rahane for WTC final?

It is to be noted that Rahane has made scores of 61 (27) and 31 (19), striking at over 200 (225.92) and 150 (163.15) respectively, so far in his two innings for CSK. While many can say that IPL isn't an ideal platform for any batter's&nbsp;return in Tests, that too after two-long years, Rahane has had a good domestic run as well.

Rahane scored 634 runs (with a best of 204)&nbsp;in seven matches, at an average of&nbsp;57.63, with a hundred and two fifties for Mumbai in the 2022/23 Ranji Trophy season. While he could have gone for a County stint (like Cheteshwar Pujara), rather than plying his trade in the IPL, a dearth of middle-order batters with Iyer and Pant's injury has brightened the chances for Rahane.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-it-comes-to-carrying-water-or-helping-out-someone-hes-such-a-team-man-ravi-shastri-hails-csk-batter-581710">'If it comes to carrying water or helping out someone, he's such a team man': Ravi Shastri hails CSK batter</a>

What are the numbers for Rahane?

Now, let's focus on Rahane's numbers in Tests, particularly in England. The right-hander has scored 4,931 Test runs in 82 Tests, with 12 hundreds and 25 half-centuries. In England, he has amassed 729 runs in 15 Tests, at a woeful average of 26.03, with a solitary hundred and five fifties. He has two memorable knocks in English conditions; 103 (Lord's Test, 2014) and 81 (Trent Bridge, 2018).

Meanwhile, Rahane has a total of 1,090 runs versus Australia at an average of 37.58 with two centuries and five half-centuries (only one at home). In addition, he has scored&nbsp;884 of those in Australia, which includes both his tons.

Above all, it is Rahane's experience that the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will bank up on if he earns a recall. A stage as big as a WTC final and an opposition as formidable as Pat Cummins-led Australia (against whom he scored his last ton -- a memorable 112)&nbsp;can perfectly motivate a senior pro like Rahane.

Given, Rahane has already tasted failure with the Virat Kohli-led Indian side in the inaugural WTC final, where he scored 49 and 15, the 34-year-old will be highly charged in possibly his last ICC final. In the twilight of his career, it goes without saying that the Mumbaikar will be desperate to make the most of any chance presented to him.

Fire to perform is still burning strong!

After his spirited 27-ball 61 in CSK debut, versus Mumbai Indians (MI), at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai,&nbsp;a determined Rahane subtly reminded the critics that it is still early to write him off. At the post-match presentation, he said, "I was just told to focus on my strengths and focus on preparation. I love playing at the Wankhede, I know the ground well. Have not played a Test here, yet." He even smiled when on-air commentators praised his usage of 'yet'.&nbsp;

Later, at the post-match presser, he stated, "Still, a long way to go [WTC final]. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven, (and) got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. "Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion," Rahane added.

For now, Rahane needs to continue to tick the basics and add runs for CSK. If he continues in the same manner, the batting maestro -- and also a highly acclaimed slip fielder --&nbsp;might be in India's scheme of things&nbsp;to star in the playing XI for the WTC final. 
 
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 edition is churning out nail-biting contests with each passing day. The ongoing season has already become a hit and is on course for more success before its conclusion on May 28. Soon after the end of IPL 2023, Rohit Sharma-led Team India will reassemble and leave for the United Kingdom to lock horns with Australia in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the 2021-23 cycle. After missing out on winning the inaugural WTC cycle, and losing to New Zealand in 2021, India will hope to make the most of this opportunity and end their 10-year-long ICC-title drought. While Indian players have been asked to manage their workload efficiently in IPL 2023, there have already been some injury concerns ahead of the WTC summit clash, on June 07 at The Oval, London. While Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant have already been ruled out, Shreyas Iyer is also out of contention. With Iyer's back injury resurfacing during India-Australia home Tests, he is out of IPL 2023 and will also miss the high-voltage WTC clash. Thus, India have some tough calls to smartly pack their middle order for the marquee clash, keeping the English conditions in mind. Many experts have chipped in the idea of KL Rahul to open with Rohit as the duo was a successful pair during India's four Tests in England in the 2021 English summer. However, Rahul's low returns -- in Australia Tests and IPL 2023 so far -- aren't unknown. If the team management still persists with Rahul-Rohit as their openers, this could drop in-form batter Shubman Gill at No. 5 (an alien spot for him); filling in for Iyer. Nonetheless, Ajinkya Rahane's two good outings for his new franchise, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing IPL season have led to many ardent Indian cricket fans and former cricketers suggesting his inclusion. Rahane for WTC final? It is to be noted that Rahane has made scores of 61 (27) and 31 (19), striking at over 200 (225.92) and 150 (163.15) respectively, so far in his two innings for CSK. While many can say that IPL isn't an ideal platform for any batter's return in Tests, that too after two-long years, Rahane has had a good domestic run as well. Rahane scored 634 runs (with a best of 204) in seven matches, at an average of 57.63, with a hundred and two fifties for Mumbai in the 2022/23 Ranji Trophy season. While he could have gone for a County stint (like Cheteshwar Pujara), rather than plying his trade in the IPL, a dearth of middle-order batters with Iyer and Pant's injury has brightened the chances for Rahane. Also Read: 'If it comes to carrying water or helping out someone, he's such a team man': Ravi Shastri hails CSK batter What are the numbers for Rahane? Now, let's focus on Rahane's numbers in Tests, particularly in England. The right-hander has scored 4,931 Test runs in 82 Tests, with 12 hundreds and 25 half-centuries. In England, he has amassed 729 runs in 15 Tests, at a woeful average of 26.03, with a solitary hundred and five fifties. He has two memorable knocks in English conditions; 103 (Lord's Test, 2014) and 81 (Trent Bridge, 2018). Meanwhile, Rahane has a total of 1,090 runs versus Australia at an average of 37.58 with two centuries and five half-centuries (only one at home). In addition, he has scored 884 of those in Australia, which includes both his tons. Above all, it is Rahane's experience that the Rohit-Rahul Dravid-led Indian team will bank up on if he earns a recall. A stage as big as a WTC final and an opposition as formidable as Pat Cummins-led Australia (against whom he scored his last ton -- a memorable 112) can perfectly motivate a senior pro like Rahane. Given, Rahane has already tasted failure with the Virat Kohli-led Indian side in the inaugural WTC final, where he scored 49 and 15, the 34-year-old will be highly charged in possibly his last ICC final. In the twilight of his career, it goes without saying that the Mumbaikar will be desperate to make the most of any chance presented to him. Fire to perform is still burning strong! After his spirited 27-ball 61 in CSK debut, versus Mumbai Indians (MI), at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, a determined Rahane subtly reminded the critics that it is still early to write him off. At the post-match presentation, he said, "I was just told to focus on my strengths and focus on preparation. I love playing at the Wankhede, I know the ground well. Have not played a Test here, yet." He even smiled when on-air commentators praised his usage of 'yet'. Later, at the post-match presser, he stated, "Still, a long way to go [WTC final]. Today, I was not sure about my place in the eleven, (and) got to know just before the toss. For me, it is about playing one game at a time and staying in the moment. "Anything can happen. I will never give up. For me it is about playing with enjoyment and passion," Rahane added. For now, Rahane needs to continue to tick the basics and add runs for CSK. If he continues in the same manner, the batting maestro -- and also a highly acclaimed slip fielder -- might be in India's scheme of things to star in the playing XI for the WTC final. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Why Team India may turn back to Ajinkya Rahane for WTC final

Last week, negotiations over how to regulate the mining of the seabed began among the 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) which regulates the exploitation of minerals on the seabed outside national jurisdictions also known as the high seas.&nbsp;

The ISA headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica is in the midst of hosting a two-week council session which began on March 16 to discuss the adoption of a mining code which has been in the works for nearly a decade. However, its chief has recently come under fire for supposedly ignoring proposals by other diplomats and pushing them to approve the start of deep-sea mining.&nbsp;

What has been happening at the ISA?

The ISA works under the authorisation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which allows the 167-nation body to control seabeds outside the territorial waters of nations. “We come together now with the work on the mining code, well advanced and with six weeks of negotiating before us this year”, said a British lawyer and head of the UN-affiliated body Michael Lodge.&nbsp;

ISA has recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, said a report by AFP. Notably, the exploitation of seafloor minerals is not expected to begin until the adoption of a mining code, the discussion of which has lasted for almost 10 years now but in June 2021 the island nation triggered a clause which allowed it to demand the adoption of these rules within two years.&nbsp;

The decision taken by ISA is also being closely watched as it comes amid several landmark treaties signed in favour of protecting the environment. This includes the landmark UN High Seas Treaty which was adopted, earlier this month, to protect oceans and seabeds outside national jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Following the historic UN Biodiversity Conference which aims to protect 30 per cent of the Earth’s land and water by 2030, late last year. “With these global milestones, the pressure is now on the ISA council to deliver,” said Lodge, as per AFP.&nbsp;

What was the row about?

As the two-week council session in Jamaica is underway, the ISA chief has been criticised by diplomats who have claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. According to a report by the New York Times, the British lawyer who has a duty of neutrality has supposedly been ignoring measures proposed by some council members which could potentially slow down approval of the first mining proposals.&nbsp;

Additionally, not all countries are in favour of beginning seabed extraction and raised concerns like a lack of knowledge on the impact of disturbing the ocean floor. Germany and Costa Rica have also joined France, Spain, Chile, New Zealand and several Pacific nations which have expressed these concerns and called for a “precautionary pause” or a ban on mining in the high seas.&nbsp;

The 167-nation body will soon receive an application for commercial seabed mining, which makes the decision about the mining code all the more important as it would govern the process. According to the Guardian, Lodge has previously indicated that the impact of seabed mining is “predictable and manageable”.&nbsp;

In response to the story in the New York Times, Costa Rica’s representative to the ISA, Gina Guillén Grillo took to Twitter, on Monday (March 20) and said “Decisions must come from them &amp; must not be pushed by those who have only administrative duties. Mining the seabed cannot be rushed (because) of the economic interests of a few.”

Similarly, Franziska Brantner, Germany’s minister for economic affairs and climate action, in a letter to Lodge also said, “It is not the task of the secretariat to interfere in the decision making. In the past, you have actively taken a stand against positions and decision-making proposals from individual delegations,” reported the Guardian. It added that Germany was “seriously concerned about this approach.”

How did Lodge respond to these allegations?

In his opening remarks, on March 8, the British lawyer said that the allegations of him taking a position opposing proposals from delegates are “untrue” and that he rejects “such a baseless allegation”.&nbsp;

Subsequently, he also made a statement to the New York Times and clarified his position by saying that he places “high importance on the preservation and protection of the marine environment”. He also spoke about how he is working to make sure that the “decision-making processes around economic activity in the deep seabed is based on best available scientific knowledge”.&nbsp;

What would happen if the ISA cannot reach an agreement?

The two-year period expires in a few months after which Nauru will be able to apply for an exploitation contract for Nauru Ocean Resources, Nori, a subsidiary of Canadian mining startup The Metals Company which the country also sponsors. The small Pacific island country is one of three states sponsoring the Canadian mining startup along with the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Kiribati.

