A probe into 830,000 Tesla vehicles with advanced driver assistance system Autopilot has been upgraded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday, the regulator said. The move seems to be the required step before it orders a recall. After a dozen crashes where Tesla vehicles struck stationary emergency vehicles, a preliminary evaluation to assess the performance of the system was started by the auto safety agency in 765,000 vehicles. &nbsp;

On Thursday, the agency identified six more crashes and upgraded its probe to an engineering analysis. The regulator is trying to ascertain that whether Tesla vehicles are ensuring that drivers are paying attention. The evidence suggested that drivers in most crashes had complied with the alert strategy of Tesla, which seeks to compel the attention of the driver, the agency added. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the ‘Autopilot’. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tesla-goes-ahead-with-china-hiring-event-after-musk-job-warning-486473" hreflang="en">Tesla goes ahead with China hiring event after Musk job warning</a>

The upgrade is "to extend the existing crash analysis, evaluate additional data sets, perform vehicle evaluations, and to explore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision," NHTSA said. "On average in these crashes, Autopilot aborted vehicle control less than one second prior to the first impact," the agency added.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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"Every day that Tesla disregards safety rules and misleads the public about its 'Autopilot' system, our roads become more dangerous," Democratic Senator Ed Markey said on Twitter, while praising NHTSA's upgrade. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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A probe into 830,000 Tesla vehicles with advanced driver assistance system Autopilot has been upgraded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday, the regulator said.

A probe into 830,000 Tesla vehicles with advanced driver assistance system Autopilot has been upgraded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday, the regulator said. The move seems to be the required step before it orders a recall. After a dozen crashes where Tesla vehicles struck stationary emergency vehicles, a preliminary evaluation to assess the performance of the system was started by the auto safety agency in 765,000 vehicles. On Thursday, the agency identified six more crashes and upgraded its probe to an engineering analysis. The regulator is trying to ascertain that whether Tesla vehicles are ensuring that drivers are paying attention. The evidence suggested that drivers in most crashes had complied with the alert strategy of Tesla, which seeks to compel the attention of the driver, the agency added. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the ‘Autopilot’. Also Read: Tesla goes ahead with China hiring event after Musk job warning The upgrade is "to extend the existing crash analysis, evaluate additional data sets, perform vehicle evaluations, and to explore the degree to which Autopilot and associated Tesla systems may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision," NHTSA said. "On average in these crashes, Autopilot aborted vehicle control less than one second prior to the first impact," the agency added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE "Every day that Tesla disregards safety rules and misleads the public about its 'Autopilot' system, our roads become more dangerous," Democratic Senator Ed Markey said on Twitter, while praising NHTSA's upgrade. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

After more crashes, US regulator upgrades Tesla Autopilot safety investigation

In what comes as a shocker, an Indian woman cyclist has filed a complaint against her coach for inappropraite behaviour&nbsp;during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia. Soon after this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) jumped in to bring&nbsp;the cyclist back to India, for&nbsp;safety purpose, and has launched an investigation to look into the incident.&nbsp;

"The Sports Authority of India has received a complaint from a cyclist of inappropriate behaviour by a coach during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia. The coach was appointed on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India. Following the compliant by the athlete, SAI has immediately brought her back to India to ensure her safety and has also constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The matter is being dealt on priority and will be resolved shortly," said a statement issued&nbsp;by the SAI.

For the unversed, the Indian cycling contingent have dived into preparations&nbsp;for the upcoming 2022 Asian Track Championship, which is set&nbsp;be held at New Delhi's&nbsp;the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex starting from June 18-22. The events holds great significant as it is part of the qualification pathway for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sai-constitutes-three-member-committee-after-shocking-incident-with-gymnast-aruna-budda-reddy-482675">SAI constitutes three-member committee after shocking incident with gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy</a>

Last month, SAI had formed a similar such committee to look into a serious allegation by&nbsp;Indian athlete Aruna Budda Reddy as the&nbsp;gymnast had alleged that she was videographed without her consent by one of the coaches of the apex national sports body of India.

It remains to be seen what the conclusion comes with regard to the new controversy brought forward by a cyclist. The coach, according to reports, was hired on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India.

In what comes as a shocker, an Indian woman cyclist has filed a complaint against her coach for inappropraite behaviour during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia.

In what comes as a shocker, an Indian woman cyclist has filed a complaint against her coach for inappropraite behaviour during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia. Soon after this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) jumped in to bring the cyclist back to India, for safety purpose, and has launched an investigation to look into the incident. "The Sports Authority of India has received a complaint from a cyclist of inappropriate behaviour by a coach during a foreign exposure camp in Slovenia. The coach was appointed on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India. Following the compliant by the athlete, SAI has immediately brought her back to India to ensure her safety and has also constituted a committee to investigate the matter. The matter is being dealt on priority and will be resolved shortly," said a statement issued by the SAI. For the unversed, the Indian cycling contingent have dived into preparations for the upcoming 2022 Asian Track Championship, which is set be held at New Delhi's the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex starting from June 18-22. The events holds great significant as it is part of the qualification pathway for the Paris Olympics in 2024. ALSO READ | SAI constitutes three-member committee after shocking incident with gymnast Aruna Budda Reddy Last month, SAI had formed a similar such committee to look into a serious allegation by Indian athlete Aruna Budda Reddy as the gymnast had alleged that she was videographed without her consent by one of the coaches of the apex national sports body of India. It remains to be seen what the conclusion comes with regard to the new controversy brought forward by a cyclist. The coach, according to reports, was hired on the recommendation of the Cycling Federation of India.

SAI brings cyclist back to India after she complains against coach, launches investigation

The investigation into Covid-19 lockdown parties held at British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office has ended. London Police said that they had issued a total of 126 fines.

London Police end investigation into lockdown parties in PM Boris Johnson's office

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) took suo motu notice of "perceived interference" by "persons in authority" in investigation and prosecution of criminal matters against government officials.

Pakistan SC takes suo motu notice of interference in prosecution of cases against govt officials

A two-year investigation led by authorities in New Zealand has resulted in the arrests of hundreds of people around the globe on charges of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material, officials said Wednesday. Dozens of children were moved out of harm’s way as a result, authorities said.

The investigation, the largest of its kind led out of New Zealand, found secret global networks that shared child sexual abuse images on a wide scale. In some cases, the pandemic provided cover for the illegal activity, as lockdowns kept children isolated at home and predators took to the web in search of victims, a British official said.

The investigation, called Operation H, involved 12 countries and began in 2019, after an unnamed online service provider reported that its platform was being used to share horrific images of child sexual abuse. About 90,000 accounts were linked to the activity.

That led to the discovery of 32 gigabytes of files, some of which included “sadistic acts of sexual abuse of infants and children,” according to a statement from the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, known as Europol.

Since then, at least 836 cases have been opened internationally, with more than 100 suspects identified across the European Union alone. Those arrested included 47 people in Canada, 43 in New Zealand and hundreds in Britain. In Australia, the police charged 121 men with 1,248 total offenses.

“This operation will have an impact on the global networks that deal in the most horrific and damaging material, and we are extraordinarily proud of the effect it will have on children’s lives around the world,” said Tim Houston, who led the operation at the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand.

The distribution of these images could create significant additional harm, Houston added.

“Many people who view material of this kind will go on to physically offend against children,” he said. “This is not a victimless crime; every time this material is viewed, that child is revictimized.”

Last year was the worst on record for the distribution of child sexual abuse images online, according to the Internet Watch Foundation, a charity based in England. In 2021, the foundation identified more than 250,000 instances of online images that featured children being sexually abused, an increase of almost 100,000, or nearly 70%, compared with images discovered in 2020.

The investigation began in New Zealand, but it brought together security agencies in Australia, Austria, Britain, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain and the United States. Interpol also joined the case.

The inquiry resulted in the rescue of 146 children, including six in New Zealand and 79 in Britain. In Australia, 51 children across six states were moved to safety, including 23 in Queensland and 10 in South Australia.

In one case each in Austria and Hungary, the suspects were accused of abusing their own children, who were 6 and 8 years old. And in Spain, a suspect both possessed and disseminated material about child sexual exploitation while making covert sexual images of adults without their consent, officials said.

In some cases, those arrested on charges of possessing the material were later charged with more serious offenses. One unidentified offender in the South Island of New Zealand later admitted to “consuming child exploitation material for over 20 years as well as other forms of harmful material such as bestiality and torture bondage,” according to New Zealand authorities.

The offender had traveled to Asia and paid families there to create images of their children being sexually abused for financial gain, the investigation found.

“Although the offender denied engaging in sexual exploitation while abroad, it is likely from the information obtained that they were a sex tourist,” a spokesman at the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand said.

In Britain, officers from the National Crime Agency arrested 450 people on charges of using the platform, and those detentions often brought additional charges.

“Much of this activity took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the majority of young people were at home and offenders had more time to spend online targeting their victims,” said Sarah Blight, a spokeswoman for the agency.

