Two Senegal lawmakers have been sentenced to six months each in prison for physically assaulting a female colleague in the nation's parliament last month.

In a December 1 bust-up, videos of which went viral on social media,&nbsp;opposition MPs Mamadou Niang and Massata Samb slapped and then kicked pro-government legislator Amy Ndiaye during a chaotic session of the parliament.

Watch | Senegal MP slaps female politician; lawmakers exchange blows, hurl chair

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The proceedings over the assault case started on December 19th. In spite of video evidence to the contrary, the two MPs denied having hit Ndiaye. their legal teams also argued that given their status as lawmakers, they were immune from prosecution. However, this defence was rejected by the court.

Watch the video of the incident here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Senegal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Senegal</a> 🇸🇳Heated debate in Parliament turns into a MMA fight with MPs deliberately assaulting a FEMALE colleague. TF's wrong with those guys??? <a href="https://t.co/ywuQZ6eelu">pic.twitter.com/ywuQZ6eelu</a>
— Francis A. Konan (@Francis_A_K) <a href="https://twitter.com/Francis_A_K/status/1598614486113570819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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While the prosecutors had sought a two-year sentence Niang and Samb were only given six-month sentences. Apart from the jail sentences the two legislators have also been handed 100,000 CFA francs ($160) and have been ordered to jointly pay five mn francs (approx $8,100) in damages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-senegal-lawmaker-hits-female-colleague-sparks-debate-on-gender-violence-539665">WATCH | Senegal lawmaker hits female colleague, sparks debate on gender violence</a>

Prosecutor Baboucar Cisse reported that his client was pregnant at the time of the scuffle. Following the incident where she was kicked in her belly, Ndiaye fainted and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-world-marks-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-537589">World marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women</a>&nbsp;

There were fears that she would lose the baby said Cisse, adding that while the female lawmaker has been discharged from the hospital she "remains in an extremely difficult situation."&nbsp;

As per an AFP report, the incident was triggered by a comment Ndiaye made about Serigne Moustapha Sy, an influential Muslim leader and opposition supporter.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two Senegal lawmakers have been sentenced to six months each in prison for physically assaulting a female colleague in the nation's parliament last month. In a December 1 bust-up, videos of which went viral on social media, opposition MPs Mamadou Niang and Massata Samb slapped and then kicked pro-government legislator Amy Ndiaye during a chaotic session of the parliament.

Two Senegal lawmakers have been sentenced to six months each in prison for physically assaulting a female colleague in the nation's parliament last month. In a December 1 bust-up, videos of which went viral on social media, opposition MPs Mamadou Niang and Massata Samb slapped and then kicked pro-government legislator Amy Ndiaye during a chaotic session of the parliament. Watch | Senegal MP slaps female politician; lawmakers exchange blows, hurl chair The proceedings over the assault case started on December 19th. In spite of video evidence to the contrary, the two MPs denied having hit Ndiaye. their legal teams also argued that given their status as lawmakers, they were immune from prosecution. However, this defence was rejected by the court. Watch the video of the incident here: #Senegal 🇸🇳Heated debate in Parliament turns into a MMA fight with MPs deliberately assaulting a FEMALE colleague. TF's wrong with those guys??? pic.twitter.com/ywuQZ6eelu — Francis A. Konan (@Francis_A_K) December 2, 2022 × While the prosecutors had sought a two-year sentence Niang and Samb were only given six-month sentences. Apart from the jail sentences the two legislators have also been handed 100,000 CFA francs ($160) and have been ordered to jointly pay five mn francs (approx $8,100) in damages. Also read | WATCH | Senegal lawmaker hits female colleague, sparks debate on gender violence Prosecutor Baboucar Cisse reported that his client was pregnant at the time of the scuffle. Following the incident where she was kicked in her belly, Ndiaye fainted and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Also read | World marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women There were fears that she would lose the baby said Cisse, adding that while the female lawmaker has been discharged from the hospital she "remains in an extremely difficult situation." As per an AFP report, the incident was triggered by a comment Ndiaye made about Serigne Moustapha Sy, an influential Muslim leader and opposition supporter. (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.

Two Senegal MPs sentenced to six months in jail for kicking pregnant colleague in the stomach

Canada has placed a ban on foreigners buying property. The ban which took effect on Sunday aims to make homes available to Canadians facing a housing crunch.

It is not a blanket ban and allows certain individuals such as refugees and permanent residents who are not citizens to purchase the property. Furthermore, it only applies to city dwellings and not to recreational properties like summer cottages etc.

Watch |&nbsp;Watch: Winter storm leaves behind unique ice sculptures in Canada

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As per AFP, the measure is temporary and will be in place for two years. About a year back when soaring housing prices were putting house ownership beyond the reach of many Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had proposed this measure as part of his 2021 electoral campaign.

Following a win, Trudeau's Liberal party introduced the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tight-election-race-canadian-pm-trudeau-promises-2-year-ban-on-foreign-home-buyers-408261">Amid tight election race, Canadian PM Trudeau promises 2-year ban on foreign home buyers</a>

"The desirability of Canadian homes is attracting profiteers, wealthy corporations, and foreign investors," said the Party at the time.

As per the party, this "desirability" was behind the &nbsp;"real problem of underused and vacant housing, rampant speculation, and skyrocketing prices. Homes are for people, not investors."

However, as per the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average home price last month fell to Can $630,000 (US $465,000) last month from more than Can $800,000 (US $590,000) at the start of 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-makes-negative-covid-19-test-report-mandatory-for-china-arrivals-548418">Australia, Canada join list of countries imposing mandatory COVID-19 tests for China arrivals</a>

Foreign buyers according to the national statistical agency account for less than five per cent of homeowners in Canada. Hence many experts as per AFP have said that a ban on them would not make housing more affordable, rather they say more housing construction is needed to meet the demand.

As per a June estimate by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation about 19 million housing units will be needed by 2030. This means that the construction of 5.8 million new homes is needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Canada has placed a ban on foreigners buying property. The ban which took effect on Sunday aims to make homes available to Canadians facing a housing crunch. It is not a blanket ban and allows certain individuals such as refugees and permanent residents who are not citizens to purchase the property.

Canada has placed a ban on foreigners buying property. The ban which took effect on Sunday aims to make homes available to Canadians facing a housing crunch. It is not a blanket ban and allows certain individuals such as refugees and permanent residents who are not citizens to purchase the property. Furthermore, it only applies to city dwellings and not to recreational properties like summer cottages etc. Watch | Watch: Winter storm leaves behind unique ice sculptures in Canada As per AFP, the measure is temporary and will be in place for two years. About a year back when soaring housing prices were putting house ownership beyond the reach of many Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had proposed this measure as part of his 2021 electoral campaign. Following a win, Trudeau's Liberal party introduced the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act. Also read | Amid tight election race, Canadian PM Trudeau promises 2-year ban on foreign home buyers "The desirability of Canadian homes is attracting profiteers, wealthy corporations, and foreign investors," said the Party at the time. As per the party, this "desirability" was behind the "real problem of underused and vacant housing, rampant speculation, and skyrocketing prices. Homes are for people, not investors." However, as per the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average home price last month fell to Can $630,000 (US $465,000) last month from more than Can $800,000 (US $590,000) at the start of 2022. Also read | Australia, Canada join list of countries imposing mandatory COVID-19 tests for China arrivals Foreign buyers according to the national statistical agency account for less than five per cent of homeowners in Canada. Hence many experts as per AFP have said that a ban on them would not make housing more affordable, rather they say more housing construction is needed to meet the demand. As per a June estimate by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation about 19 million housing units will be needed by 2030. This means that the construction of 5.8 million new homes is needed. (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.

Trudeau keeps election promise, Canada imposes two year ban on foreign home buyers

Japan on Monday announced that over the past two weeks to keep tabs on China's Liaoning aircraft carrier and the nations warships that conducted naval manoeuvres and flight operations near Japanese territory, it scrambled jet fighters and made use of aircraft and warships.

In a press release, the Japanese Ministry of Defence said that the nation monitored the operations after the Chinese naval group, which includes missile destroyers, cruised between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima island on December 16, entering the Western Pacific from the East China Sea.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan

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On Sunday, the Chinese carrier returned in the same direction but not before making&nbsp;over 300 takeoffs and landings of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, said the ministry claimed.

However, the press release made no mention of any incursions into Japanese territorial waters or skies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-australia-ink-landmark-security-pact-to-counter-chinas-military-build-up-in-indo-pacific-527555">Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific</a>

China's latest large-scale military drills close to Japanese islands come after the traditional pacifist Japan recently announced plans to move away from its defence-only stance and expand its military, doubling defence expenditure. The move as per reports is to deter China from using its significant military to push territorial claims in the neighbourhood, including against Taiwan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-citizens-oppose-government-plans-to-increase-taxes-to-fund-320-billion-military-expansion-544216">Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion</a>

China has previously carried out similar operations, including one in May.

As the first country to spot the high-altitude drone, Japan also stated that it had observed flights by a Chinese WZ-7 drone near Miyakojima on Sunday and again on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan on Monday announced that over the past two weeks to keep tabs on China's Liaoning aircraft carrier and the nations warships that conducted naval manoeuvres and flight operations near Japanese territory, it scrambled jet fighters and made use of aircraft and warships.

Japan on Monday announced that over the past two weeks to keep tabs on China's Liaoning aircraft carrier and the nations warships that conducted naval manoeuvres and flight operations near Japanese territory, it scrambled jet fighters and made use of aircraft and warships. In a press release, the Japanese Ministry of Defence said that the nation monitored the operations after the Chinese naval group, which includes missile destroyers, cruised between the main island of Okinawa and Miyakojima island on December 16, entering the Western Pacific from the East China Sea. Watch | Japan unveils new national security plan, passes $320 billion military plan On Sunday, the Chinese carrier returned in the same direction but not before making over 300 takeoffs and landings of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, said the ministry claimed. However, the press release made no mention of any incursions into Japanese territorial waters or skies. Also read | Japan, Australia ink ‘landmark’ security pact to counter China’s military build-up in Indo-Pacific China's latest large-scale military drills close to Japanese islands come after the traditional pacifist Japan recently announced plans to move away from its defence-only stance and expand its military, doubling defence expenditure. The move as per reports is to deter China from using its significant military to push territorial claims in the neighbourhood, including against Taiwan. Also read | Japan citizens oppose government plans to increase taxes to fund $320 billion military expansion China has previously carried out similar operations, including one in May. As the first country to spot the high-altitude drone, Japan also stated that it had observed flights by a Chinese WZ-7 drone near Miyakojima on Sunday and again on Monday. (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.

Japan scrambled jet fighters to monitor Chinese aircraft carrier operations

North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil.

As per a KCNA news agency report, Pak who's the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party and a secretary of the party's Central Committee, was replaced at the committee's annual meeting last week.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korean leaders chairs key party meet; Kim Jong-un calls for bigger Nuclear arsenal

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No reason for the replacement was iven. However, as per Reuters North Korea regularly revamps its leadership and the year-end party has often been used for major policy decisions and reshuffles.

The replacement comes as Kim Jong Un recently announced that the country will be developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles and a large nuclear arsenal, as a way to counter Units States and South Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-kim-jong-un-wants-exponential-increase-in-nuclear-arsenal-548408">North Korea: Kim Jong Un wants ‘exponential increase’ in nuclear arsenal</a>

Pak's replacement, Ri, too is a senior military leader who has held important roles like chief of the army's general staff and defence minister.

According to Oh Gyeong-sup, a fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the recent increase in tension between North Korea and South Kora over Pyongyang's intrusion of drones into Seoul territory could be a factor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-three-unidentified-ballistic-missile-says-south-korea-548212">North Korea fired three ‘unidentified ballistic missiles,’ says South Korea</a>

In response to the intrusion, three drones were reportedly sent across the border by South Korea. However, the North did not respond, which according to Oh could indicate that it did not detect the drones.

Oh speculated that "Pak might have taken responsibility for the failure of security operations."

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil.

North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil. As per a KCNA news agency report, Pak who's the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party and a secretary of the party's Central Committee, was replaced at the committee's annual meeting last week. Watch | North Korean leaders chairs key party meet; Kim Jong-un calls for bigger Nuclear arsenal No reason for the replacement was iven. However, as per Reuters North Korea regularly revamps its leadership and the year-end party has often been used for major policy decisions and reshuffles. The replacement comes as Kim Jong Un recently announced that the country will be developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles and a large nuclear arsenal, as a way to counter Units States and South Korea. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong Un wants ‘exponential increase’ in nuclear arsenal Pak's replacement, Ri, too is a senior military leader who has held important roles like chief of the army's general staff and defence minister. According to Oh Gyeong-sup, a fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the recent increase in tension between North Korea and South Kora over Pyongyang's intrusion of drones into Seoul territory could be a factor. Also read | North Korea fired three ‘unidentified ballistic missiles,’ says South Korea In response to the intrusion, three drones were reportedly sent across the border by South Korea. However, the North did not respond, which according to Oh could indicate that it did not detect the drones. Oh speculated that "Pak might have taken responsibility for the failure of security 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.

North Korea's second most powerful man after Kim Jong Un replaced

The UAE is making efforts to make private jobs and business easier for its citizens.&nbsp;

The government has urged private firms to hire local talents to reach at least 10 per cent by the end of 2026. Companies that fail to recruit at least two per cent of nationals by next month will face a fine, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Not just this, the UAE has also announced that it will implement a year-long paid leave for citizens working in the public sector to start their own businesses. The measure is expected to begin from January 2, 2023. The individuals will be paid half of their salaries for a year.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/uae-winter-weather-forecast-dubai-gets-heavy-rain-cloudy-skies-as-temperatures-begin-to-fall-546719">Also read |&nbsp;UAE Winter Weather Forecast: Dubai gets heavy rain, cloudy skies as temperatures begin to fall</a>

The announcement was made by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the country to encourage more businesses.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted, "Today, within the Council, we decided on sabbatical leave for citizens working in the government who wish to run their own businesses. The leave lasts for a full year, with half the salary, while preserving the job. Our goal is to encourage our youth to take advantage of the huge business opportunities offered by our national economy."