Nauru has also previously sent a memo to the ISA saying that if the seabed authority has not finalised regulations within the time frame and in the meantime if an application for deep-sea mining has been submitted they should “consider and provisionally approve” it. However, other countries have said that they are not obligated to do so until the regulations are finalised.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Duncan Currie, an international legal adviser to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition and official observer at the meeting on March 8, told the Guardian, “This is not just a row between diplomats. It is very significant. The executive organ is the council. It is not for the administrative body to be telling the council what decisions they should be making.”

ISA spokesperson, who was not named, also told the UK-based news organisation, that the role of the secretariat is to “facilitate negotiations and ensure that discussions are informed by the best available science” and in line with the UN convention.&nbsp;

It does not “pass judgement” on the position of its member states. “The regulations will only be approved should ISA’s members reach a consensus on its content. In the meantime, only exploration activities will be permitted,” said the ISA spokesperson, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;

As of now, about 30 research centres and companies which are only concerned with the exploration of delimited zones have been granted contracts as the seabeds are considered a “common heritage” that belong to no one, reported AFP. However, that could change as the July 2023 deadline approaches.&nbsp;

Kirsten Thompson, a&nbsp;lecturer in ecology at the University of Exeter told BBC Future, that mining could "irreversibly damage"&nbsp;species that live on the ocean floor also known as&nbsp;benthic&nbsp;ecosystems. He added,&nbsp;considering the "myriad threats" the marine&nbsp;ecosystem is facing, regulating human activities is "vital to ensure biodiversity conservation and to preserve ecosystem functioning".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Last week, negotiations over how to regulate the mining of the seabed began among the 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) which regulates the exploitation of minerals on the seabed outside national jurisdictions also known as the high seas.

Last week, negotiations over how to regulate the mining of the seabed began among the 167-nation body, International Seabed Authority (ISA) which regulates the exploitation of minerals on the seabed outside national jurisdictions also known as the high seas. The ISA headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica is in the midst of hosting a two-week council session which began on March 16 to discuss the adoption of a mining code which has been in the works for nearly a decade. However, its chief has recently come under fire for supposedly ignoring proposals by other diplomats and pushing them to approve the start of deep-sea mining. What has been happening at the ISA? The ISA works under the authorisation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea which allows the 167-nation body to control seabeds outside the territorial waters of nations. “We come together now with the work on the mining code, well advanced and with six weeks of negotiating before us this year”, said a British lawyer and head of the UN-affiliated body Michael Lodge. ISA has recently faced pressure from the tiny Pacific nation, Nauru, said a report by AFP. Notably, the exploitation of seafloor minerals is not expected to begin until the adoption of a mining code, the discussion of which has lasted for almost 10 years now but in June 2021 the island nation triggered a clause which allowed it to demand the adoption of these rules within two years. The decision taken by ISA is also being closely watched as it comes amid several landmark treaties signed in favour of protecting the environment. This includes the landmark UN High Seas Treaty which was adopted, earlier this month, to protect oceans and seabeds outside national jurisdiction. Following the historic UN Biodiversity Conference which aims to protect 30 per cent of the Earth’s land and water by 2030, late last year. “With these global milestones, the pressure is now on the ISA council to deliver,” said Lodge, as per AFP. What was the row about? As the two-week council session in Jamaica is underway, the ISA chief has been criticised by diplomats who have claimed that he has been pushing them to accelerate the process of beginning deep-sea mining. According to a report by the New York Times, the British lawyer who has a duty of neutrality has supposedly been ignoring measures proposed by some council members which could potentially slow down approval of the first mining proposals. Additionally, not all countries are in favour of beginning seabed extraction and raised concerns like a lack of knowledge on the impact of disturbing the ocean floor. Germany and Costa Rica have also joined France, Spain, Chile, New Zealand and several Pacific nations which have expressed these concerns and called for a “precautionary pause” or a ban on mining in the high seas. The 167-nation body will soon receive an application for commercial seabed mining, which makes the decision about the mining code all the more important as it would govern the process. According to the Guardian, Lodge has previously indicated that the impact of seabed mining is “predictable and manageable”. In response to the story in the New York Times, Costa Rica’s representative to the ISA, Gina Guillén Grillo took to Twitter, on Monday (March 20) and said “Decisions must come from them & must not be pushed by those who have only administrative duties. Mining the seabed cannot be rushed (because) of the economic interests of a few.” Similarly, Franziska Brantner, Germany’s minister for economic affairs and climate action, in a letter to Lodge also said, “It is not the task of the secretariat to interfere in the decision making. In the past, you have actively taken a stand against positions and decision-making proposals from individual delegations,” reported the Guardian. It added that Germany was “seriously concerned about this approach.” How did Lodge respond to these allegations? In his opening remarks, on March 8, the British lawyer said that the allegations of him taking a position opposing proposals from delegates are “untrue” and that he rejects “such a baseless allegation”. Subsequently, he also made a statement to the New York Times and clarified his position by saying that he places “high importance on the preservation and protection of the marine environment”. He also spoke about how he is working to make sure that the “decision-making processes around economic activity in the deep seabed is based on best available scientific knowledge”. What would happen if the ISA cannot reach an agreement? The two-year period expires in a few months after which Nauru will be able to apply for an exploitation contract for Nauru Ocean Resources, Nori, a subsidiary of Canadian mining startup The Metals Company which the country also sponsors. The small Pacific island country is one of three states sponsoring the Canadian mining startup along with the Kingdom of Tonga and the Republic of Kiribati. Nauru has also previously sent a memo to the ISA saying that if the seabed authority has not finalised regulations within the time frame and in the meantime if an application for deep-sea mining has been submitted they should “consider and provisionally approve” it. However, other countries have said that they are not obligated to do so until the regulations are finalised. Meanwhile, Duncan Currie, an international legal adviser to the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition and official observer at the meeting on March 8, told the Guardian, “This is not just a row between diplomats. It is very significant. The executive organ is the council. It is not for the administrative body to be telling the council what decisions they should be making.” ISA spokesperson, who was not named, also told the UK-based news organisation, that the role of the secretariat is to “facilitate negotiations and ensure that discussions are informed by the best available science” and in line with the UN convention. It does not “pass judgement” on the position of its member states. “The regulations will only be approved should ISA’s members reach a consensus on its content. In the meantime, only exploration activities will be permitted,” said the ISA spokesperson, as per the Guardian. As of now, about 30 research centres and companies which are only concerned with the exploration of delimited zones have been granted contracts as the seabeds are considered a “common heritage” that belong to no one, reported AFP. However, that could change as the July 2023 deadline approaches. Kirsten Thompson, a lecturer in ecology at the University of Exeter told BBC Future, that mining could "irreversibly damage" species that live on the ocean floor also known as benthic ecosystems. He added, considering the "myriad threats" the marine ecosystem is facing, regulating human activities is "vital to ensure biodiversity conservation and to preserve ecosystem functioning". (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.

Explained | Row erupts amid talks to regulate deep-sea mining. Here’s what happened

The United Nations-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released what is being described as a sobering report, with the bottom line being that the time on saving the planet is running out. The Synthesis Report of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) was published on Monday (March 21) and is likely the final one of the series.&nbsp;

Why is the report important?

The mammoth Synthesis Report (SYR) of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) comprised some of the most crucial findings about the knowledge of climate change, its impact and risks and how they can be mitigated and adapted to.&nbsp;

The important summary was a part of the six-part research which has now been completed after five years and draws on the findings of hundreds of scientists to provide a comprehensive assessment of the climate crisis. The 37-page document was made following a week of deliberations in Interlaken, Switzerland.&nbsp;

Extreme weather events are set to intensify

The findings also come as the world is witnessing the adverse effects of human-induced climate change including extreme weather events and widespread changes in our natural ecosystems, said the report. Additionally, these effects have also impacted people particularly, “Vulnerable communities who have historically contributed the least to current climate change are disproportionately affected,”&nbsp;the report noted.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/final-warning-over-devastating-climate-impacts-un-report-calls-for-urgent-action-573965">'Final warning' over devastating climate impacts: UN report calls for urgent action</a>

It also said that there is very little chance of keeping the world from warming by more than 1.5 degree Celsius, which the governments had previously pledged to avoid. However, since the global temperature has also risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius experts said that there is a chance it might breach the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold. The report has also said that the impacts related to this rise in temperature are also set to intensify.&nbsp;

According to the report, approximately 3.3-3.6 billion people are “highly vulnerable” to climate change while increasing weather and climate extreme events have exposed millions of people to acute food insecurity and reduced water security. The IPCC report also notes the disparity between rich nations and poorer countries, as the former has largely contributed to the rise in carbon dioxide emissions during industrialisation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/un-chief-says-climate-time-bomb-ticking-key-points-of-ipcc-report-574033">UN chief says 'climate time bomb ticking': Key points of IPCC report</a>

The emissions which to this day are present in the air but the brunt of which is being witnessed by the citizens of poorer countries who suffer due to the extreme weather events and are “up to 15 times more likely to die in floods, droughts and storms,”&nbsp;said Science panel chief Hoesung Lee as per Associated Press.&nbsp;

Rise in temperature and concentration of&nbsp;greenhouse gases&nbsp;

“It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land,”&nbsp;said the IPCC report, while also recognising the role of natural changes to the Earth’s climate. However, the report finds that out of the 1.07 degrees Celsius of the 1.09 degrees Celsius of the Earth’s global surface temperature rise is due to greenhouse gases associated with human activities.&nbsp;

“It has always been clear in the IPCC and in climate science, that it's not very likely that we always will stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius”, said Dr Oliver Geden a member of the report’s core writing team, as per BBC. Extreme heat events have resulted in human mortality and morbidity, the report stated and heat waves as well as heavy rain has become more frequent and intense since the 1950s.&nbsp;

The increases in well-mixed greenhouse gas concentrations are “unequivocally” caused by human activities and their consequential emissions. At least 42 per cent of the current cumulative net carbon dioxide emissions occurred between 1990 and 2019, said the report.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-ipcc-report-on-climate-change-574323">New IPCC report on climate change</a>

In 2019, the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere was higher than at any time in at least two million years while the concentration of methane and nitrous oxide was higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years.&nbsp;

Is it too late?

Once the global temperatures cross the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, “the risks are starting to pile on,” said report co-author Francis X. Johnson to Associated Press. The report also mentions “tipping points” around that temperature which include the extinction of species like coral reefs, irreversible melting of ice sheets and sea level rise of several metres.&nbsp;

While UN chief Antonio Guterres has insisted that “the 1.5 degree limit is achievable”, some scientists and authors of the report are sceptical and said that reaching that threshold is “inevitable,” reported AP.&nbsp;

The report also notes that if it continues its consumption of fossil fuels either existing now or proposed the temperature will rise to at least two degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. Although the data is from a few years ago, it does not account for the rise in the use of coal and natural gas recently which has been attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-rankings-predict-high-risk-to-indian-states-due-to-climate-change-564342">Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change</a>

Meanwhile, the authors of the report have also suggested numerous methods for adaptation which include reforms in agricultural practices, urban greening, and restoration of wetlands and upstream forest ecosystems have been effective in reducing flood risks and urban heat.&nbsp;

The report also calls for a combination of both non-structural and structural measures. Non-structural measures, like early warning systems, &nbsp;disaster risk management, climate services and social safety nets have broad applicability across multiple sectors, said the report.&nbsp;

The IPCC has also said that the emissions must be halved by the mid-2030s to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius and called for countries and communities around the world to find ways to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-study-reveals-impacts-of-climate-change-on-mental-health-561630">New study reveals impact of climate change on mental health</a>

This also included the use of alternative energy options like wind and solar, using electric vehicles, promoting the use of public transport or enabling active mobility in urban areas like walking or cycling, and so on.&nbsp;

The IPCC chief told the AP that they do not tell nations what they need to do in order to limit the worst warming, adding “it’s up to each government to find the best solution.” He added, “The pace and scale of what has been done so far and current plans are insufficient to tackle climate change. We are walking when we should be sprinting.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The United Nations-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released what is being described as a sobering report, with the bottom line being that the time on saving the planet is running out.

