The highest possible rank in the Indian army is of a Field Marshal. This five-star general officer rank, is only awarded in exceptional wartime circumstances and carries honorary, hence it is a lifetime status. 

Operation Sindoor: Inside Indian Army’s most elusive rank, held by just two men

As Baloch separatist movements intensify their calls for independence from Pakistan, two ancient Hindu temples in the region have drawn are attention for their deep spiritual and historical connection with India

These ancient Hindu temples in Balochistan reflect India’s historical footprint in the region

What set this operation apart was not just its military precision, but the use of indigenously developed weapons systems, many of which, being deployed in active conflict for the first time.

Operation Sindoor: How made-in-India weapons led the charge during strikes against Pakistan

Post the success of Russian-made S-400 in repelling aerial threats during the operation, discussions abut next-generation systems—especially the upcoming S-500 Prometheus have started. 

Operation Sindoor: How is Russia's S-500 different from the S-400 defence system?

For the first time, the iconic racing game Forza Horizon 5 has arrived on PlayStation 5. Launched on 29 April, this open-world driving experience lets players race across beautiful landscapes in hundreds of cars.

'Forza Horizon, Expedition 33 and more': Top game releases on Playstation 5 in April

Kolmanskop, once a bustling diamond town in southern Namibia, now lies empty, gradually being engulfed by the shifting sands of the Namib. Situated only 15 km east of the harbour town of L&uuml;deritz, Kolmanskop used to be a small railway station in 1908, when the railway between L&uuml;deritz and Keetmanshoop was built.
<h2>Rise of a diamond dream</h2>
The town grew rapidly under the German influence, becoming one of the wealthiest mining hubs at the turn of the 20th century. The country's early diamond boom attracted major foreign investment and boosted national revenues.
This thereby developed infrastructure was unmatched at the time; as from 1911 the town had electric power, luxurious stone houses, a casino, a school, a hospital, an ice factory to produce ice for fridges, a theatre, a ballroom, a sport-hall, a bowling alley, a salt-water swimming pool and much more although less than 400 people lived here.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/monaco-new-york-london-and-more-list-of-worlds-most-luxurious-places-to-live-9005036">Also Read: Monaco, New York, London and more: List of world's most luxurious places to live</a>
<h2>When prosperity sank in the sands</h2>
Natural resource exports drove strong economic optimism through the late 1990s and early 2000s. With minerals flowing steadily, Namibia appeared ready for sustained prosperity and wealth. However, heavy reliance on raw mineral exports laid bare it's deep structural vulnerabilities. As soon as the global commodity prices declined, the economy weakened. 
A lack of diversification and limited planning worsened the downturn, leaving the communities heavily affected. As mining activities started declining, several towns like Kolmanskop were left abandoned. Deserted buildings are now half-buried by shifting dunes, standing as reminders of the once-prosperous era. Tourism has since become the only source of economic activity in areas like these. Today, Namibia faces multiple challenges. Youth unemployment is over 40%, and rural communities suffer from inadequate infrastructure and education opportunities. Economic inequality has widened more than ever, despite earlier growth.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-woman-strips-naked-and-poops-on-her-seat-9005189">Also Read: BIZARRO WORLD: American woman strips naked and poops on her seat</a> Corruption and scandals involving state enterprises and fishing rights have further damaged trust of public. Allegations of mismanagement have deterred foreign investment and delayed crucial reforms that were aimed at reviving the economy beyond mineral exports. 
<h2>&nbsp;Past drives tourism today</h2>
Despite these issues, Kolmanskop continues to attract close to 35,000 tourists every year. Visitors explore abandoned, sand-filled homes, blending natural forces with human history. Namibia&rsquo;s unique landscapes and historical sites remain key drivers of its emerging tourism sector.

The town grew rapidly under the German influence, becoming one of the wealthiest mining hubs at the turn of the 20th century. The country's early diamond boom attracted a major foreign investment and boosted national revenues.

Kolmanskop, once a bustling diamond town in southern Namibia, now lies empty, gradually being engulfed by the shifting sands of the Namib. Situated only 15 km east of the harbour town of Lüderitz, Kolmanskop used to be a small railway station in 1908, when the railway between Lüderitz and Keetmanshoop was built. Rise of a diamond dream The town grew rapidly under the German influence, becoming one of the wealthiest mining hubs at the turn of the 20th century. The country's early diamond boom attracted major foreign investment and boosted national revenues. This thereby developed infrastructure was unmatched at the time; as from 1911 the town had electric power, luxurious stone houses, a casino, a school, a hospital, an ice factory to produce ice for fridges, a theatre, a ballroom, a sport-hall, a bowling alley, a salt-water swimming pool and much more although less than 400 people lived here. Also Read: Monaco, New York, London and more: List of world's most luxurious places to live When prosperity sank in the sands Natural resource exports drove strong economic optimism through the late 1990s and early 2000s. With minerals flowing steadily, Namibia appeared ready for sustained prosperity and wealth. However, heavy reliance on raw mineral exports laid bare it's deep structural vulnerabilities. As soon as the global commodity prices declined, the economy weakened. A lack of diversification and limited planning worsened the downturn, leaving the communities heavily affected. As mining activities started declining, several towns like Kolmanskop were left abandoned. Deserted buildings are now half-buried by shifting dunes, standing as reminders of the once-prosperous era. Tourism has since become the only source of economic activity in areas like these. Today, Namibia faces multiple challenges. Youth unemployment is over 40%, and rural communities suffer from inadequate infrastructure and education opportunities. Economic inequality has widened more than ever, despite earlier growth. Also Read: BIZARRO WORLD: American woman strips naked and poops on her seat Corruption and scandals involving state enterprises and fishing rights have further damaged trust of public. Allegations of mismanagement have deterred foreign investment and delayed crucial reforms that were aimed at reviving the economy beyond mineral exports. Past drives tourism today Despite these issues, Kolmanskop continues to attract close to 35,000 tourists every year. Visitors explore abandoned, sand-filled homes, blending natural forces with human history. Namibia’s unique landscapes and historical sites remain key drivers of its emerging tourism sector.

