In a landmark judgment today, Supreme Court has ruled that storing child pornographic material is an offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Supreme Court Criminalizes Storing, Watching Child Pornography Under POCSO Act

For five years, a New York City man managed to live rent-free in a landmark Manhattan hotel by exploiting a little known local housing law. But his clever scheme took a bizarre turn when he filed paperwork claiming ownership of the entire New Yorker Hotel building, leading to his arrest this week on charges of filing false property records.

<h2>How did he manage to stay for free?</h2>

Mickey Barreto, 48, as per a CBC report, found a loophole that allowed occupants of single rooms in buildings constructed before 1969 to demand a six-month lease. He and his boyfriend paid about $200 for a room in the Art déco-style New Yorker Hotel&nbsp;built in 1930, and when he asked for a lease, the hotel promptly kicked him out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-makes-partner-pregnant-by-mixing-his-own-sperm-with-fathers-escapes-paternity-test-690887">UK: Man impregnates partner by mixing his sperm with father's, escapes paternity test</a>

Barreto then took the case to court and won on appeal, eventually obtaining possession of his room. He lived there without paying rent until July 2023 because the building's owners never negotiated a lease with him and couldn't kick him out.

However, as per Manhattan prosecutors, in 2019, Barreto uploaded a fake deed to a city website, claiming ownership of the entire building from the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, which purchased the property in 1976. The church was founded in South Korea by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, a self-proclaimed messiah.

He even tried to charge rent to a hotel tenant, "registering the hotel under his name with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for water and sewage payments, and demanding the hotel's bank transfer its accounts to him".

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, "As alleged, Mickey Barreto repeatedly and fraudulently claimed ownership of one of the City's most iconic landmarks, the New Yorker Hotel."

The New Yorker Hotel, situated a block from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, has been an iconic landmark in the city. The hotel has a rich history, having hosted notable figures like inventor Nikola Tesla and boxer Muhammad Ali.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pricey-homes-on-california-clifftop-get-closer-to-edge-following-landslide-690940">US: Pricey homes on California clifftop get closer to edge following landslide</a>

Barreto's legal saga is ongoing, with the Unification Church suing him over the deed claim in 2019. He argues that the judge who gave him possession of his room indirectly gave him the entire building because it had never been subdivided. However, a judge ruled that Barreto cannot portray himself as the owner of the building in the meantime.

Barreto claims his actions are aimed at denying profits to the Unification Church, known for conducting mass weddings and criticised for its recruiting methods and relationship with North Korea.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

For five years, a New York City man managed to live rent-free in a landmark Manhattan hotel by exploiting a little known local housing law. But his clever scheme took a bizarre turn when he filed paperwork claiming ownership of the entire New Yorker Hotel building, leading to his arrest this week on charges of filing false property records.

For five years, a New York City man managed to live rent-free in a landmark Manhattan hotel by exploiting a little known local housing law. But his clever scheme took a bizarre turn when he filed paperwork claiming ownership of the entire New Yorker Hotel building, leading to his arrest this week on charges of filing false property records. How did he manage to stay for free? Mickey Barreto, 48, as per a CBC report, found a loophole that allowed occupants of single rooms in buildings constructed before 1969 to demand a six-month lease. He and his boyfriend paid about $200 for a room in the Art déco-style New Yorker Hotel built in 1930, and when he asked for a lease, the hotel promptly kicked him out. Also read | UK: Man impregnates partner by mixing his sperm with father's, escapes paternity test Barreto then took the case to court and won on appeal, eventually obtaining possession of his room. He lived there without paying rent until July 2023 because the building's owners never negotiated a lease with him and couldn't kick him out. However, as per Manhattan prosecutors, in 2019, Barreto uploaded a fake deed to a city website, claiming ownership of the entire building from the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, which purchased the property in 1976. The church was founded in South Korea by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, a self-proclaimed messiah. He even tried to charge rent to a hotel tenant, "registering the hotel under his name with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for water and sewage payments, and demanding the hotel's bank transfer its accounts to him". Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, "As alleged, Mickey Barreto repeatedly and fraudulently claimed ownership of one of the City's most iconic landmarks, the New Yorker Hotel." The New Yorker Hotel, situated a block from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station, has been an iconic landmark in the city. The hotel has a rich history, having hosted notable figures like inventor Nikola Tesla and boxer Muhammad Ali. Also read | US: Pricey homes on California clifftop get closer to edge following landslide Barreto's legal saga is ongoing, with the Unification Church suing him over the deed claim in 2019. He argues that the judge who gave him possession of his room indirectly gave him the entire building because it had never been subdivided. However, a judge ruled that Barreto cannot portray himself as the owner of the building in the meantime. Barreto claims his actions are aimed at denying profits to the Unification Church, known for conducting mass weddings and criticised for its recruiting methods and relationship with North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