The United Nations-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released what is being described as a sobering report, with the bottom line being that the time on saving the planet is running out. The Synthesis Report of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) was published on Monday (March 21) and is likely the final one of the series. Why is the report important? The mammoth Synthesis Report (SYR) of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) comprised some of the most crucial findings about the knowledge of climate change, its impact and risks and how they can be mitigated and adapted to. The important summary was a part of the six-part research which has now been completed after five years and draws on the findings of hundreds of scientists to provide a comprehensive assessment of the climate crisis. The 37-page document was made following a week of deliberations in Interlaken, Switzerland. Extreme weather events are set to intensify The findings also come as the world is witnessing the adverse effects of human-induced climate change including extreme weather events and widespread changes in our natural ecosystems, said the report. Additionally, these effects have also impacted people particularly, “Vulnerable communities who have historically contributed the least to current climate change are disproportionately affected,” the report noted. ALSO READ | 'Final warning' over devastating climate impacts: UN report calls for urgent action It also said that there is very little chance of keeping the world from warming by more than 1.5 degree Celsius, which the governments had previously pledged to avoid. However, since the global temperature has also risen by 1.1 degrees Celsius experts said that there is a chance it might breach the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold. The report has also said that the impacts related to this rise in temperature are also set to intensify. According to the report, approximately 3.3-3.6 billion people are “highly vulnerable” to climate change while increasing weather and climate extreme events have exposed millions of people to acute food insecurity and reduced water security. The IPCC report also notes the disparity between rich nations and poorer countries, as the former has largely contributed to the rise in carbon dioxide emissions during industrialisation. ALSO READ | UN chief says 'climate time bomb ticking': Key points of IPCC report The emissions which to this day are present in the air but the brunt of which is being witnessed by the citizens of poorer countries who suffer due to the extreme weather events and are “up to 15 times more likely to die in floods, droughts and storms,” said Science panel chief Hoesung Lee as per Associated Press. Rise in temperature and concentration of greenhouse gases “It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land,” said the IPCC report, while also recognising the role of natural changes to the Earth’s climate. However, the report finds that out of the 1.07 degrees Celsius of the 1.09 degrees Celsius of the Earth’s global surface temperature rise is due to greenhouse gases associated with human activities. “It has always been clear in the IPCC and in climate science, that it's not very likely that we always will stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius”, said Dr Oliver Geden a member of the report’s core writing team, as per BBC. Extreme heat events have resulted in human mortality and morbidity, the report stated and heat waves as well as heavy rain has become more frequent and intense since the 1950s. The increases in well-mixed greenhouse gas concentrations are “unequivocally” caused by human activities and their consequential emissions. At least 42 per cent of the current cumulative net carbon dioxide emissions occurred between 1990 and 2019, said the report. ALSO WATCH | New IPCC report on climate change In 2019, the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere was higher than at any time in at least two million years while the concentration of methane and nitrous oxide was higher than at any time in at least 800,000 years. Is it too late? Once the global temperatures cross the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, “the risks are starting to pile on,” said report co-author Francis X. Johnson to Associated Press. The report also mentions “tipping points” around that temperature which include the extinction of species like coral reefs, irreversible melting of ice sheets and sea level rise of several metres. While UN chief Antonio Guterres has insisted that “the 1.5 degree limit is achievable”, some scientists and authors of the report are sceptical and said that reaching that threshold is “inevitable,” reported AP. The report also notes that if it continues its consumption of fossil fuels either existing now or proposed the temperature will rise to at least two degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. Although the data is from a few years ago, it does not account for the rise in the use of coal and natural gas recently which has been attributed to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change Meanwhile, the authors of the report have also suggested numerous methods for adaptation which include reforms in agricultural practices, urban greening, and restoration of wetlands and upstream forest ecosystems have been effective in reducing flood risks and urban heat. The report also calls for a combination of both non-structural and structural measures. Non-structural measures, like early warning systems, disaster risk management, climate services and social safety nets have broad applicability across multiple sectors, said the report. The IPCC has also said that the emissions must be halved by the mid-2030s to limit the rise in temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius and called for countries and communities around the world to find ways to adapt to climate change with actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions. ALSO READ | New study reveals impact of climate change on mental health This also included the use of alternative energy options like wind and solar, using electric vehicles, promoting the use of public transport or enabling active mobility in urban areas like walking or cycling, and so on. The IPCC chief told the AP that they do not tell nations what they need to do in order to limit the worst warming, adding “it’s up to each government to find the best solution.” He added, “The pace and scale of what has been done so far and current plans are insufficient to tackle climate change. We are walking when we should be sprinting.” (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.

Explained | UN report delivers ‘final warning’ on climate crisis. Here are some key takeaways

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot.&nbsp;

On Tuesday (March 14), MI defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 55 runs to confirm&nbsp;a spot in the playoffs. Thus, they became the first side to do so in WPL history. Apart from them, Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC) have also performed well with four wins from five games. UP Warriorz Women (UPW) have two victories and an equal number of losses whereas GG have managed only a solitary triumph from five encounters. Nonetheless, the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remain at the bottom and are the only winless side.

After five games, Mandhana &amp; Co. have failed to get off the mark in the points table. To add to their woes, they have suffered&nbsp;big defeats in as many as four fixtures. Thus, their Net Run Rate (NRR) is also a dismal&nbsp;-2.109. Given their current form, they are very much likely to miss the playoffs race but are not out of contention just yet. RCB remain alive mathematically but need a quick turnaround to progress ahead.

WPL 2023 Updated Points Table after MI vs GG clash on March 14 -

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Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2023-points-table-check-updated-points-table-and-live-streaming-details-for-womens-premier-league-2023-571863">WPL 2023 Points Table: Check updated points table and live streaming details for Women's Premier League 2023</a>

EXPLAINED: How RCB can still end up in the top 3

To the surprise of many, RCB still has a slim chance. While they cannot finish in the top two, they still have a chance to enter the knockouts as the third-best side.&nbsp;

Mandhana &amp; Co. need to topple their opposition&nbsp;in their remaining&nbsp;three games. Not only this, but RCB also need some favour from other teams. The Bengaluru franchise needs to hope&nbsp;UPW lose all of its remaining games. In addition, they need to pray that GG does not&nbsp;emerge on top in more than one&nbsp;game solely&nbsp;due to RCB's poor NRR.

As of now, it looks highly likely that MI and DC will end at the top two with UPW holding onto the third spot. However, anything can still happen if RCB and GG come to the party. It is to be noted that the team who finishes at the top will directly enter the final. Meanwhile, an Eliminator will be held between the second-ranked and third-positioned sides.

RCB's last outing and the road ahead

RCB face UPW in their next outing, on Wednesday evening (March 15) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The last time both sides faced each other saw the UP franchise demolish RCB by ten wickets. Mandhana &amp; Co. batted first and only managed 138 all-out, which was chased down by UP with ten wickets and seven overs in hand.

RCB go into this match after a last-over loss&nbsp;versus the DC unit, on Monday (March 13), where the latter won by&nbsp;six wickets while chasing 151.

A confident DC unit won the toss and opted to bowl first at the&nbsp;Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Mandhana fell early for RCB as her poor form continued. She has only managed scores of 35, 23, 18, 4, and 8 so far in the five-team competition. Ellyse Perry's 67 and Richa Ghosh's 16-ball 37 not out propelled the team to 150 for 4. However, it was just a par score.

Meanwhile, DC&nbsp;were&nbsp;made to work hard in their run-chase. Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen (15-ball 29 not out) stood tall to take their side home. Jonassen returned as the Player-of-the-Match for her rapid knock and whereas her teammate Shikha Pandey (3 for 239) also played a vital role in the victory.

At the post-match presentation, Smriti said, "Really good effort by our bowlers to take it till the 20th over. Definitely a lot of improvements but a lot of things to work on still. The partnership got us into the game, they both batted brilliantly. They used their experience to get us to a defendable total. Not the best of the starts, including my batting. The first 14 overs really hurt us, even 10-15 runs more would have helped. Towards the fag-end of the tournament, the wickets are going to get slower. Even in the last game, spinners got the ball to turn and pace-off and slower balls were working."

After the game versus UPW, RCB will face two more games to play; against GG and MI respectively.

Will Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and the likes fire on all cylinders with time running for RCB? Only time will tell...

Complete RCB squad for WPL 2023

Smriti Mandhana 
Sophie Devine&nbsp; 
Ellyse Perry 
Renuka Singh&nbsp; 
Richa Ghosh&nbsp; 
Erin Burns 
Asha Shobhana&nbsp; 
Heather Knight&nbsp; 
Heather Knight&nbsp; 
Dane van Niekerk 
Preeti Bose,&nbsp; 
Poonam Khemnar 
Komal Janjad 
Megan Schutt 
Sahana Pawar 
Disha Kasat&nbsp; 
Indrani Roy 
Shreyanka Patil&nbsp; 
Kanika Ahuja&nbsp;

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The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot.