The agency found a pattern of offenders working in “positions of trust,” including at kindergartens and primary schools, in health care professions, as religious clergy or within law enforcement. One suspect, who worked as a night support worker in a children’s home, had hundreds of indecent images of children on his phone, officials said.

A two-year investigation led by authorities in New Zealand has resulted in the arrests of hundreds of people around the globe on charges of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material, officials said Wednesday.

A two-year investigation led by authorities in New Zealand has resulted in the arrests of hundreds of people around the globe on charges of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material, officials said Wednesday. Dozens of children were moved out of harm’s way as a result, authorities said. The investigation, the largest of its kind led out of New Zealand, found secret global networks that shared child sexual abuse images on a wide scale. In some cases, the pandemic provided cover for the illegal activity, as lockdowns kept children isolated at home and predators took to the web in search of victims, a British official said. The investigation, called Operation H, involved 12 countries and began in 2019, after an unnamed online service provider reported that its platform was being used to share horrific images of child sexual abuse. About 90,000 accounts were linked to the activity. That led to the discovery of 32 gigabytes of files, some of which included “sadistic acts of sexual abuse of infants and children,” according to a statement from the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, known as Europol. Since then, at least 836 cases have been opened internationally, with more than 100 suspects identified across the European Union alone. Those arrested included 47 people in Canada, 43 in New Zealand and hundreds in Britain. In Australia, the police charged 121 men with 1,248 total offenses. “This operation will have an impact on the global networks that deal in the most horrific and damaging material, and we are extraordinarily proud of the effect it will have on children’s lives around the world,” said Tim Houston, who led the operation at the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand. The distribution of these images could create significant additional harm, Houston added. “Many people who view material of this kind will go on to physically offend against children,” he said. “This is not a victimless crime; every time this material is viewed, that child is revictimized.” Last year was the worst on record for the distribution of child sexual abuse images online, according to the Internet Watch Foundation, a charity based in England. In 2021, the foundation identified more than 250,000 instances of online images that featured children being sexually abused, an increase of almost 100,000, or nearly 70%, compared with images discovered in 2020. The investigation began in New Zealand, but it brought together security agencies in Australia, Austria, Britain, Canada, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Slovenia, Spain and the United States. Interpol also joined the case. The inquiry resulted in the rescue of 146 children, including six in New Zealand and 79 in Britain. In Australia, 51 children across six states were moved to safety, including 23 in Queensland and 10 in South Australia. In one case each in Austria and Hungary, the suspects were accused of abusing their own children, who were 6 and 8 years old. And in Spain, a suspect both possessed and disseminated material about child sexual exploitation while making covert sexual images of adults without their consent, officials said. In some cases, those arrested on charges of possessing the material were later charged with more serious offenses. One unidentified offender in the South Island of New Zealand later admitted to “consuming child exploitation material for over 20 years as well as other forms of harmful material such as bestiality and torture bondage,” according to New Zealand authorities. The offender had traveled to Asia and paid families there to create images of their children being sexually abused for financial gain, the investigation found. “Although the offender denied engaging in sexual exploitation while abroad, it is likely from the information obtained that they were a sex tourist,” a spokesman at the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand said. In Britain, officers from the National Crime Agency arrested 450 people on charges of using the platform, and those detentions often brought additional charges. “Much of this activity took place during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when the majority of young people were at home and offenders had more time to spend online targeting their victims,” said Sarah Blight, a spokeswoman for the agency. The agency found a pattern of offenders working in “positions of trust,” including at kindergartens and primary schools, in health care professions, as religious clergy or within law enforcement. One suspect, who worked as a night support worker in a children’s home, had hundreds of indecent images of children on his phone, officials said.

Hundreds held after New Zealand-led investigation into images of child abuse

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pick-for-next-ukraine-president-who-is-viktor-yanukovych-458205">Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych?</a>

The prosecutor will take into account all the crimes committed from 2013 to the ongoing conflict. &nbsp;

The probe has been launched after 39 of the court's member states requested an investigation, said Prosecutor Karim Khan. &nbsp;

The process is also known as a referral. &nbsp;

In a statement, Khan said, "These referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the situation in Ukraine from November 21, 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/498-troops-killed-in-ukraine-says-russia-458322">498 troops killed in Ukraine, says Russia</a>

"Our work in the collection of evidence has now commenced," Khan added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the United Nations, intentionally targeting civilians or civilian buildings is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law. Also, attacks on military targets that cause excessive civilian casualties fall under the same category. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine.

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine. Also Read: Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych? The prosecutor will take into account all the crimes committed from 2013 to the ongoing conflict. The probe has been launched after 39 of the court's member states requested an investigation, said Prosecutor Karim Khan. The process is also known as a referral. In a statement, Khan said, "These referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the situation in Ukraine from November 21, 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person." Also Read: 498 troops killed in Ukraine, says Russia "Our work in the collection of evidence has now commenced," Khan added. As per the United Nations, intentionally targeting civilians or civilian buildings is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law. Also, attacks on military targets that cause excessive civilian casualties fall under the same category. (With inputs from agencies)

To unravel truth, ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine

Australia wants a "full investigation" into an incident by China where a naval vessel of the Beijing pointed a laser at an Australian defence plane. &nbsp;

It was potentially visible from Australia's mainland, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. &nbsp;

On radio on Monday, Morrison said that his government had not received an explanation from China over the incident. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-border-will-define-relations-with-china-says-indias-foreign-minister-jaishankar-454677" hreflang="en">'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar</a>

The country is seeing the incident as a "dangerous and reckless act". &nbsp;

On Saturday, Australia's defence said that a Chinese navy vessel, which was within Australia's exclusive economic zone, directed a laser at an Australian military aircraft in flight over northern approaches of the country. It illuminated the plane and potentially endangered lives. &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4861547b-0e1c-431b-87d5-ea5e96f6f25a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Australia%202.jpg" />

The P-8A Poseidon, which is a maritime patrol aircraft, detected a laser originating from a People's Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) vessel, the Defence Department said. It also released the photographs of two Chinese vessels sailing close to northern coast of Australia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passenger-found-alive-on-greece-italy-ferry-after-blaze-11-still-missing-454784" hreflang="en">Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing</a>

Through diplomatic and defence channels, Australia had called for "a full investigation into this event", Morrison said on local radio. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Tasmania on Monday, Morrison told reporters, "It's possible people could even see the vessel from our mainland, potentially." &nbsp;

At the time of the incident, a Chinese guided missile destroyer and an amphibious transport dock were sailing east through the Arafura Sea between New Guinea and Australia. They later passed through the narrow Torres Strait. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Australia wants a "full investigation" into an incident by China where a naval vessel of the Beijing pointed a laser at an Australian defence plane. It was potentially visible from Australia's mainland, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australia wants a "full investigation" into an incident by China where a naval vessel of the Beijing pointed a laser at an Australian defence plane. It was potentially visible from Australia's mainland, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. On radio on Monday, Morrison said that his government had not received an explanation from China over the incident. Also Read: 'State of border will define relations with China', says India's foreign minister Jaishankar The country is seeing the incident as a "dangerous and reckless act". On Saturday, Australia's defence said that a Chinese navy vessel, which was within Australia's exclusive economic zone, directed a laser at an Australian military aircraft in flight over northern approaches of the country. It illuminated the plane and potentially endangered lives. The P-8A Poseidon, which is a maritime patrol aircraft, detected a laser originating from a People's Liberation Army – Navy (PLA-N) vessel, the Defence Department said. It also released the photographs of two Chinese vessels sailing close to northern coast of Australia. Also Read: Passenger found alive on Greece-Italy ferry after blaze, 11 still missing Through diplomatic and defence channels, Australia had called for "a full investigation into this event", Morrison said on local radio. In Tasmania on Monday, Morrison told reporters, "It's possible people could even see the vessel from our mainland, potentially." At the time of the incident, a Chinese guided missile destroyer and an amphibious transport dock were sailing east through the Arafura Sea between New Guinea and Australia. They later passed through the narrow Torres Strait. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia looks for 'full investigation' into Chinese laser incident, says PM Morrison

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot.

The preliminary evaluation covers 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States after the agency received 354 complaints about the issue over the past nine months.

NHTSA said the vehicles under review have an advanced driver assistance system that Tesla calls Autopilot that allows them to brake and steer automatically within its lanes.

NHTSA said: "Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeatedly in a single drive cycle."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-weighs-penalty-against-tesla-for-exaggerating-mileage-453748">South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage</a>

Owners say they have raised concerns with Tesla, which has dismissed the complaints saying the braking is normal, and some have called it "phantom braking".

The owner of a 2021 Tesla Model Y told NHTSA in October that while driving on a highway at 80 miles per hour "the car braked hard and decelerated from 80 mph to 69 mph in less than a second.

The braking was so violent, my head snapped forward and I almost lost control of the car."

NHTSA in August opened a formal safety probe into Tesla`s Autopilot system in 765,000 U.S. vehicles after a series of crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles.