NYC man lives rent-free in iconic hotel for 20 years, faces charges for false ownership claim

In a historic decision, the Greek parliament on Thursday (Feb 15) passed a law which legalised same-sex marriage and made it the first majority Orthodox Christian country where marriage equality for all has been established. 
 
In spite of opposition from Orthodox Christian clergy and conservative segments of society, the decision received the support of 176 out of 300 lawmakers in the parliament. The bill introduced by the centre-right government was opposed by&nbsp;76 lawmakers,&nbsp;after months of polarised political and public discourse. 
 
The country’s LGBTQ+ couples welcomed the parliament's decision as the onlookers in parliament cheered and dozens celebrated on the streets of Athens. 
 
“This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today’s Greece - a progressive, and democratic country, passionately committed to European values,” said Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a post on X after the voting.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-gunman-kills-three-himself-at-shipping-company-in-rare-shooting-incident-689561">Greece: Gunman kills three, himself at shipping company in rare shooting incident</a>

"People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place," said the prime minister in the parliament, ahead of the vote. 
 
"The reform makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better, without taking away anything from the lives of the many,” he added. 
 
The historic law has given the right to wed and adopt children to same-sex couples, decades after the LGBT community campaigned for marriage equality in the socially conservative country. 
 
Even though civil partnerships for gay couples were introduced by Greece nearly a decade ago under the left-wing Syriza government, the government recognised only the biological parents of children in those relationships as legal guardians.

However, as per the new law, same-sex parents can now be recognised as legal parents of the children.

<h2 lang="en-US">'Proud to be Greek': LGBT community celebrates on streets</h2>

"This is a historic moment," said Stella Belia, the head of same-sex parents group Rainbow Families, while speaking to Reuters news agency. "This is a day of joy,” she added. 
 
LGBT communities rallied outside parliament and one of the banners read: "Not a step back from real equality." 
 
"I'm very proud as a Greek citizen because Greece is actually - now - one of the most progressive countries," said Ermina Papadima, who is a member of the Greek Transgender Support Association.

Watch:&nbsp;Farmer protests erupt in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany &amp; Belgium

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"I think the mindset is going to change... We have to wait, but I think the laws are going to help with that,” she added. 
 
Celebrating the law, many people sang passages from the Bible, read prayers, held crosses and displayed banners in the capital's Syntagma Square. 
 
However, the head of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, said that the measure would "corrupt the homeland's social cohesion".

(With inputs from agencies)

In a historic decision, the Greek parliament on Thursday (Feb 15) passed a law which legalised same-sex marriage and made it the first majority Orthodox Christian country where marriage equality for all has been established.