From riches to ruins! How Namibia’s forgotten 'diamond town' was swallowed by sand

A Kerala-based tech CEO has made headlines after spending nearly Rs 4.5 crore on a luxury car and a fancy number plate. Venu Gopalakrishnan, the founder and CEO of Litmus 7 Systems Consulting, bought a Lamborghini Urus Performante worth around Rs 4 crore and paid another Rs 45.99 lakh to get the number plate KL 07 DG 0007.
His number plate has now become the most expensive fancy vehicle number ever sold in Kerala.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ms-dhoni-to-captain-csk-in-ipl-2025-after-regular-captain-ruled-out-with-injury-report-8947982">MS Dhoni to captain CSK in IPL 2025 after regular captain ruled out with injury - Report</a>
The online auction, organised by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), saw five participants placing opening bids of Rs 25,000. As the bidding continued, it turned into a close fight between two bidders. Venu Gopalakrishnan finally secured the winning bid of Rs 45.99 lakh, just above the previous record of Rs 44.84 lakh.
<h2>Auction Highlights:</h2>
In the same auction, another number KL 07 DG 0001 was sold for Rs 25.52 lakh.&nbsp;Sharing this on his Instagram, Venu Gopalakrishnan said, &ldquo;The wait is over! Meet the newest addition to our family Kerala&rsquo;s first Lamborghini Urus Performante.&rdquo; His Instagram profile also features other luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Hurac&aacute;n Sterrato and a BMW M1000 XR.
The Kerala government has divided fancy vehicle numbers into six categories, with base prices ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The number &lsquo;1&rsquo; has the highest base price. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/spacex-to-launch-nasas-iss-bound-cargo-ship-on-april-21-8948066">SpaceX to launch NASA's ISS bound cargo ship on April 21</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">How to get a fancy number for your car:&nbsp; </h2>
If you want a special number plate for your car, here&rsquo;s how to do it:
1. Visit: https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in&nbsp;&nbsp;
2. Create an account with your mobile and email ID&nbsp;&nbsp;
3. Choose your state and vehicle type&nbsp;&nbsp;
4. Pick your number from the available list&nbsp;&nbsp;
5. Make the payment online and download the receipt&nbsp;&nbsp;
6. Give the receipt to your vehicle dealer for registration&nbsp;&nbsp;
Remember, this process is only for new vehicles, and the reservation is valid for one month.

The founder and CEO of Litmus 7 Systems Consulting, bought a Lamborghini Urus Performante worth around Rs 4 crore and paid another Rs 45.99 lakh to get the number plate

A Kerala-based tech CEO has made headlines after spending nearly Rs 4.5 crore on a luxury car and a fancy number plate. Venu Gopalakrishnan, the founder and CEO of Litmus 7 Systems Consulting, bought a Lamborghini Urus Performante worth around Rs 4 crore and paid another Rs 45.99 lakh to get the number plate KL 07 DG 0007. His number plate has now become the most expensive fancy vehicle number ever sold in Kerala. Also Read: MS Dhoni to captain CSK in IPL 2025 after regular captain ruled out with injury - Report The online auction, organised by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), saw five participants placing opening bids of Rs 25,000. As the bidding continued, it turned into a close fight between two bidders. Venu Gopalakrishnan finally secured the winning bid of Rs 45.99 lakh, just above the previous record of Rs 44.84 lakh. Auction Highlights: In the same auction, another number KL 07 DG 0001 was sold for Rs 25.52 lakh. Sharing this on his Instagram, Venu Gopalakrishnan said, “The wait is over! Meet the newest addition to our family Kerala’s first Lamborghini Urus Performante.” His Instagram profile also features other luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato and a BMW M1000 XR. The Kerala government has divided fancy vehicle numbers into six categories, with base prices ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The number ‘1’ has the highest base price. Also Read: SpaceX to launch NASA's ISS bound cargo ship on April 21 How to get a fancy number for your car: If you want a special number plate for your car, here’s how to do it: 1. Visit: https://fancy.parivahan.gov.in 2. Create an account with your mobile and email ID 3. Choose your state and vehicle type 4. Pick your number from the available list 5. Make the payment online and download the receipt 6. Give the receipt to your vehicle dealer for registration Remember, this process is only for new vehicles, and the reservation is valid for one month.

'Rs 46 lakh for VIP number': Kerala CEO buys Lamborghini worth Rs 4 crore! Here's the process to get a fancy plate

In the latest,&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the UN headquarters to commemorate the annual International Day of Yoga, observed globally on June 21 since 2015.&nbsp;In response to the viral videos showcasing students celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi at an Islamabad university, the Pakistani government has enforced a ban on Holi celebrations within universities. In other news,&nbsp;Rear Admiral John Mauger, the commander leading the search operation, has indicated that the crew aboard the lost Titanic submersible could have roughly 20 hours of oxygen left.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-leads-yoga-day-event-at-un-headquarters-in-new-york-607011">'One Earth, One Family, One Future': PM Modi says at Yoga Day event in US</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361215-pm-narendra-modi.png?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361215-pm-narendra-modi.png?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361215-pm-narendra-modi.png?imwidth=1920 2x" />

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the United Nations headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year globally on June 21 since 2015.&nbsp;

PM Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi after arriving on the lawn and addressed the people present there to practice Yog Asanas. He said that the gathering was the meeting point of the entire humanity.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-bans-holi-in-universities-after-videos-showing-celebrations-go-viral-606926">Pakistan bans Holi in universities after videos showing celebrations go viral</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361156-pakistan-university-holi.JPG?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361156-pakistan-university-holi.JPG?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361156-pakistan-university-holi.JPG?imwidth=1920 2x" />

The Pakistani government has banned Holi celebrations in universities after videos of students celebrating the Hindu festival at a university in Islamabad went viral on social media. In a statement issued on Tuesday (June 20) Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) said, "Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country's Islamic identity."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/race-against-time-titanic-submersibles-oxygen-dwindling-less-than-20-hours-left-607047">Race against time: Titanic submersible's oxygen dwindling, less than 20 hours left</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361234-the-battle-for-kyiv-9.jpg?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361234-the-battle-for-kyiv-9.jpg?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361234-the-battle-for-kyiv-9.jpg?imwidth=1920 2x" />

The US Coast Guard commander in charge of the search operation, Rear Admiral John Mauger has said that&nbsp;the crew of the missing Titanic submersible may have approximately 20 hours of oxygen remaining. In an interview with the BBC, Mauger described the mission as highly complex and challenging, with dedicated personnel working tirelessly around the clock to locate the sub.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-shoot-down-three-drones-outside-moscow-calls-it-an-attack-by-ukraine-606929">Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361158-untitled-design-2023-06-21t172328601.png?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361158-untitled-design-2023-06-21t172328601.png?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361158-untitled-design-2023-06-21t172328601.png?imwidth=1920 2x" />

Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit&nbsp;warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt&nbsp;to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-tricked-millions-of-customers-into-prime-subscription-us-watchdog-607033">Amazon tricked millions of customers into Prime subscription: US watchdog</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/16/318724-untitled-design-7.jpg?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/16/318724-untitled-design-7.jpg?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/16/318724-untitled-design-7.jpg?imwidth=1920 2x" />

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Amazon on Wednesday (June 21) and accused the e-commerce giant of enrolling million of people to Amazon Prime, its paid subscription, without consent and making it hard to cancel the membership. The lawsuit has been filed in a court in Seattle. It alleges that "Amazon has knowingly duped millions of consumers into unknowingly enrolling in Amazon Prime."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/grabs-cutback-blitz-1000-jobs-slashed-for-long-term-affordability-606962">Grab's cutback blitz: 1,000 jobs slashed for long-term affordability</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361184-the-battle-for-kyiv-7.jpg?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361184-the-battle-for-kyiv-7.jpg?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361184-the-battle-for-kyiv-7.jpg?imwidth=1920 2x" />

Grab, the prominent ride-hailing and food delivery app, is taking a significant step by cutting 1,000 jobs, which amounts to approximately 11 per cent&nbsp;of its workforce, as reported by the BBC.&nbsp;The decision, according to CEO Anthony Tan, is driven by the need to bring down costs and ensure the long-term affordability of services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-world-record-created-at-pm-modis-yoga-event-in-us-for-most-nationalities-606993">Guinness world record created at PM Modi's Yoga event in US for most nationalities</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361211-untitled-design-2023-06-21t194502390.png?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361211-untitled-design-2023-06-21t194502390.png?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361211-untitled-design-2023-06-21t194502390.png?imwidth=1920 2x" />

The Yoga session led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Yoga Day event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York created a Guinness world record for seeing the participation of most nationalities. The event was organised to mark the 9th annual International Yoga Day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-sensex-hits-all-time-high-nifty-settles-at-a-record-close-607032">India's Sensex hits all-time high; Nifty settles at a record close</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361225-the-battle-for-kyiv-8.jpg?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361225-the-battle-for-kyiv-8.jpg?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361225-the-battle-for-kyiv-8.jpg?imwidth=1920 2x" />

India's&nbsp;benchmark&nbsp;Sensex&nbsp;stock index hit a&nbsp;record&nbsp;on Wednesday, while the&nbsp;Nifty&nbsp;50 logged a new closing&nbsp;high&nbsp;amid sustained foreign inflows into Indian equities backed by the country's strong growth prospects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanctions-to-stay-in-place-till-russia-pays-up-says-sunak-the-west-pledges-billions-for-ukraine-recovery-606948">Sanctions to stay in place till Russia ‘pays up,’ says Sunak; the West pledges billions for Ukraine's recovery</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361176-wion-images-2023-06-21t174353084.png?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361176-wion-images-2023-06-21t174353084.png?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/21/361176-wion-images-2023-06-21t174353084.png?imwidth=1920 2x" />

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-koreas-landmark-report-to-expose-n-koreas-hidden-forced-labour-practices-606997">S Korea's landmark report to expose N Korea's hidden forced labour practices</a>

<img alt="" data-nimg="intrinsic" decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/26/320976-2022-12-23t180644z1lynxmpeibm0jnrtroptp4northkorea-missiles.JPG?imwidth=1920" srcset="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/26/320976-2022-12-23t180644z1lynxmpeibm0jnrtroptp4northkorea-missiles.JPG?imwidth=1080 1x, https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/26/320976-2022-12-23t180644z1lynxmpeibm0jnrtroptp4northkorea-missiles.JPG?imwidth=1920 2x" />

South Korea's unification ministry announced a historic step towards transparency by revealing plans to release a comprehensive report on forced labour practices in North Korea.

This groundbreaking endeavour aims to raise global awareness about the human rights violations prevailing within the North Korean&nbsp;regime, as reported by the Korea Times.

In the latest, Indian PM Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the UN headquarters to commemorate the annual International Day of Yoga, observed globally on June 21 since 2015.

In the latest, Indian PM Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the UN headquarters to commemorate the annual International Day of Yoga, observed globally on June 21 since 2015. In response to the viral videos showcasing students celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi at an Islamabad university, the Pakistani government has enforced a ban on Holi celebrations within universities. In other news, Rear Admiral John Mauger, the commander leading the search operation, has indicated that the crew aboard the lost Titanic submersible could have roughly 20 hours of oxygen left. Click on the headlines to read more. 'One Earth, One Family, One Future': PM Modi says at Yoga Day event in US Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a Yoga celebration at the United Nations headquarters to mark the International Day of Yoga, which is observed every year globally on June 21 since 2015. PM Modi paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi after arriving on the lawn and addressed the people present there to practice Yog Asanas. He said that the gathering was the meeting point of the entire humanity. Pakistan bans Holi in universities after videos showing celebrations go viral The Pakistani government has banned Holi celebrations in universities after videos of students celebrating the Hindu festival at a university in Islamabad went viral on social media. In a statement issued on Tuesday (June 20) Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) said, "Unfortunately, it is sad to witness activities that portray a complete disconnect from our sociocultural values and an erosion of the country's Islamic identity." Race against time: Titanic submersible's oxygen dwindling, less than 20 hours left The US Coast Guard commander in charge of the search operation, Rear Admiral John Mauger has said that the crew of the missing Titanic submersible may have approximately 20 hours of oxygen remaining. In an interview with the BBC, Mauger described the mission as highly complex and challenging, with dedicated personnel working tirelessly around the clock to locate the sub. Russia claims to have shot down three drones outside Moscow, calls it an attack by Ukraine Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov on Wednesday said that the Russian forces brought down two drones outside the capital city as they approached a local military unit warehouse, which they say was Ukraine's latest attempt to strike targets inside Russia during the initial phase of Kyiv’s recent counteroffensive. Amazon tricked millions of customers into Prime subscription: US watchdog The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Amazon on Wednesday (June 21) and accused the e-commerce giant of enrolling million of people to Amazon Prime, its paid subscription, without consent and making it hard to cancel the membership. The lawsuit has been filed in a court in Seattle. It alleges that "Amazon has knowingly duped millions of consumers into unknowingly enrolling in Amazon Prime." Grab's cutback blitz: 1,000 jobs slashed for long-term affordability Grab, the prominent ride-hailing and food delivery app, is taking a significant step by cutting 1,000 jobs, which amounts to approximately 11 per cent of its workforce, as reported by the BBC. The decision, according to CEO Anthony Tan, is driven by the need to bring down costs and ensure the long-term affordability of services. Guinness world record created at PM Modi's Yoga event in US for most nationalities The Yoga session led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Yoga Day event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York created a Guinness world record for seeing the participation of most nationalities. The event was organised to mark the 9th annual International Yoga Day. India's Sensex hits all-time high; Nifty settles at a record close India's benchmark Sensex stock index hit a record on Wednesday, while the Nifty 50 logged a new closing high amid sustained foreign inflows into Indian equities backed by the country's strong growth prospects. Sanctions to stay in place till Russia ‘pays up,’ says Sunak; the West pledges billions for Ukraine's recovery The United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on Wednesday (June 21) said Russia “must pay” for the “destruction” inflicted on Ukraine and pledged billions of dollars to help Kyiv with its recovery and to rebuild. In line with this, Sunak also announced the launch of a war insurance framework which would spur companies to invest. S Korea's landmark report to expose N Korea's hidden forced labour practices South Korea's unification ministry announced a historic step towards transparency by revealing plans to release a comprehensive report on forced labour practices in North Korea. This groundbreaking endeavour aims to raise global awareness about the human rights violations prevailing within the North Korean regime, as reported by the Korea Times.