The inaugural Women's Premier League (WPL) 2023 edition has become a big hit. It has gained mileage as it proceeds towards the business end of the tournament. So far, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Mumbai Indians (MI) have been on a roll, very much like their men's counterpart in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and remain at the top of the points table with as many as five wins on the trot. On Tuesday (March 14), MI defeated Gujarat Giants (GG) by 55 runs to confirm a spot in the playoffs. Thus, they became the first side to do so in WPL history. Apart from them, Meg Lanning-led Delhi Capitals (DC) have also performed well with four wins from five games. UP Warriorz Women (UPW) have two victories and an equal number of losses whereas GG have managed only a solitary triumph from five encounters. Nonetheless, the Smriti Mandhana-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) remain at the bottom and are the only winless side. After five games, Mandhana & Co. have failed to get off the mark in the points table. To add to their woes, they have suffered big defeats in as many as four fixtures. Thus, their Net Run Rate (NRR) is also a dismal -2.109. Given their current form, they are very much likely to miss the playoffs race but are not out of contention just yet. RCB remain alive mathematically but need a quick turnaround to progress ahead. WPL 2023 Updated Points Table after MI vs GG clash on March 14 - Also read: WPL 2023 Points Table: Check updated points table and live streaming details for Women's Premier League 2023 EXPLAINED: How RCB can still end up in the top 3 To the surprise of many, RCB still has a slim chance. While they cannot finish in the top two, they still have a chance to enter the knockouts as the third-best side. Mandhana & Co. need to topple their opposition in their remaining three games. Not only this, but RCB also need some favour from other teams. The Bengaluru franchise needs to hope UPW lose all of its remaining games. In addition, they need to pray that GG does not emerge on top in more than one game solely due to RCB's poor NRR. As of now, it looks highly likely that MI and DC will end at the top two with UPW holding onto the third spot. However, anything can still happen if RCB and GG come to the party. It is to be noted that the team who finishes at the top will directly enter the final. Meanwhile, an Eliminator will be held between the second-ranked and third-positioned sides. RCB's last outing and the road ahead RCB face UPW in their next outing, on Wednesday evening (March 15) at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. The last time both sides faced each other saw the UP franchise demolish RCB by ten wickets. Mandhana & Co. batted first and only managed 138 all-out, which was chased down by UP with ten wickets and seven overs in hand. RCB go into this match after a last-over loss versus the DC unit, on Monday (March 13), where the latter won by six wickets while chasing 151. A confident DC unit won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Mandhana fell early for RCB as her poor form continued. She has only managed scores of 35, 23, 18, 4, and 8 so far in the five-team competition. Ellyse Perry's 67 and Richa Ghosh's 16-ball 37 not out propelled the team to 150 for 4. However, it was just a par score. Meanwhile, DC were made to work hard in their run-chase. Alice Capsey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp and Jess Jonassen (15-ball 29 not out) stood tall to take their side home. Jonassen returned as the Player-of-the-Match for her rapid knock and whereas her teammate Shikha Pandey (3 for 239) also played a vital role in the victory. At the post-match presentation, Smriti said, "Really good effort by our bowlers to take it till the 20th over. Definitely a lot of improvements but a lot of things to work on still. The partnership got us into the game, they both batted brilliantly. They used their experience to get us to a defendable total. Not the best of the starts, including my batting. The first 14 overs really hurt us, even 10-15 runs more would have helped. Towards the fag-end of the tournament, the wickets are going to get slower. Even in the last game, spinners got the ball to turn and pace-off and slower balls were working." After the game versus UPW, RCB will face two more games to play; against GG and MI respectively. Will Mandhana, Ellyse Perry, and the likes fire on all cylinders with time running for RCB? Only time will tell... Complete RCB squad for WPL 2023 Smriti Mandhana Sophie Devine Ellyse Perry Renuka Singh Richa Ghosh Erin Burns Asha Shobhana Heather Knight Heather Knight Dane van Niekerk Preeti Bose, Poonam Khemnar Komal Janjad Megan Schutt Sahana Pawar Disha Kasat Indrani Roy Shreyanka Patil Kanika Ahuja ×

WPL 2023: EXPLAINED! How Smriti Mandhana's RCB can still qualify for playoffs after five successive defeats

Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons. The announcement made in San Diego, US, was the first time that a loophole in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state, reported the Guardian.

What is the AUKUS deal?

Under the AUKUS mechanism, which is short for Australia, UK, and US, the three countries made a deal by which Canberra would acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines with Washington and Britain’s assistance. The plan is set to cost Australia up to $245 billion by 2055, said a report by Reuters on Tuesday, citing a defence official.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-nuclear-submarine-deal-an-act-of-error-and-danger-china-571840">AUKUS nuke deal: China, Russia flag 'error and danger' that will bring 'years of confrontation'</a>

The announcement was made at a US Naval base in San Diego, California by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak&nbsp; after 18 months of talks.&nbsp;

What will happen as part of this deal?

In a joint statement by the three nations, a phased approach to deliver the nuclear-powered subs to Australia at the earliest possible date was outlined, each of which is “based on mutual commitments from each nation”.&nbsp; 
 
Phase 1

At the beginning of 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will be embedded with the US Navy and the British Royal Navy as well as their submarine industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel. The US plans to increase SSN (submersible ship nuclear, the formal name for submarine vessels) port visits to Australia, where the sailors from the two countries will participate in training and development. On the other hand, the UK will increase visits to Australia in early 2026.&nbsp;

Phase 2 
 
The US will deploy four Virginia-class boats to HMAS Stirling, at a naval port near Perth, over four years, starting in 2027 while Britain will also deploy one of their Astute-class submarines after a few years. This would be done to accelerate the development of the Australian naval personnel, workforce, infrastructure and regulatory system for SSN capability.&nbsp;

Phase 3&nbsp;

By the early 2030s, the US intends to sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia with a potential option for two more if required. However, the decision would require Congressional approval.&nbsp;

Phase 4

The UK will deliver its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy by the late 2030s, as a part of the deal. While Australia will deliver the first SSN-AUKUS made in Canberra to the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-nato-quad-and-aukus-failed-the-world-in-2022-541906">How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022</a>

The SSN-AUKUS will be a combination of UK submarine design and US defence technology. Both Australia and Britain intend to build nuclear-powered subs in their domestic shipyards before the end of this decade. Meanwhile, Canberra is set to begin the construction of the submarines in South Australia’s Osborne as early as this year.&nbsp;

Why now?

The security agreement announced in 2021 by the three countries is seen as a way to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region including the South China Sea. Reports suggest that Australia is convinced that it also requires to strengthen its navy which includes having submarines capable of operating far from their base to act as a deterrent and used in the event of a conflict.&nbsp;

“The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history, strengthening Australia’s national security and stability in our region,” the Australian PM said during the announcement in the US.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aukus-submarines-deal-embarks-on-path-of-danger-says-china-572028">Aukus submarines deal embarks on path of danger, says China</a>

The nuclear-powered subs may also strengthen the Australian Navy as they have a distinct advantage over the diesel-electric boats which are a part of the current fleet. Since nuclear submarines generate their own energy source they can leave the port and stay underwater for weeks undetected.&nbsp;

What is NPT?

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly referred to as NPT, was a landmark international deal signed by a total of 191 countries out of which five are nuclear-weapon states in 1968. According to the United Nations, the objective of this treaty is to “prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.” The NPT also recognises the US, Russia, China, the UK and France as “weapons states” all of which also have nuclear-powered subs.&nbsp;

What is the cause of concern?

According to a report by the Guardian, there is a loophole in paragraph 14 of the NPT which has been used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state. Additionally, fissile material used for non-explosive military purposes like naval propulsion, are also exempted from inspections and monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as per the treaty.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aukus-not-a-challenge-to-anybody-says-joe-biden-as-us-shares-nuclear-tech-with-australia-571861">AUKUS not a challenge to 'anybody', says Joe Biden as US shares nuclear tech with Australia</a>

This has sparked fears among arms control experts as it sets a precedent which would potentially be used by some countries to hide highly enriched uranium or plutonium from oversight. Notably, AUKUS will be the first time that the US will share its nuclear-propulsion technology after it did so with the UK in the 1950s.&nbsp;

However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that the submarines are “nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed” and that “Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state and it’s committed to stay that way.”&nbsp;

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the Nobel peace prize winner of 2017, said that Australia’s decision to procure and build nuclear-powered submarines poses a significant proliferation risk as well as could be seen as a precursor to Canberra acquiring nuclear weapons someday, reported the Guardian.&nbsp;

The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, “Ultimately, the agency must ensure that no proliferation risks will emanate from this project” in the context of the AUKUS deal. He added that Australia will also have to make “an arrangement” with the UN watchdog to use the aforementioned nuclear material.&nbsp;

“This process involves serious legal and complex technical matters,” said Grossi.

In the joint statement, the leaders of the three nations also said that they are “committed to set the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard. The plan we announce today delivers on this commitment and reflects our longstanding leadership in, and respect for, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-thwart-china-australia-to-buy-five-virginia-class-submarines-under-aukus-pact-570218">To thwart China, Australia to buy five Virginia class submarines under AUKUS pact</a> 
 
It added,&nbsp;that they will continue to consult with the IAEA to “develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the strongest precedent for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.”

China and Russia weigh in on the issue

On Tuesday, China said that the three countries are treading a “path of error and danger” following the announcement. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that UK, US and Australia “for the sake of their own geopolitical interests, completely disregard the concerns of the international communities and are walking further and further down the path of error and danger”.&nbsp;

He also went on to accuse them of inciting an arms race and that the deal was “a typical case of Cold War mentality” and that the sale of the nuclear-powered subs “constitutes a severe nuclear proliferation risk, and violates the aims and objectives of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”.&nbsp;

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “There are a lot of questions here related to the problem of non-proliferation. Here we need special transparency, and we need to answer the questions that arise.”