In a historic decision, the Greek parliament on Thursday (Feb 15) passed a law which legalised same-sex marriage and made it the first majority Orthodox Christian country where marriage equality for all has been established. In spite of opposition from Orthodox Christian clergy and conservative segments of society, the decision received the support of 176 out of 300 lawmakers in the parliament. The bill introduced by the centre-right government was opposed by 76 lawmakers, after months of polarised political and public discourse. The country’s LGBTQ+ couples welcomed the parliament's decision as the onlookers in parliament cheered and dozens celebrated on the streets of Athens. “This is a milestone for human rights, reflecting today’s Greece - a progressive, and democratic country, passionately committed to European values,” said Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a post on X after the voting. Also Read: Greece: Gunman kills three, himself at shipping company in rare shooting incident "People who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find their rightful place," said the prime minister in the parliament, ahead of the vote. "The reform makes the lives of several of our fellow citizens better, without taking away anything from the lives of the many,” he added. The historic law has given the right to wed and adopt children to same-sex couples, decades after the LGBT community campaigned for marriage equality in the socially conservative country. Even though civil partnerships for gay couples were introduced by Greece nearly a decade ago under the left-wing Syriza government, the government recognised only the biological parents of children in those relationships as legal guardians. However, as per the new law, same-sex parents can now be recognised as legal parents of the children. 'Proud to be Greek': LGBT community celebrates on streets "This is a historic moment," said Stella Belia, the head of same-sex parents group Rainbow Families, while speaking to Reuters news agency. "This is a day of joy,” she added. LGBT communities rallied outside parliament and one of the banners read: "Not a step back from real equality." "I'm very proud as a Greek citizen because Greece is actually - now - one of the most progressive countries," said Ermina Papadima, who is a member of the Greek Transgender Support Association. Watch: Farmer protests erupt in France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany & Belgium "I think the mindset is going to change... We have to wait, but I think the laws are going to help with that,” she added. Celebrating the law, many people sang passages from the Bible, read prayers, held crosses and displayed banners in the capital's Syntagma Square. However, the head of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, said that the measure would "corrupt the homeland's social cohesion". (With inputs from agencies)

Greece legalises gay marriage, becoming first Orthodox Christian country to allow same-sex unions

Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country.

Malaysia has a dual-track legal system with Islamic criminal and family laws applicable to Muslims running alongside secular laws. Islamic laws are enacted by state legislatures while secular laws are passed by Malaysia's parliament.

A nine-member Federal Court bench, in an 8-1 decision, declared 16 laws in Kelantan's sharia criminal code "void and invalid", including provisions criminalising sodomy, incest, gambling, sexual harassment, and the desecration of places of worship.

Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who delivered the majority judgement, said the northeastern state had no authority to enact the laws, as the subject matter was covered under parliament's law-making powers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swiss-train-faces-hostage-situation-suspect-arms-himself-with-an-axe-and-a-knife-688517">Swiss train faces hostage situation, suspect arms himself with an axe and a knife</a>

"The essence of those provisions are matters under the federal list, which only parliament has the power to make," she said.

Kelantan, which lies just south of Thailand in Malaysia's north, is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) which has advocated for a stricter interpretation of Islamic law.

PAS has seen increased popularity in recent years amid growing Islamic conservatism among Malaysia's majority ethnic Malay Muslims, and is seen as a challenge for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-ethnic ruling coalition. PAS holds more seats in parliament than any other party.

The constitutional challenge was filed by a Kelantanese lawyer and her daughter against laws covering sharia offences that were passed by the state and came into force in 2021.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/yen-nears-10-week-low-dollar-strengthens-as-traders-adjust-rate-expectations-688518">Yen nears 10-week low, dollar strengthens as traders adjust rate expectations</a>

The case has sparked uproar among some conservative Muslim groups, who fear the challenge could undermine Islam or the sharia courts in Malaysia.

Security was tight around the court complex in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, as about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside to protest the case. They prayed and chanted "God is great" as the judgement was delivered.

Justice Tengku Maimun said the case did not have anything to do with the position of Islam in the country, only on whether the Kelantan legislature had acted beyond its powers.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/digital-rupee-gets-new-features-688514">'Digital Rupee' gets new features</a>

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"Seen from this position, the issue of the civil court not upholding Islam or the sharia courts does not arise," she said.

After the judgement, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in a statement the government's Islamic authorities would take immediate steps to strengthen sharia courts, adding that the Islamic judiciary remained protected under the federal constitution.