Top 10 world news: PM Modi leads Yoga event at UN headquarters, 20 hours of oxygen on Titanic sub, and more

The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a&nbsp;new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive&nbsp;in their app only. It also stated that users will be given a choice to opt out of this new measure.

The social media company said it is introducing this new measure to help people "stay in control" of their use, which will roll out in the coming weeks, CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-legislation-authorising-joe-biden-to-ban-tiktok-advances-567315">Also read |&nbsp;US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances</a>

If anyone uses the app for over 100 minutes a day, they will receive a prompt from the app to set their own screen time controls.

Parents of young children will also be able to set the screen limit according to their convenience, and will be able to access the dashboard, which could give them a specific breakdown of app usage.

Head of trust and safety at the app, Cormac Keenan, said the company worked with researchers in developing the new limits. He said, "while there's no collectively endorsed position on the 'right' amount of screen time, or even the impact of screen time more broadly, we consulted the current academic research and experts from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital in choosing this limit."

This new measure comes after the app prompted teens last year to manage their screen time. The app said that this helped "increase the use of screen tools by 234 per cent."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-overreacting-by-banning-tiktok-on-federal-devices-566857">Also read |&nbsp;China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices</a>

In September 2021, TikTok claimed that it hit over one billion active monthly users, making it one of the biggest social sites in the world.

Earlier this week, the US, European Commission and Canada banned the app from government devices over security concerns.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive in their app only.

The Chinese-owned video sharing app TikTok will soon set a new default screen time limit of 60 minutes for its users under the age of 18. According to the app, if an individual hits the daily screen time limit, they will then have to enter a passcode to continue to use the service that day, which they will receive in their app only. It also stated that users will be given a choice to opt out of this new measure. The social media company said it is introducing this new measure to help people "stay in control" of their use, which will roll out in the coming weeks, CNN reported. Also read | US: Legislation authorising Joe Biden to ban TikTok advances If anyone uses the app for over 100 minutes a day, they will receive a prompt from the app to set their own screen time controls. Parents of young children will also be able to set the screen limit according to their convenience, and will be able to access the dashboard, which could give them a specific breakdown of app usage. Head of trust and safety at the app, Cormac Keenan, said the company worked with researchers in developing the new limits. He said, "while there's no collectively endorsed position on the 'right' amount of screen time, or even the impact of screen time more broadly, we consulted the current academic research and experts from the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children's Hospital in choosing this limit." This new measure comes after the app prompted teens last year to manage their screen time. The app said that this helped "increase the use of screen tools by 234 per cent." Also read | China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices In September 2021, TikTok claimed that it hit over one billion active monthly users, making it one of the biggest social sites in the world. Earlier this week, the US, European Commission and Canada banned the app from government devices over security concerns. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok to set new one-hour daily screen time limit for users under 18 to help them 'stay in control'

Political parties, including the ruling&nbsp;Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned&nbsp; the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital&nbsp;Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition&nbsp;Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)&nbsp;Abbas Adil Riza&nbsp;called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In&nbsp;Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaOut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaOut</a> <a href="https://t.co/0RFjLTxNJT">pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT</a>
— Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza/status/1606152792019636224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three&nbsp;political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted.&nbsp;

The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence &amp; hatred towards friendly nations.
— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDPSecretariat/status/1606320205692432384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour &amp; they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MTD condemns the call for arson attack &amp; inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> by PPM member and former government official <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a> ! 
 
India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor &amp; they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. <a href="https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH">https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH</a>
— Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MTDSecretariat/status/1606298048207810561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a>. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.<a href="https://twitter.com/AmbMunu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbMunu</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PoliceMv?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PoliceMv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MNDF_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MNDF_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg">https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg</a>
— Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) <a href="https://twitter.com/MRM_Office/status/1606309626307571712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted.&nbsp;Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a> on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces <a href="https://twitter.com/AbbasRiza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbbasRiza</a>’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations.
— JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPSecretariat/status/1606351887627784192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it&nbsp;should&nbsp;not "damage the excellent relations between&nbsp;India and Maldives."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻
— Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/MNP_Secretariat/status/1606352624353255425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 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>

No official comments have come so far&nbsp;from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives.&nbsp;The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM. 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé.