Home to over nine million people, the International Labour Organisation claimed that only 12 per cent of nationals are recruited in the private sector with over 85 per cent taken by foreign nationals.&nbsp;

UAE like any other country always advocated for the public sector as an employment vehicle for its citizens. But time is changing now.&nbsp;

The government also announced income support of AED 7,000 ($1,900) for citizens who joined the private sector and have an income of less than AED 30,000.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/uae-new-visa-rules-you-wont-be-able-to-fly-if-this-detail-is-missing-in-your-passport-536500">Also read |&nbsp;UAE new visa rules: You won’t be able to fly if THIS detail is missing in your passport</a>

However, no minimum wage has been decided for Emiratis. But in Sharjah, a minimum salary of AED 25,000 has been entitled.&nbsp;

Despite having one of the lowest employment rates in Middle East Asia, data showed that Emiratis are not publicly available. The rate climbed to 4.2 per cent in 2019 from 2.5 in 2012.&nbsp;

Many experts believe that with this measure government is trying to make citizens alter their expectations, and work for long hours with less salary.&nbsp;

An Emirati researcher at Oxford said that discontent in the country has been increasing especially after the govt scrapped the laws capping foreign ownership at 49 per cent.&nbsp;

The debate sparked further&nbsp;after an advertisement for a "sandwich maker" at a Subway store was criticised prompting govt probe later.&nbsp;A user on Twitter said, "The lack of administrative, financial and technical jobs has led to 'sandwich maker'... Oh, what an age!" 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The UAE is making efforts to make private jobs and business easier for its citizens. The government has urged private firms to hire local talents to reach at least 10 per cent by the end of 2026.

The UAE is making efforts to make private jobs and business easier for its citizens. The government has urged private firms to hire local talents to reach at least 10 per cent by the end of 2026. Companies that fail to recruit at least two per cent of nationals by next month will face a fine, AFP reported. Not just this, the UAE has also announced that it will implement a year-long paid leave for citizens working in the public sector to start their own businesses. The measure is expected to begin from January 2, 2023. The individuals will be paid half of their salaries for a year. Also read | UAE Winter Weather Forecast: Dubai gets heavy rain, cloudy skies as temperatures begin to fall The announcement was made by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the country to encourage more businesses. In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted, "Today, within the Council, we decided on sabbatical leave for citizens working in the government who wish to run their own businesses. The leave lasts for a full year, with half the salary, while preserving the job. Our goal is to encourage our youth to take advantage of the huge business opportunities offered by our national economy." Home to over nine million people, the International Labour Organisation claimed that only 12 per cent of nationals are recruited in the private sector with over 85 per cent taken by foreign nationals. UAE like any other country always advocated for the public sector as an employment vehicle for its citizens. But time is changing now. The government also announced income support of AED 7,000 ($1,900) for citizens who joined the private sector and have an income of less than AED 30,000. Also read | UAE new visa rules: You won’t be able to fly if THIS detail is missing in your passport However, no minimum wage has been decided for Emiratis. But in Sharjah, a minimum salary of AED 25,000 has been entitled. Despite having one of the lowest employment rates in Middle East Asia, data showed that Emiratis are not publicly available. The rate climbed to 4.2 per cent in 2019 from 2.5 in 2012. Many experts believe that with this measure government is trying to make citizens alter their expectations, and work for long hours with less salary. An Emirati researcher at Oxford said that discontent in the country has been increasing especially after the govt scrapped the laws capping foreign ownership at 49 per cent. The debate sparked further after an advertisement for a "sandwich maker" at a Subway store was criticised prompting govt probe later. A user on Twitter said, "The lack of administrative, financial and technical jobs has led to 'sandwich maker'... Oh, what an age!" (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UAE urges private firms to hire nationals, offers 1-year paid leaves for govt employees to start business

In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China.&nbsp;As per an earlier report by the Telegraph, the nation was mulling over restrictions including requiring testing travellers for the deadly virus on arrival.

A spokesperson of the UK government said, "There are no plans to re-introduce COVID-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals into the UK."

Watch |&nbsp;China: Hospitals under siege as Covid crisis worsens

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Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister had said that restrictions were not something the nation was looking at.

Australia too as per a Reuters report said that it will make no change to its rules for travellers from China. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they are consulting heath experts but at the moment there is no change in travel advice, adding that they are monitoring "the situation, as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/passengers-travelling-from-china-to-us-now-need-to-show-negative-covid-test-547503">Passengers travelling from China to US now need to show negative Covid&nbsp; test report</a>&nbsp;

Recent days have seen nations stepping up precautionary measures involving travellers from China. These restrictions come as this month Beijing abruptly eased its once stringent zero-Covid rules that left much of its population vulnerable to infection and its healthcare infrastructure overwhelmed.

The United States has made mandatory a negative COVID-19 result. Passengers from China will have to submit to the airline before boarding a negative Covid test that needs to be done two days before flying. Italy on the other hand has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-after-japan-india-and-malaysia-now-us-mulls-stricter-rules-for-travellers-from-china-547206">COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China</a>

Malaysia has put in place additional tracking and surveillance measures, Japan said it would require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that travellers coming from "select&nbsp;countries" will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests, additionally, two per cent of international passengers will have to submit to random tests.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China.

In contrast to the precautionary steps many nations, including the United States, have taken, Britain on Thursday said it has no plans to impose any kind of curbs on travellers from China. As per an earlier report by the Telegraph, the nation was mulling over restrictions including requiring testing travellers for the deadly virus on arrival. A spokesperson of the UK government said, "There are no plans to re-introduce COVID-19 testing or additional requirements for arrivals into the UK." Watch | China: Hospitals under siege as Covid crisis worsens Just a day earlier, on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister had said that restrictions were not something the nation was looking at. Australia too as per a Reuters report said that it will make no change to its rules for travellers from China. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said they are consulting heath experts but at the moment there is no change in travel advice, adding that they are monitoring "the situation, as we continue to monitor the impact of COVID here in Australia as well as around the world." Also read | Passengers travelling from China to US now need to show negative Covid test report Recent days have seen nations stepping up precautionary measures involving travellers from China. These restrictions come as this month Beijing abruptly eased its once stringent zero-Covid rules that left much of its population vulnerable to infection and its healthcare infrastructure overwhelmed. The United States has made mandatory a negative COVID-19 result. Passengers from China will have to submit to the airline before boarding a negative Covid test that needs to be done two days before flying. Italy on the other hand has ordered COVID-19 antigen swabs and virus sequencing for all travellers coming from China. Also read | COVID-19 | After Japan, India and Malaysia, now US mulls stricter rules for travellers from China Malaysia has put in place additional tracking and surveillance measures, Japan said it would require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said that travellers coming from "select countries" will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests, additionally, two per cent of international passengers will have to submit to random tests. (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.

UK, Australia have no plans to impose Covid restrictions on travellers from China

From Edtech to IT, several companies fired their employees in 2022.

With the weakened global economy, many tech companies laid off a big chunk of their workforce this year. Reasons have been demanded and everyone wonders about the feeble nature of their job security in such companies.

Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the new season of layoffs began. Till now, more than 15,000 employees have been fired in different sectors.

Take a look at the sectors and companies which fired employees in large numbers.

Social Media Giants

1. Twitter:

Musk never missed a chance to bring new unexpected changes to Twitter, impacting its users and workers.

From CEO Parag Agarwal to CFO Ned Segal, Musk fired nearly 50 per cent&nbsp;of the total staff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-now-in-charge-of-twitter-fires-ceo-parag-agarwal-other-top-executives-report-529012">Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk now in charge of Twitter, fires CEO Parag Agrawal, other top executives: Report</a>

Thousands of employees were asked to leave globally, including in India.

Musk laid off employees via email without any prior notice.

In a rather strange development, two days after firing 50 per cent of its staff, Musk's Twitter Inc reached out to dozens asking them to return to their jobs.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And now it is my turn to say goodbye. 
 
💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveWhereYouWorked?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveWhereYouWorked</a> 
 
Yesterday was my last day at Twitter, as half of the remaining Public Policy team was cut from the company. 
 
It's hard to convey how fortunate I feel to have had this exceptional opportunity. <a href="https://t.co/98vt7Zy7dw">pic.twitter.com/98vt7Zy7dw</a>
— Theodora (Theo) Skeadas (@theodoraskeadas) <a href="https://twitter.com/theodoraskeadas/status/1605953310451720195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

2. Meta:

Facebook's parent company Meta executed one of the biggest layoffs of 2022 as over 11,000 employees were sacked.

Meta fired 13 per cent of its workforce. The employees were laid off via email, making it one of the biggest layoffs of the year.

Meta has laid off its staff from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Ghana.

Those sacked include product designers and engineers, as well as some who worked in recruitment, marketing, Meta's Reality Labs, and the Quest division.

&nbsp;

Edu Tech

1. BYJU’s:

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/06/30/275322-byjus.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

In October, Indian Education tech giant BYJU’s laid off around 2,500 employees as it was struggling to improve its finances and book profits.

India’s biggest Edtech start-up said the layoffs are a step to cut costs and achieve overall profitability.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-byjus-ceo-says-it-is-not-layoff-but-time-off-after-firing-employees-530189">Also read |&nbsp;India: BYJU's CEO says it is not 'layoff' but 'time off' after firing employees</a>

In May 2022, due to higher promotion and employee expenses, BYJU’s reported a loss of 45.64 billion rupees ($ 554.77 million) for the fiscal year 2021.

&nbsp;

2. Unacademy:

Edtech startup conducted three rounds of layoffs. The company sacked more than 1,000 employees in a bid to cut costs.

CEO Gaurav Munjal tweeted that Unacademy had brought down its monthly burn from $20 million to $7 million.

Apart from these two, Vedantu and FrontRow also laid off hundreds of their employees to cut costs.

&nbsp;

Big Tech Companies-

1. Google:

Alphabet, Google's parent company is all set to lay off its employees. According to reports, the company will lay off up to 10,000 employees or 6% of the company's "poor-performing" employees.

According to a report, the IT giant will fire employees using a ranking system. In November 2022, the company announced a freeze on hiring.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Google parent Alphabet plans to lay off about 10,000 employees

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It will let go of ‘low performing’ employees in early 2023. The company will use performance as a parameter to fire employees by using a ranking system.

The new review system, which will depend on the fate of Google’s employees, will come into effect next year. 
According to reports, even the top-performing employees will push harder to get the best rating possible.

&nbsp;

2. HP:

Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the biggest tech companies, joined the list of layoffs in November 2022.

The laptop&nbsp;and electronic gadgets manufacturing giant started laying off its employees and will continue to do the same till the fiscal year 2025. The company will stagger the layoffs in the coming years as part of its $1.4 billion cost-cutting plan.&nbsp;

Around 6,000 employees will be laid off from the company amounting to 12 per cent of its global workforce.

Currently, around 50,000 people are working at the firm.

&nbsp;

3. Microsoft:

Microsoft Corporation has laid off thousands of employees across multiple divisions amid a global economic slowdown.&nbsp;

The tech giant didn’t confirm the number of cuts.

&nbsp;

Fashion Labels-

H&amp;M-

Stockholm-headquartered fashion label Hennes &amp; Mauritz (H&amp;M) fired around 1,500 employees citing lesser consumer demand due to soaring inflation.

H&amp;M sells its disposable fashion in 53 countries worldwide. The current cuts at the company are aimed at saving $189.5 million per year.

&nbsp;

Food Aggregators-

1. Zomato-

In the third week of November 2022, Indian food delivery aggregator Zomato confirmed that the company will lay off 3 per cent of its workforce nationwide.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/11/19/312051-wion-images-18.png?imwidth=1920" />

“There has been a regular performance-based churn of under 3 per cent of our workforce, there's nothing more to it,” said the Zomato spokesperson.

In the last quarter, the company sustained a net loss of $2.5 billion.

E-commerce-

Amazon-

In November 2022, Amazon reportedly decided to lay off thousands of employees in a bid to&nbsp;"consolidate some teams and programmes."

There are also reports claiming that Amazon may fire 20,000 employees after over-hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Centre workers, technology staff and corporate executives are the ones who will be affected by the layoffs at the top-performing firm.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/05/315779-untitled-design-2022-12-05t124005938.png?imwidth=1920" />

The employees who were fired shared their ordeals on Twitter.

Banking-

1. Goldman Sachs-

Goldman Sachs Group Inc&nbsp;(GS.N)&nbsp;is planning to lay off thousands of its employees to navigate a difficult economic environment.

According to sources, the number of employees that will be affected by the layoff is still being discussed and details will be shared by early next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/goldman-sachs-ceo-david-solomon-unveils-plan-to-cut-jobs-from-january-in-his-year-end-message-to-staff-547761">Also read |&nbsp;Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon unveils plan to cut jobs from January in his year-end message to staff</a>

Ahead of laying off 500 employees in the month of September, the investment bank already warned its employees in July of slow hiring and reducing expenses.

&nbsp;

2. Morgan Stanley-

Global investment advisory firm Morgan Stanley has reportedly laid off nearly 2 per cent of its global workforce amid the global economic meltdown.

The firm laid off around 1,600 employees in the month of December.&nbsp;

Morgan Stanley’s layoffs come as a big surprise for its workers as most eyes were mainly on tech and startup layoffs.

The list does not end here, other big companies have also laid off their employees, like - Intel, Meesho, Ford, Walmart, TikTok, Snap, Netflix, Cars 24, Citigroup, Pepsico, Adobe, Barclays and more.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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From Edtech to IT, several companies fired their employees in 2022. With the weakened global economy, many tech companies laid off a big chunk of their workforce this year.