Earlier this month, NHTSA confirmed it was reviewing consumer complaints that Tesla vehicles were activating the brakes unnecessarily.

A preliminary evaluation is the first phase before NHTSA could issue a formal recall demand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-donated-tesla-shares-worth-57-billion-to-charity-last-year-453478">Elon Musk donated Tesla shares worth $5.7 billion to charity last year</a>

In May, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said dropping a radar sensor from its partially automated driving system would address "phantom braking," which some Tesla drivers have long complained about. Tesla, which disbanded its media relations department, did not respond to a request for comment.

Tesla has come under increasing scrutiny from NHTSA, which is investigating several issues and the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued 10 recalls since October, including many for software issues and some under pressure from the agency.

Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, the group that represents state highway safety agencies, said on Twitter "another day, another issue with Tesla.

Good to see NHTSA being more active in reigning this company in."

In November, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 US&nbsp;vehicles sold since 2017 because a communication error may cause a false forward-collision warning or unexpected activation of the emergency brakes.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea investigates Tesla on mileage

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-investigates-tesla-on-mileage-453381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The recall was prompted after a software update on Oct. 23 to vehicles in its limited early access version 10.3 Full-Self Driving (FSD) (Beta) population.

FSD is an advanced driver assistance system that handles some driving tasks but Tesla and NHTSA say it does not make vehicles autonomous.

The recall came after NHTSA in October asked Tesla why it had not issued a recall to address software updates made to its Autopilot driver-assistance system to improve the vehicles` ability to detect emergency vehicles.

Last week, Tesla recalled 578,607 U.S. vehicles because pedestrians may not be able to hear a required warning sound of an approaching car due to loud music or other sounds played by its "Boombox" feature.

Musk said last week on Twitter "the fun police made us do it (sigh)."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Thursday it is opening a formal investigation into 416,000 Tesla vehicles over reports of unexpected brake activation tied to its driver assistance system Autopilot. The preliminary evaluation covers 2021-2022 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in the United States after the agency received 354 complaints about the issue over the past nine months. NHTSA said the vehicles under review have an advanced driver assistance system that Tesla calls Autopilot that allows them to brake and steer automatically within its lanes. NHTSA said: "Complainants report that the rapid deceleration can occur without warning, at random, and often repeatedly in a single drive cycle." Also read | South Korea weighs penalty against Tesla for exaggerating mileage Owners say they have raised concerns with Tesla, which has dismissed the complaints saying the braking is normal, and some have called it "phantom braking". The owner of a 2021 Tesla Model Y told NHTSA in October that while driving on a highway at 80 miles per hour "the car braked hard and decelerated from 80 mph to 69 mph in less than a second. The braking was so violent, my head snapped forward and I almost lost control of the car." NHTSA in August opened a formal safety probe into Tesla`s Autopilot system in 765,000 U.S. vehicles after a series of crashes involving Tesla models and emergency vehicles. Earlier this month, NHTSA confirmed it was reviewing consumer complaints that Tesla vehicles were activating the brakes unnecessarily. A preliminary evaluation is the first phase before NHTSA could issue a formal recall demand. Also read | Elon Musk donated Tesla shares worth $5.7 billion to charity last year In May, Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said dropping a radar sensor from its partially automated driving system would address "phantom braking," which some Tesla drivers have long complained about. Tesla, which disbanded its media relations department, did not respond to a request for comment. Tesla has come under increasing scrutiny from NHTSA, which is investigating several issues and the electric vehicle manufacturer has issued 10 recalls since October, including many for software issues and some under pressure from the agency. Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, the group that represents state highway safety agencies, said on Twitter "another day, another issue with Tesla. Good to see NHTSA being more active in reigning this company in." In November, Tesla recalled nearly 12,000 US vehicles sold since 2017 because a communication error may cause a false forward-collision warning or unexpected activation of the emergency brakes. Watch | South Korea investigates Tesla on mileage The recall was prompted after a software update on Oct. 23 to vehicles in its limited early access version 10.3 Full-Self Driving (FSD) (Beta) population. FSD is an advanced driver assistance system that handles some driving tasks but Tesla and NHTSA say it does not make vehicles autonomous. The recall came after NHTSA in October asked Tesla why it had not issued a recall to address software updates made to its Autopilot driver-assistance system to improve the vehicles` ability to detect emergency vehicles. Last week, Tesla recalled 578,607 U.S. vehicles because pedestrians may not be able to hear a required warning sound of an approaching car due to loud music or other sounds played by its "Boombox" feature. Musk said last week on Twitter "the fun police made us do it (sigh)."

US investigates 416,000 Tesla vehicles over unexpected braking reports

The Income-tax department has conducted searches at multiple premises of Chinese telecom company Huawei in the country as part of a tax evasion investigation, official sources said on Wednesday.

The raids were launched at the company's premises in Delhi, Gurugram (Haryana) and Bengaluru in Karnataka on Tuesday.

Sources said the officials looked at financial documents, account books and company records as part of a tax evasion investigation against the company, its Indian businesses and overseas transactions.Some records have been seized too, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sovereign-right-to-tax-this-is-what-nirmala-sitharaman-said-about-indias-cryptocurrency-tax-in-parliament-452425">'Sovereign right' to tax: This is what Nirmala Sitharaman said about India's cryptocurrency tax in parliament</a> 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The company said its operations in the country were "firmly compliant" with the law. "We have been informed of the visit of Income Tax team to our office and also of their meeting with some personnel.

Huawei is confident our operations in India are firmly compliant to all laws and regulations. We will approach related Government departments for more information and fully cooperate as per the rules and regulations and follow the right procedure," the company said in a statement.

The government has kept Huawei out of trials for 5G services. However, telecom operators have been allowed to source telecom gear from Huawei and ZTE under their old agreements for maintaining their networks but they will need approval of the government before getting into any new business agreement as per National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-tax-on-virtual-digital-assets-impact-crypto-investors-in-india-coinswitch-ceo-answers-451545">How will tax on virtual digital assets impact Crypto investors in India? CoinSwitch CEO answers</a>

The tax department had last year conducted searches against Chinese mobile communication and handset manufacturing companies like Xiaomi and Oppo and their linked persons and claimed to have detected alleged unaccounted income worth over Rs 6,500 crore due to violation of the Indian tax law and regulations.

Earlier this week, the Information and Technology ministry blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate, citing security and privacy concerns.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also conducted searches and frozen assets of Chinese-controlled companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) dishing out instant loans through mobile apps in India.

The Income-tax department has conducted searches at multiple premises of Chinese telecom company Huawei in the country as part of a tax evasion investigation, official sources said on Wednesday.

The Income-tax department has conducted searches at multiple premises of Chinese telecom company Huawei in the country as part of a tax evasion investigation, official sources said on Wednesday. The raids were launched at the company's premises in Delhi, Gurugram (Haryana) and Bengaluru in Karnataka on Tuesday. Sources said the officials looked at financial documents, account books and company records as part of a tax evasion investigation against the company, its Indian businesses and overseas transactions.Some records have been seized too, they said. Also read | 'Sovereign right' to tax: This is what Nirmala Sitharaman said about India's cryptocurrency tax in parliament The company said its operations in the country were "firmly compliant" with the law. "We have been informed of the visit of Income Tax team to our office and also of their meeting with some personnel. Huawei is confident our operations in India are firmly compliant to all laws and regulations. We will approach related Government departments for more information and fully cooperate as per the rules and regulations and follow the right procedure," the company said in a statement. The government has kept Huawei out of trials for 5G services. However, telecom operators have been allowed to source telecom gear from Huawei and ZTE under their old agreements for maintaining their networks but they will need approval of the government before getting into any new business agreement as per National Security Directive on Telecommunication Sector. Also read | How will tax on virtual digital assets impact Crypto investors in India? CoinSwitch CEO answers The tax department had last year conducted searches against Chinese mobile communication and handset manufacturing companies like Xiaomi and Oppo and their linked persons and claimed to have detected alleged unaccounted income worth over Rs 6,500 crore due to violation of the Indian tax law and regulations. Earlier this week, the Information and Technology ministry blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate, citing security and privacy concerns. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also conducted searches and frozen assets of Chinese-controlled companies and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) dishing out instant loans through mobile apps in India.

I-T department conducts searches on China's Huawei over tax evasion investigation

300 Scientists & researchers have written an open letter to Mark Zuckerberg. They want the Meta CEO to open the company's doors to independent investigators. They want Facebook to clarify how its posts impact the mental health of teens. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: An open letter to Mark Zuckerberg

Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday that an inquiry would be carried out by top civil servant Simon Case, after a video from last year emerged of government staff joking about a party that took place on 18 December- a day on which more than 400 COVID-19 deaths were reported.

Three UK government staff parties to be investigated by top civil servant

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday.

Mohammed Khalifa, who was born in Saudi Arabia, was captured during a firefight in January 2019 by Kurdish-dominated Syrian forces allied with the United States.

The 38-year-old was handed over "recently" to US authorities and charged in Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to IS resulting in death, says a Justice Department statement.