Political parties, including the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have condemned the call for an attack on the Indian High Commission in the capital Malé. The reaction came after a member of the opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) Abbas Adil Riza called for an arson attack on the mission in a tweet. In Dhivehi, he tweeted, "The 8th February arson attacks in Addu were carried out on India's order. We haven't retaliated to that yet. I propose we start from the Indian High Commission." ފެބުރުއަރީ 8 ގައި އިންޑިޔާގެ އޯޑަރަށް އައްޑޫގައި ހުޅުޖެހީ. އެކަމުގެ ބަދަލު އަދި އޮތީ ނުހިފި. އެމްބަސީން ފަށަން އަޅުގަނޑަށް ފެންނަނީ. #IndiaOut pic.twitter.com/0RFjLTxNJT — Abbas Adil Riza (@AbbasRiza) December 23, 2022 × Abbas was the Commissioner General of Customs during former President Yameen’s administration. Yameen's government was seen as close to China and under him, ties with India deteriorated drastically. So far, three political parties of the Indian Ocean country have reacted. The ruling MDP, which has over 60 seats in the Parliament or People's Majlis condemned the call for arson attack and called for "authorities to investigate the matter" and criticised the "opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations". The MDP condemns in the strongest terms the call for an arson attack on the Indian High Commission, and calls on the authorities to investigate the matter. The MDP also condemns the opposition’s continuous effort to incite violence & hatred towards friendly nations. — MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives Third-Way Democrats, which was the first political party to condemn the call for the attack, highlighted that "India is our closest neighbour & they are always there for the Maldives in every time we needed." MTD condemns the call for arson attack & inciting terror against the Indian High Commission in Maldives @HCIMaldives by PPM member and former government official @AbbasRiza ! India 🇮🇳 is our closest neighbor & they are always there for Maldives 🇲🇻 in every time we needed. https://t.co/oV9dhkURdH — Maldives Third-Way Democrats (@MTDSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × Maldives Reform Movement asked, "authorities to investigate and take strong action against" the remarks, terming it as "hate speech". MRM strongly condemns this cowardly incitement of arson and terrorism, targeted at @HCIMaldives. We call on authorities to investigate and take strong action against this, and such other acts of hate speech instigating violence.@AmbMunu @PoliceMv @MNDF_Official https://t.co/R9VhxJY2zg — Maldives Reform Movement (MRM) 🇲🇻 (@MRM_Office) December 23, 2022 × Overnight, more political parties in the country reacted. Jumhooree Party which is part of the ruling coalition in the country "denounced" the comments made by Abbas Riza and "ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations". The JP strongly condemns the threat to set the @HCIMaldives on fire and requests that the authorities look into the matter. Additionally, the JP denounces @AbbasRiza’s ongoing efforts to promote hatred and violence against friendly nations. — JP Secretariat (@JPSecretariat) December 23, 2022 × The Maldives National Party also called on "authorities to do a thorough investigation into this" and commented that it should not "damage the excellent relations between India and Maldives." We, MNP, strongly condemn the incitement of an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. We call on the authorities to do a thorough investigation into this, and the incitement of terror and violence will in no way damage the excellent relations between 🇮🇳 🇲🇻 — Maldives National Party (@MNP_Secretariat) December 23, 2022 × No official comments have come so far from opposition Progressive Party of Maldives, the party of Abbas Adil Riza. The development comes even as the opposition in the country has been spearheading an anti-India campaign "India Out". Earlier this year saw major disruption at the Yoga Day celebration organised by the Indian High Commission in Maldives, along with the country's Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment and UN Maldives. The Maldives police had said that flags which were used to disrupt the event were provided by the opposition PPM. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Political parties in Maldives condemn calls for attack on Indian mission

Thousands of ambulance workers and other public staff walked out on Wednesday, escalating the pay dispute with the UK government.&nbsp;

The series of stoppages by workers is ruining the essence of holidays in the country as the government rejected the wage demands, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Health Secretary Steve Barclay accused&nbsp;unions of making a "conscious decision" to "inflict harm" on patients.

<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>

Replying to Barclay's comments, the unions called it "insulting" for the ambulance workers who according to the organsiation were "forced" to strike as the government failed to address their issues.&nbsp;

If the government refuses to discuss pay, unions for medical staff have threatened further stoppage of facilities during the new year.&nbsp;

Similarly, five days after their first strike, thousands of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on Tuesday (Dec 20) in the UK took to picket lines.

Watch |&nbsp;UK: After nurses, ambulance workers strike over pay rise

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-after-nurses-ambulance-workers-strike-over-pay-rise-545089/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government has been insisting on modest pay increases for workers suggested by independent review bodies.&nbsp;

Despite the government's insistence that it will not negotiate, polls in the UK showed that citizens support workers. According to a poll published by YouGov on Tuesday, it showed that two-thirds of Britishers support nurses, and almost 65 per cent support other workers.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Employees across&nbsp;the UK&nbsp;have been demanding a pay rise amid rising inflation in the country. 
&nbsp; 
With the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak focused on reducing inflation quickly, will it be possible for workers to reach a settlement or will these strikes continue?&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(With inputs from agencies)</div>

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

 
&nbsp;

Thousands of ambulance workers and other public staff walked out on Wednesday, escalating the pay dispute with the UK government. The series of stoppages by workers is ruining the essence of holidays in the country as the government rejected the wage demands, AFP reported.

Thousands of ambulance workers and other public staff walked out on Wednesday, escalating the pay dispute with the UK government. The series of stoppages by workers is ruining the essence of holidays in the country as the government rejected the wage demands, AFP reported. Writing in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Health Secretary Steve Barclay accused unions of making a "conscious decision" to "inflict harm" on patients. Also read | UK nurses begin second day of strikes as Sunak warns of months of industrial action Replying to Barclay's comments, the unions called it "insulting" for the ambulance workers who according to the organsiation were "forced" to strike as the government failed to address their issues. If the government refuses to discuss pay, unions for medical staff have threatened further stoppage of facilities during the new year. Similarly, five days after their first strike, thousands of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) on Tuesday (Dec 20) in the UK took to picket lines. Watch | UK: After nurses, ambulance workers strike over pay rise The government has been insisting on modest pay increases for workers suggested by independent review bodies. Despite the government's insistence that it will not negotiate, polls in the UK showed that citizens support workers. According to a poll published by YouGov on Tuesday, it showed that two-thirds of Britishers support nurses, and almost 65 per cent support other workers. Employees across the UK have been demanding a pay rise amid rising inflation in the country. With the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak focused on reducing inflation quickly, will it be possible for workers to reach a settlement or will these strikes continue? (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK minister accuses unions of 'inflicting harm' on patients as thousands of health and public workers walk out

The Cyberspace Administration of China drew strict regulations over governing online comments that came into effect on Thursday (Dec 16).&nbsp;

The cyber department said that these rules will help in protecting national security, public interest and citizens.