Kelantan government official Mohamed Fazli Hassan expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying the state would consult with its royal ruler, Sultan Muhammad V, on the decision and further matters of Islamic law.&nbsp;

Nine of Malaysia’s 13 states are headed by monarchs who act as the guardians of Islam. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, a law professor at Malaysia-based Taylor's University, said Friday's decision could have a "domino effect" with sharia laws in other states likely to see similar challenges.

"There is a need to rewind and reconsider the existing states’ jurisdiction on Islamic law," he said, adding that Malaysia's constitution should be amended to avoid conflicts between sharia and civil laws.

 
&nbsp;

Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country.

Malaysia's top court on Friday declared unconstitutional more than a dozen Islamic laws enacted by the state of Kelantan, in a landmark decision that could affect similar Sharia laws in other parts of the Muslim-majority country. Malaysia has a dual-track legal system with Islamic criminal and family laws applicable to Muslims running alongside secular laws. Islamic laws are enacted by state legislatures while secular laws are passed by Malaysia's parliament. A nine-member Federal Court bench, in an 8-1 decision, declared 16 laws in Kelantan's sharia criminal code "void and invalid", including provisions criminalising sodomy, incest, gambling, sexual harassment, and the desecration of places of worship. Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, who delivered the majority judgement, said the northeastern state had no authority to enact the laws, as the subject matter was covered under parliament's law-making powers. Also Read | Swiss train faces hostage situation, suspect arms himself with an axe and a knife "The essence of those provisions are matters under the federal list, which only parliament has the power to make," she said. Kelantan, which lies just south of Thailand in Malaysia's north, is governed by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) which has advocated for a stricter interpretation of Islamic law. PAS has seen increased popularity in recent years amid growing Islamic conservatism among Malaysia's majority ethnic Malay Muslims, and is seen as a challenge for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's multi-ethnic ruling coalition. PAS holds more seats in parliament than any other party. The constitutional challenge was filed by a Kelantanese lawyer and her daughter against laws covering sharia offences that were passed by the state and came into force in 2021. Also Read | Yen nears 10-week low, dollar strengthens as traders adjust rate expectations The case has sparked uproar among some conservative Muslim groups, who fear the challenge could undermine Islam or the sharia courts in Malaysia. Security was tight around the court complex in Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya, as about 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside to protest the case. They prayed and chanted "God is great" as the judgement was delivered. Justice Tengku Maimun said the case did not have anything to do with the position of Islam in the country, only on whether the Kelantan legislature had acted beyond its powers. WATCH | 'Digital Rupee' gets new features × "Seen from this position, the issue of the civil court not upholding Islam or the sharia courts does not arise," she said. After the judgement, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in a statement the government's Islamic authorities would take immediate steps to strengthen sharia courts, adding that the Islamic judiciary remained protected under the federal constitution. Kelantan government official Mohamed Fazli Hassan expressed disappointment with the ruling, saying the state would consult with its royal ruler, Sultan Muhammad V, on the decision and further matters of Islamic law. Nine of Malaysia’s 13 states are headed by monarchs who act as the guardians of Islam. Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmod, a law professor at Malaysia-based Taylor's University, said Friday's decision could have a "domino effect" with sharia laws in other states likely to see similar challenges. "There is a need to rewind and reconsider the existing states’ jurisdiction on Islamic law," he said, adding that Malaysia's constitution should be amended to avoid conflicts between sharia and civil laws.

Malaysia's top court strikes out some Islamic laws in landmark case

The United States and the Philippines on Friday signed a landmark deal that would allow Washington to export nuclear technology and material to Manila, which is exploring the use of nuclear power to decarbonise and boost energy independence.

"The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco.

Negotiations for the 123 Agreement started in November, 2022.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-a-meteorite-new-footage-reveals-russian-missile-with-nuclear-capable-glide-vehicle-loaded-in-silo-659741">'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo</a>

"We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines' energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the United States," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a speech. "Nuclear energy is one area where we can show the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership truly works."