Khalifa left Canada in 2013 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, and by the next year had become a key member of its propaganda team because of his fluent English and Arabic, according to the statement.

He allegedly served as a lead translator in Islamic State propaganda production and as the English-speaking narrator on two violent recruitment videos.

The cell was behind videos showing the beheadings of foreigners including the US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who died in 2014.

He faces a possible life sentence in the United States. Canada additionally hopes to charge him, according to media there.

The Canadian government said it was in contact with local authorities on the matter and that its federal police were aware "that he will be facing charges" in the United States.

In an exchange of emails cited in the charge sheet, Khalifa defended the IS killings he was associated with.

"Mohammed Khalifa not only fought for ISIS on the battlefield in Syria, but he was also the voice behind the violence," said Acting US attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia, using another acronym for the Islamic State group.

According to the indictment, Khalifa's "primary focus" was "enticing ISIS supporters to travel to ISIS-controlled areas to join ISIS or to conduct attacks in the West, including in the United States."

The jihadist group, classified as a terrorist organization by US authorities, is responsible for a wave of deadly attacks in Western countries.

Its emergence prompted intervention by a US-led international military coalition, which succeeded in defeating the self-proclaimed "caliphate" even though IS is still present in many additional countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, and continues to pose a threat according to US and European intelligence services.

- 'Glorified' murders, cruelty -

In a 2019 interview with Canada's CBC from his Syrian prison, Khalifa showed no regret for his actions. He said he wanted to return to Canada with his wife and their three children, but on the condition that he would not be tried there.

"Through his alleged leading role in translating, narrating, and advancing ISIS's online propaganda, Khalifa promoted the terrorist group, furthered its worldwide recruitment efforts, and expanded the reach of videos that glorified the horrific murders and indiscriminate cruelty of ISIS," Parekh said.

This is the first known indictment of a foreign IS fighter in America since President Joe Biden took power in January.

Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the "Beatles," Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, are currently in the hands of US authorities after being transferred to the United States from Iraq nearly a year ago.

The pair are accused of involvement in the murders of Foley and Sotloff, as well as those of relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

Kotey, a former British national who was stripped of his citizenship, pleaded guilty in early September to charges of conspiring to murder the four American hostages.

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday.

A Canadian jihadist who fought for the Islamic State group and narrated violent propaganda videos has been taken into custody by the United States and charged, the Justice Department said Saturday. Mohammed Khalifa, who was born in Saudi Arabia, was captured during a firefight in January 2019 by Kurdish-dominated Syrian forces allied with the United States. The 38-year-old was handed over "recently" to US authorities and charged in Virginia with conspiring to provide material support to IS resulting in death, says a Justice Department statement. Khalifa left Canada in 2013 to join the Islamic State group in Syria, and by the next year had become a key member of its propaganda team because of his fluent English and Arabic, according to the statement. He allegedly served as a lead translator in Islamic State propaganda production and as the English-speaking narrator on two violent recruitment videos. The cell was behind videos showing the beheadings of foreigners including the US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, who died in 2014. He faces a possible life sentence in the United States. Canada additionally hopes to charge him, according to media there. The Canadian government said it was in contact with local authorities on the matter and that its federal police were aware "that he will be facing charges" in the United States. In an exchange of emails cited in the charge sheet, Khalifa defended the IS killings he was associated with. "Mohammed Khalifa not only fought for ISIS on the battlefield in Syria, but he was also the voice behind the violence," said Acting US attorney Raj Parekh for the Eastern District of Virginia, using another acronym for the Islamic State group. According to the indictment, Khalifa's "primary focus" was "enticing ISIS supporters to travel to ISIS-controlled areas to join ISIS or to conduct attacks in the West, including in the United States." The jihadist group, classified as a terrorist organization by US authorities, is responsible for a wave of deadly attacks in Western countries. Its emergence prompted intervention by a US-led international military coalition, which succeeded in defeating the self-proclaimed "caliphate" even though IS is still present in many additional countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, and continues to pose a threat according to US and European intelligence services. - 'Glorified' murders, cruelty - In a 2019 interview with Canada's CBC from his Syrian prison, Khalifa showed no regret for his actions. He said he wanted to return to Canada with his wife and their three children, but on the condition that he would not be tried there. "Through his alleged leading role in translating, narrating, and advancing ISIS's online propaganda, Khalifa promoted the terrorist group, furthered its worldwide recruitment efforts, and expanded the reach of videos that glorified the horrific murders and indiscriminate cruelty of ISIS," Parekh said. This is the first known indictment of a foreign IS fighter in America since President Joe Biden took power in January. Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the "Beatles," Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, are currently in the hands of US authorities after being transferred to the United States from Iraq nearly a year ago. The pair are accused of involvement in the murders of Foley and Sotloff, as well as those of relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Kotey, a former British national who was stripped of his citizenship, pleaded guilty in early September to charges of conspiring to murder the four American hostages.

US charges Canadian who narrated Islamic State videos

Ireland's privacy watchdog has fined WhatsApp a record $267 million after an investigation found it breached stringent European Union data protection rules on transparency about sharing people's data with other Facebook companies.

World Business Watch: Irish watchdog fines WhatsApp $267 mn after EU privacy probe

In China, a well-known university seems to have asked its colleges to prepare lists of LGBTQ+ students and report on their “state of mind”, said an internal directive, which was published online on social media platforms. &nbsp;

Shanghai University has sparked an alarm among young people in the country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Citing “relevant requirements”, the “Campus Survey” has asked colleges to “investigate [and] research” students identified as LGBTQ+. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan

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The information on the students’ state of mind and psychological condition, which includes social contacts, political stance and mental health status, was also requested by the university. &nbsp;

The “relevant requirements” referred in the survey were not explained. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several students and activists alike have expressed concern and have also anticipated a possibility of a crackdown on these students after the information-gathering exercise. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/now-china-asks-private-firms-to-migrate-data-to-government-run-cloud-services-409161" hreflang="en">Now, China asks private firms to migrate data to government-run cloud services</a>

On Weibo, some legal experts also questioned whether this measure violates China’s new data privacy law. &nbsp;

Shanghai University is yet to give its take on the development, which has raised several eyebrows. &nbsp;

Several people have liked, shared and commented on the original Weibo post, which shared the directive. It also had a screenshot of the document. The original post has been removed.&nbsp;

In China, a well-known university seems to have asked its colleges to prepare lists of LGBTQ+ students and report on their “state of mind”, said an internal directive, which was published online on social media platforms.

In China, a well-known university seems to have asked its colleges to prepare lists of LGBTQ+ students and report on their “state of mind”, said an internal directive, which was published online on social media platforms. Shanghai University has sparked an alarm among young people in the country. Citing “relevant requirements”, the “Campus Survey” has asked colleges to “investigate [and] research” students identified as LGBTQ+. Watch: As clock ticks countries rush to evacuate nationals from Afghanistan × The information on the students’ state of mind and psychological condition, which includes social contacts, political stance and mental health status, was also requested by the university. The “relevant requirements” referred in the survey were not explained. Several students and activists alike have expressed concern and have also anticipated a possibility of a crackdown on these students after the information-gathering exercise. Also Read: Now, China asks private firms to migrate data to government-run cloud services On Weibo, some legal experts also questioned whether this measure violates China’s new data privacy law. Shanghai University is yet to give its take on the development, which has raised several eyebrows. Several people have liked, shared and commented on the original Weibo post, which shared the directive. It also had a screenshot of the document. The original post has been removed.

For ‘investigation’, university asks for LGBTQ+ students’ lists in China

A ransomware attack had left thousands of businesses exposed in the US yesterday and the US President Joe Biden has now launched an investigation into this massive hit.

Ransomware Attack: US President Joe Biden orders probe

Germany's antitrust watchdog said on Monday it had launched an investigation into whether Apple was exploiting its market dominance, following similar proceedings into US&nbsp;tech rivals Facebook, Amazon and Google. 
 
Based on new competition law rules specifically intended for large digital companies, Germany's Federal Cartel Office (FCO) said it would assess whether Apple has a 'paramount significance across markets' in a first step. 
 
"Based on this first proceeding, the (FCO) intends to assess in more detail specific practices of Apple in a possible further proceeding. In this regard, the authority has received various complaints relating to potentially anti-competitive practices." 
 
The FCO said one complaint came from an association in the advertising and media industry and was aimed at Apple restricting user tracking with the introduction of its iOS 14.5 operating system. 
 
An Apple spokesperson said: "We look forward to discussing our approach with the FCO and having an open dialogue about any of their concerns."

Germany's antitrust watchdog said on Monday it had launched an investigation into whether Apple was exploiting its market dominance, following similar proceedings into US tech rivals Facebook, Amazon and Google.