The rules were published last month. The new rules state, "Service providers shall... carry out a credit evaluation of users based on their commenting behaviour."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-crackdown-on-users-liking-inappropriate-social-media-posts-543304">Also read |&nbsp;China to crackdown on users “liking” inappropriate social media posts</a>

It further stated that individuals who have been "seriosuly discredited" will be under 'blackist,' prohibiting them from commenting&nbsp;not even if they make a new account.&nbsp;

The Asian country with one of the most advanced technology has been under strict social media rules with a further threat to their freedom of expression.&nbsp;

Despite these social media platforms maintaining language, several too political, sensitive or insulting comments remain online.&nbsp;

The rules also stated that all users must register with their original names and phone numbers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-to-counter-china-biden-says-us-is-all-in-in-africas-future-543129">Also read |&nbsp;Seeking to counter China, Biden says US is 'all in' in Africa's future</a>

While the state media praised the new rules saying "the internet is not a lawless zone," citizens objected to them.&nbsp;

One user on Weibo said, "It limits antisocial behaviour, rumours and online violence, but you also have to hear people's aspirations and criticisms."

Another user commented that the rules are not very detailed and "cut very wide."

A third user commented, "We hardly criticise them at all and already they can't stand it anymore."

The rules were proposed before the Covid protests in China started. Despite such tight rules over media platforms, new rallies were still circulating in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

 
&nbsp;

The Cyberspace Administration of China drew strict regulations over governing online comments that came into effect on Thursday (Dec 16). The cyber department said that these rules will help in protecting national security, public interest and citizens.

The Cyberspace Administration of China drew strict regulations over governing online comments that came into effect on Thursday (Dec 16). The cyber department said that these rules will help in protecting national security, public interest and citizens. The rules were published last month. The new rules state, "Service providers shall... carry out a credit evaluation of users based on their commenting behaviour." Also read | China to crackdown on users “liking” inappropriate social media posts It further stated that individuals who have been "seriosuly discredited" will be under 'blackist,' prohibiting them from commenting not even if they make a new account. The Asian country with one of the most advanced technology has been under strict social media rules with a further threat to their freedom of expression. Despite these social media platforms maintaining language, several too political, sensitive or insulting comments remain online. The rules also stated that all users must register with their original names and phone numbers. Also read | Seeking to counter China, Biden says US is 'all in' in Africa's future While the state media praised the new rules saying "the internet is not a lawless zone," citizens objected to them. One user on Weibo said, "It limits antisocial behaviour, rumours and online violence, but you also have to hear people's aspirations and criticisms." Another user commented that the rules are not very detailed and "cut very wide." A third user commented, "We hardly criticise them at all and already they can't stand it anymore." The rules were proposed before the Covid protests in China started. Despite such tight rules over media platforms, new rallies were still circulating in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China issues new rules controlling regulation of online comments, says will protect national security

In the latest, powerful explosions shook the area around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning, the UN&nbsp;said, abruptly ending a period of relative calm at the facility. The COP27 summit finally agreed to establish a climate fund, but not all global leaders are happy with the outcome of the&nbsp;climate summit. In South Asia, Nepal held provincial and national elections that witnessed millans of millions who came out to vote amid political and economic instability in the country. Separately, all eyes have been on FIFA world cup 2022 and we get you all the details.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-confirms-russian-accusation-of-ukraine-shelling-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-535818">Explosions at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russia and Ukraine trade blame; IAEA condemns shelling</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4ff862d4-e1f4-4648-9af3-a2e0027a2fdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/im-599307.jpeg" />

Powerful explosions took place at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Sunday (November 20). Both Russia and Ukraine have traded blame saying the other side shelled the power plant.&nbsp;The Ukrainian nuclear plant is currently under Russian control. Kyiv "does not stop its provocations aiming at creating the threat of a man-made catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant", said Russian army in a statement, as per AFP.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-major-takeaways-from-the-un-climate-summit-reactions-from-global-leaders-535830">COP27: Major takeaways from the UN climate summit; reactions from global leaders</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cbc20d6a-5294-4463-80fb-bc9d6a87d2a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/images%20%281%29.jpeg" />

Nations reached a controversial final agreement at the COP27 climate summit early on Sunday (November 20) that creates a fund to help poor countries affected by climate catastrophes but does not intensify efforts to cut the emissions that cause them. The Egyptian COP27 chair made the final agreement's text public and called a plenary meeting to quickly ratify it following challenging negotiations that lasted all night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ankara-launches-bomb-strikes-over-northern-syria-after-istanbul-bomb-blast-535695">Türkiye launches air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="990c24f8-996f-4085-88a9-bccc15a21ef6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/c1_4534100.jpg" />

Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Sword air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, almost a week after a deadly blast in central Istanbul, the defence minister said.&nbsp;“We are starting Operation Claw-Sword from now on,” said Türkiye's defence minister Hulusi Akar as per an AFP report. A defence ministry statement said he directed the offensive from the air force operations centre with top commanders, before the planes left their bases to hit the targets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russia-shivulech-volcano-under-extremely-high-activity-may-erupt-soon-according-to-scientists-535852">Russia: Shivulech volcano shows 'extremely high' activity; may erupt soon, according to scientists</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bdc09513-f9d0-45a1-ab1b-6485c7566c74" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AA14jLxd.jpeg" />

The Shiveluch volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East has increased its activity and is now in danger of erupting violently, according to the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team on Sunday.

"A growth of the lava dome continues, a strong fumaroles activity, an incandescence of the lava dome, explosions, and hot avalanches accompanies this process,"&nbsp;the observatory said on its website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-votes-in-twin-elections-amid-economic-and-political-instability-counting-to-start-tonight-535799">Nepal votes in twin elections amid economic and political instability; counting to start tonight</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27b3a89c-7dea-4715-b0b5-7a79895cb216" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ae6306d3-9927-49ac-afaa-78cee796d1ba.jpeg" />

The second round of elections will be held since the dreadful Maoist insurgency in Nepal came to an end in 2015 with the adoption of a new constitution. The country's monarchy was abolished in 2006 after the civil war, which had cost more than 17,000 lives and brought the erstwhile rebels into the government, came to an end. Since then, the Congress and a separate communist party have taken turns in power thanks to various coalitions between the former rebels and these groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-and-saudi-company-collaborate-on-oman-golf-project-535817">Donald Trump and Saudi company collaborate on Oman golf project</a>