However, he did not elaborate on Russia’s concerns while China has argued that supplying nuclear-powered submarines to Australia amounts to an act of nuclear proliferation.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Since the United States and the United Kingdom unveiled their plans to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines on Monday (March 13), it has sparked a debate around proliferation of nuclear weapons. The announcement made in San Diego, US, was the first time that a loophole in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state, reported the Guardian. What is the AUKUS deal? Under the AUKUS mechanism, which is short for Australia, UK, and US, the three countries made a deal by which Canberra would acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines with Washington and Britain’s assistance. The plan is set to cost Australia up to $245 billion by 2055, said a report by Reuters on Tuesday, citing a defence official. ALSO READ | AUKUS nuke deal: China, Russia flag 'error and danger' that will bring 'years of confrontation' The announcement was made at a US Naval base in San Diego, California by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak after 18 months of talks. What will happen as part of this deal? In a joint statement by the three nations, a phased approach to deliver the nuclear-powered subs to Australia at the earliest possible date was outlined, each of which is “based on mutual commitments from each nation”. Phase 1 At the beginning of 2023, Australian military and civilian personnel will be embedded with the US Navy and the British Royal Navy as well as their submarine industrial bases to accelerate the training of Australian personnel. The US plans to increase SSN (submersible ship nuclear, the formal name for submarine vessels) port visits to Australia, where the sailors from the two countries will participate in training and development. On the other hand, the UK will increase visits to Australia in early 2026. Phase 2 The US will deploy four Virginia-class boats to HMAS Stirling, at a naval port near Perth, over four years, starting in 2027 while Britain will also deploy one of their Astute-class submarines after a few years. This would be done to accelerate the development of the Australian naval personnel, workforce, infrastructure and regulatory system for SSN capability. Phase 3 By the early 2030s, the US intends to sell three Virginia-class submarines to Australia with a potential option for two more if required. However, the decision would require Congressional approval. Phase 4 The UK will deliver its first SSN-AUKUS to the Royal Navy by the late 2030s, as a part of the deal. While Australia will deliver the first SSN-AUKUS made in Canberra to the Royal Australian Navy in the early 2040s. ALSO READ | How NATO, Quad and AUKUS failed the world in 2022 The SSN-AUKUS will be a combination of UK submarine design and US defence technology. Both Australia and Britain intend to build nuclear-powered subs in their domestic shipyards before the end of this decade. Meanwhile, Canberra is set to begin the construction of the submarines in South Australia’s Osborne as early as this year. Why now? The security agreement announced in 2021 by the three countries is seen as a way to counter China’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific region including the South China Sea. Reports suggest that Australia is convinced that it also requires to strengthen its navy which includes having submarines capable of operating far from their base to act as a deterrent and used in the event of a conflict. “The AUKUS agreement we confirm here in San Diego represents the biggest single investment in Australia’s defence capability in our history, strengthening Australia’s national security and stability in our region,” the Australian PM said during the announcement in the US. ALSO WATCH | Aukus submarines deal embarks on path of danger, says China The nuclear-powered subs may also strengthen the Australian Navy as they have a distinct advantage over the diesel-electric boats which are a part of the current fleet. Since nuclear submarines generate their own energy source they can leave the port and stay underwater for weeks undetected. What is NPT? The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly referred to as NPT, was a landmark international deal signed by a total of 191 countries out of which five are nuclear-weapon states in 1968. According to the United Nations, the objective of this treaty is to “prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.” The NPT also recognises the US, Russia, China, the UK and France as “weapons states” all of which also have nuclear-powered subs. What is the cause of concern? According to a report by the Guardian, there is a loophole in paragraph 14 of the NPT which has been used to transfer fissile material and nuclear technology from a nuclear weapons state to a non-weapons state. Additionally, fissile material used for non-explosive military purposes like naval propulsion, are also exempted from inspections and monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as per the treaty. ALSO WATCH | AUKUS not a challenge to 'anybody', says Joe Biden as US shares nuclear tech with Australia This has sparked fears among arms control experts as it sets a precedent which would potentially be used by some countries to hide highly enriched uranium or plutonium from oversight. Notably, AUKUS will be the first time that the US will share its nuclear-propulsion technology after it did so with the UK in the 1950s. However, Biden has repeatedly stressed that the submarines are “nuclear-powered, not nuclear-armed” and that “Australia is a proud non-nuclear weapons state and it’s committed to stay that way.” International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the Nobel peace prize winner of 2017, said that Australia’s decision to procure and build nuclear-powered submarines poses a significant proliferation risk as well as could be seen as a precursor to Canberra acquiring nuclear weapons someday, reported the Guardian. The IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, “Ultimately, the agency must ensure that no proliferation risks will emanate from this project” in the context of the AUKUS deal. He added that Australia will also have to make “an arrangement” with the UN watchdog to use the aforementioned nuclear material. “This process involves serious legal and complex technical matters,” said Grossi. In the joint statement, the leaders of the three nations also said that they are “committed to set the highest nuclear non-proliferation standard. The plan we announce today delivers on this commitment and reflects our longstanding leadership in, and respect for, the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.” ALSO READ | To thwart China, Australia to buy five Virginia class submarines under AUKUS pact It added, that they will continue to consult with the IAEA to “develop a non-proliferation approach that sets the strongest precedent for the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.” China and Russia weigh in on the issue On Tuesday, China said that the three countries are treading a “path of error and danger” following the announcement. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that UK, US and Australia “for the sake of their own geopolitical interests, completely disregard the concerns of the international communities and are walking further and further down the path of error and danger”. He also went on to accuse them of inciting an arms race and that the deal was “a typical case of Cold War mentality” and that the sale of the nuclear-powered subs “constitutes a severe nuclear proliferation risk, and violates the aims and objectives of the Non-Proliferation Treaty”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, “There are a lot of questions here related to the problem of non-proliferation. Here we need special transparency, and we need to answer the questions that arise.” However, he did not elaborate on Russia’s concerns while China has argued that supplying nuclear-powered submarines to Australia amounts to an act of nuclear proliferation. (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.

Explained | AUKUS submarine deal sparks nuclear proliferation concerns. Here's why

The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission. &nbsp;

What happened during the recent test?

The hot test for the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine which will power the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) of the LVM3 launch vehicle during the Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully conducted at the space agency’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said ISRO.&nbsp;

The “hot test” on February 24 was done for a planned duration of 25 seconds at the High Altitude Test Facility. A hot test is an assessment of an engine’s performance under conditions which are similar to when it is running in a real vehicle and checks all the parameters to ensure that the engine is working properly.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cryogenic-engine-for-isros-third-lunar-mission-568969">Cryogenic engine for ISRO's third lunar mission</a>

“All the propulsion parameters during the test were found satisfactory and closely matched with predictions,” said ISRO. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures and associated fluid lines to realise the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage.&nbsp;

What is a cryogenic engine/cryogenic stage?

Cryogenics refers to the study of the change in chemical properties and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures of at least -150 degree Celsius. The engines created using this technology are among some of the most powerful ones. The cryogenic stage is a very complex system, but is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages.&nbsp;

Cryogenic engines carry liquid propellants at extremely low temperatures and typically make use of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). While the former liquefies at -183 degrees Celsius, the latter liquifies at -253 degree Celsius. ISRO’s cryogenic stage is powered by a CE-20 engine which works with the LOX-LH2 propellants combination.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-successfully-test-fires-cryogenic-engine-that-will-help-chandryaan-3-begin-journey-to-moon-566703">ISRO successfully test fires cryogenic engine that will help Chandryaan-3 begin journey to Moon</a>

It is designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO Propulsion Complex and Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The tanks can carry over 27,000 kg of fuel and fire for at least 720 seconds.&nbsp;

Cryogenic engines are highly efficient rocket propulsion systems and suitable for the upper stages of a rocket since they have a higher specific impulse (a measure of the efficiency or thrust) which enhances its payload capacity.&nbsp;

Major components of a cryogenic rocket engine include an igniter, combustion chamber (thrust chamber), fuel cryo pumps, fuel injector, oxidiser cryo pumps, gas turbine, cryo valves, regulators, fuel tanks and a rocket engine nozzle.

How does it work?

The cryogenic stage is the last stage of the launch of a space vehicle where the fuel LOX and LH2 stored using cryogenics is released from their respective tanks and are fed by individual booster pumps to the main turbopump to ensure a high flow rate of propellants into the combustion chamber.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-why-isro-again-test-fired-its-ce-20-cryogenic-engine-ahead-of-next-flight-in-2023-529783">Explained: Why ISRO again test-fired its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine, ahead of next flight in 2023</a>

While the LH2 acts as the fuel, the LOX acts as the oxidiser which explosively reacts with the hydrogen.

In simple terms, since there is no air in space, it is impossible to burn anything. Therefore, rockets carry their own oxidiser, which when mixed with fuel, burns and produces thrust (the force which moves a rocket through the air).

Cryogenic engines: India’s ordeal and success story

Today, India is one of the only six countries including the US, France (European Space Agency), Russia, China, and Japan which have developed their own cryogenic engines.

However, the Indian journey to become a part of this exclusive group was marked by global politics and decades of hard work spearheaded by ISRO.&nbsp;

In the early 1990s, the erstwhile Soviet Union Space Agency had agreed to transfer the cryogenic technology held by the five aforementioned countries except for India.

But the US, Japan, Europe and China were against it. It was seen as an aspect of Cold War politics prevalent at the time.

Eventually, the move was blocked by the US by invoking the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) (an association to stop the proliferation of missiles that could be used for mass destruction) and imposed sanctions on both India and the Soviet Union space agencies.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-isros-chandrayaan-3-successfully-undergoes-key-test-ensuring-it-can-function-in-space-563692">India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully undergoes key test ensuring it can function in space</a>

This came after the Soviet Union had reportedly said that it considered India an exception and both countries assured that the technology would not be used for the military but only for communication and weather satellites.

Years later, the then US President Bill Clinton and his Russian (since the Soviet Union had disintegrated) counterpart Boris Yeltsin came to a decision about Moscow selling seven cryogenic engines to India but not transferring the technology. &nbsp;

When ISRO was founded in 1969, it undertook the task of developing cryogenic engines.

Decades later, the Indian space agency successfully conducted its first cryogenic engine test in 2003.

However, the first successful flight was not until 2014 when the Indian space agency launched the GSLV-DF rocket powered by its indigenous-produced cryogenic engine from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of the country.&nbsp; 
 
About Chandrayaan-3&nbsp;

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayaan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-third-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-almost-ready-launch-in-june-july-isro-chairman-549705">India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman</a>

The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission.

The Indian space agency has successfully conducted a hot test of its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine for the soon-to-be third mission to Moon, Chandrayaan-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in the midst of carrying out some of the most crucial tests for the upcoming lunar mission. What happened during the recent test? The hot test for the CE-20 Cryogenic Engine which will power the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) of the LVM3 launch vehicle during the Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully conducted at the space agency’s Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, said ISRO. The “hot test” on February 24 was done for a planned duration of 25 seconds at the High Altitude Test Facility. A hot test is an assessment of an engine’s performance under conditions which are similar to when it is running in a real vehicle and checks all the parameters to ensure that the engine is working properly. ALSO WATCH | Cryogenic engine for ISRO's third lunar mission “All the propulsion parameters during the test were found satisfactory and closely matched with predictions,” said ISRO. The cryogenic engine will be further integrated with the propellant tanks, stage structures and associated fluid lines to realise the fully integrated flight cryogenic stage. What is a cryogenic engine/cryogenic stage? Cryogenics refers to the study of the change in chemical properties and behaviour of materials at very low temperatures of at least -150 degree Celsius. The engines created using this technology are among some of the most powerful ones. The cryogenic stage is a very complex system, but is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages. Cryogenic engines carry liquid propellants at extremely low temperatures and typically make use of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). While the former liquefies at -183 degrees Celsius, the latter liquifies at -253 degree Celsius. ISRO’s cryogenic stage is powered by a CE-20 engine which works with the LOX-LH2 propellants combination. ALSO READ | ISRO successfully test fires cryogenic engine that will help Chandryaan-3 begin journey to Moon It is designed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center, in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO Propulsion Complex and Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The tanks can carry over 27,000 kg of fuel and fire for at least 720 seconds. Cryogenic engines are highly efficient rocket propulsion systems and suitable for the upper stages of a rocket since they have a higher specific impulse (a measure of the efficiency or thrust) which enhances its payload capacity. Major components of a cryogenic rocket engine include an igniter, combustion chamber (thrust chamber), fuel cryo pumps, fuel injector, oxidiser cryo pumps, gas turbine, cryo valves, regulators, fuel tanks and a rocket engine nozzle. How does it work? The cryogenic stage is the last stage of the launch of a space vehicle where the fuel LOX and LH2 stored using cryogenics is released from their respective tanks and are fed by individual booster pumps to the main turbopump to ensure a high flow rate of propellants into the combustion chamber. ALSO READ | Explained: Why ISRO again test-fired its CE-20 Cryogenic Engine, ahead of next flight in 2023 While the LH2 acts as the fuel, the LOX acts as the oxidiser which explosively reacts with the hydrogen. In simple terms, since there is no air in space, it is impossible to burn anything. Therefore, rockets carry their own oxidiser, which when mixed with fuel, burns and produces thrust (the force which moves a rocket through the air). Cryogenic engines: India’s ordeal and success story Today, India is one of the only six countries including the US, France (European Space Agency), Russia, China, and Japan which have developed their own cryogenic engines. However, the Indian journey to become a part of this exclusive group was marked by global politics and decades of hard work spearheaded by ISRO. In the early 1990s, the erstwhile Soviet Union Space Agency had agreed to transfer the cryogenic technology held by the five aforementioned countries except for India. But the US, Japan, Europe and China were against it. It was seen as an aspect of Cold War politics prevalent at the time. Eventually, the move was blocked by the US by invoking the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) (an association to stop the proliferation of missiles that could be used for mass destruction) and imposed sanctions on both India and the Soviet Union space agencies. ALSO READ | India: ISRO’s Chandrayaan-3 successfully undergoes key test ensuring it can function in space This came after the Soviet Union had reportedly said that it considered India an exception and both countries assured that the technology would not be used for the military but only for communication and weather satellites. Years later, the then US President Bill Clinton and his Russian (since the Soviet Union had disintegrated) counterpart Boris Yeltsin came to a decision about Moscow selling seven cryogenic engines to India but not transferring the technology. When ISRO was founded in 1969, it undertook the task of developing cryogenic engines. Decades later, the Indian space agency successfully conducted its first cryogenic engine test in 2003. However, the first successful flight was not until 2014 when the Indian space agency launched the GSLV-DF rocket powered by its indigenous-produced cryogenic engine from Sriharikota, an island off the Bay of Bengal coast and dubbed as the spaceport of the country. About Chandrayaan-3 The Chandrayaan-3 mission will follow Chandrayaan-2 and demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface, the Indian space agency had said previously. It will comprise a lander and rover configuration and will be launched by GSLV MkIII from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ALSO READ | India's third Lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 almost ready, launch in June-July: ISRO Chairman The propulsion module will carry the lander and rover configuration to 100 km of the Moon’s orbit and will also study the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from there with the help of Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload. However, the final launch date of the mission is yet to be announced but is said to be towards the second or third quarter of this year. (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.