From Edtech to IT, several companies fired their employees in 2022. With the weakened global economy, many tech companies laid off a big chunk of their workforce this year. Reasons have been demanded and everyone wonders about the feeble nature of their job security in such companies. Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter, the new season of layoffs began. Till now, more than 15,000 employees have been fired in different sectors. Take a look at the sectors and companies which fired employees in large numbers. Social Media Giants 1. Twitter: Musk never missed a chance to bring new unexpected changes to Twitter, impacting its users and workers. From CEO Parag Agarwal to CFO Ned Segal, Musk fired nearly 50 per cent of the total staff. Also read | Elon Musk now in charge of Twitter, fires CEO Parag Agrawal, other top executives: Report Thousands of employees were asked to leave globally, including in India. Musk laid off employees via email without any prior notice. In a rather strange development, two days after firing 50 per cent of its staff, Musk's Twitter Inc reached out to dozens asking them to return to their jobs. And now it is my turn to say goodbye. 💙 #LoveWhereYouWorked Yesterday was my last day at Twitter, as half of the remaining Public Policy team was cut from the company. It's hard to convey how fortunate I feel to have had this exceptional opportunity. pic.twitter.com/98vt7Zy7dw — Theodora (Theo) Skeadas (@theodoraskeadas) December 22, 2022 × 2. Meta: Facebook's parent company Meta executed one of the biggest layoffs of 2022 as over 11,000 employees were sacked. Meta fired 13 per cent of its workforce. The employees were laid off via email, making it one of the biggest layoffs of the year. Meta has laid off its staff from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Ghana. Those sacked include product designers and engineers, as well as some who worked in recruitment, marketing, Meta's Reality Labs, and the Quest division. Edu Tech 1. BYJU’s: In October, Indian Education tech giant BYJU’s laid off around 2,500 employees as it was struggling to improve its finances and book profits. India’s biggest Edtech start-up said the layoffs are a step to cut costs and achieve overall profitability. Also read | India: BYJU's CEO says it is not 'layoff' but 'time off' after firing employees In May 2022, due to higher promotion and employee expenses, BYJU’s reported a loss of 45.64 billion rupees ($ 554.77 million) for the fiscal year 2021. 2. Unacademy: Edtech startup conducted three rounds of layoffs. The company sacked more than 1,000 employees in a bid to cut costs. CEO Gaurav Munjal tweeted that Unacademy had brought down its monthly burn from $20 million to $7 million. Apart from these two, Vedantu and FrontRow also laid off hundreds of their employees to cut costs. Big Tech Companies- 1. Google: Alphabet, Google's parent company is all set to lay off its employees. According to reports, the company will lay off up to 10,000 employees or 6% of the company's "poor-performing" employees. According to a report, the IT giant will fire employees using a ranking system. In November 2022, the company announced a freeze on hiring. Watch | Report: Google parent Alphabet plans to lay off about 10,000 employees It will let go of ‘low performing’ employees in early 2023. The company will use performance as a parameter to fire employees by using a ranking system. The new review system, which will depend on the fate of Google’s employees, will come into effect next year. According to reports, even the top-performing employees will push harder to get the best rating possible. 2. HP: Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the biggest tech companies, joined the list of layoffs in November 2022. The laptop and electronic gadgets manufacturing giant started laying off its employees and will continue to do the same till the fiscal year 2025. The company will stagger the layoffs in the coming years as part of its $1.4 billion cost-cutting plan. Around 6,000 employees will be laid off from the company amounting to 12 per cent of its global workforce. Currently, around 50,000 people are working at the firm. 3. Microsoft: Microsoft Corporation has laid off thousands of employees across multiple divisions amid a global economic slowdown. The tech giant didn’t confirm the number of cuts. Fashion Labels- H&M- Stockholm-headquartered fashion label Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) fired around 1,500 employees citing lesser consumer demand due to soaring inflation. H&M sells its disposable fashion in 53 countries worldwide. The current cuts at the company are aimed at saving $189.5 million per year. Food Aggregators- 1. Zomato- In the third week of November 2022, Indian food delivery aggregator Zomato confirmed that the company will lay off 3 per cent of its workforce nationwide. “There has been a regular performance-based churn of under 3 per cent of our workforce, there's nothing more to it,” said the Zomato spokesperson. In the last quarter, the company sustained a net loss of $2.5 billion. E-commerce- Amazon- In November 2022, Amazon reportedly decided to lay off thousands of employees in a bid to "consolidate some teams and programmes." There are also reports claiming that Amazon may fire 20,000 employees after over-hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. Centre workers, technology staff and corporate executives are the ones who will be affected by the layoffs at the top-performing firm. The employees who were fired shared their ordeals on Twitter. Banking- 1. Goldman Sachs- Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) is planning to lay off thousands of its employees to navigate a difficult economic environment. According to sources, the number of employees that will be affected by the layoff is still being discussed and details will be shared by early next year. Also read | Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon unveils plan to cut jobs from January in his year-end message to staff Ahead of laying off 500 employees in the month of September, the investment bank already warned its employees in July of slow hiring and reducing expenses. 2. Morgan Stanley- Global investment advisory firm Morgan Stanley has reportedly laid off nearly 2 per cent of its global workforce amid the global economic meltdown. The firm laid off around 1,600 employees in the month of December. Morgan Stanley’s layoffs come as a big surprise for its workers as most eyes were mainly on tech and startup layoffs. The list does not end here, other big companies have also laid off their employees, like - Intel, Meesho, Ford, Walmart, TikTok, Snap, Netflix, Cars 24, Citigroup, Pepsico, Adobe, Barclays and more. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Live TV

2022: The year of massive layoffs. Which sectors were affected?

South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The &nbsp;Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease.

Here's all you need to know about the "brain-eating amoeba":

<h2>What is it?</h2>

The scientific name for this brain-eating amoeba is 'Naegleria fowleri', and it is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs.

<h2>How does it infect people?</h2>

Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba.

The amoeba as per the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).

Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses.

In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water and water parks etc.

<h2>Geographically, where is this brain-eating amoeba found?</h2>

It was first discovered in the United States in the year 1937 and the CDC warns that in warmer months of July, August and September, it may be present in any freshwater body in the US. It is not present in salt, or brackish water.

The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures.

<h2>How common are infections from this amoeba?</h2>

The case reported on Monday (December 26th) is South Korea's first case of the brain-eating amoeba. In the US between the period, 2012-2021 on an average zero to five cases were diagnosed annually. As of 2018, a total of 381 cases have been reported from across the world, mainly from US, India and Thailand.

<h2>Who is most vulnerable to the disease?</h2>

Mostly young boys of ages 14 years or younger. However, as per CDC, this could mainly be due to the fact that boys this age are more prone to participate in activities that leave people vulnerable to the organism and the resulting disease.

<h2>Is it contagious?</h2>

No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another.

<h2>What are the symptoms of brain infection?</h2>

Common symptoms that usually start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and ultimately death.

The disease progresses rapidly and generally, death happens between one to five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal.

<h2>What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri?</h2>

Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs were found to be beneficial in the treatment.

While currently reported cases of this deadly amoeba are rare, as climate change and global warming heat up the planet, this heat-loving amoeba may thrive making infections common.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease.

South Korean authorities on Monday reported the nation's first death from a "brain-eating amoeba". The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) as per Yonhap news agency confirmed that a 50-year-old Korean man who had recently returned from Thailand died from the disease. Here's all you need to know about the "brain-eating amoeba": What is it? The scientific name for this brain-eating amoeba is 'Naegleria fowleri', and it is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs. How does it infect people? Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba. The amoeba as per the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses. In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water and water parks etc. Geographically, where is this brain-eating amoeba found? It was first discovered in the United States in the year 1937 and the CDC warns that in warmer months of July, August and September, it may be present in any freshwater body in the US. It is not present in salt, or brackish water. The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures. How common are infections from this amoeba? The case reported on Monday (December 26th) is South Korea's first case of the brain-eating amoeba. In the US between the period, 2012-2021 on an average zero to five cases were diagnosed annually. As of 2018, a total of 381 cases have been reported from across the world, mainly from US, India and Thailand. Who is most vulnerable to the disease? Mostly young boys of ages 14 years or younger. However, as per CDC, this could mainly be due to the fact that boys this age are more prone to participate in activities that leave people vulnerable to the organism and the resulting disease. Is it contagious? No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another. What are the symptoms of brain infection? Common symptoms that usually start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and ultimately death. The disease progresses rapidly and generally, death happens between one to five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal. What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri? Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs were found to be beneficial in the treatment. While currently reported cases of this deadly amoeba are rare, as climate change and global warming heat up the planet, this heat-loving amoeba may thrive making infections common. 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.

S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba'

It comes as no surprise that women's conditions in Pakistan are deteriorating.&nbsp;

A new report has shown that Pakistan's Karachi has reported over 200 sexual abuse cases in 2022 with at least six reported in the last three and half months, The News International reported.&nbsp;

The state also saw a disturbing rise in cases of minor girls killed after rape in 2022.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-taliban-kills-six-security-personnel-in-multiple-attacks-in-balochistan-546507">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistani Taliban kill six security personnel in multiple attacks in Balochistan</a>

A few days back, on Dec 13, a six-year-old Afghan girl was allegedly raped and killed after she went outside her house. Her body was recovered later from a deserted house near the Gulshan-e-Myanmar Afghan checkpoint.&nbsp;

On Dec 08, a teenage girl was raped and murdered by a man in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood. Similarly, on Dec 6, a 12-year-old girl was killed after she was raped&nbsp;in a house located in the Jacob Lines area.&nbsp;

Karachi police official data showed that eight out of 216 abuse cases showed that victims were aged five years. Among the remaining 40 were between six and 10, 38 were between 15 and 18 and 95 were over the age of 18.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-central-bank-slams-shehbaz-govts-focus-on-growth-over-financial-stabilty-says-such-economies-face-crisis-546321">Also read |&nbsp;Pak central bank slams Shehbaz govt’s focus on growth over financial stability, warns of economic crisis ahead</a>

War Against Rape (WAR) which focuses on investigating these cases stated that such cases until July showed that 42 cases were investigated, and 28 survivors were children amongst 18 years.&nbsp;

In terms of nature, 64 per cent of the cases were of rape, 18 per cent of gang rape, 12 per cent of incest and six per cent of sexual assault.&nbsp;

Stating possible reasons for such occurrences, many have believed that police negligence or delay is found to be one of the causes for the culprits succeeding in such brutal acts, many have allegedly killed victims' family members to hide their identities or to avoid their arrests.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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It comes as no surprise that women's conditions in Pakistan are deteriorating. A new report has shown that Pakistan's Karachi has reported over 200 sexual abuse cases in 2022 with at least six reported in the last three and half months, The News International reported.

It comes as no surprise that women's conditions in Pakistan are deteriorating. A new report has shown that Pakistan's Karachi has reported over 200 sexual abuse cases in 2022 with at least six reported in the last three and half months, The News International reported. The state also saw a disturbing rise in cases of minor girls killed after rape in 2022. Also read | Pakistani Taliban kill six security personnel in multiple attacks in Balochistan A few days back, on Dec 13, a six-year-old Afghan girl was allegedly raped and killed after she went outside her house. Her body was recovered later from a deserted house near the Gulshan-e-Myanmar Afghan checkpoint. On Dec 08, a teenage girl was raped and murdered by a man in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal neighbourhood. Similarly, on Dec 6, a 12-year-old girl was killed after she was raped in a house located in the Jacob Lines area. Karachi police official data showed that eight out of 216 abuse cases showed that victims were aged five years. Among the remaining 40 were between six and 10, 38 were between 15 and 18 and 95 were over the age of 18. Also read | Pak central bank slams Shehbaz govt’s focus on growth over financial stability, warns of economic crisis ahead War Against Rape (WAR) which focuses on investigating these cases stated that such cases until July showed that 42 cases were investigated, and 28 survivors were children amongst 18 years. In terms of nature, 64 per cent of the cases were of rape, 18 per cent of gang rape, 12 per cent of incest and six per cent of sexual assault. Stating possible reasons for such occurrences, many have believed that police negligence or delay is found to be one of the causes for the culprits succeeding in such brutal acts, many have allegedly killed victims' family members to hide their identities or to avoid their arrests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan's Karachi registers over 200 cases of sexual abuse this year: Report 

Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand.&nbsp;

India is all set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to modernise roads, rail networks and ports.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/salaries-of-it-ceos-climbed-by-1500-compared-to-only-50-for-new-hires-business-today-analysis-547060">Also read |&nbsp;India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report</a>

According to a report, the World Steel Association has anticipated a 6.7 percent increase in steel demand or nearly 120 million tonnes in 2023 making it the biggest such increase among major economies.&nbsp;

The report also highlighted a positive outlook for the steel sector.&nbsp;

India, which had a similar growth this year, surpassed the US to become the world's number 2 steel consumer after China.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India's Tata Steel seeks support from UK government

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JSW Steel Ltd deputy managing director Jayant Acharya told Bloomberg that the nation-building phase of any economy requires a lot of steel and other commodities.&nbsp;

Acharya added, India is currently in this phase and it could boost the country's steel consumption to over 200 million tonnes by the end of 2030.&nbsp;

To do so, many companies have been setting up their projects in India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-steel-hub-curbing-output-for-blue-skies-before-xis-coronation-524542">Also read |&nbsp;China’s steel hub curbing output for blue skies before Xi's 'coronation'</a>

ArcelorMittal Nippon India Ltd., &nbsp;a joint project between India's Mittal and Japan has planned to triple capacity to nearly 30 million tonnes by 2030.&nbsp;

Similarly, Asia's richest man Gautam Adani and &nbsp;South Korea's steelmaker Posco Holdings inc. have been setting up mills in India. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand.

