As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "we have come a long way", and the death toll from Covid is now a fifth of what it was a year ago. However, he added that even that is too much.

"Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives. That's still 10,000 too many and there is still a lot that all countries can do to save lives," he said, adding, "we are hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency."

Watch |&nbsp;China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy

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As per AFP Tedros said that as the world looks to living with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> and as nations look to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses, it is important to know more about the coronavirus's origins and understand how the pandemic began.

"We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested, to better understand the origins of this virus," said Tedros.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-impossible-to-accurately-grasp-the-actual-number-of-covid-infected-people-542857">China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people</a>

The first cases of this deadly virus were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. As per Tedros "all hypotheses remain on the table" including the one that alleges that the virus may have escaped from Wuhan's virology laboratories.

A meeting of the WHO emergency committee that advises Tedros on whether a virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) will discuss the criteria for ending the coronavirus emergency phase.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-china-focuses-on-economic-stability-in-2023-traditional-medicine-expert-endorses-changing-covids-name-540754">In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert</a>

The WHO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp; technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove said that while waves of infection are still expected "it is not what it was in the beginning". The upcoming January committee meeting will look at COVID-19 and its subvariants along with their epidemiology.

As per Van Kerkhove now the deaths are mainly among unvaccinated people or those who are missing a full course of the life-saving vaccines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year.

As the third anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said that it hoped that the virus would no longer be a public health emergency next year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "we have come a long way", and the death toll from Covid is now a fifth of what it was a year ago. However, he added that even that is too much. "Last week, less than 10,000 people lost their lives. That's still 10,000 too many and there is still a lot that all countries can do to save lives," he said, adding, "we are hopeful that at some point next year, we will be able to say that Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency." Watch | China Covid: Xi administration gradually dismantles Zero-Covid policy As per AFP Tedros said that as the world looks to living with Covid and as nations look to learn to manage it alongside other respiratory illnesses, it is important to know more about the coronavirus's origins and understand how the pandemic began. "We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies that we have requested, to better understand the origins of this virus," said Tedros. Also read | China says impossible to 'accurately grasp' the actual number of Covid infected people The first cases of this deadly virus were identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan. As per Tedros "all hypotheses remain on the table" including the one that alleges that the virus may have escaped from Wuhan's virology laboratories. A meeting of the WHO emergency committee that advises Tedros on whether a virus constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) will discuss the criteria for ending the coronavirus emergency phase. Also read | In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert The WHO COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove said that while waves of infection are still expected "it is not what it was in the beginning". The upcoming January committee meeting will look at COVID-19 and its subvariants along with their epidemiology. As per Van Kerkhove now the deaths are mainly among unvaccinated people or those who are missing a full course of the life-saving vaccines. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO hopes Covid-19 won't be a public emergency in 2023, says seeking information on virus origins from China

Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon.&nbsp;A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest. Investments in November jumped by 40 per cent according to data from SEF, the Portuguese immigration and border agency.

Recently the nation's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa said that the country is considering scrapping its popular yet criticised Residency by Investment Program (RIP).

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Portugal considers stopping its 'Golden Visa'
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He said that the programme has probably already "fulfilled the function it had to fulfil," and that "it is no longer justified to maintain."

The fastrack visa for non-European Union nationals mandates a minimum investment of €500,000 (4.35 crore INR or 527,222 USD) in real estate, making a capital investment or creating employment opportunities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-wealthy-increasingly-apply-for-irish-residency-under-cash-for-visa-scheme-whats-driving-them-away-540153">China's wealthy increasingly apply for Irish residency under cash-for-visa scheme. What's driving them away?</a>

Forbes reports that among the top applicants are American and Chinese nationals. Reportedly, wealthy American applicants are all set to surpass Chinese ones. Additionally the rich are from Brazil, South Africa and India.

As per a Business Standard report, since January 2021 more than 50 ultra-high net worth Indians have invested a whopping 350,000 to 600,000 euros in apartments in Portugal's capital of Lisbon and other cities to obtain the so-called golden visa.

Also, read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-scraps-golden-visas-for-ultra-rich-foreign-investors-amid-crack-down-on-russian-money-454351">UK scraps ‘golden visas’ for ultra-rich foreign investors amid a crackdown on Russian money</a>

In July 2022, as per the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Service (SEF) investments from the programme increased from USD 3.7 million to&nbsp;USD 8.2 million recorded during the same month of 2021. In total, the programme has raised an investment of $6.8 billion from foreigners.

The scheme has been deemed a money-laundering risk by the European Union. Additionally, as per Times, the scheme has also been blamed for pricing local people out of housing markets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon. A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest.

Portugal's cash-for-visa or "golden visa" that has previously lured many wealthy foreigners like Madonna may end soon. A recent announcement about the policy getting scrapped has attracted a flurry of interest. Investments in November jumped by 40 per cent according to data from SEF, the Portuguese immigration and border agency. Recently the nation's Prime Minister, Antonio Costa said that the country is considering scrapping its popular yet criticised Residency by Investment Program (RIP). Watch | WION Fineprint | Portugal considers stopping its 'Golden Visa' He said that the programme has probably already "fulfilled the function it had to fulfil," and that "it is no longer justified to maintain." The fastrack visa for non-European Union nationals mandates a minimum investment of €500,000 (4.35 crore INR or 527,222 USD) in real estate, making a capital investment or creating employment opportunities. Also read | China's wealthy increasingly apply for Irish residency under cash-for-visa scheme. What's driving them away? Forbes reports that among the top applicants are American and Chinese nationals. Reportedly, wealthy American applicants are all set to surpass Chinese ones. Additionally the rich are from Brazil, South Africa and India. As per a Business Standard report, since January 2021 more than 50 ultra-high net worth Indians have invested a whopping 350,000 to 600,000 euros in apartments in Portugal's capital of Lisbon and other cities to obtain the so-called golden visa. Also, read | UK scraps ‘golden visas’ for ultra-rich foreign investors amid a crackdown on Russian money In July 2022, as per the Portuguese Foreigners and Border Service (SEF) investments from the programme increased from USD 3.7 million to USD 8.2 million recorded during the same month of 2021. In total, the programme has raised an investment of $6.8 billion from foreigners. The scheme has been deemed a money-laundering risk by the European Union. Additionally, as per Times, the scheme has also been blamed for pricing local people out of housing markets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rich Indians, Americans clamour for Portugal's 'golden visa' as it considers scrapping scheme

On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California.&nbsp;

The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.

SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) &nbsp;in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas

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It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them.

To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base.

SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/milestone-for-clean-energy-us-announces-major-nuclear-fusion-breakthrough-542788">'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough</a>

It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day.

The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions.

As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-orion-capsule-returns-to-earth-following-a-record-voyage-around-the-moon-542120">NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon</a>

"It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington.

Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow."

We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface.

On Thursday, the first comprehensive survey of the Earth's oceans, lakes and rivers will blast off from Southern California. The NASA-led mission being launched in collaboration with Elon Musk's SpaceX has been dubbed SWOT, or Surface Water and Ocean Topography and is designed to give scientists an unprecedented view of around 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. SWOT, one of the 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects the American space agency should undertake in the coming decade, has been designed and built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with French and Canadian counterparts. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Marine life flee warming oceans; climate change heats planet's seas It will offer a fresh ground-breaking view of one of our most vital resources: the planet's water bodies and shed new light on the mechanisms of how climate change is affecting them. To carry SWOT into orbit Billionaire Musk's SpaceX Falcon9 rocket was set to take off before dawn on Thursday from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base. SWOT as per Reuters has been in development for over 20 years. It incorporates advanced microwave radar technology that according to scientists will collect height-surface measurements of water bodies (oceans, lakes, reservoirs and rivers) in high-definition detail over 90 per cent of the globe. Also read | 'Milestone for clean energy': US announces major nuclear fusion breakthrough It is equipped with Ka-band frequency of microwave spectrum that will allow scanning regardless of cloud cover or darkness and thus will enable 2D dimensions irrespective of weather or time of day. The project will also help enhance ocean circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts, and contribute to managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions. As per the plan, the satellite will gather data over several months. The data will be compiled from sweeps that'll be done twice every 21 days. Also read | NASA's Orion capsule returns to Earth following a record voyage around the Moon "It's really the first mission to observe nearly all water on the planet's surface," said JPL scientist Ben Hamlington. Collecting such data as per NASA's SWOT freshwater science lead, Tamlin Pavelsky, was akin to "taking the pulse of the world's water system, so we'll be able to see when it's racing and we'll be able to see when it's slow." We know that the planet's oceans absorb an estimated 90 per cent r more of the excess heat trapped in Earth's atmosphere. SWOT aims to explore how the heat that is resultant of human activities and the greenhouse gas emissions generated from them, impacts climate change and moderates global temperatures. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ground-breaking NASA mission to study one of Earth's most important resources to be launched today

As temperatures fall to -17C, Britain prepares for the 'big refreeze'

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again.

On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN.&nbsp;

This comes as the much-coveted Twitter blue subscription service has been announced for the third time. Maybe, this was the announcement Musk planned to make on stage.

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation

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But, whatever he had planned to say was lost in a crescendo of boos as got jeered for around 10 minutes straight.

As Musk tried to speak, Chapelle said, "sounds like some of those people you fired are in the audience," referring to the thousands the new Twitter owner sacked after taking over the social media giant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/my-pronouns-are-prosecutefauci-elon-musk-takes-a-dig-at-us-top-infectious-disease-expert-542152">'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert</a>

Musk was then advised to stay silent. "Don’t say nothing. You hear that sound, Elon? That’s the sound of pending civil unrest," said Chapelle.

Here's a video of the incident. Apparently, an earlier account that had posted the video seemingly disappeared from Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The account that posted Elon Musk getting booed at Dave Chapelle's show was just deleted, for some reason. Here's the video in question<a href="https://t.co/EpblEHFCbE">https://t.co/EpblEHFCbE</a> <a href="https://t.co/92CTBKywLf">https://t.co/92CTBKywLf</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fd8DkxM32e">pic.twitter.com/Fd8DkxM32e</a>
— Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/1602269560673009664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When something like this happens it is impossible that the incident would stay off of Twitter. A user by the handle @omnihedge tweeted at Musk about the "crowd full of boos", to which Musk in a since-deleted tweet replied it "was 90% cheers &amp; 10% boos."&nbsp;

Here's what Musk said:

<img alt="Musk booed" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="963caafe-92ed-4dd5-b552-cf1b07aace46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/FjyuzwmWAAEYAEC.png" />

The boos were expected given the turbulence that Musk taking over Twitter has brought with it; from the massive layoffs to the "hardcore" culture forcing the leftover employees to sleep in the office, to the coveted blue tick that once had to be earned but now is "for sale", there's a lot of anger.

Speaking of the now-paid blue tick, its relaunch comes as Musk tries to reduce Twitter's dependence on advertisers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-blue-to-relaunch-ios-users-will-have-to-pay-more-than-8-541948">Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11</a>

Latest reports show that the relaunched service will now cost users accessing Twitter on the web $8 while iOS users will have to cough up a higher $11 fee. As per AFP, this price bump could be a result of Musk's anger at Apple for the service fees it charges applications for the App Store. For government organisations, this checkmark will now be grey, while businesses will have a gold one.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again. On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco.

Elon Musk is no stranger to controversies or making news and the Twitter CEO has done it again. On Sunday, the "world's richest person" as he was introduced, took the stage at a Dave Chappelle show in San Francisco. The controversial billionaire took the stage yelling Chappelle’s famous Rick James impression: "I’m rich, b***h" reports CNN. This comes as the much-coveted Twitter blue subscription service has been announced for the third time. Maybe, this was the announcement Musk planned to make on stage. Watch | The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation But, whatever he had planned to say was lost in a crescendo of boos as got jeered for around 10 minutes straight. As Musk tried to speak, Chapelle said, "sounds like some of those people you fired are in the audience," referring to the thousands the new Twitter owner sacked after taking over the social media giant. Also read | 'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert Musk was then advised to stay silent. "Don’t say nothing. You hear that sound, Elon? That’s the sound of pending civil unrest," said Chapelle. Here's a video of the incident. Apparently, an earlier account that had posted the video seemingly disappeared from Twitter. The account that posted Elon Musk getting booed at Dave Chapelle's show was just deleted, for some reason. Here's the video in questionhttps://t.co/EpblEHFCbE https://t.co/92CTBKywLf pic.twitter.com/Fd8DkxM32e — Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) December 12, 2022 × When something like this happens it is impossible that the incident would stay off of Twitter. A user by the handle @omnihedge tweeted at Musk about the "crowd full of boos", to which Musk in a since-deleted tweet replied it "was 90% cheers & 10% boos." Here's what Musk said: The boos were expected given the turbulence that Musk taking over Twitter has brought with it; from the massive layoffs to the "hardcore" culture forcing the leftover employees to sleep in the office, to the coveted blue tick that once had to be earned but now is "for sale", there's a lot of anger. Speaking of the now-paid blue tick, its relaunch comes as Musk tries to reduce Twitter's dependence on advertisers. Also read | Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11 Latest reports show that the relaunched service will now cost users accessing Twitter on the web $8 while iOS users will have to cough up a higher $11 fee. As per AFP, this price bump could be a result of Musk's anger at Apple for the service fees it charges applications for the App Store. For government organisations, this checkmark will now be grey, while businesses will have a gold one. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk met with 'crowd of boos' at Dave Chapelle show on eve of Twitter blue relaunch. Watch!

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into&nbsp;the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.&nbsp;However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast?

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On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious.

But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-critical-nature-talks-open-un-chief-says-humanity-has-become-a-weapon-of-mass-destruction-540741">As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'</a>

AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions.

Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-funds-for-nature-conservation-must-total-384-billion-annually-unep-539083">By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP</a>

"We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress.

Humanity has just eight days left to seal a deal to save nature from destruction at our species' hands. But, halfway into the historic COP15 biodiversity talks, there's no major progress. The UN talks were touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. However, as per AFP, there has been no major progress on increased funding for conservation in developing nations or the "30 by 30" pledge to safeguard 30 per cent of land mass, and seas by 2030. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Why are plant species disappearing fast? On Thursday, environment ministers of the 196 members of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) take over from their delegates in Montreal, and it is hoped that negotiations will get serious. But the chances that the talks that end on December 19 will close with an agreement for an ambitious "peace pact with nature" seems far-fetched given the state the draft is currently in. Also read | As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction' AFP reports that despite the many hours the 5,000 experts and delegates spent pouring over the text it remains far behind schedule, with dozens of points still awaiting discussions. Of the 22 or 23 envisaged objectives, only five have been settled. As Alfred DeGemmis, a senior official at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) puts it "Governments are making progress, but not fast enough to prepare a clean text for the arrival of ministers." Also read | By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP "We are seeing flashes of light at the end of the tunnel," said the head of WWF International, Marco Lambertini. He added that he had observed a "much more constructive engagement" since the talks began, however, there's still a long way to go. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Halfway through, COP15 a.k.a humanity's 'last best chance' to save Earth has gotten nowhere

The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed.

The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations.

Reportedly, parents of the said children or other civilian witnesses were also slaughtered.

Watch |&nbsp;World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level&nbsp;

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The children were "deleted" on army commander orders, which were based on the belief that these children were collaborating with militants in Boko Haram or its Islamic State offshoot or have "tainted" blood of insurgent fathers that would one day mould them into terrorists.

Some soldiers also said that it was a kill-or-be-killed situation, as children were used by insurgents as fighters, suicide bombers and informants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/since-2009-a-nigerian-army-run-forced-abortion-programme-has-terminated-10000-pregnancies-report-541152">Since 2009, a Nigerian army run forced abortion programme has terminated 10,000 pregnancies: Report</a>

“This is something that everyone knows. It’s not just our commanders, most other people say the same, and they heard it from the mouths of our soldiers, saying that if we let them grow up, if they’re born and they grow up, it will be with that ideology, Boko Haram’s ideology. Because their parents are Boko Haram, it’s too late and the blood has already reacted in their bodies, they will grow up that way. That’s why whoever asks them, they will say that’s why they kill,” said one soldier while talking to the news agency.

Witness reports suggest that intentional killings of children "have occurred with a blurring frequency across the region" ever since the war began 13 years back.

While the report fails to coin a set number, Reuters estimates that around 60 children were killed in just six incidents, with the most recent one in February 2021. Most of them were shot in the back as they were fleeing.

Nigerian military leaders have refuted the claims and said that the army has never targeted children. They allege that the report is part of foreign efforts to undermine the nation and its fight against insurgents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-tiktok-users-in-nigeria-fined-and-sentenced-to-whipping-for-mocking-govt-official-532026">2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official</a>

"Not in Nigeria, not in Nigeria. We’re cultural. We’re communal here. So everybody respects life. We respect families. We respect women and children. We respect every living soul," said Major General Christopher Musa, who heads the counterinsurgency campaign in the northeast.

The intentional, systematic killing of civilians during an armed conflict as per international human rights law is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Another recent Reuters report claims that the army also undertook the forced abortion of around 10,000 women since 2009.

The United States has reacted to the report with shock and said it was "deeply troubled".

In an email, to Reuters a State Department spokesperson said that the country was "pursuing further information".

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the claims and said "The killing of children on the presumption that they were, or would become, terrorists, is a war crime which violates international laws."

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed. The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations.

The Nigerian army allegedly massacred children in its ongoing war efforts against the Islamic insurgents in the country's northeast, a Reuters report claimed. The report cites more than 40 sources, including soldiers and civilians who claim to have witnessed the military killing children or to have seen corpses of children in the aftermath of army operations. Reportedly, parents of the said children or other civilian witnesses were also slaughtered. Watch | World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level The children were "deleted" on army commander orders, which were based on the belief that these children were collaborating with militants in Boko Haram or its Islamic State offshoot or have "tainted" blood of insurgent fathers that would one day mould them into terrorists. Some soldiers also said that it was a kill-or-be-killed situation, as children were used by insurgents as fighters, suicide bombers and informants. Also read | Since 2009, a Nigerian army run forced abortion programme has terminated 10,000 pregnancies: Report “This is something that everyone knows. It’s not just our commanders, most other people say the same, and they heard it from the mouths of our soldiers, saying that if we let them grow up, if they’re born and they grow up, it will be with that ideology, Boko Haram’s ideology. Because their parents are Boko Haram, it’s too late and the blood has already reacted in their bodies, they will grow up that way. That’s why whoever asks them, they will say that’s why they kill,” said one soldier while talking to the news agency. Witness reports suggest that intentional killings of children "have occurred with a blurring frequency across the region" ever since the war began 13 years back. While the report fails to coin a set number, Reuters estimates that around 60 children were killed in just six incidents, with the most recent one in February 2021. Most of them were shot in the back as they were fleeing. Nigerian military leaders have refuted the claims and said that the army has never targeted children. They allege that the report is part of foreign efforts to undermine the nation and its fight against insurgents. Also read | 2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official "Not in Nigeria, not in Nigeria. We’re cultural. We’re communal here. So everybody respects life. We respect families. We respect women and children. We respect every living soul," said Major General Christopher Musa, who heads the counterinsurgency campaign in the northeast. The intentional, systematic killing of civilians during an armed conflict as per international human rights law is a war crime and a crime against humanity. Another recent Reuters report claims that the army also undertook the forced abortion of around 10,000 women since 2009. The United States has reacted to the report with shock and said it was "deeply troubled". In an email, to Reuters a State Department spokesperson said that the country was "pursuing further information". Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the claims and said "The killing of children on the presumption that they were, or would become, terrorists, is a war crime which violates international laws." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nigerian army participated in systematic, intentional killing of children during war: Report

Elon Musk is known for being outspoken and the eccentric billionaire has done it again. In his latest tweets, he has taken a jab at Anthony Fauci, the United States' outgoing top infectious disease official and key advisor of the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The Twitter CEO's latest viral tweet said: "My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci". This is being seen as a dig at the infectious disease expert.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation

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As per AFP, Musk is alluding to the popular practice of identifying one's gender pronouns after name and "the right-wing campaign to charge Fauci with crimes related to his involvement in US Covid policies".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musks-hardcore-twitter-20-beds-show-up-overnight-at-hq-employees-call-it-unspoken-sign-of-disrespect-540844">Musk's 'hardcore' Twitter 2.0: Beds show up overnight at HQ, employees call it 'unspoken sign of disrespect'</a>

Musk, who is a long-time critic of the country's Covid mitigation measures, in another tweet posted a meme criticising Fauci and US President Joe Biden's covid lockdowns.

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My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1601894132573605888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"Just one more lockdown, my king..." says the meme Fauci to the character featuring Biden's face.

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<a href="https://t.co/yhEOieaGER">pic.twitter.com/yhEOieaGER</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1601884478745374720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The billionaire's tweets have gone viral, receiving hundreds of thousands in likes.

His tweets have received praise from right-wing politicians. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose account was earlier suspended under Twitter's covid misinformation policy but was reinstated by Musk, tweeted: "I affirm your pronouns Elon."

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I affirm your pronouns Elon.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepMTG/status/1601899639032225792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, many called out Musk for attempting to "demonise" Fauci.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-blue-to-relaunch-ios-users-will-have-to-pay-more-than-8-541948">Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11</a>

"It is wrong &amp; dangerous to demonise a Dr. who has dedicated his life to researching &amp; treating Infectious Diseases to SAVE LIVES! Dr Fauci is a world-renowned Infectious Disease Dr. and Covid is a deadly Infectious Disease that has killed over 1 million Americans. Shame on you," tweeted a user Paul Zismo.

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It is wrong &amp; dangerous to demonize a Dr. who has dedicated his life to researching &amp; treating Infectious Diseases to SAVE LIVES! Dr. Fauci is a world-renowned Infectious Disease Dr. and Covid is a deadly Infectious Disease that has killed over 1 million Americans. Shame on you.
— Paul Zismo 🌊🌎🌊 🇺🇦 (@zismo64) <a href="https://twitter.com/zismo64/status/1601899669461774336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Another user Smairata said "Elon. You’re not only spreading misinformation (your absurd interpreting of what content moderation entails -Twitter files), now you’re fanning the flames against public health common sense. Please stop."

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Elon. You’re not only spreading misinformation (your absurd interpreting of what content moderation entails -Twitter files), now you’re fanning the flames against public health common sense. 
 
Please stop.
— Sandro Mairata (@smairata) <a href="https://twitter.com/smairata/status/1601886323413225473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Fauci, who is due to step down this month, has been at the receiving end of a lot of scorn at the hands of Republicans who have repeatedly locked horns with him over covid vaccines, mask mandates and other pandemic-related issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk is known for being outspoken and the eccentric billionaire has done it again. In his latest tweets, he has taken a jab at Anthony Fauci, the United States' outgoing top infectious disease official and key advisor of the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Elon Musk is known for being outspoken and the eccentric billionaire has done it again. In his latest tweets, he has taken a jab at Anthony Fauci, the United States' outgoing top infectious disease official and key advisor of the US response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Twitter CEO's latest viral tweet said: "My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci". This is being seen as a dig at the infectious disease expert. Watch | The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation As per AFP, Musk is alluding to the popular practice of identifying one's gender pronouns after name and "the right-wing campaign to charge Fauci with crimes related to his involvement in US Covid policies". Also read | Musk's 'hardcore' Twitter 2.0: Beds show up overnight at HQ, employees call it 'unspoken sign of disrespect' Musk, who is a long-time critic of the country's Covid mitigation measures, in another tweet posted a meme criticising Fauci and US President Joe Biden's covid lockdowns. My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 11, 2022 × "Just one more lockdown, my king..." says the meme Fauci to the character featuring Biden's face. pic.twitter.com/yhEOieaGER — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 11, 2022 × The billionaire's tweets have gone viral, receiving hundreds of thousands in likes. His tweets have received praise from right-wing politicians. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose account was earlier suspended under Twitter's covid misinformation policy but was reinstated by Musk, tweeted: "I affirm your pronouns Elon." I affirm your pronouns Elon. — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) December 11, 2022 × However, many called out Musk for attempting to "demonise" Fauci. Also read | Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11 "It is wrong & dangerous to demonise a Dr. who has dedicated his life to researching & treating Infectious Diseases to SAVE LIVES! Dr Fauci is a world-renowned Infectious Disease Dr. and Covid is a deadly Infectious Disease that has killed over 1 million Americans. Shame on you," tweeted a user Paul Zismo. It is wrong & dangerous to demonize a Dr. who has dedicated his life to researching & treating Infectious Diseases to SAVE LIVES! Dr. Fauci is a world-renowned Infectious Disease Dr. and Covid is a deadly Infectious Disease that has killed over 1 million Americans. Shame on you. — Paul Zismo 🌊🌎🌊 🇺🇦 (@zismo64) December 11, 2022 × Another user Smairata said "Elon. You’re not only spreading misinformation (your absurd interpreting of what content moderation entails -Twitter files), now you’re fanning the flames against public health common sense. Please stop." Elon. You’re not only spreading misinformation (your absurd interpreting of what content moderation entails -Twitter files), now you’re fanning the flames against public health common sense. Please stop. — Sandro Mairata (@smairata) December 11, 2022 × Fauci, who is due to step down this month, has been at the receiving end of a lot of scorn at the hands of Republicans who have repeatedly locked horns with him over covid vaccines, mask mandates and other pandemic-related issues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'My pronouns are Prosecute/Fauci': Elon Musk takes a dig at US' top infectious disease expert

For the second time in less than a week, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed a man linked to the nation's anti-hijab protests.

Majid Reza Rahnavard was executed by hanging in public for "waging a war against God".

As per an agency report quoting the Iranian judiciary's news agency Mizan, Rahnavard was "sentenced to death on November 29 for killing two security guards with a knife and wounding four others".

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Over 450 protesters killed in Iran, 63 children lost lives

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"Majid Reza Rahnavard was hanged in public in (the holy Shi'ite city of) Mashahd this morning ... he was sentenced to death for 'waging war against God' after stabbing to death two members of security forces," reported Mizan.&nbsp;</div>

Also, read |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-leader-khameneis-niece-sentenced-to-three-years-imprisonment-541965">Iran leader Khamenei’s niece Farideh Moradkhani sentenced to three years’ imprisonment</a>

On Thursday, another man Mohsen Shekari was executed for injuring a security guard with a knife and blocking a street in Tehran. His execution has been widely condemned by rights groups, the United States and its allies.

Rights groups as per Reuters claim that Shekari faced torture in jail and was pressured into making a false confession.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-year-old-iranian-protester-on-death-row-subjected-to-mock-executions-three-times-report-540396">27-year-old Iranian protester on death row subjected to 'mock executions' three times: Report</a>

As per a Reuters report, Amnesty International has said that authorities in Iran are seeking the death penalty for 21 people. The organisation has alleged that these people have been convicted in "sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran".

Human rights groups based outside Iran have alleged that more than 450 people have already died in the protests that have erupted following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahasa Amini at the hands of the nation's so-called "morality police". However, authorities claim that the number of deaths during the nationwide protests stands at around 200 and that this figure isn't just protesters who lost their lives but also security personnel.