Germany's antitrust watchdog said on Monday it had launched an investigation into whether Apple was exploiting its market dominance, following similar proceedings into US tech rivals Facebook, Amazon and Google. Based on new competition law rules specifically intended for large digital companies, Germany's Federal Cartel Office (FCO) said it would assess whether Apple has a 'paramount significance across markets' in a first step. "Based on this first proceeding, the (FCO) intends to assess in more detail specific practices of Apple in a possible further proceeding. In this regard, the authority has received various complaints relating to potentially anti-competitive practices." The FCO said one complaint came from an association in the advertising and media industry and was aimed at Apple restricting user tracking with the introduction of its iOS 14.5 operating system. An Apple spokesperson said: "We look forward to discussing our approach with the FCO and having an open dialogue about any of their concerns."

German antitrust watchdog launches investigation into Apple

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously.

Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel.

The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said.

Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey.

"We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways.

Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. 
While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer.

Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic.&nbsp; 
The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises.

Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents.&nbsp; 
Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary.

Taiwan's defence minister on Monday said authorities were investigating whether a man from mainland China had managed to cross the Taiwan Strait in a rubber dinghy in a bid to seek political sanctuary. On Saturday, police said a man surnamed Zhou had been detained in Taichung city's harbour after locals spotted him near a dyke and said he was behaving suspiciously. Police said the man told them he had travelled from Fujian on China's southeastern coast in a rubber dinghy fitted with an outboard motor and 90 liters of fuel. The man said he wanted to move to Taiwan to seek "freedom and democracy", police said. Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said "shortcomings" in how the Taiwan Strait is policed were being investigated because of the man's journey. "We will get in touch with the coastguard, we will notify each other when there is a situation, to find out the reasons and make improvements," Chiu told reporters on Monday. The Taiwan Strait is one of the world's most heavily policed waterways. Authoritarian China views self-ruled, democratic Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. Navy and coastguard vessels from both sides keep a close eye on the 180 kilometre (110 miles) strait. While there have been historical defections between the two sides -- and some Chinese nationals have flown to Taiwan to ask for sanctuary -- journeys across the length of the strait are rare, especially given Taipei controls a few islands that are just a few miles off China's coastline and much closer. Weather in the strait is also notoriously unpredictable and seeking sanctuary in Taiwan is a risky tactic. The island does not recognise the concept of asylum, partly because it fears infiltration by Chinese agents and also because it wants to discourage any influx during times of crises. Illegal immigrants from China have been returned, but Taipei does sometimes turn a blind eye to dissidents. Over the years some Chinese refugees have been quietly granted permission to stay, while Taiwan has also welcomed Hong Kongers trying to escape Beijing's crackdown in the restless financial hub.

Taiwan investigating China dinghy defector claim

The lead investigator in the Suez Canal blockage probe has boarded the Ever Given. The investigator has said that the investigation would include examining the seaworthiness of the ship.

Suez canal blockage: Lead investigator in probe boards ship

A formal investigation into container ship Ever Given has begun six days after it got stuck in the Suez Canal. The Suez Canal Authority Chairman has suggested that weather conditions including high winds and possible human error could have played a major role in the grounding of the ship.

Investigation underway into MV Ever Given's blockage of Suez Canal

Two nurses and a psychologist who took care of football legend Diego Maradona before his death have been added to involuntary manslaughter investigation, a judicial source told local media Monday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unacceptable-leicester-city-brendan-rodgers-condemns-online-racist-abuse-362423" hreflang="en">'Unacceptable': Leicester City Brendan Rodgers condemns online racist abuse</a>

Weeks after undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot, the Argentine football legend passed away on November 25 due to heart attack.&nbsp;

His psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and heart surgeon Leopoldo Luque are already under investigation, as they were treating Maradona before his death.

As per a report in ESPN, psychologist Carlos Diaz, who treated Maradona in the months prior to his passing, and nurses Dahiana Gisela Madrid and Ricardo Almiron, have now been placed under investigation.&nbsp;

After the death of former Napoli star, Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla urged a full-fledged investigation of the circumstances of the footballing legend's death.&nbsp;

In reports emerging in local media, Maradona did not receive the proper medical care he needed after the operation and that his entourage was providing him with alcohol and marijuana. However, the autopsy revealed that Maradona had no alcohol or narcotic drugs in his body at the time of his death.

Two nurses and a psychologist who took care of football legend Diego Maradona before his death have been added to involuntary manslaughter investigation, a judicial source told local media Monday.

Two nurses and a psychologist who took care of football legend Diego Maradona before his death have been added to involuntary manslaughter investigation, a judicial source told local media Monday. ALSO READ: 'Unacceptable': Leicester City Brendan Rodgers condemns online racist abuse Weeks after undergoing brain surgery on a blood clot, the Argentine football legend passed away on November 25 due to heart attack. His psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and heart surgeon Leopoldo Luque are already under investigation, as they were treating Maradona before his death. As per a report in ESPN, psychologist Carlos Diaz, who treated Maradona in the months prior to his passing, and nurses Dahiana Gisela Madrid and Ricardo Almiron, have now been placed under investigation. After the death of former Napoli star, Maradona's lawyer Matias Morla urged a full-fledged investigation of the circumstances of the footballing legend's death. In reports emerging in local media, Maradona did not receive the proper medical care he needed after the operation and that his entourage was providing him with alcohol and marijuana. However, the autopsy revealed that Maradona had no alcohol or narcotic drugs in his body at the time of his death.

Diego Maradona death probe: Psychologist and two nurses added in investigation

On going federal investigation into the national bombing incident has now revealed shocking details about the suspected member. Sources said, that the bomber may believe in aliens, investigators are still exploring all possible angles in the explosion.

Nashville bombing investigation reveal shocking evidence

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket.&nbsp;A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago.&nbsp;

A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-gold-smuggling-ias-officer-m-sivasankar-removed-from-it-secretary-post-311388" hreflang="en">Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post</a>

The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity."

The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned&nbsp;the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity".

Swapna Suresh&nbsp;was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an investigation into the Kerala smuggling case to find out who was trying to smuggle gold to India under its consulate's name in the southern state and had sent the cargo addressed to it. According to local authorities, Sarith Kumar, a former PRO at the consulate and one Swapna Suresh, working with Kerala govt IT Company were involved in the gold smuggling racket. A major political row has broken in Kerala after customs seized the diplomatic baggage containing gold worth crores a few days ago. A statement by the UAE mission in Delhi said, "The authorities have stressed that the culprits who not only committed a major crime but also sought to tarnish the reputation of the UAE mission in India will not be spared. We remain committed to cooperating with Indian authorities in getting to the root of the crime." Also read: Kerala gold smuggling: IAS officer M Sivasankar removed from IT secretary post The mission pointed out that the, "employee in question was fired for misconduct long preceding this incident. At this time, it appears that this individual exploited his knowledge of the mission’s channels to engage in criminal activity." The UAE Embassy has also "utterly condemned the attempted misuse of diplomatic channels by an individual engaged in smuggling activity". Swapna Suresh was working as a manager at the Kerala State Information technology infrastructure limited company and was hired by IAS official M Sivasankar. Sivasankar, principal secretary to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has been now removed and has been replaced by Mir Muhammad Ali. The opposition in the state is now seeking a wider probe into the matter.

Kerala smuggling case: UAE launches investigation; says culprits won't be spared

The ICC has defended the 2011 World Cup final match and has said that there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the match where India defeated Sri Lanka to lift the coveted trophy.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2011-match-fixing-investigation-dropped-by-sri-lankan-police-due-to-lack-of-evidence-310410" hreflang="en">World Cup 2011 match-fixing investigation dropped by Sri Lankan police due to lack of evidence</a>

Then-sports minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka “sold” the 2011 World Cup final.

"I feel I can talk about it now," Mahindananda Aluthgamage told a local TV network last month. "I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wc-2011-match-fixing-investigation-sri-lanka-skipper-kumar-sangakkara-grilled-for-8-hours-mahela-jayawardene-next-in-line-310381" hreflang="en">WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara grilled for 8 hours; Mahela Jayawardene next in line</a>

The toss in the summit class was also controversial as it took place twice after match referee Jeff Crowe apparently didn’t hear the call by Sangakkara and asked Dhoni to flip the coin again. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first was also slammed by many.&nbsp;

However, the investigation was dropped as no evidence was found to support Aluthgamage's claim.&nbsp;

"We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final 2011," ICC's Anti Corruption Unit General Manager Alex Marshall said in a statement.

"The ICC Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final 2011," Marshall said.

"There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation," Marshall said.

Marshall went to say that ICC takes all the claims against match0fixing seriously.&nbsp;

"We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position."

Kumar Sangakkara, Jayawardene, and many players including the chief selectors were called for a gruesome investigation.&nbsp;

The ICC has defended the 2011 World Cup final match and has said that there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the match where India defeated Sri Lanka to lift the coveted trophy.