Amid a decline in China's construction sector and both the US and Europe heading towards recession, India has now emerged as a saviour flagging global steel demand. India is all set to overtake China as the world's most populous nation. In an effort to compete with China as a manufacturing hub, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking to modernise roads, rail networks and ports. Also read | India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report According to a report, the World Steel Association has anticipated a 6.7 percent increase in steel demand or nearly 120 million tonnes in 2023 making it the biggest such increase among major economies. The report also highlighted a positive outlook for the steel sector. India, which had a similar growth this year, surpassed the US to become the world's number 2 steel consumer after China. Watch | India's Tata Steel seeks support from UK government JSW Steel Ltd deputy managing director Jayant Acharya told Bloomberg that the nation-building phase of any economy requires a lot of steel and other commodities. Acharya added, India is currently in this phase and it could boost the country's steel consumption to over 200 million tonnes by the end of 2030. To do so, many companies have been setting up their projects in India. Also read | China’s steel hub curbing output for blue skies before Xi's 'coronation' ArcelorMittal Nippon India Ltd., a joint project between India's Mittal and Japan has planned to triple capacity to nearly 30 million tonnes by 2030. Similarly, Asia's richest man Gautam Adani and South Korea's steelmaker Posco Holdings inc. have been setting up mills in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid decline in China's construction sector, India emerges as 'saviour' for global steel demand, says report 

Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after&nbsp;a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state.&nbsp;

The incident happened on early Christmas Day around 2:30 am when Puget Sound Energy substation&nbsp;experienced a power outage "where the fenced areas were broken into and the equipment vandalised," the Pierce county sheriff's office said in its statement, the Guardian reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pence-is-not-running-for-president-his-adviser-clarifies-547038">Also read |&nbsp;Mike Pence is not running for president, his adviser clarifies</a>

In the sheriff's other statement it stated that "The suspect(s) gained access to the fenced area and vandalized the equipment which caused the fire."

Three hours later, around 5:30 am, nearly 10 miles away a break in vandalism or "force entry" in Tacoma Public Utilities led to a power outage.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area

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Addressing the incident, the&nbsp;company on Sunday on its Facebook page said, "Unfortunately, the impacts to our system from today’s deliberate damage are more severe in some places than initial testing indicated."

According to Pierce County Sgt Darren Moss told King 5, "There’s a good possibility they are related, we are going to be investigating to see if this was coordinated by a specific group or people." He added, "but at this time all we know is that we have burglaries where the power was purposefully knocked out."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/once-in-a-lifetime-weather-disaster-leaves-at-least-60-dead-in-us-546886">Also read |&nbsp;'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US</a>

Until now there have been six attacks this month so far across Oregon and Washington.&nbsp;

A similar instance occurred in North Carolina at the beginning of December when a gunman opened fire at two stations.

Although no suspects have been identified for any instance, some of these assaults have been carried out by extremists driven online and far-right agendas.&nbsp;

King 5 reported that over 7,000 individuals were affected as the power poured before Christmas morning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state.

Christmas calls for celebrations and lights everywhere, but in Washington over 14,000 people suffered power outages after a series of burglaries and vandalism at different power stations in the state. The incident happened on early Christmas Day around 2:30 am when Puget Sound Energy substation experienced a power outage "where the fenced areas were broken into and the equipment vandalised," the Pierce county sheriff's office said in its statement, the Guardian reported. Also read | Mike Pence is not running for president, his adviser clarifies In the sheriff's other statement it stated that "The suspect(s) gained access to the fenced area and vandalized the equipment which caused the fire." Three hours later, around 5:30 am, nearly 10 miles away a break in vandalism or "force entry" in Tacoma Public Utilities led to a power outage. Watch | US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area Addressing the incident, the company on Sunday on its Facebook page said, "Unfortunately, the impacts to our system from today’s deliberate damage are more severe in some places than initial testing indicated." According to Pierce County Sgt Darren Moss told King 5, "There’s a good possibility they are related, we are going to be investigating to see if this was coordinated by a specific group or people." He added, "but at this time all we know is that we have burglaries where the power was purposefully knocked out." Also read | 'Once-in-a-lifetime' weather disaster leaves at least 60 dead in US Until now there have been six attacks this month so far across Oregon and Washington. A similar instance occurred in North Carolina at the beginning of December when a gunman opened fire at two stations. Although no suspects have been identified for any instance, some of these assaults have been carried out by extremists driven online and far-right agendas. King 5 reported that over 7,000 individuals were affected as the power poured before Christmas morning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Over 14,000 people suffered power outages after attack on energy stations in Washington

The United Nations urged the Taliban on Tuesday to remove the tough policies that impact the education of women and girls in Afghanistan. In other news, Syria's&nbsp;Kurdish-led forces are on alert after a fatal attack by jihadists. Finally,&nbsp;putting an end to years of controversy about how far the government should intervene in people's personal lives, South Korea lifts the ban on the import of adult-sized sex dolls.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-urges-taliban-government-to-end-terrible-restrictions-on-women-547139">United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/21/319839-untitled-design-2022-12-21t140807974.png?imwidth=1920" />

"No country can develop -- indeed survive -- socially and economically with half its population excluded," Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-kurdish-led-forces-on-alert-increases-security-over-possible-is-attacks-says-official-547138">Syria's Kurdish-led forces 'on alert,' increases security over possible IS attacks, says official</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321340-000334w42g.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Farhad Shami said that they have information about potential IS attacks during the end of the year. He listed Raqa, Hasakeh and Qamishli cities as possible targets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-lifts-ban-on-import-of-adult-sized-sex-dolls-customs-office-come-up-with-revised-guidelines-547086">South Korea lifts ban on import of adult-sized sex dolls, customs office releases revised guidelines</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321300-images-1.jpeg?imwidth=1920" />

The customs office said in a statement on Monday that it has started enforcing a revised policy on the import of life-size adult sex dolls. It claimed to have examined recent court decisions as well as recommendations from pertinent governmental organisations, such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/salaries-of-it-ceos-climbed-by-1500-compared-to-only-50-for-new-hires-business-today-analysis-547060">India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321281-untitled-design-47.png?imwidth=1920" />

A Business Today analysis has revealed&nbsp;that in the past 10&nbsp;years, salary increases for new hires in the IT sector have been more muted than those for their CEOs. While the pay for CEOs has skyrocketed by around 1500 per cent, that of new hires has climbed by just a little over 45 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/18th-century-temple-in-taiwan-comes-up-with-nfts-to-boost-popularity-547119">18th century temple in Taiwan comes up with NFTs to boost popularity</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321322-mazu-nft-03.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Non-fungible tokens (NFT) have gained a massive amount of popularity in the past&nbsp;couple of years but the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung has found a never-seen-before way to use modern technology. The temple, which is around 100 miles down the coast from Taiwan, introduced NFTs in connection to the sea goddess Mazu and they are already popular among younger people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-from-queen-elizabeth-ii-to-shinzo-abe-here-are-2022s-notable-deaths-547109">In pics | From Queen Elizabeth II to Shinzo Abe, here are 2022's notable deaths&nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321315-untitled-design-2022-12-27t184458671.png?imwidth=640" />

From Queen Elizabeth II to the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the year 2022, we lost several global personalities.&nbsp;

The longest-reigning queen of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth the second passed away on September 07 at the age of 96, AFP reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-ad-urges-people-to-cut-their-energy-consumption-for-30-seconds-each-day-547111">UK government ad urges people to cut their energy consumption for 30 seconds each day</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/27/321317-5hgpqubribjevkde3hey24xqhe.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

The UK government's long-awaited television ad campaign to reduce costs will now push households to lower their energy consumption by just 30 seconds each day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asian-markets-gain-momentum-following-chinas-decision-to-loosen-covid-restrictions-547040">Asian markets gain momentum following China's decision to loosen Covid restrictions</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/20/319613-wion-images-3.png?imwidth=1920" />

The news of China ending mandatory quarantine for arrivals has resulted in instant gains when it comes to Asian markets. China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both opened with considerable gains while similar trends were also observed in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai.

Watch |&nbsp;Former US VP Mike Pence did not file to run for President, adviser says

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Watch |&nbsp;US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area

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The United Nations urged the Taliban on Tuesday to remove the tough policies that impact the education of women and girls in Afghanistan. In other news, Syria's Kurdish-led forces are on alert after a fatal attack by jihadists.

The United Nations urged the Taliban on Tuesday to remove the tough policies that impact the education of women and girls in Afghanistan. In other news, Syria's Kurdish-led forces are on alert after a fatal attack by jihadists. Finally, putting an end to years of controversy about how far the government should intervene in people's personal lives, South Korea lifts the ban on the import of adult-sized sex dolls. Click on the headlines to read more: United Nations urges Taliban government to end 'terrible' restrictions on women "No country can develop -- indeed survive -- socially and economically with half its population excluded," Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said. Syria's Kurdish-led forces 'on alert,' increases security over possible IS attacks, says official The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) spokesman Farhad Shami said that they have information about potential IS attacks during the end of the year. He listed Raqa, Hasakeh and Qamishli cities as possible targets. South Korea lifts ban on import of adult-sized sex dolls, customs office releases revised guidelines The customs office said in a statement on Monday that it has started enforcing a revised policy on the import of life-size adult sex dolls. It claimed to have examined recent court decisions as well as recommendations from pertinent governmental organisations, such as the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. India: Salaries of IT CEOs climbed by 1,500% compared to only 50% for new hires, says report A Business Today analysis has revealed that in the past 10 years, salary increases for new hires in the IT sector have been more muted than those for their CEOs. While the pay for CEOs has skyrocketed by around 1500 per cent, that of new hires has climbed by just a little over 45 per cent. 18th century temple in Taiwan comes up with NFTs to boost popularity Non-fungible tokens (NFT) have gained a massive amount of popularity in the past couple of years but the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung has found a never-seen-before way to use modern technology. The temple, which is around 100 miles down the coast from Taiwan, introduced NFTs in connection to the sea goddess Mazu and they are already popular among younger people. In pics | From Queen Elizabeth II to Shinzo Abe, here are 2022's notable deaths From Queen Elizabeth II to the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the year 2022, we lost several global personalities. The longest-reigning queen of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth the second passed away on September 07 at the age of 96, AFP reported. UK government ad urges people to cut their energy consumption for 30 seconds each day The UK government's long-awaited television ad campaign to reduce costs will now push households to lower their energy consumption by just 30 seconds each day. Asian markets gain momentum following China's decision to loosen Covid restrictions The news of China ending mandatory quarantine for arrivals has resulted in instant gains when it comes to Asian markets. China’s benchmark Shanghai index and the second index in Shenzhen both opened with considerable gains while similar trends were also observed in Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore and Mumbai. Watch | Former US VP Mike Pence did not file to run for President, adviser says Watch | US: Vandals attack power grid in Tacoma, Washington area

Top 10 World News: UN urges Taliban to end restrictions on women, Syrian forces on alert after IS attack, more

What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans.&nbsp;

They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves. But, now curious scientists have decided to disturb their slumber and attempt to 'reawaken' ancient, Stone Age viruses.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Scientists revive 48,500-year-old ‘zombie virus’ buried in ice

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-scientists-revive-48500-year-old-zombie-virus-buried-in-ice-538846/embed" width="560"></iframe>

As per researchers, northeast Siberia is home to the remains of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros, other extinct species and...dormant ancient viruses.

The project is being carried out by Vector or Russia's State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology and as per Daily Mail, it aims to extract cellular material that contains viruses that killed the giant beasts and perform experiments on them in a lab.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/skorea-reports-first-death-by-naegleria-fowleri-heres-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-brain-eating-amoeba-547004">S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba'</a>

However, there's concern that given the fact that the human bodies of today are strangers to these prehistoric 'paleoviruses' and if they were to jump the species barrier, the coronavirus pandemic may end up looking like the less deadly outbreak.&nbsp;

Given that the woolly mammoth were huge animals the size of today's elephants which are much larger than an average human, the viruses that killed them are definitely a cause of concern.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-a-fertile-breeding-ground-for-a-potentially-dangerous-covid-mutation-experts-546567">China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts</a>

The scientific community too has raised the alarm. &nbsp;Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor of microbiology at the University of Aix-Marseille in France said that the Russian research "is terrible. I'm totally against it".

He added that it "is very, very risky. Our immune systems have never encountered these types of viruses. Some of them could be 200,000 or even 400,000 years old. But ancient viruses that infected animals or humans could still be infectious."

But the sad truth is that even without Vector's reawakening of the ancient viruses chances are something deadly will slip out of the Arctic's frozen waters sooner or later. As global warming slowly melts permafrost the global scientific community has already raised alarm over deadly diseases that may escape their "frozen prisons".

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans. They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves.

What image does the name 'woolly mammoth' bring to your mind? Huge, majestic creatures with giant tusks walking an Earth yet untouched by modern humans. They last walked that walk a million years back and since then the majestic animals have lain silent and mostly undisturbed in their permafrost graves. But, now curious scientists have decided to disturb their slumber and attempt to 'reawaken' ancient, Stone Age viruses. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Scientists revive 48,500-year-old ‘zombie virus’ buried in ice As per researchers, northeast Siberia is home to the remains of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros, other extinct species and...dormant ancient viruses. The project is being carried out by Vector or Russia's State Research Centre of Virology and Biotechnology and as per Daily Mail, it aims to extract cellular material that contains viruses that killed the giant beasts and perform experiments on them in a lab. Also read | S.Korea reports first death by Naegleria fowleri. Here's all you need to know about the 'brain-eating amoeba' However, there's concern that given the fact that the human bodies of today are strangers to these prehistoric 'paleoviruses' and if they were to jump the species barrier, the coronavirus pandemic may end up looking like the less deadly outbreak. Given that the woolly mammoth were huge animals the size of today's elephants which are much larger than an average human, the viruses that killed them are definitely a cause of concern. Also read | China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts The scientific community too has raised the alarm. Jean-Michel Claverie, a professor of microbiology at the University of Aix-Marseille in France said that the Russian research "is terrible. I'm totally against it". He added that it "is very, very risky. Our immune systems have never encountered these types of viruses. Some of them could be 200,000 or even 400,000 years old. But ancient viruses that infected animals or humans could still be infectious." But the sad truth is that even without Vector's reawakening of the ancient viruses chances are something deadly will slip out of the Arctic's frozen waters sooner or later. As global warming slowly melts permafrost the global scientific community has already raised alarm over deadly diseases that may escape their "frozen prisons". (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.