Explained | India: ISRO tests cryogenic engine for Chandrayaan-3. Significance and tech

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017.&nbsp;The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is&nbsp;at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill."

<h2>Macron's pension reform: What is the plan?</h2>

In order to put France more in line with its European Union&nbsp;(EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro.

The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously&nbsp;that it was meant to make the system fairer.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/tpmUsml9RM">pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM</a>
— 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) <a href="https://twitter.com/72powpow/status/1633069703924183041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend.&nbsp;

The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023.&nbsp;

<h2>Who are against pension reforms?</h2>

The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP.&nbsp;

Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being&nbsp;penalised by the reforms.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="df314e76-3141-471d-93ba-72310130465f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20%2838%29.png" />

A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening.

The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60.

In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France.

A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports.&nbsp;

<h2>How do the strikes affect Macron?</h2>

During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more.

Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system.

Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency.

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CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP

The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

"For Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP.&nbsp;"If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Are these protests common in France?&nbsp;</h2>

Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is&nbsp;bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests.&nbsp;

The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts.

The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media.

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🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. <a href="https://t.co/4MYdxZLzNq">pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq</a>
— Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xx17965797N/status/1633046148788150274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger.

The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different.

<h2>What to expect next?</h2>

The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP.

Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties.

French president Emmanuel Macron is engaged in his biggest standoff with the country's labour unions since taking office in 2017. The end of a series of strikes and rallies over pension reform is crucial for both parties. WION examines what is at risk for the president, the unions, and the nation as a whole as labour unions attempt to "put the country to a standstill." Macron's pension reform: What is the plan? In order to put France more in line with its European Union (EU) neighbours, most of which have raised the retirement age to 65 or higher, Macron's flagship plan would raise the minimum retirement age from its present level of 62 to 64, as reported by the Associated Press. The measure also tightens the criteria for receiving a full pension and limits perks enjoyed by some public-sector workers, including those working for the Paris Metro. The administration now emphasises that it is more about savings after stating previously that it was meant to make the system fairer. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🇫🇷 Gigantic demonstration in Marseille against the pension reform. pic.twitter.com/tpmUsml9RM — 𝚁𝙰𝙶𝙴 𝙰𝙶𝙰𝙸𝙽𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝚅𝙰𝙲𝙲𝙸𝙽𝙴 (@72powpow) March 7, 2023 × "The status quo in the next 10 years means 150 billion euros [$160 billion] of accumulated deficits and a fall in the quality of life of pensioners," Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said at the weekend. The revisions, which would also result in minor hikes for the lowest pensions, are expected to take effect in September 2023. Who are against pension reforms? The trade unions in France have planned five different protest days so far, but on Tuesday (March 7), they'll pick up the pace, and the possibility of rolling strikes could have serious consequences in the days to come, as reported by AFP. Their major issue is that, in comparison to university graduates, unskilled people who frequently toil in physically taxing jobs and start their careers early are being penalised by the reforms. A cyclist passes by a banner that reads, ' Retirement at... raise fist strike, blockage, Macron get out' during protests in Montpellier, southern France on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP They also dispute the government's claim that the pay-as-you-go pension system faces impending deficits, arguing that modest increases in contributions may prevent this from happening. The unions have the support of both the Socialists and Greens as well as the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) political party, which wants to cut the retirement age to 60. In addition to opposing the reform, Marine Le Pen's far-right party is also troubled by proposals to impose rolling strikes in France. A host of left-wing scholars have also voiced disapproval, particularly famous economist Thomas Piketty, who views Macron as strengthening his reputation as "the president of the rich," as per AFP reports. How do the strikes affect Macron? During his first term, Macron attempted to advance pension reform but was unsuccessful. In April, during his re-election campaign, Macron brought up the subject once more. Running on a similar pro-business platform, he beat Le Pen by promising to reduce unemployment and force the French to "work harder" in order to pay for the nation's social security system. Political experts disagree, though, and Macron himself conceded in his victory speech that many people had supported him just to protect Le Pen from winning the presidency. CGT unionists take part in a demonstration on the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) in Marseille on March 7, 2023. Photo credits: AFP The 45-year-old has moved forward despite concerns from allies about the timing of the change so soon after the COVID-19 outbreak and in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis. "For Emmanuel Macron, pulling back would be an abdication," senior right-wing senator Bruno Retailleau, who supports the reform, told AFP. "If he pulled back, he couldn't reform anymore, his term would be over," he added. Are these protests common in France? Since reforms occur in France without opposition, the administration is bracing itself for a rough road since the onset of the protests. The labour movement's accomplishments over the past century are viewed by left-wingers as being under attack whenever there is an attempt to limit workers' rights, whether it be through reduced working hours, generous pensions, or protected employment contracts. The 2010 demonstrations, when right-wing president Nicolas Sarkozy increased the retirement age from 60 to 62, may end up being eclipsed by the current ones. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos on social media. 🤬🇫🇷 Police throw TEAR GAS at protesters as they block highways and trucks all across France, just the beginning of full-scale demonstrations in country expected today, March 7, over government’s pension reform. pic.twitter.com/4MYdxZLzNq — Truthseeker (@Xx17965797N) March 7, 2023 × They surpass those of 1995, when the government was compelled to do the infamous U-turn on pensions, and are also larger. The emergence of working from home and modern technologies has lessened interruptions, so the impact of Tuesday's stoppages is different. What to expect next? The government's plan is simple: push the law through parliament as quickly as possible and win approval by the middle of this month, or at the latest by March 26, as examined by AFP. Macron's centrist party does not currently hold a majority in the National Assembly, but it should be able to rely on support from the right-wing Republican party to gain the required majorities in both houses. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained: It is Macron vs. labour unions, what could be the implications of these strikes for France?

United Kingdom's former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has once again made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A spate of recently leaked WhatsApp texts has revealed controversial messages by the former government official. One shocking conversation had him and his co-worker, UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Chase, joke about locking travellers in quarantine hotels during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet another message suggests that the former health secretary rejected expert guidance during the pandemic. These are but two examples of the many controversies surrounding the politician.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock's leaked texts

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Here's a lowdown of the colourful controversies surrounding Matt Hancock:

<h2>The "Potemkin testing regime"</h2>

During his time as the UK health secretary, Hancock reportedly created a Potemkin testing regime.

In politics, "Potemkin" refers to a construction, literal or figurative, the sole purpose of which is to create a facade that everything is okay and that the country is faring well.

In April 2020, it emerged that to meet a daily 100,000 COVID-19 test target, he changed the method used to count the tests. He made it so that the up to 40,000 home test kits, which had been sent but not yet completed, were included in the tally. This change was challenged by the UK Statistics Authority and came to be known as the "Potemkin testing regime".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-outrageous-ex-uk-health-secretary-matt-hancock-denies-claims-he-ignored-covid-care-home-advice-567376">'It is outrageous': Ex-UK health secretary Matt Hancock denies claims&nbsp;he ignored Covid care home advice</a>

<h2>Social distancing and extramarital affair</h2>

This particular controversy ended&nbsp;with Hancock's resignation from the post of Britain's health secretary.

On June 25th 2021, it came to light that he broke the country's social distancing rules along with aide Gina Coladangelo.&nbsp;

What made the revelation even more damning was the fact that he and Coladangelo were engaged in an extramarital affair. CCTV images of them kissing went viral at a time when people were unable to hug or comfort friends and family at funerals.

Hancock had to issue an apology, which was even accepted by the then PM Boris Johnson. However, the controversial politician still chose to resign saying "those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them.

This incident not only ended his stint as the health secretary but also his marriage of 15 years. Soon after the footage went viral, the politician and his&nbsp;wife&nbsp;Martha Hancock split.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-matt-hancocks-leaked-covid-messages-revive-painful-pandemic-debate-568108">UK: Matt Hancock's leaked Covid messages revive painful pandemic debates</a>

The incident also raised questions regarding a possible breach of the Official Secrets Act owing to the presence of cameras in the Secretary of State's office. As per Wales Online, former Cabinet ministers Alan Johnson and Rory Stewart, both said that "there had never been cameras in their offices during their time in government."

As per the Wales Online report, the CCTV camera that captured Hancock and his aide in the compromising position was hidden inside a smoke detector. The minister also broke social distancing and Covid rules on other occasions, including one where he was photographed riding in a chauffeur-driven car without a face mask and another where he slapped a colleague on the back despite social distancing measures in place.

<h2>The 'I'm A Celeb' fiasco</h2>

In November of last year, the politician made headlines after joining the reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' as a contestant.

An online petition to stop him from appearing on the show gathered around 40,000 signatures. He still participated and even emerged as the third-place winner of the show.

However, his appearance on the show invited lots of ridicule and got him swiftly suspended as an MP of the Conservative Party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-messages-reveal-uk-senior-ministers-joked-about-locking-up-travelers-during-covid-568352">Leaked messages reveal UK senior ministers joked about locking up travellers during Covid</a>

<h2>The 'Pandemic diaries'</h2>

The recent messages that revealed incidents of Hancock joking about&nbsp;locking travellers in quarantine hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic and rejecting advice from healthcare experts are part of the 'Pandemic Diaries' controversy.

In April 2022, Hancock announced that he would publish his 'diaries' from during the pandemic in the form of a book. This book was coauthored by Journalist Isabel Oakeshott.

It is not based on Hancock's diaries, but rather on his recollections from the pandemic period. As part of the research for the book, Hancock shared with Oakeshott more than 100,000 WhatsApp messages from his conversations with other ministers' aides and public health advisers.