(With inputs from agencies)

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For the second time in less than a week, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed a man linked to the nation's anti-hijab protests. Majid Reza Rahnavard was executed by hanging in public for "waging a war against God".

For the second time in less than a week, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed a man linked to the nation's anti-hijab protests. Majid Reza Rahnavard was executed by hanging in public for "waging a war against God". As per an agency report quoting the Iranian judiciary's news agency Mizan, Rahnavard was "sentenced to death on November 29 for killing two security guards with a knife and wounding four others". Watch | Report: Over 450 protesters killed in Iran, 63 children lost lives "Majid Reza Rahnavard was hanged in public in (the holy Shi'ite city of) Mashahd this morning ... he was sentenced to death for 'waging war against God' after stabbing to death two members of security forces," reported Mizan. Also, read | Iran leader Khamenei’s niece Farideh Moradkhani sentenced to three years’ imprisonment On Thursday, another man Mohsen Shekari was executed for injuring a security guard with a knife and blocking a street in Tehran. His execution has been widely condemned by rights groups, the United States and its allies. Rights groups as per Reuters claim that Shekari faced torture in jail and was pressured into making a false confession. Also read | 27-year-old Iranian protester on death row subjected to 'mock executions' three times: Report As per a Reuters report, Amnesty International has said that authorities in Iran are seeking the death penalty for 21 people. The organisation has alleged that these people have been convicted in "sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran". Human rights groups based outside Iran have alleged that more than 450 people have already died in the protests that have erupted following the death of a 22-year-old Kurdish woman Mahasa Amini at the hands of the nation's so-called "morality police". However, authorities claim that the number of deaths during the nationwide protests stands at around 200 and that this figure isn't just protesters who lost their lives but also security personnel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran executes second protester in less than a week; rights group claims 450 killed in protests

Three children lost their lives on Monday, after being pulled from an icy lake as an Arctic blast sent temperatures tumbling across the UK.

The youngsters were reported to have been playing on frozen ice near Birmingham, central England, on Sunday afternoon, when it gave way and they fell in.

Emergency services said the children went into cardiac arrest when they were rescued and were taken to the hospital in critical condition.

The incident came as the UK was hit by heavy snow and freezing conditions, causing major travel disruption, on the eve of a national rail strike Tuesday that was already expected to bring the country to a grinding halt.

London Stansted airport warned of disruption.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/absolutely-amazingbut-also-breaks-your-heart-moon-the-hunchback-whale-travels-5000kms-with-a-broken-back-542245">'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back</a>

"Our runway is temporarily closed whilst we undertake snow clearing," it added, with many flights cancelled early Monday.

The airport is the main hub of budget airline Ryanair, which also cautioned about disruption to its flights at Gatwick, south of London.

"Due to ongoing severe snowy weather across the UK, runaways at both Stansted and Gatwick have been temporarily closed tonight (11 December), &nbsp;disrupting all flights scheduled to depart Stansted/Gatwick during this temporary closure period," it said.

Both airports were open on Monday, but passengers were told to brace for delays.

Dozens of stranded passengers posted videos on social media showing snow-covered runways and planes stuck on the ground.

More than 50 flights were also cancelled on Sunday at Heathrow, the UK's largest airport, due to freezing fog.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11000-children-killed-or-maimed-another-22-million-malnourished-due-to-war-in-yemen-unicef-542218">11,000 children killed or maimed, another 2.2 million malnourished due to war in Yemen: UNICEF</a>

Train and bus services in London were also severely affected after the dump of around four inches (10 centimetres) of snow overnight, which also forced the closure of parts of the M25 orbital route around the capital, the country's busiest motorway.

Some schools were also shut.

The UK has been experiencing a cold snap for several days, with temperatures dropping to -10 Celsius degrees (14 Fahrenheit) in some areas, although the Met Office said the temperatures were "not unusual for this time of year".&nbsp;

The service has issued yellow alerts for snow, fog and frost in several areas, including southeast and southwest England, and the north of Scotland.

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Three children lost their lives on Monday, after being pulled from an icy lake as an Arctic blast sent temperatures tumbling across the UK. The youngsters were reported to have been playing on frozen ice near Birmingham, central England, on Sunday afternoon, when it gave way and they fell in.

Three children lost their lives on Monday, after being pulled from an icy lake as an Arctic blast sent temperatures tumbling across the UK. The youngsters were reported to have been playing on frozen ice near Birmingham, central England, on Sunday afternoon, when it gave way and they fell in. Emergency services said the children went into cardiac arrest when they were rescued and were taken to the hospital in critical condition. The incident came as the UK was hit by heavy snow and freezing conditions, causing major travel disruption, on the eve of a national rail strike Tuesday that was already expected to bring the country to a grinding halt. London Stansted airport warned of disruption. Also read | 'Absolutely amazing...but also breaks your heart': Moon the humpback whale travels 5000kms with a broken back "Our runway is temporarily closed whilst we undertake snow clearing," it added, with many flights cancelled early Monday. The airport is the main hub of budget airline Ryanair, which also cautioned about disruption to its flights at Gatwick, south of London. "Due to ongoing severe snowy weather across the UK, runaways at both Stansted and Gatwick have been temporarily closed tonight (11 December), disrupting all flights scheduled to depart Stansted/Gatwick during this temporary closure period," it said. Both airports were open on Monday, but passengers were told to brace for delays. Dozens of stranded passengers posted videos on social media showing snow-covered runways and planes stuck on the ground. More than 50 flights were also cancelled on Sunday at Heathrow, the UK's largest airport, due to freezing fog. Also read | 11,000 children killed or maimed, another 2.2 million malnourished due to war in Yemen: UNICEF Train and bus services in London were also severely affected after the dump of around four inches (10 centimetres) of snow overnight, which also forced the closure of parts of the M25 orbital route around the capital, the country's busiest motorway. Some schools were also shut. The UK has been experiencing a cold snap for several days, with temperatures dropping to -10 Celsius degrees (14 Fahrenheit) in some areas, although the Met Office said the temperatures were "not unusual for this time of year". The service has issued yellow alerts for snow, fog and frost in several areas, including southeast and southwest England, and the north of Scotland. 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.

Three boys dead after falling into frozen lake in the UK, police confirm

Google Chrome has announced that it will soon be introducing passwordless login. The popular browser will now use&nbsp;biometric sensors such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, PIN, or pattern for authentication purposes.&nbsp;

If you are someone who finds it difficult to remember passwords, and so you end up using the same one for every single account, you're not alone.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | The most common passwords of 2022

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As per a SpyCloud analysis of 1.7 billion username and password combinations, &nbsp;64 per cent of the people use the same password exposed in one breach for other accounts.&nbsp;

In the digital world, we're a part of, we have an endless number of accounts, from social media to banking everything needs a password, and to remember the seemingly hundreds of passwords is difficult, to say the least.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/thiefs-can-use-thermal-camera-and-ai-to-crack-your-password-heres-how-524376">Thieves can use thermal camera and AI to crack your password. Here's how</a>

The worst part is even then your accounts aren't really safe. The year 2022 saw an exponential rise in the number of hacking and data pishing incidents.

As per reports, over 15 billion credentials have been exposed to the dark web, and about 54 per cent of these led to credential theft. Passwords just aren't cutting it anymore.

This has led to a number of platforms, and service providers moving towards passwordless authentication. Now Google chrome has joined the foray.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/iphones-crash-detection-feature-assumes-woman-enjoying-rollercoaster-has-been-in-crash-calls-911-524339" hreflang="en">iPhone's crash detection feature assumes woman enjoying rollercoaster has been in crash, calls 911</a>

In March of this year, Microsoft, Okta, LastPass and Google announced that they were moving towards easy passwordless logins as part of the FIDO alliance.&nbsp;

With Google Chrome's new passwordless feature users will now be able to create passkeys to log into their android devices.

As per Venture Beat the "move toward passwordless authentication is a recognition of password-based security’s fundamental ineffectiveness."

Google in its announcement blog said that passkeys are a significantly safer replacement for passwords and other phishable authentication factors.&nbsp;

"They cannot be reused, don't leak in server breaches, and protect users from phishing attacks. Passkeys are built on industry standards and work across different operating systems and browser ecosystems, and can be used for both websites and apps," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Google Chrome has announced that it will soon be introducing passwordless login. The popular browser will now use biometric sensors such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, PIN, or pattern for authentication purposes.

Google Chrome has announced that it will soon be introducing passwordless login. The popular browser will now use biometric sensors such as a fingerprint or facial recognition, PIN, or pattern for authentication purposes. If you are someone who finds it difficult to remember passwords, and so you end up using the same one for every single account, you're not alone. Watch | WION Fineprint | The most common passwords of 2022 As per a SpyCloud analysis of 1.7 billion username and password combinations, 64 per cent of the people use the same password exposed in one breach for other accounts. In the digital world, we're a part of, we have an endless number of accounts, from social media to banking everything needs a password, and to remember the seemingly hundreds of passwords is difficult, to say the least. Also read | Thieves can use thermal camera and AI to crack your password. Here's how The worst part is even then your accounts aren't really safe. The year 2022 saw an exponential rise in the number of hacking and data pishing incidents. As per reports, over 15 billion credentials have been exposed to the dark web, and about 54 per cent of these led to credential theft. Passwords just aren't cutting it anymore. This has led to a number of platforms, and service providers moving towards passwordless authentication. Now Google chrome has joined the foray. Also read | iPhone's crash detection feature assumes woman enjoying rollercoaster has been in crash, calls 911 In March of this year, Microsoft, Okta, LastPass and Google announced that they were moving towards easy passwordless logins as part of the FIDO alliance. With Google Chrome's new passwordless feature users will now be able to create passkeys to log into their android devices. As per Venture Beat the "move toward passwordless authentication is a recognition of password-based security’s fundamental ineffectiveness." Google in its announcement blog said that passkeys are a significantly safer replacement for passwords and other phishable authentication factors. "They cannot be reused, don't leak in server breaches, and protect users from phishing attacks. Passkeys are built on industry standards and work across different operating systems and browser ecosystems, and can be used for both websites and apps," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google Chrome introduces passwordless authentication. Here's how it works

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation."

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end?

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The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year.

As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations.

The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemen-ceasefire-ends-without-extension-as-un-envoy-urges-calm-522010">Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm</a>

UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years.

"If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher".

The United Nations children's agency in a statement on Saturday said that more than 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the Yemen civil war, adding that the "true toll of this conflict is likely to be higher". As per an AFP report quoting UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell, "Thousands of children have lost their lives, hundreds of thousands more remain at risk of death from preventable disease or starvation." Watch | The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end? The Yemen war which broke out in 2014, saw escalation as Houthi-backed rebels seized the capital Sanaa, which in turn led Saudi-led forces to intervene and put in place a government the next year. As per UNICEF, about 2.2 million children, a quarter of which are less than five years old in Yemen are acutely malnourished. Most of them are also at risk from Cholera, measles and other diseases that could be easily prevented through vaccinations. The report added that hundreds of thousands of children have lost their lives since the start of this war, either directly due to the clashes or indirectly due to the unavailability of safe drinking water, food, and disease outbreaks. Also read | Yemen ceasefire ends without extension as UN envoy urges calm UNICEF's latest numbers put the number of child deaths between March 2015 and September 2022 at 3,774. Additionally, the organisation claims that some 3,904 boys and 90 girls have been recruited into the fighting over the last eight years. "If the children of Yemen are to have any chance of a decent future... all those with influence must ensure they are protected and supported," said Russell as the agency appealed for a $484.4 million funding to tackle the humanitarian crisis plaguing the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

11,000 children killed or maimed, another 2.2 million malnourished due to war in Yemen: UNICEF

In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured.

The firing near the town of Chaman in Balochistan province, as per the Pakistani military resulted in the death of six civilians. Additionally, more than a dozen were wounded by the &nbsp;"unprovoked and indiscriminate fire" said the statement.

Watch |&nbsp;6 Pak civilians, 1 Taliban soldier killed at Spin Boldak in fresh series of mortar attack

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Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement on Twitter demanded that "the Afghan Interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated."

Confirming the incident, the Pakistani military reported that they have taken a "befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression" adding that they have avoided "targeting innocent civilians in the area."&nbsp;

"Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uncalled-for-aggression-six-pakistanis-one-afghan-soldier-die-in-cross-border-clash-542118">'Uncalled for aggression': Six Pakistanis, one Afghan soldier die in cross-border clash</a>

Reportedly the clash happened after Afghan Taliban forces tried to cut a part of the border fence said a senior provincial official while speaking with AFP.

Afghani security sources said that the clash started after Pakistan forces demanded that Afghan forces stop building a check post on their side of the border.

However, an Afghan official Noor Ahmad as per Reuters claimed that the incident was accidental and the situation is normal following talks between the two sides.

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border Chaman as per an IANS report has been closed following the incident. In November it was closed for eight days and was only opened on November 21.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suleman-shahbaz-pakistan-pms-son-returns-home-from-london-to-face-graft-charges-542077">Pakistan PM's son Suleman Shahbaz returns home from London to face graft charges</a>

Since the Taliban took over the nation in August 2021, border tensions between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan have risen.&nbsp;

Islamabad alleges that the Taliban is harbouring members of the Pakistani militant group &nbsp;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) &nbsp;who are planning an attack from the Afghan side. However, the Taliban has denied these claims.

Reportedly there has been a 51 per cent increase in attacks on Pakistan, and on November 28, the group ended a ceasefire with Pakistan and resumed attacks on the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured.