The ICC has defended the 2011 World Cup final match and has said that there is no reason to doubt the integrity of the match where India defeated Sri Lanka to lift the coveted trophy. Also read: World Cup 2011 match-fixing investigation dropped by Sri Lankan police due to lack of evidence Then-sports minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka “sold” the 2011 World Cup final. "I feel I can talk about it now," Mahindananda Aluthgamage told a local TV network last month. "I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved." Also read: WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara grilled for 8 hours; Mahela Jayawardene next in line The toss in the summit class was also controversial as it took place twice after match referee Jeff Crowe apparently didn’t hear the call by Sangakkara and asked Dhoni to flip the coin again. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first was also slammed by many. However, the investigation was dropped as no evidence was found to support Aluthgamage's claim. "We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final 2011," ICC's Anti Corruption Unit General Manager Alex Marshall said in a statement. "The ICC Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Final 2011," Marshall said. "There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation," Marshall said. Marshall went to say that ICC takes all the claims against match0fixing seriously. "We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position." Kumar Sangakkara, Jayawardene, and many players including the chief selectors were called for a gruesome investigation.

ICC defends 'integrity' of World Cup 2011 finals

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was interrogated for about eight hours on Thursday by the detectives in a probe investigating claims that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aravinda-de-silva-questioned-for-6-hours-over-2011-wc-final-match-fixing-allegations-kumar-sangakkara-upul-tharanga-summoned-309875" hreflang="en">Aravinda de Silva questioned for 6 hours over 2011 WC final match-fixing allegations; Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga summoned</a>

Sangakkara, who was quizzed by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), led the Sri Lankan side in the 2011 World Cup campaign.&nbsp;

After the gruesome interrogation, Sangakkara told the reporters that he had come here to give a statement because of his "responsibility" to the game and "respect for cricket".&nbsp;

Sangakkara went on to say: "I hope at the end of this investigation, the truth about the allegations made by (former sports minister) Mahindananda Aluthgamage will come out."

Protests were staged by the members of the Samagi Tharuna Balawegay while the interrogation was on. Demonstrations were held against the harassment Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and 2011 cricket team.

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Members of the Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya (<a href="https://twitter.com/youthforsjb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@youthforsjb</a>) are currently staging a protest outside the SLC against the harassment Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and 2011 cricket team. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LKA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LKA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Matchfixing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Matchfixing</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProtestSL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProtestSL</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/kataclysmichaos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kataclysmichaos</a> <a href="https://t.co/BfOr6tcsOK">pic.twitter.com/BfOr6tcsOK</a>
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) <a href="https://twitter.com/SriLankaTweet/status/1278628598274875392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga was the first player to be questioned by the authorities.&nbsp;

Then-sports minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka “sold” the 2011 World Cup final.

"I feel I can talk about it now," Mahindananda Aluthgamage told a local TV network last month. "I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved."

Sri Lanka posted 274/6 off 50 overs before India chased down the target courtesy Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91. Sri Lanka was criticized for their poor bowling and fielding as India won the match by six wickets.

The toss in the summit class was also controversial as it took place twice after match referee Jeff Crowe apparently didn’t hear the call by Sangakkara and asked Dhoni to flip the coin again. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first was also slammed by many.&nbsp;

Next in line is Mahela Jayawardene, he will be interrogated on Friday. Jayawardene was the vice-captain of the Sri Lankan team during the 2011 WC campaign&nbsp;and also scored a century in the much-talked finals.&nbsp;

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was interrogated for about eight hours on Thursday by the detectives in a probe investigating claims that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed.

Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara was interrogated for about eight hours on Thursday by the detectives in a probe investigating claims that the final of 2011 World Cup was fixed. Also read: Aravinda de Silva questioned for 6 hours over 2011 WC final match-fixing allegations; Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga summoned Sangakkara, who was quizzed by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), led the Sri Lankan side in the 2011 World Cup campaign. After the gruesome interrogation, Sangakkara told the reporters that he had come here to give a statement because of his "responsibility" to the game and "respect for cricket". Sangakkara went on to say: "I hope at the end of this investigation, the truth about the allegations made by (former sports minister) Mahindananda Aluthgamage will come out." Protests were staged by the members of the Samagi Tharuna Balawegay while the interrogation was on. Demonstrations were held against the harassment Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and 2011 cricket team. Members of the Samagi Tharuna Balawegaya (@youthforsjb) are currently staging a protest outside the SLC against the harassment Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara and 2011 cricket team. #SriLanka #LKA #Matchfixing #ProtestSL via @kataclysmichaos pic.twitter.com/BfOr6tcsOK — Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) July 2, 2020 × Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga was the first player to be questioned by the authorities. Then-sports minister of Sri Lanka Mahindananda Aluthgamage claimed that Sri Lanka “sold” the 2011 World Cup final. "I feel I can talk about it now," Mahindananda Aluthgamage told a local TV network last month. "I am not connecting players, but some sections were involved." Sri Lanka posted 274/6 off 50 overs before India chased down the target courtesy Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91. Sri Lanka was criticized for their poor bowling and fielding as India won the match by six wickets. The toss in the summit class was also controversial as it took place twice after match referee Jeff Crowe apparently didn’t hear the call by Sangakkara and asked Dhoni to flip the coin again. Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first was also slammed by many. Next in line is Mahela Jayawardene, he will be interrogated on Friday. Jayawardene was the vice-captain of the Sri Lankan team during the 2011 WC campaign and also scored a century in the much-talked finals.

WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara grilled for 8 hours; Mahela Jayawardene next in line

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jyotiraditya-scindia-will-help-in-strengthening-bjp-says-rajnath-singh-285802">Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh</a>

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident.

"Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scindia-supporting-mlas-go-incommunicado-as-factional-fighting-intensifies-in-congress-in-mp-285345">Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP</a>

This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport.

A case has been registered against 30 unidentified persons on Saturday for showing black flags to BJP leader Jyotiraditya Scindia and trying to stop his convoy while he was on his way to Bhopal Airport. According to the complaint filed with the police, around 30 people showed black flags to Scindia and tried to stop his motorcade in Kamala Park area here on Friday. Also read: Jyotiraditya Scindia will help in strengthening BJP, says Rajnath Singh Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan had alleged that there was an attempt to attack Scindia and demanded an investigation into the incident. "Law and order has totally collapsed in the state. There was an attempt to attack him by stopping his car and throwing stones at it," said Chouhan. Also see: Scindia, supporting MLAs go 'incommunicado' as factional fighting intensifies in Congress in MP This comes after 22 Congress legislators resigned from the party following Scindia`s resignation earlier this week, putting the Kamal Nath-led government in crisis.

Case registered against unknown persons for showing black flags to Jyotiraditya Scindia

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-biggest-corruption-scandal-minister-bureaucrats-indicted-in-rs-435-crore-airbus-deal-188097">Nepal</a> on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-opposition-stages-nationwide-anti-government-protests-195256">corruption</a>" in India.

The six-day training will be conducted at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Gandhi Nagar, the India Mission in Nepal said in a statement. 
"This latest training for Nepali officers reaffirms India's continuing commitment for capacity building of Nepali officers," the statement added.

The officials will be provided training on the basis of tailor-made course that has been specially designed at the request of Government of Nepal for a total of 42 CIAA officers.

"This course will strengthen the institutional capacity of CIAA to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in Nepal. The course mainly focuses on identifying factors for corruption, its impact on the economy and methodology for its detection and prevention," the statement read.

In addition, the course "would enhance skills of CIAA officers for IT-based investigations, sharpen their analytical capabilities and help them learn new methodologies which would empower them to detect, prevent and prosecute corrupt and fraudulent individuals," the statement said.

The GFSU is well known for its training provided by forensic experts in the area of forensic science, criminal investigation, security, behavioural science, and criminology.

The course is fully supported by India under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-trains-62-officials-of-nepals-finance-ministry-under-technical-and-economic-cooperation-190277">ITEC</a>) Programme.

The second group, consisting of 18 officials, underwent training for such a personalised course in October this year.

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Nepal on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and corruption" in India.

As many as 21 officials from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Nepal on Monday started training for the "prevention of fraud, bribery, and corruption" in India. The six-day training will be conducted at the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) in Gandhi Nagar, the India Mission in Nepal said in a statement. "This latest training for Nepali officers reaffirms India's continuing commitment for capacity building of Nepali officers," the statement added. The officials will be provided training on the basis of tailor-made course that has been specially designed at the request of Government of Nepal for a total of 42 CIAA officers. "This course will strengthen the institutional capacity of CIAA to curb corrupt practices and enhance good governance in Nepal. The course mainly focuses on identifying factors for corruption, its impact on the economy and methodology for its detection and prevention," the statement read. In addition, the course "would enhance skills of CIAA officers for IT-based investigations, sharpen their analytical capabilities and help them learn new methodologies which would empower them to detect, prevent and prosecute corrupt and fraudulent individuals," the statement said. The GFSU is well known for its training provided by forensic experts in the area of forensic science, criminal investigation, security, behavioural science, and criminology. The course is fully supported by India under the Ministry of External Affairs' Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme. The second group, consisting of 18 officials, underwent training for such a personalised course in October this year.