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d39f642a-9060-48d6-b798-33fd598b7747" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/107128109-16648001822022-10-02t011735z_139865886_rc2osw9up19g_rtrmadp_0_usa-trump.jpeg" />

The Dar Al Arkan Global Company deal, which involves a division of the Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, comes at a time of increased hostilities between the Saudi government and the US administration of US President Joe Biden, who has a less cordial relationship with Saudi leaders than the previous administration of Donald Trump did. The project includes "Trump residential villas, a hotel, and a golf course", according to the filing, adding that it will be "developed over 10 years on an area of 3.5 million square meters".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea fires ballistic missile again, APEC leaders condemn test

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-again-apec-leaders-condemn-test-535623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">WATCH |&nbsp;FIFA World Cup 2022: All you need to know about the Qatar extravaganza</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fifa-world-cup-2022-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-qatar-extravaganza-535774/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">WATCH |&nbsp;Exclusive: Former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal speaks to WION</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-former-governor-of-the-central-bank-of-sri-lanka-ajith-nivard-cabraal-speaks-to-wion-535677/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the latest, powerful explosions shook the area around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning, the UN said, abruptly ending a period of relative calm at the facility.

In the latest, powerful explosions shook the area around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on Saturday evening and again on Sunday morning, the UN said, abruptly ending a period of relative calm at the facility. The COP27 summit finally agreed to establish a climate fund, but not all global leaders are happy with the outcome of the climate summit. In South Asia, Nepal held provincial and national elections that witnessed millans of millions who came out to vote amid political and economic instability in the country. Separately, all eyes have been on FIFA world cup 2022 and we get you all the details. Click on the headlines to read more. Explosions at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Russia and Ukraine trade blame; IAEA condemns shelling Powerful explosions took place at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant on Sunday (November 20). Both Russia and Ukraine have traded blame saying the other side shelled the power plant. The Ukrainian nuclear plant is currently under Russian control. Kyiv "does not stop its provocations aiming at creating the threat of a man-made catastrophe at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant", said Russian army in a statement, as per AFP. COP27: Major takeaways from the UN climate summit; reactions from global leaders Nations reached a controversial final agreement at the COP27 climate summit early on Sunday (November 20) that creates a fund to help poor countries affected by climate catastrophes but does not intensify efforts to cut the emissions that cause them. The Egyptian COP27 chair made the final agreement's text public and called a plenary meeting to quickly ratify it following challenging negotiations that lasted all night. Türkiye launches air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq Türkiye launched Operation Claw-Sword air raids against outlawed Kurdish militants in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, almost a week after a deadly blast in central Istanbul, the defence minister said. “We are starting Operation Claw-Sword from now on,” said Türkiye's defence minister Hulusi Akar as per an AFP report. A defence ministry statement said he directed the offensive from the air force operations centre with top commanders, before the planes left their bases to hit the targets. Russia: Shivulech volcano shows 'extremely high' activity; may erupt soon, according to scientists The Shiveluch volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East has increased its activity and is now in danger of erupting violently, according to the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team on Sunday. "A growth of the lava dome continues, a strong fumaroles activity, an incandescence of the lava dome, explosions, and hot avalanches accompanies this process," the observatory said on its website. Nepal votes in twin elections amid economic and political instability; counting to start tonight The second round of elections will be held since the dreadful Maoist insurgency in Nepal came to an end in 2015 with the adoption of a new constitution. The country's monarchy was abolished in 2006 after the civil war, which had cost more than 17,000 lives and brought the erstwhile rebels into the government, came to an end. Since then, the Congress and a separate communist party have taken turns in power thanks to various coalitions between the former rebels and these groups. Donald Trump and Saudi company collaborate on Oman golf project The Dar Al Arkan Global Company deal, which involves a division of the Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, comes at a time of increased hostilities between the Saudi government and the US administration of US President Joe Biden, who has a less cordial relationship with Saudi leaders than the previous administration of Donald Trump did. The project includes "Trump residential villas, a hotel, and a golf course", according to the filing, adding that it will be "developed over 10 years on an area of 3.5 million square meters". WATCH | North Korea fires ballistic missile again, APEC leaders condemn test WATCH | FIFA World Cup 2022: All you need to know about the Qatar extravaganza WATCH | Exclusive: Former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal speaks to WION

Top 10 world news: Powerful explosions at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Türkiye's operation Claw-Sword, and more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yoshihide-suga-formally-elected-as-japans-new-prime-minister-327826">Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister</a>

Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. 
&nbsp;

<img alt="Yoshihide Suga, new Prime Minister of Japan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f27e0ccb-873a-4f09-94ee-08f73d46ef61" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/yoshihide%20suga.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-sally-makes-landfall-in-us-gulf-coast-327947">Hurricane Sally makes landfall in US Gulf Coast</a>

Ahead of the hurricane, authorities evacuated at least 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida. 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-sally-makes-landfall-in-us-gulf-coast-327947"><img alt="Hurricane Sally" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63b82836-f2d6-49ac-b1b1-871ad2483387" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/hurricane%20sally.JPG" /></a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-president-maduro-ministers-behind-crimes-against-humanity-un-probe-327956">Venezuela President Maduro, ministers behind crimes against humanity: UN probe</a>

The 411-page report spelled out which Venezuelan officials it deemed responsible, citing "reasonable grounds to believe that both the President and the Ministers of People's Power for Interior Relations.

<img alt="Nicolas Maduro, President of Venezuela" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a344b658-6788-48e6-bd23-80116a3e24f7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/maduro.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-will-go-away-because-of-herd-mentality-says-donald-trump-327960">COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump</a>

Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. 
&nbsp;

<img alt="US President Donald Trump made a mistake during an interview" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6acbf8fe-f7f7-4685-bc4f-1b86a869317f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump_1.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sees-a-way-through-parliamentary-maze-for-brexit-treaty-breach-bill-327894">UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill</a>

Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party.