In a major escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, on Sunday, rocket fire from the Afghanistan Taliban forces at a border crossing with Pakistan led to the death of six civilians while another two dozen were reportedly injured. The firing near the town of Chaman in Balochistan province, as per the Pakistani military resulted in the death of six civilians. Additionally, more than a dozen were wounded by the "unprovoked and indiscriminate fire" said the statement. Watch | 6 Pak civilians, 1 Taliban soldier killed at Spin Boldak in fresh series of mortar attack Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a statement on Twitter demanded that "the Afghan Interim government should ensure that such incidents are not repeated." Confirming the incident, the Pakistani military reported that they have taken a "befitting albeit measured response against the uncalled for aggression" adding that they have avoided "targeting innocent civilians in the area." "Pakistan has also approached Afghan authorities at Kabul to highlight (the) severity of the situation and demanded strict action to obviate any such recurrence of the incident in future." Also read | 'Uncalled for aggression': Six Pakistanis, one Afghan soldier die in cross-border clash Reportedly the clash happened after Afghan Taliban forces tried to cut a part of the border fence said a senior provincial official while speaking with AFP. Afghani security sources said that the clash started after Pakistan forces demanded that Afghan forces stop building a check post on their side of the border. However, an Afghan official Noor Ahmad as per Reuters claimed that the incident was accidental and the situation is normal following talks between the two sides. The Pakistan-Afghanistan border Chaman as per an IANS report has been closed following the incident. In November it was closed for eight days and was only opened on November 21. Also read | Pakistan PM's son Suleman Shahbaz returns home from London to face graft charges Since the Taliban took over the nation in August 2021, border tensions between Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan have risen. Islamabad alleges that the Taliban is harbouring members of the Pakistani militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) who are planning an attack from the Afghan side. However, the Taliban has denied these claims. Reportedly there has been a 51 per cent increase in attacks on Pakistan, and on November 28, the group ended a ceasefire with Pakistan and resumed attacks on the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pak PM warns Taliban 'ensure such incidents aren’t repeated', after firing along Afghan border kills six

To safeguard the country's dwindling reserves, Pakistan's central bank recently placed restrictions on access to foreign currency. This as per recent reports has resulted in the emergence of a black market for dollars.

Pakistan's foreign reserves have reportedly plunged to a four-year low of $6.7 billion.&nbsp;

As per Bloomberg, on the surface, this hasn't impacted the exchange rates, but once you delve deeper you come face to face with the reality.

The markets still have the current exchange rates on display but the money-changing firm reports that they have no dollars. However, if you're prepared to pay 10 per cent more than the going rate, you can get a greenback.&nbsp;

According to Asmat Ullah, CEO of Lahore-based money exchange company Ravi Exchange Company, "a third market has now developed", with the interbank foreign currency market and money-changing businesses being the first two.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-blacklists-pakistani-companies-for-supporting-islamabads-un-safeguarded-nuclear-activities-541399">US blacklists Pakistani companies for supporting Islamabad's 'un-safeguarded' nuclear activities</a>

As the chief executive of Karachi-based financial firm Alpha Beta Core Solutions, Khurram Schehzad, puts it whenever restrictive measures are implemented, "the grey economy picks up”.&nbsp;

With the alleged black market,&nbsp;Pakistan joins other developing nations like Nigeria, Argentina, and Lebanon that have experienced parallel exchange rates.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/senior-pak-journalist-arshad-sharifs-murder-was-a-planned-assassination-and-not-mistaken-identity-report-540972">Senior Pak journalist Arshad Sharif's murder was 'planned assassination' not 'mistaken identity' case: Report</a>

While a 10 per cent&nbsp;premium may not seem like much, the black market's formation could force the conventional authorities to relinquish control of the foreign exchange, which would hurt foreign investment and the business&nbsp;climate.&nbsp;Additionally, the dollar premium on the black market may indicate further rupee depreciation in the future.

The lack of foreign currency and the emergence of a parallel market only add to Pakistan's lengthy list of problems. The South Asian nation has already been plagued by disastrous floods, an economic crisis, and political unrest that has even descended into violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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To safeguard the country's dwindling reserves, Pakistan's central bank recently placed restrictions on access to foreign currency. This as per recent reports has resulted in the emergence of a black market for dollars.

To safeguard the country's dwindling reserves, Pakistan's central bank recently placed restrictions on access to foreign currency. This as per recent reports has resulted in the emergence of a black market for dollars. Pakistan's foreign reserves have reportedly plunged to a four-year low of $6.7 billion. As per Bloomberg, on the surface, this hasn't impacted the exchange rates, but once you delve deeper you come face to face with the reality. The markets still have the current exchange rates on display but the money-changing firm reports that they have no dollars. However, if you're prepared to pay 10 per cent more than the going rate, you can get a greenback. According to Asmat Ullah, CEO of Lahore-based money exchange company Ravi Exchange Company, "a third market has now developed", with the interbank foreign currency market and money-changing businesses being the first two. Also read | US blacklists Pakistani companies for supporting Islamabad's 'un-safeguarded' nuclear activities As the chief executive of Karachi-based financial firm Alpha Beta Core Solutions, Khurram Schehzad, puts it whenever restrictive measures are implemented, "the grey economy picks up”. With the alleged black market, Pakistan joins other developing nations like Nigeria, Argentina, and Lebanon that have experienced parallel exchange rates. Also read | Senior Pak journalist Arshad Sharif's murder was 'planned assassination' not 'mistaken identity' case: Report While a 10 per cent premium may not seem like much, the black market's formation could force the conventional authorities to relinquish control of the foreign exchange, which would hurt foreign investment and the business climate. Additionally, the dollar premium on the black market may indicate further rupee depreciation in the future. The lack of foreign currency and the emergence of a parallel market only add to Pakistan's lengthy list of problems. The South Asian nation has already been plagued by disastrous floods, an economic crisis, and political unrest that has even descended into violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves dwindle a dollar black market emerges: Report

After several false starts, Twitter's off-again, on-again subscription service is all set to get yet another launch next week. The service is set to get more expensive for iOS users and will also include a system for account authentication on the platform.

The firm announced that customers may sign up for the updated service, which would cost $8 per month over the web but $11 per month through Apple iOS.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Twitter planning to introduce new ad controls to lure companies back

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Subscribers will be able to edit tweets, submit 1080p videos, and receive the coveted blue checkmark upon account verification.

As per AFP, later in the week, the checkmark will change to grey for governmental entities and gold for businesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-second-installment-of-twitter-files-reveals-how-right-wing-users-were-targeted-541462">Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted</a>

"We're relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday -- subscribe on web for $8/month or on (Apple's) iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark," tweeted the company.

Twitter did not explain why Apple customers were charged more than other internet users, but media reports claim that the business was searching for ways to balance the costs associated with the App Store.

Early in November, Twitter had initially introduced Twitter Blue before stopping it due to the growing number of fake accounts. It was then slated to relaunch on November 29 but was postponed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-says-working-on-twitter-update-that-lets-users-know-if-they-are-shadow-banned-541530/amp">Musk says Twitter working on software update that will let users know if they are ‘shadow-banned’</a>

<ul>
</ul>

Last month in a series of tweets, Musk listed a number of issues with Apple, including the 30 per cent fee the iPhone manufacturer charges software developers for in-app purchases.

He also claimed that the platform had threatened to remove Twitter from its app store and that the company had ceased running ads on the social media site.

However, following a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, he tweeted that the confusion over Twitter being deleted from Apple's app store had been rectified.

&nbsp;

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After several false starts, Twitter's off-again, on-again subscription service is all set to get yet another launch next week. The service is set to get more expensive for iOS users and will also include a system for account authentication on the platform.

After several false starts, Twitter's off-again, on-again subscription service is all set to get yet another launch next week. The service is set to get more expensive for iOS users and will also include a system for account authentication on the platform. The firm announced that customers may sign up for the updated service, which would cost $8 per month over the web but $11 per month through Apple iOS. Watch | Twitter planning to introduce new ad controls to lure companies back Subscribers will be able to edit tweets, submit 1080p videos, and receive the coveted blue checkmark upon account verification. As per AFP, later in the week, the checkmark will change to grey for governmental entities and gold for businesses. Also read | Elon Musk's second installment of Twitter Files reveals how right-wing users were targeted "We're relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday -- subscribe on web for $8/month or on (Apple's) iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark," tweeted the company. Twitter did not explain why Apple customers were charged more than other internet users, but media reports claim that the business was searching for ways to balance the costs associated with the App Store. Early in November, Twitter had initially introduced Twitter Blue before stopping it due to the growing number of fake accounts. It was then slated to relaunch on November 29 but was postponed. Also read | Musk says Twitter working on software update that will let users know if they are ‘shadow-banned’ Last month in a series of tweets, Musk listed a number of issues with Apple, including the 30 per cent fee the iPhone manufacturer charges software developers for in-app purchases. He also claimed that the platform had threatened to remove Twitter from its app store and that the company had ceased running ads on the social media site. However, following a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, he tweeted that the confusion over Twitter being deleted from Apple's app store had been rectified. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Twitter to relaunch blue tick at $8, but iOS users will have to pay $11

Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday.&nbsp;

Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Laura Rosenberger, senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, will visit China, South Korea, and Japan from December 11 through 14, according to a statement from the State Department.

Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

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The high-level delegation will prepare the ground for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China early next year.

Last month, at the sidelines of the Indonesia G20 summit, the US and Chinese presidents engaged in "blunt talks" over Taiwan and North Korea, reports Reuters. Reportedly, the talks aimed to prevent the strained ties between the two nations from spilling into a "new cold war".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/chinas-attempt-to-challenge-the-usds-dominance-as-xi-jinping-calls-for-oil-trade-in-yuan-541922">China's attempt to challenge the USD's dominance as Xi Jinping calls for oil trade in yuan</a>

In addition to laying the stage for Blinken's visit, the State Department stated that the delegation will follow up on the meeting "to continue responsibly managing the competition between our two countries and to explore potential areas of cooperation."

The visit comes as a senior US official recently remarked that given the domestic economic challenges China faces in the country and the pushback it faces in the Asian continent due to its assertive diplomacy, Bejing is seeking stabilised relations with Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-officials-over-serious-human-rights-abuse-in-tibet-541677">US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'serious' human rights abuse in Tibet</a>

As per White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, China's slowing economy over its stringent coronavirus action plan, along with the perception that it has enraged many of its neighbours, indicated that Beijing was looking for more stable relations with Washington in the "short term."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday.

Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday. Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Laura Rosenberger, senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, will visit China, South Korea, and Japan from December 11 through 14, according to a statement from the State Department. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' The high-level delegation will prepare the ground for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China early next year. Last month, at the sidelines of the Indonesia G20 summit, the US and Chinese presidents engaged in "blunt talks" over Taiwan and North Korea, reports Reuters. Reportedly, the talks aimed to prevent the strained ties between the two nations from spilling into a "new cold war". Also read | China's attempt to challenge the USD's dominance as Xi Jinping calls for oil trade in yuan In addition to laying the stage for Blinken's visit, the State Department stated that the delegation will follow up on the meeting "to continue responsibly managing the competition between our two countries and to explore potential areas of cooperation." The visit comes as a senior US official recently remarked that given the domestic economic challenges China faces in the country and the pushback it faces in the Asian continent due to its assertive diplomacy, Bejing is seeking stabilised relations with Washington. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'serious' human rights abuse in Tibet As per White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, China's slowing economy over its stringent coronavirus action plan, along with the perception that it has enraged many of its neighbours, indicated that Beijing was looking for more stable relations with Washington in the "short term." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

High-level US delegation to visit China next week to prepare ground for Blinken’s trip

For the last nine years, the Nigerian Army has allegedly run a "secret, systematic and illegal" abortion programme in the country's northeast. A report claims that the army forcefully terminated close to 10,000 pregnancies.

The Reuters investigation alleges that many of the women, and girls involved in this abortion programme were victims of rape and kidnapping at the hands of Islamic militants.

Most of these abortions were performed without the pregnant woman or girl's consent, many of which were as young as 12 years. Pregnancies ranging from two weeks to eight months were terminated.

Watch |&nbsp;World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level&nbsp;

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The campaign relied on deception and physical force against women who were kept in military custody for days or weeks. Three soldiers and a guard said they commonly assured women, who often were debilitated from captivity in the bush, that the pills and injections given to them were to restore their health and fight diseases such as malaria.

In some instances, women who resisted were beaten, caned, held at gunpoint or drugged into compliance. Others were tied or pinned down, as abortion drugs were inserted inside them, said a guard and a health worker.

The campaign included intimidation and physical force against women who were detained by the military for days or weeks.&nbsp;

Women who resisted were "beaten, caned, held at gunpoint or drugged into compliance. Others were tied or pinned down, as abortion drugs were inserted inside them," said the report citing a guard and a health worker.

As per the report, central to this programme is the idea that the offspring of rebels are predestined by the blood in their veins to one day take up guns against the Nigerian government and society.&nbsp;

The alleged abortion programme is believed to have been in place since at least 2013, and procedures were carried out up to at least November of last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/2-tiktok-users-in-nigeria-fined-and-sentenced-to-whipping-for-mocking-govt-official-532026">2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official</a>

According to eyewitness statements and records examined by Reuters, the procedures have taken place in at least five military facilities and five civilian hospitals in the area. Maiduguri, the largest city in northeastern Nigeria and the nerve centre of the government's fight against Islamist radicals, was allegedly the scene of many of these abortions.

Quoting sources the report claims that the programme is secret and is occasionally kept a secret from coworkers in the same hospital.&nbsp;

In an interview with Reuters, the Nigerian military vehemently denied ever having such a programme. They asserted that the report was a part of an international plot to jeopardise the nation's campaign against militant groups.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-gunmen-open-fire-in-mosque-killing-at-least-12-people-abduct-several-people-539980">Nigeria: Gunmen open fire in mosque, killing at least 12 people, abduct several others</a>

"It has never happened, it is not happening, it will not happen. It is not in our character. We are highly professional. We are human beings, and these are Nigerians that you have been talking about," Major General Christopher Musa, who is in charge of the military's counterinsurgency effort in the northeast, remarked during an interview in November.