Nepali officials start anti-corruption training in India

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-opposition-rallies-to-revive-stalled-effort-to-oust-maduro-262603">Venezuela's opposition</a> on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;

Opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido said the legislature would probe the incident, which according to website Armando.info involved nine legislators from the First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time parties.&nbsp;

The scandal comes as opposition efforts to oust Maduro lose steam and Guaido, who has been recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, struggles to launch a new wave of street protests.

"(It is) unacceptable to use a state institution to attempt to whitewash the reputation of thieves and corrupt individuals who have looted Venezuela," said Guaido, pounding a lectern as he read from notes during a press conference.

According to the Armando.info report, the lawmakers were involved in writing letters of support for a Colombian national, Carlos Lizcano, despite evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, another Colombian man who is under US&nbsp;sanction for corruption associated with Maduro's state-backed food distribution program.

It was not immediately evident if or how the legislators broke the law.&nbsp;

Guaido said he suspected the legislators received illicit payments in exchange for writing the letters, but that this would be investigated.

The letters were addressed to the US&nbsp;Treasury and Colombia's public prosecutor's office, according to the report.

Neither institution responded to requests for comment.&nbsp;

First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time on Sunday issued statements deploring the alleged corruption and promising to remove the lawmakers from the legislative comptroller commission, which focuses on fighting corruption.

"There is a smear campaign against us and some of our fellow legislators in the Venezuelan parliament," Luis Parra, who was placed under investigation by First Justice, wrote on Twitter, insisting he had been a victim of "extortion."

Freddy Superlano of Popular Will, in a letter to Guaido dated Saturday that he posted on Twitter, denied wrongdoing but said that while the investigation proceeded he was stepping down from his role as president of the comptroller commission.

The distribution programme known by the Spanish acronym CLAP has become a crucial source of food for Venezuelans facing hyperinflation, which has left a minimum wage salary so devalued it can barely buy a day's groceries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelan-opposition-group-ends-occupation-of-embassy-in-brazil-261967">But the programme</a> has faced widespread accusations by Venezuela's opposition and US&nbsp;authorities of over-pricing food imports as part of a broad corruption racket.

Maduro has defended CLAP as an effort to help the country weather US&nbsp;sanctions that have hobbled the OPEC nation's oil exports and made it increasingly difficult to import basic goods.

Diosdado Cabello, No. 2 of the ruling Socialist Party, delighted at the opposition's infighting.

"Nobody is clean in that corruption dispute in the opposition leadership, accusations come and go between them, they're a society of political merchants," he wrote on Twitter.

Venezuela's opposition on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela's opposition on Sunday vowed to investigate alleged wrongdoing within its ranks after a media outlet reported that a group of opposition lawmakers had unduly advocated for a businessman linked to the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leader and congress chief Juan Guaido said the legislature would probe the incident, which according to website Armando.info involved nine legislators from the First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time parties. The scandal comes as opposition efforts to oust Maduro lose steam and Guaido, who has been recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's legitimate leader, struggles to launch a new wave of street protests. "(It is) unacceptable to use a state institution to attempt to whitewash the reputation of thieves and corrupt individuals who have looted Venezuela," said Guaido, pounding a lectern as he read from notes during a press conference. According to the Armando.info report, the lawmakers were involved in writing letters of support for a Colombian national, Carlos Lizcano, despite evidence of his ties to Alex Saab, another Colombian man who is under US sanction for corruption associated with Maduro's state-backed food distribution program. It was not immediately evident if or how the legislators broke the law. Guaido said he suspected the legislators received illicit payments in exchange for writing the letters, but that this would be investigated. The letters were addressed to the US Treasury and Colombia's public prosecutor's office, according to the report. Neither institution responded to requests for comment. First Justice, Popular Will and A New Time on Sunday issued statements deploring the alleged corruption and promising to remove the lawmakers from the legislative comptroller commission, which focuses on fighting corruption. "There is a smear campaign against us and some of our fellow legislators in the Venezuelan parliament," Luis Parra, who was placed under investigation by First Justice, wrote on Twitter, insisting he had been a victim of "extortion." Freddy Superlano of Popular Will, in a letter to Guaido dated Saturday that he posted on Twitter, denied wrongdoing but said that while the investigation proceeded he was stepping down from his role as president of the comptroller commission. The distribution programme known by the Spanish acronym CLAP has become a crucial source of food for Venezuelans facing hyperinflation, which has left a minimum wage salary so devalued it can barely buy a day's groceries. But the programme has faced widespread accusations by Venezuela's opposition and US authorities of over-pricing food imports as part of a broad corruption racket. Maduro has defended CLAP as an effort to help the country weather US sanctions that have hobbled the OPEC nation's oil exports and made it increasingly difficult to import basic goods. Diosdado Cabello, No. 2 of the ruling Socialist Party, delighted at the opposition's infighting. "Nobody is clean in that corruption dispute in the opposition leadership, accusations come and go between them, they're a society of political merchants," he wrote on Twitter.

Venezuela: Opposition to investigate reports of wrongdoing by lawmakers

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped.

Cambodia has recently faced pressure over human rights amid the European Union threatening trade benefits. Kem Sokha was freed from house arrest last weekend and authoritarian leader Hun Sen ordered the release of more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cambodian-prime-minister-orders-to-free-more-than-70-opposition-activists-on-bail-262041">70 opposition activists</a> on Thursday.

Investigating judge Ky Rithy's lawyer on Friday said in a letter, "we decide to close the investigation from this time onward".

Kem Sokha's daughter Monovithya Kem said on Twitter: "Next step is either the prosecutor drops the charges or takes the case to trial. We demand that all charges be dropped."

A spokesman for the court said he was not aware of the decision to close the investigation so could not comment.

Kem Sokha faced arrest in 2017, with this Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) facing a ban in the run-up to an election last year. The election was swept by the ruling party and was referred by Western countries as a farce.

Kem Sokha has dismissed the charges against him as ''nonsense''.

On Tuesday, the European Union gave the government a one-month deadline to respond to a preliminary report on the suspension of trade preferences over the crackdown on the opposition, non-governmental groups and the media.

Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander, has ruled the country of 16 million for more than 34 years.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped.

A judge in Cambodia has shut the investigation against opposition leader Kem Sokha for treason. According to his daughter, this implies that he could now be brought to trial or have the charges dropped. Cambodia has recently faced pressure over human rights amid the European Union threatening trade benefits. Kem Sokha was freed from house arrest last weekend and authoritarian leader Hun Sen ordered the release of more than 70 opposition activists on Thursday. Investigating judge Ky Rithy's lawyer on Friday said in a letter, "we decide to close the investigation from this time onward". Kem Sokha's daughter Monovithya Kem said on Twitter: "Next step is either the prosecutor drops the charges or takes the case to trial. We demand that all charges be dropped." A spokesman for the court said he was not aware of the decision to close the investigation so could not comment. Kem Sokha faced arrest in 2017, with this Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) facing a ban in the run-up to an election last year. The election was swept by the ruling party and was referred by Western countries as a farce. Kem Sokha has dismissed the charges against him as ''nonsense''. On Tuesday, the European Union gave the government a one-month deadline to respond to a preliminary report on the suspension of trade preferences over the crackdown on the opposition, non-governmental groups and the media. Prime Minister Hun Sen, a former Khmer Rouge commander, has ruled the country of 16 million for more than 34 years. (With inputs from Reuters)

Cambodian opposition leader Kem Sokha could be brought to trial as judge ends investigation

A longtime US&nbsp;diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-in-donald-trump-ukraine-scandal-a-cia-officer-report-252276">whistleblower complaint</a> that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats.

Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate.

Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-feud-heats-up-donald-trump-says-joe-biden-was-subject-of-ukraine-call-251345">call</a> to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-denounces-impeachment-inquiry-as-a-coup-253163">impeachment investigation</a> last week.

On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker.

The 54-year-old, who is also a former US&nbsp;ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily.

The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days.

More are expected.

Late on Wednesday, US&nbsp;Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker.

He also expressed concern that US&nbsp;Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker.

An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry.

Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email.

Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing.

Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US&nbsp;ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October&nbsp;11.

'Perfect'- or 'wrong'?

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-nothing-compromising-in-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253325">Trump</a>&nbsp;has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect."

Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong."

Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed.

Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel.

Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick.

At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation."

Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch.

A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists.

The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president.