Russian researchers attempt to 're-awaken' ancient viruses that killed giant woolly mammoths

In Jordan's Petra thousands of visitors had to be evacuated from a famed archaeological site as heavy rains triggered flooding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Amman Net reported that the evacuations were done to ensure the safety of the visitors. Reportedly due to the heavy rains water from surrounding mountains poured down into the city located in the south of the kingdom.

Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Time to give up on Paris Climate Agreement?

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As per estimates circulating on social media websites close to 1,700 have been evacuated.

Official sources as per Jordan News said that an incident involving a bus that was tipped over due to torrential rains has resulted in the death of three people in the Maan governorate south of the Kingdom. Maan's energy operations centre said that the bus was on its way to the Al-Hussein Bin Talal University.

Video of the incident is going viral on Twitter:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Torrential rains in Petra, Jordan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jordan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jordan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Petra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Petra</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#flood</a> 
 
TELEGRAM JOIN 👉 <a href="https://t.co/anmxTr9HCh">https://t.co/anmxTr9HCh</a> <a href="https://t.co/0BjydG205N">pic.twitter.com/0BjydG205N</a>
— Top Disaster (@Top_Disaster) <a href="https://twitter.com/Top_Disaster/status/1607405757330493446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/44-people-arrested-in-jordan-after-protests-against-rise-in-fuel-prices-543985">Cops arrest 44 people in Jordan over protests against skyrocketing fuel prices</a>

Following the incident, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University has suspended classes citing unsafe weather conditions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wow. Flash flood at Petra in Jordan today. Tourists were evacuated, with a number of casualties reported. 🙏🏻<a href="https://t.co/dMdO1fCiNi">pic.twitter.com/dMdO1fCiNi</a>
— Ari Ingel (@OGAride) <a href="https://twitter.com/OGAride/status/1607453912839356417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Raed Khattab, the Director of the Jordan Meteorological Department talking to the Jordan News Agency said that the southern governorates could expect the most precipitation as per.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/jordans-narcotics-nexus-customs-department-seizes-6-million-captagon-pills-from-iraq-border-546629">Jordanian Customs Department seizes 6 million amphetamine pills from Iraq border</a>

Elsewhere too the downpours are affecting citizens. In the city of Aqaba and the Dead Sea, a flash flood warning has been issued. Authorities as per Jordan News Agency have warned that heavy rainfall in the area may be accompanied by thunder and hail and it might trigger flash floods in the valley and low areas.

The weather department too has warned of poor horizontal visibility due to fog in the highlands and in the Badia areas it'll be so because of dust. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Jordan's Petra thousands of visitors had to be evacuated from a famed archaeological site as heavy rains triggered flooding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Jordan's Petra thousands of visitors had to be evacuated from a famed archaeological site as heavy rains triggered flooding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amman Net reported that the evacuations were done to ensure the safety of the visitors. Reportedly due to the heavy rains water from surrounding mountains poured down into the city located in the south of the kingdom. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: Time to give up on Paris Climate Agreement? As per estimates circulating on social media websites close to 1,700 have been evacuated. Official sources as per Jordan News said that an incident involving a bus that was tipped over due to torrential rains has resulted in the death of three people in the Maan governorate south of the Kingdom. Maan's energy operations centre said that the bus was on its way to the Al-Hussein Bin Talal University. Video of the incident is going viral on Twitter: Torrential rains in Petra, Jordan#Jordan #Petra #rain #flood TELEGRAM JOIN 👉 https://t.co/anmxTr9HCh pic.twitter.com/0BjydG205N — Top Disaster (@Top_Disaster) December 26, 2022 × Also read | Cops arrest 44 people in Jordan over protests against skyrocketing fuel prices Following the incident, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University has suspended classes citing unsafe weather conditions. Wow. Flash flood at Petra in Jordan today. Tourists were evacuated, with a number of casualties reported. 🙏🏻pic.twitter.com/dMdO1fCiNi — Ari Ingel (@OGAride) December 26, 2022 × Raed Khattab, the Director of the Jordan Meteorological Department talking to the Jordan News Agency said that the southern governorates could expect the most precipitation as per. Also read | Jordanian Customs Department seizes 6 million amphetamine pills from Iraq border Elsewhere too the downpours are affecting citizens. In the city of Aqaba and the Dead Sea, a flash flood warning has been issued. Authorities as per Jordan News Agency have warned that heavy rainfall in the area may be accompanied by thunder and hail and it might trigger flash floods in the valley and low areas. The weather department too has warned of poor horizontal visibility due to fog in the highlands and in the Badia areas it'll be so because of dust. (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.

Jordan: More than a thousand people evacuated from world heritage site due to flash floods

As Serbia and its neighbour, Kosovo's relations undergo a strain, Serbian armed forces as per the nation's Defence Minister Milos Vucevic have been put on the "highest level" of alert.

"Serbia's president... ordered the Serbian army to be on the highest level of combat readiness, that is to the level of the use of armed force," Vucevic said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;Tension flare up at Serbia-Kosovo border, troops deployed in the region

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As per the Defence minister, President Aleksandar Vucic has also ordered that the armed forces be beefed up from its existing numbers of 1,500 to 5,000.

Sunday also saw Serbian army chief General Milan Mojsilovic dispatched to the border with Kosovo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-fresh-tensions-shots-fired-near-nato-patrol-in-kosovo-546559">Amid fresh tensions, shots fired near NATO patrol in Kosovo</a>&nbsp;

As per AFP, the Serbian interior ministry has also announced that all units are to immediately come "under the command of the chief of the general staff".

Recent years have seen multiple incidences of tensions between the two neighbours, the last in November whereby Serbia claimed that drones from Kosovo entered its airspace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

This month saw tensions flare up further as Serbs in Kosovo set up barricades to protest against the arrest of an ex-policeman over suspicion of involvement in attacks against police officers.

Kosovo has also seen a rise in reported shootings. On Sunday, NATO's KFOR mission which is a neutral party in the area reported gunshots fired near a patrol car.

The two nations have witnessed consistent tensions since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Years later Belgrade refuses to recognise Pristina's authority and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As Serbia and its neighbour, Kosovo's relations undergo a strain, Serbian armed forces as per the nation's Defence Minister Milos Vucevic have been put on the "highest level" of alert.

As Serbia and its neighbour, Kosovo's relations undergo a strain, Serbian armed forces as per the nation's Defence Minister Milos Vucevic have been put on the "highest level" of alert. "Serbia's president... ordered the Serbian army to be on the highest level of combat readiness, that is to the level of the use of armed force," Vucevic said in a statement. Watch | Tension flare up at Serbia-Kosovo border, troops deployed in the region As per the Defence minister, President Aleksandar Vucic has also ordered that the armed forces be beefed up from its existing numbers of 1,500 to 5,000. Sunday also saw Serbian army chief General Milan Mojsilovic dispatched to the border with Kosovo. Also read | Amid fresh tensions, shots fired near NATO patrol in Kosovo As per AFP, the Serbian interior ministry has also announced that all units are to immediately come "under the command of the chief of the general staff". Recent years have seen multiple incidences of tensions between the two neighbours, the last in November whereby Serbia claimed that drones from Kosovo entered its airspace. Also read | Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates This month saw tensions flare up further as Serbs in Kosovo set up barricades to protest against the arrest of an ex-policeman over suspicion of involvement in attacks against police officers. Kosovo has also seen a rise in reported shootings. On Sunday, NATO's KFOR mission which is a neutral party in the area reported gunshots fired near a patrol car. The two nations have witnessed consistent tensions since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Years later Belgrade refuses to recognise Pristina's authority and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy the government. (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.

Amid tensions with Kosovo, Serbia beefs up armed forces, puts troops on high alert

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue.

"Our proposals for the demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy," said Lavrov as per a TASS agency report.

Watch |&nbsp;Putin hosts traditional CIS summit; leaders to discuss cooperation plans

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"The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army," he added.

This comes as Russian president Vladimir Putin on Sunday said that his country is open to talks blaming neighbour Ukraine and its allies for the lack thereof.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraines-president-speaks-to-indian-pm-modi-over-phone-seeks-help-with-peace-formula-546821">Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula'</a>

It has been 11 months since Putin ordered the so-called special military operation and in this time thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and infrastructure worth millions demolished, Lavrov also remarked that how long the conflict will stretch depends on Ukraine, "the ball is in the regime's court and Washington behind it."

Moscow has since the beginning of the offensive called it a "special military operation" to "demilitarise" and "denazify" Ukraine. However, Kyiv and its western allies call it a war and an imperial-style aggression to grab land.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-wealthy-lawmaker-and-critic-of-putins-ukraine-war-found-dead-in-india-546866">Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India</a>

Ukraine has ruled out ascending land to Moscow in return for peace and has for months demanded that its aggressor&nbsp;relinquish all territory. In September Russia also held four referendums the results of which were termed bogus, and illegal by Kyiv and its allies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue.

Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday issued an ultimatum to Ukraine and said that "the enemy" knows Moscow's proposals for settlement and that if Kyiv fails to fulfil them for good the Russian army will take the matter into their own hands and decide the issue. "Our proposals for the demilitarisation and denazification of the territories controlled by the regime, the elimination of threats to Russia's security emanating from there, including our new lands, are well known to the enemy," said Lavrov as per a TASS agency report. Watch | Putin hosts traditional CIS summit; leaders to discuss cooperation plans "The point is simple: Fulfil them for your own good. Otherwise, the issue will be decided by the Russian army," he added. This comes as Russian president Vladimir Putin on Sunday said that his country is open to talks blaming neighbour Ukraine and its allies for the lack thereof. Also read | Ukraine's president speaks to Indian PM Modi over phone, seeks help with 'peace formula' It has been 11 months since Putin ordered the so-called special military operation and in this time thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and infrastructure worth millions demolished, Lavrov also remarked that how long the conflict will stretch depends on Ukraine, "the ball is in the regime's court and Washington behind it." Moscow has since the beginning of the offensive called it a "special military operation" to "demilitarise" and "denazify" Ukraine. However, Kyiv and its western allies call it a war and an imperial-style aggression to grab land. Also read | Russia’s wealthy lawmaker and critic of Putin's Ukraine war found dead in India Ukraine has ruled out ascending land to Moscow in return for peace and has for months demanded that its aggressor relinquish all territory. In September Russia also held four referendums the results of which were termed bogus, and illegal by Kyiv and its allies. (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.

‘For your own good’: Russian FM Sergei Lavrov issues ultimatum to Ukraine

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias.

As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp. These people are suspected of collaborating with two anti-M23 militias: the Nyatura and the FDLR.

Watch |&nbsp;Congo: M23 retreats from occupied territory, says 'handing Kibumba to military a goodwill gesture

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However, the nephew of one of the hostages told AFP that they were "displaced people who were returning to look for food" and that they are urging the government gets involved so that their "brothers are released".

This comes just a few days after the militia group delivered the strategic town of Kibumba to a regional military force, in a move that was branded a "goodwill gesture done in the name of peace".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/m23-rebels-announce-withdrawal-from-prime-locations-in-eastern-drc-546303">M23 rebels announce withdrawal from strategic location in volatile eastern region of DRC</a>

However, on Sunday the fighting resumed in North Kivu as the Congolese army dismissed the withdrawal as a "sham".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-report-says-m23-executed-131-villagers-group-says-govt-pressuring-agency-to-publish-false-numbers-541248">UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers</a>

Another local told the news agency that his 76-year-old father and others were arrested last week on suspicion of working with the Nyatura, and the FDLR. The people have reportedly been taken to the locality of Rutshuru-centre, which is seen as an M23 stronghold.

As per local residents fighting between M23, the army and the self-defence militias continued on Monday. Citing a military source the agency further reports that the army and local militia faced off with M23 in the Bishusha and Tongo settlements. the army is reportedly "holding its position".

(With inputs from agencies)

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M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias. As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp.

M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are reportedly holding civilians hostage for their alleged collaboration with opposing militias. As per an AFP report citing local sources, the rebels initially detained around 50 people, 18 of which are still in their grasp. These people are suspected of collaborating with two anti-M23 militias: the Nyatura and the FDLR. Watch | Congo: M23 retreats from occupied territory, says 'handing Kibumba to military a goodwill gesture However, the nephew of one of the hostages told AFP that they were "displaced people who were returning to look for food" and that they are urging the government gets involved so that their "brothers are released". This comes just a few days after the militia group delivered the strategic town of Kibumba to a regional military force, in a move that was branded a "goodwill gesture done in the name of peace". Also read | M23 rebels announce withdrawal from strategic location in volatile eastern region of DRC However, on Sunday the fighting resumed in North Kivu as the Congolese army dismissed the withdrawal as a "sham". Also read | UN: M23 executed 131 villagers last month, group says govt pressuring agency to publish false numbers Another local told the news agency that his 76-year-old father and others were arrested last week on suspicion of working with the Nyatura, and the FDLR. The people have reportedly been taken to the locality of Rutshuru-centre, which is seen as an M23 stronghold. As per local residents fighting between M23, the army and the self-defence militias continued on Monday. Citing a military source the agency further reports that the army and local militia faced off with M23 in the Bishusha and Tongo settlements. the army is reportedly "holding its position". (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.