Amnesty International took to Twitter and said that it was "deeply concerned by the findings" of the investigative report. The human rights organisation has called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate and take action.

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Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the findings of an investigative report by Reuters news agency, which reveals that the Nigerian army has carried out secret, systematic and forced abortions terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies of women and girls.
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US State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Wednesday called the report "harrowing" and said that his country is seeking further information.

"My reaction to it in the first instance was a personal one in that I read it and was deeply disturbed by it," he said. "It was a harrowing report. ... It's a concerning report and for that reason we are seeking further information."

For the last nine years, the Nigerian Army has allegedly run a "secret, systematic and illegal" abortion programme in the country's northeast. A report claims that the army forcefully terminated close to 10,000 pregnancies.

For the last nine years, the Nigerian Army has allegedly run a "secret, systematic and illegal" abortion programme in the country's northeast. A report claims that the army forcefully terminated close to 10,000 pregnancies. The Reuters investigation alleges that many of the women, and girls involved in this abortion programme were victims of rape and kidnapping at the hands of Islamic militants. Most of these abortions were performed without the pregnant woman or girl's consent, many of which were as young as 12 years. Pregnancies ranging from two weeks to eight months were terminated. Watch | World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level The campaign relied on deception and physical force against women who were kept in military custody for days or weeks. Three soldiers and a guard said they commonly assured women, who often were debilitated from captivity in the bush, that the pills and injections given to them were to restore their health and fight diseases such as malaria. In some instances, women who resisted were beaten, caned, held at gunpoint or drugged into compliance. Others were tied or pinned down, as abortion drugs were inserted inside them, said a guard and a health worker. The campaign included intimidation and physical force against women who were detained by the military for days or weeks. Women who resisted were "beaten, caned, held at gunpoint or drugged into compliance. Others were tied or pinned down, as abortion drugs were inserted inside them," said the report citing a guard and a health worker. As per the report, central to this programme is the idea that the offspring of rebels are predestined by the blood in their veins to one day take up guns against the Nigerian government and society. The alleged abortion programme is believed to have been in place since at least 2013, and procedures were carried out up to at least November of last year. Also read | 2 TikTok users in Nigeria fined and sentenced to whipping for mocking govt official According to eyewitness statements and records examined by Reuters, the procedures have taken place in at least five military facilities and five civilian hospitals in the area. Maiduguri, the largest city in northeastern Nigeria and the nerve centre of the government's fight against Islamist radicals, was allegedly the scene of many of these abortions. Quoting sources the report claims that the programme is secret and is occasionally kept a secret from coworkers in the same hospital. In an interview with Reuters, the Nigerian military vehemently denied ever having such a programme. They asserted that the report was a part of an international plot to jeopardise the nation's campaign against militant groups. Also read | Nigeria: Gunmen open fire in mosque, killing at least 12 people, abduct several others "It has never happened, it is not happening, it will not happen. It is not in our character. We are highly professional. We are human beings, and these are Nigerians that you have been talking about," Major General Christopher Musa, who is in charge of the military's counterinsurgency effort in the northeast, remarked during an interview in November. Amnesty International took to Twitter and said that it was "deeply concerned by the findings" of the investigative report. The human rights organisation has called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate and take action. Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the findings of an investigative report by Reuters news agency, which reveals that the Nigerian army has carried out secret, systematic and forced abortions terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies of women and girls. — Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) December 7, 2022 × US State Department spokesperson Ned Price on Wednesday called the report "harrowing" and said that his country is seeking further information. "My reaction to it in the first instance was a personal one in that I read it and was deeply disturbed by it," he said. "It was a harrowing report. ... It's a concerning report and for that reason we are seeking further information."

Since 2009, a Nigerian army run forced abortion programme has terminated 10,000 pregnancies: Report

A US judge on Wednesday sentenced Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, former Theranos Inc president and ex-boyfriend of its founder Elizabeth Holmes, to 12 years and 11 months in prison for defrauding the failed blood-testing startup's patients and investors.

US District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California, handed down the sentence after a jury found Balwani guilty in July on two counts of conspiracy and 10 counts of fraud.

Watch |&nbsp;Court finds Former Theranos executive Ramesh Balwani guilty for fraud and conspiracy

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Balwani as per AFP was found guilty of participating in what the prosecution claimed was a massive fraud perpetrated on Theranos investors and patients. His almost 13 years in prison, will be followed by three years of supervised release.

According to Reuters, the prosecution said that Balwani and Holmes tricked Silicon Valley investors into thinking that the company had developed miniature devices that could precisely execute a variety of diagnostic medical tests using a small amount of blood. However, the business secretly used conventional methods and gave patients false results.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/who-is-theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-why-was-she-convicted-442193">Who is Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes? Why has she been sentenced to jail?</a>

The top aide has been given till March 15 to surrender to be taken into custody.

Homes and Balwani were indicted in 2018. In January, Holmes was found guilty on four counts of fraud and conspiracy but was acquitted on the charges of defrauding patients.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theranos-founder-elizabeth-holmes-seeks-leniency-from-court-ahead-of-november-18-sentencing-533464">Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes seeks leniency from court ahead of November 18 sentencing</a>

At a hearing last month, the judge sentenced Holmes to 11-1/4 years in jail, describing Theranos as a business "dashed by untruths, misrepresentations, plain hubris, and lies."

The prosecution however contended that Balwani should be sentenced to 15 years in prison because he prioritised "Theranos' financial health over patients' real health" and was aware that Theranos' tests were faulty due to his oversight of the company's laboratory operations.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US judge on Wednesday sentenced Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, former Theranos Inc president and ex-boyfriend of its founder Elizabeth Holmes, to 12 years and 11 months in prison for defrauding the failed blood-testing startup's patients and investors.

A US judge on Wednesday sentenced Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, former Theranos Inc president and ex-boyfriend of its founder Elizabeth Holmes, to 12 years and 11 months in prison for defrauding the failed blood-testing startup's patients and investors. US District Judge Edward Davila in San Jose, California, handed down the sentence after a jury found Balwani guilty in July on two counts of conspiracy and 10 counts of fraud. Watch | Court finds Former Theranos executive Ramesh Balwani guilty for fraud and conspiracy Balwani as per AFP was found guilty of participating in what the prosecution claimed was a massive fraud perpetrated on Theranos investors and patients. His almost 13 years in prison, will be followed by three years of supervised release. According to Reuters, the prosecution said that Balwani and Holmes tricked Silicon Valley investors into thinking that the company had developed miniature devices that could precisely execute a variety of diagnostic medical tests using a small amount of blood. However, the business secretly used conventional methods and gave patients false results. Also read | Who is Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes? Why has she been sentenced to jail? The top aide has been given till March 15 to surrender to be taken into custody. Homes and Balwani were indicted in 2018. In January, Holmes was found guilty on four counts of fraud and conspiracy but was acquitted on the charges of defrauding patients. Also read | Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes seeks leniency from court ahead of November 18 sentencing At a hearing last month, the judge sentenced Holmes to 11-1/4 years in jail, describing Theranos as a business "dashed by untruths, misrepresentations, plain hubris, and lies." The prosecution however contended that Balwani should be sentenced to 15 years in prison because he prioritised "Theranos' financial health over patients' real health" and was aware that Theranos' tests were faulty due to his oversight of the company's laboratory operations. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US court sentences former Theranos president Ramesh Balwani to 13 years in prison for fraud

United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting.

102 men, 17 women and 12 children "were arbitrarily executed with bullets or bladed weapons," said the UN in a statement, adding that "Eight people were wounded by bullets and 60 others kidnapped. At least 22 women and five girls were raped."

Watch |&nbsp;Congo: Fighter jets bomb north Kivu, DRC deploys two Sukhoi-25 jets against rebels

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The atrocities in the villages of Kishishe and Bambo on November 29-30 were carried out in retaliation for fights between M23 and competing armed groups, according to a preliminary inquiry by the UN peacekeeping operation (MONUSCO) and the Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO).

Nearby communities of Kishishe and Bambo were at the centre of the investigation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/m23-rebel-group-responsible-for-massacre-of-300-civilians-in-dr-congo-says-govt-540545">M23 rebel group responsible for massacre of 300 civilians in DR Congo, says govt</a>

However, due to security concerns, investigators were unable to visit the villages, so they instead conducted 52 interviews with victims and witnesses in the nearby town of Rwindi, which is roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kishishe, where survivors and witnesses had sought safety.

"MONUSCO condemns in the strongest terms the unspeakable violence against civilians and calls for unrestricted access to the scene and the victims for emergency humanitarian assistance," said the UN in its statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dr-congo-accuses-m23-rebels-of-civilian-massacre-breaching-truce-539250">DR Congo accuses M23 rebels of civilian massacre, breaching truce</a>

M23 is allegedly responsible for as many as 272 deaths, according to the government. The militia, which this year has taken control of a number of towns close to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, has denied responsibility and demanded a thorough inquiry.

"We gave our version of the facts. We asked that there be investigations together with us in Kishishe but the UN never came," Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesman for M23, told Reuters.&nbsp;He claimed that the government was pressuring the UN to present a number, "even if it is false".

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting.

United Nations on Thursday said that militant group M23 has executed 131 villagers in retaliatory killings in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo late last month as part of a campaign of murder, rape, kidnapping, and looting. 102 men, 17 women and 12 children "were arbitrarily executed with bullets or bladed weapons," said the UN in a statement, adding that "Eight people were wounded by bullets and 60 others kidnapped. At least 22 women and five girls were raped." Watch | Congo: Fighter jets bomb north Kivu, DRC deploys two Sukhoi-25 jets against rebels The atrocities in the villages of Kishishe and Bambo on November 29-30 were carried out in retaliation for fights between M23 and competing armed groups, according to a preliminary inquiry by the UN peacekeeping operation (MONUSCO) and the Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO). Nearby communities of Kishishe and Bambo were at the centre of the investigation. Also read | M23 rebel group responsible for massacre of 300 civilians in DR Congo, says govt However, due to security concerns, investigators were unable to visit the villages, so they instead conducted 52 interviews with victims and witnesses in the nearby town of Rwindi, which is roughly 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Kishishe, where survivors and witnesses had sought safety. "MONUSCO condemns in the strongest terms the unspeakable violence against civilians and calls for unrestricted access to the scene and the victims for emergency humanitarian assistance," said the UN in its statement. Also read | DR Congo accuses M23 rebels of civilian massacre, breaching truce M23 is allegedly responsible for as many as 272 deaths, according to the government. The militia, which this year has taken control of a number of towns close to the borders of Uganda and Rwanda, has denied responsibility and demanded a thorough inquiry. "We gave our version of the facts. We asked that there be investigations together with us in Kishishe but the UN never came," Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesman for M23, told Reuters. He claimed that the government was pressuring the UN to present a number, "even if it is false". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.&nbsp;

This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation.

Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus.

Watch |&nbsp;China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November

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As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it.

For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-readies-itself-for-life-again-as-authorities-drop-some-covid-19-tests-540618">Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests</a>

The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development.

As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks.&nbsp;

Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand.&nbsp;The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital.

Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hotels-charging-covid-positive-guests-hundreds-of-dollars-in-cleaning-fee-540560">Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee'</a>

State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed".

On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year.

As the world's second-largest economy suffers through a broad slowdown and a spike in Covid cases, a high-level meeting of China's Communist party concluded that the nation should optimise epidemic prevention and control measures next year. This comes as a leading authority on traditional Chinese medicine recommended that the nation change the official name for COVID-19 to reflect the virus's mutation. Speaking to the state-run Beijing daily, Gu Xiaohong said that the name which identifies the infectious virus as a pneumonia-causing disease should be changed to call it an infectious virus. Watch | China: New Covid-19 infections hit record highs in November As per Xiaohong, the infectious disease arm of the China Association of Chinese Medicine has reached a consensus on how the Covid virus is described and on China's approach to it. For the last two-plus years, China has emphasised mass testing, stringent lockdowns and quarantining of positive cases in special facilities. However, the new approach suggests that instead of "passive detection", China should focus on " active prevention", letting patients with light symptoms recuperate at home. Also read | Beijing ‘readies itself for life again’ as authorities drop some COVID-19 tests The high-level meeting of China's ruling party also concluded that in 2023, China must better coordinate epidemic policies with economic and social development. As per Xinhua news agency's report, in 2023, the nation will focus on stabilising growth, employment and prices, even as it works towards preventing systemic risks. Beijing said that it continue to implement active fiscal policy and prudent monetary policy next year while making efforts to expand domestic demand. The meeting also emphasised the importance of promoting high-level openings to the outside world and attracting and utilising foreign capital. Three years into the pandemic, China seems to be headed towards normalcy. AFP reports that authorities have begun loosening the world's toughest COVID-19 curbs. Also read | Hong Kong hotels charging Covid positive guests hundreds of dollars in 'cleaning fee' State-run news agency Xinhua too on Monday, as per Reuters cited the weakening pathogenicity of COVID-19 and the vaccination efforts, commenting that the "most difficult time has passed". On Tuesday China reported 25,321 cases, some 3,000 less than the 28,062 reported on Monday. No deaths were reported. The number of overall cases seems to be dropping. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In view of mutations, Covid should be renamed, says Chinese medicine expert

Florida is notorious for strange happenings, from fearless residents battling gators to wacky plans of "shooting down" hurricanes, the internet is full of at times unbelievable stories from the US state. Now, a mysterious 80 feet object found at one of Florida's beaches is making news with people speculating whether it's a sunken ship or something sinister.