U.S. Congress approval is needed for the deal, which will allow a peaceful transfer of nuclear material, equipment and information in adherence with non-proliferation requirements.

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As of end-2022, the United States had 23 agreements covering 47 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and democratically governed Taiwan.

The Philippines wants to tap nuclear power as a viable alternative baseload power source as it seeks to retire coal plants to help meet climate goals and boost energy security. The Southeast Asian nation is vulnerable to volatile global oil prices, seasonal power outages, and high electricity rates.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-says-artist-was-spreading-misinformation-about-military-659688">Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military</a>

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Previous attempts to pursue nuclear energy in the Philippines were halted over safety concerns, but Marcos has discussed the possibility of reviving a mothballed nuclear power plant, built in response to an energy crisis during the rule of the late Philippines strongman and his namesake father.

Completed in 1984, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was mothballed two years later following the ouster of the older Marcos, the deadly Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and corruption allegations.

 
&nbsp;

The United States and the Philippines on Friday signed a landmark deal that would allow Washington to export nuclear technology and material to Manila, which is exploring the use of nuclear power to decarbonise and boost energy independence.

The United States and the Philippines on Friday signed a landmark deal that would allow Washington to export nuclear technology and material to Manila, which is exploring the use of nuclear power to decarbonise and boost energy independence. "The United States will be able to share equipment and material with the Philippines as they work to develop small modular reactors and other civilian nuclear energy infrastructure," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Negotiations for the 123 Agreement started in November, 2022. Also Read | 'Like a meteorite': New footage reveals Russian missile with nuclear-capable glide vehicle loaded in silo "We see nuclear energy becoming a part of the Philippines' energy mix by 2032 and we are more than happy to pursue this path with the United States," President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a speech. "Nuclear energy is one area where we can show the Philippines-U.S. alliance and partnership truly works." U.S. Congress approval is needed for the deal, which will allow a peaceful transfer of nuclear material, equipment and information in adherence with non-proliferation requirements. Also Read | Pro-Palestinian group marks locations in NYC as 'targets' in antisemitic map As of end-2022, the United States had 23 agreements covering 47 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and democratically governed Taiwan. The Philippines wants to tap nuclear power as a viable alternative baseload power source as it seeks to retire coal plants to help meet climate goals and boost energy security. The Southeast Asian nation is vulnerable to volatile global oil prices, seasonal power outages, and high electricity rates. Watch | Russia says artist was spreading misinformation about military × Previous attempts to pursue nuclear energy in the Philippines were halted over safety concerns, but Marcos has discussed the possibility of reviving a mothballed nuclear power plant, built in response to an energy crisis during the rule of the late Philippines strongman and his namesake father. Completed in 1984, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was mothballed two years later following the ouster of the older Marcos, the deadly Chernobyl nuclear disaster, and corruption allegations.

US, Philippines sign landmark nuclear deal

Flames engulfed buildings in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum after heavy fighting ensued between rival forces and the army. 
 
In the videos shared on the social media platforms on Sunday (September 17), the iconic Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower appeared to have caught massive fire. 
 
"This is truly painful," stated Tagreed Abdin, the building's architect, in a post on X. 
 
Ground battles and air strikes have continued in Khartoum and other cities and towns since the fighting started in April. More than one million people were forced to flee the country amid intense fighting, said the UN. 
 
The 18-storey oil firm skyscraper, which is located near the River Nile, is among the most recognisable landmarks in Khartoum.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-raid-kills-46-in-one-of-sudan-wars-worst-attacks-activists-634660">Air raid kills 46 in one of the worst attacks in Sudan war, say activists</a>

Abdin stated that the building defined the city's skyline and lamented "such senseless destruction". It is unclear what led to the cone-like structure of the building, which has a glass facade that caught fire. No reports of deaths or injuries have surfaced so far.