M23 rebels in DR Congo hold civilians hostage on suspicion of collaboration with rival militias

The 69-year-old French man accused of gunning down three Kurds in a shooting on Friday has confessed to "pathological" hatred towards foreigners.

One woman and two men were killed in the attack on a Kurdish cultural centre and nearby Kurdish cafe in Paris' busy central 10th district.

Reuters reports that prosecutor Laure Beccuau in a statement said that during questioning the suspect revealed that a 2016 burglary at his home had triggered the "hatred of foreigners that became totally pathological".

Watch | Paris shooting: Kurds clash with police, throw stones and demands answers over killings

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However, as per the prosecutor a search of the suspect's parent's home, where he lived, did not garner any potential links to the extremist ideology. The suspect as per AFP had first planned an attack Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb of the French capital, with a large immigrant population, but had later abandoned the plan.

Describing himself as depressive and suicidal the man also shared his plan to kill himself using the last bullet from his attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-erupt-at-paris-shooting-site-kurds-unhappy-with-french-govt-ruling-out-terrorist-act-546198">Clashes erupt at Paris shooting site, Kurds unhappy with French govt ruling out terrorist act</a>

As per the prosecutor the man was recently released from detention while awaiting trial for another attack. Last year, using a sabre (a special kind of sword) he attacked a migrant camp.&nbsp;

The man after his arrest on Friday was shifted to a psychiatric facility on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, he was released from the hospital and was put in police custody. On Monday, he will be presented before an investigating magistrate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-kurdish-people-protest-against-paris-gun-attack-546522">Syria: Kurdish people protest against Paris gun attack</a>

The recent shooting has rekindled the trauma of three unresolved murders of Kurds in 2013 that many have blamed on Turkiye (formerly Turkey). &nbsp;Many in the community have blamed French Security Services saying that they did "too little" to prevent the shooting. Representatives of the Kurdish community have urged for the Friday attack to be considered a terrorist attack.

Saturday saw protests and clashes between protestors and police in central Paris and in Syria, hundreds of Kurds on Sunday protested in solidarity with the victim as&nbsp;due to the shooting anger boiled over.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The 69-year-old French man accused of gunning down three Kurds in a shooting on Friday has confessed to "pathological" hatred towards foreigners. One woman and two men were killed in the attack on a Kurdish cultural centre and nearby Kurdish cafe in Paris' busy central 10th district.

The 69-year-old French man accused of gunning down three Kurds in a shooting on Friday has confessed to "pathological" hatred towards foreigners. One woman and two men were killed in the attack on a Kurdish cultural centre and nearby Kurdish cafe in Paris' busy central 10th district. Reuters reports that prosecutor Laure Beccuau in a statement said that during questioning the suspect revealed that a 2016 burglary at his home had triggered the "hatred of foreigners that became totally pathological". Watch | Paris shooting: Kurds clash with police, throw stones and demands answers over killings However, as per the prosecutor a search of the suspect's parent's home, where he lived, did not garner any potential links to the extremist ideology. The suspect as per AFP had first planned an attack Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb of the French capital, with a large immigrant population, but had later abandoned the plan. Describing himself as depressive and suicidal the man also shared his plan to kill himself using the last bullet from his attack. Also read | Clashes erupt at Paris shooting site, Kurds unhappy with French govt ruling out terrorist act As per the prosecutor the man was recently released from detention while awaiting trial for another attack. Last year, using a sabre (a special kind of sword) he attacked a migrant camp. The man after his arrest on Friday was shifted to a psychiatric facility on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, he was released from the hospital and was put in police custody. On Monday, he will be presented before an investigating magistrate. Also read | Syria: Kurdish people protest against Paris gun attack The recent shooting has rekindled the trauma of three unresolved murders of Kurds in 2013 that many have blamed on Turkiye (formerly Turkey). Many in the community have blamed French Security Services saying that they did "too little" to prevent the shooting. Representatives of the Kurdish community have urged for the Friday attack to be considered a terrorist attack. Saturday saw protests and clashes between protestors and police in central Paris and in Syria, hundreds of Kurds on Sunday protested in solidarity with the victim as due to the shooting anger boiled over. (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.

Paris shooting suspect confesses to a 'pathological' hatred of foreigners, shares suicide plan

Species that got booted to 'endangered' or 'threatened' status in 2022

In the latest spate of workers demanding an increase in wages,&nbsp;Border Force workers at six airports went on strike on Friday causing massive delays for UK passengers.

To cover for&nbsp;the work stoppage by passport staff, the government employed military personnel and civil servants to operate booths at the airports--Heathrow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester.&nbsp;

The government has warned travellers that delays could lead to people being held on planes or disrupting departures.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/steve-barclay-accuses-unions-of-inflict-harm-on-patients-amid-thousands-of-medical-public-workers-walk-out-545230">Also read |&nbsp;UK minister accuses unions of 'inflicting harm' on patients as thousands of health and public workers walk out</a>

It is claimed that the Border Force officers will stage a strike every day throughout the year except December 27. &nbsp;

Organised by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS), the strike is the first of eight planned till January 1.&nbsp;

Secretary-General Mark Derwotka said that many Border Force workers are facing issues with cost-of-living.&nbsp;

He told BBC radio, "Forty thousand of our members are using food banks. 45,000 of them are claiming in-work benefits. They are the in-work poor." He added that the strike is over pension and job security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-nurses-begin-second-day-of-strikes-as-health-secretary-readies-to-meet-unions-544746">Also read |&nbsp;UK nurses begin second day of strikes as Sunak warns of months of industrial action</a>

After the previous strike, UK's Health Secretary Steve Barclay writing in Daily Telegraph accused medical workers of taking a "conscious decision" to cause or "inflict harm" on patients.&nbsp;

The unions called Barclay's comments "insulting" to the ambulance workers who according to the organisation were "forced" to strike as the government failed to address their issues.&nbsp;

Strikers have threatened that if the government refuses to discuss their pay, they will further stop facilities during the new year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In the latest spate of workers demanding an increase in wages, Border Force workers at six airports went on strike on Friday causing massive delays for UK passengers.

In the latest spate of workers demanding an increase in wages, Border Force workers at six airports went on strike on Friday causing massive delays for UK passengers. To cover for the work stoppage by passport staff, the government employed military personnel and civil servants to operate booths at the airports--Heathrow, Birmingham, Cardiff, Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester. The government has warned travellers that delays could lead to people being held on planes or disrupting departures. Also read | UK minister accuses unions of 'inflicting harm' on patients as thousands of health and public workers walk out It is claimed that the Border Force officers will stage a strike every day throughout the year except December 27. Organised by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS), the strike is the first of eight planned till January 1. Secretary-General Mark Derwotka said that many Border Force workers are facing issues with cost-of-living. He told BBC radio, "Forty thousand of our members are using food banks. 45,000 of them are claiming in-work benefits. They are the in-work poor." He added that the strike is over pension and job security. Also read | UK nurses begin second day of strikes as Sunak warns of months of industrial action After the previous strike, UK's Health Secretary Steve Barclay writing in Daily Telegraph accused medical workers of taking a "conscious decision" to cause or "inflict harm" on patients. The unions called Barclay's comments "insulting" to the ambulance workers who according to the organisation were "forced" to strike as the government failed to address their issues. Strikers have threatened that if the government refuses to discuss their pay, they will further stop facilities during the new year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK government warns travellers of possible delays as passport staff walk out

Some 400 firefighters and 150 forest rangers are at the site of a major fire at the resort in Chile. Officials on Friday (Dec 23)&nbsp; said the blaze will be controlled by the end of the day. The incident claimed the lives of two and damaged some 400 houses.

The president's office on Thursday declared a state of emergency in the area after the fire broke out in a seaside resort of Vina del Mar.

The National Emergency Office (Onemi) said that the fire burned around 110 hectares (270 acres) which spread rapidly with high heat intensity and dispersion.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Heatwave hit Chile with record-high temperatures; heatwave exacerbates forest fire

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Manuel Monsalve, assistant secretary to the minister of interior said, "The president of the republic has instructed the declaration of a state of constitutional exception of catastrophe due to public calamity."

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-chileans-protest-to-mark-third-anniversary-of-2019-revolt-526775">Also read |&nbsp;In pics | Thousands of Chileans protest to mark third anniversary of 2019 revolt</a>

"There was a very quick response to the beginning of the fire but despite this, as a result of the location where the fire developed, the weather conditions, the wind and the presence of combustible material, it spread very aggressively and quickly," he added.&nbsp;

Assuring safety, city's commander Patricio Brito on Twitter said, "We will not leave you."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Some 400 firefighters and 150 forest rangers are at the site of a major fire at the resort in Chile. Officials on Friday (Dec 23) said the blaze will be controlled by the end of the day.

Some 400 firefighters and 150 forest rangers are at the site of a major fire at the resort in Chile. Officials on Friday (Dec 23) said the blaze will be controlled by the end of the day. The incident claimed the lives of two and damaged some 400 houses. The president's office on Thursday declared a state of emergency in the area after the fire broke out in a seaside resort of Vina del Mar. The National Emergency Office (Onemi) said that the fire burned around 110 hectares (270 acres) which spread rapidly with high heat intensity and dispersion. Watch | Heatwave hit Chile with record-high temperatures; heatwave exacerbates forest fire Manuel Monsalve, assistant secretary to the minister of interior said, "The president of the republic has instructed the declaration of a state of constitutional exception of catastrophe due to public calamity." Also read | In pics | Thousands of Chileans protest to mark third anniversary of 2019 revolt "There was a very quick response to the beginning of the fire but despite this, as a result of the location where the fire developed, the weather conditions, the wind and the presence of combustible material, it spread very aggressively and quickly," he added. Assuring safety, city's commander Patricio Brito on Twitter said, "We will not leave you." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Will not leave you': Chile officials say will control massive fire in which two dead, 400 houses damaged

Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence.&nbsp;The southern African country gained independence in 1964. Since then, rules made during colonisation were followed.&nbsp; The decision comes during the presidency of Hakainde Hichilema, whose party promised to abolish these rules if they are elected, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-fuel-tanker-blast-leaves-eight-dead-and-several-injured-in-boksburg-546309">Also read |&nbsp;South Africa: Fuel tanker blast leaves eight dead and several injured in Boksburg</a>

The party had been trying to abolish these rules for so long but was in opposition for two decades, and now the decision has been made.&nbsp;

A presidential spokesperson said, "President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the penal code of 2022 abolishing the imposition of the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president, which has been on the Zambian statute books since (the) pre-independence era."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epic-winter-storm-hits-200-million-americans-as-millions-face-power-outage-ahead-of-holiday-season-546327">Also read |&nbsp;'Epic' winter storm hits Americans, as millions face power outage ahead of holiday season</a>

Zambian rights activists claimed that the decision is a "huge milestone", urging to remove those colonial laws that don't fit in with democracy.&nbsp;

Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said that finally now Zambians will be able to speak freely.&nbsp;

She said, "As stakeholders we are elated that this repressive law is finally done away with. Thus, allowing citizens to freely express their views without fear of prosecution as was the case in the past."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence. The southern African country gained independence in 1964.

Zambia on Saturday finally abolished two British colonial-era laws: the death penalty and any criticism of the country's leader being a punishable offence. The southern African country gained independence in 1964. Since then, rules made during colonisation were followed. The decision comes during the presidency of Hakainde Hichilema, whose party promised to abolish these rules if they are elected, AFP reported. Also read | South Africa: Fuel tanker blast leaves eight dead and several injured in Boksburg The party had been trying to abolish these rules for so long but was in opposition for two decades, and now the decision has been made. A presidential spokesperson said, "President Hakainde Hichilema has assented to the penal code of 2022 abolishing the imposition of the death penalty and the offence of criminal defamation of the president, which has been on the Zambian statute books since (the) pre-independence era." Also read | 'Epic' winter storm hits Americans, as millions face power outage ahead of holiday season Zambian rights activists claimed that the decision is a "huge milestone", urging to remove those colonial laws that don't fit in with democracy. Caroline Katotobwe, executive director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, said that finally now Zambians will be able to speak freely. She said, "As stakeholders we are elated that this repressive law is finally done away with. Thus, allowing citizens to freely express their views without fear of prosecution as was the case in the past." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Speak free': Zambia prez abolishes death penalty, no prosecution for criticising him

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news,&nbsp;the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Finally, at least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-killed-35-injured-in-russian-shelling-in-kherson-killing-for-pleasure-says-zelensky-546316">Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320685-kherson-attack.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talibans-war-on-women-female-employees-banned-from-working-in-ngos-546354">Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320711-untitled-design-70.png?imwidth=1920" />

Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunak-asks-a-homeless-man-if-he-works-in-business-labour-calls-it-excruciating-546365">UK PM Rishi Sunak asks a homeless man if he works in 'business', Labour calls it 'excruciating'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320719-united-kingdom-prime-minister-rishi-sunak.png?imwidth=1920" />

United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing criticism for an awkward conversation with a man during his volunteer work at a soup kitchen in London on Friday.&nbsp;

While serving breakfast to people at a shelter, run by the Passage, a man asked Sunak, "Are you sorting the economy out?" Sunak then said that is "exactly what I'm trying to do".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-deadly-blaze-kills-22-at-private-nursing-home-for-elderly-546299">Russia: Fire kills at least 22 at an unregistered private nursing home for elderly</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320666-kemerovo.png?imwidth=1920" />

The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-restores-feature-promoting-hotlines-for-suicide-prevention-546361">Twitter restores feature promoting hotlines for suicide prevention</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320716-untitled-design-71.png?imwidth=1920" />

A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and a few users, Reuters reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-supreme-court-upholds-death-sentence-appeal-of-one-protester-546339">Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentence appeal of one protester</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320698-untitled-design-69.png?imwidth=1920" />

The death sentence appeal made by one of the protesters was accepted by the Supreme Court in Iran while declining the appeal of another, the judiciary stated on Saturday.