Among them were also messages that detailed Hancock's reaction to the CCTV footage of him and his aide, Gina Coladangelo, canoodling.

"Not sure there's much news value in that and I can't say it's very enjoyable viewing," remarked Hancock as per the leaked messages.

These messages, which were handed over to the journalist under a confidentiality agreement, were made public by Oakeshott.

She says that the decision to make them public is in the public interest and that "no journalist worth their salt would sit on a cache of information on such a historic matter and cover that up." As per a Guardian report, Oakeshott did accept that "her relationship with Matt Hancock soured after he abandoned her in the middle of writing their book in order to appear on I’m a Celebrity."

This move was termed a "massive betrayal and breach of trust," by Hancock. However, not everyone agrees. As&nbsp;BBC puts it, these messages are "an insight into decision-making at the heart of government during the most testing and turbulent time in recent British history," and a "brilliant scoop."

<h2>Other controversies:</h2>

In 2014, he had come under fire for sharing a poem on Twitter which suggested the Labour Party was "full of queers". A year later, he was criticised for hiring a private jet to fly back to London from a climate conference in Scotland.

While these remain the major controversies surrounding Hancock, there have been many other albeit&nbsp;less colourful&nbsp;ones.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Kingdom's former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has once again made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A spate of recently leaked WhatsApp texts has revealed controversial messages by the former government official.

United Kingdom's former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has once again made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. A spate of recently leaked WhatsApp texts has revealed controversial messages by the former government official. One shocking conversation had him and his co-worker, UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Chase, joke about locking travellers in quarantine hotels during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet another message suggests that the former health secretary rejected expert guidance during the pandemic. These are but two examples of the many controversies surrounding the politician. Watch | Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock's leaked texts Here's a lowdown of the colourful controversies surrounding Matt Hancock: The "Potemkin testing regime" During his time as the UK health secretary, Hancock reportedly created a Potemkin testing regime. In politics, "Potemkin" refers to a construction, literal or figurative, the sole purpose of which is to create a facade that everything is okay and that the country is faring well. In April 2020, it emerged that to meet a daily 100,000 COVID-19 test target, he changed the method used to count the tests. He made it so that the up to 40,000 home test kits, which had been sent but not yet completed, were included in the tally. This change was challenged by the UK Statistics Authority and came to be known as the "Potemkin testing regime". Also read | 'It is outrageous': Ex-UK health secretary Matt Hancock denies claims he ignored Covid care home advice Social distancing and extramarital affair This particular controversy ended with Hancock's resignation from the post of Britain's health secretary. On June 25th 2021, it came to light that he broke the country's social distancing rules along with aide Gina Coladangelo. What made the revelation even more damning was the fact that he and Coladangelo were engaged in an extramarital affair. CCTV images of them kissing went viral at a time when people were unable to hug or comfort friends and family at funerals. Hancock had to issue an apology, which was even accepted by the then PM Boris Johnson. However, the controversial politician still chose to resign saying "those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them. This incident not only ended his stint as the health secretary but also his marriage of 15 years. Soon after the footage went viral, the politician and his wife Martha Hancock split. Also read | UK: Matt Hancock's leaked Covid messages revive painful pandemic debates The incident also raised questions regarding a possible breach of the Official Secrets Act owing to the presence of cameras in the Secretary of State's office. As per Wales Online, former Cabinet ministers Alan Johnson and Rory Stewart, both said that "there had never been cameras in their offices during their time in government." As per the Wales Online report, the CCTV camera that captured Hancock and his aide in the compromising position was hidden inside a smoke detector. The minister also broke social distancing and Covid rules on other occasions, including one where he was photographed riding in a chauffeur-driven car without a face mask and another where he slapped a colleague on the back despite social distancing measures in place. The 'I'm A Celeb' fiasco In November of last year, the politician made headlines after joining the reality TV show 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' as a contestant. An online petition to stop him from appearing on the show gathered around 40,000 signatures. He still participated and even emerged as the third-place winner of the show. However, his appearance on the show invited lots of ridicule and got him swiftly suspended as an MP of the Conservative Party. Also read | Leaked messages reveal UK senior ministers joked about locking up travellers during Covid The 'Pandemic diaries' The recent messages that revealed incidents of Hancock joking about locking travellers in quarantine hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic and rejecting advice from healthcare experts are part of the 'Pandemic Diaries' controversy. In April 2022, Hancock announced that he would publish his 'diaries' from during the pandemic in the form of a book. This book was coauthored by Journalist Isabel Oakeshott. It is not based on Hancock's diaries, but rather on his recollections from the pandemic period. As part of the research for the book, Hancock shared with Oakeshott more than 100,000 WhatsApp messages from his conversations with other ministers' aides and public health advisers. Among them were also messages that detailed Hancock's reaction to the CCTV footage of him and his aide, Gina Coladangelo, canoodling. "Not sure there's much news value in that and I can't say it's very enjoyable viewing," remarked Hancock as per the leaked messages. These messages, which were handed over to the journalist under a confidentiality agreement, were made public by Oakeshott. She says that the decision to make them public is in the public interest and that "no journalist worth their salt would sit on a cache of information on such a historic matter and cover that up." As per a Guardian report, Oakeshott did accept that "her relationship with Matt Hancock soured after he abandoned her in the middle of writing their book in order to appear on I’m a Celebrity." This move was termed a "massive betrayal and breach of trust," by Hancock. However, not everyone agrees. As BBC puts it, these messages are "an insight into decision-making at the heart of government during the most testing and turbulent time in recent British history," and a "brilliant scoop." Other controversies: In 2014, he had come under fire for sharing a poem on Twitter which suggested the Labour Party was "full of queers". A year later, he was criticised for hiring a private jet to fly back to London from a climate conference in Scotland. While these remain the major controversies surrounding Hancock, there have been many other albeit less colourful ones. (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.

WION Explains | The many colourful controversies surrounding former UK health secretary Matt Hancock

Bola Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria, has largely operated from behind the scenes during his political stint.&nbsp;He is considered a "godfather" who supports political candidates via his extensive network of patrons. With Tinubu's help, former president Muhammadu Buhari was successful in obtaining two terms in office, in 2015 and 2019.&nbsp;And Tinubu has chosen each succeeding victor to lead the greatest city in Africa since he stepped down as governor of Lagos in 2007, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;

Tinubu’s power will now be put to the test as he works to address Nigeria's challenges and surpass Buhari's poor track record.

<h2>Bola Tinubu:&nbsp;Early life&nbsp;</h2>

Tinubu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1952, to a Muslim family of the Yoruba ethnic group, which makes up the majority in southwest Nigeria, according to a biography on his <a href="https://batcampaign2023.site/">campaign website</a>.

He immigrated to the United States in the 1970s and supported his academic pursuits by working as a night guard, dishwasher, and taxi driver. He earned his business administration degree from Chicago State University in 1979, as per a Reuters report.

When he returned to Nigeria in the 1980s after working for US consulting firms, he took a job as an auditor with a branch of the Mobil oil company.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-elections-bola-tinubu-declared-president-elect-567000">Nigeria elections: Ruling party's Bola Tinubu declaared president-elect in spite of oppn uproar</a>

<h2>What is Nigeria going through?</h2>

Nigeria's economy is barely keeping up with population growth amid &nbsp;inflation and crippling cash shortages as a result of a botched launch of new banknotes, as armed groups have made large portions of the nation ungovernable.

As Tinubu ran for president under Buhari, many of these issues grew worse. While he helped shape the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, when asked at a weekend press briefing why people should elect him, he said, “My track record should speak for me. Look at Lagos: Before I came, we had dead bodies on the road, a chaotic traffic system, and robbery daytime, and nighttime.”

“Come on: clap for me,” he added in an appearance typical of the hubris that often marks leaders of Africa’s top oil producer and most populous country, reports&nbsp;Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>What do Tinubu's supporters view him as?</h2>

Supporters of Tinubu view him as a capable technocrat who has a history of being a successful administrator.

He co-founded and provided funding for the Alliance for Democracy, which later changed its name to the Action Congress of Nigeria, and then assisted in the formation of the APC. His supporters describe&nbsp;him as a shrewd political strategist.

He played a key role in uniting the All Progressives Congress (APC) divisions, enabling Buhari to win in 2015 and overthrow the opposition People's Democratic Party&nbsp;(PDP) after 16 years in office.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bola-tinubu-wins-presidential-elections-of-nigeria-567007/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tinubu's political clout was largely responsible for Buhari's election, the first triumph for the opposition in the nation, and his re-election in 2019.

Opponents claim he rewards loyalists with lucrative contracts and high-paying jobs and has in the past used so-called "area boys," who formally run Lagos' streets and frequently show up at his rallies, to threaten opponents if he doesn't get his way.

The 70-year-old tends to disregard such accusations rather than respond to them. In spite of persistent attempts to respond, Tinubu's campaign spokesperson remained silent.&nbsp;

<h2>Corruption charges&nbsp;</h2>

Concerns have been raised about Tinubu's financial transactions while in office.

He is regarded&nbsp;as one of Nigeria's wealthiest politicians, and when he left the government, he was charged with money laundering, corruption, and running more than a dozen overseas bank accounts. He says he did nothing illegal and was never prosecuted, says&nbsp;a report&nbsp;by Aljazeera.&nbsp;

He was described as "wobbly, wonky, and narcotic-devastated" by PDP opponents on the campaign trail in reference to his health issues and a 1993 US court document that detailed a "drug-related confiscation of property" from his US bank account.

He has stakes in a variety of businesses, including media, aviation, tax consulting, hotels, and real estate holdings, although it is unknown where his fortune comes from.

A critic called him "a greedy politician" who had exhausted&nbsp;significant sources of income in Lagos, as per Al Jazeera.

<h2>A tight race in Nigeria</h2>

For the first time since Nigeria's military coup ended in 1999, the election was tight when Obi, 61, attracted younger voters with his message of change.

In Lagos, Tinubu's traditional stronghold and the state with the most registered voters, he achieved a significant win, as reported by AFP.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigerian-opposition-parties-protest-election-results-566845">Nigerian opposition parties protest election results</a>

The 76-year-old businessman and former vice president Abubakar failed in his sixth bid for the presidency.

The vote on Saturday was largely calm but was marred by protracted wait times at some polling places and some claims of intimidation.

Concerns of vote tampering increased when technical difficulties prevented the results from being uploaded to INEC's main website.

"The election is irretrievably compromised," Labour Party chairman Julius Abure told AFP&nbsp;on Tuesday. "We demand that this sham of an election should be immediately cancelled," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Bola Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria, has largely operated from behind the scenes during his political stint. He is considered a "godfather" who supports political candidates via his extensive network of patrons.