<h2>Sudan violence</h2>

The violence started on 15 April in Sudan and was triggered by a power struggle between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the leaders of the Sudanese army. 
 
This happened after days of tension as RSF members were redeployed across the country in a move which the army saw as a threat. 
 
The Sudan War Monitor, which has been analysing the conflict, stated that the areas which were controlled by the army were attacked by the RSF on Saturday, which included an office block at the justice ministry. 
 
It was reported that few government buildings have caught fire because of the attack. The attacks on army premises continued till Sunday, said witnesses, while speaking to AFP news agency.

WATCH |&nbsp;Sudan war compels locals to fight for survival and support their families

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Residents living in the city's southern district&nbsp;where the RSF bases were being targeted by the army told&nbsp;AFP that they heard "huge bangs" after they woke up. 
 
Other people reported that fighting broke out in the city of El-Obeid, around 400km (250 miles) south of the capital. 
 
The RSF has been fighting to capture the capital city, and the air strikes of the military have been aimed at weakening the positions of the RSF. So far, around 7,500 people have been killed in the conflict and more than five million have been displaced.&nbsp;

You can&nbsp;now write for&nbsp;wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Flames engulfed buildings in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum after heavy fighting ensued between rival forces and the army. In the videos shared on the social media platforms on Sunday (September 17), the iconic Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower appeared to have caught massive fire.

Flames engulfed buildings in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum after heavy fighting ensued between rival forces and the army. In the videos shared on the social media platforms on Sunday (September 17), the iconic Greater Nile Petroleum Oil Company Tower appeared to have caught massive fire. "This is truly painful," stated Tagreed Abdin, the building's architect, in a post on X. Ground battles and air strikes have continued in Khartoum and other cities and towns since the fighting started in April. More than one million people were forced to flee the country amid intense fighting, said the UN. The 18-storey oil firm skyscraper, which is located near the River Nile, is among the most recognisable landmarks in Khartoum. ALSO READ | Air raid kills 46 in one of the worst attacks in Sudan war, say activists Abdin stated that the building defined the city's skyline and lamented "such senseless destruction". It is unclear what led to the cone-like structure of the building, which has a glass facade that caught fire. No reports of deaths or injuries have surfaced so far. Sudan violence The violence started on 15 April in Sudan and was triggered by a power struggle between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the leaders of the Sudanese army. This happened after days of tension as RSF members were redeployed across the country in a move which the army saw as a threat. The Sudan War Monitor, which has been analysing the conflict, stated that the areas which were controlled by the army were attacked by the RSF on Saturday, which included an office block at the justice ministry. It was reported that few government buildings have caught fire because of the attack. The attacks on army premises continued till Sunday, said witnesses, while speaking to AFP news agency. WATCH | Sudan war compels locals to fight for survival and support their families Residents living in the city's southern district where the RSF bases were being targeted by the army told AFP that they heard "huge bangs" after they woke up. Other people reported that fighting broke out in the city of El-Obeid, around 400km (250 miles) south of the capital. The RSF has been fighting to capture the capital city, and the air strikes of the military have been aimed at weakening the positions of the RSF. So far, around 7,500 people have been killed in the conflict and more than five million have been displaced. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Flames engulf landmark skyscraper in Khartoum amid Sudan conflict

Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards.&nbsp;

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♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰 
 
E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. <a href="https://t.co/AROZ0oU8CX">pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX</a>
— Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/UltimaGenerazi1/status/1642110335665463296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks.&nbsp;

The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini.

According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement.&nbsp; 
 
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Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP.

Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards. ♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰 E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX — Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) April 1, 2023 × The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks. The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini. According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Climate activists in Rome turn 17th-century landmark fountain black in protest

In a first, a group of elderly swiss women are now taking their government to the European court of human rights over climate change.

Swiss women launch landmark lawsuit over climate change

The year 1991 is a milestone in the history of independent India. The country was facing acute economic crisis and landmark 1991 economic reforms were introduced.

India@75: The landmark 1991 economic reforms

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