Initially, the Court had stated that appeals made by both the protesters have been accepted. However, later the judiciary's Mizan news agency, in a statement, said, "The public relations of the Supreme Court of Iran has corrected its news: 'The appeal of Mohammad Qabadloo has not been accepted and the ruling has been confirmed. On the other hand, Iranian Kurdish rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's&nbsp;appeal has been accepted by the Supreme Court."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11-killed-20-injured-as-clashes-erupt-between-arab-and-non-arab-group-in-sudans-darfur-546353">11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab group in Sudan's Darfur</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320712-00032mg42u.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;

The clashes began on&nbsp;Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-re-open-border-with-mainland-china-from-mid-january-546310">Hong Kong prepares to re-open border with mainland China from mid-January</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320681-untitled-design-67.png?imwidth=1920" />

In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday.&nbsp;While addressing a press meet&nbsp;at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Explained: China's deadliest Wuhan Virus wave

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Watch |&nbsp;US: IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

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At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

At least five people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday (December 24) by a Russian missile strike in Kherson. In other news, the Taliban-run government of Afghanistan on Saturday banned female employees from working in any foreign and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Finally, at least 22 were killed when a fire ripped through a private care home for older people in the Siberian city of Kemerovo. Click on the headlines to read more: Five killed, 35 injured in Russian shelling in Kherson; Zelensky terms it ‘killing for pleasure’ Taking to Telegram, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and shared pictures of the shelling. "Social networks will most likely mark these photos as 'sensitive content'. But this is not sensitive content – it is the real life of Ukraine and Ukrainians," Zelensky said. Taliban's war on women: Female employees banned from working in NGOs Economy ministry's spokesperson Abdulrahman Habib confirmed the letter in which it was stated that female employees are not permitted to work in NGOs until further notice because few employees have failed to adhere to the Islamic dress code for women, as interpreted by the Afghan administration. UK PM Rishi Sunak asks a homeless man if he works in 'business', Labour calls it 'excruciating' United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing criticism for an awkward conversation with a man during his volunteer work at a soup kitchen in London on Friday. While serving breakfast to people at a shelter, run by the Passage, a man asked Sunak, "Are you sorting the economy out?" Sunak then said that is "exactly what I'm trying to do". Russia: Fire kills at least 22 at an unregistered private nursing home for elderly The investigative committee said on Telegram: "A fire broke out overnight in a private property used as an illegal nursing home." It added that "the death toll has risen to 22" as previous reports mentioned that 20 were killed. Twitter restores feature promoting hotlines for suicide prevention A feature which promoted safety resources, including suicide prevention hotlines, to users searching for certain content was restored by Twitter Inc after it faced heat over its removal from consumer safety groups and a few users, Reuters reported. Iran's Supreme Court upholds death sentence appeal of one protester The death sentence appeal made by one of the protesters was accepted by the Supreme Court in Iran while declining the appeal of another, the judiciary stated on Saturday. Initially, the Court had stated that appeals made by both the protesters have been accepted. However, later the judiciary's Mizan news agency, in a statement, said, "The public relations of the Supreme Court of Iran has corrected its news: 'The appeal of Mohammad Qabadloo has not been accepted and the ruling has been confirmed. On the other hand, Iranian Kurdish rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's appeal has been accepted by the Supreme Court." 11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab group in Sudan's Darfur At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported. Hong Kong prepares to re-open border with mainland China from mid-January In the backdrop of the Chinese government's accelerated unwinding of tough Covid-19 rules which had stunted economic growth, Hong Kong is planning to re-open its borders with Beijing from mid-January, said city Chief Executive John Lee on Saturday. While addressing a press meet at the Hong Kong airport after returning from a trip to China, Lee said that the city will "gradually, orderly, and fully" be re-opened so that the border can attain normalcy like it was before the outbreak of coronavirus. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: China's deadliest Wuhan Virus wave Watch | US: IOWA sports reporter goes viral after being made weather reporter

Top 10 world news: Taliban ban women from working in NGOs, fire at Russia nursing home kills 22, and more 

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;The clashes began on&nbsp;Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.&nbsp;A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured.&nbsp; 
 
Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-71-year-old-south-sudanese-prez-kiir-fit-to-rule-the-country-after-he-wets-himself-netizens-raise-concerns-545645">Also read |&nbsp;Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself</a>

According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people.&nbsp;

The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-in-sudans-blue-nile-ethnic-clashes-medics-527035">Also read |&nbsp;15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;state: Medics</a>

Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala.&nbsp;

As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report.

UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported. A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured. Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on. Also read | Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people. The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages. Also read | 15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern Blue Nile state: Medics Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala. As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur. This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report. UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur

Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported.

As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed. NATO's KFOR mission did not disclose the location from which the shots were fired. Reportedly the incident happened early Sunday evening after Kosovar forces attempted to dismantle a barricade.

Watch |&nbsp;Serbia demands return of its security forces; tensions flare between Serbs and Kosovo

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The incident happened in Zubin Potok, in the northern part of Kosovo where local Serbs have set up roadblocks to bar Pristina police from patrolling the area that in recent months has witnessed ethnic tensions. Around 3,760 NATO troops are stationed in the area to maintain peace.

Local Serbs in the area of around 50,000 people have reportedly set up barricades after the police on December 10 arrested a former Serb police officer for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a previous protest. The barricades as per AFP have paralysed traffic through the two border crossings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-and-serbia-agree-to-end-car-number-plate-policy-537057">Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates</a>

Backed by Serbia, the local Serb population does not recognise the state of Kosovo. In lieu of taking down the barricades, they are demanding the release of the police officer and a few other things.

However, the Kosovo government has asked KFOR to take down those barricades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kosovo-pm-kurti-submits-a-formal-application-to-join-european-union-543424">Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union</a>

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, years later Belgrade refuses to accept this and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy Pristina's authority.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported. As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed.

Shots were fired in Kosovo near a NATO patrol, said the organisation on Sunday. No injuries have been reported. As per a Reuters report, no injuries were reported, and the NATO patrol car too escaped unharmed. NATO's KFOR mission did not disclose the location from which the shots were fired. Reportedly the incident happened early Sunday evening after Kosovar forces attempted to dismantle a barricade. Watch | Serbia demands return of its security forces; tensions flare between Serbs and Kosovo The incident happened in Zubin Potok, in the northern part of Kosovo where local Serbs have set up roadblocks to bar Pristina police from patrolling the area that in recent months has witnessed ethnic tensions. Around 3,760 NATO troops are stationed in the area to maintain peace. Local Serbs in the area of around 50,000 people have reportedly set up barricades after the police on December 10 arrested a former Serb police officer for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a previous protest. The barricades as per AFP have paralysed traffic through the two border crossings. Also read | Kosovo and Serbia agree to end long-standing dispute over car licence number plates Backed by Serbia, the local Serb population does not recognise the state of Kosovo. In lieu of taking down the barricades, they are demanding the release of the police officer and a few other things. However, the Kosovo government has asked KFOR to take down those barricades. Also read | Kosovo PM Albin Kurti submits a formal application to join European Union Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. However, years later Belgrade refuses to accept this and constantly encourages the remaining 12,000 Serbs to defy Pristina's authority. (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.

Amid fresh tensions, shots fired near NATO patrol in Kosovo

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine. In other news, 17 people were reported dead due to the arctic blizzard sweeping the United States and leaving its citizens freezing&nbsp;during the Christmas weekend.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-will-destroy-us-patriot-missiles-says-putin-546482">Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin</a>

<img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ffd3341-230c-49db-9762-f3d727c22ad5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2879%29_0.png" /> 
&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine. Putin said he was "100 per cent" confident. "Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said referring to the missile system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-killed-as-deadly-arctic-blast-sweeps-us-leaving-christmas-celebrations-in-deep-freeze-546477">17 killed as deadly arctic blast sweeps US leaving Christmas celebrations in deep freeze</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-killed-as-deadly-arctic-blast-sweeps-us-leaving-christmas-celebrations-in-deep-freeze-546477"><img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16835ae8-bbd2-4908-bf64-862959673b73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2874%29.png" /></a>

The United States faced a fierce winter storm as parts of the country reported blizzard conditions on Saturday evening after millions of people were left in the dark without power due to the powerful Arctic blast earlier in the day making travel for home goers in Christmas a nightmare. The country has confirmed around 17 deaths related to the winter storm across eight states, as the nation continues to remain in deep freeze for the third day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prachanda-seeks-olis-support-to-become-nepals-next-pm-as-ruling-alliance-breaks-546490">Prachanda appointed as Nepal's PM with Oli-led CPN-UML's support</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prachanda-seeks-olis-support-to-become-nepals-next-pm-as-ruling-alliance-breaks-546490"><img alt="Pra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ea4f84bc-9896-4229-9a24-7e952cec8d60" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2877%29.png" /></a>

Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-defiant-volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-will-create-its-own-christmas-magic-546390">Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-defiant-volodymyr-zelensky-says-ukraine-will-create-its-own-christmas-magic-546390"><img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="afb3ef97-787d-4026-823f-18fe336d9331" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2882%29_1.png" /></a> 
&nbsp;

Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e9d96b97-1b8a-4051-8fd6-ac09a4a85d45" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2883%29_1.png" /></a> 
&nbsp;

China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-ngos-suspend-operations-in-afghanistan-after-taliban-ban-female-employees-546512">Three NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-ngos-suspend-operations-in-afghanistan-after-taliban-ban-female-employees-546512"><img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7627f58d-ac4f-4dbd-a9dc-2faf9f0af422" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2884%29_0.png" /></a>

Three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which includes Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop female employees from working.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-maldives-president-yameen-found-guilty-of-corruption-546497">Former Maldives president Yameen found guilty of corruption</a>

 
<img alt="Maldives" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f56e0c4-2dbf-4928-9b79-d8c2b7395e14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2885%29_0.png" />

The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twiiter-files-90-reveals-a-web-of-social-media-surveillance-and-censorship-involving-fbi-and-other-agencies-546419">Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too</a>

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The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the newest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-christmas-message-pope-francis-appeals-to-end-russia-ukraines-senseless-war-546496">In Christmas message, Pope Francis appeals to end ‘senseless’ Russia-Ukraine war</a>

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Delivering his Christmas message on Sunday from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for ending the "senseless" war between Russia and Ukraine. The 86-year-old pope further warned that the ongoing war has aggravated food shortage in the world, and appealed to the leaders not to use "food as a weapon” for war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-wages-next-year-will-be-at-their-lowest-level-since-2006-546444">UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC</a>

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Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Sunday expressed his confidence in the Russian forces, saying they will definitely destroy the United States' Patriot missiles, which the latter has promised to send to war-ravaged Ukraine. In other news, 17 people were reported dead due to the arctic blizzard sweeping the United States and leaving its citizens freezing during the Christmas weekend. Click on the headlines to read more: Russian forces will destroy US Patriot missiles, I am 100 per cent confident, says Putin Russia's President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday (December 25) that Russian forces will destroy United States' patriot missiles which the US has promised to send to Ukraine. Putin said he was "100 per cent" confident. "Of course we will destroy it, 100 per cent!" Putin said referring to the missile system. 17 killed as deadly arctic blast sweeps US leaving Christmas celebrations in deep freeze The United States faced a fierce winter storm as parts of the country reported blizzard conditions on Saturday evening after millions of people were left in the dark without power due to the powerful Arctic blast earlier in the day making travel for home goers in Christmas a nightmare. The country has confirmed around 17 deaths related to the winter storm across eight states, as the nation continues to remain in deep freeze for the third day. Prachanda appointed as Nepal's PM with Oli-led CPN-UML's support Ending the dramatic political chaos in Nepal, CPN-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" was on Sunday appointed as the prime minister for the third time after receiving support from opposition CPN-UML and other smaller parties. Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will not bow down, but create its own ‘Christmas miracle’ Ten months into the ongoing armed conflict with Russia, Ukraine remains defiant. In a message on Saturday, the war-torn nation's President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukrainians will show the Russian aggressors that they remain unbowed despite the relentless attacks that have plunged millions into darkness, and that they will create their own Christmas magic. China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers China's National Health Commission will no longer be publishing daily data on COVID-19 case figures for the country. The health agency, which as per Reuters has been publishing the numbers for the past three years, has said that starting Sunday, it won't release such data. However, the agency did not disclose the reasons behind this decision. Three NGOs suspend operations in Afghanistan after Taliban ban female employees Three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), which includes Save the Children, on Sunday said that they will stop working in Afghanistan after the NGOs were ordered by the Taliban to stop female employees from working. Former Maldives president Yameen found guilty of corruption The criminal court in the Maldives on Sunday (December 25) found former president Abdulla Yameen guilty of corruption and money laundering. The charges were related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. The court said that the sentence will be announced soon. Yameen has denied the charges. Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the newest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA." In Christmas message, Pope Francis appeals to end ‘senseless’ Russia-Ukraine war Delivering his Christmas message on Sunday from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Pope Francis called for ending the "senseless" war between Russia and Ukraine. The 86-year-old pope further warned that the ongoing war has aggravated food shortage in the world, and appealed to the leaders not to use "food as a weapon” for war. UK average ‘real’ wages in 2023 likely to fall to their lowest level in more than a decade: PwC Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and the cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.

Top 10 world news: Putin says will destroy US Patriot missiles, US battles arctic blast and more

China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world.

As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant."

Experts warn that every new Covid infection offers the virus a chance to mutate, and given the way it is circulating in China, variables like the recently discontinued zero-Covid rules, high population, high overall vaccination but low booster rates and the unavailability of the more effective foreign mRNA vaccines could contribute to a highly fertile breeding ground for a coronavirus mutation.

Watch |&nbsp;China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th

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"When we've seen big waves of infection, it's often followed by new variants being generated," said&nbsp;Ray comparing&nbsp;the coronavirus to a boxer that "learns to evade the skills that you have and adapt to get around those."