Bola Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria, has largely operated from behind the scenes during his political stint. He is considered a "godfather" who supports political candidates via his extensive network of patrons. With Tinubu's help, former president Muhammadu Buhari was successful in obtaining two terms in office, in 2015 and 2019. And Tinubu has chosen each succeeding victor to lead the greatest city in Africa since he stepped down as governor of Lagos in 2007, as per a Reuters report. Tinubu’s power will now be put to the test as he works to address Nigeria's challenges and surpass Buhari's poor track record. Bola Tinubu: Early life Tinubu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1952, to a Muslim family of the Yoruba ethnic group, which makes up the majority in southwest Nigeria, according to a biography on his campaign website. He immigrated to the United States in the 1970s and supported his academic pursuits by working as a night guard, dishwasher, and taxi driver. He earned his business administration degree from Chicago State University in 1979, as per a Reuters report. When he returned to Nigeria in the 1980s after working for US consulting firms, he took a job as an auditor with a branch of the Mobil oil company. ALSO READ | Nigeria elections: Ruling party's Bola Tinubu declaared president-elect in spite of oppn uproar What is Nigeria going through? Nigeria's economy is barely keeping up with population growth amid inflation and crippling cash shortages as a result of a botched launch of new banknotes, as armed groups have made large portions of the nation ungovernable. As Tinubu ran for president under Buhari, many of these issues grew worse. While he helped shape the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, when asked at a weekend press briefing why people should elect him, he said, “My track record should speak for me. Look at Lagos: Before I came, we had dead bodies on the road, a chaotic traffic system, and robbery daytime, and nighttime.” “Come on: clap for me,” he added in an appearance typical of the hubris that often marks leaders of Africa’s top oil producer and most populous country, reports Reuters. What do Tinubu's supporters view him as? Supporters of Tinubu view him as a capable technocrat who has a history of being a successful administrator. He co-founded and provided funding for the Alliance for Democracy, which later changed its name to the Action Congress of Nigeria, and then assisted in the formation of the APC. His supporters describe him as a shrewd political strategist. He played a key role in uniting the All Progressives Congress (APC) divisions, enabling Buhari to win in 2015 and overthrow the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) after 16 years in office. Tinubu's political clout was largely responsible for Buhari's election, the first triumph for the opposition in the nation, and his re-election in 2019. Opponents claim he rewards loyalists with lucrative contracts and high-paying jobs and has in the past used so-called "area boys," who formally run Lagos' streets and frequently show up at his rallies, to threaten opponents if he doesn't get his way. The 70-year-old tends to disregard such accusations rather than respond to them. In spite of persistent attempts to respond, Tinubu's campaign spokesperson remained silent. Corruption charges Concerns have been raised about Tinubu's financial transactions while in office. He is regarded as one of Nigeria's wealthiest politicians, and when he left the government, he was charged with money laundering, corruption, and running more than a dozen overseas bank accounts. He says he did nothing illegal and was never prosecuted, says a report by Aljazeera. He was described as "wobbly, wonky, and narcotic-devastated" by PDP opponents on the campaign trail in reference to his health issues and a 1993 US court document that detailed a "drug-related confiscation of property" from his US bank account. He has stakes in a variety of businesses, including media, aviation, tax consulting, hotels, and real estate holdings, although it is unknown where his fortune comes from. A critic called him "a greedy politician" who had exhausted significant sources of income in Lagos, as per Al Jazeera. A tight race in Nigeria For the first time since Nigeria's military coup ended in 1999, the election was tight when Obi, 61, attracted younger voters with his message of change. In Lagos, Tinubu's traditional stronghold and the state with the most registered voters, he achieved a significant win, as reported by AFP. ALSO READ | Nigerian opposition parties protest election results The 76-year-old businessman and former vice president Abubakar failed in his sixth bid for the presidency. The vote on Saturday was largely calm but was marred by protracted wait times at some polling places and some claims of intimidation. Concerns of vote tampering increased when technical difficulties prevented the results from being uploaded to INEC's main website. "The election is irretrievably compromised," Labour Party chairman Julius Abure told AFP on Tuesday. "We demand that this sham of an election should be immediately cancelled," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | Everything about Bola Tinubu, Nigeria's president-elect

Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23).&nbsp;

Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change."

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Banga’s experience "will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution," which include meeting "ambitious goals for climate adaptation and emissions reduction".

<h2>Everything about Ajay Banga</h2>

- Banga is the first Indian-born nominee for the office of World Bank president. If chosen, he would replace David Malpass, a Trump administration appointee who said he would be leaving his position in June.

-&nbsp;Banga was raised in India before becoming a citizen of the United States. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, a western Indian state, on November 10, 1959. His father, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh Banga, was in the Indian Army.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Indian couple crowdfunds to save baby

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- In addition to holding a variety of positions at Mastercard and on the boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc., Banga, who is presently vice chairman at the private equity company General Atlantic, has more than 30 years of business expertise. In addition, he has worked with companies including Citigroup, Pepsi, and Nestle as per his LinkedIn profile.

-&nbsp;He served as CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before stepping down in December 2021. The company stated a goal to attract 1 billion individuals and 50 million micro and small companies during Banga's management, as reported by Moneycontrol.&nbsp;

- In his role as co-chair of the Partnership for Central America, a group of private sector organisations, Banga collaborated closely with US Vice President Kamala Harris to mobilise resources for Northern Central America from the governmental, corporate, and nonprofit sectors.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-student-visa-applications-to-open-365-days-before-start-of-academic-program-565171">US student visa applications to open 365 days before start of academic programme</a>

- Working closely with the US government, Banga has a lot of expertise. He was chosen by then-President Barack Obama to join the President's Advisory Council on Trade Policy and Negotiations in February 2015.

-&nbsp;In line with Biden's statements, Banga's candidature to lead the 189-nation organisation that fights poverty intends to put climate change front and centre. Banga is renowned for openly expressing his concern about the difficulty of addressing climate change. Under his leadership as CEO, Mastercard spearheaded the effort to form the Priceless Planet Coalition in 2020, a collection of around 100 businesses dedicated to making financial contributions to stop environmental degradation.

- Banga is a passionate supporter of closer connections between India and the US. In 2019, he asserted that the world needs a "mahagathbandhan" of the sort represented by the Indo-US strategic relationship, and that the "two greatest democracies" can contribute to this.

<h2>Indians leaving their mark in the US</h2>

The second member of the Indian-American&nbsp;community to enter the 2024 presidential bid&nbsp;after Nikki Haley is tech&nbsp;entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He has pledged to "put merit back" and reduce dependency on China as he launches his 2024&nbsp;campaign.

During a live interview with Tucker Carlson, a conservative political commentator on Fox News' prime time programme, Ramaswamy, 37, who had parents who had immigrated to the United States from Kerala, made the declaration. He worked at a General Electric factory in Ohio.

Just last week, YouTube announced&nbsp;Neel Mohan as the new CEO.&nbsp;Susan Wojcicki, a former Google executive who stepped down from the role&nbsp;to concentrate on her family and personal endeavours, is replaced by Mohan.

Mohan, her deputy and the current Chief Product Officer of YouTube, will now take over as the CEO of the company.

<h2>What does the World Bank do?&nbsp;</h2>

The <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2012/07/26/getting_to_know_theworldbank">World Bank</a> is an international development organisation owned by 187 countries.&nbsp;Its goal is to eradicate poverty by providing financial assistance to the governments of its less wealthy members in order to boost their economies and raise the standard of life for their people.&nbsp;

In terms of research facilities, the Bank is among the biggest in the world. It includes specialist divisions that counsel nations on issues pertaining to health, education, nutrition, finance, justice, law, and the environment.

The World Bank Institute, a different division of the bank, provides local research and educational facilities for local government and other official training.

It was founded in 1944 to aid in the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe and Japan. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is what it was formally known as (IBRD). It had 38 members when it originally started functioning in 1946. The majority of the world's countries are currently members.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23). Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change.

Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard was announced as the United States' choice for the position of president of the World Bank on Thursday (February 23). Banga is "uniquely equipped to lead the World Bank at this critical moment in history", US President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he "has critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change." Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Banga’s experience "will help him achieve the World Bank's objectives of eliminating extreme poverty and expanding shared prosperity while pursuing the changes needed to effectively evolve the institution," which include meeting "ambitious goals for climate adaptation and emissions reduction". Everything about Ajay Banga - Banga is the first Indian-born nominee for the office of World Bank president. If chosen, he would replace David Malpass, a Trump administration appointee who said he would be leaving his position in June. - Banga was raised in India before becoming a citizen of the United States. He was born in Pune, Maharashtra, a western Indian state, on November 10, 1959. His father, Lieutenant General Harbhajan Singh Banga, was in the Indian Army. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Indian couple crowdfunds to save baby - In addition to holding a variety of positions at Mastercard and on the boards of the American Red Cross, Kraft Foods, and Dow Inc., Banga, who is presently vice chairman at the private equity company General Atlantic, has more than 30 years of business expertise. In addition, he has worked with companies including Citigroup, Pepsi, and Nestle as per his LinkedIn profile. - He served as CEO of Mastercard for 12 years before stepping down in December 2021. The company stated a goal to attract 1 billion individuals and 50 million micro and small companies during Banga's management, as reported by Moneycontrol. - In his role as co-chair of the Partnership for Central America, a group of private sector organisations, Banga collaborated closely with US Vice President Kamala Harris to mobilise resources for Northern Central America from the governmental, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. ALSO READ | US student visa applications to open 365 days before start of academic programme - Working closely with the US government, Banga has a lot of expertise. He was chosen by then-President Barack Obama to join the President's Advisory Council on Trade Policy and Negotiations in February 2015. - In line with Biden's statements, Banga's candidature to lead the 189-nation organisation that fights poverty intends to put climate change front and centre. Banga is renowned for openly expressing his concern about the difficulty of addressing climate change. Under his leadership as CEO, Mastercard spearheaded the effort to form the Priceless Planet Coalition in 2020, a collection of around 100 businesses dedicated to making financial contributions to stop environmental degradation. - Banga is a passionate supporter of closer connections between India and the US. In 2019, he asserted that the world needs a "mahagathbandhan" of the sort represented by the Indo-US strategic relationship, and that the "two greatest democracies" can contribute to this. Indians leaving their mark in the US The second member of the Indian-American community to enter the 2024 presidential bid after Nikki Haley is tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. He has pledged to "put merit back" and reduce dependency on China as he launches his 2024 campaign. During a live interview with Tucker Carlson, a conservative political commentator on Fox News' prime time programme, Ramaswamy, 37, who had parents who had immigrated to the United States from Kerala, made the declaration. He worked at a General Electric factory in Ohio. Just last week, YouTube announced Neel Mohan as the new CEO. Susan Wojcicki, a former Google executive who stepped down from the role to concentrate on her family and personal endeavours, is replaced by Mohan. Mohan, her deputy and the current Chief Product Officer of YouTube, will now take over as the CEO of the company. What does the World Bank do? The World Bank is an international development organisation owned by 187 countries. Its goal is to eradicate poverty by providing financial assistance to the governments of its less wealthy members in order to boost their economies and raise the standard of life for their people. In terms of research facilities, the Bank is among the biggest in the world. It includes specialist divisions that counsel nations on issues pertaining to health, education, nutrition, finance, justice, law, and the environment. The World Bank Institute, a different division of the bank, provides local research and educational facilities for local government and other official training. It was founded in 1944 to aid in the post-World War II reconstruction of Europe and Japan. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development is what it was formally known as (IBRD). It had 38 members when it originally started functioning in 1946. The majority of the world's countries are currently members. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

EXPLAINED | Everything about Ajay Banga, Indian-American executive nominated to lead the World Bank

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