The large mysterious object has surfaced through the sands at Daytona Beach shores in Volusia County, and it is creating a buzz.

Watch |&nbsp;Charred Moai statues are a symbol of growing tensions

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Officials and beachgoers recently discovered the unknown object which may have been uncovered thanks to the two hurricanes that ripped through Florida recently; Hurricane Ian in September and Hurricane Nicole in November. A steady barrage of high tides and rough surf also played a role in the object's discovery.

Reportedly Hurricane Nicole was one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States in the past decade.

The mysterious object seems to be made of wood and metal and is a &nbsp;whopping 80 feet long, said officials as per the New York Times. Typically interesting finds like these are roped off to protect them, however in this case, as high tides continue to submerge the object, roping it off is not an option.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wreckage-of-the-sister-ship-of-17th-century-vesa-warship-discovered-in-sweden-528182">Wreckage of the sister ship of 17th-century Vesa warship discovered in Sweden</a>

Kevin Captain, a spokesperson for the Volusia County government said that the state's underwater archaeological team has been notified to investigate the object further.

"It is a mystery," said Tamra Malphurs, a spokesperson for Volusia County Beach Safety.&nbsp;

"Many people think it is an old ship of some sort," she added.

Talking to WKMG-TV she remarked "We haven't seen this kind of erosion in a very long time", adding that she's been a regular at the beach for about 25 years but that this is her first time seeing the object.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louisiana-man-discovers-a-19th-century-boat-as-mississippi-river-runs-dry-526130" target="_blank">Louisiana man discovers a 19th-century boat as Mississippi river runs dry</a>

Theories circulating on social media and local news channels have some suggestions about what it could be; a shipwreck, a portion of an old pier, a boardwalk, a barrier or maybe even audience seating from back when NASCAR had races on the beaches.

In the past, too all sorts of mysterious objects have emerged from the sands of Florida beaches.

Just last year, in August 2021 a high school student found a 1715 Fleet gold coin near Turtle trail beach.&nbsp;In November 2020, a shipwreck dating back 200-plus years was also discovered after Tropical Storm Sta eroded the sand dunes in St Augustine.

"Every now and then, something pops up, and usually, you can tell what it is," said Malphurs adding "This one, you just can’t confirm."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Florida is notorious for strange happenings, from fearless residents battling gators to wacky plans of "shooting down" hurricanes, the internet is full of at times unbelievable stories from the US state.

Florida is notorious for strange happenings, from fearless residents battling gators to wacky plans of "shooting down" hurricanes, the internet is full of at times unbelievable stories from the US state. Now, a mysterious 80 feet object found at one of Florida's beaches is making news with people speculating whether it's a sunken ship or something sinister. The large mysterious object has surfaced through the sands at Daytona Beach shores in Volusia County, and it is creating a buzz. Watch | Charred Moai statues are a symbol of growing tensions Officials and beachgoers recently discovered the unknown object which may have been uncovered thanks to the two hurricanes that ripped through Florida recently; Hurricane Ian in September and Hurricane Nicole in November. A steady barrage of high tides and rough surf also played a role in the object's discovery. Reportedly Hurricane Nicole was one of the most powerful storms to strike the United States in the past decade. The mysterious object seems to be made of wood and metal and is a whopping 80 feet long, said officials as per the New York Times. Typically interesting finds like these are roped off to protect them, however in this case, as high tides continue to submerge the object, roping it off is not an option. Also read | Wreckage of the sister ship of 17th-century Vesa warship discovered in Sweden Kevin Captain, a spokesperson for the Volusia County government said that the state's underwater archaeological team has been notified to investigate the object further. "It is a mystery," said Tamra Malphurs, a spokesperson for Volusia County Beach Safety. "Many people think it is an old ship of some sort," she added. Talking to WKMG-TV she remarked "We haven't seen this kind of erosion in a very long time", adding that she's been a regular at the beach for about 25 years but that this is her first time seeing the object. Also read | Louisiana man discovers a 19th-century boat as Mississippi river runs dry Theories circulating on social media and local news channels have some suggestions about what it could be; a shipwreck, a portion of an old pier, a boardwalk, a barrier or maybe even audience seating from back when NASCAR had races on the beaches. In the past, too all sorts of mysterious objects have emerged from the sands of Florida beaches. Just last year, in August 2021 a high school student found a 1715 Fleet gold coin near Turtle trail beach. In November 2020, a shipwreck dating back 200-plus years was also discovered after Tropical Storm Sta eroded the sand dunes in St Augustine. "Every now and then, something pops up, and usually, you can tell what it is," said Malphurs adding "This one, you just can’t confirm." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Florida beach chucks up a weird 80 feet object, what it is remains 'a mystery'

High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.

At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction."

"This conference is our chance to stop this orgy of destruction," he added.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Canada to host UN Biodiversity Summit to safeguard nature

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The meeting, officially known as COP15 will last from December 7-19 and comes after two years of Covid-related delay and recent several days long pre-negotiations that saw very little progress on key issues.

Hopes from the two-week UN summit includes a deal that ensures that future generation has more "nature" by the end of this decade than Earth has now.

Vanishing at a rate not seen in 10 million years, currently, more than one billion species, especially insects are facing the threat of extinction. Additionally, as per the 2022 UN Global Land Outlook assessment, around 40 per cent of the planet's land is considered degraded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-2025-funds-for-nature-conservation-must-total-384-billion-annually-unep-539083">By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP</a>

Draft targets as per AFP include a 10-year framework with the pledge to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030.

Any deal reached during the summit will have to be agreed upon by all 196 governments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

However, funding remains a contentious issue, with developing nations demanding increased funding for conservation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18-billion-thats-how-much-governments-fund-every-year-to-human-extinction-and-climate-change-454012">$1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction &amp; climate change</a>

Earlier this year a group of nations called for wealthy nations to offer $100 billion annually for biodiversity, with the contribution rising to $700 billion a year by 2020. Some countries are also backing a separate funding mechanism, a move resisted by wealthy nations.

The summit has been labelled as "probably the last best chance for governments to turn things around for nature, and to rescue our precious life support system," by the head of international Advocacy at WWF, Bernadette Fischler Hooper.

(With inputs from agencies)

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High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing.

High-stakes biodiversity negotiations are starting on Wednesday (Dec 7) in Canada, touted as the "last best chance" to save Earth's species and ecosystems from humanity and the irreversible destruction it's causing. At the beginning of the talks that will hammer out a 10-year framework to save the planet's forests, oceans, and species, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "with our bottomless appetite for unchecked and unequal economic growth, humanity has become a weapon of mass extinction." "This conference is our chance to stop this orgy of destruction," he added. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Canada to host UN Biodiversity Summit to safeguard nature The meeting, officially known as COP15 will last from December 7-19 and comes after two years of Covid-related delay and recent several days long pre-negotiations that saw very little progress on key issues. Hopes from the two-week UN summit includes a deal that ensures that future generation has more "nature" by the end of this decade than Earth has now. Vanishing at a rate not seen in 10 million years, currently, more than one billion species, especially insects are facing the threat of extinction. Additionally, as per the 2022 UN Global Land Outlook assessment, around 40 per cent of the planet's land is considered degraded. Also read | By 2025, funds for nature conservation must total $384 billion annually: UNEP Draft targets as per AFP include a 10-year framework with the pledge to protect 30 per cent of the world's land and seas by 2030. Any deal reached during the summit will have to be agreed upon by all 196 governments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). However, funding remains a contentious issue, with developing nations demanding increased funding for conservation. Also read | $1.8 billion; that's how much govt subsidies contribute every year to human extinction & climate change Earlier this year a group of nations called for wealthy nations to offer $100 billion annually for biodiversity, with the contribution rising to $700 billion a year by 2020. Some countries are also backing a separate funding mechanism, a move resisted by wealthy nations. The summit has been labelled as "probably the last best chance for governments to turn things around for nature, and to rescue our precious life support system," by the head of international Advocacy at WWF, Bernadette Fischler Hooper. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As critical nature talks open, UN chief says 'humanity has become a weapon of mass destruction'

You would think that well-qualified MPs would score high on standardised tests taken by 10-year-old school children, however, a mock exam conducted at an event in UK's Westminster proved otherwise.&nbsp;At the event organised by More Than A Score, a campaign that advocated for the scrapping of unnecessary tests, an MP sitting for a year six SAT exam actually scored less than Britain's average 10-year-olds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/florida-beach-chucks-up-a-weird-80-feet-object-what-it-is-remains-a-mystery-540812">Florida beach chucks up a weird 80 feet object, what it is remains 'a mystery'</a>

Guardian reports that in the test undertaken by Commons education select committee, chair Robin Walker and other MPs only 44 per cent of the "class" of parliamentarians scored the expected standard score in maths, while about 50 per cent scored the standard in English grammar, punctuation and spelling.

This is far below what the children achieve; this year as per Times, 71 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds across the country reached the expected standard in maths, while 72 per cent got the expected score in English grammar, punctuation and spelling.&nbsp;

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This morning I did my Maths and Grammar SAT exams with <a href="https://twitter.com/MoreThanScore?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoreThanScore</a> under the same conditions that our Year 6 children experience - invigilated by the children themselves! 
👩‍🎓📝<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BSSI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoreThanAScore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoreThanAScore</a> <a href="https://t.co/dvZX68SaQi">pic.twitter.com/dvZX68SaQi</a>
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The pressure in the room is palpable as MPs sit the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SATs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SATs</a> exam in Westminster under the exact conditions Year 6’s experience <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSSI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BSSI</a> <a href="https://t.co/j5u5yhlpm1">pic.twitter.com/j5u5yhlpm1</a>
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In 2019, the last time this test was conducted, a higher number of students; 65 per cent achieved the expected score.

The aim of the More Than A Score event was to make politicians realise that the high-pressure exams "only judge schools but do not help children’s learning".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-festive-travel-set-to-take-a-hit-amid-planned-rail-strikes-in-december-540854">UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes in December</a>

While the campaign may not have successfully convinced MPs about altogether scrapping the tests, it did make them acknowledge the sheer pressure these young children face.

Robin Walker, the new chair of the education select committee, as per Guardian, acknowledged that reform is needed.

However, the politician said that while reform is needed "there will always be a place for testing but that cannot be the be-all and end-all to accessing the most opportunity. Ultimately, it’s not just about testing but it’s how we develop their love of reading."

(With inputs from agencies)

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You would think that well-qualified MPs would score high on standardised tests taken by 10-year-old school children, however, a mock exam conducted at an event in UK's Westminster proved otherwise.

You would think that well-qualified MPs would score high on standardised tests taken by 10-year-old school children, however, a mock exam conducted at an event in UK's Westminster proved otherwise. At the event organised by More Than A Score, a campaign that advocated for the scrapping of unnecessary tests, an MP sitting for a year six SAT exam actually scored less than Britain's average 10-year-olds. Also read | Florida beach chucks up a weird 80 feet object, what it is remains 'a mystery' Guardian reports that in the test undertaken by Commons education select committee, chair Robin Walker and other MPs only 44 per cent of the "class" of parliamentarians scored the expected standard score in maths, while about 50 per cent scored the standard in English grammar, punctuation and spelling. This is far below what the children achieve; this year as per Times, 71 per cent of 10 and 11-year-olds across the country reached the expected standard in maths, while 72 per cent got the expected score in English grammar, punctuation and spelling. This morning I did my Maths and Grammar SAT exams with @MoreThanScore under the same conditions that our Year 6 children experience - invigilated by the children themselves! 👩‍🎓📝#BSSI #MoreThanAScore pic.twitter.com/dvZX68SaQi — Emma Lewell-Buck MP (@EmmaLewellBuck) December 6, 2022 × The pressure in the room is palpable as MPs sit the #SATs exam in Westminster under the exact conditions Year 6’s experience #BSSI pic.twitter.com/j5u5yhlpm1 — More Than A Score (@MoreThanScore) December 6, 2022 × In 2019, the last time this test was conducted, a higher number of students; 65 per cent achieved the expected score. The aim of the More Than A Score event was to make politicians realise that the high-pressure exams "only judge schools but do not help children’s learning". Also read | UK festive travel set to take a hit amid planned rail strikes in December While the campaign may not have successfully convinced MPs about altogether scrapping the tests, it did make them acknowledge the sheer pressure these young children face. Robin Walker, the new chair of the education select committee, as per Guardian, acknowledged that reform is needed. However, the politician said that while reform is needed "there will always be a place for testing but that cannot be the be-all and end-all to accessing the most opportunity. Ultimately, it’s not just about testing but it’s how we develop their love of reading." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exams 'do not help children’s learning': UK MPs score lower than the average 10-year-old

Keeping with his "extremely hardcore" theme, as per reports, Elon Musk has now set up conference rooms turned bedrooms for employees at the company's headquarters in San Francisco.

It's been a month since Elon Musk took over Twitter as the Chief twit, and in this short span of time, he has fired 7,500 employees, axed executives and engineers who spoke up against his ideas and issued an ultimatum to the remaining employees: work "extremely hardcore" or leave.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation

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In the latest "shock" to them, when the disgruntled employees showed up for work on Monday (November 5), they were greeted by the sight of "modest bedrooms featuring unmade mattresses, drab curtains and giant conference-room telepresence monitors", reports Forbes.

As per the latest reports, San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection has launched an investigation into the complaint that Musk has converted the company's headquarters.

"We need to make sure the building is being used as intended," said Patrick Hannan, the department's communications director adding that residential buildings, even those meant for short stays have "different building code requirements".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-on-the-todo-list-musk-now-wants-to-change-twitters-word-limit-538009">'It's on the to-do list': Musk now wants to change Twitter's word limit</a>

While the makeshift bedrooms may be considered a significant upgrade from the sleeping bag situation that went viral in November after a Twitter employee tweeted a picture of herself sleeping in the office, it is still &nbsp;"disrespectful".