The current surge in China is believed to be driven by the BF.7 subvariant, with many other Omicron variants believed to be circulating among the population.&nbsp;

Dr Shan-Lu Liu, who studies viruses at Ohio State University as per an AP report said&nbsp;that BF.7 is very adept at evading immunity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers</a>

Experts warn that partially vaccinated populations like the one in China "put pressure" on the virus to mutate and it is impossible to predict if the new mutation will cause more severe disease. Apparently, there is no inherent reason for the coronavirus to become milder over time.

"Much of the mildness we've experienced over the past six to 12 months in many parts of the world has been due to accumulated immunity either through vaccination or infection, not because the virus has changed" in severity, says Ray.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-authorities-face-criticism-over-distributing-traditional-medicine-not-ibuprofen-and-paracetamol-546493">Chinese authorities face criticism over distributing traditional medicine, not ibuprofen and paracetamol</a>

The World Health Organization&nbsp;has also expressed concern as cities run out of intensive care beds and a staff shortage is witnessed amid reports of severe disease in China.

"We don't know all of what's going on", currently little is known about the genetic viral sequencing coming out of China says Jeremy Luban, a virologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School warning, "the pandemic is not over."

(With inputs from agencies)

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China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world. As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant.

China's rising number of COVID-19 cases has sparked the worry that the surge might unleash a new mutant variant of the deadly virus into the world. As per Dr Stuart Campbell Ray, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University, China's large population has limited immunity, which "seems to be the setting in which we may see an explosion of a new variant." Experts warn that every new Covid infection offers the virus a chance to mutate, and given the way it is circulating in China, variables like the recently discontinued zero-Covid rules, high population, high overall vaccination but low booster rates and the unavailability of the more effective foreign mRNA vaccines could contribute to a highly fertile breeding ground for a coronavirus mutation. Watch | China: No Covid data to be available from December 25th "When we've seen big waves of infection, it's often followed by new variants being generated," said Ray comparing the coronavirus to a boxer that "learns to evade the skills that you have and adapt to get around those." The current surge in China is believed to be driven by the BF.7 subvariant, with many other Omicron variants believed to be circulating among the population. Dr Shan-Lu Liu, who studies viruses at Ohio State University as per an AP report said that BF.7 is very adept at evading immunity. Also read | China’s top health body says it will no longer publish daily Covid infection numbers Experts warn that partially vaccinated populations like the one in China "put pressure" on the virus to mutate and it is impossible to predict if the new mutation will cause more severe disease. Apparently, there is no inherent reason for the coronavirus to become milder over time. "Much of the mildness we've experienced over the past six to 12 months in many parts of the world has been due to accumulated immunity either through vaccination or infection, not because the virus has changed" in severity, says Ray. Also read | Chinese authorities face criticism over distributing traditional medicine, not ibuprofen and paracetamol The World Health Organization has also expressed concern as cities run out of intensive care beds and a staff shortage is witnessed amid reports of severe disease in China. "We don't know all of what's going on", currently little is known about the genetic viral sequencing coming out of China says Jeremy Luban, a virologist at the University of Massachusetts Medical School warning, "the pandemic is not over." (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.

China a 'fertile breeding ground' for a potentially dangerous Covid mutation: Experts

The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies.&nbsp;Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story?

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Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track."

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6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. <a href="https://t.co/C8d8jntnC0">pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701408967090177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-files-70-shows-fbi-pressured-to-discredit-hunter-biden-laptop-story-all-you-need-to-know-544882">Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story</a>

"It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this.

"The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”.

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12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” <a href="https://t.co/5kL8xNRZcO">pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701420543381504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-acted-as-a-subsidiary-shared-master-canine-quality-relationship-with-fbi-543922">Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI</a>

The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others".

As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information.

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23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: <a href="https://t.co/2xCKHPcBRE">pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701446325735429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material".&nbsp; 
 
One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle.

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30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: <a href="https://t.co/YlOQQeUbkw">pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw</a>
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) <a href="https://twitter.com/mtaibbi/status/1606701461718863873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA.

The latest and the ninth instalment of the 'Twitter Files' has uncovered a web of coordination between the tech giant and US government agencies. Releasing the latest instalment on Christmas eve, Substack writer Matt Taibbi claims that it goes beyond the FBI which was acting as the "doorman to a vast programme of social media surveillance and censorship, encompassing agencies across the federal government – from the State Department to the Pentagon to the CIA." Watch | The Twitter files: How Twitter handled Hunter Biden story? Posting part of a screenshot of an email, Taibbi alleges that "Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track." 6.Twitter had so much contact with so many agencies that executives lost track. Is today the DOD, and tomorrow the FBI? Is it the weekly call, or the monthly meeting? It was dizzying. pic.twitter.com/C8d8jntnC0 — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × In the long series of tweets, he further claims that one of Twitter's executives is ex-CIA. Also read | Twitter files 7.0 show FBI pressured social media platforms to ‘discredit’ Hunter Biden laptop story "It was an open secret at Twitter that one of its executives was ex-CIA, which is why Chan referred to that executive’s 'former employer'". He also shared another screenshot as evidence in which, there is a clear mention of this. "The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question”. 12.The first Twitter executive abandoned any pretense to stealth and emailed that the employee “used to work for the CIA, so that is Elvis’s question.” pic.twitter.com/5kL8xNRZcO — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Also read | Twitter Files 6.0: Twitter acted as a 'subsidiary', shared “master-canine quality” relationship with FBI The US government was in contact "not just with Twitter but with virtually every major tech firm". This includes Facebook, Microsoft, Verison, Reddit, Pinterest and "many others". As per the revelations, around the 2020 elections, the government had "overwhelmed" Twitter with lists of hundreds of "problem accounts" that were to be taken down for misleading information. 23. Email after email came from the San Francisco office heading into the election, often adorned with an Excel attachment: pic.twitter.com/2xCKHPcBRE — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × Apparently, most of these accounts were domestic, Taibbi remarks that "It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material". One of the most common forums was a regular meeting of the multi-agency Foreign Influence Task Force (FITF), attended by spates of executives, FBI personnel, and – nearly always – one or two attendees marked “OGA”, mentions Matt on his twitter handle. 30. It seemed to strike no one as strange that a “Foreign Influence” task force was forwarding thousands of mostly domestic reports, along with the DHS, about the fringiest material: pic.twitter.com/YlOQQeUbkw — Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 24, 2022 × The previous instalments of the so-called Twitter files too have made similar surprising revelations including that tweets by former US President Donald Trump in the run-up to January 6 Capital riots did not violate the company's policies. (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.

Twitter Files 9.0 reveals a web of ‘social media surveillance, censorship’ by not just FBI, other agencies too

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries.&nbsp;Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas".

He said that China stands "ready to work with India in the direction toward steady and sound growth of China-India relations."

Watch |&nbsp;China's new infrastructure along LAC near Arunachal Pradesh raises alarming security concerns

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The statement comes just a week after the December 9 Tawang faceoff between the forces of the two nations.&nbsp;

As per PTI, the Chinese foreign minister in his address also talked about his country's continued opposition to "bloc confrontation". &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-my-permanent-residence-says-dalai-lama-reveals-no-point-to-return-to-china-544698">India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama</a>

Talking about the QUAD alliance, which comprises India, Australia, Japan and the US, and the AUKUS alliance between the US, Australia, and the UK, the Chinese minister said, "We have continued to reject bloc confrontation and zero-sum competition, and maintained strategic stability in relations with other major countries."

China has for long been opposed to such blocs, which it claims are aimed at containing its rise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">Tawang skirmish: Chinese army alleges Indian troops 'illegally' crossed LAC</a>

He also talked about relations between China and Pakistan which he claimed were good and that the two countries have "continued to firmly support each other, uphold the invaluable all-weather strategic partnership, and consolidate the iron-clad friendship".

Addressing the growing ties between his country and Russia, he added, "Over the past year, China and Russia have firmly supported each other in upholding respective core interests, and our political and strategic mutual trust has been further consolidated."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries. Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas".

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday said that China is ready to work with India towards a steady and sound growth of relations between the two countries. Talking to reporters, Yi as per ANI said that the two nations "have maintained communication through diplomatic and military-to-military channels", adding that the two countries are "committed to upholding stability in border areas". He said that China stands "ready to work with India in the direction toward steady and sound growth of China-India relations." Watch | China's new infrastructure along LAC near Arunachal Pradesh raises alarming security concerns The statement comes just a week after the December 9 Tawang faceoff between the forces of the two nations. As per PTI, the Chinese foreign minister in his address also talked about his country's continued opposition to "bloc confrontation". Also read | India is my 'permanent residence, no point to return to China', says Dalai Lama Talking about the QUAD alliance, which comprises India, Australia, Japan and the US, and the AUKUS alliance between the US, Australia, and the UK, the Chinese minister said, "We have continued to reject bloc confrontation and zero-sum competition, and maintained strategic stability in relations with other major countries." China has for long been opposed to such blocs, which it claims are aimed at containing its rise. Also read | Tawang skirmish: Chinese army alleges Indian troops 'illegally' crossed LAC He also talked about relations between China and Pakistan which he claimed were good and that the two countries have "continued to firmly support each other, uphold the invaluable all-weather strategic partnership, and consolidate the iron-clad friendship". Addressing the growing ties between his country and Russia, he added, "Over the past year, China and Russia have firmly supported each other in upholding respective core interests, and our political and strategic mutual trust has been further consolidated." (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.

China ‘ready to work with India’ for steady growth of relations: Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official.&nbsp;Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak". He also said that the infection rate would accelerate by another 10 per cent over the weekend.&nbsp;

This rare acknowledgement of the nation's wave of infections was quickly censored.

Watch |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency 
 
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As per AFP, Tao's statement was published by a ruling Communist party-backed news outlet and shared by many others, however, by Saturday morning, the reports seemed to have been edited to remove the case figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-health-body-says-will-no-longer-publish-daily-covid-numbers-546408">China's top health body says will no longer publish daily Covid numbers</a>

In contrast, figures by China's National Health Commission show a much smaller figure of 4,103 daily cases reported for all of China.

Official figures for Shandong, the province where Qingdao is located, logged just 31 new domestic cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-covid-19-cases-spike-caccine-hesistancy-plagues-china-544348">Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter</a>

Censorship isn't a new phenomenon in China. The Chinese government maintains strict control over the nation's media, with hordes of online censors on hand to remove anything deemed to be politically sensitive.

In recent days Chinese government-run publications have downplayed the severity of the nation's Covid outbreak, while foreign publications have raised alarm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official. Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak".

Almost half a million people in the Chinese city of Qingdao are being infected by Covid-19 every day, said a senior health official. Bo Tao, the municipal health chief reportedly said that the Chinese coastal city with a population of around 10 million people was seeing "between 490,000 and 530,000" new Covid cases a day and that it was "in a period of rapid transmission ahead of an approaching peak". He also said that the infection rate would accelerate by another 10 per cent over the weekend. This rare acknowledgement of the nation's wave of infections was quickly censored. Watch | China: Covid-19 cases explode; Beijing underplaying health emergency As per AFP, Tao's statement was published by a ruling Communist party-backed news outlet and shared by many others, however, by Saturday morning, the reports seemed to have been edited to remove the case figures. Also read | China's top health body says will no longer publish daily Covid numbers In contrast, figures by China's National Health Commission show a much smaller figure of 4,103 daily cases reported for all of China. Official figures for Shandong, the province where Qingdao is located, logged just 31 new domestic cases. Also read | Even as Covid cases spike, vaccine hesitancy plagues China; experts predict 3 waves of infections in winter Censorship isn't a new phenomenon in China. The Chinese government maintains strict control over the nation's media, with hordes of online censors on hand to remove anything deemed to be politically sensitive. In recent days Chinese government-run publications have downplayed the severity of the nation's Covid outbreak, while foreign publications have raised alarm. (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.

Chinese health official says half a million people in Qingdao infected with Covid daily; censored

Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.&nbsp;PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023.

Watch |&nbsp;TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK

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Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uks-economy-shrinks-more-than-previously-thought-in-third-quarter-data-545630">UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data</a>

Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-high-inflation-casts-shadow-on-fastest-rise-in-wages-in-20-years-534384">UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years</a>

However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing &nbsp;£19 billion ($23 billion)&nbsp;"even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC. 
 
Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago.

Britons hoping for a new year's, holiday season salary bump amid high inflation and cost of living crisis will likely be met with disappointment. As per a new estimate the average worker's pay next year will fall back to a level last seen more than a decade ago. PwC estimates show that once inflation is taken into account, the average pay in 2023 will fall down to 2006 levels. As per a CNN report, PwC further predicts that real wages which factor in inflation are expected to fall by almost three per cent in 2022. It will see another two per cent fall in 2023. Watch | TUC: 2022 the worst year for real wage growth in almost 50 years | UK Recent weeks saw widespread protests and walkouts across many verticals of the UK economy like railways, schools, hospitals, nurses, and postal services. However, the report confirms that even as inflation hits double digits and the nation witnesses its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades the future of wages isn't that bright. Also read | UK's economy shrinks more than previously thought in third quarter: Data Barret Kupelian, a senior economist at PwC said, "2022 has obviously been a highly challenging year for the UK economy, and it is not surprising that these chilly headwinds will continue throughout 2023." Also read | UK: High inflation casts shadow on fastest rise in wages in 20 years However, the report did offer some hope. It forecasts that in 2023, in spite of the low wages, more than 30,000 workers could join the UK workforce. This as per the PwC will help alleviate staff shortages and reduce economic instability. An increase in immigration too could potentially boost the economy by one per cent, contributing £19 billion ($23 billion) "even as the whole economy contracts," said PwC. Kupelian further added that inflation in UK is most likely to have peaked in October 2022 and will gradually begin to return to target over the next two years. (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.

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