<img alt="UK PM Boris Johnson" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="60a3188a-3a7c-4bbd-8e7d-01f572fbbfae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uk%20pm.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barbados-says-it-will-remove-queen-elizabeth-as-head-of-state-327964">Barbados says it will remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state</a>

A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire

<img alt="Queen Elizabeth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="78e5324b-a9bd-4ba0-a793-1db265aea05d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/uk%20queen.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/headaches-and-hospital-visits-rise-as-wildfire-smoke-blankets-western-us-327971">Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US</a>

Wildfires are raging across&nbsp;US

<img alt="US wildfires" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1d5d546-4654-4f77-819d-e86ee2e0d01a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/us%20wildfires.JPG" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-venus-a-russian-planet-the-countrys-space-agency-chief-seems-to-think-so-327958">Is Venus a 'Russian planet'? The country's space agency chief seems to think so!</a>

Right after scientists discovered the possibility of life on the planet Venus, the Russian space agency has claimed the country’s ownership on the planet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-venus-a-russian-planet-the-countrys-space-agency-chief-seems-to-think-so-327958"><img alt="Venus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5831fa03-f02e-4a82-9a4b-929548cc9d88" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Venus.JPG" /></a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-is-planning-to-remove-debris-from-space-heres-why-every-country-should-be-doing-it-327976">UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it!</a>

The overcrowding around Earth could become a hindrance in space exploration

<img alt="Space debris" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a591837e-eff0-4285-bd05-409449d8e07c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/space%20junk.JPG" />

&nbsp;

Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America?

A report recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.

<img alt="Representative image" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ca1cd85-03a6-4fc9-9b93-10c6d0996457" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BIRDS_1.JPG" />

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner.

Yoshihide Suga formally elected as Japan's new prime minister Suga, won an easy victory, taking 314 votes of 462 valid ballots cast in the lower house of parliament, where his ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding majority with its coalition partner. Hurricane Sally makes landfall in US Gulf Coast Ahead of the hurricane, authorities evacuated at least 75,000 homes in Alabama and Florida. Venezuela President Maduro, ministers behind crimes against humanity: UN probe The 411-page report spelled out which Venezuelan officials it deemed responsible, citing "reasonable grounds to believe that both the President and the Ministers of People's Power for Interior Relations. COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump Herd mentality refers to tendency of individuals to mindlessly follow a behaviour taken up by large number of people around them. The correct words Donald Trump appeared to not remember were Herd Immunity. UK sees 'a way through' parliamentary maze for Brexit treaty breach bill Johnson's Internal Market Bill, which the EU has demanded he scrap by the end of September, is currently being debated in parliament, though he is facing a rebellion by some members of his Conservative Party. Barbados says it will remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire Headaches and hospital visits rise as wildfire smoke blankets western US Wildfires are raging across US Is Venus a 'Russian planet'? The country's space agency chief seems to think so! Right after scientists discovered the possibility of life on the planet Venus, the Russian space agency has claimed the country’s ownership on the planet. UK is planning to remove debris from space. Here's why every country should be doing it! The overcrowding around Earth could become a hindrance in space exploration Why are thousands of migratory birds dropping dead across North America? A report recently revealed how thousands of migratory birds just dropped dead across the south-western regions in the United States.

Top 10 world news: Yoshihide Suga becomes Japan PM, Hurricane Sally, and more!

While there is massive anticipation surrounding the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a>, scheduled to kick-start on September 19, COVID-19 has already left an impact in the lucrative tournament as after 13 members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent, one member from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team has tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

The latest positive case takes the tally to 14. However, the positive member of the BCCI medical team was tested in India and didn’t leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament is scheduled to be played. &nbsp;

As per BCCI SOPs, testing is rigorous on everyone who is involved in IPL 2020. A webinar was held by the BCCI last week, where members of the BCCI medical team answered queries from players and franchises in a bid to clear their doubts of bio-secure bubble protocols and other safety guidelines.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-will-ipl-2020-schedule-release-bcci-president-sourav-ganguly-clears-up-the-air-324921" hreflang="en">When will IPL 2020 schedule release? BCCI president Sourav Ganguly clears up the air</a>

However, some IPL teams failed to get in touch with the medical expert in the BCCI medical team after the webinar. Reportedly, the person has been moved to a separate quarantine facility and is self-isolating. But no confirmation has been issued by the board on this matter yet.

Moreover, two people at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru have also tested positive for the coronavirus but they are not linked to IPL 2020.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-four-icc-elite-panel-umpires-to-officiate-in-league-324929" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Four ICC Elite Panel umpires to officiate in league</a>

Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, to ABP News, confirmed that IPL 2020 schedule will be out on Friday (September 4) if the final details are cleared on Thursday. It was apparently delayed due to COVID-19 cases in the CSK camp.&nbsp;

Even the BCCI has acquired necessary exemptions on quarantine for players and staff which means no one participating in IPL will have to self-isolate when travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to Abu Dhabi for matches. Abu Dhabi has strict quarantine rules in place as compared to other Emirates with new positive cases in UAE touching 735 as reported on Wednesday.

While there is massive anticipation surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, scheduled to kick-start on September 19, COVID-19 has already left an impact in the lucrative tournament as after 13 members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent, one member from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team has tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus.

While there is massive anticipation surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, scheduled to kick-start on September 19, COVID-19 has already left an impact in the lucrative tournament as after 13 members of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) contingent, one member from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team has tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus. The latest positive case takes the tally to 14. However, the positive member of the BCCI medical team was tested in India and didn’t leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament is scheduled to be played. As per BCCI SOPs, testing is rigorous on everyone who is involved in IPL 2020. A webinar was held by the BCCI last week, where members of the BCCI medical team answered queries from players and franchises in a bid to clear their doubts of bio-secure bubble protocols and other safety guidelines. ALSO READ: When will IPL 2020 schedule release? BCCI president Sourav Ganguly clears up the air However, some IPL teams failed to get in touch with the medical expert in the BCCI medical team after the webinar. Reportedly, the person has been moved to a separate quarantine facility and is self-isolating. But no confirmation has been issued by the board on this matter yet. Moreover, two people at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru have also tested positive for the coronavirus but they are not linked to IPL 2020. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Four ICC Elite Panel umpires to officiate in league Meanwhile, Sourav Ganguly, to ABP News, confirmed that IPL 2020 schedule will be out on Friday (September 4) if the final details are cleared on Thursday. It was apparently delayed due to COVID-19 cases in the CSK camp. Even the BCCI has acquired necessary exemptions on quarantine for players and staff which means no one participating in IPL will have to self-isolate when travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah to Abu Dhabi for matches. Abu Dhabi has strict quarantine rules in place as compared to other Emirates with new positive cases in UAE touching 735 as reported on Wednesday.

latest news-1