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As per a Forbes report citing an anonymous source, the move was not preceded by any discussion with the staff or even an announcement. They received no context and had to presume that the beds are for the remaining employees to stay over at the office overnight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-brain-chip-firm-neuralink-under-lens-over-animal-abuse-claims-540404">Elon Musk’s brain chip firm Neuralink under lens over animal abuse claims</a>

"It’s not a good look," said one employee as quoted by Forbes.&nbsp;

"It’s yet another unspoken sign of disrespect. There is no discussion. Just like, beds showed up."

It remains unclear just how many beds are there, however, the anonymous source speculates that there were "four to eight" uncomfortable-looking beds on every floor.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Keeping with his "extremely hardcore" theme, as per reports, Elon Musk has now set up conference rooms turned bedrooms for employees at the company's headquarters in San Francisco.

Keeping with his "extremely hardcore" theme, as per reports, Elon Musk has now set up conference rooms turned bedrooms for employees at the company's headquarters in San Francisco. It's been a month since Elon Musk took over Twitter as the Chief twit, and in this short span of time, he has fired 7,500 employees, axed executives and engineers who spoke up against his ideas and issued an ultimatum to the remaining employees: work "extremely hardcore" or leave. Watch | The Twitter Files: Independent journalist Matt Taibbi makes the revelation In the latest "shock" to them, when the disgruntled employees showed up for work on Monday (November 5), they were greeted by the sight of "modest bedrooms featuring unmade mattresses, drab curtains and giant conference-room telepresence monitors", reports Forbes. As per the latest reports, San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection has launched an investigation into the complaint that Musk has converted the company's headquarters. "We need to make sure the building is being used as intended," said Patrick Hannan, the department's communications director adding that residential buildings, even those meant for short stays have "different building code requirements". Also read | 'It's on the to-do list': Musk now wants to change Twitter's word limit While the makeshift bedrooms may be considered a significant upgrade from the sleeping bag situation that went viral in November after a Twitter employee tweeted a picture of herself sleeping in the office, it is still "disrespectful". When you need something from your boss at elon twitter pic.twitter.com/hfArXl5NiL — Evan Jones (@evanstnlyjones) November 2, 2022 × As per a Forbes report citing an anonymous source, the move was not preceded by any discussion with the staff or even an announcement. They received no context and had to presume that the beds are for the remaining employees to stay over at the office overnight. Also read | Elon Musk’s brain chip firm Neuralink under lens over animal abuse claims "It’s not a good look," said one employee as quoted by Forbes. "It’s yet another unspoken sign of disrespect. There is no discussion. Just like, beds showed up." It remains unclear just how many beds are there, however, the anonymous source speculates that there were "four to eight" uncomfortable-looking beds on every floor. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Musk's 'hardcore' Twitter 2.0: Beds show up overnight at HQ, employees call it 'unspoken sign of disrespect'

On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment.

The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage

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"We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session.

The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together.

Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-to-penalise-sex-outside-marriage-as-part-of-criminal-code-revision-539475">Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision</a>

However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions.&nbsp;

Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, &nbsp;the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-to-update-rape-definition-lawmakers-clash-over-no-means-no-and-only-yes-means-yes-approaches-540413">Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches</a>

As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children.

"We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code.

On Tuesday, Indonesia's parliament approved legislation that penalises sex outside of marriage with one year of imprisonment. The move has been touted by lawmakers as a step forward, leaving behind an "inherited" colonial criminal code. However, rights groups have labelled the amendment as a crackdown on civil liberties. Watch | WION Fineprint: Indonesia set to punish sex before marriage "We have tried our best to accommodate the important issues and different opinions which were debated. However, it is time for us to make a historical decision on the penal code amendment and to leave the colonial criminal code we inherited behind," Yasonna Laoly, the Minister of Law and Human Rights, told parliament as the new controversial criminal code received a majority of votes during the plenary session. The new legislation also criminalises extra-marital sex and unmarried couples living together. Opponents of the legislation have raised concerns over how this may impact same-sex couples. In Indonesia gay marriage is illegal. Also read | Indonesia to make sex outside marriage punishable as part of criminal code revision However, Albert Aries, the spokesperson of the Law and Human Rights Ministry's criminal code bill dissemination team, defended the amendments and said the law would protect marriage institutions. Rights groups slammed it as moral policing and a crackdown on civil, and political freedoms. They say that in a country boasting the world's most populous Muslim majority and long hailed for religious tolerance, the law is a shift towards fundamentalism. On Monday, citizens too took to the streets in protest. Also read | Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches As per Aries, the amendment cannot be misused as acts of pre-marital and extra-marital sex can only be reported by a spouse, parents or children. "We are going backward... repressive laws should have been abolished but the bill shows that the arguments of scholars abroad are true, that our democracy is indisputably in decline," said Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid while talking to AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indonesia's new criminal code makes sex outside marriage a criminal offence, punishable with one year in jail

Switzerland's lower house of parliament on Monday voted to dramatically broaden the nation's previously limited definition of rape to include sexual acts without explicit permission.

The current definition of rape in Switzerland as per AFP is limited to "forced vaginal penetration, met with a certain level of resistance by the woman".

It is widely agreed that the nation's definition needs to undergo a much-needed update that does not focus on particular sex and includes all non-consensual penetration, irrespective of whether the victim fought back.

While there might be a consensus that the definition needs to be broadened, there remains a heated debate on how this could be done.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Teens in Europe normalising online crime?

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Two different approaches have almost similar backing: "no means no" and "only yes means yes".

While they may seem similar there's a subtle difference between the two. As per the former approach, a sexual act can be considered rape if a person "explicitly" objects. Meanwhile the latter categorises any sexual act that was performed without explicit consent as rape.

Earlier this year Switzerland's upper house of parliament, the Council of States voted for the "no means no" approach.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-wives-encouraging-their-husbands-to-rape-ukrainian-women-alleges-first-lady-olena-zelenska-539149">Russian wives encouraging their husbands to rape Ukrainian women, alleges first lady Olena Zelenska</a>

However, the Monday vote by the lower house backs "only yes means yes". The option has already been taken up by a number of European nations including Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium.

Emotions ran high during the debate on Monday, with 99 lawmakers voting for the significantly radical approach. 88 were in opposition and there three abstained from voting.

Hailing the vote as "a huge success" Amnesty International said it comes "after years of activist activity for the rights of women, of sexual abuse victims."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rape-took-only-11-minutes-swiss-court-cuts-jail-term-for-culprit-women-protest-404501">Rape took ‘only 11 minutes’: Swiss court cuts jail term for culprit, women protest</a>

Tamara Funiciello, a Socialist member of parliament according to the ATS news agency while backing the motion said "It is obvious that you don't take money out of your neighbour's wallet without asking. It is obvious that you don't enter someone's home without ringing the bell".

"Why should my wallet and my home be better protected than my body?" she questioned the floor.

However, right-leaning members of the Swiss parliament oppose the approach. In their opinion, it creates confusion and will be difficult to put into practice.

The two houses will now have to debate, and reach common ground before an amendment to the law can move forward. Following this under the nation's direct democratic system it will likely go to a popular vote.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Switzerland's lower house of parliament on Monday voted to dramatically broaden the nation's previously limited definition of rape to include sexual acts without explicit permission.

Switzerland's lower house of parliament on Monday voted to dramatically broaden the nation's previously limited definition of rape to include sexual acts without explicit permission. The current definition of rape in Switzerland as per AFP is limited to "forced vaginal penetration, met with a certain level of resistance by the woman". It is widely agreed that the nation's definition needs to undergo a much-needed update that does not focus on particular sex and includes all non-consensual penetration, irrespective of whether the victim fought back. While there might be a consensus that the definition needs to be broadened, there remains a heated debate on how this could be done. Watch | Gravitas: Teens in Europe normalising online crime? Two different approaches have almost similar backing: "no means no" and "only yes means yes". While they may seem similar there's a subtle difference between the two. As per the former approach, a sexual act can be considered rape if a person "explicitly" objects. Meanwhile the latter categorises any sexual act that was performed without explicit consent as rape. Earlier this year Switzerland's upper house of parliament, the Council of States voted for the "no means no" approach. Also read | Russian wives encouraging their husbands to rape Ukrainian women, alleges first lady Olena Zelenska However, the Monday vote by the lower house backs "only yes means yes". The option has already been taken up by a number of European nations including Spain, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium. Emotions ran high during the debate on Monday, with 99 lawmakers voting for the significantly radical approach. 88 were in opposition and there three abstained from voting. Hailing the vote as "a huge success" Amnesty International said it comes "after years of activist activity for the rights of women, of sexual abuse victims." Also read | Rape took ‘only 11 minutes’: Swiss court cuts jail term for culprit, women protest Tamara Funiciello, a Socialist member of parliament according to the ATS news agency while backing the motion said "It is obvious that you don't take money out of your neighbour's wallet without asking. It is obvious that you don't enter someone's home without ringing the bell". "Why should my wallet and my home be better protected than my body?" she questioned the floor. However, right-leaning members of the Swiss parliament oppose the approach. In their opinion, it creates confusion and will be difficult to put into practice. The two houses will now have to debate, and reach common ground before an amendment to the law can move forward. Following this under the nation's direct democratic system it will likely go to a popular vote. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Switzerland to update rape definition; lawmakers clash over 'no means no' and 'only yes means yes' approaches

One of the six people facing the death penalty over the current anti-government protests in Iran has reportedly been subject to "mock executions" in prison.

Sahand Noormohammadzadeh was found guilty of "enmity against god" last month over accusations of blocking traffic and setting a bin on fire and is one of those facing a death sentence.

As per a BBC Persian report citing an anonymous source Noormohammadzadeh has been subject to mock executions three times already.

Watch |&nbsp;Did Iran actually abolish the Morality Police? Iran's Hijab law under review after massive protests

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Without disclosing their identities, the Iranian judiciary has announced that six protestors have so far been sentenced to death for &nbsp;"enmity against God" or "corruption on earth". Noormohammadzadeh was identified as one of the death row inmates by his lawyer on Saturday.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old as per the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency was on trial before a Revolutionary Court for "[acts of] vandalism and arson of public property with the aim of causing disruption to the country's peace and order and confronting the Islamic government".

As evidence the court presented a video of a masked man performing the alleged acts of vandalism; the masked man who it's been alleged is Sahand Noormohammadzadeh can be seen tearing down a railing and placing it between traffic and pushing a burning garbage bin onto the road.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/targeted-demolition-medals-in-ruins-as-iranian-athlete-elnaz-rekabis-family-home-demolished-check-video-540101">Targeted demolition? Medals in ruins as Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi's family home demolished, CHECK VIDEO</a>

However, the accused has denied all allegations, his lawyers claim that there's no evidence that the masked man on the tape is in fact him.

Reportedly the prosecution may be based on a letter of apology accepting these charges, which as per BBC could've been signed under false pretenses. As per BBC Persian's sources, the 27-year-old might've been lied to about his mother suffering a heart attack and promised one last conversation with the dying woman in lieu of signing the letter of apology.

Following the conviction of the six people on death row, Amnesty International has expressed concerns over "sham trials".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-state-media-seems-to-dismiss-reports-morality-police-is-being-abolished-540022">Iranian state media seems to dismiss reports morality police has been abolished</a>

While these death sentences can be appealed as per judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei's statement from Monday the executions would happen soon.

There have been heightened concerns over torture and ill-treatment of the protesters in jail. under international human rights law, cruel or degrading treatment of people in custody is prohibited. As per Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA) since the start of the protests over Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of Iran's morality police, more than 470 protestors, including women and children have been killed, while more than 18,000 are under arrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

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One of the six people facing the death penalty over the current anti-government protests in Iran has reportedly been subject to "mock executions" in prison. Sahand Noormohammadzadeh was found guilty of "enmity against god" last month over accusations of blocking traffic and setting a bin on fire and is one of those facing a death sentence.

One of the six people facing the death penalty over the current anti-government protests in Iran has reportedly been subject to "mock executions" in prison. Sahand Noormohammadzadeh was found guilty of "enmity against god" last month over accusations of blocking traffic and setting a bin on fire and is one of those facing a death sentence. As per a BBC Persian report citing an anonymous source Noormohammadzadeh has been subject to mock executions three times already. Watch | Did Iran actually abolish the Morality Police? Iran's Hijab law under review after massive protests Without disclosing their identities, the Iranian judiciary has announced that six protestors have so far been sentenced to death for "enmity against God" or "corruption on earth". Noormohammadzadeh was identified as one of the death row inmates by his lawyer on Saturday. The 27-year-old as per the Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency was on trial before a Revolutionary Court for "[acts of] vandalism and arson of public property with the aim of causing disruption to the country's peace and order and confronting the Islamic government". As evidence the court presented a video of a masked man performing the alleged acts of vandalism; the masked man who it's been alleged is Sahand Noormohammadzadeh can be seen tearing down a railing and placing it between traffic and pushing a burning garbage bin onto the road. Also read | Targeted demolition? Medals in ruins as Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi's family home demolished, CHECK VIDEO However, the accused has denied all allegations, his lawyers claim that there's no evidence that the masked man on the tape is in fact him. Reportedly the prosecution may be based on a letter of apology accepting these charges, which as per BBC could've been signed under false pretenses. As per BBC Persian's sources, the 27-year-old might've been lied to about his mother suffering a heart attack and promised one last conversation with the dying woman in lieu of signing the letter of apology. Following the conviction of the six people on death row, Amnesty International has expressed concerns over "sham trials". Also read | Iranian state media seems to dismiss reports morality police has been abolished While these death sentences can be appealed as per judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei's statement from Monday the executions would happen soon. There have been heightened concerns over torture and ill-treatment of the protesters in jail. under international human rights law, cruel or degrading treatment of people in custody is prohibited. As per Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA) since the start of the protests over Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of Iran's morality police, more than 470 protestors, including women and children have been killed, while more than 18,000 are under arrest. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

27-year-old Iranian protester on death row subjected to 'mock executions' three times: Report

In pics: China mourns Jiang Zemin, Xi thanks the late leader

The first-of-its-kind survey on people's experience with violence and harassment at work has surprisingly revealed that sexual harassment while prevalent is not the most reported form of abuse in workplaces; psychological abuse takes the cake.&nbsp;

The survey undertaken as a joint effort between International Labour Organization (ILO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) and Gallup found that almost one in five people or 17.9 per cent have experienced psychological abuse and harassment in their workplace. This means that 583 million all over the world have experienced abuse such as insults, threats, bullying or intimidation.&nbsp;

Sexual harassment on the other hand was faced by one in fifteen or 6.3 per cent of people. Globally 205 million employees have faced unwanted sexual touching, comments, pictures, emails or sexual requests.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Parliaments: Unsafe place to work?