A longtime US diplomat who served as President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine will tell his story to congressional committee staff on Thursday as part of a Democratic-led impeachment probe of the Republican president. Kurt Volker resigned as special representative for Ukraine negotiations on Friday, the day after the public release of a whistleblower complaint that described him as trying to "contain the damage" from efforts by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani to press Ukraine to investigate Democrats. Volker's meeting with the committee comes after an emotional day in the impeachment inquiry on Wednesday when Trump railed at journalists during a news conference, resorted to the use of an expletive on Twitter and called the probe "a hoax and a fraud" while pledging to cooperate. Democratic lawmakers had said earlier on Wednesday they were prepared to subpoena White House records about Trump's July 25 telephone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Charges that Trump pressured Zelenskiy in that call to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading rival in Trump's bid for re-election in 2020, helped prompt House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to announce a formal impeachment investigation last week. On Thursday, staff from the House Foreign Affairs, Intelligence and Oversight committees will conduct a transcribed interview with Volker. The 54-year-old, who is also a former US ambassador to NATO, is appearing voluntarily. The briefing will take place behind closed doors, the first of a series of events in the probe, none of them public, scheduled within the 10 days. More are expected. Late on Wednesday, US Representative Mike McCaul, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the session with Volker, saying that Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans were not being given equal representation or the chance to question Volker. He also expressed concern that US Representative Eliot Engel, the Democratic House foreign affairs chairman, had ceded oversight of US foreign policy to the Intelligence Committee because that panel, he said, would lead the questioning of Volker. An Intelligence Committee aide said the panel's staff would conduct the interview because Pelosi had designated it as the lead committee in the impeachment inquiry. Intelligence Committee investigators have been working with the Foreign Affairs and Oversight committees, "both of which will have equal Majority and Minority representation," the aide said in an email. Representatives for the Foreign Affairs Committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Friday, Intelligence Community Inspector General Michael Atkinson will testify at an Intelligence Committee hearing. Marie Yovanovitch, who was the US ambassador in Kiev until Trump recalled her in May before her normal term was up, will meet with committee staff on October 11. 'Perfect'- or 'wrong'? Trump has denied wrongdoing, repeatedly calling his call with Zelenskiy "perfect." Pelosi dismissed that characterization at a news conference on Wednesday, saying: "It's not perfect - it's wrong." Some of Trump's Republican allies have joined him in seeking to discredit Representative Adam Schiff, chairman of the House intelligence panel, after a New York Times report on Wednesday that the whistleblower had contacted the committee for advice on how to proceed. Both Republicans and Democrats familiar with the process said, however, that Schiff's panel had acted properly in advising the person to contact an Inspector General and seek legal counsel. Staff from eight Senate and House congressional committees, including Republicans and Democrats, also reacted with surprise on Wednesday after a briefing by the State Department's inspector general, Steve Linick. At the briefing, which was held behind closed doors but not classified, Linick handed out packets of documents that the only lawmaker who attended, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin, described as "propaganda and disinformation." Committee staff members who attended the briefing said it concerned a package of documents delivered to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that included allegations against Biden and Yovanovitch. A photograph of one document, whose source was not disclosed, described a discredited theory promoted by Trump allies that Yovanovitch was installed in her post by billionaire George Soros, a Democratic donor frequently attacked by far-right activists. The impeachment probe could lead to approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove Trump from office would then be held in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republicans, however, have shown little appetite for ousting him.

United States diplomat at center of Trump-Ukraine affair to meet House committee staff

The government of London said that it had referred&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outrage-at-johnsons-rhetoric-in-brexit-impasse-252210">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US&nbsp;businesswoman while he was mayor of London.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) said on Friday it had referred a "conduct matter" concerning Johnson to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates complaints connected to the police.

The referral follows allegations, first reported by The Sunday Times, that when Johnson was mayor, he failed to declare close personal links to tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri who received thousands of pounds in public business funding and places on official trade trips.

Asked about the referral, Johnson's spokesman told Reuters: "The prime minister as mayor of London did a huge amount of work when selling our capital city around the world, beating the drum for London and the UK".

"Everything was done with propriety and in the normal way," he added.

Arcuri did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The matter has been referred to the police watchdog because <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-flies-back-to-face-uk-parliament-as-brexit-chaos-deepens-251977">Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office</a> for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his 2008-2016 term as mayor.

Under the referral, the authority will try to determine whether there are grounds for a full investigation that could lead to criminal charges of misconduct in public office.

The GLA said in a statement: "The Monitoring Officer of the GLA has today recorded a ‘conduct matter’ against Boris Johnson and referred him to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so it can assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former Mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office."

It said the action had been taken in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

In a letter to Johnson, the GLA said: “Subject to any explanation provided by you, these matters give rise to a suggestion that there has been a failure to safeguard the public purse and if so that amounts to a significant breach of public trust.

“These are the ingredients of the offence of misconduct in a public office,” said the letter from the office of the authority’s monitoring officer, which was made public.

The letter said Innotech, Arcuri’s then-company, received $14,000&nbsp;from London &amp; Partners, the mayor’s promotional agency, for two events in 2013 and 2014. She was able to attend a trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia in 2014 through Playbox, one of her companies, even though an initial application through Innotech had been declined.

The letter said the Monitoring Officer was also aware "from media reports and elsewhere" that Arcuri also had been allowed to participate in events around two other trade missions — to New York and Israel in 2015 — although she had not qualified for the New York mission and had been rejected for the mission to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brexit-row-boris-johnson-defeated-by-uk-supreme-court-but-he-could-still-emerge-as-a-winner-251957">Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31</a>. British opposition parties are discussing tabling a vote of no-confidence in Johnson as early as next week over his handling of Brexit, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Friday.

The government of London said that it had referred Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US businesswoman while he was mayor of London.

The government of London said that it had referred Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Britain’s police watchdog for potential investigation over allegations of misconduct involving a US businesswoman while he was mayor of London. The Greater London Authority (GLA) said on Friday it had referred a "conduct matter" concerning Johnson to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which investigates complaints connected to the police. The referral follows allegations, first reported by The Sunday Times, that when Johnson was mayor, he failed to declare close personal links to tech entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri who received thousands of pounds in public business funding and places on official trade trips. Asked about the referral, Johnson's spokesman told Reuters: "The prime minister as mayor of London did a huge amount of work when selling our capital city around the world, beating the drum for London and the UK". "Everything was done with propriety and in the normal way," he added. Arcuri did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. The matter has been referred to the police watchdog because Johnson was head of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, a role equivalent to a police commissioner, during his 2008-2016 term as mayor. Under the referral, the authority will try to determine whether there are grounds for a full investigation that could lead to criminal charges of misconduct in public office. The GLA said in a statement: "The Monitoring Officer of the GLA has today recorded a ‘conduct matter’ against Boris Johnson and referred him to the Independent Office for Police Conduct so it can assess whether or not it is necessary to investigate the former Mayor of London for the criminal offence of misconduct in public office." It said the action had been taken in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. In a letter to Johnson, the GLA said: “Subject to any explanation provided by you, these matters give rise to a suggestion that there has been a failure to safeguard the public purse and if so that amounts to a significant breach of public trust. “These are the ingredients of the offence of misconduct in a public office,” said the letter from the office of the authority’s monitoring officer, which was made public. The letter said Innotech, Arcuri’s then-company, received $14,000 from London & Partners, the mayor’s promotional agency, for two events in 2013 and 2014. She was able to attend a trade mission to Singapore and Malaysia in 2014 through Playbox, one of her companies, even though an initial application through Innotech had been declined. The letter said the Monitoring Officer was also aware "from media reports and elsewhere" that Arcuri also had been allowed to participate in events around two other trade missions — to New York and Israel in 2015 — although she had not qualified for the New York mission and had been rejected for the mission to Israel. Johnson has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union by October 31. British opposition parties are discussing tabling a vote of no-confidence in Johnson as early as next week over his handling of Brexit, the Telegraph newspaper reported on Friday.

British PM Johnson referred to police watchdog over businesswoman links

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi&nbsp;seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail.

Judge Arvind Kumar has sought the response of Michel on the application.

The investigative agency has also sought a specimen of his signature and handwriting for the probe.

In its application, CBI told the court that Michel needs to be confronted with some more documents.

The next hearing on the matter will be held on September 20 as Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph has sought time to file a response.

Michel will also be produced in the court on September 20.

Observing that the accusations against Michel are serious, a Delhi court had on September 7 dismissed his bail plea.

Micheal, in his bail plea, contended that he should be granted bail since he has been in custody for the last 375 days, including the days spent in Dubai jail during his extradition proceedings.

Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal.

While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail.

Central Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday filed an application in a special court in Delhi seeking permission to interrogate Christian Michel, an alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600 crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal, inside Tihar Jail. Judge Arvind Kumar has sought the response of Michel on the application. The investigative agency has also sought a specimen of his signature and handwriting for the probe. In its application, CBI told the court that Michel needs to be confronted with some more documents. The next hearing on the matter will be held on September 20 as Michel's lawyer Aljo K Joseph has sought time to file a response. Michel will also be produced in the court on September 20. Observing that the accusations against Michel are serious, a Delhi court had on September 7 dismissed his bail plea. Micheal, in his bail plea, contended that he should be granted bail since he has been in custody for the last 375 days, including the days spent in Dubai jail during his extradition proceedings. Michel was extradited from Dubai last year and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with alleged irregularities in the chopper deal. While the CBI is probing his alleged role as a "middleman" in the deal, the Enforcement Directorate is investigating money laundering charges against him.

AgustaWestland case: CBI seeks permission to interrogate Michel in Tihar Jail

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