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As with sexual abuse, women were found to have experienced higher incidences of psychological violence and harassment. However, the frequency of psychological abuse was higher for men.

Incidents of physical violence were also found to be prevalent. 277 million or 8.5 per cent have faced abuse in the form of hitting, restraining or spitting. 
While both genders faced it, men were more likely to have experienced it, they were also more likely to report the abuse.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/are-men-more-vulnerable-than-women-in-india-494289">Are men more vulnerable than women in India?</a>

The report shows that the risk of experiencing violence and harassment at work is particularly pronounced across certain demographic groups. It found that youth, migrant, and wage and salaried women and men were more likely to face violence and harassment at work, and 
this can be particularly true among women.&nbsp;

"For instance, survey results show that young women were twice as likely as young men to have experienced sexual violence and harassment, and migrant women were almost twice as likely as nonmigrant women to report sexual violence and harassment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-housekeeper-sues-jeff-bezos-over-long-working-hours-racial-discrimination-531143">Former housekeeper sues Jeff Bezos over long working hours, racial discrimination</a>

However, despite the alarmingly high numbers, only one in two or 54.4 per cent of the victims have shared their negative experiences. Rather than using other informal or formal channels, the victims were more likely to have these conversations with friends and family.

As per ILO, this could be chalked up to due to a "fear of stigmatisation, lack of knowledge of reporting and monitoring systems, “normalisation” of violence and harassment, and re-victimisation or retaliation risks". The most common fears that discouraged people from talking about the abuse were "waste of time" and "fear for their reputation."

The report recommends that prevention mechanisms should be put in place; existing national and workplace mechanisms could be broadened or adapted to prevent abuse in the workplace. Additionally, it advocates increasing awareness of violence and harassment, enhancing the capability of institutions to deliver effective remedies, and supporting and establishing a right-based framework to help combat the problem.

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The first-of-its-kind survey on people's experience with violence and harassment at work has surprisingly revealed that sexual harassment while prevalent is not the most reported form of abuse in workplaces; psychological abuse takes the cake.

The first-of-its-kind survey on people's experience with violence and harassment at work has surprisingly revealed that sexual harassment while prevalent is not the most reported form of abuse in workplaces; psychological abuse takes the cake. The survey undertaken as a joint effort between International Labour Organization (ILO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) and Gallup found that almost one in five people or 17.9 per cent have experienced psychological abuse and harassment in their workplace. This means that 583 million all over the world have experienced abuse such as insults, threats, bullying or intimidation. Sexual harassment on the other hand was faced by one in fifteen or 6.3 per cent of people. Globally 205 million employees have faced unwanted sexual touching, comments, pictures, emails or sexual requests. Watch | Gravitas: Parliaments: Unsafe place to work? As with sexual abuse, women were found to have experienced higher incidences of psychological violence and harassment. However, the frequency of psychological abuse was higher for men. Incidents of physical violence were also found to be prevalent. 277 million or 8.5 per cent have faced abuse in the form of hitting, restraining or spitting. While both genders faced it, men were more likely to have experienced it, they were also more likely to report the abuse. Also read | Are men more vulnerable than women in India? The report shows that the risk of experiencing violence and harassment at work is particularly pronounced across certain demographic groups. It found that youth, migrant, and wage and salaried women and men were more likely to face violence and harassment at work, and this can be particularly true among women. "For instance, survey results show that young women were twice as likely as young men to have experienced sexual violence and harassment, and migrant women were almost twice as likely as nonmigrant women to report sexual violence and harassment." Also read | Former housekeeper sues Jeff Bezos over long working hours, racial discrimination However, despite the alarmingly high numbers, only one in two or 54.4 per cent of the victims have shared their negative experiences. Rather than using other informal or formal channels, the victims were more likely to have these conversations with friends and family. As per ILO, this could be chalked up to due to a "fear of stigmatisation, lack of knowledge of reporting and monitoring systems, “normalisation” of violence and harassment, and re-victimisation or retaliation risks". The most common fears that discouraged people from talking about the abuse were "waste of time" and "fear for their reputation." The report recommends that prevention mechanisms should be put in place; existing national and workplace mechanisms could be broadened or adapted to prevent abuse in the workplace. Additionally, it advocates increasing awareness of violence and harassment, enhancing the capability of institutions to deliver effective remedies, and supporting and establishing a right-based framework to help combat the problem. 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.

583 million people around the globe experienced psychological abuse at work: Report

Six people were killed and 10 others critically injured on Sunday when a truck rammed into a bus stop in India's Madhya Pradesh.

As reported by NDTV the incident took place in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

The truck driver as per India Today lost control of the speeding heavy vehicle after a tire burst, causing the vehicle to ram into a nearby bus stop, near a traffic intersection. The vehicle was on its way to Badnawar from Ratlam.

Videos of the incident and the resulting carnage have gone viral on social media. User discretion is advised.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#रतलाम</a> में भीषण सड़क हादसा,ट्रक का अचानक फटा टायर,असंतुलित ट्रक ने आधा दर्जन से अधिक राहगीरों को मारी टक्कर,आधा दर्जन लोगों की मौत,आधा दर्जन घायल,हादसे का सीसीटीवी भी आया सामने<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadAccident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadAccident</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ratlam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ratlam</a> <a href="https://t.co/oQWJGBxlj6">pic.twitter.com/oQWJGBxlj6</a>
— Vikas Singh Chauhan (@vikassingh218) <a href="https://twitter.com/vikassingh218/status/1599438790783045632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As per PTI, Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi said that six people died in the accident. Abhishek Tiwari, one of the police officers on the scene said that the truck has been impounded.&nbsp;

The truck driver reportedly fled from the scene, and police have filed a case against him and are trying to locate him.

Speaking to PTI, Vishal Kumar one of the injured claimed that the truck crushed at least 20 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Six people were killed and 10 others critically injured on Sunday when a truck rammed into a bus stop in India's Madhya Pradesh. As reported by NDTV the incident took place in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh.

Six people were killed and 10 others critically injured on Sunday when a truck rammed into a bus stop in India's Madhya Pradesh. As reported by NDTV the incident took place in Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh. The truck driver as per India Today lost control of the speeding heavy vehicle after a tire burst, causing the vehicle to ram into a nearby bus stop, near a traffic intersection. The vehicle was on its way to Badnawar from Ratlam. Videos of the incident and the resulting carnage have gone viral on social media. User discretion is advised. #रतलाम में भीषण सड़क हादसा,ट्रक का अचानक फटा टायर,असंतुलित ट्रक ने आधा दर्जन से अधिक राहगीरों को मारी टक्कर,आधा दर्जन लोगों की मौत,आधा दर्जन घायल,हादसे का सीसीटीवी भी आया सामने#RoadAccident #Ratlam pic.twitter.com/oQWJGBxlj6 — Vikas Singh Chauhan (@vikassingh218) December 4, 2022 × As per PTI, Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi said that six people died in the accident. Abhishek Tiwari, one of the police officers on the scene said that the truck has been impounded. The truck driver reportedly fled from the scene, and police have filed a case against him and are trying to locate him. Speaking to PTI, Vishal Kumar one of the injured claimed that the truck crushed at least 20 people. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Speeding truck rams into people in India's MP; six killed, 10 injured

Russia has denounced the West's price cap on its oil and said it "will not accept" it. The Kremlin also reportedly said that it was analysing how to respond.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as per a report by the Russian news agency TASS said that his country has made preparations for the price cap that goes into effect on Monday (December 5th).

AFP reports that this price cap agreed by the EU, G7 and Australia will go into effect on Monday alongside an EU embargo on maritime deliveries of Russian crude oil. Under the cap, Russia can only continue delivery of oil sold at $60 per barrel or less.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia denounces oil price cap agreed by EU, G7; Zelensky says 'price cap on Moscow not serious'

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Peskov said "We will not accept this cap," adding that Moscow will conduct a rapid analysis of the agreement and respond.

Russia has insisted that it will stop oil supplies to nations that have participated in the price cap. Mikhail Ulyanov, Moscow's ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, also confirmed this stance in social media posts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-60-price-cap-on-russian-oil-is-not-serious-as-it-is-quite-comfortable-for-moscow-539969">Zelensky says $60 price cap on Russian oil is ‘not serious’, won’t push Moscow into ending war</a>

"Starting from this year Europe will live without Russian oil," he said in one post, in another he claimed that Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak too has confirmed that Moscow will cut supplies to countries supporting the price cap.

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Starting from this year <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Europe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Europe</a> will live w/o Russian oil. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Moscow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Moscow</a> has already made it clear that it will NOT supply <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oil?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oil</a> to those countries who support anti-market price cap. Very soon the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> will blame <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> for using oil as a weapon.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amb_Ulyanov/status/1599025369272979456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Deputy Prime Minister of Russia A.Novak confirmed today that Moscow would not supply oil to countries supporting price cap.They can make politically motivated anti-market decisions putting at risk stability of the oil market, Russia has the right to react accordingly.
— Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amb_Ulyanov/status/1599435772699893763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Reuters reports that as per US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen the price cap will be particularly beneficial to low and medium-income countries and would "cut into" the Russian President's most important source of revenue.

"With Russia's economy already contracting and its budget increasingly stretched thin, the price cap will immediately cut into (President Vladimir) Putin’s most important source of revenue."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-agrees-to-stick-to-its-oil-output-targets-amid-market-uncertainties-539992">OPEC+ agrees to stick to its oil output targets amid market uncertainties, energy crisis</a>

On Friday, Russian Urals crude was traded at approximately $67/barrel.

Russia's embassy in the United States criticised the cap and called the move "dangerous", adding that in spite of it Moscow is "confident" it will find buyers for its oil.

"Steps like these will inevitably result in increasing uncertainty and imposing higher costs for raw materials' consumers," it said."Regardless of the current flirtations with the dangerous and illegitimate instrument, we are confident that Russian oil will continue to be in demand."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia has denounced the West's price cap on its oil and said it "will not accept" it. The Kremlin also reportedly said that it was analysing how to respond. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as per a report by the Russian news agency TASS said that his country has made preparations for the price cap that goes into effect on Monday (December 5th).

Russia has denounced the West's price cap on its oil and said it "will not accept" it. The Kremlin also reportedly said that it was analysing how to respond. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as per a report by the Russian news agency TASS said that his country has made preparations for the price cap that goes into effect on Monday (December 5th). AFP reports that this price cap agreed by the EU, G7 and Australia will go into effect on Monday alongside an EU embargo on maritime deliveries of Russian crude oil. Under the cap, Russia can only continue delivery of oil sold at $60 per barrel or less. Watch | Russia denounces oil price cap agreed by EU, G7; Zelensky says 'price cap on Moscow not serious' Peskov said "We will not accept this cap," adding that Moscow will conduct a rapid analysis of the agreement and respond. Russia has insisted that it will stop oil supplies to nations that have participated in the price cap. Mikhail Ulyanov, Moscow's ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, also confirmed this stance in social media posts. Also read | Zelensky says $60 price cap on Russian oil is ‘not serious’, won’t push Moscow into ending war "Starting from this year Europe will live without Russian oil," he said in one post, in another he claimed that Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak too has confirmed that Moscow will cut supplies to countries supporting the price cap. Starting from this year #Europe will live w/o Russian oil. #Moscow has already made it clear that it will NOT supply #oil to those countries who support anti-market price cap. Very soon the #EU will blame #Russia for using oil as a weapon. — Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) December 3, 2022 × Deputy Prime Minister of Russia A.Novak confirmed today that Moscow would not supply oil to countries supporting price cap.They can make politically motivated anti-market decisions putting at risk stability of the oil market, Russia has the right to react accordingly. — Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) December 4, 2022 × Reuters reports that as per US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen the price cap will be particularly beneficial to low and medium-income countries and would "cut into" the Russian President's most important source of revenue. "With Russia's economy already contracting and its budget increasingly stretched thin, the price cap will immediately cut into (President Vladimir) Putin’s most important source of revenue." Also read | OPEC+ agrees to stick to its oil output targets amid market uncertainties, energy crisis On Friday, Russian Urals crude was traded at approximately $67/barrel. Russia's embassy in the United States criticised the cap and called the move "dangerous", adding that in spite of it Moscow is "confident" it will find buyers for its oil. "Steps like these will inevitably result in increasing uncertainty and imposing higher costs for raw materials' consumers," it said."Regardless of the current flirtations with the dangerous and illegitimate instrument, we are confident that Russian oil will continue to be in demand." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moscow says will not accept western price cap on its crude, claims 'Russian oil will continue to be in demand'